BOE Meeting 10/8/25

001Nice. >> I think [Music] So I don't have a But I'm not sure but they won. So now they qualify. because Well, I don't know the time yet. >> Excuse me. There's not a >> 108. Let's see if it'll let me. You know what? I'm not gonna try to edit it while it's running, but I'll go back and edit it. >> You are correct. Yes. >> Hi there. Nobody else. We can call this meeting to order for October the 6, 2025 with the Ash County Board of Education. Start first as always with roll call. Miss Janet Ward, >> present. >> Miss Teresa Calhoun, >> present. >> Miss Polly Jones, >> present. >> Miss Diane Elden, >> present. >> Josh Ro, present as well. Next on the agenda, we have approval of the agenda. Any changes

002or anything? If not, I'll entertain a motion to approve the agenda. >> And move we approve the agenda. >> Thank you, Miss W. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Miss, any other questions, comments? All those in favor? Raise your hand. Next, we'll start in open session for everything. First, we have the pledge of allegiance. To the flag of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. I'm sixth grader at home that just learned all of that. So, I'm very excited. Most the pledge very well. We just sometimes forget liberty and justice for all. >> Those are important things. >> And we'll start things off here with comments from the superintendent. >> So, first of all, um thank you for everybody who

003is here tonight. Um I do want to say that And I'm going to uh skip to this a little bit. We do have a student representative here. We have and Hayden Donaldson is from our early college. She is the something president, the vice president of the student council and we are thankful she is here. Our um Addie um is uh in the tennis championships. Excellent. >> Fantastic. So, they are uh >> I know the Williams sisters. >> The William sisters. Addie and tennis. That's right. >> So, anyway, we're we're very proud of them, but they would not be able to make it tonight for that reason. And then um we had from the high school end one that may be late and uh Claire emailed me and she said she was trying to make it

004here on time but felt like she was going to be a few minutes late. So we will have her give uh her update soon. And then um Feliz uh was unable to make it this evening as well. So uh welcome Hayden uh to join us here. And then um if you guys noticed in the um board agenda, there are some questions that they're going to regularly report on um happenings at their school that's happened, you know, whatever has happened since then. So it may be faculty or student highlights. It may be big events or things that they're looking forward to. So, I know Hayden is prepared on behalf of the early college uh tonight. And then um if uh if uh Claire is able to make it there at the end, I'll I'll uh respectfully

005ask if she has an opportunity to share on behalf of the high school as well. And if not, we'll look for her report um next month. There are several upcoming events on here, lots of sporting events, and we have playoffs and things that are happening at this point in time for our fall sports. Um, we had a fantastic homecoming win on Friday night with our football team and so I know that the kids were excited about that. It was a beautiful, albeit cold, um, at least for me, um, evening. and uh I broke out the hand warmers on a couple of occasions and even gave some away on Friday night. Um we also have uh um in addition to different tournaments um uh upcoming we have uh some well we've had two last week two

006fall festivals that were highly successful. One at Mountain View and one at Blue Ridge and I ate um my share of peanut butter bars and um hot dogs. They were very very good. The pizza looked great um as well. And um I think if you you had your fill of sugar on those nights and little trinkets were very very uh popular as were the cakewalk. So um I know that the schools are very thankful for the families that showed up and it was so crowded there was a hallway. I did not make it down at Mountain View. And so I hear there was a a broom race and a few other things that may uh have made its way onto some video that uh Jerry might want to show later, but I know the kids

007had fun and the students certainly had fun. Upcoming this week on or excuse me, next week uh there is a fall festival and haunted trail at Westwood Elementary School. So from 6 uh 6 to 9, is that correct? And so there'll be plenty more fun uh to happen on that evening as well. Um so that is um a day that we have an early release for our students and then the following day is a professional development day. Uh so of course that's on our our calendar. Uh we also have a community day at our middle school and um I know that Miss Hines uh and her team of students has been working tremendously hard on highlighting some of the really good things that they have been doing including the leader and me and I know

008that um you'll see some new things that we haven't in past. It's been a couple of years since we've been to the middle school on official a visit and they're going to highlight some new things during that visit. We're going to be doing uh visits at different schools, but I think you'll be um pleasantly surprised at at some of the new things that they're able to highlight and some of the uh leadership of students um during those visits as well. On October 31st, we're we're planning for the read and treat um again with our media specialists and Amy uh uh downtown West Jefferson. So, we look forward to participating in that. And um I'm not going to read down through the rest of them. There are a whole bunch of different things on there that

009we can participate in um over the next few weeks. Um, as far as successes in the schools, um, you know, we we try to highlight the great things that are happening and sometimes it's just not possible to highlight everything. Um, but there's some special people that I wanted to, uh, call attention to. You've probably seen these in social media. Um but Terry Richardson um last week uh we we did not go all the way to the coast because of all the torrential rains that they were having uh because of the double hurricane that we thought we might even see some ramifications fund uh from. But she was named the very first ever uh GSEA EC director of the year at the first ever annual spy awards. And so this is hosted by the Global Special

010Education Associates and the North Carolina Council of Administrators of Special Education or in short known as NCAASE. And uh they had a really nice dinner. I had some um EC director and other friends that were sitting in the audience. And when Terry and I um didn't really know that she was going to get the award until that day and um so I said, "Terry," I said, "Why don't you meet me over at dinner at the Mexican restaurant?" And so we sat there and uh that was about 5:30ish and didn't realize that they weren't going to make the announcement until after 8. So, so that Monday evening, um, we were sitting there and they put us on live and we could hear the applause as they had introduced Terry and the award. And I know Terry

011doesn't like all this attention, um, called to her, but boy, she deserves it and she is absolutely one of the very best exceptional children's directors I've ever worked with. She knows her stuff, but more importantly, she cares about children. So, congratul and apparently their committee thought so as well. Um, Westwood Elementary School. This is a really exciting award and uh, ne this week, not next week, this week we will learn um, how or where they placed. But um Westwood Elementary School is one of only 10 schools in North Carolina that's met the eligibility requirements for consideration of the National ESA Distinguished Schools Award. And this is for specifically for schools that show excellence in serving special populations of students or students with disabilities. And so again, um we're really proud of Westwood. all of our

012schools really. Um, but Westwood is especially deserving of this honor. The top two schools in this category um will uh we'll discover who that is on >> Wednesday. >> On Wednesday and uh Julie will be there. This is a federal uh program. So, Julie Taylor will be there. Um Scott will be there as well as >> Fran Franco chair. >> So, Fran Franco will be joining them. I wasn't sure who was going to uh go, but uh they're very deserving. The top two will compete for uh the national award. So that will be in Colorado in February. So let's hope that Westwood um is able to take that award away, but if not, to be one of the top 10 of all schools, this is not just elementary, elementary, middle, high schools in all of

013North Carolina. And that's based on our test scores and how our students perform compared to everybody else. So kudos to Westwood in the entire and I'll say while you know federal programs and EC um are recognized in this process. Um our special needs students are general ed students first and so it takes every single teacher and staff member and administrator to make that happen. And so kudos to everybody at Westwood Ash County Middle School teacher of the year. Speaking of um another uh Richardson and we will um uh we she was actually honored what last week. Lots of things have happened in the last week. Um, but she was named the exceptional children ex educator of excellence for her outstanding work with the school-based enterprise activities and her commitment to creating inclusive environment and um

014she uh has also earned a spot in the state competition in November for exceptional children. So kudos to Corey and Corey's also a pretty great uh uh volleyball coach there at the middle school too. So, we're really proud of all the things. I don't see Corey here tonight. Um, but >> she's coaching volleyball and so we're really thankful for what she does um for all of our children. Um, but I've seen her work at work uh with our students with special needs and she's truly gifted in that way. So, kudos to Corey. We had um 87 um Ash County High School students, 46 juniors, and 41 seniors that were inducted into the National Beta Club on September 26, which was a lovely ceremony at Ash County High School. Um well done and these students uh

