001Morninging everyone. Welcome to our Tuesday, December 2nd uh work session. Uh seeing that all board members are seated, we have determined that there is a quorum. Board members, go ahead and take a look at the agenda and let me know your pleasure. Motion to approve by Mr. Beck. Do we have a second? Second by Mr. Camp. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. The agenda is approved. We have superintendent updates with Dr. Swan. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Members of the board, >> hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. It's good to see everyone. Hard to believe in two and a half weeks we will be on another small holiday break. So, I know our students and our staff are excited about that as well. Um, I do
002have some great updates that I want to share with you. Um, if you look up here, this is one of our social skills classes at Mole Elementary School. Uh, every year there's an invitation sent out. Um, and several of us can make it. Um, it's always special to go to those meet those those lunchons with our social skills classes at Mole Elementary. You'll see a picture here. U, they they do a phenomenal job. And I do want to shout out to our Chartwells and our child nutrition folks for providing the Thanksgiving meals um last week as well for our students. They did a phenomenal job. Um we invited our families in. Um I went to several schools uh during that time and they were packed with um special guests. Um also we've began the holiday
003season Christmas card art. Uh if you recall last year we um we for I think four years now we've been doing a a holiday a Christmas card art contest uh where originally we opened it up to just elementary school students to do a card. Uh we put a little message from Burke County Public Schools on there and then we send it out to different counties um throughout the state. Um so over the last couple years we've transitioned into doing one for middle, one for high school and one for elementary school. So, this young man, he'll be recognized in December 15th and then tomorrow uh we'll be hitting the other schools as well with our winners uh in middle school and high school. Uh just to walk into the classrooms that you guys have been visiting,
004you see the smiles on their face when they get recognized. Uh this this young man uh did a phenomenal job and as you'll see, it's Mr. Grall's son. Uh he even told his older brother that participated as well. He he received an art book in his for a winning and said, "Big brother, if you want to practice on my sketchbook, you're welcome to." So I think there was he was rubbing it in a little bit. Is that right, Jesse? >> Oh, she's not here. Yeah, that's right. >> Um so over here also we had our steps party um which was fantastic. our stepsmies that we have peppered throughout our elementary schools. Um during their time they they got to come over and see Santa Claus here um and have some snacks and make some crafts.
005So it was a great opportunity. Um Miss uh Grady did a phenomenal job organizing that through that program. Also our spelling bee um Riley S was our Table Rock Middle School winners. Did a phenomenal job. I I joke I was probably out in maybe the eighth round um as I was there. I always try to spell the words in my head. Uh and they they get harder and harder each round. So Dr. Wilson and the elementary folks did a phenomenal job organizing that. Also, our EC conference presentation um we had um our EC teacher of the year was recognized in Greensboro uh two weeks ago. Miss Dia Hefner, EC teacher at Heritage Middle School. Um, so she was recognized at the EC conference in Greensboro. Also, if you saw um Eastburg High School and Forest
006Hill Elementary School, our uh principal Nikki uh Costello um they did a the paper did a great article on her food pantry that she started at Eastburg High School when she was a teacher there, I believe, many years ago. Um so she has um taken the initiative um just to work within her community at Forest Hill Elementary School to continue um updating the food bank there as well and providing for her community. So kudos to Miss Costello. So we'll recognize her at our board meeting as well on the 15th. And our policy committee folks. So we've started a new committee where we were going to review. We've got several policies every year. As you see tonight, we have probably 15 policies up for review that are vetted by the state. Um, but we've got some
007several policies that are 5 to 10 years old um that that just need to be updated. So, um, Mr. Beck and Miss Rocket have grac graciously volunteered. I believe we've got a meeting coming up uh this this week. Yeah. To review some of those policies. So, um, also new central office update. Um, so on the 15th, you will get to vote on the contract for the So, so last in our December meeting, we voted on the intent to award um, Neil Construction. So, we've just got the contract hot off the press today um, from Mr. Chad Donahghue with the uh, Campbell Shatley Law Firm. Uh, so that you will get a copy of that contract. Um it's exactly what we discussed. Uh the same numbers and everything, but we just wanted to make sure that
008all the the eyes were dotted and the tees were crossed by voting on an actual contract. Um so that will be on the agenda for the 15th as well. Uh making progress on that. U very excited to get that off and running and see some some work moving. Um we we did a meeting we we meet every other week with that that team. Um and we actually one thing I said when are we going to start seeing some progress? Um, so it'll be probably two more months because once they get the loan, they have to start going after the certificates of occupancy and things like that. So it's still going to take a little time for them to get in there, but they're going to be working behind the scenes. A lot of stuff that
009we're not going to see. So you guys, once again, that will be on there. >> I have a question. >> Yes, ma'am. >> When they start [clears throat] doing work, can we have periodic visits? >> Uh, absolutely. >> 100%. You'll have hard hats and Yep. We're ready to go on that. Yeah, we're excited. Yes. So yeah, right now it's it's it's more open than what what it was when we went during the uh uh springtime retreat. Um pretty much it's it's a blank slate right now. So yes, I definitely want to do periodic visits throughout uh that progress as well. Same thing with our elementary site as well as we start that process. I want to get as many folks down there. Yes, sir. So, I'd say January, mid January, we'll start seeing some construction.
010Uh, as I said, they're they're going once the contract gets approved. Uh, we've been meeting with Neil Construction. They're aware that they've got the award um and is making that those steps, that progress. So, I'd say mid January after the holiday season, we'll we'll start seeing some construction and then we can get in there and start checking it out. anytime you guys want to go. If you have an hour, 30 minutes for your lunch, just give us a call and we'd help be happy to accommodate a quick trip. Um, also Mountain View Elementary School, if you've been over um on Buchell Street in the afternoon, um, Mountain View, the traffic gets backed up onto uh the bypass um, and just causes havoc on Buchelle Street. Uh, so we did do a traffic study with DOT
011with Dr. Acre's help. uh their recommendation is to do a double stack lane during pickup. Uh we have several elementary schools that currently use that model. Um so basically what they do right now they they do a a pull a double pull in they merge into one lane and it's just one entry door. Um so with this process with the way Valdy's elementary if you've dropped grandchildren off or picked up at Valdy's they have a certain amount of cars that roll in. uh no cars move until until that first person says, "Okay, it's time to get the first 10 cars out of the way." And what that does, it prevents any students or staff members from being in between cars. Uh so Dr. Abernat or I'm sorry, Dr. Akert and Dr. Mcmahan will be going
012down to Valdis and checking out some of these schools. Um there again, it's just becoming a nightmare. There's almost been several wrecks on Buchelle Street where people were trying to pass cars that are waiting for um to get into the school. Dr. Aker, do you want to add anything on that? teachers, parents. [clears throat] >> Okay. >> [snorts] >> staff station all the way around. It's going to be a matter of planning out and and we don't have an indication as far as when that's going to transpire. We want to there again we want to make sure that communication has been done appropriately and everyone knows what to do before we just go out and and run rough shot on it. >> Um once again final exams. Um our first um we had [snorts] some
013information given to us from DPI. Uh in years past we've been able to use different codes in powers school. We've switched over from P school into infinite campus and some of those codes aren't suitable to use in infinite campus right now. Um so with high school testing um with exam days really this is only it only affects our high school students uh during those four or five days of testing in first semester and second semester. Um so basically if a student doesn't come to school they're going to get counted absent. Um, but those codes if it becomes an attendance issue, for example, if if that's going to put me over my 10 days or my three or six nine-day letter, then that's going to be accounted for through Dr. Sane and his group. Um, so
014it's not going to be held accountable for those students. Um, but there again, we can't uh too much liability. If we code a student present um and something happens to them offampus and it shows that we've coded them present, then we're held liable for that. So, the state really hit that hard this year um harder than they have in the past. So, that kind of tells me something may have happened uh somewhere along the line, maybe not in Burke County, but somewhere else across the state. So, uh there again, that's something that we're going to uh make make accommodations to to correct that. Also, um, something that we've worked very heavily on over the last several years and taking a what I'd consider a renewed interest in this is what our counselors are doing to
015get our students to the next level. Um, some of the things that they've been doing, we've been working closely with Dr. Seain. Um, you know, and I know Miss Taylor can attest to some of the things that her and son has experienced and some of the the things that need to be improved upon. uh meeting with our our seniors um earlier than later. Um getting our scholarships available to our students. So, a lot of things that we're going uh there'll be reports through Dr. Sain's office to you guys throughout the semester as well on some things um that our school high school counselors, not just our high school counselors. Our main goal is our students graduating B County Public Schools um and continue to get that graduation rate up um not pushing our students through
016the doors but also making sure that they're prepared for graduation. And it starts in kindergarten, it starts in second grade, not just high school. U but they do need to be prepared at that next level on what are they going to do? Uh employment, is it going to be uh college? Is it going to be military? Uh what what is enlist, enroll, employ uh is is the three E that we're really focusing on right now. So uh proud of Dr. Sane and his his group for working to that goal. Um, and also our our student athletes on how can we help them get to that next level? What can our coaches do better to get them to that next level as well? So, >> correct. Yeah. Yeah. All right. And those are my updates, Madam
