001We'll go ahead and call this meeting to order for the board of education for September 2nd, 2025. It's our first roll call on my Miss Janet Bour >> present. >> Miss Teresa Calhoun, >> present. >> Miss Holly Jones, >> present. >> Miss Diane Elens, >> present. Josh present as well. Next we've got on the agenda is approval of the agenda. Anybody have anything else? >> I'd like to move the Wils Community College Mentg. [Music] >> Okay. I'd also like to um I just received or we just received information about an overnight field trip for the volleyball team in September. And so it's at the end of this month and I'd like to bring that for consideration uh to the board and I will um >> it's a Hendersonville that not >> I have not learned
002about it until today. Um they apparently it's been known. Um but I don't know how long it's been known but we want kids to be able to go on the opportunity if possible. Um but I think that was maybe oversight on someone's part. >> Which high school? >> High school volleyball team bill for a tournament >> at the end of this month. We can put those if that's okay under action probably. >> I'll go ahead and add that. >> So you want me to take >> that? [Music] Oh, there it is. >> No, you're good. So we'll make that >> we'll make that 10 >> and then I'll add an action item for the >> hearing. Nothing else on that. Do I have motion to approve the amended agenda? >> I move we approve the
003amended agenda. >> Thank you board. Do I have a second? >> Second. Any other questions or comments? All in favor? train [Music] next here. Next, we've got pledge of allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. State law. We'll be going into close session of the state for issue >> discuss an issue related to confidentiality. Do I have a motion to go into session? >> I think I'll take you motion. So motion second questions, comments. I'm going to close session. Um, our district team has been in every school multiple times. Uh, have done walkthroughs to see teachers in action. U, met with principles. Uh, even looked at, uh, numbers. In fact, um I think I sent
004you all an email last week that we are growing in some grade levels that have some uh restrictions. So, we are hiring a first grade uh teacher at Mountain View to because our numbers went up as well as a teacher assistant um at that school as well. Uh so, those are posted. They were posted last week. So, if you're a first grade teacher out there or would love to work in Ash County schools, we would love to have you. So, we're we're in that process and you can call here at the central office. You can call me, Paul, Dr. Mochin, uh or just about anybody, any one of us, and we will put you in touch with the right people so that you can come work in Ash County Schools. So um anyway, so we
005are growing in some areas and um teachers are hard at work. I've seen uh learning targets and essential questions posted on boards. We've seen high levels of student engagement. I think that the focus on high yield teaching strategies and really getting kids to communicate with each other has been really important. uh we even see um all across the board uh teachers using exit tickets and different ways to check for understanding and that kids are uh truly engaged in a lot of ways. Um, you know, one of the things that we started last year and then we got a little had a little bit of disruption and have come back to um is really uh paying attention to every moment, every conversation, every minute in the classroom being used wisely. And boy, our teachers and our
006students have risen to the occasion. And I've seen bell-to-bell teaching. And I think it's really helped having no cell phones in the entire school day. So, not just during the class. They don't have to be distracted by it every other time. That Bel has truly helped us. There's another seat up here if you want. You're welcome. But bell-to-bell I think has tremendously helped us. We have seen um students and teachers alike, even those that had reservations to begin with truly embrace it. And it's been really loud in the cafeterias and it's been really loud in the hallway. But I think that's a good thing because that loudness has been true chatter of getting to know their friends and their peers. and a lot of academic conversations have been taking place um as well. So, uh
007week three again, outstanding teaching and I'm just excited because every time I've walked into a classroom um kids are willing to share what they what they did that day so or what they were doing currently. We do not have a state budget yet. So, I wanted to bring that up because that makes decisions really tough for um schools. You know, we we have to operate under a budget. We can't overspend our money because that really comes back to taxpayers and we want to make sure that we spend it as wisely as we can. But we do not have a state budget. And I hope you guys encourage that when we do get a state budget, you encourage our lawmakers to truly invest in public education. Our kids matter. It's not about our schools and teachers
008and everybody else. It's about our students, which means it's about everything else, right? How we can upkeep these buildings, how we pay our teachers, how we invest in programs like CTE, and a lot of that is that combination of funds. And I have an the most amazing finance team here that we're going to honor today, and you will see why. Was it 13 or 14 years straight? I think it's 13. What is it? 13 years straight of getting an award and they're going to get it tonight or be recognized tonight. Um, but it would really help if the investment was in our kids. I would love for that to happen. So, I just wanted to say that out loud. Um, while we we're doing the best that we can without one, uh, it would really
009be helpful if we had a true state budget that invests in the things that we do on a regular basis. So, having said that, um, we have some people that I want to introduce. And so, um, sitting right over here, we have two, uh, students from the high school. Um, first Claire. So, Claire H is a student council uh president at Ash County High School and she is joining us as a student representative uh to the board of education and um after uh after this month, we hope that they'll be able to take an active role and have something each month uh to share with you all. Um, second is Feliz Zoo and he is the student body president at Ash County High School. And so we welcome both of them. Then you also know
010um Ash County Early College High School's representative Addison Dollar who had a tennis match tonight so was unable to be here because this meeting is on a Tuesday instead of a Monday. Um, but we are very proud of all three of them. They are fantastic leaders here in their school for their peers, voted on by their peers, and I know that they will have a lot to contribute um to uh the board and in our community as this year goes on. And these are two seniors. Yay. So, senior year is in full swing for all of our students. So, welcome So, speaking of another uh wonderful person at our high school, um I want to uh first of all call and we'll go up here to the microphone u Megan Colbert um up who is
011a health science teacher at Ash County High School. So, we have several people here um to honor Miss Culver, but I know I've told the story again or before, but I wanted to tell it again. So, I had a group of students that I was asking about um you know, what do they want to see in Ash County schools? You know, what do you like best about our schools? And every single student, now mind you, I was talking to maybe I was talking to all high flyers, I don't know, but every single student mentioned they want more teachers like Mrs. Cover Virgin. And so I was so excited because the last kid that I talked to was basically overjoyed with the things that he was sharing about Miss Colbert's class. And I uh it happened
012to be the day of the heart of the husky. So this was in May. And I ran into Miss Colbert. it and I started crying. I was like tearing up. I'm like, why am I crying? This the compliments on Miss Culver. But I was so excited um to be able to share with Miss Culver how much she is truly loved in school, but she was loved for the right reasons, too. And rigor was a part of it. So, they really felt like she learned or they learned something at her classroom. She wasn't just the nice teacher who had them do hands-on things and really invested in their learning. She was rigorous and they truly appreciated that. So, I just wanted to say, Megan, we are so thankful that you're here and I got to give
013her her five-year pin this year. I got my five-year pin for service to Ash County Schools in same year. So, we share that bond. We came here right together. Um anyway, but u Megan today we have some people here um and you probably are wondering why she's being recognized. So she has been selected as one of the 24 finalists for the ENCAT 2026 Burough's Welcome Fund North Carolina Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award. So, I think I only have two names down written here uh that are here to support, but I know there are three people here. So, um Nancy Cross and she is the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Office of CTE Assistant Director and the Deputy Director, uh Dr. Karen Sumner. And who else do we have? I've saluted
014me. Come on up. Please give them a round of applause. >> Good evening. >> Thank you, Superintendent Cox and members of the Ash County School Boards of Education. Now, I am not Dr. Karen Sumner. I am Jen Hodgej, Dr. Sar's chief academic officer. >> You might get it wrong with you. So, >> it is a okay because Karen couldn't make it tonight, but it's such honor to be here with you and you already met Dr. Nancy Cross, the CTE assistant director and Karen Boils, the DPI regional CTE coordinator. So, thank y'all so much. And we have Megan up here. So, here we go. On behalf of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, it is my privilege to announce that Megan Culver, a health science teacher at Ash County High School, has been
