North Carolina / School Districts / Jackson County Public Schools
County and school board presenters reviewed budgets, bids and phasing for Smoky Mountain Middle School (a $52M state grant with an $8M local match), Smoky Mountain High track, Blue Ridge and Fairview projects and a proposed bus garage; no formal votes were taken.
North Carolina / School Districts / Jackson County Public Schools
The Jackson County Board of Education voted to adopt a student‑centered 2026–27 calendar (Option A), keeping a staggered kindergarten start and aligning some breaks with local community college dates; board discussed possible state financial consequences but moved to adopt the flexible calendar to ease semester imbalance and freshmen transition.
North Carolina / School Districts / Jackson County Public Schools
During public comment Deborah Smith urged deference to ICE operations citing cases of recovered missing children and warned about fentanyl risks; Melissa Lewis of the Jackson County Public Schools Education Foundation reported the foundation raised approximately $215,000 since August 2024 and invited board support for a Feb. 27 prom fundraiser.
North Carolina / School Districts / Jackson County Public Schools
The Jackson County Board approved Budget Amendment No. 3 to the 2025‑26 budget, granted three out‑of‑state field trips, and approved multiple personnel recommendations after a closed session in which no action was taken.
North Carolina / School Districts / Jackson County Public Schools
External auditors reported an unmodified (clean) financial audit for fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, noting a district general fund decrease of about $657,000 (ending about $2.3M) and clean compliance reports; the board voted to accept the audit.
North Carolina / School Districts / Jackson County Public Schools
At its Dec. 16 meeting the Jackson County Public Schools Board approved an auditor-requested amendment to the audit schedule, enacted budget amendments and approved personnel actions after a closed-session review; board members heard financial explanations from Christie Walker and asked for more line-item detail.
North Carolina / School Districts / Jackson County Public Schools
Dr. Ayers recognized staff and student achievements—including Kim Jones completing the NC ASBO academy and teachers who exceeded EVOS growth—and updated the board on construction bids, art winners and a Jan. 22 joint meeting with commissioners.
North Carolina / School Districts / Jackson County Public Schools
The board approved district and school improvement plans, a low-bid roof replacement for the Smoky Mountain High science building, an MOU with the Department of Social Services for foster-care supports, and Indian education policies; the board also completed personnel approvals after a closed session.
North Carolina / School Districts / Jackson County Public Schools
Jackson County Public Schools told the board it runs a six-clinician school-based mental health team with a 96% success rate for referred students but needs new funding sources to replace two positions tied to the ending Project AWARE grant; district also presented an updated MOA with provider HEIGHTS.
North Carolina / School Districts / Jackson County Public Schools
Two public commenters urged the Jackson County Board of Education to publish clear policies and protocols to keep immigration enforcement off school grounds; staff said administrators have guidance but portions are not public for safety and attorney-client privilege reasons, and the board agreed to consider a public statement.