The regular monthly meeting of the Yancey County Board of Education was held in the boardroom of the Yancey County Schools District Office on Monday, August 19, 2024.
Clearmont Elementary School
Mrs. Amos reported that the upset bid period is now closed and no upset bids were received. The buyer now has a 30 day due diligence period which will end on September 4, 2024. At that time, the sale can be finalized.
Orr Building Update
Mrs. Amos thanked the YCS team for working with the architects to finalize plans. This addition will house the electrical, carpentry and heavy equipment programs at MHHS. She hopes to break ground as soon as NCDPI approves the plans.
Blue Ridge Elementary School Addition
Mrs. Amos reported that YCS was notified of an additional $3 million in grant funding from NCDPI for facilities projects. As a result, YCS has issued a Notice to Proceed to Harper General Contractors for the addition project at Blue Ridge Elementary. This project includes an addition of 12 classrooms to accommodate our growing population and is projected to take 15 months to complete.
NCDOT Traffic Operations Study at BRES
Mrs. Amos reported that NCDOT conducted a traffic study at the entrance of BRES. As enrollment continues to increase, their recommendations to improve safety included flashing signs, a painted crosswalk, improvements to the gravel parking lot, expanding the PreK parking area and improvements to the adjacent road, Kind Hearts Way.
School Renovations
Mrs. Amos reported that renovations have gone well this summer and significant progress was made over the last few weeks of summer. At EYMS, the east wing of the building received new ceilings, floors and HVAC system. The kitchen received a complete renovation including new equipment and serving line.
Mr. Derek Murphy and Mr. Wes Presnell reported that the main entrance at EYMS has received improvements for extra security. The additional entrance security will be added at CRMS as well. Mini split units have been installed in the Art and Chorus rooms at both middle schools. At the Burnsville Elementary addition site, all footings have been poured, underground plumbing is more than 50% complete, grading is completed and masonry work is continuing.
Stadium Update
Mr. Wes Presnell reported that WNC Engineering is working on the geotechnical survey map for the stadium renovations which will include a new wheelchair accessible parking area and ADA compliant bathrooms.
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Chairman Edwin Fortner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Members from MHHS FFA led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Good News
Mrs. Amos congratulated the following students who participated in the state FFA.
MHHS FFA
Olivia Cannon - Competed in Creed Speaking.
Macy Carroll - Competed in Prepared Public Speaking.
Autumn Smith, Macy Carroll, A.J Silvers, Cole Honeycutt and Mitchell Miller - Participated in the TREE, Agriculture Teacher Recruitment Workshop.
Chayan Capellupo, Cheyenne Blevins and Bastien Clemons - Served as Chapter delegates in discussing important business matters that will affect FFA members across the state.
Bailey Whitson, Chayan Capellup and Bastien Clemons - Were recognized on stage for placing 3rd in the state in the Junior Horse Evaluation competition.
Tanner McClure, Mitchel Miller, Hayden Wilson and Jake Styles - participated in the milk quality and products Career Development Event.
Lily Hill, Abrionna McGee, Ava Randolph and Chloe Deyton - Competed in the Floriculture Career Development Event.
Bailey Whitson and Kaylee Buchanan - Placed 2nd in their division In the Agriscience fair CDE.
Chayan Capellupo and Cheyenne Blevins - Placed 2nd in their division In the Agriscience fair CDE.
Cole Honeycutt and Macy Carroll - Placed 3rd in their division In the Agriscience fair CDE.
A.J Silvers and Autumn Smith - Placed 2nd in their division In the Agriscience fair CDE.
Superintendent Updates
Partnership with Lees-McRae College
Mrs. Amos welcomed Mr. Trenton Burleson, Director of Admissions for Lees-McRae College, and announced a new partnership with them. This program will offer MHHS students classes to earn college credit as well as half off tuition for all students who attend Lees-McRae after high school graduation. Mr. Burleson noted that Lees-McRae has also partnered with Mayland Community College in an effort to offer a variety of courses that will complement but not overlap the offerings at MCC. Lees-McRae will also host recruitment and financial aid events to assist students with their post-high school decisions.
