The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the Gymnasium of Blue Ridge Elementary School on Monday, October 20, 2025.
Construction Updates
Mr. Steve Robinson reported that the placement of the CTE Expansion building is being evaluated to determine the best location as related to soil compaction. The building package will be delivered in November.
At EYMS & STES, the punch list items continue to be worked through. At CRMS, the block for the new dugout has been laid and framing for the new roof. At MHHS, the new flooring has been installed in the JROTC area.
There will be a meeting on Wednesday, October 22nd to find a solution for the HVAC issues at EYMS. Mr. Fortner stated his desire to see this matter resolved quickly.
Well and Industrial Generators Update
Mr. Robinson reported the well pump house at CRMS has been rewired with new lighting and a new pump. The initial depth test looks good and a holding tank is recommended in order to have a sufficient amount of water for emergency use.
Mr. Robinson stated that he has been researching the price of industrial generators for the schools. He will continue to evaluate the appropriate size each school would need in the event of a power outage.
Stadium Update
Mr. Robinson reported box drains and curbing will be placed next week. After this, paving can be completed.
Hurricane Helene Repair Projects
Mrs. Kim Bennett reported that she had received a cost breakdown per project from McMillan Pazdan Smith for the various Hurricane Helene repair projects. She will continue working with MPS to ensure this work is put out to bid.
BRES Change Order
Mrs. Kim Bennett reported the change order for Burnsville Elementary was not yet ready for approval, however, there was a current change order for Blue Ridge Elementary that would come out of the owner allowance. The Board reviewed the change order and it was unanimously approved.
New Property
Mr. Fortner stated that the Board is continuing to evaluate use for the new property and is optimistic about the potential to build a new elementary school which will lower class size across the district.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mr. Wade Dahlberg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
MHHS Forestry Team
Mrs. Amos recognized the following students for placing 3rd in the regional competition in which students competed in four categories. The tasks involved estimating the amount of board feet in a selected number of trees, orienting distance and direction, identifying 20 different tree species and 20 different forestry tools. The students were Garrett Hill, Emma Feldman, Kaylee Buchanan, and Chayan Capellupo. Emma Feldman placed 1st out of 44 participants with a score of 376 points out of a possible 400 points.
Mercy Chefs and George Shinn Foundation
Mrs. Amos thanked the Mercy Chefs and George Shinn Foundation for the event at MHHS last month. Mr. Daron Williams reported that they provided 2,300 meals to Yancey County families as well as some home goods and appliances.
Braves Park Project Together with Truist
Mrs. Amos congratulated Mrs. Kristin Buchanan, Mr. Daron Williams and Mr. Franklin Cox on working with the Braves Park Project team to obtain repairs and upgrades to the MHHS baseball and softball fields.
Jim Swaim Recognition
Mrs. Amos recognized Mr. Jim Swaim, founder of the Pillars non-profit organization that partners with the MHHS carpentry class to build homes. Mr. Swaim has served as president of Pillars since its inception and is now retiring. Mrs. Amos thanked Mr. Swaim for his valuable contributions to the students of YCS.
YCS Principal of the Year
Mrs. Amos announced that October is principal appreciation month and thanked them for their leadership. She also recognized MHHS principal Daron Williams as the YCS Principal of the Year and for the support he provides to our students and teachers every day.
CTE Director Cynthia Deyton
Mrs. Amos congratulated CTE Director Cynthia Deyton for being named Outstanding Workforce Development Board Member for the High Country Council of Governments.
Hurricane Helene Response
Mrs. Amos thanked the following people and groups for their amazing work at BRES in the days after Hurricane Helene: Dr Heather Cox, John & Marie Anglin, Andrea Allen, Shea Laws, Melanie Bennett, Caitlin Barnes, Christel McFarland, Kalee McFarland, Wanda Cooper, Allyson Puckett, Katie Puckett, Andrew Thomas, Carla Keener, Casey Robinson, Blythe Peterson, Kirsten Emmert, Dusty Kurkimilis, Sharleen Wiseman, Audrey Laws, Jayanna Gillespie, Fanny Cappadona, Amanda Anglin, Lisa Hunter, Heather England, Ashley Robinson, Abby Renfro Chapman, Tony McDowell, Josh McDowell, Joe Bouchard, Jim Chapman, Vickie Brown, Sarah Brown, Stacey Greene, Sandi Norton, Mark Ledford, David Grindstaff, Jeff Whitson & Family, Joni Hughes, Julie Letterman, Regina Boothe, Kaylee Blevins, Rebecca Blevins, Donna McClure, Cody Whitson, Wade & Amy Shehan, Donny Laws, Sonya & Chris Morgan, Warren Hughes, Shirley Chandler, Dawn Silver, Michael Cody, Tina Cody, Hope Cody, Raegan Cody, Angie Leach, Teresa Allen, Mikayla Beysher, Vanette Hensley, Connie Richard, Amy McCurry, Lauren Newson, Will & Jessica Hensley, West Yancey Fire Department, Newdale Fire Department, Bald Creek Relief: Lori Denley, Krysten Crabtree (co-Founder), Travis Denley, Maria Yumagulova, TJ Crabtree, John Chaffin, Katie Houser, Matthew Rudd
Superintendent Updates
YCS Disaster Planning Safety Meeting
Mrs. Amos reported that her team had met with local emergency leaders in order to plan for possible future events. Topics discussed include generators, wells, shelters and communication.
NC Needs Based Grant
Mrs. Amos reported that the NC Needs Based Grant has been submitted. A decision is expected in November. The grant proposal includes updates to the CTE Innovation Center, stadium and more secure office area at MHHS.
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
Mrs. Amos reported that parent/teacher conferences are Thursday, October 23rd. Parents are encouraged to log on to the Infinite Campus parent portal in order to stay updated on students’ progress.
New Business
2025 Audit Report
Mr. Adam Scepurek reviewed the 2025 audit report for YCS. He highlighted areas of strength and found the district to be in good financial standing and compliance with regulations.
YCS Retesting Policy
Dr. Heather Cox reported that she has collaborated with administrators to move the retesting window to take place during the school year instead of on workdays after school has dismissed for the summer.
New Career and College Pathway
Dr. Cox reported that due to a change at the state level, community colleges will offer remedial courses for high school students needing to raise their GPA above 2.5. These courses have previously been offered at the high school level with each school having the option to participate or not. Mayland Community College is still working on the details of this program and the collaboration with area high schools.
Panic Doors at MHHS
Dr. Cox requested the Board approve funds to replace panic bars on some doors at MHHS that were not included in the original scope of work for door lock replacements. The funds were approved unanimously.
During Department Updates, Mr. Dahlberg inquired about the purchase of flashing lights at the school zones at STES and BRES/CRMS. After brief discussion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the purchase of these lights.
Public Input
None
Chairman’s Update
Mr. Fortner highlighted the strengths of YCS including increased safety, updated buildings and collaboration with local leaders. YCS has become a desirable destination for surrounding county students and educators.
Informational Items
Thursday, October 23, 2025 will be a half day for students with Parent/Teacher Conferences taking place at each school 1:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 24, 2025 will be a Teacher Workday, No School for Students.
There will be Trick or Treating on the Square on Friday, October 31, 2025, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
There will be no school on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 in observance of Veteran’s Day.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, November 17, 2025 at Burnsville Elementary School. Work Session will begin at 5:30 p.m., Regular session will begin at 6:00 p.m.
PUBLIC INPUT – To sign up for public input, please call 828-682-6101 ext. 102 by 3:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. A sign-up sheet will also be available at the meeting location from 4:00-5:50 p.m. prior to the meeting.
