Beat a retreat: City Council doubles down on plan to meet behind closed doors

In a change from previous City Council practice, and in opposition to advice provided by a UNC School of Government expert on open meetings, Asheville City Council plans to go ahead with a closed-door meeting devoted to “strengthening personal relationships, teamwork and communication required to do meaningful work together” on Wednesday, March 31.

Parent’s story highlights difficulti­es connecting with Asheville City Schools

Asheville City Schools Superintendent Gene Freeman disputed the account of a parent who said administrators failed to respond to repeated requests for information about what the closure of Asheville Primary School would mean to her daughter. After being provided with details by Xpress, Freeman spoke with Sara Shea on March 18.

Night two: Cawthorn and Davis debate in Cullowhee

At 7:30 p.m., NC-11 congressional candidates Madison Cawthorn (R) and Moe Davis (D) took the stage at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee for the second of two public debates ahead of the Nov. 3 election. The event was presented by Blue Ridge Public Radio, Mountain Xpress and Smoky Mountain News. Live-blog summary, plus link to video, in this post.

Video: Cawthorn, Davis debate Sept. 4

Tonight’s the night! For the first time, the major-party candidates for WNC’s open congressional seat will meet to debate the issues. The event is hosted by Western Carolina University’s Biltmore Park instructional site and sponsored by Blue Ridge Public Radio, Smoky Mountain News and Mountain Xpress. Details for the event livestream and live updates here.

Mission nurses advocate for PPE, training

Under the watchful eye of Mission Hospital security, several nurses involved with the push to unionize their colleagues demonstrated during the 6 p.m. shift change on April 9. Their signs and conversations with other staff members questioned the availability of personal protective equipment and training to deal with the COVID-19 threat — and how a union might increase their safety.

Gene Freeman

New Asheville superinten­dent to lead district starting June 1

During Asheville City Board of Education’s work session and regular meeting on April 2, board Chair Shaunda Sandford announced that Gene Freeman will begin work with the school system on Monday, April 20. He will formally take over from interim Superintendent Bobbie Short as of Monday, June 1. The board also selected Derek Edwards as Asheville High School principal.

Asheville school board stands by its man

The Asheville City Board of Education and Gene Freeman responded to news reports that highlight concerns about transparency, possible conflicts of interest and an extended absence from Freeman’s current school district. Freeman has been selected as Asheville City Schools’ new superintendent and is due to begin work here on July 1 following his June 12 retirement from Fox Chapel Area School District, which is located in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pa.