The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the boardroom of the Yancey County District Office on Monday, August 21, 2023.
Clearmont Elementary School Letters of Intent
Realtor John Webb presented the Board with two letters of intent for the purchase of the Clearmont Elementary School property. After discussion the Board voted to pursue the offer from the Beauchamp family with the need to clarify a specific closing date. The Board also authorized Mr. Webb to accept a due diligence period of no more than 120 days and a closing date of no more than 30 days after the examination period. Once these terms are confirmed, YCS will move into the upset bid process.
CRMS Roof Projects
Mr. Wes Presnell presented the Board with 3 responses for the re-roofing project at CRMS. After discussion, the Board voted unanimously to accept the proposals submitted by Johnson Roofing Concepts, Inc as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder.
ESSER Carpeting and EYMS Doors
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Heather Cox reported that the district has used ESSER funds to replace carpeting at MHHS in the media center, mobile units, auditorium, chorus room and band room as well as hard flooring in the office and the downstairs of the main building. The carpeting in the media centers at CRMS and EYMS was also replaced. Burnsville Elementary received hard flooring in the office area and new carpet in the media center. Finally, Micaville Elementary received new carpet to replace all the areas that are currently carpeted. Federal safety funds were used to replace the exterior doors at EYMS with more secure doors. Dr. Cox reported that she intends to apply for these funds again this school year to replace the doors at CRMS as well.
Mountain Heritage Stadium Update & Seating
Mr. Wes Presnell reported that Stan Cook will be engineering the project. The current topographical survey required by the engineer encompasses the area up to the press box, however, an additional survey is needed to cover the area from the press box down to the fieldhouse. This survey will also be used when the home side stadium seating is replaced next year.
Mr. Presnell also reported that tree removal is continuing to progress at the stadium and on the road down to the lower parking lot. The trees were posing more of a falling hazard as they grew taller and more susceptible to wind. More manageable foliage will be planted in the spring once the work is complete.
Ag Barn
Superintendent Kathy Amos reported that YCS is still actively seeking grants to contribute to the cost of the Ag Barn and the associated costs. She will continue to update the Board when new information is available.
Contract for the Owner/Architect Agreement for BRES/BES/CRMS
Mrs. Amos reported that she has met with the architects and will work with attorney Donny Laws to begin these contracts. She stated that she hopes to have the bids go out this Fall so that work can begin in Spring 2024.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mr. Wade Dahlberg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
Mtn Air Community Foundation Grant
Mrs. Amos reported that Mtn Air has provided $3,005 for the purchase of band instruments at the middle and high schools. She also stated her appreciation of their partnership with YCS.
School Bus Lighting
Mrs. Amos reported that Mr. Derek Murphy received a safety grant to install extra lighting on all of the buses. This will help the buses be more visible in fog and early mornings.
Community Partners
Mrs. Amos stated her appreciation for all of the businesses and organizations that have contributed to Yancey County Schools. The list included: Glen Raven, Altec, Sibelco, Dogwood Health Trust, Yancey Community Foundation, Mt. Mitchell Community Foundation, Mountain Air, NCSECU, Local Small Business Partners, Yancey County Chamber, Smoky Ridge Health & Rehabilitation, Pig & Grits, Quartz Corp, PATH, Yancey County Sheriff’s Office and Yancey County Commissioners.
Superintendent Updates
1st Day of School
Mrs. Amos reported that the first day of school had gone very well throughout the county. She thanked all of the teachers, principals and support staff for their hard work and positivity in getting everything ready and greeting the students warmly.
MHHS Electrical Classes
Mrs. Amos stated that Electrical Classes have started this semester in partnership with French Broad Electric Company. These classes will continue to grow as the expansion of the CTE building is completed.
EYMS/STES Updates
Mrs. Amos commended the maintenance team and the staff at STES for working diligently to clean up from renovations and prepare the school for open house and the first day of school. The roof at EYMS is complete and the remainder of the work is planned to be completed next summer.
New Business
2023-24 YCS Title I Plan
Dr. Cox presented the Title 1 plan for the school year. She listed out the different types of funding and how the money is allocated within each category.
Public Input
None
Informational Items
LEAD Training at WRESA for School Board & Superintendents will be Thursday, September 7 from 11a.m. to 2p.m.
The next regular meeting of the school board will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023 in the gymnasium of Burnsville Elementary School. Work Session will begin at 5:30 pm, followed by the Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm.
MHHS Homecoming Football game versus Owen will be September 29 beginning at 7:30p.m.
PUBLIC INPUT – To sign up for public input, please call 828-682-6101 ext. 102 by 3:00 pm on the day of the meeting. A sign-up sheet will also be available in the gym of the Burnsville Elementary School from 4:00-5:50 pm prior to the meeting.