017Chair. >> Thank you, Dr. Swan. Does anyone have any outstanding questions? >> No. >> All right. All right, it looks like we have a YMCA update with Mr. Nat Autton. >> Yes. So, I can introduce Mr. Nat Uton and his team. We've got Pax and Talent and Miss Erica Simmons. Uh I I've known this this group many years before um before they had a footprint in Burke County Public Schools. Um when I was director of student services, I remember our first meeting at the hospital where they were trying to get a footprint in here and uh just some of the roadblocks that they were encountering. So, we're we're happy that they're here uh as the Y fight for YMCA and then uh definitely partnered with Burke County Public Schools. >> I'll take this first. There
018we go. That looks like us. Um well, first I just want to uh say thank you for giving us a few on the agenda tonight. Um this has been a conversation um myself and Miss Beeler had uh with the state superintendent visit Mountain View and just excited to to come and uh you know as Dr. Swan mentioned this has been a partnership for several years now and um you know it's starting to see some fruit um and I'm just excited to share um kind of where we are um and and where we're going. So, um, I'm gonna introduce these two. Um, and and with Christmas coming up, we we we we kind of played on Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, um, kind of characters, if you will. Uh, so I'm going to play the part
019of the Ghost of Burke past um, uh, to to kind of get get up to speed um, and where we are today. Uh Erica Simmons is our vice president of child care. Um and she's going to play the ghost of Burke Burke present and talk about kind of the state of the programs. Uh and then Nat Alton is our president and CEO and he's going to play the the ghost of Burke yet to come and and talk about opportunities down the road and um where we could see this train going. So um if you'll indulge us for probably about two and a half hours, we'll wrap up as as soon as we can. Um, so I'm I'm just going to start here. Um, and and on this slide, th this is where you can find
020basically everything that the Y does is grounded in in these three things. And our mission, our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Um, and and there there are several key things that I can point out in that mission statement. There are a lot of key words that I gravitate to. U, but the two most important ones to me are two the two last ones of being for all. Um and and we want to serve everybody, every kid, every mom, every dad, every grandparent, every cousin, you name it. Um and we do that through our core values and and this is how we treat people, how we make decisions. Um uh all of those things come down to these five things and
021of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith. Um and and we believe that if you treat people um with those five things at the top of mind, it's going to be a good day. And then our areas of focus are for youth development and that's nurturing the potential of every child and team uh for healthy living that's improving our community's health and well-being and that's that's well-being across the gamut whether it's physical mental you name it. Uh and then social responsibility and that's giving back and supporting our neighbors in our communities. This is a a quick graphic um that that obviously demonstrates the ages that we serve and and the the two things I'll point out here are the two uh highest bars. Uh the the first one being that ages 30 to 54. Um you
022know, we're we're a lot like the school system. You know, that that's that mom and dad, that's that working mom and dad. Um and that that represents about 28% of our demographic. Um and then the the second highest is at 22% ages 6 to 11. That's the school age kids. Um and and so so we are deep in it when it comes to families um uh and school age kids and and preparing kids for kindergarten and preparing kids like like you talked about for for college and for for next steps in life. And so, so now, um, just to kind of get us up to where we are, um, uh, you know, our, our YMCA of Kataba Valley Service Area covers now four counties, Lincoln, Kataba, Caldwell, and Burke. Um, eight years ago, six years
023ago, we didn't have a presence in Burke County. Um, uh, and we felt like we were doing Burke County a disservice. And so, um, we stepped out. We we reached out to Western Pedmont. Um they they had some available space in one of their buildings. Um and and we started operating a summer camp there. Uh in the summer of 2019, um we had 16 17 kids a week. Uh depending on how you want to take that 6 average kid. Um I was taught to round up so I'm going to go with 17. Um and and we we provided a a what I would consider a top quality experience for for for those 18 kids. uh that that were in our program. Um from there we we started working with Dr. Berles at New Dimensions um
024and started offering programs there. Um and then in 2020 uh Bur County Schools reached out and said, "Hey, we see what you're doing and and and we want to be a part of that." And um at the time um there there was some conversation about minimum wage and school employees going to $15 an hour and um you know the the school system needs to focus on education not daycare. Um and and they were brave enough to say that. Um and so um you know kudos to the Burke County school staff whether it's Dr. Wilson, Miss Grady, Dr. Alton, Dr. Swan. Um they they are really um visionary child first leaders and and we've seen it over the past six years. Um and so so we we we had to have a conversation ourselves around a
025table like this of can we scale this and um and and so you know at the end of the day we looked at each other and we said you know if if if Burke County School System has the trust in us to scale it by gosh we're going to scale it and we're going to make it work. And so, um, we started in August of 2021 coming out of COVID, um, operating sites at Burke County Schools. Um, and and that planting of that seed, um, then allowed us to to expand even further and and bear fruits of that seed. And so, in November of 2022, um, we partnered with UNCC Blue Ridge, the hospital, um, and what was once the Fifer Wellness Center is now the Fifer Family YMCA. not much different than the school
026system. They they wanted to be in the healthcare world. They didn't want to be in the fitness world. So, um you know, now we have a a brickandmortar presence um along with the the nine after school sites that we we operate um here in Burke County. Um and then in August of 2024, last year um we we partnered with Lincoln County Schools um and we are their outer school provider. And then as recent as August of this year, uh starting with this school year, we've partnered with Hickory City Schools and we're we're there after school provider as well. Um so so that that that one phone call um you know that that the school system made back in 2020 in the middle of a different world at the time has has led us to where
027we are today and um very very proud to serve the Kataba Valley. Um and so And this is I know it's really small on screen, but but just a quick um view of our service area that that I referenced earlier and and the the expansion that we've seen over the past six, seven, eight years. Um you know, in 2018 we were a two branch association and now we're a five branch association with 24 uh school age operating sites. And so um it's a lot of growth in six years. Um, so now I'm going to turn it over to Erica uh to serve as the ghost of Burke president. >> Listen, just so you know, Paxton tried to convince me that I had to show up in a costume for this and I was like, "You're
028kidding, right?" And he was like, "No, I'm not kidding. We're really doing it." And I was like, "Uh, I need to see photographic proof of your costume before I just roll up in a costume." Um, so we have nine operating sites with Burke County Public Schools. We also still serve new dimensions as well. Um we have seen a good bit of growth in the last four years. Um but particularly in this year we've seen some good growth in our program. So in August we started out with 360ish um kiddos and now we are at 479. Um let me I have to have my notes because I will forget what I'm talking about here. Okay. So, we also have our three programs that are 21st century programs. Um, if 21st Century is a federal grant that
029fully funds the program, those families get to attend for free. So, we are serving 210 children through those three programs um at no cost to those families. Our schools out camps um we we provide those on the days that school is closed that are not holidays. Um so we have actually reached between somewhere between $6.99 and about a thousand enrollments um in our peak months with those schools out camps. So that's huge. Um and just know like we're counting registration per child per day for those. So that's why that number is pretty large. Um but it's still pretty impactful. Um so this just really shows us that the families rely heavily on our programs. um and consistent child care through the year. How how do I word this? Um so the state of our program,
030so our enrollment trajectory really shows that our families are starting to see us as a reliable partner. Um we're not just serving children for a small amount of time, we're retaining them and they're coming back year over year. Um we know that our presence is bringing stability um supervision and structure to the end of the day, beginning of the day for some of our children. We do have before school care as well. So um we serve, you know, before, after, and when school isn't operating, right? Um we extend the school day. We have enrichment opportunities. We do daily art, STEM, project based learning. um SEAL, which is social emotional learning skills. Um and then we also offer the free choice activities. And so they really complement the classroom instruction. Um it gives them kind of
031a well-rounded end to the day uh in a safe, supportive environment. And we really we we know that after school gives students a a space uh to really learn self-regulation, problem solving, um which in turn makes them come back to the classroom calmer, uh stronger and more resilient, ready to learn. We also um support families through the DSS subsidy program. So, if a family qualifies for DSS subsidy, they can use that. Um, and then we also have our financial assistance through the Y, which is a a huge part of what we do. Paxton talked about, you know, we're for all. Um, and that's part of that mission that we really lean into. Um, so if a family submits an application for financial aid, they can get anywhere between 25 and 65%. Um let's see down
032just a second. Okay. Um so this really shows kind of our financial impact uh over the years. So um you can kind of see before we were here, when we started, and where we are today. Um, and you can see there's like a little asterk beside that 2:30 that was COVID. Um, the COVID error, you know. Uh, and so we have definitely made some growth and progress since then. We do have um the financial aid numbers there for you. So, you can see how many of our families are able to use subsidy and financial aid. Um, our staffing is a is a huge point. Um, so we have grown from at the when we presented a couple years ago, we were at 20 staff, we're at 43 now. Um, we have 14 full-time positions. Um,