015selected as a finalist for the INCAT 2026 Burrough's Welcome Fund North Carolina Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award. This recognition highlights Miss Colbert's exceptional contributions to CTE instruction and her remarkable impact on the students and community here in Ash County. I would also like to recognize Dustin Farmer, principal of Ash County High School, Earl Pennington, Ash County Schools CTE director for their support of Miss Kovar. Where are y'all? funds. >> Oh, gate. Okay. Okay. He's working the gate. Okay. Okay. I got you. So, the career and technical education teacher of the year award was established to celebrate innovation, leadership, and dedication of CTE educators across North Carolina. This award honors teachers who exemplify the highest standards of excellence in preparing students for both college and career pathways and supporting workforce development. Miss
016Colard will be attending a week of professional learning with her fellow finalist in December where with where interviews and portfolio review will be conducted by an expert panel of judges from across the state to determine the next CTE teacher of the year. On December 4th, INCAT will celebrate all finalists and announce the winner at a recognition event at the Corey Convention Center in Greensboro. At INCAT, we are committed to advancing teaching is an art and a profession and we are thrilled to celebrate Megan Colin example of this mission. Please join me in congratulating Megan Colbert on this outstanding achievement. We're pleased to provide you with this certificate recognizing you as the ENCAP 2026 Burough's Welcome Fund North Carolina Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year finalist. Let's cut for her right now. >> So,
017standing up here with them is Earl Pennington. and I know our CTE program would not be the same without him. Thank you, Earl. Last words. Thank you for being here tonight to celebrate this outstanding educator. We appreciate Ash County Schools for recognizing Megan Kard and the INCAT CTE teacher of the year program. It's our honor to be here and to honor Megan. Thanks again. There you are. Thank you. [Music] So, congratulations again, Megan. We We really appreciate you and we know our kids do, too. >> And I think they're looking for you outside for a picture. >> And if not, you're welcome to All right. So, next on our list, I think I mentioned this a few minutes ago, um, but Ash County Schools was notified this summer that we have received the Government Finance
018Officers Association Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year of 2024, which makes the 13th consecutive year for this award. So, uh, Amanda Cold Iron, come on up, please. Yeah, they're going to come with you. I'm going to have you introduce um your entire team, most most of which are here right now. But I just want to say that, you know, when we have scares over the summer and not having certain funds, Amanda didn't panic. At least uh >> show it. >> She didn't show it on the outside. um you know, we talked through it and and made a plan and you know, reure reassured us that it's going to be okay even though we knew it really wasn't okay. Um but we had a plan. But it's because because Amanda takes such good care
019of our funds and the finance team takes such good care of our funds that we can be in a place where we can take a deep breath and not panic. And it's great to be on a team and work with a team who truly cares about children and wants to put children first and are always thinking about the people who care for our children. uh so those adults in the buildings and so um and I think that's why uh this award happens each and every year is because of the care that they put into it on behalf of kids. So Amanda, thank you because I know that things are are tight when it comes to dollars, especially some of those state dollars. Two of my ladies couldn't be here. That one's coaching soccer. It was
020her baby's first soccer game. So, she I told her she absolutely had to go. On Monday, Tuesday this year, >> so Leon L is not here with us tonight, but she is my assistant finance officer, and she is truly a jack of all trades. She can do a little bit of everything and has been just about every position in finance and and she's honestly she's my rock. She she's solid. And then um I'm going to have Ken Williams come up. Ken is our payroll and benefits person. And this is the first time we had ever combined that position because it's so large. And it is great to hold KK um about her talents and she keeps it all straight and um she keeps me straight and we have a lot of back and forth and
021discussions about things but she will very talented in everything she does. He also helps Tanya's offer. >> She does. Yes, she does. And then I've got Tanya Greer here with us tonight. And Tanya is um our accounts payable and purchasing person. And if you want to find a deal, this lady right here can find a deal. And she is not going to let anybody um spend money that they shouldn't be spending on something. Sometimes the hardest part of this job is saying no, isn't it? Um, but she she is just amazing and she she has such a servant's heart. Um, and she shows up during the back to school blast. Um, she works so hard at gathering the supplies and materials to fill those backpacks with and she's just an amazing amazing person. And then
022Ela May couldn't be here tonight. She was sick. Elaine is currently training to be the payroll backup. Um, and she does fixed assets purchasing and accounts payable. She is a Jack too and I just hope she feels better. So I do want to say that this goes far beyond finance as as Amanda mentioned uh the back to school blast that happens behind the scenes. This team's the one who's packing backpacks. This ones who's who are organizing a lot of the supplies. That's the reason why we moved the last board meeting because this particular room was full of it so that they could um do that in between tasks of their finance duties. Um this just happened to be the place that was closest by to pull that team together. Thank you for all that you
023do and we appreciate it. And we know that this year is especially hard when we don't have a state budget um and had some other scares. However, um they're doing great and u we appreciate all of them for for what they do for Ash County Schools and for our kids. So, congratulations So, the last thing that I have on here um to share and there'll be a lot more good things uh at the next meeting um but our aim grants. And so um today I we had a team um Earl and Leaken were were there um with gear up and u meeting about the start of this particular year. However, we had seven educators that have been awarded a 2526 academic innovation or AIM grant uh through the Appalachin State Gear Up partnership. And so
024we have a few of them here today. And so, um, these grants were earned at the exciting expo pitch competition where educators were presented, um, powerful creative ideas to enhance student learning. We had over $50,000 and many grants that were awarded in dedication or excuse me, this year and Ash County Ash County Schools educators took home a big piece of uh, this information. And so who do I have from the in grant here? Why don't everybody come on up? So we'll talk to you oneonone. And I thought I was going to have somebody from App State here today. We're going to talk about them anyway. So the success of course is a testament to their uh creativity, their passion and commitment to meeting the needs of our students. And they went out of their way
025to write these grants. And so I think um everybody in this room knows that it takes us writing federal grants and state grants and other grants in order to be able to piece it all together. Um, you know, the state does the state does not fully fund everything that goes into the education that we provide. Um, even though that's the largest chunk of our information or of our finances comes from the state. Um, but to go out of their way to write a grant to earn $10,000 or $5,000 is pretty incredible. Tanya Denny, come on up here. Tanya, you've seen Tanya many, many times before. Uh, and she and Kathy Evans in Ash County High School. Speaking of Ash County High School principal, there he is. I hope it was a big gate. >> Never
026big enough. >> Um, she wrote a grant called Connecting Languages, Families, and Futures Lending Library. And of course, uh, Miss Denny is a jack of all trades, but she is our media coordinator at the high school extraordinaire. So, not just the media coordinator, but she's also in charge of the Spark Lab. She has a full house all the time. I think part of it is is kids love being there, but I also think that kids love being a part of Tanya and whatever she has going on. So, um, congratulations. is this is a $10,000 district impact grant. Mr. Chair, can we any more information about what it's going to do? >> Yes, this grant will um be for the high school and the early college and um can also be reached down into middle school
027and elementary schools. And what we'll be doing is working with vocabularies uh for multi- language users and we'll be working with STEM kids and we'll be having three family nights where families can come in and they can work with the STEM pieces as well. And then um on top of that we'll be some for teachers for multilanguage users. >> Thank you Miss Denny. So we next we had excuse me Britney Perry and Autumn Chamberlain here and these are uh social workers here in Ash County schools and they wrote a grant called Leaders in Bloom Cultivating Change by Nourishing the Roots and this was also a $10,000 district impact grant. would you like to share what that's going to do? >> Um, so our grant is a two-pronged approach. So my piece of the grant is
028focused on professional development for teachers. Um, that will look through um, it's a virtual training where we're hoping to make teachers more aware of what some of our students face every day at home to just give a better understanding um, in the classroom of what they're coming to. And then >> so um my part will be for Ash County High School and Ash County um early college students to do a small group school garden where we'll develop and create a school garden. >> And then the third grant and I don't see Nikki Een here um but Nikki Een, Travis Een, Dy Finley from Ash County High School. um wrote a grant called the outdoor exchange classroom and that came with a $5,000 um whole school impact grant. So congratulations to all of them. That's $25,000
