001Good evening everyone. Welcome to our Monday, December 15th regular meeting. Um I have seen that all board members are seated. So a quorum has been determined. At this time we are going to go ahead and turn the agenda over to Dr. Swan and Mr. Keith Lawson for budget clarification points. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh members of the board, uh I just wanted to I prepared some slides for everyone. Uh just um last [clears throat] week we saw some uh media postings about some what I would consider some inaccuracies reported to you guys and myself and our community at large. Uh which caused a little bit of an uproar within our staff. uh hearing some of the words that were posted as far as layoffs uh things like that. So I wanted to set the record
002straight publicly um with this. So very clear there were no no discussions of layoffs. Um as you know we had our budget meetings uh throughout the past several months and no time [clears throat] did myself or administrative team mention anything about layoffs. Um it was explicitly stated that steps are being taken to avoid teacher layoffs. Um administration and the board emphasized this open in open session. So transparency at its best. Uh layoffs are not being discussed and attrition as we've said is always going to be the first strategy for reductions. Attrition and retirements. Also [clears throat] the decreased enrollment of course we are going to see a decline in our budget because we are paid in the rears. Um so of course we're we're nearly 300 students so that is going to impact us uh
003as far as the revenue. Uh and then the total expected state revenue reduction is 2.4%. Um there was a um misinformation in in the article about that as well. So, two separate funding impacts, not one combined cut to the entire Burke County Public School System. As was stated, uh we're we're not expecting a 2.4 cut in its overall budget. Um as we've reported as well, uh Burke County Public Schools, Burke County is no different than other uh counties across North Carolina. We're seeing uh birth rates in Burke County are down. fewer kindergarten students entering. Um, North Carolina birth rate has dropped from 14.4 to 11.4 since 2007. Uh, it's a national trend, not a local failure. Um, as as also what was reported. Uh, economic development of course directly impacts enrollment. Counties with high economic
004growth show stronger ADM trends. Um and ADM for our folks um in the audience is our average daily membership of our students on campus. Uh and counties without growth of course steeper uh see a steeper enrollment decline. Um so there again we want to support our our local county commissioners and our local businesses to increase that. So which is going to in the overall and help with our ADM. Also, previously marketing as a retirement destination, not a young family growth area, um has had an impact. And as I said, declining ADM is a statewide trend influenced by state policy decisions. Uh even charter schools are seeing enrollment declines in 24 and 25 across the board. As expected, ELLL enrollment, our English language learner enrollment is down 7.4% 4% in one year likely tied to national
005immigration policy changes. Uh and here again the claim that BCPS is not addressing the why is false. Um our current student teacher ratio is 1 to4 has been reported to the board. Uh even an increase of 1 to6 still places Burke County Public Schools at the state median. uh and if we got up to one to 16 that would be because of attrition and retirements that we are not going to refill those positions. Teacher reductions do not automatically mean classroom teacher losses. Certified support staff [clears throat] adjustments can reduce budget impact without dramatically changing classroom ratios. Um Mr. Lawson presented the budget forecast and open session months ago uh earlier than required. Um BCPS finances are audited annually for transparency and accountability. Uh we've had zero audit findings. We continue to be proactive in planning
006uh for our so that we don't have a repeat of 2008 uh when it came to reduction in force across the county. Uh the district's strategy focuses on attrition, careful planning, and least disruptive options first. as what we realized last week, least disruptive didn't happen. Um, we had several staff members, young staff members that were very upset thinking that they were going to be laid off um by us. Uh, completely false and inaccurate. Um, be happy to answer any questions. I've got one um would actually tell you we had uh meetings with with the board and Mr. Lawson. um just two of us, one of us at a time. I think there's three. Mr. Me and Mr. Camp was together and Mr. Lawson and uh so I can say in that meeting we did not