033which when you look at after school programs, it's not often that you see that large of an amount of full-time positions. So, um we also have a been able to increase our wage over the years um to support our staff and um help them, you know, make a livable income. So, how do we support our community? So we we definitely provide support to our school system um allowing you to maintain your core focus on education um teaching and learning. And we take that um the licensing, the staffing, training, all of those pieces that come along with licensed child care. Um and and they take up a lot of human resource power, right? So we We take that. Um, we also support families with programs that have consistent schedules that they can go to work every
034day. Um, and make sure that they have um they have the ability to go to work and focus on their job and not on where their child's going to be or who's going to be with them and what they're going to be doing. Take some of that worry off of their shoulders. Um also supporting small business our local businesses so we um obviously they can work if they have child care. Um and then produ you know increasing productivity boosting recruitment and retention um and then reducing business costs where you know high turnover because they don't have child care and those kinds of things. So, um, there's actually a pretty neat report that just came out with the North Carolina After School Alliance where they did a study on, uh, the impact of before and after
035school for school age children with business and economy. And, um, it I started to print it and bring it for you, but I thought they probably don't want to really read all that, but it is interesting to see the impact that it has on our economy as a whole. Um and then also just the ability to employ the number of staff that we do in our community um that are year round. We have seasonal, we have part-time um and so we're able to kind of support through that spectrum. Um we also are hoping that we can start to hire 16 year olds and so then we would be able to partner with high schools and do some internship programs and things. So hopefully that's coming down the line soon. Um, right now in licensed childcare,
036you can't do that, but we we're working on it. Um, for our community connections, these are some of the partnerships that we wanted to highlight. Um, we Toss Art, I don't know if you guys are familiar with Katherine [clears throat] or not, but she's phenomenal. She comes in and does um some art with the kiddos like at least once a month. Um, and the kids love that program. Burke 4. Hello Insight is our social emotional learning um component and then United Way of course we have a great partnership with them. They provide scholarships that fully fund some some of our kiddos to go to before and after school uh UNCC Health Western Pedmont and of course Burke County Public Schools. So these are some of our impact numbers. I'm pretty proud of these actually. So
037we had 92% of our students grew in at least one of the capacities. So self-management, social skills, academic, self-sufficiency, um or efficacy, sorry. Um so we had 92% of them that showed growth in at least one of those components last year. Um so those obviously are some of the skills that we really link strongly to classroom behavior and learning readiness and those long-term academic skills. So pretty important. Our 21st century academic outcomes are up there as well. Um, so of those 210 students, 99% of them met their uh enrollment targets, which means that they're showing up for school every day. So, we're improving in attendance. Um, and then our math growth was on par with those statewide gains. So, 32% grew in their reading proficiency. 86% um improved in engagement for learning. um and their
038suspensions or behavior referrals, whatever those things were decreased. Um so just shows that we we're going above just providing a babysitting service after school and we're we're we're getting in there and building relationships and doing some important things with the kids. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. I'm going to catch us up on time real quick. Paxton said two and a half hours. I'm gonna get us there. So, real quick, I am the ghost. Can I get on the table, mama? I'd like to eat, too. >> Yeah, that would be wonderful. Um, so one of the things I want to talk about is our partnership started um what I think is on a lot of shared values and I think that's where they're going to end up in the future. And the first thing I
039want to say is five, six years ago when we brought into a room like this, um, it started because you trusted us. Um, and I will say I work with a lot of superintendent and you have one of the best, if not the best. And so we're going to talk about Mike Swan for a minute and he's gonna get a little red. [applause] He turns nine shades of red. He doesn't get tan. [laughter] And I and I I've never seen him at the beach, but I just know he probably gets like a lobster. Anybody want to agree with that? Can I get a second? >> If he turns purple, you need to stop it. >> Yeah, Tinker does. >> You pass these out for me. So, I'm gonna keep your hands busy, too, because I
040know you're getting a little bored. So, I got a little presents for everybody. So, first, Mike Swan, we get to work with Dr. Allen. We get to work with Dr. Griffin. And Caldwell County can't keep a superintendent, but do Mr. Swan over here, let me tell you, you got something special. If you can't figure out how to lock this man up, put it in the minutes. You need to start giving him and some of his staff team races. >> This man is special. He is very, very special. Not because of what he does with the Y, but because he of how he interacts with people. Um, if you and you saw it in the pictures of how you started your meeting. He takes care of people like this one. Not because her last name's Alton.
041She spells it weird. Um, but how he takes care of people, how he loves, and how he is a servant leader, that is rare in his position. Um, I don't see that a lot in other superintendents. He is rare, and you have to see that. I know you see that. So, I hope you know what a special superintendent that you have. I hope you know what a special leadership team he has underneath him. But he is truly special. And I think that's where when you think about the future, it starts with those values of what brought us together, things like belonging, things like achievement, like what Erica talked about, how you want to see our services wrap around the things that you do on the school day. Those are the things that I think matter
042to you. Those are the things that are going to keep us going in the future. Um, and I think it's the relationships. Um, when we got that first call and Keith started talking about some of the resources that matter most to the school system, we wanted to talk about how we can complement those resources. And I think those are the things that are going to continue to keep partners like us together. Um, so next, when I think about tomorrow, there's not a meeting that I go to, if I were to ask you right now, I remember when Leslie was getting elected, she had one of the best Facebook campaigns I've ever seen in my life. And she used to listen to people. Am I not lying? >> You [laughter] I'm not I should I shouldn't
043have said used to. I shouldn't have said used to. I shouldn't have said used to. But you know, there was like there was like a thread. There was there was like a thread and that people would comment and you would listen to people. Well, when people talk to us, the number one thing that people say they need in child care is what? The number one thing people say they want from us is an early learning center every time we go about child care. They don't say after more after school. They certainly love child care, but they certainly want us to do more in early learning. How many times do you go to a meeting and people say we need more early learning? We need more zero to five. We need more child care. Every chamber
044meeting you go to, it's on the list. Am I not wrong? So that's what I think you're going to continue to hear that. I think for the next five years, we need to be probably a part of that conversation. I think summer learning is still going to be something that Erica and her team has to focus on. If we could ever make summer shorter, that would be awesome, but I know that's probably not in your wheelhouse. That's a state legislature issue. Um, and then alignment across our valley. Uh what I mean by that is as Paxton talked about how when you took that leap forward and you made that trust in us and then you saw the growth that happened. We would have never had the Fifer Wellness Center if it wasn't for the leadership
045this board and your superintendent showed. We would have never sprung into the other school systems had it not been here. We're just now I mean we haven't been in Hickory schools for what two months, three months. So, we're just now starting to fill out that chute. We haven't been in Lincoln County for that long either. So, we're just now starting to figure out how to use those resources in a in a bigger model. So, how we align that is going to look differently, I would say, even five years from now. So, you've gotten to experience, hey, we got 21st century sites, we got multiple, they don't have that. So, how we align that over the next three to five years is going to look different. Um, one of the things Erica is talking a lot
046about at the state level is how we set the market rate floor. Um, we can talk about that more later, but we need to have a market rate floor for uh reimbursement rates for families and how we get reimbursed um from the state. We can talk about that more later, but that's something we need to do. Um, the other thing we need to I won't spend a lot of time here, but we need to be a leader in what I'm going to call holistic health. And I mean that not only from an education point of view, but from a health point of view from zero to age 99. Um, we need to create more welcoming spaces in all of the things that we do, whether it be the Fifer Center or how we welcome people
047at after school sites. The last thing that we're going to have to do is we're going to have to raise our profile in the things that we do here in Burke County. We're going to have to renovate the Fifer YMCA. Mike at our YMCA board meeting this morning heard that we want to end our strategic plan. Not too many wise do that. And then simultaneously when we want to launch into a capital planning process about reimagining and revitalizing not only the Fifer YMCA, but some of the other YMCA's in our service area. If you've been to the fight for Y, you know it still looks like a hospital. We need to make that we need to make that change over the next three years to make it look like a vibrant hub that better serves
048families and complements our youth development programs that we do all across this county. And so those are the things that I think will help raise the profile of what we do at all of your sites. Um I think it's inspiring the dream that you started. Um, I'm certainly proud of the work that we get to do. Um, more than, you know, the two of the smartest people that I know are sitting right behind me. I just get to be a mouthpiece. That's all I get to do. And I'm smart enough to bring presents to keep your fingers busy. That's the only thing I was smart enough to do. So, if I can answer questions, I want to. But I also know that some of these people want to get home or get to the parade.
