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Staff Reports

The efforts of Polk County Schools staff and faculty during the global coronavirus pandemic have not gone unnoticed by the Polk County Board of Education.
At its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 11, the board adopted a resolution commending district employees for their work and effort while school campuses have been closed.
The resolution (listed in full below) identifies the many areas and ways in which Polk County Schools staff continues to serve students and families during the Covid-19 shutdown. The resolution was endorsed by all board members and unanimously adopted.
Superintendent Aaron Greene thanked board members for crafting the resolution.
“The board and I are so appreciative of the tremendous dedication and commitment of our entire organization during these difficult times,” Greene said. “I applaud the board for adopting the resolution, and I think it is well-deserved.”
Greene also reported that a substantial number of families and community members have reached out to offer their thanks to the staff and schools for going above and beyond to serve students and families throughout the closure.
Other highlights from the meeting, held as a virtual session, included:
• Curriculum and Instruction Director Ronette Dill updated the board on the remaining instructional schedule, grading guidance from the North Carolina State Board of Education and changes to the educator evaluation process resulting from the move to remote learning.

• The board approved Preschool Director Kathy Harding’s request to apply for Head Start Summer program funding, Finance Officer Debbie Lovelace’s recommended May budget amendment and the rollover of current purchasing bids recommended by Food Service Director Jennifer Peeler.
  • Accountability and Technology Director Dave Scherping presented calendar changes for the remainder of the academic year, later approved by the board, resulting from the extended closure order. Scherping also informed the board of the most recent legislative changes and offered sample calendars for the 2020-2021 year based on those new rules to be considered for approval.
  • Greene provided a Covid-19 closure update for the board covering operations, personnel, budget and other topics.
  • The board set Monday, June 15 as its next meeting date.
  Polk County Board of Education Resolution
  Commendation of Polk Schools Educators During Pandemic
  WHEREAS, Polk County Schools is fortunate to have outstanding educators and staff that dedicate daily effort to better the lives of young people and exemplify the District’s motto, “Doing What’s Right for Students”; and
  WHEREAS, the Coronavirus Pandemic forced the closure of all public schools on March 14, 2020; and
  WHEREAS, Governor Roy Cooper issued executive order 117 on March 14 closing all public schools due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and directing districts to, “ . . . provide for the health, nutrition, safety, educational needs and well-being of children during the school closing period”; and
  WHEREAS, Polk County Schools administration and staff established and implemented a food preparation and distribution plan providing almost one thousand meals per day to ensure children receive food during school closure; and
  WHEREAS, Polk County Schools administration and staff established and continue to operate a safe and fully functioning child care program for Polk County emergency and essential services personnel; and
  WHEREAS, Polk County Schools administration and staff conducted and analyzed phone call wellness checks on all students and families served by the District and continue to direct needed resources to identified families; and
  WHEREAS, Polk County Schools administration and staff worked diligently as a collective to formulate and implement remote learning plans for all students to ensure the continuation of educational services to the greatest degree possible; and
  WHEREAS, Polk County Schools administration and staff have exhibited noteworthy commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of students and families during the Coronavirus Pandemic, and to performing all directed functions to the best of their ability even in the face of potential risk to themselves; and
  WHEREAS, The Polk County Board of Education wishes to publicly express their appreciation and gratitude for the significant effort and sacrifice of Polk County Schools staff during these challenging times and circumstances.
  NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Polk County Board of Education does hereby recognize, commend, and thank all Polk County Schools employees who have evidenced substantial resolve and dedication in meeting the needs of students and families during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
  APPROVED AND ADOPTED this Eleventh Day of May, Two Thousand and Twenty by unanimous vote.