(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 20, 2026.
Stadium Update
Steve Parks reported that he is awaiting feedback from DPI on submitted plans. He recommended that YCS move forward with finishing the parking lot first then move on to the ramp and viewing platform as DPI approves further plans.
BLUM Contract
John Henning reported that his firm is working with BLUM on contract specifications and expects to have it completed soon.
FEMA Project Updates
Amos reported that this progress is still ongoing. Some funds have already been received for repairs and YCS is grateful for those.
Resolution for Design-Build Process
Henning presented a resolution for the Board’s approval that allows for the design-build process to be utilized instead of the standard design bid build method. Henning answered all questions from the Board regarding this process. The Board unanimously approved this resolution including all motions regarding moving ahead with this method for the artificial turf and stadium renovations.
RFQ for Turf
Henning presented the RFQ for the turf along with the Superintendent’s Memo. The Board unanimously approved this memo.
RFQ for Stadium
Henning presented the RFQ for the stadium along with the Superintendent’s Memo. The Board unanimously approved this memo.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Wade Dahlberg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
Transportation Team
Amos recognized Derek Murphy and the transportation team for successfully completing the annual audit and working diligently to complete redistricting tasks including creating new bus routes. Transportation team members: Director Derek Murphy, John Fortner, Doug Deitz, Adam Brewer, and Faith Porter.
2025 National Clearing House Data
Heather Cox presented summaries of the 2025 data from the National Clearing House. This is a comprehensive repository of postsecondary student data. The data tracks retention rates for students that continue in any 2- or 4- year institution nationwide. Cox reported that the retention rate for Yancey County students has risen over the past year.
Superintendent Updates
Office of the Governor Rural Listening Sessions
Amos reported that she attended a rural listening session with the office of the Governor. She is grateful for the opportunity to advocate on behalf of YCS.
Pre-K Numbers Update
Amos reported that there are currently 17 Pre-K slots available. The majority of these slots are free for qualifying families.
Summer School and Summer Camps
Amos reported that summer camps are going well. 139 students are receiving curriculum support in the morning and fun enrichment activities in the afternoon.
CTE Visits
Amos reported that leadership from Henderson County Government and Public Schools had visited the CTE program at MHHS. They were impressed with the homebuilding and carpentry program. U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley also recently visited the program. Amos stated her gratitude for continued interest and support in the program.
New Business
2027-28 Calendar Waiver
Fortner presented the 2027-28 calendar waiver for the Board’s approval. This waiver allows YCS more flexibility with start and end dates due to missed instructional time from inclement weather.
Public Input
Heather Graham, Gray Freeman, Sarah House, Cas Futurell, and Suzanne Gavenus spoke
Chairman’s Update
Fortner welcomed Stephanie Johnson from Rebuilding Hollers. Johnson presented a donation of $40,000 to Kyle McIntosh for the purchase of a truck and trailer that will be used to transport the heavy equipment to jobsites for the students to gain hands-on experience.
Informational Items
Summer Administrators Retreat will be held July 21-22, 2026.
The Board will have a special meeting on Friday, August 7, 2026 at the YCS District Office at 7:30 a.m.
YCS Employee Lunch will be held at MHHS on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Middle & High School Open House will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 from 2:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Elementary Open House will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 2:00 – 6:30 p.m
The first day of school is Monday, August 17, 2026.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, August 17, 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.