049Um, so if I can answer questions, I will do that. But I know I took way more than the 10 minutes that Karen told me that I had. >> We didn't pay him to say that. I promise >> he didn't. And I I mean every word of it. I hope there's minutes and I hope somebody wrote it down. I hope you tag some of the other superintendents in it. And uh I will defend that to my last dying word. >> Thank you. >> Or does anyone have any questions? You know, you were speaking about the revitalization of the FIFA Wellness Center. What are you guys looking to guess towards that? >> So, it took us four years to do this year. What we did as we finish to a comfortable place looking at how other
050building this is profile. It only work. [clears throat] We think Sure. It's been a long time since I've been out to the the hickory hickory locations and all that. Be interesting to kind of see maybe take a field trip later spring when things kind of even out from the holidays. All right. >> Well, thank you, Nat, Erica, and Paxton for coming to speak with us. We really appreciate it. >> Thank you guys. [clears throat] >> Thanks, Thank you guys. >> All right, I think we have uh Mr. Lawson with budget update. [laughter] >> Good evening. I got a little me in my seat when he started talking about pay increases [laughter] a little small on the screen. I apologize for that. I'll try that. So, I know it might seem a bit unusual that we're
051here tonight uh discussing a 2627 budget when we're not even halfway through our current fiscal year. But as you all are well aware and we all know uh we're facing a pretty u significant hurdle financially for the 2627 school year. Uh and there's two major components that's responsible uh for that. One [clears throat] we have a declining enrollment and now that we are funding in a rears by the state we know what our reduction in state revenues will be already for next year as a result of that declining enrollment. Secondly, the state revenue projections are also a 2.4% projected uh decrease. So, we very quickly and easily get to basically $4.5 million deficit. That's significant. So we started as you all are well aware uh months and months earlier than what we typically began uh
052budget planning which would usually be January February. We started on October the 16th meeting with directors to get their input on how to address this anticipated budget deficit. That's just a spreadsheet uh on on the input from the directors. Now to delve just a little deeper into the numbers, you can see from 2021 to 26 we've had an increase of 87 teaching positions. all other positions which is everything other than teachers we have a decrease of 12 positions. So we have a total increase of 75 over over the five-year period. Uh conversely our enrollment is down 563 over the same time period. [clears throat] I'll note that of the 563 uh decrease in enrollment, 313 are voucher kids and 218 or charter uh for a total of 531. [clears throat] I know when we were
053having our individual meetings, Miss Taylor had asked if we had uh this declining enrollment phenomenon going on in other districts around us. [clears throat] also decided to I would add one other factor into it and that's economic investment in the county. I thought there would be some correlation there as [clears throat] you can see to protect other counties so they can tell their own story. Uh we have Burke and then the other eight surrounding counties to us the three in pink that that's a county school system as well as two city systems within [clears throat] as you can see Burke Uh, and I gathered this information from the Office of State Budget Management has only had a in 24 a one mill $1 million economic investment. Uh, [clears throat] the second lowest county would be
054county number eight at 1.4 million. As you can see, most of the other counties, the investment is pretty significant. Well, as you might expect, Burke with only the $1 million, we have a declining enrollment. County number eight has a declining enrollment. All the other counties have a in an increase in their enrollment. So that would tell me just looking at the numbers uh that it's families going to work and where the work's at. I will I'm happy to say and excited to say it's a longer term solution, but of one of those high-flying counties on here, and I won't tell which number, we now have their county manager. So things are looking up economically for us which I think also will then turn around our trend of a declining enrollment. Last thing I'll go over
055wanted to dispel uh a myth and often the perception of the fact that u [clears throat] in in whether it's private industry or whether it's school systems we always hear if it weren't for all those executives if it weren't for all that c those that central office so I wanted to dispel that rumor I've looked at the nine counties in the state of North Carolina that are of similar size. When I say the nine count, the nine school systems in the state of similar size because the numbers should be somewhat comparable. [clears throat] We have Burke and then 90. This isn't the counties I just referred to. The counties I just went over were the counties surrounding us. These are the school systems. That's of similar size. As you can see on the the green
056highlighted row, that's the number of teaching positions in each county. Okay, [clears throat] you can see that studenttoteer ratios in Burke, we have one teacher for every 14.55 students. The only county that betters us is county number five at 14.52, but that's only 3100s of a percent. So, we have a phenomenal student to teacher ratio. In comparison, [clears throat] if you look at county 3, they have the highest student toteer ratio. If we had the same ratio as them, we would have 209 less teachers. I'll also point out that they have the lowest total staffing levels, but they can operate more efficiently because they have 18 principles, which equates to 18 schools, and we have 25. So, again, that tells the story. We're we're uh here in the next couple of years going to be
057opening our new elementary, merging two into one. Uh and this is just another illustration of how fewer schools relates to greater efficiencies. Next, I have the administrator category highlighted. [clears throat] You can see in Burke that we support for every one administrator 700.38 students. The only ca only county that betters us is county 4. They're at 714.67. Again, if we adjusted our administrative staff to the levels comparable to the other counties, of course, in Burke, to ourselves, it'd be zero. We are what we are. If we adjusted to the county 2 staffing level, we would add eight administrator, eight. If we adjusted to county five, we would add 18 more administrators. County six, we two, county seven, an additional seven. County 87 and county 9 would be nine. So contrary to yes that is directors
058only principles uh or above here on row 13 that is directors only central office directors. Uh so I just wanted to dis dispel that myth and also uh I [clears throat] guess defend the areas that we will be approaching the reductions for. Uh uh it's it's basic, it's simple, it's in the numbers. We just have to figure out now a way to get there. >> Mr. Lawson. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Can you um I know I think you have the information, but maybe not. Um can you tell us as we are looking at some of this reduction um what recently we have made reductions in the um central office or administrator >> well >> is there do you have a percentage for that >> I I do not I know we have administration these numbers
059were last year's numbers so when I say central office administrators that ratio for instance and we're only bettered by one another county in in our ratio. We are now at 15 administrators >> because as you know, Mr. Wall has taken on double duty. He's uh what? Meals and wheels. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> So, I I suspect we now lead the state in comparable districts our our size. >> I love these stats. I love seeing these numbers. Thank you for And and I think what you're looking at um >> so we had a decrease of 10.3% >> 3.3% last year and a 10.3% reduction in central office staff this year. >> Yes. Yes. Okay. Good. Um that that's what I wanted. I just wanted to hear that in this meeting because I think it's really important
060that our community understand that we are really working >> to keep ourselves as lean as possible and still do a great job. >> Yes, absolutely. And and as Mr. Fawson said, of course, our student populations going, it's similar to a workforce. If you've got a factory that is not doesn't need as many widgets produced, unfortunately, you can't have continue to keep as many staff members. Uh, and I don't say that to say we're we're going to be rifting or laying people off at all to start a panic. Um, it's just a matter of statistical numbers. Uh, that we've got to be realistic with ourselves and and everything. Um, we've got resignations, we've got retirements that will be coming available. Um, so that's where we're going to be looking at right now. And I think this
061this information that um is on the screen right now shows us exactly shows exactly how hard or how hard we're working to to stay in lock step with with what we're serving the students number of students that we're serving. So, thank you for that. >> And another consolidation that you'll see on the personnel report is the driver's ed uh position that was a standalone part-time position. We've consolidated that into another role uh saving the district nearly $18,000. So things like that we're we're really trying to pinch and say Mr. Lawson does a phenomenal job and his staff does too. >> And I know you guys are just an optimistic bunch, but I don't know how much more consolidating we're going to be able to do. And that's just being honest. I mean, at the end
062of the day, each department serves a very individualized and specific function that we need um to operate, whether it be local, state, or federal. Um, and while everyone has been such a great sport about taking on additional duties, and I'm looking at you guys, declining ADM is a problem. And cutting central office isn't going to be something to fix it. It's not. And so this is going to have to be a real preparing ourselves a really hard conversation if we don't about face within a year or two that we're going to have to have. And so bracing for that knowing that that is a potential in the future in the very near future is something that I think we all have to rectify with ourselves. I mean because we can cut central office till we
063have two people and we still have 770 teachers >> and the support's still necessary as you said >> one teacher versus >> almost 600 students fewer. >> Yeah, >> you know. >> So the problem the the issue here is something we can't fix as a as a as the board of education. We need to reach out to our county commissioners and other other cities and towns within this community to grow their to grow their um >> their businesses. >> Economic development is is helps and some people we we don't >> you don't want to see your count your your counties get larger. Uh it's it's bittersweet sometimes, but it's necessary uh to to see some sort of transformation within your counties. I grew up in a small county, one red light town and it's gone
064by the wayside because of economic development shutdown and it's frustrating um to to go back home and see that and this is my home now and I don't want to see that happen. >> Yeah. >> Well, and it's sad. You go and visit the schools and I know Dylan can speak to this, uh Casey could probably speak to this, Desiree could probably speak to this and we're talking to our seniors and it's like, "So, what are you going to do?" And they're like, "I'm getting out." It's sad. And I mean, if they're not staying, I mean, we can only do so much. You know, it all ties together. It's not just a BCPS problem. >> No, no, it's a community. >> But in the meantime, we have to stay we have to stay in lock
065step with it. >> Absolutely. And we and we do we have a great partnership with our county commissioners, uh, our county manager, we speak weekly, uh, on projects that we're doing to try to continue to build that pipeline of our families. Uh, he and I serve on a board together um, development for the county. So, we're hopeful that that's going to continue to transform the county as well. I appreciate how hard you're working hardc is one of the fastest growing economic states in the country. Um, but we're taking a deep decline in our our tax or not our our explain that please. >> There there's trigger points based on economic development within the state that lowers the corporate and personal income tax. So, it's not that our economy is not growing. We're growing only behind
066Texas and Florida uh economically and net migration wise, but uh the issue is is is the lowering of the uh uh taxes that's resulting in less revenue. >> We'll get there and we'll continue to provide the board with updates as we move forward. Um, as we we and if you read the article, um, Burke County did just get designated in tier one status. Again, um, that's not anything new. U, we've been tier status since I've been superintendent other than one or two years. We moved up to tier two. Uh, we're still funded in a tier two form. uh tier one funding. We receive more funding from the state. Um so roughly 1.2 million, 1.3 we'll be getting I'm hopeful. Uh low wealth over the last few years whether we're tier one or two's become so
067unpredictable based on revals and and and the uh adjustments of the real tax rates in each county. It all is dependent and on each other. So, uh, uh, for whatever reason, there's just been a lot of movement, volatility in those areas all across the state, which in impacts our overall funding. I'm very hopeful it comes back, but we we all know we can't necessarily plan >> and it's not money that we we account we all lot things for because Mr. Lawson said, we don't know what it's going to amount to. >> So, save the side of relief for a later date. >> All right. >> Yeah. >> Well, and other than that, I just want to take the time to thank all of you guys. Most of you guys are in here are directors and
068you guys have had to have some really hard conversations, I'm sure, to figure out where to cut and just heartfelt thank you for that. I know we're asking um a lot from you guys, but you always rise to the occasion and with good spirits and a good attitude. So, >> thank you. >> Unfortunately, we're a very labor intensive operation. >> So, as a result, that doesn't leave many places to go to for savings. It doesn't impact people. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> 100%. >> No, I think that was just the update, right? >> Yes. Yes. Yes, ma'am. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Lawson. >> Thank you. >> All right. Uh, moving on. Uh we have the open session minutes from October 27th, November 3rd, as well as close session minutes from October 27th.
