Buncombe County Schools -

Good evening Parents, Members of the Community, Board Members, and Teammates,

Today marks Day 28 of the 2025–2026 school year. It is remarkable to think that we have already completed nearly 16% of this academic year. In these opening weeks, I have once again had the privilege of multiple visits in all 45 of our schools. From Flat Creek to Avery’s Creek, from Curtis Creek to Laurel Creek, and across every community in between, I have witnessed classrooms alive with learning, hallways filled with joy, and teams of educators and staff pouring themselves into the success of our students.

One year ago today, I shared with our team that from even the greatest tragedy, with grace and strength, still #TogetherWeRise. The strong beginning to this school year we are enjoying is especially meaningful as we continue to grow and move forward. As we will hear tonight, our school communities have shown resilience and unity, grace and strength, ensuring that even in the midst of recovery, students and staff feel supported and instruction remains strong. Despite the disruptions last year, our teachers and staff have sustained their focus on what matters most—student learning and well-being.

This month we take time to celebrate the visionary leadership of our principals as part of National Principals Month. The 45 men and women who lead our schools daily are servant-leaders in the truest sense. They set the tone for teaching and learning, they support their staff through challenges, and they create safe and nurturing environments where students thrive. I am grateful for their presence, their problem-solving, and their people-first leadership.

Today, we also celebrate National School Custodian Day, recognizing the often-unsung heroes who care for our facilities and provide warm, welcoming learning environments every single day. Their pride in their work is evident in the gleam of polished floors and the readiness of every classroom. They are essential to our mission, and I thank them for all they do.

In addition, we celebrated National Teacher Assistant Day this week, honoring those teammates who provide critical instructional and relational support in classrooms across Buncombe County. Teacher assistants are a lifeline to students and staff alike, and their dedication deserves our heartfelt appreciation.

As we move forward into this school year, I am encouraged by the strong start we have made together. The phrase we have embraced this year—#LeadTheClimb—reminds us that progress is not made without effort, and reaching the summit requires vision, teamwork, and persistence. I am deeply proud of the ways our students, staff, and community are leading the climb each day.

To our Board Members, thank you for your leadership and advocacy. To our staff and families, thank you for your ongoing partnership. And to our students, thank you for reminding us of the importance and purpose of this climb.

Mister Chair, this concludes my comments.