029into the hands of our uh teachers to make a true impact on kids. So thank you Going down the agenda. Next on the agenda is our public comment session. Under public comment in accordance with policy 2310, the board chairperson will recognize speakers and orders to which they are signed in. Each speaker will receive three minutes to present comments. However, the public comment session will not exceed 30 minutes total except by majority vote of the board. If a speaker is unable to present all of his or her information within the specified time limit, the speaker may provide the board with additional information in written form. Please refrain from addressing specific employees, student concerns, or board members as part of public comment. Concerns can be redirected to the district leadership as prescribed in the policy. Board members
030will not respond to individuals who address the board except to request clarification points made by the presenter. board chairperson has the authority to speak on behalf of the board and refer concerns to administration except in cases of emergency information received during presentations will not be acted upon at the time it is received. So going into the public comment session there we've got on the public comment Miss Angela >> Wyatt don't care for >> I wrote it down so y'all give us three minutes good evening my name's Angela Wyatt I come to you tonight as a parent of a first grade student at Mountain View Elementary School you didn't give me much time I do want to appreciate you thank you for hearing me at least A classroom should be a place that builds confidence in
031young students and harbors an environment of effective learning. Children like mine often feel lost and overlooked in large classrooms. Please familiarize yourself with the well-known Tennessee Star experiment. Smaller studenttoteer ratios directly reflect not only better test scores since they're so important, but also more confidence in the students ability to learn. At Mountain View, you took our teacher assistance for first grade. I want all of you all to imagine taking 19 students, sixyear-old students I might add, to the playground unassisted. Keep in mind that recess is only 30 minutes. Imagine teaching a lesson. See a 19 bright brilliant eyes looking to you for answers to the question from the lesson with eager raised hands. What would you do with the additional student if another one has a medical emergency? Where would you our teachers find their
032support? At this time, Mountain View has two teachers assistant who assist with four first grade classes. She said a minute ago and they sent a letter home that we'll be getting a new first grade classroom and they get a new assistant. I now have a child that is very intelligent that cries every morning on the way to school, begging me not to go because they stay in trouble because the teachers are so stressed out from watching 19 kids. I believe due to the large classroom size, something needs to be done. We cannot afford not to have a teacher's assistant in a kindergarten, first grade, or second grade classroom. If we can afford all the other things, we can afford an assistant for those teachers. My child is an intelligent child who now hates school. Don't
033do us no good to wait till they get to high school to worry about things. This is his learning. He is learning right now how to act in school, what's expected of him. He should be learning how to read, how to write his name, how to do his ABCs, how to count. But he should also be learning how to act during an assembly, how to talk to his friends. There's more to these classes than test scores people. And whether you believe it or not, we're losing teachers because they don't want to be here because y'all, you're not working with them. You're not helping them. They don't have any support. [Music] Next we got new middle school updates. >> Oh, sorry in the back. You were up front this time. [Music] You think you're on the
034game and you are so um rain has not been quite as bad this month, but we had one good week, so we're we're gaining a little bit on it. Um I refer to the building in four areas. Area A being the classroom wing. We have B, C and D. And area A is where um we have made some progress. So we have concrete wall and column footings that are being installed in this area. We have made progress on installation of water sewer line and we have manholes that are ongoing and being installed. Um the rain has impacted soil conditions for several days. the grading contractor has resorted to um conditioning the soil with lime and that is ongoing. Um this is can only be done in limited areas. It's not being done right now under
035the building pad itself. Um it's being done in the area and outside of the building pad area. Um so cut and fill operations continue to be done in other areas B C and D which is the other areas building. Um it is almost up to grade to start footings in that area, but that's bit time away. Um we also are going to be starting um programming for furniture that I need to start scheduling with the middle school this month. So that's the highlight question. >> Just for board reference, you were emailed out the latest report come out. So we don't have it in this agenda, but it's in we just proceed. Yeah. >> Yeah. That was the one you sent me to >> last night. >> Oh, that was this week's report. I sent you
036one last week, too. >> They got that last week, too. They got both of >> them. Oh, okay. >> Oh, okay. Okay. >> And I especially appreciate the visuals. We get the pictures in addition satisfies curiosity as to what's happening up there. I feel like I keep sending you pictures of more dirt, but do you get the idea? >> Okay. Okay. >> We are moving a lot of dirt. Yes. >> Okay. All right. >> There'll be more pictures of footings. So, all right. Okay. Thank you. >> There'll be dirt for a while. >> Yes. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. It's open. Okay. Um, next we'll jump into action items for the board. The program under consent agenda we have the data use agreement with RTI Appalachin State ACS Centerou. The minutes from the last
037meetings SRO Sheriff's Officeou are under the consent agenda. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion that we approve the consent agenda. >> Thank you, M. Jones. Do not have a second. >> A second. >> Thank you, Miss Ward. Any questions or comments? >> I'm still looking for minutes from close session. I don't think they've had anything. >> Okay. >> Any other questions? Hear none. All those in favor of the consent agenda, raise your hand. Motion carries. Next, we've got uh contract for chiller installation. >> No, he's not. He He's not here. Um but on August 14, the bid process for the chiller replacement of the high school was completed and um there were five vendors that submitted proposals with Boiler Masters coming out in as
038the low bidder and Mr. Johnson prepared the contract. that you see. We are requesting permission to proceed with this project for the children. questions or comments how much it's going to cost. >> So, the warranties typically don't come in until following the installation of the chiller. Um, but uh it'll be a st it'll be a standard warranty as long as that insulation is done. I don't know what the warranty is on this particular piece. Do you have it in front of you? >> But these actually came in under what we thought it was going to by a significant amount. So they were What was the amount, Amanda? Do you have it there? >> We thought it was going to be about 800,000 and that's what the commissioners had given us. But cost. >> That's what
039the cost, right? That's what the cost analysis was, but it was less than that. >> Is there an expected time of completing the installation? >> Well, once the bid is awarded, it'll be following. >> Yeah. >> Westwood. That was a year. for something. >> Any other questions? >> I'm almost afraid to say 12 weeks. When this started those first meetings with contractor how much time to install does question. You're not all in favor? Raise your hand. Okay. Next, we've got field trips for Ash County School. I am here on behalf of our eighth graders to ask permission to bring back the eighth grade coastal trip. I think we last took that in 2019. So, uh we have um asked for March 25th, 26th, and 27th. So, it's a three-day, twoight trip uh to the Outer
040Banks. I think you have the itinerary. Um the trip is 500 for the three days. Do I have a motion to approve this field trip? >> I move we approve the field trip. >> Thank you, Miss Ward. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Two. There. Any questions or comments for Miss >> Are they going to stop at the universities like they used to? I have not seen that in >> Probably not because we've had to reduce it down to the three days. >> It is. Yes. It's a very straight shot. Um, prior when we used to have Europe, they would they would pay for part of the trip if we put in a university um stop somewhere. But as of right now, we don't have Europe. >> The grade cohort is done. >>
041It's not the gear prep work for this next two years is not through. >> Um, well, may I make a suggestion? I guess I'm reading all those rules and all those wonderful structures you have in there. I'm going, okay, put that last next time. I want to see where you're going. >> Put the good stuff first. Put the good stuff first. I did read through every everything that I wanted to see happen that will be the only time. It's been too long. >> Absolutely. Any other questions, comments? Hear none. All those in favor, raise your hand. Sounds like you're going with the coach. >> Next, we'll go from the coast to budget work sessions. So, I had sent an email out about uh Monday the 15th is being the budget work session to give um
