The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the Board Room of the YCS District Office on Monday, June 23, 2025.
Facility Updates
Mr. Steve Robinson provided the following updates on current facility projects:
BRES – Sprinklers have been installed in the new addition, sheetrock and insulation are going up duct work is nearly complete, and ECS is investigating the storm drain on the access road
CRMS – Asbestos abatement is complete and the new ceiling grid and floors are in progress
MHHS – Tri-County Construction is working on waterproofing the JROTC area and investigating mold remediation. ECS has provided three options to mitigate the landslide at the stadium fieldhouse area: reinforced soil slope, soldier piles and lagging system, or soil nailing.
BES – New construction on schedule, renovations include new ceiling grids and HVAC units, parking lot and access road have been demolished and stone is being reinstalled to prepare for pavement.
EYMS – Asbestos abatement is underway and ceiling grids are being placed.
Wells at EYMS, BES and BRES
Mr. Robinson reported that EYMS would require a 3,000 gallon tank and BES would require a 8,000 gallon tank. Mr. Robinson was advised that a drawdown test was necessary for the old well at EYMS. It will need a pump installed and the water tested to determine if it is still usable. Mrs. Amos requested more complete cost projections for each well at the July meeting so YCS can develop a plan to have these installed.
CTE Building Expansion
Ms. Aubrie Donnellan reported that it will be rebid for a 7 day period.
Barn & Arena Project
Mrs. Amos reported that YCS is moving forward with the barn and arena. The projected start date is September 2025 with a completion date of July 2026.
Stadium Phase 1
Mrs. Amos reported that phase 1 of the Stadium project is in progress. This phase includes handicap parking, ADA ramp, new steps and viewing platforms. Mr. Robinson reported that the damaged turf should be replaced by the end of July.
Property Right of Way Request
Mr. Fortner welcomed citizens that have requested a temporary right of way in order to access their property while a new bridge is being constructed. The projected timeframe for this project is three weeks. After discussion, the Board authorized Mr. Donny Laws to meet with the property owners and execute an agreement for temporary access.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mr. Ronnie Randolph led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
Mountain Air Community Fund
Mrs. Amos announced that YCS has received a grant from the Mountain Air Community Fund for $2,53 to help purchase and service middle school band instruments.
American Music Foundation Network
Mrs. Amos announced the award of the Note of Hope grant from the American Music Foundation Network in the amount of $1,500 to be used for the music program at MHHS.
Laura Bush Foundation
Mrs. Amos announced that Burnsville Elementary has received a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation Library Foundation.
Superintendent Updates
Summer School
Mrs. Amos reported that the first week of summer school went well. The program is currently serving 160 students.
YCS PreK
Mrs. Amos reported the current enrollment numbers for PreK: Burnsville – all 18 slots are filled; Blue Ridge – 15 out of the 18 slots are filled; Mountain Heritage – 9 of the 18 slots are filled. Mrs. Amos encouraged anyone who knew a child that would be 4 years old on or before August 31, 2025 to apply for the PreK program.
YCS Visit to MHHS and MES
Mrs. Amos reported that a philanthropic group visited MHHS and MES last week to see ongoing challenges in recovery from Helene. Mrs. Amos thanked all of the people who helped with the visit as well as those who continue to help advocate for the needs in YCS.
New Business
Burnsville Elementary School Change Order
Ms. Donnellan presented the Board with three options for the fire lane access required by the state Fire Marshall in front of the school at BES. After discussion, the Board unanimously approved the least costly option which included a reinforced concrete curb with a gravel lane.
Blue Ridge Elementary School Change Order
Ms. Donnellan reported that they are still waiting on updated pricing for this change order regarding widening of the bus drive.
Public Input
Carol Lundberg spoke
Chairman’s Update
Mr. Fortner thanked the principals who have continued to work tirelessly especially after Hurricane Helene. Mr. Fortner commended the elementary school principals for successfully incorporating the Micaville Elementary students into their schools and Mrs. Melanie Bennett moving to a new and larger school as principal.
Informational Items
The Year-End Fiscal meeting will be Monday, June 30, 2025 at 7:30 a.m.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, July 21, 2025 at the YCS District Office. Work Session will begin at 5:30 pm, Regular session will begin 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.
