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The Polk County Board of Education welcomed its newest member as part of the board’s December meeting held at Isothermal Community College.

Saluda representative Rick Stich joined the board after being sworn in by Polk County Clerk of Court Pam Hyder. Re-elected members Cindy Allen (White Oak) and Rick Covil (Tryon) also were sworn in by Hyder as the three members officially began their new terms.

Tryon representative Michael Ashworth was unanimously re-elected as Chairman, with Covil also re-elected as Vice-Chairman.

Additionally, the meeting featured a number of speakers and presentations while anticipating the second half of the 2024-2025 semester. 

The board recognized several 2024 Holiday Card artists for the district with each receiving a packet of cards with their artwork in appreciation of allowing the district to use their designs.

Dr. Margaret Annunziata, Isothermal Community College president, gave a presentation on the district’s ongoing partnership with the college and the ways in which ICC is working to increase college access and success for students.

The board received and accepted the results of the annual district financial audit, a clean audit with no findings for Polk County Schools.

Human Resources Director Todd Murphy updated the board on recent changes to Polk County Schools’ Employee Assistance Program, outlining changes and new resources for district employees.

The board approved a deed transfer agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for right of way to facilitate completion of the widening and additional lane project at Polk Central Elementary School.

Curriculum and Instruction Director Jan Crump presented and received approval for federal program plans for the academic year.

The board adopted a calendar for the 2025-2026 school year

The next Polk County Board of Education Meeting will be held on January 13 at 6:30 p.m.