state of north carolina regular session stokes county

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA REGULAR SESSION STOKES COUNTY 

DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA OCTOBER 18, 2010 

The Stokes County Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, October 18, 

2010, at 6:00 p.m. at North Stokes High School in Danbury. 

Board Members Present: Mrs. Sonya Cox, Chairman; Mr. Colon Moore, Vice-Chairman; 

Mr. Steve Shelton, member; Mr. Bill Hart, member; and Ms. Becky Boles, member. 

Administration Present: Dr. Stewart Hobbs, Superintendent; Mrs. Donna Boyles, 

Assistant Superintendent; and Mrs. Ann Robertson, Administrative Assistant. 

Others Present: Fred Johnson, Board Attorney; David Burge, Operations/Central Office; 

Sarah Wood, Central Office; Elaine Hauser, Central Office; Cindy Marion, Central Office; Greg 

Ottaway, Lawsonville Elementary; Lynn Knight; Katie Hudson, Lawsonville Elementary; Angela 

Martin, North Stokes High School; Jane Priddy Charleville, North Stokes High School; Ricky 

Goins, Maintenance/Central Office; Traci Royal, Central Office; Todd Martin, Central Office; 

Lanette Moore, Central Office; Michael Sands, Central Office; Kim Greenwood, North Stokes 

High School; Frank Sessoms, North Stokes High School; Tom Erwin, Johnson Controls; Willis 

Overby, North Stokes High School; James Booth, North Stokes High School; Nolan Lawson; 

John Booth, North Stokes High School; Larry Evans, North Stokes High School; Julian 

McKenzie, North Stokes High School; Christian Condon, North Stokes High School; Marty 

Erskine, North Stokes High School; Myra Cox, Central Office; Alice Connolly, Central Office; 

Brad Lankford, Central Office; Ronnie Mendenhall, North Stokes High School; Nathan Rasey, 

North Stokes High School; and Leslie Bray, The Stokes News. 

Public Comments 

Dan Wolber spoke on behalf of SCAE. He stated that teachers currently lack a forum to 

introduce curriculum concerns, questions, and recommendations. He felt this was because current 

policy and procedures that specified the role of the Curriculum and Instruction Council were not 

being maintained. He requested that this committee meet according to current procedures, which 

seeks input from teachers. Mr. Wolber said that if the process needs to be improved SCAE 

requests a collaborative effort between administration, teachers and the board. He also stated 

SCAE leadership would like to meet with Dr. Hobbs and curriculum directors to gain a better 

understanding of their needs and to share the needs of teachers. 

At 6:00 p.m., Chairman Cox welcomed everyone and gave the invocation. Dr. Hobbs led 

the pledge. 

Good News 

The Board of Education recognized the following Stokes County Schools staff: 

Cindy Marion, Child Nutrition Director 

Marty Erskine, North Stokes High 

Appointed to the Governor’s Task Force for 

Healthy Carolinians 

Stokes County’s Outstanding Mathematics 

Teacher 

NC Council Teachers of Mathematics

Page 2 October 18, 2010 

Christine Condon, North Stokes High 

Lawsonville Elementary School 

Greg Ottaway 

2010 Teacher of Excellence 

Pre-selected as Eligible for the National Title I 

Distinguished School for Exceptional Student 

Performance 

2010-2011 Stokes County Principal of the Year 

Mr. Moore made a motion to approve the agenda with the deletion of agenda Item I - 

Approval of Revision to Policy 3460 – Graduation Requirements under the action agenda and the 

addition of agenda Item E - Relocation of Nancy Reynolds Elementary School Pod under the 

discussion agenda. Motion passed 5-0. 

Public Hearing 

The Board of Education held a public hearing on naming the North Stokes High School 

Football Stadium “The Eugene Lyons Stadium.” The following speakers spoke at this public 

hearing: 

Willis Overby stated Eugene Lyons was relentless in his efforts to bring North Stokes High 

School the very best he had to offer. He said that the most important thing you can say is that 

Gene loved children. He ended by saying it would be a great honor to this man for the board to 

take this action and he freely endorsed the football stadium being named in his honor. 

Larry Evans shared that he was honored to be speaking on behalf of Mr. Lyons. He stated that of 

all the people he had met in his life he is the most dedicated; he is the most professional; he is the 

most fair; he is the most unflappable; and he is the most efficient. Other than his father, he has 

more respect for this man than anyone he has ever met in his life. 

