Board approves school safety policy and testing flexibility; posts calendar drafts for public comment

The board approved a school safety policy (Policy 15.10) on a 9–0 vote and approved expanded summer testing and remediation flexibility after new guidance from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

Dr. Hunnell (testing lead) told trustees DPI now allows remediation and retesting during the last 10 days of the school year rather than only after the year ends; the district will seek the additional flexibility in its plan due before May 1. Trustees voted 9–0 to approve the revised approach that will give students a second testing opportunity near the end of the school year.

The board also received three draft calendars for the 2026–27 school year (options: early August start, late-August start with unbalanced semesters, and late-August start with semester ending mid‑January). Dr. Steven Fisher said the drafts will be posted for public comment, a survey will be sent to families and results will be reported to the board at its May meeting. The district emphasized that the 2025–26 calendar is already approved and the drafts are for planning two years ahead.

Committee reports also noted technology updates: ClearPass, a network‑security program that limits personal cellphone access to the district network, is rolling out with all high schools completed and middle/elementary schools next.