Alexander County School Board approves routine items, budget amendment and facilities contract

Alexander County Schools Board of Education members approved a series of routine governance items and several substantive measures at their December meeting.

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda before voting to adopt Budget Amendment No. 3. Chief Financial Officer Sharon Mahaffey said the amendment "adds $199,008 to the public school fund" and allocates additional dollars to behavior support, a third-grade reading bonus, teacher performance bonuses, CTE credentials and driver-training programs. The transcript contains a garbled line for the stated public school fund total; the board approved the amendment as presented.

The board also approved a contract with Sigma Construction Services of Taylorsville for tennis-court upgrades, described by staff as including ADA-compatible sidewalks, a bleacher pad with handicapped access, steps, grading and pipe installation at a cost of $52,300. Assistant Superintendent Alicia Cloward presented several policy revisions; the board approved four second-reading policies and moved policy 43.18 (wireless communication devices) forward for adoption with a waived second reading so it can be adopted by Jan. 1 as recommended by the district attorney.

Jacob Lail presented the proposed 2026–27 academic calendar (the agenda notes the Early College calendar is separate); the board approved the calendar after Lail described a multi-step, community-informed development process that included a calendar committee, principals and parent advisory councils.

Board members voted by ballot to select next term leadership. Per the meeting record, Josh Degenhardt will serve as chair and Jesse Bowles as vice chair.

The meeting closed following a unanimous motion to adjourn.