John Booth shared he had learned early that within the North Stokes district there are four distinct 

communities. In each one of those communities (Nancy Reynolds, Francisco, Lawsonville, and 

Sandy Ridge) everything is built around the school house and the fire department. In 1964 he 

considered it quite an accomplishment that Mr. E. A. Lyons was able to pull those four 

communities together into one new high school. Mr. Lyons did that through his efforts and a fine 

faculty. 

James Booth stated that Mr. Lyons was respected. When he spoke you walked the line. He 

thanked the Board of Education for holding the public hearing on this issue. He considered it a 

great honor to Mr. Lyons to name the stadium after him and felt Mr. Lyons had earned the respect 

to have this honor. 

Julian McKenzie shared that he started working at North Stokes High School in 1964 when the 

school opened. He said you know you are working for a good leader when adults would run to do 

what he asked. He stated that Eugene Lyons is the kind of man who would do the right thing 

when nobody is looking.


Consent Agenda 

Ms. Boles made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Motion passed 5-0. The 

following items were approved: 

Approval of the Pre-board Work Session Minutes of September 7, 2010 

Approval of the Regular Session Minutes of September 20, 2010 

Approval of Fund Raiser Requests 

Approval of Field Trip Requests 

The following fund raiser requests were approved: 

School Date Sponsor Activity 

Chestnut Grove October 13-November 

30 

Cheerleaders Lollipops – for cheerleading fees 

balance 

Chestnut Grove November 13, 2010 Girls Chicken Stew – for Girls Basketball 

Basketball 

Chestnut Grove October 4-22 School Catalog Sales and Cookie Dough Sales 

for instructional money 

London November 1-12, 2010 Select 

Classes 

Pennies for Polar Bears – to raise 

money for polar bears at the zoo 

London November 13, 2010 PTO Pancake Breakfast and Crafts – to raise 

money for curtains for the stage 

London December 10, 2010 PTO/Relay 

for Life 

Parent’s Night Out – to raise money 

for Relay for Life and PTO fund 

London January 14, 2011 PTO Family Movie Night - to raise money 

for PTO fund 

London April 1, 2011 PTO 80s Family Spring Dance – to raise 

money for PTO fund 

Nancy Reynolds Yearlong PTO MVP Card – for PTO fund for teacher 

resources 

Nancy Reynolds January 2011 School Gas Raffle – for 4 th /5 th grades Outer 

Banks trip 

Nancy Reynolds Yearlong PTO Box Tops – for PTO fund (technology) 

Nancy Reynolds Yearlong PTO School Spirit Wear – for PTO fund 

(technology) 

Nancy Reynolds February PTO Winter Fest – for PTO fund 

Nancy Reynolds December PTO Polar Express – for PTO Fund (field 

trips) 

Nancy Reynolds Yearlong PTO Love Your Earth – for PTO fund


Nancy Reynolds Fall 2010 School Pepsi – for 4 th /5 th grades Outer Banks 

trip 

Nancy Reynolds Fall 2010 School $500 Raffle – for 4 th /5 th grades Outer 

Banks trip 

Nancy Reynolds October School Great America Catalog Sale – for 

school 

North Stokes November 13, 2010 Softball 

Team 

Brunswick and Chicken Stew – for 

softball light project 

North Stokes and 

South Stokes 

October 25-November 

1 

Theatre 

Arts/Chorus 

Catalogue Sales – for New York Field 

Trip 


South Stokes 

October 30 

Theatre 

Arts/Chorus 

Yard Sale – for New York Field Trip 


South Stokes 

November 18-26, 2010 

Theatre 

Arts/Chorus 

Thirty One Gifts – for New York Field 

Trip 


South Stokes 

On-going at Sporting 

Events 

Theatre 

Arts/Chorus 

Gift Items That Carry School Logo for 

North or South – for New York Trip 

South Stokes October-November Cheerleaders Sell Sponsors for Cheer T-Shirts – for 

new uniforms (V & JV) 

