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 15, 2026.
Updates on Facilities
Steve Robinson provided updates on the barn and arena project. The retaining wall should be complete within the week as well as footings poured. He is working with French Broad Electric to see electricity connected. He is working with Tri-County construction to gain access to the adjoining cemetery from the concession stand area.
Mowing and Landscaping Bids
Board reviewed bids for mowing and landscaping services. The Board requested more clarification on scope of work and whether these should be approved as a total package or for individual projects. The Board voted unanimously to table this item until the next regular meeting.
Cabinets for BRES Addition
Board reviewed bids for storage cabinets in the Blue Ridge Elementary School addition. There was little discussion and the Board unanimously approved the bid from Heritage Design Center.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Will Hensley led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
Mtn Air Community Foundation
Amos reported that Blue Ridge Elementary had received a grant from the Mtn Air Community Foundation in the amount of $29,800 to purchase a greenhouse, outdoor classroom, shades and turf.
Mtn Air Pilots Association
Amos reported that Mountain Heritage High School had received a grant for $4,400 to be used for curriculum and materials as the new Aviation program takes flight.
Superintendent Updates
Summer School
Amos reported that summer school in the middle and high grades is going well. The elementary summer program will be held in July. Amos thanked all of the teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers and support staff for their dedication to the success of YCS students.
President of Western Region Council
Amos reported that she has been nominated by her peers to serve as president of the Western Region Council and State Superintendent’s Roundtable Committee representative for WNC.
YCS Re-District Plan
Amos thanked Cox, Allen, Murphy and Porter for their work in this process.
NCDPI Best in Nation
Amos shared the recently released Best in Nation data and goals from NC Department of Public Instruction. YCS is starting out well and continues to improve.
YCS Test Score Data Review
Amos thanked Cox and principals for reviewing the data so curriculum adjustments can be made for the upcoming school year. She also thanked teachers and students for continued growth and proficiency amidst many challenges. Incredible gains were made academically due to everyone’s hard work. The official test results will be released in August.
New Business
Child Nutrition Updates
Lynne Deyton shared that YCS will once again be in a position to provide no cost breakfast and lunch for the 2026-27 school year. Deyton also reported that per the district’s cooperative agreement with neighboring counties, YCS will extend the contracts for food and supplies, milk, ice cream, bread, and beverages for the 2026-27 school year.
Public Input
None
Chairman’s Update
Fortner thanked the administrators, staff and community members who have helped make YCS successful and provide opportunities for all students through facility updates and renovations and new programs.
Informational Items
The year-end fiscal meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday, June 30 at the YCS District Office beginning at 7:30 a.m.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, July 20, 2026 at the YCS District Office. 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.