(Press release)
The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the Board Room of the YCS District Office on Monday, July 21, 2025.
Wells at EYMS, BES and BRES
Mr. Robinson reported that it has been determined the well at EYMS is suitable for use. He has received a quote from Alpha Energy Solutions regarding the well at EYMS. It would require a 7,750 gallon above ground pressure tank that would need a concrete pad to sit on with a shelter from the elements. Alpha Energy also recommended that the project be engineered to meet all code requirements.
At BRES, the county has planned on digging test wells to begin in the next few weeks per a previous agreement with the county. There were questions about the old well at CRMS and Mr. Robinson reported the information he had available.
RFQ Evaluation for Hurricane Helene Fund Renovations
Mr. Fortner reported that these evaluations are not yet complete but the construction committee will bring forth a recommendation by the next Board meeting.
Resilient Trails Network Request
Mr. Daron Williams and Mrs. Shannon Oesch presented a proposal from the Resilient Trails Network to build trails on the MHHS property. The trails would have multiple uses on the campus for hiking, cross country practice and meets, and mountain biking. This grant application requires permission from the landowner to access the property. The Board voted unanimously to approve this request.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mr. Wade Dahlberg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
WNC Bridge Foundation 2025 IMPACT Grant
Mrs. Amos reported that MHHS has received an IMPACT grant for $49,500. The funds will be used for tutors in the coming school year.
Lowes $2,000 Gift Card to MHHS Carpentry Class
Mrs. Amos reported that although YCS did not receive the Lowes grant they had applied for, the MHHS Carpentry Class was awarded a $2,000 gift card from Lowes to use for class materials.
Superintendent Updates
YCS Federal Funds
Mrs. Amos reported that the federal Title 1 and Title IV-B After School program funds have been released to the states. Other federal funding is still frozen at this time.
NC Infinite Campus and Charges
Mrs. Amos reported that Mrs. Sonya Wheat, Mrs. Andrea Allen and her team have been working diligently to move the student information system over to Infinite Campus. There have been some unexpected charges to implement various features of the system.
SB 375 Harrison’s Law
Mrs. Amos reported that this new law provides stricter consequences for hazing and allows no room for tolerance on school property or within athletic teams. Part of this law also requires the posting of Central Office employee salaries. Mrs. Amos stated that her team is working to complete this requirement.
HB 959/PLS Policy 4318
Mrs. Amos reported that this law places new requirements regarding students’ use of wireless devices at school. The team is working with legal counsel to revise the current YCS policy in order to comply with the new state law.
New Business
Resolution to Close Micaville Elementary School
Mr. Fortner presented the resolution to Close Micaville Elementary School as required by NCDPI. The Board voted unanimously to approve this resolution.
Blue Ridge Elementary School Change Order
The documents have not yet been submitted so no action was necessary.
Public Input
None
Chairman’s Update
Mr. Fortner expressed his happiness for all of the improvements taking place in Yancey County Schools and thanked all involved for their participation.
Informational Items
The Summer Administrators Retreat will be July 22-23, 2025.
There will be a special meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at the YCS District Office at 7:00 a.m.
The YCS Employee Lunch will be at MHHS on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
The first day of school will be Monday, August 18, 2025.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, August 18, 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.