South Stokes November 10-May 11 Softball Candy – for new infield 

Team 

South Stokes October 28-29, 2010 Fellowship of 

Christian 

Halloween Spook Trail – for club 

money 

Students 

South Stokes November 13, 2010 Fellowship of Car Wash – for club money 

Christian 

Students 

South Stokes December 2-3, 2010 Fellowship of 

Christian 

Students 

Doughnut Sale - for club money 

South Stokes May 2-6, 2011 Fellowship of 

Christian 

Students 

South Stokes March 12, 2010 Fellowship of 

Christian 

Students 

South Stokes April 9, 2011 Fellowship of 

Christian 

Students 

South Stokes December 4, 2010 Fellowship of 

Christian 

Students 

Ticket Sale for Gas Giveaway – select 

a cause for donation 

Outdoor Event Ticket Sales – select a 

cause for donation 

Big Dinner Ticket Sales - select a 

cause for donation 

5K Race Ticket Entry Number – select 

a cause for donation


South Stokes November 1, 2010 M. Lee BBQ (ticket) Sale Combined With 

Saura Sweet Potato Butter – for 

students who want to travel to 

Washington, DC in April 2011 

South Stokes November 9, 2010 M. Lee Readers’ Theater Performance ($5 

Ticket) – for students who want to 

travel to Washington, DC in April 

2011 

South Stokes January 17, 2011 

(MLK Holiday) 

South Stokes 

October 2010 – March 

2011 

South Stokes November 2- 

December 2 

M. Lee 5K Anti-Bullying Run/Walk - for 



M. Lee Creekside Cinema’s School Night - for 



M. Lee Catalog Sales - for students who want 

to travel to Washington, DC in April 

2011 

West Stokes October 23, 2010 FFA/WSHS 

Admin. 

Buck Eye Donkey Basketball – for 

FFA and General Fund 

West Stokes November-December Katie Cook Textbooks, Manuals, and Other Items 

Left in Bookroom and Workroom – for 

calculators and other math supplies 

The following field trip requests were approved: 

School and Sponsor Trip Location/Date/Cost # Students/Transportation 

Chestnut Grove Middle 

Jason Sammons 

Chaperones: TBD 

8 th Grade 

Wilmington 

April 13-15, 2011 

175 Students 

Activity Bus 

Lawsonville Elementary 

Mason/Lawson 


North Stokes High and 

South Stokes High School 

Bulla 


Pinnacle Elementary 

Pardue/Lundquist 


Cost to Students: $190 

4 th Grade 

Outer Banks, NC 

March 30-April 1, 2011 


Theatre Arts/Chorus 

New York City 

March 30-April 2 

Cost to Students: $405 (Bus 

covered through fundraising 

and current account funds) 

5 th Grade 

Washington, DC 

March 2-4, 2011 


41 Students 

Charter Bus 

44 Students 

Charter Bus 

33 Students 

Charter Bus


South Stokes High 

Mary Lee 

Chaperones: 5 

West Stokes High 

Elaine Smith 

Chaperones: 10 

9-12 English 

Washington, DC 

April 13-15, 2011 


Choir 

Musical 

Atlanta, GA 

April 29-May 1, 2011 


40 Students 

Charter Bus 

40 Students 

Charter Bus 

Action Agenda 

Approval of Naming of North Stokes High School Football Stadium 

Mr. Hart made a motion to name the North Stokes High School Football Stadium “The 

Eugene Lyons Stadium.” Motion passed 5-0. 

Approval of North Stokes High School Softball Field Lights Bid 

Mr. Shelton made a motion to approve the low bid of Reynolda Electric Company for the 

North Stokes High School Softball Field Lights. Motion passed 5-0. 

Company Base Bid Foundation Drawings Sales Tax Included 

Reynolda Electric 

$39,760.00 $1,500.00 Yes 

Company 

Tommy Lawrence $44,000.00 Included No 

Electrical 

Torrence Sports 

Lighting 

$44,700.00 Included No 

Approval of Disposal of School Property 

Dr. Hobbs shared that we had advertised for sale a wooden teacher’s desk located at 

Lawsonville Elementary School. Procedures had been followed as far as accepting bids, but we 

forgot to request board approval to dispose of the property. Mr. Shelton made a motion to 

approve the sale of a wooden teacher’s desk from Lawsonville Elementary. Motion passed 5-0. 

Approval of Small Gym Roof Bid for Southeastern Stokes Middle School 

Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the low bid of Dansel Construction for the re-roofing 

project of the old gymnasium at Southeastern Stokes Middle School. Motion passed 5-0. Mr. 