015truly embody the four uh pillars of achievement, character, leadership, and service. Uh this of course was post uh posted on Facebook. Uh we had a full crowd including every board member um at the uh awards ceremony. Um kudos to all the um kids and their accolades. They earned that opportunity to be there and receive that award. But I'm I'm really proud of the number of families that showed up uh to celebrate with us during uh during this school day. It was a full crowd. So um excellent. Um Blue Ridge and the middle school cafeteria teams. We've highlighted some of the others, but they earned high sanitation ratings with a 99.5 for Blue Ridge and a 99.0 for the middle school. And you know, they serve up clean kitchens. So, you know, it's outstanding what they

016do. And you know, the middle school they're building is uh a little old and we are getting a new school building and they're not going to know what to do with themselves in the beautiful new uh kitchen that they will have. But certainly uh uh they do an awesome job of um serving and keeping those clean sanitation ratings. We're really proud of how hard our cafeteria uh ladies work and ma'am. We do have we do have I'm sorry I can't say ladies anymore. We do have uh we do have both and one's a Blue Ridge um bus garage mechanic Joe Cox. uh no relation but and maybe he is through the um through John Cox of we were talking about lineage here um but he participated in the third the NCDPI um bus or 30-day

017inspection class and he completed his certification uh last month and this training guarantees that our team is fully certified and up to date with the state inspection standards. So um we're excited. Um, Brandon, is that the one that you attended as well? >> No, ma'am. >> Okay. So, there's another one that we'll have to highlight with you um at next month's uh meeting. Um, but we uh we're proud of them and we're proud of all of our people who step out and make sure that they are fully certified and go that extra mile. Um, our best of the year educators, we had our dinner on September 16th that you all were able to enjoy. Um we'll learn that a couple of them um move on to the state competitions during that. Hopefully uh uh some

018of those deadlines are upcoming for our administrator of the year as well as uh I think all of our paperwork's done for the beginning teacher of the year as well as the teacher of the year and the CTE teacher of the year. Uh so we've we highlighted all of them but they'll get to compete at that next level. Um, Bloombridge first grade teacher Deb Hess and our administrative assistant Rhonda Smith u were voted by their peers as being September employees of the month and um we highlight two people each month and um anyway that first grade team at Blue Ridge is absolutely outstanding. Um but kudos to uh Deb Hes for being uh nominated and receiving uh that recognition. Um we also have maintenance and custodial teams um at uh uh Mountain View Elementary that

019have uh really replaced an age-old wood deck um at and uh made quite a few improvements to the playground. So it's looking really great there at Westwood. We really appreciate them uh doing that. You can check out the pictures on social media, which is fantastic. Um, and then, um, we had, uh, quite a few Ash County employees and students who represented Ash County schools at the mental health forum, um, out of the darkness community walk on September 14th at Patty Mountain uh, state park. And, uh, this was held during suicide prevention month. and it raises awareness and support and hope to empower our community to prioritize mental health and resistance or and resilience. And uh you'll hear from Jamie Little in a little bit. Um we have ways to go, but at the same time,

020we're making some progress from the way that we've invested in students. Um but it won't be enough until we have all of our students that are helping in that way. And then um I do want to uh uh recognize our principles that are standing or that are sitting here right now. This is National Principles Month and our schools are so fortunate to have the leaders that we do. Uh principles, can you stand up now? Mitchell had class tonight, so he could not be here. Um, but I I just want to thank you all publicly for what you do. And I hope that people uh that are watching tonight or see this on replay uh take the opportunity to uh say thank you. Uh sometimes you don't hear the good things. Um sometimes it's uh the

021other things that you hear and you willingly uh take that because it's a part of the job. But most importantly, you take it because you want what's best for kids. And so, thank you for the tireless and sometimes thankless job of being a principal. Um, we did have um Claire who was able to make it. And so, Claire, in a couple of seconds, I'm going to have you uh share some of those uh updates that you have. Um, and we're going to start though with our Ash Early College. Um, Miss Donaldson, would you like to share? >> Um, so we've had a lot of great things happen for the first quarter. Um, we have some unique classroom competitions taking place. We had a vector field day where students a series of vectors outside on the

022soccer field and then for the resultant vector mathematically. So that was very hands-on class. And then for Mr. We had a bill of rights working activity where students designed and played original games to each other on legal protections provided by the bill of rights. So that was and we have early students competing in the district on um all of our enrolled certificate program. So that could be criminal justice, business or digital media. And all are on track to complete um a certificate by the end of freshman year. >> Yeah. Can I pause you right there? That's so important. So by the time their freshman year of high school, they will have graduated from Wils Community College with a certificate in one of those three areas. So that's pretty awesome. Go ahead. >> Students have also

023Photoshop credentials. Um as freshman. And then we also have um our first theater production at the Civic Center coming in November 13th through the 15th. That'll be nightly at 7 starting at 7:00 p.m. And that's next to the arts council and the Civic Center as they work with us to provide a space for rehearsal and um the performance. We also have upcoming UNCCW theater department visit planned for later in November. And we have some community service volunteer initiatives that students have been leading. We have community service with New York State Park at Wagner Access in August. Um this is the help of the Japanese slip grass invasion and students loaded 143 bags full which equal 2310.88 pounds. Um and Beta Club completed their first without the highway roadside cleanup in September. All nth and tth

024grade students volunteered at Lebridge and Mountain View um elementary schools on Friday, October 3rd to help with the fall festival. And we have some new clubs at the early college taking place this quarter. We have the skillup club that Addy Dollar had um Addison Dollar created which um monthly guest speakers uh come in to talk about life skills. So in September we had Miss Kitty Honeyut and she spoke to students about communication skills. And coming up this month on October 23rd, Becky Greer will be talking to students about resumes and interview skills. We also have the poetry club started by Riley Williams and Destiny. Um, >> yes, they are planning a poetry slam at open mic night which um the arts council also thanks to the arts council for coordinating the Philip Shabbaz poetry workshop.

025This has inspired the students to start that code. [Music] We also organized first aid drive, created cards for first responders and plan spirit week um and for homecoming dance um which is actually this week this week spirit week. So our dance is this Saturday. Um we also hosted an ice cream uh social and we have um for future plans we have movie nights, wall of positivity and a toy drive coming up. Um these are some student and staff achievements. So we have students that got accepted into the Dick Miller youth leadership program. For juniors it was Anna Grey Roden, Andrew Mash, Braden Shepard, Emma Howell, and Henry Hernandez. For seniors, we have Nelly Peters, Lacy Lambert, Addison Williams, and Addison Do. Um James Arcott 3D printed a pop graphable map um using public data. And

026Mr. and Miss Williams presented at the national NCC bureau conference in July uh which was held in San Francisco. The title of their presentation was formal roots to digital futures where they share the development and implementmentation of our digital media certificate program. Um and then Melody Pierce attended the National Academy of Future Physicians in Boston uh this summer where she participated in lectures for no Nobel prize recipients and watched live surgery. Um she also was accepted to join the society of uh torch and laurel. Then we have uh junior Henry Hernandez which participated in the NC governor's page program last week. He tooured um key government buildings and historical land and work and he engaged in developing a policy proposal and met with government officials. Some um we have some upcoming things like events. We

027have a college night for sorry college night on October 14th. We have ETSC reps visiting our school on October 8th and we are visiting state biology day tour on October 20th. >> So when the students tell you all the things that are going on in schools, you really get a lot. And so kudos because I know that um not everything was on that list. Um but it feels like it was an exhaustive uh uh list, but I hope that it's giving you an idea of what we do in our schools, what our kids do, what our teachers are doing for children, and uh where they're going next. And hopefully they'll be able to share things like that all year all year round for you. Did you have anything to share? at this time for Ash

