The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the Gymnasium of Burnsville Elementary School on Monday, November 17, 2025.
Ceiling in Outside Stairwell at MHHS
Mr. Steve Robinson reported that the roof on the outside stairwell at MHHS had collapsed. This was due to rain and wind as well as the construction of the roof in this area in 1975. The maintenance team has cleared the debris and assessed the proper solution. Upon inspection of related areas, Mr. Robinson discovered that all outside stairwells and the breezeway are constructed the same and pose similar issues. Mrs. Amos suggested that Mr. Robinson have an engineer assess all areas to determine the cost and method to remedy these areas.
Fencing at EYMS
Mr. Robinson reported he has received pricing from three companies for fencing on the east end of the football/soccer field at EYMS.
French Broad Electric Proposal
Mr. Fortner reported that he and Mr. Hensley had met with representatives from French Broad Electric to discuss moving the power lines that currently run over the ball fields at no cost to YCS. Mr. Fortner also thanked FBEMC for trimming the trees at EYMS.
Construction Updates
Mr. Robinson provided the following construction updates: Harper continues to work on punch list items. CRMS – the dugout is not complete except for the roof. The Old Barn – the estimated cost of materials to stabilize the footers and replace the roof is $8,000 – $10,000
Washer & Dryer at BES
Mr. Fortner stated that the dryer at BES has been moved per the fire marshall’s request.
Bus Parking at EYMS
Mr. Fortner reported that the area east of the football/soccer field at EYMS has been cleared off and can now be graded and have gravel put down for buses to be parked there during games/events.
Wells at BRES, BES and EYMS
Mr. Robinson reported that drilling for the two wells at BRES is scheduled to begin this week. The school system is working with the town and county to increase the amount of fresh water needed in the current water and sewer system. Mr. Robinson also reported that ECS has provided a report that they are ready to move forward with feasibility studies in order to make the well at EYMS operational for emergency use and to drill a well at BES.
Stadium Update
Mr. Robinson reported the handicap parking drains have been installed and curbing should begin next week. After this, paving can be completed.
Change Order #18
Mrs. Kim Bennett presented Change Order #18 which included mechanical louvers, installation of doors and light heads at the existing site poles at BES, BRES and CRMS. All of these changes will come out of the contract allowance and does not change the final cost of the projects. The change order was unanimously approved.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. The Burnsville Elementary Battle of the Books team and student council led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
Learning Happens Here Grant
Mrs. Amos congratulated Mrs. Tressa Hartsell for being awarded the Learning Happens Here grant which is operated by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The grant will enable Mrs. Hartsell to take a group of students to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and Carolina Beach State Park.
Furniture
Mrs. Amos congratulated Dr. Cox on working toward a large furniture donation for many elementary classrooms. The donation totaled $1,000,000.
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Conference
Mrs. Amos recognized Mrs. Kristin Buchanan for speaking at the NAEHCY conference in Dallas, Texas recently. Mrs. Buchanan contributed to a panel discussion on how Hurricane Helene affected the homeless and displaced student population as well as methods used by YCS to serve this group.
MHHS Fall Sports
Mrs. Amos congratulated the following student athletes for their accomplishments:
Cross Country:
- Bodhi Glover – Placed 26 out of 150 in NCHSAA state championship meet on Oct. 31, 2025 at the Ivey Redmon Sports Complex in Kernersville, NC
- WHC All-Conference Selections: Bodhi Glover, Nathan Roy, Emma Feldman
- Head Coach: Tal Galton
- Assistant Coach: Jess Schaner
Men’s Soccer:
- Team played in the first round of the NCHSAA 3A playoffs vs. Thomasville High School
- WHC All-Conference Selections: Kevin Fernandez-Oropeza, Steven Procopio Ceja, Santiago Chavez-Salvador
- Head Coach: Greg Stella
- Assistant Coach: Bobby Tolbert
Volleyball:
- WHC All-Conference Selection: Lacie Weatherman
- Head Coach: Heather Buchanan
- Assistant Coach: Kristin Buchanan
Women’s Tennis:
- Team played in the first round of the NCHSAA 3A Western Regional Matches
- Andie Barefoot and Elizabeth Mondragon competed in first round of the NCHSAA 3A Western Regional Doubles Matches
- WHC All- Conference Selections: Andie Barefoot and Elizabeth Mondragon
- Head Coach: Malinda Silver
- Assistant Coach: Holland Silver
Christmas Cheer
Mrs. Amos thanked the many volunteers that assisted with Christmas Cheer to bring gifts to students and families in need. Shoal Creek Church will assist YCS students this Christmas season. Thank you to the many organizations and volunteers who provide support to our families each year.
Veterans in YCS
Mrs. Amos thanked all of the employees in YCS who are veterans.