042our team some time to um really go down through what we have with the budget. I don't think it's going to change um in time to do anything by our October first deadline u for Amanda and her team to have everything in and file for the state. And um I we just ask for a time that you would like to meet on that day. It typically takes about 3 hours um to go down through each of the budget items, what we have left, where we are now um based on the best information that we have. Um, so I don't know what if you guys have a preferred time you wanted to start like one o'clock in the afternoon. Um, so that you have, you know, time to digest it or if you want to start
043at, you know, three, >> 9:00 a.m. >> early afternoon or morning because my evenings would be tied up with some other little boats right now. So >> I prefer the afternoon or morning as well, but the one Fine. [Music] >> Okay. >> 1 p.m. Perfect. or anything on that. So, we'll just keep going through. Next, we've got the Jody Proidence Services Contract Little. >> Good evening. Um, so I think I'm the next couple, but a few of these actually could have been on consent. They were. So, um, Jody Province Counseling, our our school-based employed mental health services through J Province. No significant changes to that contract for this year. >> Do I have a motion to approve this contract? >> Make a motion. >> Thank you, Miss Calhoun. Do I have a second? >> Second.
044that work. Any questions or comments from Miss L? >> I do have some questions about how this money is going to be spent. I noticed in the in the we have $75,000 that will be there allocated to this. We will receive the services because it seems to be really difficult to get our elementary students into CW that do have the accident high school. I'm very concerned about some of the things going on in these elementary schools and some of our students who need support. >> Um so this amount again is is a tentative amount because we are using school safety funds that are specifically for students in process. Um and that's how this is allotted. So there are no local funds or state aotted funds that just automatically come to us. This is through our
045state our state school safety grant application process that we apply for. This is the amount that we received last year. those funds are carrying forward. Um, and so in order for students to be able to access this, of course, it is for all the schools, but you're right, we do have different supports in place at the middle school through Top Dog Clinic and as well as at at the high school through Jody Province. We're going to get to in just a moment our F health, but looks very different this year. But these are not actually a whole lot harder to get there. they just have to show that they are actually um it needing these services for school application. Um and so sometimes when students are just in general anxious about the world they and
046they're they're typically fine at school because they feel safe, this might not be the right setting for them to receive it. So students do have to go through our mental health team as an MTSS process. >> So how long does that take? because I had a parent uh call me and she said they referred her student in September of last year and it was March before services. >> So depending if they were going through the intervention stages and showing some progress and maybe then they tried something different and then they showed some progress so that can slow it down. Probably the the quickest is about six weeks with the data to show that. um unless we have a qualifying event, which a doctor would help us with some of those things. But we do need
047to show that they that the impact of these services being done at school directly impact success and and at school setting. We have tons of students who are still seeing Jody, their their counselors outside of school hours. Um the the funding source is different. So the process has to be different. So back in co we had eser funds and it was looser and we really were just trying to triage at that point because we had a lot um and this time this is forcing us as a school to put things in place at tier 1, tier 2, tier three. This is a tier three. We should not have 30% students that are receiving individual therapy. Um and if we do we've got a bigger problem because we're not meeting the need. So we are working
048on that. It's going to be much more streamlined this year with some training and some um team placements that we've already worked on over the summer. And then last year we had our hurricane right when we were trying to put a few things in place. And so that really slowed down a lot of progress with certain students. But again, I think the quickest fast track for that would be about 6 to 8 weeks. Um, and that would be for students who really we went through the intervention and we can show that's not helping them, you know, attend school better or um that students are more comfortable in a classroom setting without having to exit to regulate emotion. Whatever that looks like. Um, that would be about as quick as we can get through that process
049of >> situations that can go directly to tier four, >> tier three. Um, yes, but that's something that has to be worked on. It's like an IEP team decision almost. I mean, this is not an IEP, but we're putting them through the process just like MTSS. So, if I had a student with a reading disability, we would try different things. So, of course, there's going to be exceptions to that, but that's not the typical process. No >> question. Um, I'm trying to understand this whole process and how it applies differently. Um but when we do um tier one are those not whole group interventions that should be already in place for all our students. >> So tier one does look very different but for example at our schools that are leader in these schools that
050could very well be um doing leader and me lessons that that's a thing that they're doing if they're um in a certain grade level and they're doing a certain curriculum that's on character traits and character building. You know all of those things. It doesn't have to directly be like a social emotional learning or an emotion regulation. It can be very different. So we have talked about that in our district MTSS teams and our school MTSS teams and defined what those programs for tutor one to look like. And they are all tied to um researchbased interventions that show how many weeks you kind of need to stay here, what your thresholds are. If a student's performing at this level after six weeks or whatever that looks like, then that that indicates to us, yes, this is
051effective. It may be slow, but it's working. Um, and we want to try to put all those things in place. This is a very, um, this should be kind of our last step, you know. I mean, we don't want to just do this for every kid because it's not appropriate for every kid. Sometimes small group is going to be more appropriate. Um, and there are things that we can do within a classroom setting that are tier three. Doesn't have to be counseling. We can have that teacher or teacher assistant or uh the custodian do do a one-on-one intervention. We have that. We have children who do check in checkout with the custodian every single day and that's their that is their tier three. So this is just one of our options. >> That's why I
052think it's very important for us to keep our system and our school counselors obviously are doing a lot of tier three. I mean a tremendous amount. Um and of course with with their expertise level they are a lot of times the people who are helping with the conversation of this is beyond my realm, this is beyond my skill set. This is my recommendation and they're a member of the team and the team is making the decision if that makes sense. >> This this is a minor point but um is there a reason why we have these two columns with all the spaces? I mean the vocabulary is causing this to shift up. I'm scrolling up and down trying to get through it. There's a big huge like. >> So, this is from um Jody, but
053her lawyers, they sent it this way. So, they're it's there. >> Well, I was kind of afraid to do that because I'm afraid I would lose something, but I can ask for that. >> All right, I'll work on that for sure. >> But yeah, it's not a big deal, but it wasn't difficult to file. >> I agree. Great. >> It took me a while to learn how to turn it on. >> Sideways definitely [Music] turn the page on this one. Any other comments? Um I'm just I'm just very concerned about um our students and our foster and um you know our kids have changed and I'm just concerned that we support them. >> I think that might be an argument that it's time for us to look at how we're doing all children that we
054need to we need to fix the way we're doing it for a lot of kids and not just a few kids and I agree with that. Um, I think this is kind of the last, you know, this is the highest level of need that we are, you know, able to offer in our schools and and we do have students that need that and we want to make sure they do have access. So, I work very diligently to make sure that we get through those processes effectively, efficiently. I do know that last year there were a lot of breakdowns in getting um some kids through that process just because the consistency with being in it's hard to do interventions when they're not here in person and it was a remote day and a hard January. So
055that's why that particular student we started in September and we had not done our part until >> I'm just going to come to my mutual forgetting last year. >> Take that. That sounds great. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Yes. Absolutely. >> All those in favor raise your hand. >> Motion carries. It's not going nowhere. your back again for app health sn. >> So this is another one that is a yearly um but I I think this one really probably needed to be looked at a little differently this year and the reason um and Diane this will be important for you. Um, one of the things that, um, App Health a couple of years ago came to us and they were like, "Okay, what what do we need? What what can we do?"
