Parents, teachers, politicians speak at Board of Education meeting

From parent anger at the lack of communication to Drexel’s mayor denying rumors about the Hallyburton Academy building, Monday’s Burke County Board of Education meeting drew public comments for nearly an hour.

The topic of Hallyburton Academy’s potential relocation to an independent wing at Draughn High School drew statements from both sides of the issue, with several teachers calmly supporting the plan while other educators argued against it.

Hallyburton is the district’s alternative school for middle and high school students, focused on students with behavioral struggles, credit recovery, and day treatment.

At board member Reid Beck’s request, the board suspended the 3-minute time cap for speakers with a 4-3 vote, allowing the public ample time to “talk as long as they would like to.”

The board’s decision on the relocation is expected by April 27.

Burke County Public Schools plans to host a public question-and-answer session on April 14 at 6 p.m. at the Olive Hill Resource Center at 509 W. Concord St. in Morganton.

POLITICIANS

“As I told (Swan), what (he) and the school board (do) with Hallyburton Academy and the school building is not a part of the town of Drexel. … We have no interest in that land. We have no interest in the building.” — Dennis Anthony, mayor of Drexel

“Beyond the school walls, this decision will ripple through our community. It affects family confidence, teacher retention, and public safety resources, and the overall perception of our schools. These are not small consequences.” — Shannon Radabaugh, Valdese Councilwoman who could not attend, but read her statement at Valdese’s council meeting

FORMER AND CURRENT TEACHERS

“We truly believe that Dr. Swan and his leadership team have approached the decision to move Hallyburton Academy to Draughn High School with a genuine focus on students. It is clear that they spent a great deal of time studying the data, looking at the needs across the district, and trying to make the most responsible decision possible.” — Jacki Clark, a teacher for nearly 30 years, who carried a stack of letters from other teachers

“I can visualize the future of the students, that their needs won’t be met at Draughn. … I mean, $325,000, that’s a drop in the bucket compared to what you’ve dealt with in budget deficits before. … I beg you to consider the options.” — Kim Baker, former teacher at North Liberty School and Homebound

Homebound is a program where students with severe behavioral issues learn at home, receiving packets, working online, and checking in with district representatives, but are not allowed on school grounds.

Baker’s reference to $325,000 reflects initial projected savings estimates from the county.

“Draughn was the second safest school I have taught in and the first safest school is Hallyburton Academy. ... In my five years at Hallyburton, the worst thing I saw was a vape. Hallyburton has gotten a stigma over the years of only being for the bad kids. I’m so sorry that we, as a school system, have allowed that stigma to remain.” — Susan McGee, former teacher at Draughn and Hallyburton, who has also lived in both Drexel and Valdese, where the schools are located.

“If we had the details, we would know what it looks like, too. If we had the details, we could understand. But right now, the details are minimal and yet trust is still fully being expected. That is not how a decision this size should be made.” — Triniti Lambert, Draughn teacher and coach

“If we log the number of times our (school resource officer) has had to intervene with a safety concern, pursue a charge on a student, or respond to a general emergency, you would clearly see that Hallyburton Academy is no different (than other schools).” — Becca Zimmerman, BCPS high school behavioral specialist

PARENTS

“As a parent, I did not receive a letter. I did not receive a call. … This process has been rushed and, in my opinion, unprofessional and very poorly communicated. The first official discussion to our community by Burke County Public Schools was a Facebook post. A Facebook post is not leadership. That is damage control.” — Becca Stephens

“I’m sitting here reading a sign that says ‘Igniting learning for a brighter future,’ while we’re talking about turning the lights off in a building over, what is it, $300,000? … As a dad, I’m concerned about safety. I’m not saying it’s gonna be unsafe, but I want somebody to look me in the eye and say, ‘I have a plan.’” — James Causby