007say one word about laying off anybody. >> That that is correct. >> So the other were the other board members were present in those groups? Were you with them too? >> I was at every meeting. >> There was any did any board member there mention anything about laying off anybody? >> No sir, that was not in our presentation nor was it discussed. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Swan. At this time, the board will read a statement regarding media relations, which will be mailed to the appropriate party. Once the statement has been read, the board will vote to confirm majority agreement. It is entitled Burke County Board of Education Statement on Media Access and Professional Standards. It is for immediate public reading and distribution. The Burke County Board of Education is committed to serving our
008students, our families, and our community with honesty, transparency, and accountability. We value the role of the press and recognize that strong journalism contributes to informed public. However, we also have a duty to ensure that information concerning our schools that it is conveyed accurately and responsibly. In recent months, the paper has repeatedly published stories about Burke County Public Schools that contain misleading, inaccurate, and distorted information. These issues are not matters of interpretation or opinion. They represented they represent a documented pattern of reporting that undermines public understanding and misrepresents the facts surrounding our decisions and operations. The board welcomes scrutiny and does not shy away from criticism. There is a clear and important distinction between fair reporting and intentional circulation of misinformation. When a media outlet repeatedly publishes inaccuracies, it harms not only this board but the
009entire community who rely on truthful reporting to form opinions and make decisions. Because of this pattern, the Burke County Board of Education has determined that the paper has not met the basic expectations of accuracy, integrity, and professionalism required for enhanced media access. As public officials, we cannot allow any outlet to use special access to further distribute information that is knowingly misleading or harmful to the public trust. >> Effective immediately, the paper's special media access privileges are revoked. This includes advanced briefings, priority interview scheduling, behind the scenes accommodations, and entry into non-public areas or school sites outside of regular public events. These steps ensure that special access is reserved for media partners who meet reasonable professional standards. >> This action does not limit the patient paper's legal rights. They may still attend all public board meetings,
010obtain information available to any member of the public, and submit public records requests as provided by state and federal laws. Our commitment to transparency remains unwavering, and we fully uphold all legal protections afforded to the press. >> The board of education will always work with media organizations that prioritize accuracy, fairness, and ethical reporting. Our responsibility is to the students and the citizens of Burke County and they deserve information that they can trust. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide honest communication and to safeguard the integrity of our school system against misinformation. >> At this time, we will proceed with a roll call vote on whether to adopt this statement as an official board statement and authorize its dissemination to the appropriate party. Mr. Camp >> I. >> Mrs. Rocket. >> Yes. Mr. Wyoff, >>
011yes. >> Tiana votes yes. Mr. Johnson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Taylor, >> yes. >> Mr. Beck, >> yes. >> It has passed unanimously. >> Moving on in the agenda, we now have the election of board chair and vice chair. >> Um, if I may, would like to do the our pledge allegiance. >> My apologies. Do we need an official vote to move that in the agenda? >> No. Without objection, you can just make that change. >> Go ahead and have the pledge of >> allegiance. >> All right. Without objection, we'll go ahead and move forward with the presentation of colors and the pledge of allegiance. [clears throat] To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
012>> [applause] >> Thank you to Eastburg High School's JOTC led by Colonel Scott. Now we have the election of board chair and vice chair. Madame chair, as has been the custom and the procedure for the board of education at this time for elections of new board members, uh unless there is an objection or proposal for a different procedure, I'll open the floor to nominations. uh we'll then accept nominations and once nominations have been closed we will vote in the order in which nominations are received until a candidate receives a majority of votes. Uh so unless there is a recommendation of another procedure uh we'll proceed with that this evening and I will now open the floor for the position of chair of the Burke County Board of Public Education. Are there any nominees? I want
