(Press release) The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the Auditorium of Mountain Heritage High School on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Facility Updates
Mrs. Kim Bennett and Mr. Steve Robinson provided updates for the roof projects at Burnsville Elementary and Mountain Heritage High. They are working with Mr. Donny Laws to prepare RFQ’s for this work which will use Hurricane Relief funds provided by the state legislature.
FEMA Update
Mrs. Bennett stated that she continues to work with FEMA on the recovery process. Mr. Robinson provided quotes for the damaged turf at MHHS. One company provided a quote for cleaning the turf or for total replacement of the damaged section. The other company only provided a quote to replace the damaged section. After discussion, the Board voted unanimously to approve using the turf replacement funds to have this section replaced. Mrs. Bennett will file this claim with FEMA for reimbursement.
Door Locks Projects
Dr. Heather Cox reported that the majority of schools have had their door locks replaced. This is an important safety update for YCS. Due to increased costs, Dr. Cox requested that the Board approve funds to finish this project. The Board voted unanimously to approve this request.
Wells at EYMS and BES
Mr. Robinson reported his findings in order to possibly reopen an existing well at EYMS and the requirements to dig a well at BES. After discussion, the Board requested that Mr. Robinson obtain an estimated cost for these wells including a reservoir option and report at the June regular meeting.
High School Facilities Study
Architects Aubrie Donnellan and Josh Czerniak presented findings from a facilities study of MHHS. The presentation noted areas of improvement and opportunities for growth on the school’s campus.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mr. Wade Dahlberg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
Mrs. Amos recognized the following people for their contributions to YCS.
- YCS Teachers of the Year – Dusty Kurkimilis – BRES
Amy Autrey – BES
Emily Boyer – STES
Courtney Fox – CRMS
Jessica Duncan – EYMS
Jeremy Dotts – MHHS
Mr. Jeremy Dotts was named the YCS Teacher of the Year and presented a plaque.
- YCS Support Persons of the Year – Tony McDowell – BRES
Keli Miller – BES
Faith Chrisawn – STES
Karen Morales – CRMS
Julie Letterman – EYMS
Charles Conley – MHHS
Mr. Tony McDowell was named the YCS Support Person of the Year and presented a plaque.
- YCS Volunteers of the Year – Stephanie Byrd – BRES
Roark Baird – BES
Lynne Metcalf – STES
Haley Wilson – CRMS
Justin Duncan – EYMS
Somer Ray – MHHS
Ms. Lynne Metcalf was named the YCS Volunteer of the Year.
Mrs. Amos thanked the following people for their assistance in the evacuation of Burnsville Elementary School due to an accidental gas leak: Dr. Brent Laws, SRO Vanessa Potter, Keli Miller, Custodians, Faculty & Staff, Fire Departments, Derek Murphy, Marie Anglin, Steve Robinson, Sheriff Shane Hilliard & Deputies, Dr. Heather Cox, Staff at Shoal Creek Baptist Church.
Mrs. Amos, Dr. Cox and Mrs. Cynthia Deyton recognized the following students, club sponsors, teachers and coaches for their accomplishments.
- Cane River Middle School
- FBLA
- Lexie McIntosh – top 10 (Annual Chapter Activities)
- Abby Edwards – top 10 (Annual Chapter Activities)
- Mary Grace Fender – fourth place (Mission and Pledge) & top 10 (Exploring Business Ownership)
- Vivian Kiser – top 10 (Public Speaking)
- Caden Anglin – top 10 (Video Game Design)
- Lucas Cox – top 10 (Video Game Design)
- Tyson Norton – top 10 (Video Game Design)
- Addie Williams – top 10 (Financial Literacy)
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- Athletics
- Lucas Cox – Boys Soccer – Set record for most goals scored at CRMS – 37 goals
- Vivian Kiser – Girls Soccer – Set record for most goals scored at CRMS – 26 goals
- East Yancey Middle School
- FBLA
- Third in North Carolina: Community Service Project – Maddie Newson, Juniper Chappelear, and Mattias Kelley
- Top 10 – MS Learning Strategies – Trinity Taylor
- Top 10 – Annual Chapter Events – Brooklyn Dahlberg and Eden Ayers
- Mountain Heritage High School
- Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching – Sallie Senseney
- GEAR UP Yancey County Innovator of the Year – Jeremy Dotts
- Athletics
- Visits from Good Morning America & This Old House
- TOY Scholarship Recipients – Makenlie Pate & Autumn Smith
- Park Scholarship Recipient – Sydney McCurry
- Governor’s Schools Acceptance – B Tyner
- Guitars from Jimmy Hendrix
- Santos Mondragon-Wright
- Dacolby McGee
- MHHS FFA
- Horse Evaluation Senior Team – 2nd in state Senior division, 1st in region
- Team members: Bastien Clemons, Chayan Capellupo, Brianna Laws and Bailey Whitson
- Bastien Clemons was the highest scoring individual in the state out of 96 competitors
- Team members were 1st-4th individually ranking in the region
- Horse evaluation Junior Team – 1st in the region
- Team members: Rileigh Huckabe, Kaylee Buchanan, Charity Gouge and Bella Hughes
- Creed Speaking – Bella Hughes, 1st in the region
- Prepared Public Speaking – Melany Carballo, 2nd in the region
- Extemporaneous Public Speaking – 2nd in the region
- Employability Skills – Autumn Smith, 3rd in region
- Quiz Bowl – 3rd in region
- Team members included: Rileigh Huckabee, Abby Woody and Tyler Crump
- Floriculture – 1st in region
- Team members included Abriona Mcgee, Macy Carroll, Chloe Deyton and Lilly Hill. Abriona was the 2nd highest scoring individual in the region
- Forestry, Senior Team Division – 2nd in the region.