Burge, Executive Director of Operations stated timeline for completion of this project is 

December 15, 2010.


Gym Roof Bid for Southeastern Stokes Middle School: 

Company Bid Bid Bond 

Triad Roofing Company $52,840.00 Yes 

Lafave’s Construction $67,706.00 Yes 

Dansel Construction $48,500.00 Yes 

Approval of Awarding a Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract to Johnson Controls, Inc. 

Attorney Johnson explained that in order to assure compliance with the notification 

provisions of the guaranteed energy savings contract statutes a notice was published at least 

fifteen days before the October 18 board meeting. That notice stated it was the intention of the 

Board of Education to enter into a contract with Johnson Controls. Mr. Johnson said he had not 

received any comments regarding the notice. He asked if anyone present at the meeting wished to 

speak in regards to the contract. No one asked to speak. At that point Mr. Johnson made the 

recommendation that the Board of Education officially award the contract to Johnson Controls. 

Mr. Shelton made a motion to award Stokes County Schools’ guaranteed energy savings contract 

to Johnson Controls, Inc. Motion passed 5-0. 

Approval of Guaranteed Performance Contract Financial Bid 

Attorney Johnson stated that at the last meeting of the board we approved awarding the 

guaranteed performance contract financial bid to All American Investment Group subject to a 

review by the auditing firm, Dixon Hughes. Dixon Hughes is the independent auditor for the 

Board of Education. As a result of the information from Dixon Hughes, it was determined that we 

should ask the two lowest bidders, Sun Trust and All American Investment Group to resubmit 

proposals, since it appeared we would not be able to submit our application for approval by the 

Local Government Commission, until after the expiration of the interest lock previously provided 

in each bid. We did request clarification from Sun Trust and All American Investment Group and 

their two new proposals were submitted to Dixon Hughes for analysis. Attorney Johnson received 

a report today from Dixon Hughes indicating that the interest rate for Sun Trust was 3.38% and 

the interest rate quoted from All American was 3.51%. Attorney Johnson stated it appears from 

the analysis received today that there will be less expense for the county if the proposal from Sun 

Trust is accepted. He added that the report from Dixon Hughes was written rather quickly, 

because they only received the information today, and gave their immediate analysis. Attorney 

Johnson’s recommendation was to approve Sun Trust subject to any different analysis when a 

more detailed report is received from Dixon Hughes and also if Executive Director of Finance 

Lanette Moore concurred with his analysis of the report from Dixon Hughes. Ms. Moore stated 

that she did agree with Attorney Johnson’s analysis. Attorney Johnson stated if necessary a vote 

can be taken at the November 4 board meeting and the November 9 deadline can still be met with 

the Local Government Commission. He said that an advertisement was placed and unless there is 

an objection raised by November 4 the matter will be considered final. Mr. Shelton made a 

motion to approve Sun Trust subject to any different findings, as Dixon Hughes looks more in 

depth into the two proposals, and unless an objection is raised by November 4. Motion passed 

5-0.


Approval of Participation in Personnel Records Legal Assistance Fund 

Dr. Hobbs reminded board members that they had received a request from the North 

Carolina School Boards Association to participate in a request for an Attorney General’s opinion 

on changes to the school personnel law and public records, and their participation in a statewide 

lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgment. Attorney Johnson stated his recommendation was to 

endorse the request for the Attorney General’s opinion. He stated that this request has already 

been done, but the Attorney General’s opinion has not been issued. He felt that if the board 

deemed it appropriate to enter into any litigation that could be done at a subsequent meeting. Mr. 

Shelton made a motion to participate in a request for an Attorney General’s opinion to clarify the 

new statutory requirement of House Bill 961, Session Law 2010-169, regarding the public release 

of certain personnel records. Motion passed 5-0. 

Approval of 2010-2011 School Improvement Plans 

Mr. Hart made a motion to approve the 2010-2011 School Improvement Plans as 

presented. Motion passed 5-0. 

Approval of Proposed Revisions to Section 4000 of the Board of Education Policy Manual 

Ms. Boles asked if information had been shared with school staff about policies that were 

on the action agenda for approval. Dr. Hobbs stated that he had emailed the principals a list of 

Section 4000 policies on the action agenda and a list of the 7000 policies that are on the 

discussion agenda. He had requested that principals post this information for their entire staff. Dr. 