Teen Mental Health First Aid
Mrs. Amos thanked Mrs. Kristin Buchanan and Mrs. Quincy Sparks for their efforts in providing Teen Mental Health First Aid to all 9th graders this upcoming school year. Students will receive six 45 minute sessions of instruction that will focus on recognizing warning signs of a mental health crisis, providing guidance on how to seek help and the impact of bullying and substance use.
New YCS App and Website
Mrs. Amos recognized Mrs. Sonya Wheat and Mrs. Marie Anglin and thanked them for their work throughout the summer to launch a new district website. Yancey County Schools also has a smartphone app available to download. This new website and app will aid in ADA compliance standards as well as streamlined communication across the district.
YCS Facilities Team and Maintenance Staff
Mrs. Amos stated her appreciation for the YCS Facilities team, Maintenance staff, custodians, office staff and teachers at the school level for the incredible amount of work completed over the summer and especially in the past week. Construction progress was significant and crews worked diligently to see that buildings were clean, safe and ready to receive students and families for open houses and on the first day of school.
New PreK Playground at MHHS
Mrs. Amos recognized Mrs. Andrea Allen for receiving a grant to purchase new playground equipment for the PreK at MHHS. As Mrs. Amos spoke, pictures of the new playground were displayed on the screen. She also thanked the Maintenance team for removing the old equipment, preparing the site and installing the new equipment.
Welcome Back to School
Mrs. Amos reported that YCS had a successful first day of school and provided the following statistics to the Board. The current student count PreK - Grade 12 in YCS is 2,100 students. YCS currently runs 30 buses that travel a total of 2,217 miles per day and transport 985 students. All students are receiving no cost breakfast and lunch this school year and 328 breakfasts and 1,015 lunches were served on the first day of school. Finally, after extensive renovations and installation of new equipment, EYMS and STES kitchens scored 100 on their inspections.
New Business
District Federal Consolidated Plan
Dr. Heather Cox presented the 2024-25 plan which breaks down how federal funds are allocated in YCS. Dr. Cox explained the different categories of funding and how each allotment would be used to meet the district’s goals of increasing student proficiency in reading and math, providing high quality professional development in core instructional areas and increasing parent/family engagement opportunities.
EYMS TSI Plan
Dr. Cox presented EYMS’s plan to utilize all of their Title 1 allotment for individual and small group tutoring in order to provide students with as much support as possible.
Old Business
South Toe Fire Department
Mr. Fortner reported that YCS has successfully surrendered the requested portion of land to the Yancey County Commissioners. The Commissioners are now in the process of turning that property over to South Toe Fire Department. STFD will use this land to expand their services in the community. Mr. Fortner thanked the Commissioners for their partnership in this transaction and the STFD for their diligent service to the South Toe community.
Policy #1725/4035/7236
Mr. Donny Laws provided guidance on this new policy suggested by the NCSBA as a result of changes to Title IX at the federal level. Due to a new ruling by the Supreme Court, Mr. Laws advised that approval is not necessary at this time. The Board voted to table this policy until further decisions from the courts.
Public Input
Grady Brooks and Angie Weatherman spoke
NCDPI Facilities Grant Funds
Mr. Fortner reported that YCS has received an additional $3,066,621 for the additions and renovations project at Blue Ridge Elementary School. YCS has received a total of $40,030,445 in Facilities Grant funds from NCDPI. YCS and the Yancey County Commissioners have contributed a 5% match to bring the total to $42,031,971 to be invested in YCS buildings to provide students with a safe, healthy and modern learning environment. Mr. Fortner thanked the Commissioners for their partnership and the community members who advocated on behalf of YCS.
Chairman Statement
Mr. Fortner read a list of the many different groups who have come from across the state and nation to tour the CTE program at MHHS. Mr. Fortner also thanked the teachers, support staff and administration who work hard each day to make YCS successful for students and families.
Concerns to DOT
Mr. Fortner stated that the Board had received concerns from citizens regarding trees hanging in the roadways and possibly interfering with buses driving through safely. The Board authorized Mr. Dahlberg to contact DOT on behalf of YCS to address these concerns.
Mr. Dahlberg noted his appreciation to the state for changing the criteria for the no cost breakfast and lunch program which made it possible for YCS to participate for the 2024-25 school year.
Informational Items
The next regular meeting of the school board will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024 in the gymnasium of South Toe Elementary 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 at the meeting location from 4:00-5:50 pm prior to the meeting.