The Watauga County Board of Education is set to convene on Tuesday, Oct. 13, to address a range of significant topics, including a possible action on nationwide social media litigation, the presentation of a concept drawing for a proposed wrestling facility, and the review of the 2025-26 audit report. Additionally, the agenda features an action item concerning a partnership with Appalachian State University focused on early childhood education.
The meeting will commence with a closed session at 4:33 p.m. During this initial segment, the board plans to approve the minutes from its Sept. 14 session. Discussions within the closed session will also cover reportable offenses, student records, personnel matters, and attorney-client issues. The open session of the meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., taking place at the Margaret E. Gragg Education Center.
Early in the open session, attendees can expect to hear the Superintendent’s Report, presented by Dr. Leslie Alexander. Following this, a principal appreciation video will be shown. The meeting will also include a Students’ Report, delivered by Brayden Howard and Rosalyn Rabinowitz, providing student perspectives. Public comment will then be offered as an early agenda item.
Among the key action items, the board will consider potential steps regarding nationwide social media litigation. This discussion marks a crucial point for the board in addressing legal matters related to social media use.
Further into the meeting, the board will receive a presentation from Terreyl Williams, John Grasinger, Savva Kostis, and Bobby Plemons. These individuals will present a concept drawing that outlines plans for a proposed wrestling facility, detailing the vision for this potential new development within the school system.
Financial oversight will be another central theme, with Ben Johnson slated to present the 2025-26 audit report. This report will provide an overview of the school system's financial standing and practices for the specified fiscal year. Immediately following, Dr. Alexander will bring forward an action item regarding the partnership with Appalachian State University. This collaboration aims to enhance early childhood education initiatives, reflecting a joint effort between the university and the Watauga County Schools.
Dr. Tierra Stark is scheduled to provide an update on data and accountability. Her presentation will encompass important metrics and assessments relevant to the district's performance. Furthermore, Dr. Stark will present four specific policies for their second read, a standard step in the policy adoption process. These policies include new policy 7325, which addresses video and audio recordings by employees, policy 3200 concerning the selection of instructional and supplementary materials, policy 3210 detailing the inspection of and objection to those materials, and policy 3510, which pertains to religious-based exemptions from school programs. Additionally, Dr. Stark will present regulatory policy 7550-R(1) for review only, focusing on inclement weather leave procedures.
Under the consent agenda, the board is expected to consider a series of routine administrative items. These include the approval of minutes from the Sept. 14 and Sept. 25 meetings, a declaration of surplus property, the first amendment to the 2026-27 budget, and an activity bus quote. The consent agenda also covers the 2026-27 classified salary scales and the monthly personnel report.
Board operations will also be discussed, with topics including plans for a November work session. Furthermore, the board will consider a potential change in its regular meeting times, an item that could affect future scheduling. Following these discussions, board comments will be heard before the scheduled adjournment at 8 p.m.