069Um you guys want to take a minute to review and then let me know if you guys want to add that to the consent [clears throat] agenda for the 15th. >> Yeah. All right. Very good. So that will be added to the consent agenda. Thank you guys. Um next we have the budget resolution for 2425 post. Mr. Lawson. >> Okay. And to be respectful of your time, I'm not going to go through each of these uh tabs. Uh just to say that this is customary. We do it every year. And what this is is this is an adjustment based on posty year-end close uh entries to account for payables and receivables based on our audit. Uh and and what this uh does is just trus up things because we're one of those organizations unlike most
070we have to close the year before the year is closed. So this is just the end result of that. There's nothing material, but I'll be happy to entertain any questions you may have. >> [clears throat] >> That would be things that would have been either receivable and or payable and the net of that over the course of the summer that belong to the previous fiscal year, but didn't happen until this year. >> And Mr. Lawson, you would like to see this added as an action item for the 15th? >> Yes, ma'am, if you would, please. >> All right. Any objection to that? All right. It has been added. >> Could I ask one more question? Yes, >> sir. >> About um the thing about buses and vehicles line item That was rather odd. Buses, vehicles,
071line item originally was 459 724 and then after was zero. It must have gone somewhere. I mean those do cost something. You know what I mean? Program buses and vehicles. >> It would be page four. >> Yes, I see that. Okay. that originally we had or I had booked for the anticipation of yellow buses uh and based on the timing that we received those buses that became an expense that will fall into this fiscal year instead of last but again that's state and state related >> even though it's on our books Yes, sir. >> All right. Next, we have the budget revision 05121525. >> Be happy to entertain any questions. Any questions? We're good to add that as a action item for the 15th. Very good. Thank you, Mr. Lawson. >> Thank you. >> All
072right, we have the personnel board action report with Mr. Recker. >> Welcome. Any questions regarding the personnel report? And if not, ask [clears throat] it be added as an action item for next two weeks. Any questions, concerns or are we good to add that as an action item? [clears throat] Good. All right. Awesome. That has been added as an action item for the 15th. Next, we have the 2627 BCPS calendar. >> [clears throat] >> As we get a little tech support from Miss Shuffler, we'll transition to the calendar for the 2627 school year. You do have copies of a proposal for next year. Should be two pages. That first one is going to be the traditional 12 months that we typically have and then that second page is going to be the special dates outlining
073what each date represents. got a question for you. Um, you got 4:30 and 53 teacher work days, April 30th and May 3rd, teacher work days. Any significance to those particular dates? >> I'm sorry, Mr. Camp, will you repeat that? >> Uh, in the calendar, you've got teacher work days on April 30th and May 3rd. Any significance to those specific days? >> Yes. Yeah. [clears throat] May I go through this first? >> Oh, yeah. I've I've got an answer for you. Thank you, Michelle. The general statute has not changed that we must follow in North Carolina. You know, we we talk about that every year. The long story short is there's no change. So, just very quickly to review, our calendar must span 215 days from the start, which is going to be the first uh
074staff workday to the very final one, which is obviously staff work day as well. General SH says we cannot start any closer than the Monday to August 26th. than the end date no later than the Friday closest to the 11th of June. It does have to span nine calendar months. And then we have the option to have a minimum of 185 days or the 1025 hours. And since I've been in Burke County and I think probably even before that, we have always been in excess of the hours. There's been times where we've been close to that 180ish, 175, right around that that range. We do need to have the teacher work days. Number seven, we have to have at least two teacher work days where teachers can take vacation leave. Number eight, we do have
075to have the 10 vacation leave days planted throughout the calendar. Nine, the same equivalent number of legal holidays that occurs in the state benefits manual does have to be in there. So for our 10-month employees, it is going to be those 11 days. And then of course for 12-month employees, you include that July 4th in there. Number 10, school cannot be held on Sundays. And then finally, Veterans Day shall be a holiday for all public personnel and students. So, our process, we do a review to see if there's been any changes to the general statute. Again, there has not been any. We begin by placing that first and last staff day to ensure that we spend 215 days. We pull copies of the state personnel commission for state employees regarding the holidays and then we
076place those throughout. We designating the attending vacation days right around the Christmas semester break. We use five and then we use the other five right at Easter spring break. Number six, we calculate the average daily instruction. So for our average across the county, we use six and a half hours of instruction a day. And that's the average across our count as we know that it fluctuates between elementary, middle school, and high school. So that's how we calculate the number of hours that were there. We then start mandatory and optional work days. Once we get a rough draft, I share that with Dr. Swan, Dr. Autton. We start having that discussion. We share it with leadership. I think we discussed that in two separate leadership team meetings and then informally we go through and we talk
077to staff throughout the year and we pick their brains. So, one of the big questions that we talked about this year was is we had uh 10 work days to start the academic year. What were your thoughts on that? one one resounding group of folks, hey, we think that's wonderful. However, one of the other things is we're trying to balance instructional days and if we continue to eliminate instructional days, but add in work days, where are we at with that balance for putting students in a position to be successful and integrate test? So, that was some of the discussion that led to tonight. >> [clears throat] >> So this this slide here, it checks all the boxes that we just talked about in the uh in the general statute. [clears throat] So I'm going to
078go through the physical calendar and as questions come up, please jump in here and interrupt me if that sounds fair. So in looking at the the copy presented, [clears throat] we will start the year with four mandatory work days starting the 17th of August. The 21st would be that Friday, and that'll be optional for staff. Our plan once approved would be to hold new teacher orientation the week of August 10th. That'll allow us to get our [clears throat] new folks on campuses in in Burke County and get them acclimated and then that would allow them to start in their campuses on the 17th traditionally when principles are having their opening staff meeting. Kids will come on campus during that week of the 17th for open houses as we've traditionally done and then we will open
079our doors for students for the first day of school August 24th. Going into September, we have Labor Day. We then have October 19th and 20th as work days. And the thought process behind the two work days in October is that is going to be the end of the first quarter transitioning into the second quarter. It allows our teachers to wrap up grading everything related to closing up that first quarter. Allows our data managers with infinite campus to close out and then get ready for October 22nd which is going to be that first day of the second quarter. Moving to November on the 2nd that is going to be a half day like we have traditionally done for parent teacher conferences. The third we would offer our staff and parents to wrap up parent teacher conferences
080and traditionally the 2nd of November that half day has been a long day for our staff. So we compensate that following day. They reduce their hours because they had a long day with parent teacher conference in the evening to accommodate parent schedules. The 11th of November is Veterans Day. We then go down to Thanksgiving week, November 25th, optional workday. Holidays on the 26th, 27th. The parade at J. I arson will be the 3rd of December. That is a half day. And then we will wrap up with a half day December 8th. And we'll wrap up the second quarter first semester for high schools. >> [snorts and clears throat] >> We have placed a workday to wrap up that first semester and then we will open up back in January with a work day for our
081staff on the 4th. Fast forward to the 18th, Martin Luther King. February 15th is an optional workday. Full transparency, the thought process was was to break up and give our teachers an opportunity to get their feet back underneath them if needed and get prepared for the second part of February. We know that February is traditionally a long month for staff and students. >> It's also President's Day, which is for some parents. [clears throat] My understanding is prior to the change was made in 2013, we used to have President's Day off and it was observed as as a holiday. That change was made in 2013. for March 15 16th. Again, we would wrap up on the 12th of March with the third quarter and we would get ready for the 4th offering our teachers two work
082days. The holiday for Good Friday is going to be the 26th of March. Easter is early this year, so we have spring break. Uh, one thing I want to hit pause there for one moment. One thing that some of our neighboring folks did do is they have decided to push spring break back two weeks. So, they will observe Easter Good Friday and Easter, have a work day that Monday coming back, come back to school for a few weeks and then push spring break at that point. So our recommendation is to not do that. But I do want to share that we have a number of folks that either work for us and then their kids go to other school systems and vice versa. So food for thought, Mr. Camp, on the 30th of April and
