The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the Gymnasium of East Yancey Middle School on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Update on Change Orders
Finance Officer Kim Bennett reviewed a list of open change order proposals for Burnsville ES, Blue Ridge ES, and Cane River MS. The majority of these proposals would be deducted from the construction budget allowance. The Board had no questions for Mrs. Bennett regarding these items.
Change Order #011
Mrs. Kim Bennett presented the Board with a change order to add sinks in the PreK classroom at BRES. These are a requirement from NCDPI but were not in the original scope of work. The Board unanimously approved this change order.
Roof Estimates
Mr. Steve Robinson presented the estimates received for repair to the roof at EYMS and CRMS. The same section of roof needs to be repaired at both schools and the estimates from each company was the same for each school. After minimal discussion the Board voted unanimously to award WNC Roofing for both schools.
Topping Off Party
Mrs. Amos informed the Board that Harper GC would be hosting a Topping Off ceremony at Blue Ridge Elementary School on Thursday, March 20 at 4:30p.m. This celebrates the final steel beam being placed for the addition at BRES. Mrs. Amos invited all who would like to attend.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mr. Donny Laws led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
Elementary Battle of the Books
Mrs. Amos and Mrs. Andrea Allen congratulated the following students for earning 1st place in the 2nd annual district-wide Battle of the Books. Mrs. Allen also thanked coaches Ms. Carla Keener and Ms. Lisa Burlison for their hard work and dedication for this achievement. The team will now travel to Hickory for the regional competition.
- Blue Ridge Elementary “Wolfpack Warriors”
- Luke Banks
- Maxxi Buchanan
- Leighton Church
- Lucy Hill
- Reese Kuhn
- Madison Ledford
- Lawson McIntosh
- Jenavieve Stroud
- Bailie Whitson
National Board Teachers
Mrs. Amos recognized the following teachers for earning or renewing their National Board certification. This is earned through many hours of hard work.
- Haley Daniels
- Judi Davids
- Casey Davis
- Amie Hall
WNCStrong Youth Service Corps
Dr. Heather Cox reported that the Center for Environmental Farming Systems at NC State University has invited Yancey County Schools to participate in their WNCStrong Youth Service Corps program.
Funded primarily by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Service Corps will recruit youth in some of the hardest hit counties in WNC to learn about their local food system and careers in agriculture by helping farmers and addressing agriculture concerts in their communities to recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene.
Corps members will also take part in career readiness workshops and service days across the participating counties. Thanks to a generous contribution by the NC Alliance for Health, youth who participate in the program will be able to be paid for their work.
Superintendent Updates
TA’s to Teachers MOU
Mrs. Amos reported that YCS has signed an MOU with UNC-Charlotte for the TA’s to Teachers program. This allows teacher assistants to work toward earning their teacher’s license while still working. YCS also works with Lees McRae, AppState, Mars Hill University, Western and Mayland Community College to provide further education opportunities to our employees.
LEGO PD in Elementary STEM Classes
Mrs. Andrea Allen reported that Tech Palooza will be taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday at Burnsville Elementary and on Thursday at East Yancey Middle. Tech Palooza has been made possible due to a partnership with STEM West. STEM West has provided LEGO kits for students and Finch programmable robots along with many other hands-on activities to engage students.
Mental Health Support for YCS
Mrs. Amos reported that many groups have offered support since Hurricane Helene. Brian Randall from the NC Center for Resilience and Learning will present to the principals on Tuesday to offer an opportunity for two schools to receive extra mental health support throughout the next two years. Another group, the Southern Regional Education Board Crisis Recovery Support Network is also offering extra support services to YCS students, faculty and staff.
PreK and Kindergarten Registration Day
Mrs.Amos reported that PreK and Kindergarten registration day will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. There will be fun activities at the Town Center 12:30 to 3:00 p.m., then each school will host Kindergarten registration 3:30-6:00 p.m.
Governor Josh Stein’s Visit to Yancey County
Mrs. Amos thanked Governor Josh Stein for his recent visit to Yancey County. Governor Stein visited Micaville Elementary School and spoke with principal Melanie Bennett. He also visited South Toe Fire Department to assess the status of recovery efforts and what is still needed.
New Business
Board of Education Scholarship
Mr. Fortner asked the Board to increase the amount of the Board of Education scholarship from $500 to $2,000. The Board unanimously approved this increase.
School Board Meeting Dates and Locations
The Board unanimously approved the proposed resolution for regular meeting dates and locations through June 2026. The approved schedule will be posted on the YCS website.
Public Input
None
NC Hurricane Helene Technology Disaster Recovery Act Funds
Mrs. Amos thanked Mrs. Sonya Wheat and Mrs. Kim Bennett for working on a grant to secure $270,000 in technology and hurricane relief funds. These funds will be used to replace equipment that was damaged or lost during the storm.
CTE Building Expansion Update
Mr. Josh Czerniak spoke on behalf of McMillan Pazdan Smith architects to express interest in continuing to work with YCS on the CTE Building Expansion project. MPS would like to serve as an agent for YCS on this project as they are currently serving on the other renovation and construction projects. Aside from a report from the civil engineer, the plans are complete and could be put out to bid for construction to start by the end of May.
Chairman’s Update
Mr. Fortner highlighted the progress of many YCS projects including: the Ag Barn and arena; implementation of the aviation program; updates to YCS athletic fields, scoreboards and lighting; and a salary study to ensure competitive pay for employees at all levels. Mr. Fortner also thanked all of the employees who have assisted in writing grants to secure funding for increased student opportunities.
Informational Items
A Special Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025 to discuss a Budget and Land Update. The meeting will be held in the YCS District Office Boardroom beginning at 5:30 pm.
The next regular meeting of the school board will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 in the Gymnasium of Cane River Middle School. Work Session will begin at 5:30 pm, followed by the Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm.
PreK and Kindergarten Registration will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Celebratory events will be at the Town Center 12:30 – 3:00 pm and registration will be at each elementary school 3:30 – 6:00 pm.
Students will have a ½ day on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Friday, April 18, 2025 will be an Optional Teacher Workday and school will be closed for Spring Break April 21 – 25, 2025.
Senior Signing Day and Breakfast will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 in the MHHS gymnasium.
The Board of Education will hold their Spring Board Retreat on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the YCS Tech Building.
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.
