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Strategic plan approved during school board meeting

 

COLUMBUS—The Polk County Board of Education honored longtime board attorney Phillip Feagan during its regular monthly meeting Monday at Stearns Education Center, recognizing his 17 years of service to the district.

Superintendent Aaron Greene and Board Chairman Mike Ashworth presented Feagan with a plaque, thanking him for his dual role as both a former board member and legal counsel over the past two decades. Feagan previously served as a Polk County Board of Education member and helped guide the district through challenging periods, including the city and county merger.

“I know I speak for the board and all of us at Polk County Schools as I offer our sincere thanks for your service to our students, staff and schools,” Greene said. “Your commitment to our entire county and its families has been beyond significant. Please know you will be remembered fondly as a very important part of this amazing collective we call Polk County Schools.

“I would also like to thank you personally for all the sage advice and wisdom you have shared over the years. It is better for us all when the board and superintendent can get along and work together, and you have always been a key part of that equation. Thank you for looking out for all of us, and for being a passionate champion for public education.”

Several district educators also received recognition for professional achievements and leadership efforts. Incoming Polk County Early College Director Dr. Kim McMinn completed the North Carolina Distinguished Leadership in Practice program, while new Polk Central Elementary Principal Adam Giles finished the North Carolina Assistant Principal Accelerator program. The board recognized Tryon Elementary teacher Mandy Wolfe for her work in helping all district schools earn Purple Star designations supporting military families, while social worker Linley Foster was honored for completing her master’s degree in social work while working full-time.

Teacher Rebekah Morse and Afterschool Director Tiffany Dennis were recognized for their selection as Kenan Fellow Scholars, while Polk County High School construction teacher Doug Lanning received recognition for earning his general contractor license to support the district’s trades programs.

In other action:

* The board gave final approval to Polk County Schools’ 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which will guide the district’s direction for the next five years. Members approved the 2025-2026 Career and Technical Education plan as well.

* In financial matters, the board approved an end-of-year budget resolution, current budget amendments, and errors and omissions liability coverage for the district. Board members also approved the use of Emergency Helene Funds for repairs to the rear retaining wall at Saluda Elementary, which was damaged during Hurricane Helene.

* The board approved overnight field trips for Polk County High School and Polk County Middle School band camps.

* Members held discussion on a revised wireless communication policy and approved an updated draft policy on first reading.

The next Polk County Board of Education meeting is scheduled for June 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Stearns Education Center.