013to uh nominate Tiana to continue serving as the chairman of the Burke County Board of Education. Over the past year, Burke County Public Schools has made some huge strides and earned recognition across North Carolina and even beyond. And that kind of progress takes leadership, persistence, and somebody willing up to uh willing to roll up her sleeves and and stay on the course. and um she's prepared uh professionally and not afraid for the hard work that comes with the role. And uh for those reasons and because the district's clearly headed in a good direction and the right direction, I'm happy to nominate her to continue serving as the board chair. >> Wonderful. Thank you very much. Mr. Wyoff has nominated Tiana Beckler to be chair of the board of education. Are there any other nominations? Hearing
014none, we will close nominations then and proceed with the vote. All in favor of Tiana Beler as chair of the Burke County Board of Education, say I. >> I. >> And any opposed, lights on. >> Congratulations, chair, board of education. Now, we'll proceed with the vote for vice chair and we'll open the nominations at this time. So, any nominations for the position of vice chair of the board of education? >> If I may, I would like to nominate Jamie Woff to uh continue doing that for another year after watching all that he's done uh in front of everyone and behind the scenes. Uh all the integrity he has, all the hard work he's done. Um I think it'd be great to have him do that again. And it's a job that's more difficult than I
015can do. I would love to have Jamie do that again. >> Mr. Camp has nominated Jamie Wyoff to again serve as vice chair. Are there other nominations? >> Hearing none, we'll close the floor and proceed with the vote. All in favor of Jamie Wyoff as vice chair of the board of education say I. I. >> Any opposed like sign on? Congratulations, Mr. Wyoff, board chair. Vice chair. >> Madam Chair, I'll turn the meeting back over to you. Congratulations. Thank you and thank you board for continuing to have confidence in what it is that we do and um I couldn't do it without all of you. So thank you humbly. With that we uh we'll have a moment of silence and then Mr. Johnson will have the board invocation. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we come before
016you with grateful hearts as we enter this holiday season. We thank you for our students, our staff, our families, and this community we are blessed to serve. As we reflect on the year behind us, we are thankful for dedication, resilience, and care shown by so many. We ask you for your guidance and wisdom as we continue our work, and we pray for rest, peace, and renewal for all during the coming days. Please watch over our students, families, and employees as they travel and celebrate and bring everyone home safely. May the season be filled with peace, joy, and hope. In your name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. >> At this time, I believe we need to move to the floor for presentations and certificates. All right. Thank you, members of the board, members of our audience.
017Uh I would like to highlight uh for the past four years, Burke County Public Schools has been doing a Christmas card art contest. Uh the idea uh we got it from down east several years ago. Dr. and I were reviewing some Christmas cards that we get every year and we had had the idea to start reaching out to our local art students. Um, so we we were fortunate enough this year to open it up to all grade levels, elementary, middle, and high school uh this year. So, uh, couple weeks ago at the central office, we had probably over 200 entries that we put out on the tables in at central office and as we'd walk by, we would review them. uh this wasn't an easy process to do uh with that many cards amongst all
018of our schools. So kudos to every participant that did the art contest. Um so we have one elementary, one middle, and one high school. So for our elementary school winner, I'd like to invite Mr. Graham Grall to the to the front. Come on up, Mr. Graham. All right. Cue the music, Miss Shuffler. I'm kidding, Graham. >> [applause] >> So, Graham Graham's card is going to be turned into an actual Christmas card with a welcome message from Burke County Public Schools. He will get some to send home to his family as well as that card will be sent out across the state to other school districts like Burke County Public Schools. So, congratulations, Graham. Our middle school winner was Katrina Anne from Walter Johnson Middle School. Congratulations, Katrina. [applause] And our high school winner, Hi, or
019Noah Han from Patton High School. Congratulations, Miss Noah. [applause] What's up? All >> [applause] >> right, our next recognition, something that we came up with um after seeing these students get recognized at the county commissioner meeting. Um, a few weeks ago, uh, we we dubbed it students in action. Um, so on September 2nd, 2025, Burke County EMS was dispatched to Morgan Aquatic Center to help with an unconscious man. He lost consciousness in the deep end of the pool. Miss Jensy Gibby, 12th grader at Patton High School, recognized the man was in distress and going underwater. Miss Jensy jumped into the action and was able to remove the man from the water. Had it not been for Miss Gibby's quick actions, the man may have drowned. Congratulations, Jensy, and thanks for being a student in action.