056And we talked about the need to have after, um, COVID, we had, um, a school nurse at the middle school and we were losing that funding after our federal funds were gone and they kind of stepped up and they said, "We can help with that." And so, we were able to keep the middle school nurse there full-time as well as clinic there, which is a huge resource. Um and they've also been listening and looking at our data with our kids and they said you need more behavioral health. We've been screening for that. So um they have been able to hire two posttock students and two behavioral health clinicians. Um so there's four total that will be in addition to Caitlyn Adams who's at the top dog clinic. So we will have four additional clinicians who
057can go in and help teachers with behavior interventions. They can run small groups. they can do individual therapy. Not only this will be through the top dogs setting, I mean it's they'll be in all the schools, but it's through that um that same framework work of a school-based health clinic um at no cost to families. So um and they're full-time. They're going to be with us every day that students are with us and >> and they have so much energy. It's refreshing. >> It's amazing. >> They just they really love what they do and that's us. of them have come through our ask center as incomes. So they've been in schoolbased before, which is like holy cow. >> Well, and that's what we that's one of the reasons why we have the the clinic at
058the center at the high school was to grow people who wanted to work in school-based mental health. And we're finally seeing uh grants that help support them staying here in Ash County. Right. >> Yeah. >> We have several in progress already. >> Any other questions? >> Understand a motion to approve this. >> I think the motion may approve this. I second. >> All right. Thank you, Miss El. Yes, >> one more question for >> all those in favor. >> Keep going. >> Okay, last one. Um, so this is the yearly mental health training plan that is required by our state um that we do a certain amount of training for all staff um each year around um mental health and suicide our suicide referral protocol. So, um, this document looks very similar to the ones
059you guys have had the last couple years with just the updates for this year with the names, titles, and duration of all of the, um, trainings that we utilize for all staff. >> Let me just submit this yearly to show North this is how we are complying with this law. >> I have a motion to approve this plan. I'll make a motion next time we can turn the right formatting correct. >> Do I have a second to a motion? >> I second. >> Thank you, Miss W. Miss questions, comments. >> Um I do have a comment about the vector courses and I know that's a convenient way to do things but um like putting kids on, you know, the computer to do training, I have some reservations about all of that. Is there any followup
060that's done to the vector training or is it just check off we've done this this this and this? >> We've we've explored a couple of different ways. The state has made some of the modules so it's a little different but in my opinion I went through some of those they're extremely dry. These are actually updated so will be the same and even the duration but like our title n one was completely new this year. So I know it is cumbersome. It is long. Um, but as far as followup, not a tremendous amount. I mean, honestly, but we do talk about at the very beginning of the year meetings that principles have with staff. They kind of review. There are certain parts with bloodborne pathogens and some of the other ones, maybe not these as specifically,
061but about being a mandated reporter and who do you contact, who's your school safety team if you have a concern about the students will be. Um it's kind of reviewed but it's not directly review of these vector trainings. I agree. They're not the greatest. >> Yes, they do. They do because it is it is required of every staff member. So that includes >> custodians and cafeteria staff. Everybody. >> Any other questions? >> None. All those in favor raise your hand. Motion carries. I think we're good. Thank you. >> Next, we've got the personnel. Have those attached to your agenda. >> Do I have a motion to approve the personnel? >> I move you approve the personnel. >> Okay. Thank you, Miss Ward. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss. Any questions,
062comments? >> I'm personally glad to see us with a second ROC instructor. That's wonderful. >> He's great too. >> How will that work? How would he work? >> Is he just like little subjects? And they typically hold two times three >> and [Music] >> no that's okay. It's it's a good question. >> Any other question coming? All those in favor raise your hand. Motion appears. Next, we've got the literacy plan. That's all they're sitting in front of. >> That's exactly right. >> Um, and it's that time of year. Um, our K5 um K3 literacy plan um is due to the state just a few weeks. So, um, what you have before you is our updated plan, um, that our specialists and our curriculum team got together and updated a little bit, but mostly it's the
063same as what you've been seeing for the past, I guess, now probably four years, five years. Um, but this plan is based upon um, Senate Bill 387 and the legislation that comes from it to achieve and all the things that go along with that. So, we're just asking for your approval for this year. Do I have a motion to approve this literacy plan? >> I make a motion to approve. >> All right. Do I have a second? >> A second. >> Take any questions or comments? >> I want to be very honest with you. It's nothing directed to I find that the curriculum on the kindergarten program is not developmentally. Um I'm looking I I already did research on every one of the programs that are recommended and while they're beneficial we we all scripted
064programs here for our uh kindergarten folks and I've been working some in kindergarten first grade and we've got kids that can't cut we've got kids that can't make circles but we're doing um Whitney which is a very high level comprehension kind of thing that has not a lot to do with letters. It has to do with comprehension and I've seen some of that at work and I think it's too soon for teachers and so that would be the reason that I can also because speak to to that um you we're not we don't just have written wisdom which twin wisdom is actually not scripted we have the scripted parties we've actually done that But the phonics is the letters. It is scripted because it's research based. It has to be taught that way in order
065to work. So you have that which in my opinion is story based. You know you have no tells the story but those two can remember the characters they speak in the brain. Then you have he which I think teachers all love awareness and then go was added on this year which our teachers had training and I think they really like that part. I think even we've heard from our teachers one that was struggling a little bit. She loves that part. She said think it was maybe the missing piece for her. And then the W list when you follow it, it actually does have um built in the dance, the movement, all these little things that you can follow it to the melody. It has those things within. But you have to do it or you
066would miss those those things. You know, I sat there and I watched attention span for students who supposed to be about a minute per year and these lessons are and they are not getting the movement in. They're not getting the expiration. We don't have and I listen about all of the uh communication about problem solving about all of those components and right now we don't have that. It's not there. It's not the teacher's fault. Those are built into some of the lessons which we glad to sit down and show you like a full wisdom lesson throughout a module. How those things are built in. Turn and talk, partner work, knee and knee, shouldertoshoulder, all those social skills, throwing the ball so that it's not just purely teacher directed, but it's a lot of work on
067the teacher to learn that to do it. And it's a release too because we've talked finally in LA. We want to control it. And so we have to train them. And we we did go watch um a kinderg I was so impressed that she was the kids. They were enthused. I feel like they were learning. I think you can't take any one part. I think it's all these parts kind of together. And it doesn't take their whole day. They've got math and other times during the day. One thing I have liked about it is we do have our coaches that come. Um that's one thing about this company that they want to make sure that we're successful and say they come back continuously all throughout the year and they help us to understand help teachers