083then the 3rd of May. [snorts] again. Um, our thought process was if we're not going to push back spring break and with Easter being so early, we would embed those two work days there. So, that was the thought process. >> That was a very long couple months, right? >> Yes, you're correct. >> That that push once you wrap up April and you get into May, that that's that's pretty darn important. Um, of course, we wrap up with Memorial Day on May 31st. Um, this is a little bit different. Our proposal is to then transition into uh June. So student last day would be the fourth. That is a half day. And then we'll wrap up with one mandatory work day on the 7th of June and then four optional. That was fast. So questions like
084for high schools, what's the testing schedule again at the end of the school year? What days is it though that first week of June? that testing. >> It'd be the end of May, first week of June. >> Yeah, it probably started on the 27th, 28th. through the fourth. >> We're back in June. [laughter] >> I'm just not sure how you could do it though. Like I'm trying to pick [clears throat] it apart. Easter falls. >> We had five days work days [snorts] at the beginning of the year. But what what that'll do is our brand new teachers, they that would have us them coming back at the end of July, August. Yeah. To to begin working. Um so that 10 days some some of we heard pros and cons of the 10 days at the
085beginning of the year this year when we did it. So that was the thought process of bumping it up. Plus, it gives us more a little more of a balanced schedule than what we currently have with first semester wise in the high schools. And it gives us more instructional days. We did we have less instructional days this year, but we'll have more next year with this. >> I do like more instructional days in spring. >> That was that was a very common theme when we spoke to administrators principles separately. We were not in a group and that wasn't the consensus. as we go as we spoke to those guys individually. That's something that was very much a thing. We need more structure. >> Yeah, >> the calendar works pretty well with with Burke Middle College's
086counter calendar. It' be absolutely perfect if the state would allow us to have the same calendar. But yes, it would. >> Although we may not be able to make, you know, closing most everything off by Memorial Day that next year. I think the way the calendar falls again, it's going to be an opportunity down the road. So, it's not like Yes, >> I think I think you did the best you could with what you have to work with. I just want to go on record as saying and this will be a thing every year that we talk about this that I'm sitting here. Um I do not like the fact that we can't start earlier or end later or make have more control over this calendar. I know nobody in this room or can can
087do anything about that, but I just want to go on record saying that I do not like it. um that is unfair to our students and to our parents to not be able to make adjustments outside of what what we're given now. So, um and uh that's it. I just wanted to say that out loud. >> Thank you and agree. And and you have some time to mill this over. Uh you don't have to vote on this today. take a look at it and shoot some holes through it. Send it back to us. Give us a call. We'll be happy to look at anything and everything. >> I have a question that we may not be able to answer sitting here, but um and I don't know if our YMCA people are still here. They
088are. So, this calendar, so they provide they will provide um full day child care for all these work days, correct? >> Yes. Right. >> In your slides, you said something about you provided full day care on holidays, and I wondered about that. You can't use what the polling sites are using. Yeah, makes sense. >> November 30th. >> I'm I'm doing math. One second. >> Sorry. Takes me a minute. I'm trying to ascertain how many summer break days that is because we are in the business of educating. I totally get that breaks are needed and I am fairly confident with keeping this theme. We are going to be back still mid end of August of next year or 2027. It just seems like the school year is just getting longer and longer, not just for students,
089but for staff, too. So, that may just be something Tiana has to sit with and rectify with herself. Um, because I understand calendar law and it sucks. Um, >> it was nice. play devil's advocate here because there are studies and there is a school of thought that says that year- round school helps our children to retain what they've learned and they don't have the the back the the backsliding that they will have that they have when we have summer break. I don't know that I'm a I'm a fan of year round school. I don't know that I'm don't I don't know if I support it or if I don't support it. I've never really put I don't care to put a lot of thought into it because then you got a whole another, you know,
090you open up a whole another can of worms. Um, but with that said, this might be the happy medium with a shorter summer. I don't know. And I'm I'm just playing devil's advocate. I'm just saying >> that might be a perk to it. >> Um, I I don't know. >> I don't know off the top of my head. And we can count the days like you're doing um how many days we had last summer. I don't think we're missing that many. >> And to speak to your >> statement, we do have some schools that we've thought about doing and we've looked at um and we feel those communities would benefit greatly from it. Principles were on board, but it's just one of those um how do we approach that conversation? Research is there um regarding
091retainment. No lack of summer slide. Um you do worry about the their family members in other schools as far as middle school and high school that don't follow that same schedule. How does that work? >> You would have to do it in the same feeder path. >> Yeah. >> Um >> and with athletics, it makes it difficult. >> And then the other side of that that also comes from playing devil's advocate is that's one way to beat the law that says we can't have school. >> It's it's called an innovative calendar and you can do that. Many school districts I know that have been around us have done the gone to school all year but and eventually have dropped it back to traditional schedule. I'm not sure why they've experimented with it but it's kind
092of always been dropped back to traditional schedule. >> But this is what this is kind of the consensus after talking to everyone and getting feedback. In terms of summer break for kids, for the students it's basically 11 week summer for teachers is nine weeks. >> End of the year work days. They I mean the later later part of those are optional >> there for the seventh for the mandatory. You have the rest of that day to get things cleaned up. >> And I know everyone wants to calendar earlier rather than later. [clears throat] >> Madam Chair, if you're prepared, you if you and the board are prepared, we can add that as an action item for two weeks. >> All right. It'll be added as an action item on the 15th. And then we have
093the Burke Middle College calendar as well. >> Good evening, Madame Chair and board. Um, so Mr. Recker laid the groundwork for my presentation. Thank you, Mr. Recker. So, we have to follow a lot of the same guidelines. Um, but the difference is is that Bert Middle College is under the North Carolina cooperative, innovative high school um procedures and policies. And so pretty much the difference is is the day that we get to start um because we can start based on what the need is to match up with the community college. Since we are housed on Western Pedmont Community College, um we try to align our schedule based on when they start and end both in the fall and the spring. And then one of the things we always have to look at is our kids
094will actually qualify to be able to continue to take free courses through the innovative high school um if we are still going to school on the first day of summer session. So we always try to make sure that our date that whenever we end school for our last day which is going to be on May 24th that is the first day of Western Pedmont summer session. So they could actually go through a term with still free tuition to try to finish up a degree or a credential. Um we I would like to entertain any questions that you have. Uh we are starting our first day on August the 11th. Um and then Western Pedmont will start then the next week with college courses. That allows us to get the students in there that are juniors
095and kind of get orientation underway and get them introduced to kind of the college courses and uh make sure that everything um they're registered and ready for everything that they need to for the first week of college courses. Any questions that you have for me? >> And you would like this as an action item for the 15th as well, >> please. >> Anyone have any objection? >> All right. It will be added. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> All right. We have the Chester demolition bid. Dr. >> Yes, Madam Chair. I um so just to give the board some uh context, 2017 Chesterfield um was shut down uh consolidated with Mountain View Elementary School opened up in 2018. Since 2017, Chesterfield has been sitting vacant uh in the community of Chesterfield. We
096utilized it for some trainings throughout each summer with Burke County Sheriff's Department. Western Pemont Community College, I believe, would come over and do some of their law enforcement trainings as well. Um, and then as the years progressed, it began as a storage unit uh for different groups to put um cafeteria equipment in, old desks, things like that that uh were no longer useful within the county. Uh, and then fast forward, uh, windows began getting broken, some wiring getting stolen. Um, law enforcement is having to go out on a probably a weekly basis right now, uh, to check on the facility. uh people breaking windows, uh stealing, setting up um illicit organizations within the building. Um so, and we tried several what three years ago to do a partnership with [clears throat] Dogwood Trust. Um we
097we wrote a grant through Dogwood Trust. We were really close to getting that grant, but we were shy about a million dollars annually for operating costs. Uh that couldn't come out of the school's budget. Um so, we couldn't find any partners to do that. and and and the housing was going to go towards um teachers and first responders to help offset the high cost of living in Burke County. Um and that never transpired. So, I talked to Dr. Akert a few probably about two months ago and I said, "Hey, let's let's just I want to see what's out there. I want to get a bid on there." Um as you recall, we had the property for sale probably four years ago. Um and I I want to say a high bid of 265,000. Uh, and
