Avery County Board Approves Budget, Reviews Student Performance Data
On September 9, 2025, the Avery County Board of Education convened at the ACS District Office to approve a budget resolution for the 2025-26 school year and to review student accountability results across the district. The meeting highlighted significant achievements and challenges faced by the district, including the impact of Hurricane Helene on student performance.
The session began with acknowledgments of individuals who demonstrated exceptional commitment to the district. Longtime educator and emergency services worker Levin Sudderth received recognition for his efforts in providing CPR training to Pre-K teachers and around 40 bus drivers. His dedication to ensuring staff preparedness for emergencies has enhanced student safety throughout the district.
Additionally, Jacqueline Aldridge and Katherine Jones were honored for their selection to join the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Crisis Recovery Support Network. Their upcoming training, funded by the state’s Department of Public Instruction, aims to equip them to assist in the recovery process following significant crises. They will share their insights with district staff to bolster mental and physical health support for students.
In the financial segment, Melissa Wike presented the budget resolution, outlining the district’s current financial standing. Although final allotments related to growth adjustments will not be confirmed until later in the fall, Wike emphasized that the resolution offers a solid starting framework. The district is beginning the year with a fund balance of approximately $2 million, bolstered by a county contribution that sustained operations over the summer.
Wike noted that expenditures would be prioritized according to funding sources, with state funds utilized first, followed by local resources. She also mentioned the implementation of cost-saving measures over the summer that have contributed to the district’s financial stability. Furthermore, principals and bookkeepers now have direct access to their site-based budgets, enhancing transparency and operational efficiency.
In collaboration with County CFO Caleb Hogan, Wike discussed approximately $9 million in Helene funds. The Board must decide whether to request reimbursements or directly transfer these funds, with the resolution granting the Chief Financial Officer the authority to make smaller transfers within the budget.
The Board also received a digital presentation from Casey Johnson, the Director of Testing and Accountability, detailing the district’s accountability results for 2024-25. The data revealed a significant decline in reading proficiency among elementary students, dropping from 55.3% in 2022-23 to 51.5% in 2024-25. This decrease was particularly pronounced in Grade 3, which recorded a proficiency rate of 43.9%, ranking 7th in the 14-school region.
Johnson attributed some of the performance challenges to disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene, which resulted in students missing a total of 28 days of school, along with additional days lost to remote learning and snow closures. “Last year was a year like none other. Our kids missed an enormous amount of time, so take that into consideration as we look at these scores,” Johnson explained.
In terms of mathematics, the district also saw a decline in proficiency rates, with elementary scores dropping from 62.5% to 52.5%. Despite these challenges, Grade 5 students excelled with a proficiency rate of 72.7%, maintaining a strong position both regionally and statewide.
Moving to middle school performance, Johnson commended Grade 6 students for their resilience, achieving a math proficiency rate of 63.2%, ranking 4th regionally. However, seventh and eighth-grade results showed declines in both reading and math.
High school performance raised further concerns, with NC Math 1 scores plummeting to 7.8% proficiency, ranking 14th regionally. Although English II scores improved to 49.6%, other subjects, including Biology, showed significant drops. The overall graduation rate for 2024-25 was measured at 86.8%, slightly below the state average of 87.7%.
Johnson concluded the presentation by highlighting the need for improvement while also recognizing the accomplishments achieved despite last year’s adversities. For those interested, detailed proficiency data can be accessed at [this link](https://tinyurl.com/42tpx86z).
In additional business, the Board approved several policy updates regarding contracts and federal grant administration. Superintendent Dr. Beth Penley reported on ongoing projects, including the installation of fencing at various schools and the introduction of therapy dogs to support student well-being.
Public comment featured a concern raised by veteran teacher Meredith Perez regarding the support for English language learners in the district, emphasizing the need for more ESL instructors to ensure equitable educational opportunities.
The next meeting of the Avery County Board of Education is scheduled for 6 p.m. on October 14, 2025.
