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Superintendent details summer facilities upgrades, free meals and new principals
Summary
Superintendent Maggie reported districtwide HVAC, window, paving and chiller projects, announced that all students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch, and welcomed three new principals while highlighting student achievements and community partnerships.
The Asheville City Schools superintendent provided an update on summer facilities work and district programs ahead of the school year, noting multiple building improvements and student supports.
In a "good news" report, Kim Deckett said the district secured arrangements so families will not have to pay meal fees or complete meal applications: "This means our families won't have to pay a fee or complete any meal applications and that all students are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch at no cost." Deckett also announced the Asheville High Salsa Wind Symphony will perform at the North Carolina Music Educators Convention in November and that the President's Marine Band will perform at Asheville High on Oct. 4.
Deckett highlighted that the district ranked second in the state for FAFSA completion at 77.4% and credited high school counselors for the achievement. She described community partnerships and summer programs: a guitar donation drive organized by Joe Hooten delivered more than 100 guitars to Asheville Middle School; United Way coordinated a supply drive producing 275 filled backpacks (75 elementary, 75 middle, 125 high school); and summer bridge programs provided college-readiness experiences in partnership with UNCA and other local organizations.
The superintendent's facilities update listed HVAC replacements, window work, pavement and parking improvements, chiller replacement and asbestos abatement at Claxton, and ongoing projects at multiple schools including Asheville High (elevator and arts building HVAC), with some projects extending into the school year. Maggie also described leadership development work and the district's role in the United for Youth initiative, which is organizing impact teams across age groups.
She introduced three newly hired principals by name: Dr. Julie Frank, Dr. Jones Busey and Dr. Jeremy Gibbs. Board members asked clarifying questions about projects at the William Randolph campus; staff said there were no summer projects at that campus this year and noted further details would be shared as needed.
