Several public commenters used the Jan. 9 meeting to spotlight staff voice and community engagement and to press the board for more involvement in the district27s new MCC (Meet, Confer, Collaborate) process. Katie Williams, a social studies teacher and high-school MCC representative, asked board members to schedule themselves so that at least two members would attend MCC meetings and see the process firsthand. "Will you as the board make a schedule amongst yourselves to make sure there are at least 2 members present for every meeting of MCC going forward?" she asked.

Gwen Hartman, a sixth-grade teacher, described concrete MCC achievements: consensus on telework procedures, optional workdays and an inclement-weather call time that protects classified staff. She urged board members to observe MCC to witness staff-district collaboration.

April Wilson, speaking for Families of Asheville City Schools, invited the board to two community events focused on kindergarten transition and broader advocacy for fully resourced public schools.

Christina Schimrock, community organizer and former teacher, thanked board members for delaying a vote on the county funding proposal and urged clarity on whether the agreement would restore funding to pre-27Helene levels and whether contract language would limit the district27s ability to advocate. "Does it limit or strengthen your ability to advocate for increased funding?" she asked.

The board acknowledged the public comments and said staff would continue to accept feedback ahead of the planned February vote.