020Please come forward. [applause] Yeah. On September 25th, 2025, student Kase Snder s or Hilderbrand Elementary student was riding home from school with his parents. Kasem was observing life through the car window when he spoke up and asked his parents if they should help the man under the lawn mower. Imagine that. parents in the audience hearing your uh fifth grader saying, "Should we help the man laying on the ground under the lawn mower?" Um, so due to Kase's observation, the family stopped the car and called 911 and assisted the man under the mower. They stayed by his side until I fire and rescue and Berky MS arrived. Thankfully, the man was not seriously injured, but had it not been for Kase, that may not have been the case. Kase, thank you for being a student in
021action. Please come forward. [applause] >> [applause] >> Good evening. Uh on October 15th uh in collaboration with the uh city of Morington, we hosted our annual made competition. That competition is Morganington Arts Design and Engineering. And for anybody who's never been out, it is a design and engineering challenge that our students and other participating schools are able to participate in. Uh this year it was held at the uh College Street Recreation Center. Several are board members, several community members are able to come out. It's a phenomenal competition that allows our students the chance to uh showcase their abilities as it relates to the engineering and design uh industry and as it relates to their future. So this year, uh, we had students again at middle and high school, uh, that were able to participate in
022that, and we're extremely proud of them, their coaches, teachers, because it takes it's it's very much a collaborative effort, uh, to be able to to put this on. And so we'd like to recognize those winners. Uh, the Maid Middle School competition, first place was East Middle. When I call your name, please come up. uh Kaden Hudson, Brilan Williams, Maddox Brooks, Cassidy Gladen, and their teacher/coach, Miss Andrea Gladen. Congratulations, East Middle. [applause] [snorts] And our high school winners this year were Drone High School. Please call come forward when I call your name. Miss Satie Williams, Tyler Lang, Ben Fortune, Harley Mo, Chase Yambor, and teacher/coach Daryl Fortune. Please come forward. [applause] Mr. Fortune just said everybody else is at swim practice. So even better. We got we've got student athletes that are participating in this competition.
023So congratulations to those folks. Congratulations. Good evening, Madame Chair, vice chair, members of the board, and the community at large. It is my honor tonight to present the Burke County Public Schools spelling be champion. On November the 10th at Patton High School, our fourth through 8th graders battled it out for an impressive 16 rounds. We are extremely proud of all of our students for the hard work they put into practicing for this competition. It takes an impressive vocabulary to be able to spell some of these words. This year, our 2025 Burke County Public School spelling be winner was Riley Street from Table Rock Middle. Riley, can you come on up? [applause] Riley may actually be at the Table Rock Middle School game. I know they have a competition tonight. So, yeah, but please congratulate Riley
024whenever. Thank you board for the opportunity to be here this evening to share about a very special group of entrepreneurs from Salem Elementary School. The Tiger Stripe Cafe was established this this year by EC teacher Casey Miller as an inclusive program that proudly serves the Salem staff with treats such as the delicious pancakes you had a chance to enjoy before tonight's meeting. And you can see that Dr. Hallebert Burton even made them special aprons. More importantly, the cafe provides students with meaningful real world learning opportunities. Students practice social skills, apply math problem solving skills by measuring ingredients and making change, and strengthen reading skills by following recipes. These are authentic life ready skills that we know are essential for student success and active participation beyond the classroom. Please join me in recognizing these outstanding students
025and the impact of the Tiger Stripe Cafe. You can come forward when I say your name. James Talent, Grayson Ross, Jackson Ross, Annabelle Johnson, Malia Epley, Eli Randolph, Nicholas Clark, Norma Rodriguez, Avea Audrey, Lillian Lindberg, Emry Norris, Luke Thomas, Brooks Lman, Eastston Hensley, Hayen Alexander, Emory Sprouse, Brooklyn Townsend, and our teacher, Casey Miller. Please join me in recognizing these students. Yeah, there you go. >> [applause] >> Members of the board, we do have a staff recognition this evening. This evening, it's my pleasure to recognize one of our principles, Miss Nikki Costello, the principal at Forest Hill Elementary School. Miss Costello is a native of Burke County and chose to return her to her home county to teach and eventually become a principal some 15 years ago as a teacher at East High School. And in
026response to leadership at the school at the time, then principal Miss Roxanna Lman, Miss Costello, helped start a food pantry for students in the community dealing with the recession and the furniture factories closing. Today, that community resource at East High School is still going strong. And Miss Costello has also started a similar resource at her current school, Forest Hill Elementary School, to help its community. Miss Costello has spent countless hours collecting, organizing, and giving out food, clothing, over-the-counter medicine, and hygiene products to those in need. Miss Costello is an example of true servant leader and a tireless advocate for those less fortunate and a champion for education in our school district and broader community. Thank you, Miss Costello, for your dedication to your cause to help others. Please come forward. >> [applause] >> Thank you.