068understand help the principles understand how do you teach this particular curriculum and how do you um and and coaching them through what does this look like? And so one of our coaches in particular talked to them about breaking that lesson up in pieces especially for our younger ones. They shouldn't be sitting the whole time. if they're sitting and getting that's a problem. >> So it should be broken up and she's helped them coach them through what does that look like. So we have that piece in play and then also when we've gone down to Wilts and trying to see what they're doing, how did their kindergarten teachers teach it and let them actually see how it works. They should be getting up. We've learned how to how to maneuver a whole 90 minute walk straight
069back to back. it can be broken up and the principles have worked on that and really tried to make sure that their master schedules are helping this that give some transition time so they aren't sitting but again if they're sitting the whole time for that then it's not being done the right way >> it's not being done they're sitting the whole time >> um parts are being left out >> I think another thing that really was an aha moment for for a lot of us when we sat through um a go train the Our our coach reminded us, remember this particular curricula is language comprehension. We're not teaching students to read with this. It is language comprehension. We know the stories are not going to be readable to them. Think about why do you read
070to a 2-year-old? Why do you read to read it? You are reading to them so they learn vocabulary. So they hear you read, so they learn about the content, the topics. you're reading to two-year-olds to help them learn about knowledge about things. And so that helped them see, okay, they're this is the purpose for this particular curricula is language comprehension. They're building syntax, background information, language comprehension, all of those things that has to be just as firmed up as the phonics piece so they can read it. And that comes from Letterland. And now we've got our next piece, which is geodess. And that's going to help them with their having them more practice time. And that's our next step too is giving students more practice time reading. >> And I'm going to tell you and
071we don't have assistance in every classroom. You cannot do all the cases. I watched today folks trying to cut um I watched little ones today trying to cut and they couldn't even cut the lesson. You know the lesson is that these are folks that can't read and the pictures were not you couldn't tell which happened then or next if I hadn't been able to. So they're requiring a lot of assistance and so you know they're just I think that if we did it after Christmas and with some of that after Christmas, after we have routines down, after we've had some socialization time, after we take some time to, you know, develop mentally get used to being at school, I would feel better about Well, at the beginning, it should be a lot of teaching. It
072should be a lot of reading aloud, having good discussions, um, having them involved in the text, um, getting up and moving around, acting it out. It should be a lot of those things. I know it was a discussion end of last year and I had some teachers reach out to me and I talked to you all. So I was educating myself and I think I went to M over there to Jerry >> and walk through it and to see what the advance of what kindergartens and first graders are actually doing. They actually had better handwriting than some middle schools and high schoolers. So I mean there is a lot of positive that can come out of this >> when when you have the expectation that they can do >> and they were having a sentences
073and like their story I mean it was just it was real impressive. think that the teachers are following the most positive things that we are that there actually is good instead of having to find time >> and and I just feel like structural literacy we we need to not separate literacy from fun and I'll just be honest my pet peeve is fun Fridays because if we teach kids it's that Fridays are fun because you get to go outside and not than what we're teaching instruction literacy and and the way you model that to children who play and dance and art and to hear the kindergarters talk about art is so impressive because they have this natural wonder as it is. But to hear them look at the picture and analyze it and what they come
074up with is pretty amazing. So I I want them to see that learning can be fun. So we stop thinking that it's the it's these two separated things and we we have to set that in kindergarten and if we if we don't teach the standards that are set forth in kindergarten then we put them behind in first grade and then we're going to put them behind in second grade and that is not the children. nor is it obtainable for teachers to fill those gaps because if they already come to us a little far behind and then we don't ensure that all the kindergarten standards are taught and written wisdom does ensure that within the first three modules all standards are taught within the first three um and that kid feels like they're constantly catching up
075and going into each grade they're where they're having to work I know we have I mean we have different opinions. It's always it's going to have you know you can have 100 people in the room 50 60 people um like you know we have we did a lot of research a lot of the kindergarten teachers actually they had the choices. When did you go to when did >> we after process probably two year process of three literacy roads missing schools multiple schools multiple teachers and as one of our consultants says we have the Cadillac the curricula right now it's the best so and it's going to be hard I mean it's start. But year two, I've already been in schools like we were talking about. They're like, they know how to do this stuff. Now,
076kindergarten won't. They're going to be starting fresh because they've never done instructional routines. So, it's going to be a harder lift, but they but the one thing that um one of the veteran kindergarten teachers told us in Milk, she said, "You start day one with routines and you don't let up. Not one time." She was like, "You expected on day one, you expect it on the last day." and she said, "And that's what got me because I just I was able to do that and I just stuck with it every single day and they got it." So it was the consistency and you start with everyone and it is a harder lift for them because they don't have any background on it whereas you know our first grade teachers if you're like they remember how
077to do it they remember you know so that's been I think eventually that will continue to trickle up. Um but I feel very confident um with what we've got. It aligns to everything that is what our state recommends, what they require um what the research recommends. It it aligns exactly the way it should. So it's just a matter of getting in there and doing it. And it's good for our kids. I mean I see it all kids. They did a great job last year. They only had less than 90 days of face to face and look what we did. So, so they did it. One thing that would help if we had a consistent testing team that would go in uh like other school districts have where they do the um all the individual testing
078at the beginning of the year that she's been doing for three weeks >> and we started in certain grade levels with um just as a starting place in the regard. We were hesitant because they don't know who we are. They don't know all these people coming in, you know, whereas the older the older ones know it and they'll just come with me like okay, they'll walk down the hall and it's fine, you know, and it's like running a little, you know, factory. It's great, but now kindergart's different. And so, so I've talked to the principles and and they're with me on this. We will eventually get to kinderg offered it however they want to do it. But I was hesitant on kindergarten. I told because they don't know what school is impressive, >> right? But
079as the year goes on for middle and end, >> they don't know what school is, but we can solve this. >> Sure. We don't teach them. We teach the routines. Absolutely. But they don't know who we are coming in. You know what I'm saying? They know their teacher and what they're vote to approve the literacy and the work and research. This one's called the motion in the second. All those in favor, raise your hand. Next on the school, >> Earl Pennington. Well, there's several people in here who um were on regular meetings with Wilks for this one. So, >> Sure. And that's what I was going to say. I'm on I'm here on behalf of several folks to present our local our local agreement with Wils Community College and in your and in the PDF
