By DR. SCOTT PENLAND
CCS SUPERINTENDENT
- Paula Coker, CES Principal, and Scott Rossa, CES PE instructor, discussed bringing the Carolina Panthers’ Youth Camp called “Play 60 Youth Program to Cherokee Elementary School. The Camp is run by former Carolina Panther football players and is funded by Gatorade and Under Armour. Students in grades 2-5 will be eligible to participate.
- CHS students that attended Close-Up in Washington D.C. informed the Board on their work in DC. It was a great learning experience and the group’s main project is to come up with ideas to improve the downtown area and entice more businesses to locate in Cherokee.
- Scott Donald, of PFA Architects, presented the plans for the new wrestling facility, soccer concessions and press box.
- The Athletic Director discussed the upcoming Cheerleaders National Competition in Myrtle Beach, SC. He also informed the board that participation in the CHS and CMS track program has increased immensely.
- Payne discussed the possible changes in the Sacred Path program for next year. The Sacred Path committees in all three schools are going to meet before the end of this school year and plan Sacred Path for the future.
- Payne invited the Board to participate in the “focus groups” on March 7. Community members have been invited to the school to discuss the future direction of the school system. The meeting is open to all community members.
- The Board was informed that the Department of Public Instruction has approved Cherokee High School to begin the EMT Certification program beginning in August 2017.
- The Board discussed school lunches and possible ways to meet USDA guidelines while still serving nutritious meals.
- Kim Parker discussed with the board about hosting a fundraising event called “The Joey Parker Memorial Ride” in honor of her brother. The proceeds will be donated to the Cherokee SPED department in her brother’s name.
- Penland discussed the upcoming AdvancedEd Accreditation process. The review team will be on campus for three days in April and will study all phases of the educational programs in place. They will then meet with the school board to discuss their findings.
- Penland informed the Board that the last day of school would be Friday, May 26 and graduation would be on Saturday, May 27.
- The Board was presented a “draft” school calendar for the 2017-18 school year. This information is also being shared with all school employees before making it final.
- The Board asked for Finance to compile a list of all grants that the school system receives.
- The Board approved for the SPED department to take the funding for one teaching position and employ 2 teacher assistants.
- The Board approved the following personnel:
Science teacher for Cherokee High School
Social Worker for Cherokee High School
3 full-time Custodians
3 Substitute custodians
Head Softball coach
Softball assistant coach
Head Golf coach
Golf assistant coach
SPED teacher assistant
1 Employee increase in pay for obtaining master’s degree
