Alamance-Burlington School System is excited to announce the launch of the ABSS Family Led Organization (FLO), a new initiative aimed at bringing together families, schools, and community partners to advocate for student success.
FLO will hold its inaugural meeting during the ABSS Family University Night on October 16 at Cummings High School. More than 80 volunteers, representing diverse families and populations from each of the District's schools, have agreed to participate along with community stakeholders and ABSS Leadership.
ABSS language support services will also be on hand to ensure all attendees can fully participate.
The goal is to empower families to be partners in education by giving them opportunities to connect with teachers, administrators, and the wider school community.
"When families, schools and communities come together and get on the same team, we can empower each other to fully support our students," said Dr. Dain Butler, Superintendent. "The Family Led Organization is about making those connections happen."
Family University
ABSS will once again host Family University this year at Cummings High School on October 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to all ABSS families and will include sessions for both elementary and secondary. A full list of sessions is available on the District website: https://www.abss.k12.nc.us/page/abss-family-university
Beginning Teacher Program
ABSS has brought its Beginning Teacher Support program back in-house after previously contracting it out. The ABSS Academic Division is working closely with Human Resources to ensure all state mandates are met for beginning teachers, while also providing in-school support and resources. There are currently 259 beginning teachers in their first 3 years of teaching. Each new teacher is assigned a veteran mentor teacher and receives ongoing professional development and individualized coaching from ABSS instructional staff.
"We're excited to welcome our new teachers to ABSS and support them in their critical first years in the classroom," said Revonda Johnson, Chief Academic Officer. "By bringing the Beginning Teacher Support in-house, we can ensure these new professionals receive the high-quality mentoring, training, and development they need to be successful."
Contracts
In other action the Board approved several contracts. One for security upgrades of camera configuration servers at Cummings High School. The $110,718.00 contract is part of the 2018 Education Bond Referendum.
The Board also approved two separate purchases using federal ESSER funds. First, they approved spending $980,170 to buy 330 dehumidifiers with filters from the local company Sasser Restoration. These dehumidifiers will help control moisture and mold in ABSS schools impacted by recent mold. An additional contract was approved for $18,202 to purchase 330 32-gallon wheeled drain bins to serve as temporary condensation collection bins in areas of high humidity.
Vacant Board Seat
The Board received 13 letters of interest from residents interested in filling the Board of Education seat left vacant by the retirement of Patsy Simpson. The board agreed to disqualify one of the applicants because their email did not include the required information as outlined in the vacancy announcement. The remaining 12 who did meet the full requirements will be invited to attend the Board of Education meeting October 23, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. During this meeting, each of these 12 qualified candidates will have the opportunity to explain in further detail their interest in filling the vacant seat.