080scan, there's actually three parts to it. There's the there's theou itself. There's the CTE, CCCP, local articulated classes between Ash County High School and Wils Community College. And then there's another in there for teaching as a profession class to articulate it to a community college because it communi it articulates to a university class. So I know there was a whole lot said there, but there there are three different documents there in that one PDF. Um, usually we bring 10 CCP uh, CTE courses to look at articulating locally. If you'll notice, Ash County has one this year. And the reason being is the state listened. We've been offering 8 to 10 articulated classes locally. Now they're they have become state articulated classes. So we no longer have to do that. So that's why that number has
081reduced down to just one, Microsoft, and Excel. So, kudos to the state. I think they've modified that list two times now in the last four years, I believe. But, uh, that that's good news. That means our kids are our students are getting more opportunities by taking Cte classes. They're getting more articul they're getting more opportunity to have articulated classes, not to just Wilts, but to all of our community colleges across the state. So, what an opportunity for them there. Do I have a motion to approve theou? >> I move. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Questions, comments? >> Yes. I had asked this this even the consent agenda because a parent has brought to me a disconnect between what Ash County is doing and what Wils Community is doing concerning the cell phones
082that there are certain classes that Wils Community College is asking. Uh their the professors are asking kids to use their cell phone and um of our county kids are not being allowed to do that. I think we made that clear that they cannot go with those cell phones to another class and it's presented some kind of an issue. I think it sort of puts a students in the middle. Here I am coming student. I have my cell phone locked up but over here they're using those cell phones because they don't have dedicated devices that they use. So they use cell phones for for programs and for homework and that kind of thing. So how can we accept my phone. So everybody that's only concern about cell phon discussion. >> So thisou um is actually one
083that's with all school districts. So so for that Wilk serves, not just um not just ours. So they have signatures on here at the end you can see with um Ash, Alagany, and Wilks who don't all have um any of the same policies which is a little problematic. And so it's a challenge and we've worked through some of that. Um but we have uplifted this concern um to Wilks about students because it is not a requirement for a cell phone for any of the classes that they offer and it's certainly not something that they can um require. So, um, we have put this back in Wilk's hands, um, to, uh, have discussions with their professors because it's only what two professors that we've we've heard of that have that have >> I think it's probably
084something that we need to discuss. I've put it on the agenda for we have monthly partnership meetings and um, it is on the agenda because that that is our expectation. I know Dustin and I both have um drilled it into our kids that they're not allowed to have their phones even in their college classes. They're locked up. I know Dr. Marsh has spoke um specifically to all of his folks on Ash campus. Um, but again, I think it's a matter of um and and Miss Walker was there the whole first week of school troubleshooting because there the I I can say this, the kids do not need their cell phones and wells classes, >> correct? >> Um, there should be no issues in enforcing that because they just shouldn't have. The problem is the enforcing.
085So it it gets a little wishywashy as to what is the expectations of a Wils community college instructor if student has a self is it a train high school student is it an early college student is it a tra traditional student and then it's kind of you know our teachers Dustin's teachers my teachers know if a kid gets their cell phone out they're on their smartwatch um they got a airpod in it's it's a high school age kid I have to take the device >> um I I don't know you know I I can't and I I don't you know I don't see Dustin and I walking in college classrooms and trying to police that in >> that's not the expectation either. Wils has set up all of the as long as kids are logged
086on to Ash County schools or Wils Community College their emails their community college emails are so the multifactor authenticator does not trigger to have to send them a text and this walker sat up there that whole first week of school and we sent students to Dr. and they navigate anytime something like that would pop up if they wanted to get their phone out. Nope, we can go to tech figure out get everything working correctly. It seems to be working. I think the issue again just becomes how are instructors going to distinguish who's who and and where you know that I don't I don't know that we I don't know what we do with that. But I do have that I added it to the agenda to discuss it or not. >> I see that some
087of our high school students may be at a disadvantage if all the other students have their phones out and they're using this program and they're joining us in class and they shouldn't need >> they shouldn't need it. >> They should they should not need it. >> And and what I've been deal doing with that and is if if I hear of it specifics then I am letting Dr. Marsh know. Um and and so one one issue that I know had that happened was like day one of class um he had not had his ash campus meeting yet with instructors and um there was there was an expectation that a student used their phone in their college class. But after he met with with faculty and staff um and they were again cuz he had sent
088out information but once he got face to face with them and assured them you know they they're not going to have their cell phones. Don't expect them to have their cell phones that was taken care of. Um there was another that I mentioned to him and I believe that was he had a conversation with that instructor as well. So, that's kind of how I've been dealing with it is that if if kids come and say, "Well, this kid's on it." And um that one, you know, then I've been letting him know and I I've even though I can't catch them in the moment, if I've heard heard of it, I've emailed the students and said, "Hey, I'm hearing that you're on your device in college class. It's not allowed. It's going to catch up with
089people." So, and they've been really good at working with us throughout this whole process. So, it's just a matter of it come coming to our attention. Lindsay is on it right away. I know I know uh even though Dustin is across the street on a different campus um is as well troubleshooting and then just as Lindsay said the entire first week the entire week um Amy Walker was up on the Ash County campus and literally dedicating her whole time to helping them uh navigate any type of tech issues because we wanted them to start off great. we've had, you know, little issues with Wi-Fi and things in the past that we wanted to head off, but knew that this could be if there was multifactor authentication um that that might be an issue and I
090think from what I hear it's pretty smooth now. >> It is, but if you're if you're hearing I would tell the students to come let me or Dustin know because we we communicate with Dr. Marsh >> daily. Um they have So I have two unlocking stations. So we use both in the mornings and then what I do is I walk down our mobile one. I walk it down to hall and he keeps it front desk there. So if a student were to check out early or just at the end of the end of day dismissal, they have he has an unlocking station down in the hall as well for kids as they leave. so they have access to that when they're leaving um you know or an emergency situation and um you know he's been
091he's been great and I feel like has addressed both um things that that I brought to his attention. A lot of it's just educating. I mean once once the instructors learn their students and know that this isn't going away um I think that that's going to be and we just have to stay on top of it. I mean that's We've had a lot of conversations at my house about that, too. You know, if we if we start getting laughs on stuff and, you know, take a kid's word when they say they don't have their AirPods and you just saw them five minutes ago walking in school with their AirPod, you know what I mean? Like, we just have to we're just going to have to stay vigilant with it once they realize it's not going
092away. >> Um, what did the guys say at the community event? It takes 30 days to build a habit. So, >> you know, we're only in week three. It's got >> Exactly. Well, I just felt like it needed to be discussed because we all need to be on the same page with that. And the teachers that I have talked to are ecstatic that they're not dealing with subs every day. They are. They said it's the best beginning in school that they think they and so it's not they're not either. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you for taking the time to do >> Yeah, absolutely. And and one thing about this, this is probably one of the most >> thorough, >> comprehensive, thorough deep dives of a of an agreement ever. I mean, it's we