028County High School. >> Well, can you all hear her? You're pretty soft spoken. You want to go up there? >> That's up to you, >> I guess. Just >> There you go. >> Hi. I'm so sorry for my uh >> You're good. >> Lateness. >> You're good. >> I had to take one of my friends home after golf practice. So, okay. So, let's see. Um I would like to apologize on Feliz Zoo for not being here. He had some online college work tonight, so he could not make it. But before then, we did go over. He had a lot of academic things that he would like to go off over as well as um some things that our senior senior class, I guess you could say, uh had some questions for, but I'm going to

029leave those for him for next time because I know he'll want to touch base on them a little more. Um so for first stop we have for academic and instructional highlights we have I know some current um class projects we've had I know Miss Wells has had her English classes do the cereal box project which I know she has done for many years now where they I believe they read a book and they do a little cereal box it's like sorry about like this big and they just talk about the summary the name and all about the author, which has always been a really fun project. Um, I know Miss Finley, who does child development and early childhood development, had some of her students take home the real life babies, which I took both of

030those classes, and it was an honor, but very tiring project. So, I definitely know what those students went through. It's It's super fun, but definitely very tiring. I would say that um I know Mr. Russ who does American history and AP government I think um he has had students do I I don't know if I'm saying this right. I had one of my friends kind of describe it the best she could to me. uh students, the students in his classes made board games, diagrams, playing cards, certain games, um and they connected it with the information that they were learning in class, which I thought was pretty cool. We had done something similar in my junior year as well. So, I thought that was pretty cool. Um, see, moving aside to teachers, I know Miss Molly,

031who is a who is now our she's in student services this year. Um, she's new, but she is offering mainly juniors and seniors, I believe, to discuss scholarship opportunities and further opportunities after high school, during Husky Hall times, and after school, which I thought was very beneficial. We've also had Miss Lorena who is in charge of college and careers. I think yeah, she's upstairs. I know that. Um I've talked to her a couple of times. She's also offering many things like this. So, student life, we have a lot. So, our beta induction did go very well. I did attend. I'm not in beta this year, but I did attend and it went amazing. Um, there's also I know clubwise I spoke to Mr. Farmer about this. There was also a possibility I don't know if

032it's still happening, but the possibility of a dog pound club, which I was super super excited about because I love our student section. Um, speaking of student section, our student section at our football games has been probably the biggest I have ever seen it be. And I would say that is a huge honor because I was kind of directed to be the head of it this year. So seeing all those students show up and and cheer for our football team and our cheerleaders has been really amazing to watch. um uh student council and their dedication to homecoming setup, take down and planning has been a lot and I would just like to mention all of those on council and how much they have done because man it has been crazy this year. Um as well

033as our homecoming spirit week went very good. There was a lot of participation in every day. So, I know the students really enjoyed it. So, I always love seeing everyone dress up. And another huge huge thing would be our Ash County High School Husky morning show. That has once again been a major major hit. Students from freshman to seniors absolutely love it and we love the just the diversity of it. All the different students and everything that they do and getting interviewed. It's just it's just such a great thing to watch on Fridays during home room time. Um, sportsswise, I know volleyball has had a very good season so far and soccer, cross country, women's golf, and women's tennis, as well as our other sports. I know those are just the big ones that have

034done really good this year. Um, today is also National Coaches Day, and I saw a lot of students showing their appreciation, which was really awesome. Um, and I have noticed a lot of the stands at most games, including volleyball, football, soccer, the stands been pretty packed, which is which is honestly awesome. We love to see everyone supporting our athletic events. Also, another big thing that I would love to mention is this thing that the lighthouse team has done, which is called getting clipped. So this the lighthouse team has invented just little little I >> Clothes pins. Thank you. Welcome. They have to >> anticipated before your time. I'm sure. >> Yeah. It was not coming to my mind. >> They took clothes pins and they wrote positive things just saying you are awesome. You are

035beautiful. You are kind. and they go around clipping just attaching it to the back of someone's shirt or their collar and this goes for teachers and students and admin and just clipping them and then they pass it on to the next person which I thought was absolutely brilliant and I'm really sad that student council didn't think of that before they did. But I I think it is something that really brings a smile. Sorry I keep hitting that. a smile on students faces. So, I love that and I hope they keep making more clips and keep it going for a while. Um, let's see. Another thing for leadership, I know many students have stepped up to express their appreciation and their their willingness to get others to join clubs on the Husky Morning Show, which is

036sometimes a big thing for a lot of people since some people have, you know, stage fright or or not very photogenic, I guess. So, that was definitely a big thing. There have been a lot of students that have stepped up and let them record. So, as well as a lot of people going on the Husk morning show to um talk about fundraisers and events, just I love a lot of people being up there to express whatever clubs or events they're a part of. Um, I know and like Hayden had mentioned, there have been a couple of students that were accepted into the Dick Miller Leadership Youth Program. That would be senior Hadley Goss, senior Claire Hal, and junior Annie Claire Perkins. So, we're the three of us are very happy to be part of that.

037Um, let's see. We do have a lot of new This Okay, I guess it's moving a little to the side about recognization of staff members. We do have a lot of new staff members at the high school. So, yay. Um, I'd also like to pick on Miss Gamble who is here. She is our Europe coordinator. Correct? Yeah. So, I was actually a part of the league program through Gear Up and she has informed us that there is going to be a new coalition of students and I'm very excited. Um, so I cannot wait to help out with that. And then to talk about the future for Ash County High School, I will say I do know that a lot of our juniors and seniors found the career fair beneficial. I did especially since it's that

038time of applications. It's so much fun. We all I know there are a lot of people picking up brochures and talking to all the different representatives from each college. So that was that was definitely beneficial for a lot of students I would say. Um I will say another thing after homecoming this past weekend which was also very populated a very big hit. I know a lot of students stayed till probably past 10 o'clock if they could. So that went very well. But I know a lot of students are already ready for prom to be here. There's been a lot of talk about prom and where it's going to be and all this and that. So I know that's a big thing coming up as well. Um, but for now that is all that I have

039and like I said next meeting there's going to be probably a lot to do with academics from police zoo's perspective. So thank you guys. >> That's all. >> Okay. Right. Thank you both for that. >> I don't have anybody on the public there. So, we'll jump on down from there to the new middle school update. We are doing good with what we can. Um we have had rain, not as much as we did last month. Um but um the contractor is trying to um use line to stabilize the soils. Um I think I shared some pictures with y'all yesterday so you get the full effect of what that looks like. The plumbing contractor is installing waistlines in the classroom wing. Um this is for the restrooms, the science labs, housekeeping closets, and that kind of

040thing. And they are making good progress in the classroom area. Um the electrical contractor has installed um raceways from the first transformer into the main electrical room. That's also at the classroom wing. Um the founding condition contractor has got all the wall footings uh column footings in the classroom wing and they're also now starting on the wall separating um area A and area B. Um segmental block walls finished. I think that was finished when y'all were out there. um stream work on both ends is finished. And Blige Electric, there are some threephase underground that is um has to be relocated. That is been working on the schedule for that. And that is now um we're looking to do that next week. So um things are moving on just hoping to beat weather. So we get

041some things done. So does anybody have any questions? >> What's the concrete situation? It's we're getting into a rhythm. Um it's I'd say a little better. Um real test is going to be when we do our first lab tour which is probably going to be November. Um they're going to the first slab pour is going to be the first classroom wing which is and we're going to break that up into two um sections and also the big wall area that we're going to be doing that separates A and B. right now they're working on rebar pine rebar up. Um what they have done is they have pulled when they have to have these big pores done they pull trucks up from up the mountain and they schedule it way ahead of time. So they have