Hobbs also instructed the principals to have any questions, comments, or concerns directed to 

him. He had received no communication regarding any of the policies. Ms. Boles made a motion 

to approve the proposed revisions to Section 4000 of the Board of Education Policy Manual. 

Motion passed 5-0. The following revisions were approved: 

Policy 4121 – Release of Domiciliary Students 

Policy 4300 – Student Behavior Policies 

Policy 4301 – Authority of School Personnel 

Policy 4302 – School Plan for Management of Student Behavior 

Policy 4302-R – Rules for Use of Seclusion and Restraint in Schools 

Policy 4303 – Corporal Punishment/Reasonable Force 

Policy 3470/4305 – Alternative Learning Programs/Schools 

Policy 4307 – Disciplinary Action for Exceptional Children/Students with Disabilities 

Policy 4310 – Integrity and Civility 

Policy 3225/4312/7320 – Technology Acceptable Use 

Policy 4315 – Disruptive Behavior 

Policy 4316 – Student Dress Code 

Policy 4318 – Use of Wireless Communication Devices 

Policy 4320 – Tobacco Products – Students 

Policy 4325 – Drugs and Alcohol


Policy 4330 – Theft, Trespass and Damage to Property 

Policy 4331 – Assaults, Threats and Harassment 

Policy 4333 – Weapons, Bomb Threats, Terrorist Threats and Clear Threats to Safety 

Policy 4335 – Criminal Behavior 

Policy 4340 – School-Level Investigations 

Policy 4341 – Parental Involvement in Student Behavior Issues 

Policy 4342 – Student Searches 

Policy 4345 – Student Discipline Records 

Policy 4350 – Summary Suspension - Repealed 

Policy 4351 – Short-Term Suspension 

Policy 4352 – Removal of Student During the Day 

Policy 4353 – Long-Term Suspension, 365 Day Suspension, Expulsion 

Policy 4360 – Appeals of Consequences No Greater Than Short-Term Suspension 

Policy 4361 – Appeals of Long-Term or 365 Days Suspensions - Repealed 

Policy 4362 – Requests for Readmission of Expelled Students 

Policy 4370 – Student Discipline Hearing Procedures 

Policy 4400 – Attendance 

Policy 4402 – Student Attendance K-12 Requirements 

Policy 4600 – Student Fees 

Policy 4700 – Student Records 

Policy 4701 – Directory Information - Repealed 

Policy 4705/7825-R – Confidentiality of Personal Identifying Information 

Policy 4720 – Surveys of Students 

Discussion of Policy Curriculum Development 

Discussion Agenda 

Dr. Hobbs reminded board members that they had approved a new Policy 3100 - 

Curriculum and Instruction Council; however, had not adopted new administrative procedures for 

this policy. Our new policy, which was recommended by the North Carolina School Boards 

Association, specifies that there will be one big Curriculum and Instruction Council instead of 

three small councils. The Superintendent’s Advisory Council and the curriculum directors have 

recommended one big committee consisting of one elementary teacher, two middle school 

teachers, and two high school teachers from each school, along with curriculum directors. Dr. 

Hobbs stated that a decision needed to be made soon, because the Curriculum and Instruction 

Council needs to be convened to discuss graduation requirements and accountability standards. 

Mr. Hart stated he just wanted our folks to have a voice in the process. He suggested holding a 

meeting as Mr. Wolber had requested in Public Comments. Mr. Shelton said that he felt this was 

not a curriculum issue but a teacher input issue and he felt a meeting would be good. Chairman 

Cox stated school representatives being selected by their peers instead of being appointed to the 

council was an important piece to keep in place. Dr. Hobbs stated he would call a meeting 

between now and November 4 and come back to the board with recommendations from that 

meeting. 

Ms. Boles asked for clarification on the curriculum development process. Dr. Hobbs 

shared that as an example Alice Connolly is working towards integrated math at the high school 

level. She has been convening math teachers from all of our schools. After those teachers meet, 

Mrs. Connolly takes it to the Curriculum and Instruction Council for any recommendations that


come before the Board of Education. Dr. Hobbs stated that will not change whether we have one 

committee or three committees. 

