(New: Public comment added)
The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the gymnasium of Burnsville Elementary School on Monday, September 18, 2023.
Schematic Design Documents
Architects Aubrie Donnellan and Josh Czerniak presented design proposals for the additions at Blue Ridge Elementary and Burnsville Elementary schools. These designs included general floor plans for each addition along with an estimated budget for each project. The Board unanimously approved these documents so the architects will now move forward with more in depth design details.
Low Voltage, AV and Security Design for BRES/BES
Ms. Donnellan then presented a proposal from the engineer to design the low voltage, audio video and security systems for the two additions. The alternative would be for YCS to hire their own engineer to design these systems instead of one provided through McMillan Pazdan Smith architect firm. The Board voted unanimously to accept the proposal presented by MPS.
Clearmont Elementary School Update
Superintendent Kathy Amos reported that realtor John Webb had brought forward an offer from a potential buyer. However, the interested party has requested more time to gather information. Mr. Webb will present any further updates to the Board as they become available.
BRES/BES/CRMS Contract
Mrs. Amos reported that Attorney Donny Laws will meet with MPS to further discuss details of the contract for these three projects.
Orr Building Expansion Update
Mrs. Amos reported that Mr. Laws is working with Sam Young to finalize details of the contract. She stated that the hope is to break ground in the Spring for this building. The 6,000 sq ft beside the current Orr Building will allow Cynthia Deyton, CTE Director, to move the carpentry, heavy equipment and electrical classes into the new addition.
STES Phone and Intercom System
Mrs. Amos stated that YCS is allowed to allocate state grant funds to purchase a new phone and intercom system at South Toe Elementary. The Board unanimously approved the funding to be used for this system replacement.
Advance Ag Barn Update
Mrs. Amos reported that YCS is working on a large grant for the building of a barn to house the Animal Science needs. The grant requires a match between 15-30% depending on many factors. The estimated cost of this match for YCS would be up to $150,000 depending on the grant request and amount awarded. The Board unanimously voted to authorize Mrs. Amos to move forward with pursuing this grant, meeting the match requirements and approving studies, designs and plans to begin for the groundwork on the grant. The Board approved $20,000-$60,000 to begin the process and the funds would go towards the match requirement.
Update on MHHS Stadium – Seating and ADA Work
Mr. Derek Murphy reported that the survey started today and the finished report should be received by the end of September.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Students from BES, Oliver Laws, Catalina Melecio, Bryson Leehr, Aubree Potter and Karla Herrera led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
CFWNC Early Childhood Development Grant
Mrs. Amos reported that YCS had received a grant from CFWNC in the amount of $27,565 to assist with autistic children in PreK. She thanked Mrs. Andrea Allen for all of her work in obtaining and implementing this grant.
Ms. Shannon Oesch
Mrs. Amos recognized Ms. Shannon Oesch for being selected to participate in the NC Energy Literacy Fellows Program. This is a year-long professional development program in which Ms. Oesch will learn about topics ranging from electricity generation by conventional and renewable energy sources (including the acquisition, management and use of each energy source) to energy storage.
Superintendent Updates
Thank You to All Students and Teachers for YCS Test Scores
Mrs. Amos took a moment to thank all of the YCS students and teachers for their hard work last school year. She stated that she is extremely proud of YCS’s test scores and the fact that YCS does not have any low performing schools. Mrs. Amos commended Principal Melanie Bennett for her work and dedication to bring Micaville Elementary up from a school grade of D to C, Dr. Laws and South Toe Elementary moved from a C to a B and Principal Rebecca Fox and CRMS moved from a C to a B. Each school will be recognized at the October Board meeting for their outstanding academic achievement.
Completion of the Science of Reading Professional Development
Mrs. Amos recognized the elementary teachers and administrators for completing the Science of Reading professional development with NCDPI and stated that this will continue to help students grow in reading.
Grants for Drones
Mrs. Amos reported that her team is exploring grant opportunities for drones to be used in the Flight & Space Course in Middle School Project Lead the Way classes as well as aviation classes.
Curriculum Update
Mrs. Amos reported that the elementary after-school program starts on September 19. She thanked the School Board and the County Commissioners for contributing to the funding for this program.
Mrs. Amos stated they are also exploring means to expand the PreK program in the future. Also, a visitor from DPI is coming to view the CTE program at MHHS.
NC Parents Bill of Rights
Updates have been posted on the YCS website and policies are being updated to reflect the guidance. Mrs. Amos stated that YCS welcomes parental involvement. NCDPI will release more information in January 2024.
Ongoing Capital Projects
Mrs. Amos reported that YCS will have a total of eight construction and renovation projects working over the summer of 2024 and into the summer of 2025. There will be work happening at South Toe Elementary, East Yancey and Cane River Middle Schools, the Orr Building expansion, animal science barn and stadium updates at Mountain Heritage High School, and additions at Blue Ridge and Burnsville Elementary.
MHHS Cougar 5 Time
Mrs. Amos shared a packet with the Board that detailed the Cougar 5 Time. This is a time for students to explore areas of interest that are not available through the regular curriculum. Students will choose one course that will meet 4 times in the Fall. They will choose a different course in the Spring.
MHHS Homecoming Week
Homecoming at MHHS will be September 29, 2023. There will be many activities and themed days for the students to participate in during this week.
New Business
SRO Trauma Packs
The Board voted unanimously to pay for half of the cost for each SRO to receive a trauma pack. These will be at each school in the event of a large-scale emergency.
2024-25 YCS Instructional Calendar
The Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed start and end dates for the 2024-25 school year. These must be submitted for approval to NCDPI to receive the weather waiver. The start date will be August 19, 2024 and the end date will be May 23, 2025.
Public Input
Elizabeth Boulter, Jane Willig, and Kim Higgins spoke. Kim Higgins comment at meeting: The-Other-Side-of-Education-Kim-Higgins
Informational Items
The next regular meeting of the school board will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023 in the gymnasium of Cane River Middle School. Work Session will begin at 5:30 pm, followed by the Regular Meeting at 6:00 pm.
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.
