“Read to be Ready” Director Krista Parker, pictured with Federal Programs Executive Director Gina Rawson (right), gave a presentation about the summer camp that had 84 campers improving their reading skills.

 Haywood County School Board members met on July 11 for their monthly meeting. Among the items on the agenda was a celebration of the “Read to be Ready” summer camp, attended by 84 students from June 3-27. This is the third year for the camp, and according to Director Krista Parker, the campers really made great strides in improving their reading and writing skills. The $84,000 grant provided funds for 14 camp directors, books for the students and all the supplies. They also had 18 community partners.”

Other items on the agenda included a second reading and approval of Policies #6.300 – Code of Conduct, and #6.6.313 – Discipline Procedures. Superintendent Joey Hassell introduced 18 more policy additions and changes to board members. These are #1.406 – Minutes, #1.804 – Alcohol and Drugs in the Workplace, #2.403 – Surplus Property Sales, #2.601 – Fundraising Activities, #5.605 – Staff Gifts and Solicitations, #3.202 – Emergency Preparedness Plan, #4.605 – Graduation Requirements, #4.700 – Testing Programs, #4.700 – Testing Programs, #6.200 – Attendance, #6.308 – Bus Safety and Conduct, #6.506 – Students from Military Families (New Policy), #1.901 – Charter School Applications, #1.903 – Charter School Oversight, #1.905 – Charter School Renewal, #1.906 – Charter School Revocation; #5.200 – Separation Practices for Tenured Teachers, #5.201 – Separation Practices for Non-Tenured Teachers, and #5.305 – Family and Medical Leave.

Board members approved the proposed 2019-2020 yearly agenda for the monthly school board meetings and approved athletic practice for sports at Haywood High School during regular school hours. They also heard the Bullying Case Report, which is seven cases for the 2018-2019 school year, one less than the year before. The school system began keeping this report in 2013-14, and that year had 43 cases. Family and Student Services Executive Director Art Garrett reported that the number of these cases have decreased because of a better understanding by teachers and students of bullying.

Surplus items were approved for sale by board members, as was an updated Rental Agreement. Superintendent Hassell reminded everyone that HCS In-Service Week begins on July 29, and the first half-day for students is Friday, August 2.

The next meeting will be held on August 8 at 6 p.m.