Policy 9205 Pest Management 

Dr. Hobbs stated he wanted to be sure board members were aware that when they 

approved the Integrated Pest Management System on September 20 they also approved required 

Policy 9205 - Pest Management. Ricky Goins, Maintenance Director, stated that the policy came 

directly from the North Carolina Schools Boards Association. 

Policy 3210 Parental Inspection of and Objection to Instructional Materials Administrative 

Procedures 

Dr. Hobbs stated that Policy 3210 - Parental Inspection of and Object to Instructional 

Materials was revised; however, we failed to approve the administrative procedures for this 

policy. He said that board members did not have to vote on these because they were procedures 

and not policy. 

Proposed Revisions to Section 7000 of the Board of Education Policy Manual 

Dr. Hobbs stated proposed revisions to Section 7000 policies will sit for thirty days. He 

requested that if anyone should have questions about the proposed revisions that the questions be 

directed to him or any of the directors. Chairman Cox stated these policies will be on the agenda 

at the November work session, if board members had any questions about them. She requested 

that if any concerns or questions are received that Dr. Hobbs make board members aware of 

them. Mr. Hart stated recommendations for some policy revisions were for the board attorney to 

review them. He also stated he was not happy with wording in Policy 7210 - Staff Involvement in 

Decision Making. Our present policy states “the professional staff will be given an opportunity to 

contribute to curriculum development and to recommend policies and administrative procedures 

pertaining to students and instruction.” The proposed new policy states “when desirable.” Board 

consensus was to remove “when desirable” from the proposed policy. Board members will have 

an opportunity to discuss the following policies at their work session in November: 

Policy 7100 – Recruitment and Selection of Personnel 

Policy 7110 – Information Provided by Applicant or Employee 

Policy 7120 – Employee Health Certificate 

Policy 7130 – Licensure 

Policy 7130R – Licensure 

Policy 7210 – Staff Involvement in Decision Making 

Policy 7237 – Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure for Employees 

(Recommendation to Repeal) 

Policy 7240 – Drug-Free and Alcohol-Free Workplace 

Policy 7241 – Drug and Alcohol Testing of Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators 

Policy 7250 – Smoking and Tobacco Products (Recommendation to Repeal)


Policy 5026/7250 – Tobacco Free Schools 

Policy 7260 – Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens 

Policy 7262 – Communicable Diseases – Employees 

Policy 7265 – Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals 

Policy 5027/7275 – Weapons and Explosives Prohibited 

Policy 7290 – Employee Assistance 

Policy 7300 – Staff Responsibilities 

Policy 7301 – Staff Responsibilities – Safe Schools 

Policy 7302 – Staff Responsibilities – Extracurricular and Non-Instructional Duties 

Policy 3621/7304 – Extracurricular Program: Personnel and Supervision 

Policy 7305 – Care of School Property 

Policy 7308 – Absenteeism 

Policy 7309 – Attendance at Meetings 

Policy 4040/7310 – Staff-Student Relations 

Policy 7340 – Employee Dress and Appearance 

Policy 7400 – Job Descriptions 

Policy 7405 – Extracurricular and Non-Instructional Duties (Stokes’ Policy 7302) 

Policy 7405 – Seniority 

Relocation of Nancy Reynolds Elementary Pod 

Dr. Hobbs reminded board members that they had sent a letter to County Manager Bryan 

Steen requesting that savings from the Nancy Reynolds Elementary project be used to relocate 

one of the pods to Lawsonville Elementary School. There has been some discussion about 

possibly moving that pod to the Forsyth Tech Community College/Stokes Early College site at 

Meadows. County Commissioners have requested additional information and we have sent that 

information to them. He shared that he told the county manager if we have one kid in a mobile 

unit that is 18 years old or older, which all of ours are, that is one kid to many. He reminded 

board members that we did have a recent situation at Mount Olive Elementary where we had to 

have a lock down and we had kids in mobile units for about three hours. They could not go to the 

restrooms during that time. Dr. Hobbs wanted board member input so he could address this issue 

with commissioners. 