027[applause] What are you doing? Madame Chair, can the attorney call a point of order on himself for just a minute? >> For sure. I had a very good friend in high school that I played soccer with who spelled his last name just like yours and he pronounced it Beakler. So now that everyone's left the room, I apologize. Chair Beichler and congratulations on your wondered about that. >> So you may need to talk to him though. I don't know why they pronounced it. >> It's beach clearly in there, but it's all right. >> He was a beakler. I don't know why. >> All right. Uh Mr. Wyoff, do we have any public comment tonight? >> We do not. >> All right. Thank you. Moving on to the consent agenda items. We have the open session minutes
028from October 27th, November 3rd, as well as the close session minutes from October 27th. Uh what is the pleasure of the board? >> Make a motion to approve. >> Motion to approve by Mrs. Rocket. >> Second by >> Mr. Beck. >> Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. The consent agenda is approved. >> Next, we have the budget resolution uh for 2024 2025 post, Mr. Keith Lost. >> Good evening, members of the board. I want you to know I didn't abandon the superintendent earlier. He said he would handle the presentation. So [snorts] um I request your approval of a budget resolution year end 2425 post is presented at last week's work session. >> Do we have any questions hearing? None. Do we
029have a motion? >> Motion by Mr. Johnson. Do we have a second? >> Second by Mr. Kemp. Any further discussion? All those in favor indicate by saying I. >> I. >> Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. The resolution is passed. Mr. Lawson, >> thank you. >> Next, we have the board amendment budget revision 05121525. >> And I request your approval as presented at last week's work session. >> Thank you, Mr. Lawson. Do we have any questions, concerns? Hearing none. Do we have a motion? >> Motion by Mr. Wyoff. Do we have a second? Second by Mrs. Taylor. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor indicate by saying I. >> I. >> Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. The board amendment passes. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Next, we have personnel
030report uh with Mr. Recker. >> Madam chair, board, good evening. Ask for your approval of the personnel report, please. >> All right. Do we have any questions, comments? Hearing none. Do we have a motion? >> Motion to approve. Motion by Mrs. Taylor. Do we have a second? >> Second by Mrs. Mr. Camp. Any further questions, concerns, or comments? All right. Hearing none. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed? Nay. Eyes have it. The board action report passes. Next, we have the 2627 BCPS calendar. >> Yes, ma'am. [clears throat] Um, as presented at our prior work session, request the board's approval of the 2627 calendar as is. >> All right. Do we have any questions, comments? >> Can I just make a quick comment? >> Yeah, for sure. >> Um, makes no
031difference really to what we're doing because we are we are our hands are tied, but um it it is just a shame that we can't adjust our calendar as we want that calendar adjusted for the best outcome of our students. We are our hands are tied. We have a semester that is 18 days shorter on the front end of the school year than the back end of the school year. And our teachers and our students are expected to pack that 18 short day the [clears throat] the information they should have those 18 days to learn into a much shorter um time frame. And I think it's a shame that um our state legislator legislators will not bring this to a vote. Um, and I would encourage anybody that's interested in that to um contact your
032legislators um at the state level and just voice your opinion on that. >> Thank you, Mrs. Rocket. And with that, do you have a motion? >> Motion to approve by Mrs. Rocket. Do we have a second? >> Second by Mr. Johnson. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. >> Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. The 2627 BCPS calendar is approved. Thank you, Mr. Recorder. >> Thank you. >> Next, we have the 2627 Burke Middle College calendar with Dr. Abernathy. >> Good evening, Madam Chair and board. Um, we presented the um 2627 Burke Middle College calendar to you last week or week before last at work session. So we are just asking for approval for that tonight. >> Thank you. Any questions for Dr. Abernathy? Hearing none. Do we
033have a motion? >> Motion by Mr. Wyoff. Do we have a second? >> Second by Mrs. Taylor. Any further discussion? >> All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. The 2627 Burke Middle College calendar is approved. Thank you, Dr. Aberdathy. >> Thank you. Next, we have the new East Elementary School architect fee agreement with Dr. Swan. >> Reminder that we did agree on the 6.5% AR architect fee. Um, so so we're we're signed and everything's good to go on that and we do have a uh a kickoff meeting with our builder tomorrow morning as well. >> Very good. And so for that 6.5% you said? >> Yes. >> All right. Board hearing that. Do we have any questions? >> Hearing none. Do we have a motion? >> Motion
