The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the gymnasium of Micaville Elementary School on Monday, March 18, 2024.
Policy #6402 – Participation by Historically Underutilized Businesses
Superintendent Kathy Amos presented the proposed changes to Policy #6402 per the recommendations from the State School Board Association. She invited the Board to discuss the changes and determine a percentage participation goal to include in the policy. After discussion and counsel from Attorney Donny Laws, the Board approved the proposed policy changes.
Policy #9125 – Participation by Minority Businesses
Mrs. Amos presented the proposed changes for this policy as well. She stated that this policy is very similar to Policy #6402. The Board approved the proposed changes for this policy.
Flooring at EYMS/STES
Mrs. Amos presented options for flooring in the kitchen at EYMS and the kitchen and slope to the gym at STES. After discussion, the Board approved the additional cost for a resin epoxy to be used on the flooring in these areas.
Contract for BES/CRMS/BRES
Mrs. Amos reported that she has been in discussions with Aubrie Donnellan to finalize a contract with Harper General Contractors for these three schools. The Board voted unanimously to authorize Mrs. Amos to sign the contract once it is completed.
Update on Orr Building
Mrs. Amos stated that the drawings are being reviewed to ensure that the necessary elements are included in this 6,000 sq ft building.
Update on Stadium
Mrs. Amos presented two options for stadium renovations to the Board that were prepared by engineer Stan Cook. The Board requested to consult with legal counsel in closed session to better understand the legal parameters surrounding each option.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Students from Micaville Elementary led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
CRMS Girls Basketball Team
Mrs. Amos congratulated coach April Buchanan and the CRMS girls basketball team on a winning season and being Western Highlands Conference Champions.
MHHS Varsity Boys Basketball Team
Mrs. Amos congratulated coach Barry Johnson and the varsity boys basketball team on being undefeated in the month of January and being Western Highlands Conference Champions.
NC Governor’s School
Mrs. Amos congratulated Elizabeth Dotts for being selected to participate in the NC Governor’s School program at Meredith College.
Superintendent Updates
Mid-year Assessments
Mrs. Amos stated that the results of our mid-year assessments indicate that students continue to show growth. She shared that she is proud of YCS teachers, students, principals and tutors for their continued hard work.
Budget Information
Mrs. Amos stated that the Board had a good meeting and discussion with the Yancey County Commissioners regarding YCS budget needs. She is grateful for a positive, working relationship with all of them.
Math Curriculum Update
Mrs. Amos reported that Elementary Education Director Andrea Allen is continuing to research new math curriculum options. The implementation of the new reading curriculum has gone well and Mrs. Amos expects that the new math curriculum will benefit students too.
High School Course Handbook Review
Mrs. Amos thanked MHHS principal Daron Williams and his team for developing the course handbook for the 2024-25 school year which included adding new courses such as electrical and animal science.
New Business
School Board Resolution for Meeting Dates and Locations
Chairman Fortner presented a resolution to set the dates and locations for the School Board from July 2024 through June 2025. The Board approved the resolution unanimously.
June School Board Meeting
Mr. Fortner stated he would like to change the date of the regular School Board meeting in June from June 17 to June 10. The Board was in agreement with this change therefore the regular meeting will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024 at the YCS Central Office with the work session beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Public Input
Karin Rolett spoke.
Pre K Grant for MHHS
Mrs. Amos congratulated Mrs. Andrea Allen for writing and receiving a grant from NCDHHS for new playground equipment at the MHHS Pre K site. The grant was in the amount of $49,000 and will be used to purchase mulch and a new climbing structure.
Northwest Region Curriculum and Instruction Management Coordinator of the Year
Mrs. Amos congratulated CTE Director Cynthia Deyton for being named the Northwest Region Curriculum and Instruction Management Coordinator of the Year. Mrs. Amos thanked Mrs. Deyton for her dynamic work in creating a robust CTE program in Yancey County Schools.
Informational Items
Spring Break for YCS begins with a half day for students on Thursday, March 28, 2024. School will resume on Monday, April 8, 2024.
Pre K & Kindergarten Registration will be at the Town Center on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the school board will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024 in the gymnasium of South Toe Elementary School. Work Session will begin at 5:30 pm, followed by the Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm.
PUBLIC INPUT – To sign up for public input, please call 828-682-6101 ext. 102 by 3:00 pm on the day of the meeting. A sign-up sheet will also be available at the meeting location from 4:00-5:50 pm prior to the meeting.