Chairman Cox stated she did not want to speak on behalf of the entire board unless they 

had discussed all the options with the pod and what putting it at the Early College may mean to 

Stokes County Schools. She shared that Ann Watts was also at the commissioners’ meeting and 

she spoke to them about the fact that next year, when another 50 students are added to the 

program there is no where to house them. Fifty additional students will have to be added or we 

will lose our grant funding. Cox stated that it was her personal opinion that Lawsonville 

Elementary School has very great needs, but at the same time the Early College program has 

grown rapidly and is such a success that she would hate to see it impacted or slowed down by the 

fact that we just don’t have room for it. She looked at this situation as a win either way. She 

stated she was inclined to let the commissioners decide the best place to put the pod. She added 

that this board has not discussed any other options as far as alleviating overcrowding at 

Lawsonville. Chairman Cox said that we have to be willing to work with our commissioners and I 

think that we trust they’ll make the best decision for our students. I’ve been to the Early College 

and we’re over crowded now. We don’t have room. When we add another fifty kids in the fall


we will have an even bigger problem. I have to trust the commissioners to make the best decision 

in regards to the pod. 

Mr. Moore said his stance with the pod is the same one brought up at a previous board 

meeting by Mr. Hart. He did not want to send a third generation pod to Lawsonville or anywhere 

else. He did not like the idea of not sending the pod to Lawsonville. He also agreed that we would 

not have enough room at the Early College in the fall when we have fifty more students there. He 

stated he would have to trust the Stokes County Commissioners to make the best decision they 

can for our students. 

Mr. Shelton stated that whatever is done at Lawsonville should be part of the long range 

plan for that school. He reminded board members that they had purchased a wonderful piece of 

land up there and it seems a shame to throw a lot of money towards a temporary solution to that 

problem. He said he wanted to see the pod go there before the urgency of the Early College was 

made known. He ended by saying the pod belongs to the commissioners and they can do what 

they want to. 

Mr. Hart questioned the cost of relocating the pod to Lawsonville as opposed to the Early 

College site. Mr. Burge, Executive Director of Operations, stated the main difference would be 

the Early College site offered flat land, no additional paving for parking, and water and sewer 

would not have to be addressed. Mr. Hart reminded everyone there would be a cost of moving the 

pod to the Early College site and again a cost to move it to Lawsonville. He stressed you would 

have about half the cost of building a brick and mortar building in moving this pod around. He 

finished by saying that when the pod is moved to Lawsonville it will probably be like our trailers 

at Mount Olive which have been there eighteen years. He hoped the worst that would happen is 

that Lawsonville would get the pod as new as possible. He reminded board members that their big 

priorities were a new school in King and Southeastern Middle School renovations. He did not 

want to spend an extra $700,000 moving the pod around. Mr. Hart questioned if moving a double 

wide in had been considered because it would save approximately $200,000 as opposed to 

moving the pod. He stated he did want to help the commissioners in any way the board can to 

hold costs down so we can do as many things as we can for our money. 

Ms. Boles stated that there are many needs in our county and we know we can not do 

everything. The money has to come in waves and we realize that. Our Early College is doing 

great and parents are so excited because for some parents it is the only opportunity their child will 

get any kind of college education. I agree with Chairman Cox. The commissioners know our 

needs. Let them make the decision. 

Mr. Shelton stated that Lawsonville Elementary is our responsibility and the Early 

College is the commissioners’ responsibility. He agreed with Mr. Hart that spending three 

quarters of a million dollars dragging pods around is a lot of money that could be put towards a 

permanent solution. 

Mr. Burge, Executive Director of Operations, stated regardless of where the pod is moved 

a decision needed to be made fairly quickly. He reminded board members that it took eight 

months to have the pods ready for the first student day at Nancy Reynolds, because getting 

approval for water and sewer through DENA can be a time consuming process.


Mr. Hart reminded everyone that we also made a promise to the people of Pinnacle. Dr. 

Hobbs stated that he had told the commissioners that no matter when the pod is moved we made a 

promise to the folks at Pinnacle. 

Chairman Cox said she thought the commissioners were looking for some kind of 

consensus from the Board of Education. Board members agreed that the ball is in the 

commissioners court and they can put the pod where it most fits the need. 

Information and Announcements 

Information was shared with board members on GovDeals.com. 

Dr. Hobbs shared a request from a medical student at Wake Forest University wishing to work 

with the Student Cadet Program at Chestnut Grove Middle School. The principal feels this is a 

good idea. 

Information was shared on the King Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. Board members 

wishing to attend should contact Ann Robertson. 