CRMS
Ryan Whitson
Army Reserve
38 years (Still serving)
Sergeant Major
Deputy Sam Howell, SRO
U.S. Army
Served 4 years
Specialist-Company Commander & Radio Telephone Operator
MHHS
Jimmy Joe Thomas
Army National Guard
20 years
Staff Sergeant
Debra Dolittle
Army Reserve
29 years
Lieutenant Colonel
Carl Hudgins
Army
28 years
Sergeant Major
BES
Joe Whitt
Army
4 years
EYMS
Randy Sellers (substitute teacher and coach)
Navy
20 years
Chief Gunnersmate
BRES
Ben Robinson
Marines
1st Division
Hurricane Helene Response
Mrs. Amos thanked the following people and groups for their amazing work at BES in the days following Hurricane Helene: Dr. Brent Laws, Nancy Martinez, Keli Miller, Caitlin Barnes, Tina Bryant, Katie Smith, Jon York, Ashley Poehler, Tiffany Boone, Amy Autrey, Jessica Hobson, James Chapman, Briton McKinney, Jamie Pate, Michelle Woody, Julie Thomas, Emmalee Riddle, Shane Murphy, Pam Gibbs, Abra Hensley, Baleigh Bryant, Mochelle Huckabee, Joyce Letterman, Kasey Miller, Cadence Ray, Julie Murphy, Crystal Marsh, Kasey Peterson, Annie Hobson, Jessica Letterman, Tammy Miller, Gracie Tipton, Mandie Cox, Ludy Lodge, Angel McIntosh, Jennie Buchanan, Michelle Johnson, Meghan Huskins, Audrey Tipton, Tyler McIntosh, Alex Karlos, Courtney Thomas, Olivia Williams, Sarah Brown-Tipton, Stephanie Johnson, Heather Craige, Danielle Cripps, Carlyn Pelton, Jamie Biggerstaff, Megan Hobson, Kaylee Murphy, Katie Beaver, Danise Melecio, Jenny Grindstaff, Ric Cedergren, Wendy Gortney, Brenda Dula, Rachel Boone, Roberta Whiteside, Max Murphy, Joe Whitt, Regina Booth, Janice Hicks, Connie Richard, Vanette Hensley, Donna McClure, Sherry Burleson, Tammy Miller, Keith Miller, Tammy Buchanan, Debi Beaver, Amber Hammonds, Jarrett Allen, Susie Riehm, Sarah Cottle, Beth Upton, Helen Hughes, Tina Hall, Kristi Bailey, John & Diana Obercon, Angel Tree and Christmas Cheer, French Broad Electric, Duke Energy and Linemen from across NC and the South East
Superintendent Updates
YCS Instructional Data Review
Mrs. Amos thanked Mrs. Andrea Allen and Mrs. Carleigh Burleson for reviewing the beginning of the year data and first 9 weeks evaluations to assess where students need more support. This support includes small group instruction, interventions, and teaching FUNdations and CKLA.
State Allotments
Mrs. Amos stated that the team has been listening to feedback from teachers, principals and directors. The state has now passed a continuing budget for operations. Mrs. Amos will use the feedback in decision making with the state allotments.
NC Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund Grant for MHHS
Mrs. Amos stated that she expects to hear a decision within the next two weeks regarding the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund Grant.
New Business
Mrs. Amos presented a draft of the 2026-27 YCS calendar but stated more revisions need to be made before it is submitted for approval by the Board. Before the Public Input period, Mr. Fortner read a statement regarding the recent lawsuit in Burke County that includes Mrs. Amos as a defendant. The primary defendant in the lawsuit is a former teacher from Burke County Schools. There have been multiple lawsuits over the years involving this teacher’s actions. In fact, a lawsuit was settled by Burke County Schools just before the Board hired Mrs. Amos to be the Superintendent in Yancey County. In that case, there was a thorough investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement. In addition, Mrs. Amos was deposed by attorneys and was ultimately dismissed from the lawsuit without any admission or finding of wrongdoing by her.
Mr. Fortner continued that throughout the hiring process for Yancey County Schools superintendent, the Burke County case was discussed in great detail with Mrs. Amos and legal counsel. It was determined repeatedly that there were no issues of concern based on court findings or otherwise that indicated any negligence or misconduct by Mrs. Amos. Mrs. Kathy Amos was voted unanimously on April 1, 2019 to be Yancey County Schools new superintendent. That board was as follows: Board Chair Mrs. Angie Weatherman, Mrs. Jeanne Tyner, Norb McKinney, Wade Dahlberg, and Edwin Fortner.
Mr. Fortner concluded his remarks by stating there are no new allegations, just a new plaintiff due to the fact that the General Assembly has extended the statute of limitations.
At the end of his comments, Mr. Fortner requested a vote of confidence for Mrs. Amos. The Board voted unanimously 5-0 in support of Mrs. Amos.
Public Input
Kiesa Kay spoke
Chairman’s Update
Mr. Fortner thanked all YCS employees for their diligent work and assured them that the Board is committed to see all facilities finished and operating properly.
Informational Items
YCS will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday November 26-28, 20025.
The Burnsville Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, December 15, 2025 at the YCS Central Office. Work Session will begin at 5:30 p.m., Regular session will begin at 6:00 p.m.
MHHS testing week will be December 15 – 19, 2025.
Friday, December 19, 2025 will be a half day for YCS.
YCS will be closed for Christmas Break December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026.
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.
