Board signals support to advance cooperative-innovative high school application

Dr. Jeremy Gibbs presented the district’s work to refine an application seeking designation and supplemental funding for a cooperative/innovative high school program. He told the board the application documents the school’s partnership with AB Tech, program components and the statutory target populations for this designation.

“The statute governs the purpose of any cooperative innovative high school,” Gibbs said, explaining that the supplemental allotment (as described in board materials) is intended to support a full‑time college liaison and program coordination. He noted that if the General Assembly appropriates the supplemental allotment and the school is selected, the district could receive about $180,000 annually under the allotment policy manual’s guidance.

Board members asked about the school’s history, previous grant funding and whether the program would effectively serve the statutory priority groups (students at risk of dropping out, students whose parents did not continue education beyond high school, and students who would benefit from accelerated instruction). Gibbs said the school is already designated under North Carolina statute as a cooperative innovative high school and that the application focuses on program refinements and stronger post‑secondary alignment rather than wholesale redesign.

The board chair asked what the district needed from the board that evening. Gibbs said the application requires the board chair’s and the superintendent’s signatures to indicate leadership support as it advances through the Department of Public Instruction, a joint advisory committee and potentially to the State Board and General Assembly for appropriation consideration.

Board members voiced questions and concerns about recruitment and equity—asking how the program would avoid becoming an accelerated academy that primarily serves already high‑achieving students and how the district would ensure access for first‑generation and at‑risk students. Gibbs emphasized prioritization in admissions and the intent to retain valued aspects of the school’s partnership with Asheville High and AB Tech.

The board did not take a formal roll‑call vote; the chair indicated the board would proceed with the application and the board signaled consensus for the chair to sign and advance the packet for review. The application will continue through DPI review and any subsequent state appropriation process.