042been when they do these big pores they can't what they call cap cold joints. So they bring a lot more re reinforcements to bear. So when we have those kind of pores they have you know worked it out. But as far as having a steady flow of trucks, it's gotten better. It's not ideal, but it's gotten better. They're they're working some things out. >> It's busy up there. >> We did have a field trip, if you will, if anybody wants to schedule another. I know everybody's schedules couldn't work it out to make it. So, if anybody else wants to go, happy to take another tour. So, >> thank you for coming around. >> It was fun, wasn't it? It was. >> Yeah. So, anybody have any questions? >> Just want to thank you for all

043your hard work. We appreciate you. >> It's It takes us all. >> You have an insulated hard hat for later this year. >> Um, you have insulated pants, and socks come. >> No, it's going to be windy there, isn't it? Yeah, it >> will be windy. Thank you so much. Next, we've got for the board, starting with our action items, we've got the consent agenda, which includes the minutes from the past meeting, the play station notes, the on data agreement in Mountain View Elementary School sinkhole and playground pad project. So, those are all under the consent agenda. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Motion we approve agenda. >> Thank you, Miss Eldri. Do I have a second? >> Second. Thank you, Mr. Jones. Any questions or comments? Hear none. All

044those in favor, raise your hand. Next, we've got the AASA conference. >> So, I've been invited to present along with two other superintendent at a national conference in Nashville, Tennessee. um every year they have uh well they they don't keep track of who they um or excuse me the percentage of um I guess presentations that they accept. Um but it is highly competitive. Um and uh anyway this would be with uh Dr. Rob Jackson of Bunkham County and Kathy Amos of VNC County and we have diverse perspectives on crisis recovery from a school system perspective and um anyway we've been accepted to present and I would love to represent Ash County on a national platform >> motion to accept the >> I move that we um approve the presentation. >> Thanks board. Do I have

045a second? >> Second. >> Two seconds. We're good. So any questions, comments? you know they they will have a um I presented at this conference before I was a superintendent along with my dissertation years ago like a long time ago and they had a section where some of it was recorded um but I don't know whether that they'll have that at this point in time but if so I'll happily send you the link this Thursday will be um televised on YouTube but and whomever wins this Thursday also goes to this conference. >> Any other question? All those favor raise your hand. >> Thank you. >> Next, we've got the 2526 budget resolution. the 2526 budget resolution and that's um result of all our hard work since springtime trying to get a budget pulled together. Been

046a difficult year without a state budget, but I think that's been the tune for the last several years. So, um we're learning to adapt and keep moving forward. There is one place I'd like to draw your attention to. Um in the capital outlay it is a large budget balance budgeted amount and that was on the recommendation of our auditor because we will start making large payments on the middle school project and even though the county doing that >> so that's without a grant. No, it would be um just what we're spending. Just what we're spending. She's Sandy has made a draw about $50,000 on the grant so far. Um so, you know, we still got a little ways to go on that. >> Doesn't the other part start next month? Is that >> It's coming.

047It should be coming up soon, but we don't know um how much on each of them, do we? >> The amount on each. It's not necessarily regular. [Music] >> Approve the budget resolution. >> Do I have a motion to approve the budget resolution? >> I'll make the motion budget resolution. >> Thank you, Miss Jones. Do I have a second? >> Second. Any other questions or comments? >> I was concerned about the local fund um the fund balance. >> Right. So there are pieces in the current expense budget we have to have on the books like Amy has to have about $300,000 showing in line um for rate. Now we never touch that money. It just has to be showing off the books. And then you always want a percentage of a contingency in there um

048to in case major things happen, which we know can happen. Um, and it also still has a little bit of a salary increase in case the state budget does come through. I didn't want us to be caught off guard. I don't expect anything to come through um based on everything we're hearing out of DPI. So, the state has a chance in next was it on October 20th. They're coming back on October 20th and 21st. Um, we do not anticipate anything at that time and it may be again in November. Um, more than likely it won't be until May when they come back in session that they make any budget budget decisions. It's unfortunate for >> the goal is to never use those funds. You know, I don't I don't think we'll have to I'll say

049that. Yeah. You know, we do our best to not use any fun balance for minimal. Probably 10 years ago, we were approved to use 225,000 a year. We've only had to do that one time at my my tenure as finance officer. So, um we've gotten we definitely have gotten better at budgeting tighter and closer to our um total a lotment. We were what? $26,000 or something last year. I mean, it's it we're I mean, we're talking about millions of dollars. We're getting it that close. >> Okay. This year was real close. >> We don't have our final numbers yet. So, close. personel. [Music] Any questions, comments? All in favor [Music] I'll introduce myself real quick and then we'll get started. So, my name is Hope. I'm Ash County's new Europe director. I'm really excited to

050be here with you all. I'm just from one county over in Alagany. So, very exciting to be working in Nash County. But, it has been a month so far and it has been awesome and great, but also jam-packed. And I'm loving getting to work with Ash County Early College and Ash County High School. And I have the fabulous Mr. Greed, who has already worked with um our former Europe director, Miss Bathy, to plan this awesome field trip that we are going to get to make happen with the use of Europe funds next month. >> Oh, hi, Mr. Green. And with me, I have Haley Buster. Uh she is a sophomore here at the early college and is part of our theater troop uh that we have for our theater. Can you all hear me? Okay,

051you can tell from here. All right. Uh, and we're just going to come here to just talk about our trip and uh, why um, what we plan on doing. Would you like to start off or you welcome to? >> All right, go ahead. >> Uh, so as he said, I'm a sophomore at the early college. Uh, I've been avid theater kid for many years now. Um, and just a little promote, I am lead for our upand cominging production of the internet as a distract. Oh, look at K. It is November 13th. So, November 13, 14, 15th, and I would love to see all your shiny faces. >> Um, but this trip would help us kind of grow as a cast for our spring production. And, um, me personally, I'm going to explore a career in

052either acting or directing. and ex uh going to tour UNCW would help uh me see more opportunities, more places that I can go that I can explore to make sure I can really go grow in my career. Uh we also get to see a production. So I get to kind of see the performance level that high that I've never got to experience so far. So, I really uh would enjoy that. And just getting to go there with people that are also theater kids and also enjoy all these fun opportunities would be real great. And just I'd be more thankful to be able to get out. >> Um but yeah, um actually what's actually really cool about this trip, last year, uh I was able to get a grant to fund the theater. Uh it was

053a club, now it's a class. Uh, and we're trying to go see a specific show. Uh, but we weren't able to because Helen hit right when it was happening. And, uh, this school is actually doing the show. Uh, we're really looking forward to it. It's just something that we, uh, uh, we initially planned and weren't able to because of the destruction of Hen. So, it's just something we're really excited about. We're looking to do. Yeah. Thank you. >> No kids. >> Oh, I apologize. Yep. Those are our other details. Yeah. Lottery, college, food, and ticket cost is all going to be covered by Gear Up. >> Yeah. And the campus tour will be organized and we'll we'll get a special tour of the theater department. Um so it'll be a great experience. >> Do you

054have an itinerary yet that we can have some idea of when you're leaving, what you're going to do, when you're coming? >> We we can get that to you. We're where Miss Scandal's coming into the position of playing catchup. We're just we're like we knew we had to get it on the board agenda to get approval. So, but we can absolutely get you an agenda as soon as they do that. >> Sounds like a wonderful opportunity. [Music] >> Anything else you need to know about uh trip? >> Yes. >> Okay. I'll entertain a motion to approve this overnight trip. >> There you go. >> Do I have a motion? >> Have a motion that we approve this trip. >> Thank you. Do I have a second? >> We appreciate your willingness to take on. It's