034by Mr. Johnson. Do we have a second? Second by Mr. Wyoff. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, [clears throat] nay. The eyes have it. The uh architect fee is approved. Thank you, Dr. Swan. >> Next, we have the new East Elementary School CMR contract. CM A contract. Seymar. I've learned that very well over the last several months. Seymar. Um, so I've been working closely with Mr. Donahghue from Campbell Shatley on that contract. Uh, we got everything taken care of today. Uh, I signed it. Uh, Mr. Lawson will get it in the hands of our county commissioners tomorrow. Correct, Mr. Lawson? And we'll be rolling forward with that signed contract. So, everything's good to go on that end as well. >> So, we just need action
035on that this evening. And this is for the new school, correct? >> Correct. This is for the new Eastern Elementary School. >> So board members, the action requested is a motion to approve the superintendent and the chair to sign all necessary contracts to effectuate uh that particular project. To give you the stats on it real quick, your architect has already been approved. That's MPS Architects. It uh the selected construction manager at risk is Edipus LLC. Your total budget on that project is 55 million. That will include the project architect's fees, consultants fees, construction manager fees, and also the cost of the work. There is a preconstruction phase with all Semar contracts. That's when they go out and they do their due diligence. They actually find subcontractors. They work with the architect to do value engineering
036on the project so that you get the most for the budget. And they completely handle all of the bidding to bring forward subcontractors because they're at risk for the final project. because you have to approve a GMP, which is a guaranteed maximum price. That's the part of construction manager at risk that everyone's familiar with. Once they agree to build you a school for a guaranteed maximum price, they are at risk if the prices go over what they've guaranteed you to do. So, they are paid to go through a homework phase called a preconstruction phase to put together the bid package. So, that will come back to you for approval. So, you will approve a guaranteed maximum price in the future after they've done the pre-construction phase. The contract calls for them to be able to
037be paid $259,435 for that preconstruction phase work, and that is in line with uh industry standards. The anticipated substantial completion date on this new school would be July 15 of 2028. So, you can put that in your calendars. opening doors in 2028. And then of course, we do have liquidated damages, $500 a day up until the date of final completion. And then that goes to $750 a day if they do not complete it by the contractual date for substantial completion. But happy to answer any questions, but I wanted you to have the big picture before you took the motion to authorize superintendent and chair to sign the contract. >> Any questions? Hearing none. Do we have a motion? >> Motion by Mr. Wyoff. Do we have a second? >> Second by Mr. Johnson. All those
038in favor indicate by saying I. >> I. >> Those opposed? Nay. Eyes have it. The Seymar contract uh is approved. Next, we have this new central office construction contract. >> Yes. Same thing with the we're signed on the contract as well. Um so we're just waiting. I believe they're going to begin breaking well not breaking ground but begin the inside work Janu late January early February on the completion of the new central office as well. >> Mr. Campbell anything on that? >> Same same action as far as authorizing chair uh and superintendent to sign the contract to give you the big picture on that quickly. Your architect is Mckissik Associates that's already been approved. This is a design bid build which is the traditional method. Architect designs it puts it out to bid. You will
039then select the uh final contractor which you're doing right now and that is Neil grading and construction. The total fee for that contract for your new central office is 9,539,981. The substantial completion on the project will be 355 days from a notice to proceed. The notice to proceed will go out tomorrow. So after you act tonight, work will begin uh preparing for that work tomorrow. Same liquidated damages, $500 a day up until the date of substantial completion goes to 750 days after the date of final completion. >> Thank you. Do we have any further questions, concerns? Hearing none. Do we have a motion? >> Motion by Mrs. Rocket. Do we have a second? >> Second by Mrs. Taylor. Any further discussion hearing? None. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. >> Those opposed,
