The Jackson County Public Schools Board of Education took several formal actions on Sept. 23. Where the transcript records votes it shows motions were approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

- Budget resolution (2025–26): The board voted to approve the district 2025–26 budget resolution. Superintendent Ayers and Finance Director Christie Walker said the resolution was brought forward despite the state not having a fully signed budget; the resolution reflects current assumptions needed to set retirement and hospitalization rates. A board member moved approval and the motion passed by voice vote.

- SRO memorandum of understanding (2025–26): The board approved renewal of the annual memorandum of understanding with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for school resource officers. The administration noted a clerical issue: the Catamount School was listed as a site even though the county no longer assigns an SRO to that campus (WCU police cover that site). The board approved the MOA with the correction noted.

- Field trips: The board approved five field trips: Blue Ridge (grades 1–2 to Young Harris, GA), Fairview Elementary (4th grade overnight trip to Ripley's Aquarium), Fairview (6th grade to Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain), Jackson County Early College (grades 10–11 to Clemson University, SC) and Scotts Creek (8th grade Outer Banks trip in spring). A motion to approve all five passed by voice vote.

- Personnel action agenda: After closed session the board approved the personnel action agenda as presented by Superintendent Ayers; a motion to approve passed by voice vote.

- Board meeting schedule amendment: The board moved to amend the October meeting date. After discussion the board set the next regular meeting for Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. in the district building and approved the amendment.

- Other procedural actions: The meeting opened with approval of the agenda and approval of the Aug. 26 open session minutes by voice votes earlier in the evening.

Why it matters: These votes advance the district’s near‑term financial planning, safety memoranda, student travel approvals and board calendar. The SRO MOU approval included a technical correction to remove the Catamount School listing.

Ending: Several approvals were routine and taken by voice vote with 'all in favor' recorded; the board directed staff to return with additional detail on capital project timelines at the next meeting.