The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the Gymnasium of South Toe Elementary School on Monday, September 15, 2025.
Construction Updates
Mr. Steve Robinson informed the Board his team is searching for a suitable county-wide storage area. For BRES, Mr. Robinson has met with various HVAC representatives to find a solution for the current issues with the cooling tower. He has also met with the county fire marshall and building inspector to ensure smoke detectors and panels are current at all school buildings.
Mr. Dahlberg inquired about the restroom floors at STES and humidity issues at EYMS. Mr. Robinson stated that he is working with Harper GC on the humidity levels and has received a cleaning product to remedy the tile discoloration in the restrooms.
Well Update
Mr. Robinson reported that MPS has consulted with ECS regarding the wells. ECS has requested the state requirements for school wells and will work with attorney Donny Laws to ensure compliance. Mr. Robinson informed the Board that there is already a pump house for the well at CRMS. Some repairs are needed to the pump house but he is optimistic that it will be suitable for use afterward.
Stadium Update
Mr. Robinson reported that Tri-County Construction has finished the gravel on the parking platform and is now awaiting blueprints from Mr. Steve Parks in order to move forward. Mr. Robinson also reported that security lights have been repaired and additional lights installed on the access road down to the football/soccer field.
Hurricane Relief Fund Renovations
Mrs. Kim Bennett reported that she is working with MPS to put out the RFP’s for the work needed on these projects.
BES Change Orders
Mrs. Bennett presented two change orders to the Board for BES. The first change order was for an extended canopy at the drop off/pick up area. The second change order was for bathroom renovations in the existing building. The Board approved both of these change orders unanimously.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Mr. Will Hensley led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
Furniture Donation
Mrs. Amos reported that a large furniture donation had been made to YCS. Mrs. Amos congratulated Dr. Heather Cox on her work in getting the furniture selected and will share photos with the public once it has arrived.
Bus Radios
Mrs. Amos congratulated Mr. Derek Murphy and Mr. Robert Branch on receiving funds for new bus radios in order to improve communication while driving throughout the county.
Braves Park Foundation
Mrs. Amos congratulated Mr. Daron Williams, Mr. Franklin Cox and Mrs. Kristin Buchanan for working with the Braves Park Foundation to receive funds for needed repairs and supplies to the high school baseball and softball fields. The ceremony to unveil the improvements will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
MHHS Carpentry Program
Mrs. Amos congratulated Mrs. Cynthia Deyton and Mr. Jeremy Dotts on receiving $40,000 from the Home Builders Association to continue building tiny homes for displaced families.
IT Professionals Appreciation
Mrs. Amos informed the Board that Tuesday, September 16th is IT professionals appreciation day. She thanked Mrs. Sonya Wheat, Mr. Eddie Laws and Mr. Cleve Fox for their tireless efforts.
Hurricane Helene Response
Mrs. Amos thanked the following people and groups for their amazing work at STES in the days after Hurricane Helene: Julia Silvers, Carla McMahan, Kristin Buchanan, South Toe Fire Department, Churches, Youth Groups, Student Athletes, Tina Haney, Marsha Bartlett, Ric Cedergren, Greg & Kai Stella, Michael, Aleisha & Micaiah Silvers, Cherith & Levi Murdock, Lucia & Clay Parker, Loy McWhirter, Jeremy & Donna Sink, Charles & Carolyn Carroll, Susan & Chris Sigmon, Jeanie Jones, Barry & Robin Johnson, Jake & Kalie Ollis, Patrick & Danielle Parker, Derrick & Tara Graybeal, Mark & Jerry Haney, Zack Davis, Chaleigh Loftis, Caydeigh Loftis, Nikki Loftis, Lucy Lodge, Dustin & Brinkley Turner, Heidi Alexander, Yvonne & John Hardin, Brandy Crain, Sherry Hales, Beverly Matthews, Jerry Tindal, April Whitaker, Sallie Senseney, Robyn Lance, Jeremy Wilson, Jamie Duncan, Tony Caldwell, Joseph Lovings, Fran Hill, Helicopter Crew, National Guard
Superintendent Updates
U.S. News & World Report
Mrs. Amos reported that MHHS has been ranked #118 in NC out of over 600 high schools and early colleges. This ranking is based on AP exams, graduation rates, and math, reading and science proficiency. She congratulated Mr. Daron Williams and his staff on this news.
Aviation Plans
Mrs. Amos reported that she, Mrs. Cynthia Deyton and Mr. Daron Williams had visited the high school aviation program in High Point. The trip was informative and Mrs. Deyton is working on a curriculum for the aviation classes at MHHS to begin soon.
NCDPI 2025-2030 Strategic Plan
Mrs. Amos highlighted the strategic plan put forward by State Superintendent Mo Green. There are eight pillars in the plan: Prepare Each Student for Their Next Phase in Life, Revere Public School Educators, Enhance Parent, Caregiver and Community Support, Ensure Healthy, Safe and Secure Learning Environments, Optimize Operational Excellence, Lead Transformative Change, Celebrate the Excellence in Public Education, and Galvanize Champions to Fully Invest in and Support Public Education
NC Needs Based Grant
Mrs. Amos thanked Mr. Fortner for signing this grant application for a total of $65 million. These funds would be used at MHHS for repairs, renovations and possible additions to the current facility. Mrs. Amos also thanked the County Commissioners for their partnership in the required 5% match if YCS is awarded this grant.
New Business
Testing and Accountability Results
Dr. Heather Cox presented the testing and accountability results for the 2024-25 school year. There were several continued bright spots in the testing data. Dr. Cox pointed out that YCS had missed the most instructional time in the area due to Hurricane Helene, winter weather and infrastructure disruptions. These scores are viewed as a baseline to continue seeing improvement.
Salary Study
Mr. Fortner stated that the Board had requested a salary study for non-certified employees last year. The results of the study were presented to the Board in the spring and they have been working on a plan to successfully implement the recommendations in a fiscally responsible manner. The Board voted unanimously to approve the salary study as presented.
Public Input
None
Groundbreaking Ceremonies & Chairman’s Update
Mr. Fortner shared that the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Ag Barn and the CTE Expansion Building had been successful. He thanked everyone who had worked to see these monumental achievements take place. Mr. Fortner stated his optimism for the future of YCS.
Informational Items
MHHS Homecoming will be Friday, October 3, 2025. The game starts at 7:30 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, October 20, 2025 at Blue Ridge Elementary School. Work Session will begin at 5:30 p.m., Regular session will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 23, 2025 will be a half day for students with Parent/Teacher Conferences taking place at each school 1:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 24, 2025 will be a Teacher Workday, No School for Students.
There will be Trick or Treating on the Square on Friday, October 31, 2025, 4:00 – 6:30 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.