055notable what they learned outside. >> Any other questions? [Music] >> Awesome. Thank you very much. [Music] Next, we've got items from the board updates, discussion, considerations, and presentations for the board. We got first our FEMA I think couple of >> Well, this one is Jod and Lincoln. >> This is a combination of money and fixing things. It's as much a part of this as we all have to do this. Amanda as well has a big big toll on what we do for this. I would like to say that going on seven months and about to share with the board. This is really exciting to hear all these students do these things and as you know parent feel. >> All right. So, in your packets, um, you should have seen the October FEMA update, and I've

056got highlighted some key points. I just want to go over, um, the top part that addresses the obligated. That means that, um, FEMA's approved that. We're just waiting for the money to come in if it's not already came in already. So, we've had a total of $27,42754 come in or on the way. Um first project that's highlighted the foot bridge property due to the weather they've had to extend that a little bit um because they're trying to fix under the bridge at the high school. >> Yep. That was actually out there today and it's it's moving along. There was a slight little hiccup but we we're moving along. That project should be completed very soon. >> That's for the baseball and softball field for the foot bridge. It's just in the weather. Yeah. I got

057to enlarge mine. That's okay. But that's the next point. Um, baseball field and the softball field at Ash County Middle School materials have been delayed. Um, so we're having to push the project out to >> But it was approved. >> Well, that's for the dugout. >> So technically baseball field work. This is just baseball softball. It was a dirt project. on it should be here this week or next season extended contract finish time as opposed to what was originally signed. >> Um the drain system and sink at Mountain View Elementary um I believe it's mostly done except for the concrete at this point. Yeah, I was out there the other day. They finished putting rock down and I believe they're just waiting for the to box in and concrete. >> Um and then the pre

058the early learning center roof. Um we've sent the contract to Teraccon. Um the next steps are to schedule a site assessment with Terracon to go over those roof plans and get it evaluated. Um on down under the projects and process, um we've got a few projects that we're still working on. Um, for the first one for the embankment failure at Ash County Middle School, which is where the old storage building was for the erosion control, we're waiting on that sign contract to come back in from the vendor. Um, the relocation of the new storage building, it is currently in FEMA's queue. They're since it's a new building, they're having to go through a bunch of hoops to get that started. Um, the tennis court fence and the um actual tennis court, um, we've actually sent

059that on and so it's been signed. We're just waiting to get um work lined up for that vendor. >> Yeah. And we have a scheduled date and we will be uh scheduling demo here in the next month or so. Um and then project will be worked on in the springtime. So we should have uh the new pad and uh fencing and install spring. We should be looking at uh summertime opportunity in late spring. Okay. >> And the best news for last, we got approval for the concrete dugouts at Ashpay Middle School. Um, their contract would be completed by December 31st. Okay. >> And those have been the old ones have been demoed. >> Um, we're excited about getting those and got the plans for those to come in >> and they're nice. >> Any questions?

060>> Thank you. Thanks for all. >> Thank you. >> Jody gets to stay. >> Um so I I did provide some updates on completion of tickets and what we've been looking at. I think we're around 86 to 88% completion of tickets. Um we did share some projects we completed. I know Dr. Cocktail on a couple of those. We did do uh the uh the decking out at Mountain View. We replaced that which we were kind of was in need. Um we did some border work around playground at uh Blue Ridge and I think Scott was pretty happy with that. I think that turned out really nice. I do try to share a lot of this on social media too. I think it's important that our people in our community see what we do and that's

061an easy way to do it. So I was real happy and proud of the team. We're currently in the process of installing new heaters in different parts of the building at the early learning center and that's been a very time-taking process, but I think Terry and her team seemed that coming along. I think we'll be uh happier with that knowing that we have heat in those places or reliable heat in those places. Um we got some things coming up with our facility assessment that'll be coming down the road and that information is scheduled with you guys soon. We'll have that on the board agenda in the next couple of months. So, we're excited about that. Um, we have had a small update today with uh the water tower project out. Um, yes, thank you. Um,

062I received the information from our engineering company on Thursday, so it wasn't in your board kit packet. It's kind of like these board packets really need to evolve to the day that you guys show up, but but I can't keep it updated that fast. I apologize. Um, but I did get the the return from the engineering company on Thursday. Hoping to review that was spoken with Brantley Price today through some email and conversation. Hoping to speak with some vendors to support so we can provide a solid number and a solid project moving forward. Um, we shared some of that in the morning at the meeting this morning, but to be honest, I'm I'm want to make sure that we're confident about the delivery of the project before we put a price tag on it and

063propose that to the to the board uh with you guys, too. But I do feel better after reviewing some of the work and talking to the engineer about what we have. Um, >> and so he's specifically referring to the scope of the Westwood uh fire uh sprinkler system that feeds the auditorium at Westwood Elementary School and really it feeds the hydrants as well. But um the scope is what we want to confirm before we bring it um back to you all um because there there are lots of dollars attached to whatever they do >> like over 600 due diligence and bring concrete and then I'll have to come back later and ask for a lot more money on top of the end. But again I I just got this information Thursday so I'm diving through

064it and trying to make sure we have a quality of assessment as we move forward. I don't want to be putting ourselves in a situation where we don't have product that doesn't be what we need do what we need. There >> is do we have a um an engineer that gravity engineer on in this project because that's how the the water is being delivered is gravitational. >> Currently they're civil um they're a civil group that we're working with right now and their models are are run through you know their engineering software. That's that's the group we've been using currently. I am working with other groups in our community with Brett me and his team to make sure that we've um hit the marks of the specs that we need to hit. Um our engineer has

065worked with uh um the fire department Josh here and our sprinkler company to make sure that they get the right uh numbers together. So we're going to be able to inspect the right pump and there will be a storage tank for drinking water in the new system is what's in it scope. So we don't have we don't have it exclusively draftful there right now civil >> and for the board's information but the commissioners meeting this morning I was there and that one one point they hit on was talking about getting them up to date with the sprinkler system and everything there and Jody and Amanda both did a good job presenting um to the commissioners out there but and Jud was honest with his answers. They wanted to do will you have a solution yet?

066Not on there yet. So yeah, I mean I want to deliver a product that works and I'm not confident I don't want to tell you that it won't work. >> And they've they've made every step um and I don't know that we've shared this in a board meeting. They've been through some emails, but um they've actually run lines down to look to make sure there aren't any blockages. You might want to share some of that. And then Jod's been meeting with this pretty robust team to try to figure it out. >> Sure. So we did a kickoff meeting trying to again diagnose some of the issues. Um the engineering firm at the time uh was the original engineering firm but didn't complete the project when the project was designed. So their thoughts were there was

067a blockage in the line. We did bring in a camo company with a local vendor to to hope that there was a blockage because that would have been a much more affordable fix. Um but again we wanted to do the due diligence and and make sure that we didn't have a blockage in line which we which we didn't. Um, I think the city went out a little bit out on it because they found some broken pipe on up in the tower that didn't affect flow, but they got to fix that, too. So, that was good that they helped out with that. We appreciate their collaboration work. Um, but we're able to to camera those lines and then be able to validate that it is that the the gravity is not meeting the spec. And that's

068where we need to add a pump into in addition to what we have as well as we'll probably add a um a a water drinking tank. I I'll say it layman terms. Um that will be drinking water. And then primary the bigger tank will be the fire suppression line which needs to have x number of gallons for the fire department to hit >> the devil's advocate. What guarantee do we have that this design will work for those guys? >> Well they the uh it will have to pass step specs before they sign off on the work. Uh when the work's completed we'll do a flow test on it. uh and there will be some finetuning and the motor will have to meet specs. We'll have to go back to the engineering firm and then we'll

