This is a follow up to an Emergency Electronic Meeting of the Haywood County School Board.  The Emergency Electronic Meeting was held earlier this evening at 8:00 p.m. During the meeting, the Haywood County Board of Education passed a resolution drafted by the North Carolina School Boards Association.  The resolution temporarily authorized the superintendent to take “lawful actions necessary to ensure the continuation of public education, to provide for the health and safety of students and employees, or to respond to direction from appropriate health and government authorities.”  A copy of the resolution is attached to this press release.

In addition to passage of the resolution, the superintendent shared and the Board approved an innovative plan for Spring Break.  The unique action is necessary to continue comprehensive distribution of food to children ages 1 to 18 during Spring Break and throughout the closure of schools.  Food distribution is a top priority during a time when many of our families are out of work.  The approved plan includes:

  • Spring Break scheduled for April 6-10, will stay in place for students.
  • Spring Break for all HCS staff will be five consecutive Fridays.
    • Friday, April 3rd – Holiday
    • Friday, April 10th – Holiday
    • Friday, April 17th – Annual Leave Day
    • Friday, April 24th – Annual Leave Day
    • Friday, May 1st –  Annual Leave Day

It is impossible to appropriately thank all of our staff members for what you have done in the last two weeks.  You are simply amazing.

Teachers, you have completely reinvented the delivery of instruction.  Use the week of April 6th-10th to reflect and plan.  If you can help with food delivery April 6th-10th, please notify your principal.  There are opportunities to load and unload coolers, ride on buses, and do other essential tasks.

To all employees of Haywood County Schools, enjoy your Spring Break (five three-day weekends).  If you need to take annual leave for personal reasons, please check with your principal or immediate supervisor.  We are working to take care of our students and staff during these difficult times.  Together we can continue help those in greatest need.

New information is trickling in from the state on a daily basis.  We are holding an emergency electronic principals meeting tomorrow (Thursday) to update them on new information.    This information will be shared with all staff and the community tomorrow afternoon.

Please be patient as we process and share new information from the state.  This is an evolving situation.  In the meantime, be calm, kind, smart, and safe.

Contact:  Dr. Bill Nolte, Superintendent

Resolution to Grant Emergency Powers to the Superintendent