098we're looking at property value of $1.3 million um for that property. It's great property. Um, and I I feel it would be more marketable after talking to our real estate person uh more marketable for us if that building was gone um from the campus to make it where we could gain some of that money back um within the organization. Uh it's a great location. It's got infrastructure. It's got water, sewer, electricity out there already within Chesterfield community. Um, so that's and and the bid that we received was from DH Griffin uh in the amount of $229,000 uh for the demolition. Um, and I've got some contacts. I've been communicating with um county manager Epley uh regarding that. uh they're interested in possibly reusing some of the bricks um grinding the bricks up for roadways within
099their um landfill. So, I've got a meeting with Mr. Repley tomorrow to discuss some of those uh that that kind of cost um avoidance that we may have with [snorts] the demo of the brick or demo of the building plus their usage of that brick as well. Um so, it may not cost us the full amount. Um, but there again, it's just something that I wanted to bring to the board's attention. Uh, right now we're sitting on a piece of property. Uh, that tax value could contribute to some of our money that we're we're lacking within Burke County Public Schools. >> So, you're saying that county is the actual values is over a million dollars. >> Mr. Lawson, last we checked, 1.3. >> Yeah. >> How many acres is it? >> 33 acres. Can you
100look that up real fast? I could be wrong. 25 I want to say 25 to 33 roughly. It's a it's pretty large parcel of land. Pretty flat. Um I taught at Chesterfield many many years ago. Um great school but there again uh when we're looking at uh attractive nuisances within our community that has become an attractive nuisance within that community. So, >> how much we thought No, he didn't. There again, it's just I think when you've got a a clear slot of land, I I feel it'd be a lot more than having a building on top of it. >> I have a question about number six on the U proposal >> that DHG retains salvage rights for materials under contract. >> Did we do any negotiation about that? >> We negotiate because we we may
101be overpaying them and giving them salvage rights. I mean, I don't know. I don't have a clue, >> but salvage rights are >> um selling salvage is is pretty profitable. >> Well, and that's where So, yes, that I'll check with Dr. Akert on that that language in there and then we can get with our attorneys there. Again, this is just a general >> I mean, I don't think we want to salvage it and sell it. I mean, I understand that, >> but when we're talking about the brick, possibly grinding the brick up for a road bed, then that's considered salvage material. They don't want it. >> Yeah. They don't want it. I'm talking about the things they do want. Yeah. Because that's what that number six is, is the things they want, like the copper.
102>> Um, that sort of thing. >> Yeah. Now, we can definitely revisit that. >> Uh, about salvage rights on the contract number six. >> Number six. And here again, I'm not asking for this to be um on any type of a consent or an action. I just wanted to bring it to the board's attention. Uh I would like to bring it back once I discuss some of these contract details with our attorney on there as well. I think here again, it it goes back to the limited amount of resources that we have within the community with law enforcement. They're they're going out. are constantly um checking on that building when I don't feel that it's serving our community that well. You see what I'm talking about, Mom? We'll talk about that. >> Yeah. Mr. [snorts]
103Donahoo will be with us on the 15th as well. >> Yeah. I mean, it's just a a point of negotiation that I would like to see us explore. >> And how many acres, Keith? >> Oh, I was way off. Nine and a half. Okay. What was that? [laughter] >> I was close on a lot of that was whale. >> You can work on that. >> So, we'll go ahead and bring that back at a later date to see if there's >> any negotiation regarding the salvage rates. Y. >> All right. And then the next one on the agenda is the new elementary architect fee. >> Yes. Um, so we were able to, as you as you recall, um, several weeks ago, my max was 6.75. So we were able to ne negotiate um, and it
104was we let Mr. Chad Donahghue help us with the negotiations. Uh, he's done a phenomenal job uh, working through Campbell Shatley on that. We were able to get them to 6.5. uh he did some research within surrounding counties that are doing building projects right now. So we were able to save uh several hundred,000 by getting a 6.75 as opposed to the six or I'm sorry 6.5 as opposed to the 6.75. Um so we're we're comfortable with that. >> Good job. >> Y thank you. So thanks for Mr. Dr. Akre for his help on that and Chad Donahoo. >> All right. And you're asking for that to be an action item for the 15th? >> Yes. >> All right. Any objection? All right. Hearing none, then we'll go ahead and add that to the action item
105list for the 15th. Next, we have board policies with Dr. Autton. >> Yes. So, this evening, you have several policies in front of you that have come down the pipes through NCSBA. Primarily just some legislative and statutory updates. Um, I did want to point out policy 3220. Uh there's some minor edits. That's an existing policy, but this might be a good chance for this board to change some of the language in that policy to reflect the balanced instruction um that we've rolled out across our school system. So, I want to get some feedback from you all and um see if we could work on some language maybe for the introductory portion of that policy um to reflect that that vision of this board. That was one of the policies that I had written down that
106I wanted to discuss because reading through it specifically a there is a big push >> to send us into a technological future um star Trek style and I know we have discussed the resolution being a resolution and not policizing it and I'm drawing a blank as to where that happy medium would be. um to articulate our intent with the resolution while also keeping section A of this policy whole somewhat. >> Right. >> So I think there's probably a way we can just embed some language just to be sure the spirit of the balance instruction plan is at least represented in there. So, I mean, I'll be happy to look at some language and bring back to the board next time and maybe um Mr. Beck and I are meeting on Thursday to look at some
107policies. So, maybe I can have some some information for him to to review on Thursday as well before we come back on the 15th just to see if we can't marry the current policy with the balance instruction. >> Policy committee, you all good with that, Mr. B? Awesome. [laughter] Okay. Um, does anyone have any other questions? >> Yeah, Dr. Hotton, could I mention could I ask you about policy 2125? >> Oh, wait. Before we leave this policy, um, just just as a note, there's two Fs on this policy. >> The the last point didn't get changed. >> Fix that. >> It's um technology related. It's on page. >> Last one should be >> four. >> It's on page four. and technology related professional development is F and then the the point above that generative artificial
108intelligence is also F just as a note >> good change that to G >> okay go ahead I'm sorry >> it's good on policy 2125 Dr. I'm just I I don't have a problem with it the change I'm just wondering what led to that >> that that So is that a general statute? There's new statutory language around um 2125 >> statute changed. >> No, I don't require provide information >> something legislation. tight. We're just following what the legislation says. >> Okay, good. And then one other point thing I want to just point out policy on um on I >> you have I is about missing children. and um all the way down to I hi. >> On the title of it, it uses the word mission instead of missing. I suspect it should be missing.
109And same for the first line below that. >> North Carolina Center for Mission Persons. >> That's probably our current policy. >> Thank you. >> And on the line below that too, Just wonder what like the backtory on that was. This is something that's the additional letter grades FF categorized. >> Yes, the change where we no longer do FF. included. We took out the FF. Um, failure due to attendance is no longer allowed. >> I had one on 3225, I believe. Yeah, 3225, 4312, 7320. Um, I'm I'm navigating there. uh it's talking about student use of social media on uh our platforms and things like that are our resources. Um in saying that it's prohibited. Are there any consequences listed anywhere um to accompany that prohibition? >> Yes, there are listed under 4300 R student code
110of conduct. It would follow the technology inappropriate use of technology. Uh and then to add on to that as far as the internet safety, uh we do have gaggle, we have the uh different platforms that will restrict uh Instagram, things like that while their students are on our devices and our Wi-Fi. Now, if they're on their own phones and their own cell phone signal, then we can't limit what they're doing. Um but that's that's out there as well. But yes, there is uh consequences with that inappropriate use of technology that are followed. different levels of consequences. >> So, I'm wondering if there is opportunity for us at the beginning of school years to have some sort of mandatory training for students that they must complete regarding technology use within MBCPS schools and on our devices.
111that covers you're not supposed to be logging onto our Wi-Fi to access Tik Tok. Um, you're supposed to be using your devices for X, Y, and Z. And for them to go through the training, the trainings that I'm thinking about are the kind that I take at work that I can't stand or actually have to go through and take a competency or something of that effect at the end of it. Um that will also not only mandate their signature but their parents signature saying that they understand and agree so that this can go into each student's file so that in the event that there is a violation of our tech policy for whatever reason the excuse of I didn't know can't be used. >> We tie that into our bullying. >> Yeah. [clears throat] I
112was gonna ask Dr. Ed Edwards if she can speak on that. or less forced to read and review that policy in addition to the online and our goal is to get 100% of our parents to do that um so that we can cover everything. Um in addition to um reviewing the technology responsible use policy through online registration uh parents are agreeing and it gives them uh permission for their students to use the devices as well. Um, our ITFs uh work with the media uh coordinators, especially in K8 schools when they are issuing devices out at the beginning of the year um to go over device care and device um usage. It would be a great opportunity to add in some of the things that you're talking about. Um and we also utilize um Neptune Navigate.
