The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the Gymnasium of East Yancey Middle School on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Barn Update
Mr. Steve Robinson reported that the property line in question does belong to YCS so no request for an easement is necessary. Mr. Jacob Benson from Harper General Contractors presented an updated proposal to the Board with an increased greatest maximum price. Mr. Fortner stressed the importance of completing this project within the timeline required by the grant. Mr. Benson assured the Board that the barn would be ready within the timeline specified in the contract. The Board moved to table this discussion until the following day during the budget meeting.
CTE Building Expansion
Mr. Robinson informed the Board the under slab electrical and plumbing is complete and the gravel has been placed and compacted in preparation for concrete. The concrete is scheduled to be poured in one week.
BRES Wells
Mr. Robinson reported there has been no movement on this item. The county is still exploring options.
MHHS Stadium Update
Mr. Steve Parks reported that the ADA viewing platform and accessible ramp have been redesigned to meet DPI requirements. Mr. Parks also reported that the construction of new ADA compliant bathrooms have been removed from the scope of work at this time due to the redesigned ramp and viewing platform. The new plans will be submitted to DPI for approval. Work on Phase I of the stadium will continue this summer.
Hurricane Relief CMAR Process Update
Mrs. Amos reported that the Board will interview three companies on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mr. Cody Whitson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
Dacolby McGee
MHHS student Dacolby McGee spoke about his recently published book The Nonbeliever. He also shared his own academic struggles. The book encourages all people to persevere through hardships and give them hope for success in the future.
MHHS Wrestling
Mrs. Amos recognized the following students for competing at the 3A Regionals: Bodhi Glover – 100 Career Wins, Advanced to State, Mattias Kelley, Max Frazier, Mason Cook. Mrs. Amos also thanked Coach Joe Bomar for his work with these athletes.
Elementary Therapist with MCHP
Mrs. Kristin Buchanan introduced Haley Anderson, a therapist with MCHP. Ms. Anderson will be serving students at all three elementary schools.
WLOS Thanks to Teachers
Mrs. Amos congratulated Mrs. Jennifer Bruce for being recognized on the WLOS Thanks to Teachers spotlight. Mrs. Bruce is the pre-K teacher at Blue Ridge Elementary School.
National Board Certification
Mrs. Amos congratulated the following teachers on receiving or renewing their National Board Certification.
- Newly Certified:
- Karen Stevens (CRMS)
- Danielle Cripps (BES)
- Angela Melton (BRES)
- Renewed:
- Eric Cedergren (AIG)
- April Woody (EYMS)
- Victoria Hensley (CRMS)
- Samantha Anderson (STES)
Dr. Heather M. Cox Completed NCSSA Program
Mrs.Amos congratulated Dr. Heather M. Cox on completing the Aspiring Superintendents’ Program through the NC School Superintendents’ Association.
Donny Laws Retirement
Mr. Edwin Fortner read the following statement:
“Tonight, the Board honors Mr. Donny J. Laws for his dedicated service to Yancey County Schools. He has announced his retirement as the district’s legal counsel at the end of the 2025–26 school year.
Mr. Laws began serving YCS in 1991. Over the past 35 years, he has guided the district through many significant events, including six superintendent transitions and numerous matters involving personnel, policy, and student matters.
He has also provided counsel on major facilities projects, including construction of the new Burnsville Elementary School; additions to media and health centers at both middle schools; renovations at South Toe, Burnsville, Blue Ridge, Cane River, and East Yancey; and the recent purchase of property for a new elementary school.
During challenging times, Mr. Laws’s leadership proved invaluable. His guidance during COVID-19 helped the Board and Mrs. Amos lead with clarity and allowed Yancey County Schools to be among the first to welcome students back to the classroom.
Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Mr. Laws was a steady presence at Blue Ridge Elementary’s shelter, working tirelessly to support the community during one of its most difficult periods.
On behalf of the Board of Education, I extend sincere appreciation to Mr. Laws and wish him a happy and fulfilling retirement. The Board will move forward with Campbell & Shatley for its legal services.
In light of Mr. Laws’s retirement, the Board of Education has chosen to continue their relationship with Campbell Shatley law firm based in Asheville, NC. They have assisted the district for several years with various needs. The Board will primarily be represented at meetings by Chris Campbell or John Henning, however, the entire firm will engage with YCS as needed. Established in 2009, the Campbell Shatley firm has extensive experience in educational law as well as real estate and business law. We believe their dedicated team of attorneys will continue to provide sound legal advice and guidance to the Board of Education.”
Hurricane Helene Response
Mrs. Amos thanked the following people and groups for their amazing work at EYMS in the days after Hurricane Helene: Ella Byland, Lia Byland, Nora Byland, William Byland, Stephanie Byland, Jasmine Coronado, Jacob Deyton, April Woody, Samantha Duncan, Britt Burleson, Michelle Geouge, Leigh Davis, Kateah Sapp, Lynsy Hollifield, Casey Davis, Jessica Duncan, Jenny Martin, Leslie Hilliard, Chris Brocci, Wade & Amy Shehan, Hannah Presnell, Cindy Tipton, Jeremy Wilson, Aaron Young, Patti McLean, Salvador Melecio, Doug Thomas, Beryl Carroll, Monica Robison, Scott Mclean, Juli McCall, Hog Tied Inc, Savage Santa, Tracy Stebbeds, Holland Crane, Nate Lueders
Superintendent Updates
GearUp 3.0 Grant and Partnership with AppState
Mrs. Amos congratulated Mrs. Gail Branton and Dr. Cox on receiving the GearUp 3.0 grant and continued partnership with AppState.
Teacher Retention
Mrs. Amos reported that Yancey County Schools is ranked #2 in NC for teacher retention with a rate of 5.3%. She commended all employees for making YCS a great place to work.
BRES Playground
Mrs. Amos reported that Blue Ridge Elementary School will receive new playground equipment thanks to the Belk Endowment and their $200,000 donation. The playground should be ready for the students after Spring Break.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration
Mrs. Amos reported that Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration will be Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Activities at the Town Center will be 12:30-3:00 p.m. and registration will be at the elementary schools 3:30-6:00 p.m.
New Business
School Board Resolution for Meeting Dates and Locations
Mr. Fortner presented a resolution to the Board that lists the regular meeting dates and locations through June 2027. There was no discussion. The Board unanimously approved this resolution and meeting schedule as presented.
Discussion on Property Purchase
Mr. Randolph proposed three options for the $25 million allocated to YCS from the General Assembly. He moved to approve Option #3 which included purchasing the Avondale property to build an elementary school that would consolidate South Toe Elementary into Burnsville Elementary and redistribute some students at Burnsville to the new school. There was lengthy discussion which resulted in no second to Mr. Randolph’s motion.
Beginning Teacher Support Plan
Mrs. Margie Stebbeds presented the 2026 Beginning Teacher Support Plan for the Board’s approval. There was little discussion and the Board unanimously approved the plan as presented.
Public Input
Dawn Silver and Emily Frauenfelder spoke.
Informational Items
The Board of Education will hold a special meeting on Friday, March 27, 2026 in the Superintendent’s Office at 8:00 a.m. to review the budget and conduct interviews for a Construction Manager at Risk.
YCS will dismiss early on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Spring Break will be April 6-10, 2026.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration will be Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Activities at the Town Center will be 12:30-3:00 p.m. and registration will be at the elementary schools 3:30-6:00 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, April 20, 2026 at Cane River 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.