093were just >> I asked have it shortened. >> I did. I was like, it's >> I know. It's good. We're going to get >> But I just can't speak enough of when when we had ideas and we had, you know, concerns. There was open conversation and anything I know anything that we bring to these monthly meetings or or or emails or however we need to do it to be looked at in an equitable manner. So, thank you for that. >> Any other questions on theou? >> All those in favor raise your hand. Thank you. Next, we've got the added items to the agenda, the volleyball overnight trip. [Music] >> Yeah, you're all right. You might not. >> I appreciate the end. >> Yeah, we give you >> Sorry for my stress. I came straight from
094practice. Good. We um our volleyball team has been very successful and has the opportunity to play in the Big Falcon tournament on September 19th and 20th at West Henderson High School. Um because of the late night on Friday and the early game schedule on Saturday, they are they are requesting to spend the night. Uh it'll be 13 players in three chaps. Two of the chef rooms are female, one is male, head coach, and they'll be in six rooms. There'll be two for the coaches and four for the players. They've been working hard to raise some money to help pay for this, and I've assured them that the athletic department will pick up what money they do not have. >> Do I have a motion to approve this overnight trip? >> Make a motion that we
095approve this trip. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. Thank you, Miss Elbert. Thank you, Miss St. Questions or comments? Okay, >> all those in favor raise your hand. >> Thank you, sir. Next, we've got updates, discussion, items, and considerations from the board. You talk about FEMA update there. So, we have uh Jody is not here today. Um but Amanda and Lincoln and uh Jody work really hard on uh the FEMA updates. But you can see that Westwood Elementary wash out project is what they're calling it. Um uh began on Monday, August 25th, and it's to be completed by September 30th for that contract. We have a contract with a vendor for Ash County middle school baseball and softball fields and they're to be completed by October 19th based on the contract. Uh there's
096a contract with the middle school softball field fence. Uh that's also to be completed by October 19th. Um, as well, temporary repairs for the early learning center have been complete and we're in the process of um, uh, working on um, the early learning center roof and a contract uh, that Fred and um, Teraccon are um, working or being reviewed right now. Um, we have the Mountain View train system and sinkhole. Um, is planned to begin uh today. Um, I'm not sure, you know, when the completion date will be on this. Um, we do have Kevin Nicholas on retainer for that project, but that is the one that's closest to the playground, and that's why that one is um taped off right now to so kids don't get over there and fall in a hole that
097they don't need to fall into. And We don't know. >> We don't really know what they're going to find. >> Correct. >> They start. >> So they go a little further. >> They're gonna find lots of water. I'm sure that's what they're [Music] >> And so uh right now kids have access to the upper uh field and playground. Upper two fields and playground. Um but that one is off limits for safety. But soon as uh soon as that is fixed uh to our satisfaction, then we will begin the repairs to the uh playground equipment uh that need need tended to. But until until we know they're going to have to rip it all out and do something different, then um it's going to stay closed off. >> Baseball softball season. >> It should be done
098in October. the the middle school. You're talking about middle school, correct? >> So, it depends. The the the um dugouts are a completely different story. You want to share about the dugouts, Amanda? [Music] >> Ask them to change their And we only have one vendor. [Music] We don't want to upset him by coming back to him over and overing all this information. [Music] >> It's not being easy to work with. >> So what should I tell parents? >> We are doing the best we can. I have already >> in the fence project in the act finished and same way with a field it's the actual dugouts that are in questions >> and well and and of course you want it you softball and baseball, we want to have similar playing conditions, right? Similar field conditions
099and similar um dugout conditions for our girls and our boys. So, um you know, it's one of those things where we want our kids to have what they need and it may take a little bit of time to get beet cooperate. That's about right. Okay. And so, uh, that's another that's what we're working closely with FEMA on that one. Uh, the storage building relocation at Ash County Middle School, as you recall, this summer, because it had no footing, it was going to fall in. It's down. It looks great. It's nice and open there. Um, but we're working on the actual location again. Um, there was a little bit of a hold up on the on the location of the field. at one point in time it was in um a flood zone and I don't
100know what this particular issue is but then of course the early learning center roof and then uh the Mountain View drain system. All of those are in progress as far as the pre paperwork, pre-approval uh process. And then um gosh, I'm I'm excited that for our maintenance team, they've worked so tremendously hard. Uh July completion average was 88% of all of their work orders on top of all of these other things that they've had going on. So that's not including all these major projects. And so kudos to them for it being able to um complete that high of a percentage. And um some of some of the others where they couldn't complete it is because oh they'd had to order parts and they had some other things that they had to do that just weren't
101accessible to them at the time. And then um we're in the process of finishing the facilities assessment with Basica. You may recall about five years ago when I first came um was what 2020 2025 December 2020 2020 oh my gosh 2020 I don't know my years so 2020 uh 2021 it was close yeah so it was during COVID and we had um basic come in and do an assessment uh with our school teams on all of our facilities. These are the school-based facilities to complete a report that's due into the state. And so, um, they have they're in the process of finishing that paperwork. I think you might remember we got a notebook about this thick and then had projected out, um, immediate needs and then all the way out to 10 plus year needs.
102And so, we should have that to you um, by the deadline. the new paperwork from the state has not been released yet, but once it's released, then we'll get it on the new forms, but the work to put into the paperwork um is pretty much completed. So, we'll get that to you hopefully by December. >> Any other questions, comments? >> While we've got everybody here, if it's okay, you want to give a public update on the current business and where they're at. >> Oh, okay. Um I've been asked that question at a meeting or not. >> So, what was it a week and a half ago? Two week two weeks. A week and a half ago, they had to come out and do a drain assessment. So, they brought brought in a team to do
103the current drains to see what they what they look like. And some of the structures weren't as bad as what they thought um as far as the drains on the roof. And so, but it did cause them to have to do minor adjustments for DPI uh for their project. And so, um, once those adjustments were completed, which I think was supposed to be today, um, they were going to be submitting it, uh, the updated, um, thing to, uh, DPI. So, then it's in DPI's hands. And of course, the whole bid process. So, we're still on target, um, to get it, um, bid out for the lowest bid that they talked about um, when they were here a couple months ago. So, but it's in progress. So, they had to do a further drain assessment because
104you remember there were four different roofs or five different roof types up there and they actually had to go down in and like take them out and core it again around all of the drains to see what that looked like. So, I don't know whether this is more of an envelope type thing or a I don't know. I I really don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to roofs. So, I may may just need to stop there, but I do know that they had to dig deeper in order for them to complete the design to DPI's um satisfaction. >> Thank you for DP DPI. >> So, we will be Yeah, if if it wasn't sent today, then it will be sent very soon the updated designs to DPI. Yes. >> Thank you, our
105student reps for being here this evening. Good to see you all. And I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. >> I didn't have a motion. >> Oh, I make a motion. >> Okay. Do I have a second? >> Motion to be second. All right.