113We have monthly um themes that are um being discussed in the media center whole group um for the most part but it covers digital citizenship um how to be responsible online cyber bullying uh there's a whole gamut of topics that are being covered um and then in addition to that um the state of North Carolina is requiring that um this will this will be coming down u through uh legislation in the near future but um that we teach uh responsible social media use um once at least a minimum of one time for uh K8 students and then a minimum of two times uh for our high school students. And so that is something that um uh it's actually called micro credentiing that uh DPI is helping us to to to roll out where students will
114go and do the online modules like you're talking about and they can earn a micro credential in um online safety and things like that. >> It will be beginning the 26 27 school year. >> When you said one time one time through one time in that one time per year. >> Per year. >> So in in private business like Tiana, I have to do these things quarterly. Drive me crazy. >> Um but we have to do it and we have to show 100% participation and 100% passing of all our technology users in order for our um insurance to remain in effect. Do we not have that kind of restriction here. Do we have that sort of insurance? Um the sort of insurance that [clears throat] protects us from from um hackers and people take holding
115us for ransom and all that stuff. So whatever that's called. >> Um yes, we do have a cyber insurance policy. Uh Dr. Akard and I worked together this fall to uh renew that. Um there are specific things that we have to have in place on our firewall um and safeguards uh that we have to adhere to in order to have access to that. Um in addition to that, we also um uh comply with the vendor readiness assessment. So, not only do we maintain our student data privacy, but also any vendor that we work with um that has access to our student um personal identifying information, they have to complete um a form in order to and and let us know that they are compliant and secure as far as our data privacy and everything. Um
116we are working uh from the I don't know if you want to go into all this but the technology department and my team we're working together to to roll out some cyber security training um and opportunities for all staff um haven't really considered students um in that part because we're working on the social media piece with them first and the the online safety uh but that is something that um we want to help all of our end users to be safe at home because if you're safe at home you're going to be safe here on our network as well. Um, so long story short, yes, we do have cyber insurance and um, we meet the criteria to maintain that policy. >> Would be good to consider. >> No, no, go ahead. >> I was just
117going to say I think it would be good to consider that for at least high school students >> as a requirement. >> We could add that uh, look at adding that into um, the the mandatory uh, once a year um, online safety uh, component. And I I do know um through NCDP DPI we have the opportunity to um take those modules put them into our Canvas instant that we have available and students can gain those micro credentials and um micro credentiing is actually it could be a very valuable resource for our students when they leave. Um, we talk about the three E, the employment, enlisting, or um, enrolling in a in an institution. If you have some of those credentials, and you go say, "Hey, I want to apply at a bank to be a
118teller." Um, you know, you've passed the cyber security piece or something. Um, so it looks good on a resume as well. >> So, that's really cool. And I like that that's a credential that they can earn. Um, I'm also wondering if there's, and this is going to sound really extreme, in the event, because I heard we were trying to get to 100% um, return rate, compliance rate with those forms coming back. If by a certain time they don't come back, the student loses access to be able to log in to access their classroom. And I mean, at that point, it should trigger a something's wrong. I need to call the school. Hey, you or your kid didn't do what they were supposed to do. get that done and we can turn it back on. Um
119because I know at least at my job if I don't complete my what is it information security awareness I missed it once and I did get locked out. Um and that was an embarrassing conversation with it. Um but something like that to to prompt it because >> take it in pass. And that's the key because I'm I'm I'm guilty. I'm guilty so many forms come home at the beginning of school year. I'm just ripping and signing. Um, so I don't know if parents are actually reading or understanding or the kids are really reading or understanding um, what we're telling them to do, but with all of these changes with these new policies and then the the switch for the 2627 academic school year, I think it would be a perfect time to see if we
120could pivot. We don't have to recreate the will, but pivot to where it's a a program that you have to sit through. If there is a way to where they can't skip through it, that'd be great, too. uh because they would just toggle to the end, but um where they actually have to let the video play or whatever the information is play and then they take an assessment or a competency at the end and then they can get a micro credential credential. That'd be cool. But something to signify that they have actually sat through the completion of this and if they haven't, your access literally just got turned off to where if they opened up their iPad or their Chromebook, soon as they try to log in with their password, it doesn't work. It says
121contact your IT administrator or something. All right. Thank you. I think that was all I had for the policies. Anybody else? [clears throat] So, policy committee will look at 3020. Um, >> but everybody else is good with everything with the change to mission to missing and then the FF to FG. >> Okay, >> those changes. Thank you. >> Thank you. Do we have a need for close session? >> We do not. Madam Chair, I would like to bump back up if permitted to um I left something off on number or letter G um with new elementary school. I do want to pre-flight the board with um our edifice contract. Um, so within that contract, um, before it becomes completely official, uh, one of the things they put in their initial contract and Mr. Donghue is
122going to be here with us on the 15th to discuss it in more detail, but I wanted you guys to kind of put it in your pipes on in a little bit and mull it over. Um, so with oftentimes with large projects, uh, if there's a contingency plan in place, uh, if the organization gets done on a on a timely frame and gets us in ahead of schedule, then whatever money is left over, then that organization uh, would receive a percentage of that. Um, and I if if I'm going to let you kind of go into those details as well. >> Sure. Thank you. Uh, I was talking with uh, Mr. to Dano yesterday about the contract and uh it's pretty much in good shape to send back to the contractor for their review and
123then bringing it to the board on the 15th. Uh but he was Mr. Donah who was suggesting one change and wanted to get the board's sense of it. uh the the the construction manager at risk or CM had proposed uh a shared cost savings of the GMR price. Uh Mr. Donna who in his experience did not think that was a good idea but there is a contingency fund that's built into the price and he has had some experience with CME contracts and other school districts where uh they've built in a cost sharing of some of that contingency money. So if all the contingency money is not spent then that would be shared and Mr. Donna who so you give you give the contractor some incentive >> to save some money >> on time or early
124>> well he was really talking Mr. John was talking about saving money. I mean it have to be on time but not really sharing giving money for coming in early because that's >> but if it comes in with savings there'd be a condition that it be on time. One of my questions last week and the way the on time feature is is enforced is uh liquidated damages. See, if they are delayed in reaching either substantial completion or final completion, then a fairly hefty daily penalty is incurred. And that's that's standard. So, if we're not occupied by the certain date that's specified in the contract, then they spend they have to pay you 750 or 500 or,000, I don't know exact details, a day. So, they have a strong incentive to get in on time. Uh
125what we're talking about here is really let's give them incentive to also not use up all that contingency uh and be be more vigilant. And what Mr. Don who is talking about this is what he's used before is a 5050 cost savings of up to $100,000. So the contractor GMR could save up to $50,000 which is a nice incentive but it's capped. You know if we if he saves 200,000 he doesn't get 100,000 he gets 50 because it's 50% of 100. And he thought that was a fairly effective approach and just wanted to get a sense of the board. He was going to throw that into the contract as it goes back to the GMR in advance of next of the 15th meeting. If the board's interested, we'll have him do that. If the board's
126not interested, then then he wouldn't. But, uh, he's had good experience with it. Can save both of us some money. Give the contractor some incentive. >> He didn't do that. There's nothing if that wasn't there, then there's nothing in the contract that says any benefits for saving. >> They can spend every dime. >> They they can spend every dime because that's part of the contract, not so much as an contingency. And not suggesting that uh uh they wouldn't be responsible, but it's always nice to have a little skin in the game to be more responsible and more vigilant. if they can save some money and save us some money too. That's why not give an incentive. That that was the thinking. So you wanted us to to preview that with the board. >> So the
127most the most that they would be able to receive is the 50,000. >> That's correct. It'd be a 5050 share of up to $100,000 of the contingency. Um, and if it goes savings beyond that $100,000, that's 100% savings to the board, not to the GM AR. >> That money project. [clears throat] >> Sure. >> As long as it doesn't incentivize cutting corners, >> right? And and that's that's part of it as well. Uh, that's one reason you don't build it too much of an incentive. So that if they can save $500,000, then there's a real strong incentive to try to cut corners, but we try to limit that. And and again, he's had good experience with that in a couple C projects that uh our offices handle for other school systems. So it's not a
128requirement. If the board's not interested in it, there's no problem either. Just he thought it was a good idea. Yeah, sure. Get a sense of where you are. >> Yeah. The purpose is not to benefit Edifice. It's to, if it works, it's to perhaps save some money for us. >> Okay, that sounds fair. We can kick that back to Chad. >> Tell him I'll get back with you early next week. I'll call it. >> All right. And you said no need for close session? >> No, ma'am. >> All right. We have a an a mo motion to adjurnn by Mr. Beck. We have a second by Mr. Johnson. All those in favor indicate by saying I. I. Those opposed >> yes. >> Okay. >> Those opposed nay. Eyes have it. The meeting is adjourned.