- Team members included AJ Silvers, Chayan Capellupo, Kaylee Buchanan and Cheyenne Blevins.
- Forestry, Junior Division – 1st in the region.
- Team members included Bailey Whitson, Emma Feldman, Garrett Hill and Hudson Hilliard. Emma Feldman was 2nd highest scoring individual.
- Mitchell Miller was the 2nd highest scoring individual in the Ag Mechanics competition.
- Abriona Mcgee received 1st in her proficiency award in Agricultural sales – Entrepreneurship.
- Tool ID – 1st in the federation
- Team members included Jacob McPeters, Gabe Harris, Eli Gurley and Everett Miller.
- MHHS FBLA State Leadership Conference
- Mountain Heritage High School – Largest Chapter – Western Region
- 1st Pace – Spirit Award: Theme and Website Banner – Kohen Fox, Jackson Banks, Andrew Remillard
- 2nd Place – Future Business Leader – Sydney McCurry
- 2nd Place – Parliamentary Procedure – Makenna Carroll, Ava Gillespie, Layla Wilson, Amelia Huckabee
- 3rd Place – Job Interview – Robbie McCurry
- 4th Place – Introduction to FBLA – Kai Stella
- 4th Place – Spreadsheet Applications – Carson Anglin
- Top 10
- Computer and Game Simulation – Jackson Banks, Kohen Fox, Andrew Remillard
- Community Service Project – B. Tyner, Adam Silvers, Jennifer Rojas
- Public Service Announcement – Jenna Blevins, Brinley Fox, Gracie Vaux
- Hospitality and Event Management – Chloe Deyton, Emmet Oesch
- Visual Design – Jennifer Rojas
- Introduction to FBLA – Cooper Robison
- Website Design – Jentsen Williams
- Sales Presentation – Dylan Dahlberg, Caleb Roy
- MHHS Track and Field
- Regional Qualifiers:
- Long Jump: Caleb Roy, Cole McGee, Kyla Phillips
- Triple Jump: Caleb Roy
- Discus: Erick Pile, Braxton Batchelor, Callie Capps, Maggie Neill
- 400 & 200: Dylan Dahlberg
- 4×400: Dylan Dahlberg, Cole McGee, Maddox Weaver, Caleb Roy
- Shot Put: Braxton Batchelor, Maggie Neill
- Pole Vault: Callie Capps
- 110 Hurdles: Sawyer Silver
- 300 Hurdles: Sawyer Silver, Diego Orihuela-Escobar
- Alternates for events: Jackson Banks, Cooper Robison, Adam Silvers
- Western Highlands Conference Field MVPs:
- Maggie Neill
- Braxton Batchelor
- Caleb Roy
- State Qualifiers:
- Callie Capps: 2nd place at regionals in discus
- Dylan Dahlberg: 400 & 200 (also broke school records in both events)
- MHHS Lady Cougars Varsity Basketball
- Overall record: 26-4
- Western Highland Conference and Tournament Champions (undefeated in conference play)
- WHC All-Conference Players: Maggie Neill, Grace Brooks, Lilly Neill, Layla Worley, Cloey Morrow, Callie Capps
- WHC Player of the Year: Lilly Neill
- Western North Carolina All-Star Team: Lilly Neill, Cloey Morrow
- WHC All-Tournament Team: Lilly Neill, Maggie Neill, Layla Worley
- WHC Tournament MVP: Lilly Neill
- Scored 1,000+ career points: Lilly Neill
- All-District 2nd Team: Lilly Neill
- WNC Sports Awards Banquet Scholarship Recipient: Cloey Morrow
- WHC Coach of the Year: Susie Shelton
- MHHS Lady Cougars JV Basketball
- Western Highlands Conference and Tournament Champions (undefeated in conference play)
- MHHS Cougars Varsity Basketball
- Overall record 23-3
- Western Highlands Conference and Tournament Champions
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- WHC All-Conference Players: Brayden Deyton, Isaiah Adams, Lawson Higgins, Max Gilley, Jace Loven
- WHC All-Tournament: Lawson Higgins, Max Gilley, Brayden Deyton
- WHC MVP: Lawson Higgins
- Western North Carolina All-Star Team: Lawson Higgins, Jace Loven
- Scored 1,000+ Career Points & Set Career 3 Point Shooting Percentage 46%: Jace Loven
- All District 2nd Team: Jace Loven
- WNC Sports Awards Banquet Finalist: Robbie McCurry
- WHC Coach of the Year: Barry Johnson
- MHHS Cougars Varsity Football:
- WNC Sports Awards Banquet Finalist: Brandon Quinn
- WNC Sports Awards Banquet Finalist: MHHS Football Team
- MHHS Swim Team:
- WHC All-Conference Award: Vari Yumagulova
- MHHS Men’s Golf Team
- Carson Anglin: qualified for regionals from the WHC, finished regionals in fourth (out of 66 qualifiers), which places him in the 1-A state championship rounds on May 12-13
- MHHS Wrestling Team
- Freshman of the Year: Max Frazier
- Most Improved: Kellen Forrest
- Most Outstanding Wrestler: Bodhi Glover