069have to talk to them about solutions. >> Well, the reason I was asking is that we've been through several scenarios and none of them seem viable and so I I would like to be confident that whatever solution they come up with is going to be a viable solution because this this has been a problem since the school was built. And um >> well, we we only know of when it was inspected by a different inspector that it didn't um that it didn't work. Mathematically on paper, it says that it should. Um but there's no way to go back and recalculate that based on the original um drawing. So therefore, that's where we are with this one. But I think the team that we have together under Jod's leadership, um, they've been very thoughtful on some

070of the processes and that's why we don't want to throw spaghetti at the wall and spend, you know, a million dollars on something that is not going to work and they've been very thoughtful. >> Again, that's why again brought pause to the conversation this morning when we asked we had a solid solid solution to the issue. Um, I want to make sure that we have a solid plan. You know, has it holes, but there are adjustments that you can make when you do these projects and pumps and motors are flexible and have ability to ramp up and ramp down. So, you can make uh it is not just installing a motor and it runs one drive and runs one amps, you can you can change the variable speeds on those things. So, if we're not

071hitting it, we can adjust some of the motors some things. We can have those conversations before we purchase too. There's other there's other areas of discussion about what we want to do about design spell and talk about scope because one of the conversations is do we want to do and I throw you into the weeds a little bit with it. Do we want to have a diesel system or do we want direct power out there? I mean there's pros and cons to both. One's going to cost more than the other but diesel it gets cold that separates. Just going to need to have power out there one way or another. So we've got conversations that we need right now. We've got a spec for a diesel engine right now. We might want to look at

072what what's going to cost to pull pull power. Again, you know, some of the conversations I have to have with the engineer and potential other vendors that we can make sure that we get a number in front of everybody and a plan that will work. >> I appreciate it. You did this one. You did. You and Amanda both did well. Um, how long do you think this project will take? >> I don't have a great answer for that right now. I uh I wish I did. I do feel like we're we are getting close and after um getting some >> not started but >> because I know it's a high work. >> Yeah, with with DPI it's got to go through DPI. That's that's another variable that I don't have a lot of comfort with

073saying how long it will sit with them. Um, I do think, um, we are teed up for a good timeline, um, with some open windows of construction opportunity with where we're at right now because I think the proposal that we've gotten submitted last week is one of the better proposals that we've had closer to a positive outcome for what we want and what we need to have. We will. >> Thank you. >> I also listened in this morning and talking about the smaller project. Um, I know the FEMA is doing the the sinkhole, but how long do you think it's going to take to get the new drain lines in and the pad for the playground area? Because that's all, I'm assuming, corded off and students can't use it till that's completed and the winter's

074coming. So, >> yep. So, the drain line is installed and is has been covered up from the sink hole because the drain line did run under the pad. So they they did tear up the pad and they've replaced concong or uh rock on top of the pad. So that's it's set to repour right now. So I I think that's in a good timeline as well. Um our vendor I didn't catch up with him today, but I I I did see there was more rock out there and was out there last week and again we we know he had some rain and stuff last week too, so it slowed him down a little bit. Um but I think he's had enough storm weather to where they're moving along pretty good. I I see it getting done

075pretty quick. I mean, we we'll hope that we don't get any more too much more rain than that can help. Yeah, I feel like we're moving pretty pretty solid on that. Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> We just thank you, Jody. You've been you and your entire team have been really working on a lot of different projects. So, thank you. >> Yep. Thank my team again. They do a great job. Thank you. >> That's the Ash County 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Service. Miss L. >> Good evening. Um actually um so we just last week got the results back from Appel who helps us um with the administration um and the evaluation of our survey results. So every two years our students in grades 6 through 12 um will take the youth risk behavior survey.

076And what I've kind of done on this sheet is the front is um some middle school things that we're going to look at and then the back side is on our high school and early college students. Um but the the YBS has been utilized for lots of years now. A it's a national survey looks at things um that students answer concerning safety, bullying, violence related behaviors, mental and behavioral health, substance use, sexual behavior and contraceptive use and then other lifestyle and health related behaviors. Um and so the reports are about 140 pages long each for each school, for each grade span. So these are just a few things. Um and we just got those. So, I just wanted to highlight a few things that did kind of stand out um because right now the data

077is still very raw data. So, a couple of things that I thought was um pretty interesting for our middle school um that were areas of improvement are fewer of our students are reporting feeling down, depressed or hopeless than in years past. Um and we are still at this point either right in line or right below um the state average for that. So that's kind of a positive thing for us because for many years that was not the way our students were reporting um at our and when I say middle school, it's not just the middle school. It's actually grades six, seven, and eight. So I should clarify that. Um so it is sixth through 8th grade students. Um fewer students are report being bullied on school property or online than in 2023. So that was

078a that was a nice increase or decrease of about 9%. And then um fewer students have seriously considered suicide. And so those are some of the things that we're working on with our resilience and our skill building um and supporting students with um their emotional behavioral health. So some areas that were noteworthy and not just of concern, but I I'll address to some things that our school health advisory committee as well as our what works in schools grant this totally fed right into exactly where we were looking to focus anyway. So, some areas for our sixth through 8th grade students were more students are reporting that they're unable um to stop or control their worrying. So, that was a little bit of an increase there. So, they're staying worried. Thought about that a little bit

079going, okay, well, they took this in the spring. These are students who live through Helen. Things are kind of uncertain. So, I'm kind of interested to see with some of our data surveys this year what that's going to look like. um more students have engaged in self harm or attempted suicide. There was an increase there for that grade level. We're going to talk about high school which have decreased and that actually is right in line with the national norms as well, state and national. And then more than 67% of our students um are using social media for more than three hours per day. And so I don't have trend data on that because that was a new question that we added this year. Um but I think it goes right in line with what Dr.

080Cox tribe, you know, when we're talking about the youngsters generation and the impact of social devices, um, phones and social media on our kids. Um, and then that same stat right below there, and we're thinking about sixth through 8th grade, more than 74% of our students report using social media several times a day, which meant three or more times per day. So hopefully and that should not be >> hopefully efforts with uh the board um saying no phones during the entire school day will help some of these numbers and I'm truly hopeful that'll help decrease their worry too. >> So if you look on the back side this this uh is a picture from our 9th through 12th grade students um from both the early college and the high school. some areas of improvement. We

081saw that um there were fewer students report feeling sad or hopeless that that made them that interfered with their usual activities. That said, there was a 12% decrease there. That's pretty big. Um we don't usually see a jump like that. So that was encouraging. Um we had fewer students report that they were not able to stop worrying or controlling. So that was kind of the opposite of our middle school, which does tell us the things we're implementing there kind of help those skills and our kids might feel, you know, we're working on those things and I think it's helping. Fewer students report engaging in self harm, considering suicide or attempting suicide. That was over 11% decrease there. Um, and that's for our high school kids. Um, and so I do think that we have a

082lot of supports in place for kids that are at that level of um, mental health need. Um, and then fewer students were reporting using ecigarettes, vaping marijuana or delta products. Um, we had only we had only surveyed that in 2023 for the first time. In 2021, we did have an ecigarette question, but not specific to marijuana or Delta, but we did see a decrease in that 2023 to 2025. So, um, areas of concern that we see with our 9th through 12th grade students, more than 6% of students report using nicotine pouches. And so, that's kind of a new thing that we were seeing. Um students were reporting um that they they can purchase those things if they're over 18. Um and they do not contain tobacco. It's just nicotine. I'm sure Miss Farmer could tell

083us that that is something that they do see. >> And so that's kind of a new behavior that's coming around. Um it was still a pretty low number, but I do think that was that was our first time asking. more than 22% of students reported sending or receiving, revealing or new pictures electronically. So that was very significant. We do not ask that of middle school students. That's a high school only level question, but that's that's the ongoing trend. Um and then and that was again a new question. And then more than 14% of students report drinking at least one energy drink per week. Um and I think that we see that that would those 14% are drinking more than one per week. Um so I did want to bring out that you know our um

