The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the Gymnasium of Blue Ridge Elementary School on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Wells at CRMS, BRES, EYMS, BES
Mr. Steve Robinson reported that the well at CRMS is workable and ready for use once the water is treated. The wells at EYMS and BES are being evaluated to determine the classification of private or public usage. The status of the wells at BRES remains the same and the county is exploring the options regarding next steps.
Barn and Arena
Mr. Robinson informed the Board that he is working with the new project manager from Harper to determine next steps moving forward. Mrs. Amos will arrange a meeting with Harper regarding the fire lane requirements.
MHHS Stadium
Mr. Robinson reported that the curbs should be poured this week and paving of the parking area will start as soon as the weather permits. Mr. Steve Parks is working with DPI to get the plans approved for the ramp and parking lot separately to keep the project moving forward.
CTE Building Expansion
Mr. Robinson reported that this project is progressing well with underground electrical and plumbing being installed this week. They are also continuing work on the catch basin for water runoff.
RFQ for Architecture Services for New Elementary School
Mrs. Amos informed the Board that the FEMA process is still ongoing regarding reimbursement for the loss of Micaville and Clearmont schools. The plan presented to FEMA was to build a new elementary school with funds received. In order to show that YCS is moving toward that goal, Mrs. Amos requested that the Board approve an RFQ to be prepared for Architecture Services for a New Elementary School. Mr. Dahlberg requested that the RFQ specify a clear scope of work and require a pre-bid meeting. There was lengthy discussion regarding the usage of these funds as well as funds appropriated to YCS by the General Assembly. At the end of the discussion, the Board approved the preparation of an RFQ for Architecture Services for New Elementary School with a 4-1 vote. Mr. Randolph voted against the request.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mr. Wade Dahlberg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
Love the Bus Month
Mrs. Amos thanked all bus drivers, monitors, bus subs and the Transportation team for diligent work in ensuring students are transported to and from school safely.
CTE Month
Mrs. Amos recognized CTE Director Cynthia Deyton as part of CTE Month. Mrs. Amos also congratulated Mrs. Deyton and her team for ranking #7 in NC for credential attainment rate. The YCS CTE department has ranked in the top 10 in NC for the past several years, spending two of those years at #1.
NCDPI CTE Homebuilding Grant
Mrs. Amos also congratulated Mrs. Deyton and Mr. Robert Branch for obtaining a $18,000 Homebuilding grant from NCDPI. This grant will help the carpentry program continue to build tiny homes for those who lost their homes during Hurricane Helene.
MHHS Swim Team
Mrs. Amos congratulated the following members of the MHHS Swim Team for their accomplishments:
- Vari Yumagulova – WHC Female Athlete of the Year, WHC All Conference, 1st Place 100 yard Breaststroke, 2nd Place 200 Yard IM
- Emma Feldman – 3rd Place 100 Yard Backstroke, 5th Place 50 Yard Freestyle
- Oscar North – 3rd Place 50 Yard Freestyle, 5th Place 100 Yard Freestyle
Coach Beth Dalton also presented each swimmer a certificate from the NC High School Athletic Association for participating in the State Tournament where Vari Yumagulova finished 20th in the 200 Yard IM and 12th in the 100 Yard Breaststroke.
PreK Grant for Teacher and TA Bonus
Mrs. Amos congratulated Mrs. Andrea Allen for securing a Pre-K grant that will be distributed as a bonus to Pre-K teachers and teacher assistants for their work during Hurricane Helene. Thank you to Dogwood Health Trust and Jennifer Simpson with Blue Ridge Partnership for Children for their outstanding community partnership.
NC Education Lottery Film at EYMS
Mrs.Amos congratulated Mr. William Byland and his staff for the upcoming NC Lottery film to be produced at EYMS to highlight the renovations.
Academic Growth Awards
Dr. Heather Cox congratulated Mrs. Melanie Bennett and Mr. William Byland on their schools achieving projected growth for the 2024-25 school year. Not an easy task considering we missed a considerable amount of school days due to Hurricane Helene, infrastructure and renovation disruptions and winter weather. We appreciate our teachers and their commitment to our students’ success.
Superintendent Updates
Professional Development
Mrs. Amos reported that STEM West had recently provided professional development to YCS teachers that included coding Finch robots, LEGO Spike Prime kits and Hands-On Math.
Mountain Heritage Fall Test Scores
Mrs. Amos congratulated Mr. Daron Williams and his teachers for excellent fall test scores.
March 3, 2026 Primary Election
Mrs. Amos informed the Board that the Blue Ridge Elementary gym will be used in the upcoming primary election. Due to this, Blue Ridge Elementary will have a Remote Learning Day on March 3, 2026. All other schools will operate on a regular schedule.
Thank You to Cynthia Deyton
Mrs. Amos thanked Mrs. Cynthia Deyton for her work in researching and assembling an Aviation curriculum for MHHS.
New Business
Aviation Curriculum
Mrs. Cynthia Deyton presented the Aviation curriculum to the Board for approval. There was lengthy discussion regarding the capacity for each course, the difference in the two sets of classes and options in each. At the end of discussion, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Aviation curriculum for the 2025-26 school year. Students will be the first in western North Carolina to build an airplane with the Tango Flight program. Students will be learning about aviation mechanics, engineering and preparing for careers in the aviation field. A special thank you to School Board member Will Hensley and Steve Holz of the Mountain Air Pilots Association for their commitment to this new program.
Audit Contract 2026
Mrs. Amos presented the 2026 Audit Contract on behalf of Mrs. Kim Bennett for the Board’s approval. This contract would continue using Anderson Smith & Wike as auditors for YCS. The Board voted unanimously to approve this contract.
Temporary Right of Way Request
Mr. Fortner informed the Board that a neighboring property owner has requested temporary right of way access at the new YCS property. The Board voted unanimously to authorize Mr. Laws to draft this agreement.
Camp Fun Shine Request for Facilities Use
Mr. Fortner informed the Board that the organizers of Camp FunShine have requested to use the pond on the new property for fishing. The camp will provide proper supervision and stock the pond. The Board was in agreement with this facility usage.
Public Input
None
Chairman’s Update
Mr. Fortner thanked each person in YCS that works hard to keep the system running. Mr. Dahlberg echoed Mr. Fortner’s remarks and stated he was happy to advocate for the needs of YCS because of the success made possible by faculty and staff.
Informational Items
The Board of Education will hold a joint special meeting with the County Commissioners on Thursday, March 12, 2026 in the Burnsville Elementary Media Center at 6:00 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, March 16, 2026 at East Yancey Middle. 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.