- Regional Qualifiers: Max Frazier, Kellen Forrest, Bodhi Glover, Adam Pate, Elijah Pate, Sawyer Silver, Chase Vaux, Brandon Quinn
- MHHS Men’s Tennis
- Qualified for Regionals: Oscar Rouse
- MHHS Softball
- All-Conference: Layla Worley, Sydney Styles, Ella Buchanan
Mrs. Andrea Allen recognized the following teachers for earning or renewing their National Board certification.
- Haley Daniels
- Judi Davids
- Casey Davis
- Amiee Hall
Mrs. Amos congratulated the YCS District Leadership team and YCS principals for receiving the NCASA Raymond Sarbaugh Leadership Award for their outstanding leadership during Hurricane Helene.
Ms. Jan Webster, director of WRESA (Western Region Education Service Alliance), presented Superintendent Kathy Amos with the Regional Superintendent of the Year award. Mrs. Amos is now among 8 finalists for the NC Superintendent of the Year award that will be announced this fall.
Superintendent Updates
Aviation Program
Mrs. Amos thanked Mrs. Cynthia Deyton for her work in developing the aviation program at MHHS. She will present possibilities for curriculum in the next couple of months with plans to begin classes in Spring 2026.
CTE Bus and Paid Internships
Mrs. Amos thanked Mrs. Deyton and Dogwood Health Trust for the new CTE bus and the paid internships for high school students.
YCS Testing and Accountability
Mrs. Amos reported that testing has gone well and thanked all administrators, teachers and students for their diligent work this school year.
Thank You to Robert Branch
Mr. Fortner recognized Mr. Robert Branch for his work in writing numerous grants to secure funding for YCS.
State School Board Planning Session
Mrs. Amos reported that she recently attended the State School Board planning meeting in Waynesville, NC. She expressed her appreciation of the state leaders’ work in assisting districts with support for new teachers and continued enrollment growth.
New Business
Mountain Professionals, Inc. Contract
Mr. Fortner presented this contract renewal for continued Driver’s Education services with Mountain Professionals. The Board unanimously approved this contract.
Public Input
None
US Department of Education SERV Grant
Mrs. Amos reported that YCS has received a grant from the US Department of Education. The SERV grant (School Emergency Response to Violence) supports educational services that assist school districts in recovering from traumatic events that disrupt the learning environment. In response to the significant instructional time lost—approximately seven weeks—due to Hurricane Helene, YCS will utilize the $464,693 in funding to expand academic tutoring, enhance summer school offerings, and strengthen mental health support services for students.
21st Century Grant
Mrs. Andrea Allen reported that YCS has received the 21st Century grant in the amount of $1.5 million. The grant will be used for after school and summer programs over the next 3 years.
Braves Park Project for MHHS
Mrs. Kristin Buchanan reported that the Braves Project has awarded a $55,900 grant to MHHS to repair the baseball and softball fields. The grant will be used for softball fencing repairs, two scoreboards, one outfield baseball windscreen, two Braves Park Project softball windscreen overlays (as the softball field already has an existing outfield windscreen, two batting cage nets, one portable pitching mound and two L-screen nets.
Chairman’s Update
Mr. Fortner thanked all who attended the meeting and the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of YCS students and employees. He also thanked all the community members who continue to show support to YCS.
Informational Items
MHHS Graduation Ceremonies will be held Friday, May 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
There will be a Micaville Celebration on Thursday, May 29, 2025. 5th Grade Ceremony will be 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. and the Celebration will be 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, June 23, 2025 at the YCS District Office. Work Session will begin at 5:30 pm, Regular session will begin at 6:00 pm.
The Year-End Fiscal meeting will be Monday, June 30, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.
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.