084you our uh school health advisory committee the work we're doing with what works in schools we are already addressing a lot of these things and we're looking at doing some collaboration with our um health and PE teachers about the things that are revealed in these surveys about how to educate the children differently. U collaborating with some local um agencies that can help us teach some things differently, have resources for kids and families. And then um we are working on the social media and anxious generation information and how that works um with their brains, but also to educate our kids. Our I think our parents are starting to understand some, but our kids don't always. But I think we're seeing so much less of that this year thanks to the no phones at school. Um and

085then another one of the areas that we were looking at is we're looking to do some education. Um we think that it's communitywide, but our teachers in particular have asked for some help with um some trainings on how to help our kids in different ways that and to understand. So we'll be offering youth mental health first aid um for any staff member that's working with children. And that was a goal of our SHA committee as well. So we already have a couple of those trainings set up for the fall and we'll have more of those for the spring. one, is there any way that we can get this shared with the community? >> We are working on it. So, appil actually created like a one pager, but when I got into it, some of the

086data was a little misleading because the way that it was reported um there was such a small variant from the year before data and it was anyway, yes, we are working on that. That's something that this committee and the grant group is working on. Um, but it I did not feel like it was ready for public consumption yet. But one of the goals of the shack is to make sure our teachers and they parents know this. >> Yes. >> I mean, how many of your kids take this data and we don't really hear about it and I know we work with it within our SHA committees and the people at the health department look at it, but we did want something that was much more digestible for the community and so that was one of

087our goals too. So, we are working on that. So, is there any way to let the parents know before maybe letting the whole, you know, letting parents know first and so that your kids are being surveyed and asked these questions? >> No, they No, they already know. They're being asked these questions. Oh, yes. >> Yes. They >> That's the That's the law. >> Yeah. >> So, they're already asked um whether their child can participate and it's an opt out. So, don't want your child to participate. They sign a permission say no. And then the survey questions are on um record here so that we can have parents help eat those >> and that's always two uh 10 days in advance. >> 10 days. We do more than two weeks. >> Yeah. >> Um so what

088we found so with our high school um and early college we only got 560 students that participated and the reason is the time of the day with their with their college classes. It's really hard. So, we've explored several different ways and the way we did it this past year, I think was through home room on a day that was a set home room day. Um, but we only had about 60% of our enrolled students that were able to participate. Um, but what we do find is usually our ninth and tth grade participation is much higher because those 11th and 12th are sometimes in classes. And then our middle school students um which included six, seven, and eight um there were 496 students which was 79% of that population. So all of that will be coming

089to you guys. I just wanted to give you the preliminary. We kind of got got it last week, but it's a lot. Um and so I was getting it down to just a little bit for you guys. >> Can you tell what what are these students worrying about so much? You asked that question. What worries them so much? So, it's of course with the survey, it's anonymous. Um, >> but but you don't ask that particular question. Why? What are you worried about? >> So, we have a couple things in place at the school level during the school year um that is identifiable that we our students will participate in surveys um with parent permission to be able to answer how they're feeling. And if we were to see, you know, an alarming response from that

090child, it would trigger that teacher, that counselor, that somebody to to work with that child. This one's just real anonymous. No, not really. Um, but I would say in general when we're talking to kids, they're worried about stuff that's outside their control. So, a lot of times they're worried about um home situation or a financial situation that's really not a kid situation. >> Um, I mean, that's what I see. That's what I need other administrator to jump in there. But a lot of times our kids are worried about the things that are not children problems. That's what concerns me more than anything else is that 22% those parents need be educated some >> agree >> that's going to cause trouble down the line for somebody. I don't know if you know yet or not, but

091since no phones have has the bullying down the lots, >> I I would allow our administrators. I'm not >> I mean, I don't know. It doesn't breach me until it's covered anyway. So, >> because that was one thing a parent said to me, you know, why are you worried about hitting the phones by bullying should be number one? But bullying, they didn't understand that a lot of bullying was going on. >> Most of it was electronic. I'm just >> We still can't monitor what they do outside of school. >> That's where it starts. cell phones right now catching them not in the pouch or whatever but a lot of that stuff happens. So unless the happy changes outside of school >> maybe a little outside from your perspective. Would you suggest that might be something

092that can improve the situation? Um, I would say a good a good chunk of why it happens is kind of the society we were in. I know people say that and it's like, oh, whatever. But it's it's very true. It it truly is. Um, with I mean, I know they say a lot of things regarding social media and things like that have a huge impact and that is completely true. It's just it's our generation I think and it's I mean it's just a lot of sometimes it's jealousy, sometimes it's just people being upset with each other, sometimes it's just there there's always different cases. So improving wise, I would just say keep kindness going. It's about I mean teacher. >> Yeah. >> Well, and you guys are both um doing great things from a kindness

093perspective proactively at both the high school and the early college. So kudos to you all for leading that um when sometimes others do not. >> That is why I am so very started the eclipse because that is really I can tell that you get their little slogan for it is called getting what they say >> you don't know what Any other questions? [Music] So, this was really interesting. So, Amanda received received a um an email, a way to call first and then there were some emails back and forth. But um essentially in 1961 uh the Warrenville Community Center property was conveyed to the Warrenville Warrenville Community Group for $1. And then in 1996, the group entered into a 40-year lease agreement um with uh with Brock and uh they of course vacated the property in

094December of 2023. So community, so the community group has only one active member and the other members have either passed or um they're just no longer able to participate. But per the deed, the ownership of the property reverts to Ash County Schools when the group ceases to use it. So we have confirmation that the group has ceased to use that uh property. It sustained significant damage um in Helen and we're told that it's likely a total loss as far as the building is concerned. the land is located in a flood plane and that's that is confirmed and so therefore you know you can't even build on a flood plane anymore and um the deed and lease documents of course were it were were attached in that um so essentially we've got some decisions to make

095um and we just need some wanted you all to have an opportunity to uh read this look at at it and see what you think. Um, I don't know that it has any value um to Ash County Schools. Amanda and I have talked about this. Um, >> I give this group a little history lesson. >> Oh, we would love a history lesson on the property, Diane. >> When the Northwest was first built, they did not have a gymnasium. And so the kids in order to have PE walked to the community building in Warrenville very that we got discussing >> and they had PE there and helped there and then they would walk back to Northwest High School uh for their other classes. So after the gym uh was built by the community a few years

096later Josh a few >> you know but I four or five years later I know we had it because I was there and so they ceased using it as a um a school building and they uh that's about the time that Ralph Davis and Sam Shoemate and some of those guys got together and said we need a community building and so That's probably when it was leased for that. And it's been very active actually until last year. That's where I did my voting was in that building for the Hornsville community for Clifton. That's where you voted was in that building. And so, of course, the hurricane did tremendous damage there. >> Um there's debris everywhere. Uh I think the reason Brock left that facility was because the building was in such bad shape. So they

097relocated to Lancing where they're continuing to conduct the Blige Opportunity Commission and their mission is still it's in Lancing right now. Of course they're not it's a fraction of what it used to be in my time. I worked for Blige Opportunity Commission as a teenager and it played a very important part in our communities um for helping kids and helping the community. So it's sort of sad to see it like that but just so you know. Thank you, Diane. That that's actually helpful because some of us didn't have any perspective on where it started and then where it is now. >> It was originally told So there there are some um known unknowns. The known of course are the flood plane and that it's pretty significantly damaged. Um the really what we need to um