040nay. Eyes have it. The authorization for signature for the new central office construction contract has passed. Next, we have board policies. Second reading with Dr. Autton. [clears throat] >> Good evening. You have the policies before you for a second time. Um, I will point out um E 3220, technology and the educational program. We did um add some language to bridge the um the resolution passed earlier this year um to to marry this with with that with this policy. So wanted your input and feedback on that specifically updates look great for 3220. >> Great for any questions concerns or do we have a motion? [clears throat] Motion by Mr. Woff. Do we have a second? >> Second by Mr. Beck. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor indicate by saying I. >> I. >>
041Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. The board policies A through P have been approved. Do we have need for close session? >> We do not. >> Very well. Do we have a motion to adjurnn? >> Can I can I ask a question real quick if this is possible? Um, if if this is inappropriate, you can tell me. But if Mike and and Keith could just briefly explain that the monies that we're using to build the new school and the monies that we're using to uh build this central office is not the same monies that we have been talking about um that is being cut so that blatant lies are not told again. >> Great question, Mr. Beck. So, you're right that that is out that's out of our capital budget. Uh, and that money is
042designated for uh school construction, school repairs, capital projects throughout the county cannot be used on staffing. Uh, no other projects except capital projects. Uh, our operating cost is what is being impacted. Um, our daily operating costs or or our yearly operating cost is what's being impacted by the over over large overarching budget. Thank you. Yes, >> Mr. Lawson, do you have anything to add? >> Again, two separate pots of money. We have federal and state revenues that pay the bills that pay the teachers that pay the staff that we operate on just like a household budget for electricity, food on the table. And then we have sales tax revenues which are capital funds that legally by the state of North Carolina are only able to be used for school buildings and that's where those funds
043are going. >> In fact, Madam Chair, the the statute goes one step further and says you cannot transfer money from your capital to your operating unless you have an emergency which is unforeseen and unforeseeable at the time you adopt your budget. So again, the legislature has deemed that those two pots of money should not be co-mingled because otherwise school boards could be forced to use capital money for operating or operating for capital. So they are two separate pots legally and can only be used for each other in the event of a true emergency. >> Thank you. >> And 42 million of it came from the lottery funds. >> Correct. 42 million. >> That is correct. Um Dr. Akre, his team, my team, uh we've worked on requesting those grant funds for the last three years.
044This was our our time that we could we actually got it a couple years ago. We we received one-year extension based on Hurricane Helen. Um so our contribution, if I'm not mistaken, will be 12 million 13 million 13 million out of our capital reserves for that project. And if we didn't use that new that 42 million for new construction, we would had to send it back. Correct. >> We would have had to send it back. That is correct. >> Correct. Lottery funds cannot be used to pay people. The lottery funds can only be used. >> We could remodel the old schools. >> That's right. >> All right. Great discussion. Do >> I just add a couple things too if you don't mind. Um >> Yes. And as a schoolboard member, I'm really impressed by like
045two or three really impressed by two or three particular things. One is how hard uh this this district and their administration has worked to deal with the coming deficit. They knew it was coming. We all knew it was coming if we read the news and listened to the news for the last two years. that how hard they've been working to do that and how wonderfully they're acting to keep us financially uh responsible as a district. I know of other districts that are millions of dollars in debt and and we are not and you have worked very carefully how much you've trimmed down the administration budget as much as you possibly can so that there is there is money to keep teachers in the classroom. that's what you have done. So, I'm I'm very impressed with
046how how well you manage the budget, how carefully you work to to uh keep teachers in classrooms and and keep kids educated. Uh I'm just very impressed. Do we have a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Motion by Mr. Beck. We have a second by Mr. Johnson. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. The meeting is adjourned. Thank you everyone. >> Thank you.