The Board of Education scheduled a pre-board work session on Thursday, November 4, 

at 8:30 AM, at the Central Office in Danbury; and a regular meeting on Monday, November 15, 

2010, at 6:00 p.m., at West Stokes High School in King. 

At 7:30 p.m., Chairman Cox stated that the Board of Education needed to enter closed 

session to discuss acquisition of real property, and approval of the personnel and closed session 

minutes as allowed by General Statute 143.318.11(a)(1(5)(6). Mr. Hart so moved and motion 

passed 5-0. Following a short break, the Board entered closed session. 

[Closed Session] 

Personnel 

The Board of Education returned to open session at 8:45 p.m. 

Ms. Boles made a motion to approve the October 18 Personnel Report as presented. 

Motion passed 5-0. The following personnel items were approved or shared as information items: 

The following change in hours was approved: 

Morris Sizemore 

10/5/10-10/13/10 Was not able to do the LOA for David Parker 

Pinnacle Elementary


The following leaves of absence were approved: 

Barbara Freas Teacher Effective 9/9/10-10/15/10 


Doug Hutchens Teacher Effective 10/26/10-11/15/10 

Piney Grove Middle 

Shelia Kiger Teacher Assistant Effective 9/1/10-10/15/10 

Mount Olive Elementary 

Nancy McHone Custodian Effective 7/26/10-11/3/10 

Southeastern Stokes Middle 

David Parker Custodian Effective 10/5/10-10/13/10 


Brenda Shew Teacher Effective 10/11/10-10/25/10 

Piney Grove Middle 

The following recommendations were approved: 

Craig Boyles Interim Assistant Principal Effective 10/11/10- 

Meadowbrook 

Indefinite 

Kristina Bonds Substitute Teacher Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 

Temporary/No Benefits 

Board Polled 10/19/10 

Sabrina Craddock Substitute Teacher Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 


Paul Cummings Substitute Teacher Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 


Brenda Gifford Substitute Teacher Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 


Board Polled 10/19/10 

Clara Marie Gordon Tutor Effective 9/27/10-6/8/11 

Pinnacle Elementary Temporary/No Benefits 

Phillip Gordon Tutor Effective 9/27/10-6/8/11 

Pinnacle Elementary Temporary/No Benefits


Amber Johnson Substitute Teacher Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 


Kayla Mabe Substitute Teacher Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 


Mary Jane Martin Substitute Teacher Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 


Deborah McMurray Substitute Teacher Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 


Debbie Nelson Substitute Child Nutrition Effective 10/4/10 

Systemwide 


Miranda Owens Substitute Teacher Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 


Casey Procter Substitute Teacher Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 


Elizabeth Savage Substitute Teacher Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 


Shannon Short Substitute Teacher Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 


Susan Thomas Tutor Effective 10/19/10-6/3/11 

Walnut Cove Elementary Temporary/No Benefits 

Charlie Wall Substitute Bus Driver Effective 10/19/10 

Systemwide 


Bonnie Williams Tutor Effective 10/4/10-6/15/10 

Nancy Reynolds Elementary Temporary/No Benefits 

The following resignation was approved: 

Corey Knight Bus Driver Effective 10/18/10 

Early College 

Board members were informed of the following transfer: 

Rusty Dobson Bus Driver Effective 11/1/10 

Mount Olive Elementary to 

Early College


The following coaching recommendations were submitted for the Board of Education’s 

approval or as information items. 

Mike Richardson Remove as Asst. Basketball Coach Effective 10/19/10 

Employee 


Trey Wiggins Assistant Basketball Coach Effective 10/19/10 

Non-Employee – Paid 


Courtney Dayberry Mat Maid Chaperone/Asst. Effective 10/19/10 

Non-Employee – Volunteer 


Sarah (Lovejoy) Williams Mat Maid Sponsor Effective 10/19/10 

Employee – ILT 


Mitch Adams Head Baseball Effective 10/19/10 

Employee 


Jared Moxley Assistant Basketball Coach (M) Effective 10/19/10 

Non-Employee – Volunteer 


Neal Zendle Remove – Assistant Wrestling Effective 10/19/10 

Employee 


Mark Boyd Assistant Wrestling Coach Effective 10/19/10 

Employee 


At 8:45 p.m., Mr. Moore made a motion to adjourn. Motion passed 5-0. 

___________________________ 

Secretary 

_______________________________ 

Chairman

state of north carolina regular session stokes county

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