098we need from the board is um maybe a discussion. You might not be ready for for um what to do next uh with the piece of property since it does fall back in uh the school's uh lap so to speak. um if you'd like me to reach out to um Fred Johnson um about um additional next steps um um but essentially determine whether we want to reclaim it and do something with it or which I don't I really don't see happening that would be an investment that um would be extraordinary um from our perspective um whether to obviously the county gets first right a refusal on any of um the school systems properties. Um but whether we sell it or um you know how we uh dispose or reinvest whatever. Um >> I was looking

099at it. Does it say how is it at least an acre or less than an >> I don't have the actual drawing on it but I can find that out. >> I don't think it's an acre. Imagine that. It's just that >> I would be interesting to know because I know there's some other property that the school owns that it used to be polling places. I mean, is there some other property that could lump into some of that? Just, you know, just to see what's out there before we make a decision on that if there are any other things because I know there's one piece of property near the Apple Grove Church. It used to be a voting precinct and the property when it closed reverted back and it's still on the docket. It's a

100P County schools. >> So, we can probably do a record of deed search um to figure that out. Um have Fred do that. Usually we have, you know, an attorney would do that type of a a search to find out if there's prop which which are actually in our name. >> Good time to look at it with just >> I think another thing to look at is what is happening to the properties that surround it because it's all on a flood plane. It seemed to me that it make like good sense to become that whole area to become community garden spaces people could use or a community park, but anything other than that, you're not going to be able to build there. So, I would do research on that as well. >> And I would

101really like for Sam to have give us some perspective on that because I'm sure he's he he knows all the history and he knows all the players and all of that stuff. Um, I think it would be very um wise for us to ask him for input >> cuz I think last time I drove down there to go to the middle school or something. That building looks like it's off its foundation. I think it was it was just the building on like pillars like center block. >> Pillars probably rocks before that. >> Awesome. [Music] I honestly don't think that well we we have to give it back to the county unless we could designate something like that for that little community there. There are a number of houses over there. Some of which we're really

102not. The ones a little bit higher up. surviv the creek because it was on both sides. Tank the water jumped out on both sides of that creek. So, um that might be a good thing for us to do because I honestly don't think we can sell it very easily. Um I don't know if the commissioner want it for anything either, but if we could designate it for some kind of public works kind of thing. um even a flower garden. >> But I'm also worried about you know it's going to take some money to fill that messed up. >> So is you know our respon is it if it's our property it's going to be our responsibility to get that cleaned up those trucks trucks are clean up. >> I don't know but it's definitely nothing's

103happened so far. No, we have not. Um, but it reverts according to what's in the deed. So, we can get that information. I mean, this wouldn't have even been something that we would have claimed on FEMA because we didn't know at the time that that, you know, that was going to happen. So, and based on our other properties, uh, they, you know, they're not going to do anything with it. >> Maybe if the community of Warrenville interested in having a park or walking trails or something else in that area, they would be able to pull volunteers together to clean it up in order to access especially with the land isn't going to cost them anything. >> The two churches there not together that would benefit the children of that community. There used to be some

104playground equipment there. >> Yeah, there was thing was kind of things and I think that's what we have. So it might be something a project that they would be looking to [Music] >> we have to do something with it >> whatever. Right. So, I will I will uh see if we can have uh Fred look into uh the other properties that potentially and then give us um a final direction on what the actual options are and then some of those suggestions um certainly can be entertained at the next board meeting. >> Next for the board, we've got policies that need updating. We've been working on those. So I I've got an update to the update. So which is something uh first of all um Janet kindly pointed that March 15th is actually a Sunday which

105we won't be here on a Sunday but the 16th uh would be the next day since my I put a question mark besides beside January because we always have snow in January. So I don't even know if that's a um a safe thing to do is have a meeting in January um extra for policies. But um I did receive information specifically from the schoolboards association um today and she actually um gave me a heads up on Friday uh but did not send this stuff until uh today. But she said that essentially that the 3000 series that we worked on are now significantly outdated from when you worked on them and to toss them. And >> she said, "Don't even look at them. In fact, I'm supposed to like retract access to those, throw them away.

106And she sent today at 3:38 um um a uh the summer update uh that happened recently that has several other policies that now um we have to I'll have to bring to you, but I just got the updated because they did last week. The state board met and put some rules around some of them. So those policies will have to be brought to you in November for approval in December. Um because they've got to get on the books if there's no choice in that. Um but then the third the excuse me um the 3000 series it says uh she says as with the 3000 series set please delete any previous versions of the summer update um and of the 3000 series um because many of those have had significant updates um just in the last

107several months. So um because of this and because of the I we have so many and of course um you know we started working on them. You guys have made great progress on um the 1000s and 2000s. We're in the 3000s um in the summer update. There are some that are significant that are out of order that have to be on policy per um our uh general assembly. And so we'll bring those to you. But I would like to um offer a um do policy work sessions maybe on the first the third Monday of the month um perhaps at a 4:00 so it's not too too late. I don't know what time would be convenient for you all. We're amenable to just about anything. Um but that way we can actually um dedicate time to

108these policies so that when an update occurs then it can just go into consent or even in policy most of them are are not a choice to update it. It's usually because a law has been enacted and then we can just do that administratively and inform the board that this is the change um that has happened to that particular policy due to law. So, um I'd like to uh suggest um that we come together um on a regular basis. That way everybody can plan for it and then it gives us time in between uh the meetings because this is a this is a lot of work not just for the schoolboards association but for our team who has to put it together. >> I like the idea of the third Monday of the months automatically

109scheduled because long-term planning it's hard to switch some things. So, this helps me Sometimes it's more convenient if they need a little earlier than four, >> which I'm I'm amenable to anything. I mean, we're here all day, so [Music] Great. >> It's interesting that the state can uh do these policies, but we can't get a budget. [Music] >> If they don't get us a budget, we won't need the policy. like Paul's comment of three to six. These sessions will probably easily take three hours and um if we are doing four to seven then it's dinner's going have to be done. >> Yeah. Wow. So, we're ready to change what we don't like. Most of them are going to be >> just do the most of them are going to be they're there. You have >>

110change. Another thing we might consider is those that the state legislature might not touch for a while to get those updated because it seems like that they're more >> picking and choosing more about some policies than others. Um, so you know, we might not we might go out of order to try to get more done quicker if we think the legislature. >> So the uh the ones in there are a couple of policies that have been updated since then, but uh we can bring those differently. Um but some of these require a lot of work because it's been 101 15 years and so the significant change um it would almost be worth um because a lot of it is no leeway on language or because it's the law now. It might almost be worth just

111adopting the policy and going back and changing anything. um you going back and changing anything at that same time for uh that you don't want to adopt as a part of it. But, you know, I I understand um you know, we're still going to have to take the time regardless to go through them. And I think, well, it's also good practice to know what the policies are. >> Everybody okay? Three states. >> Three states. >> Which policy? Are we going to be doing 30,000 first? We're gonna Well, I will bring you Yes, we will bring be bringing this because several of the 3000s are the ones that have the immediate updates and we they were never approved. So, we'll have to do um those first. Um as well as I will be bringing some additional

112policies that are already the law and when they pass them um they said that we should already have them in our policy which of course is not possible. um most of them in practice um we already do. Some of them are with religious rights. Of course, we're going to um make sure that we're taking care of our kids and um asking parent permission for certain things. Um you know, those have been a practice for a long time. Our books, we have them online. Um you know, parents can review what's in our collections already. Um, however, we already have processes for those who want to um object to anything. Um, our policy doesn't necessarily reflect that, but that's what we've done in practice for a long period of time. >> But you'll send a polic >>

113I will send the 3000s to you. I have them in my inbox. I just have to upload it to Google and delete everything else access that you've had access to so there is no confusion because I was uh uh told that it would be highly confusing um if not so that's the plan [Music]