Asheville City Schools Introduces Groundbreaking Teacher Policy

Diverse educators collaborating on educational policies in a meeting

News Summary

Asheville City Schools has become the first district in North Carolina to implement a significant policy allowing teachers to be actively involved in decision-making. The ‘Meet, Confer, and Collaborate’ policy enables educators to contribute to budget discussions, staff appointments, and more, aiming to create a more inclusive environment. The diverse committee will include elected members from schools and appointed representatives from the administration. Superintendent Maggie Fehrman emphasizes collaboration as key to overcoming budget shortfalls and addressing educational disparities, setting a precedent for other districts across the state.

Asheville, North Carolina – Historic Teacher Involvement Policy Announced

Asheville City Schools has become the first school district in North Carolina to implement a policy that grants teachers a voice in significant decision-making processes, including spending and staffing. The announcement of the new policy, dubbed the “Meet, Confer, and Collaborate” policy, was made on March 17, 2025, by the Asheville Association of Educators President.

This groundbreaking initiative establishes a committee composed of 10 to 14 members, with half of the members elected from school-based positions through the Asheville City Association of Educators (ACAE). The remaining members will be appointed by the District’s Superintendent. This diverse committee is designed to incorporate a wide range of perspectives and expertise on challenges affecting classrooms across the district.

Committee meetings will convene eight times annually between September and May, providing a regular platform for teachers to influence essential discussions. One of the committee’s initial priorities will be to tackle impending budget shortfalls projected by the county commissioners.

Superintendent Maggie Fehrman has emphasized the importance of finding collaborative solutions to these fiscal challenges and underscored that the engagement of teachers in decision-making will be integral to the district’s success. The efforts aim not only to refine budget strategies but also to enhance the overall learning environment in Asheville’s schools.

In addition to budgetary concerns, the new policy aims to address broader issues within the educational landscape, including racial disparities among staff and empowering students. An instructional assistant has expressed optimism about the potential for the process to lead to greater inclusivity and support for different voices within the educational community.

The establishment of the “Meet, Confer, and Collaborate” policy is particularly significant within the context of North Carolina, where over 47 states have existing mechanisms for staff involvement in their respective school districts. This landmark policy in Asheville serves as an exemplary model for educational institutions across the state, indicating the power and effectiveness of organized collective efforts by educators.

Asheville City Schools consists of eight schools and serves over 4,200 students. The district aims to reaffirm that the voices of staff members are valuable and that educators can take on leadership roles, thereby setting a positive example for their students.

The planning session for the implementation of this policy is set for early April 2025, and the district is eager to advance a collaborative approach that not only elevates the role of educators but also benefits the students they serve. This historic development marks a new chapter in the relationship between teachers and administration within the Asheville City Schools, potentially paving the way for further reforms in educational governance throughout North Carolina.