001on February 19th and February 26. >> Thanks. Is there a second? >> Second. >> There's a motion in proper second to approve the open session um minutes. Are there any questions? All those in favor say I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. Motion carries. Next item on the agenda is recognition and upcoming school events in the new hires. is Angel and this wonderful community. I will begin to let us get a Elementary School demonstrates a wonderful attitude towards learning and has made incredible progress this year. She comes to school leader and committed to Our next recognition and acknowledgement is from Wellington Middle School. This is Xavier R. sixth grade. Xavier as our student of the month which we um announced Xavier as our student of the month. Xavier has made tremendous strides this year, showing
002noticeable growth in both his academic and behavior. He approaches each day with a positive attitude and open mind and a willingness to take charge. Next is from Welen High School, Xavon Williams. is always very follow. He is a member of the National Honor Society and he is a student. Our next acknowledgement recognition acknowledgements for Ron Valley early college. This is Ariana Parker 10th grade. Ariana is a very student who strives every day to do early attendance of the first semester and still have not missed the day out of school. She is a leader and a model model scholar who is uh respected to her peers and staff in our building. She's a member of Beta Club, a newly appointed Ron Valley College student ambassador and is always she's also currently ranking 10% at the 10%
003range. And now we would like to acknowledge our employee of the month which is Mr. Oh, Mr. Quiet Bullet. We can say a whole lot about this. I should let Dr. say this, but he's an awesome awesome individual. Um, Mr. Bulock is a social central office, but that does not stop the chair. We are proud to recognize ML as our employee of the month. He consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic reliability positive attitude and respect of our team. Mr. B goes above and beyond in ourility initiative and committed to whether supporting colleagues or psychology. He's dedicated And now our next acknowledgement is our district parent of the month from Wel School. We are proud to recognize we are proud to recognize high school. Um her outstanding unwavering support, positivity and commitment to our school community.
004Her dedication to her child is evident and she's been physically encouraging and also a partner with Next recogn award. We are honored to present the traveling trophy for the highest attendance rate for the month of February. This award recognizes a strong image of daily engagement in academic excellence with an impressive attendance rate of 95 33%. Rome Valley Early College has demonstrated dedication to ensuring students are present and prepared to succeed. Congratulations to the students, staff and families of Ron Valley Early College for this outstanding accomplishment. The attendance award goes to your proud recogniz for January to February. This award effort share committed and grow elementary school made um this month January and February. But overall, >> I know this concludes recognitions and acknowledgements and school and community activities. Thank you so much. Thank you, Mr.
005Easter. Next item is public. Next item is reports. Dr. So good evening everyone. >> Good evening. So, as part of my report this afternoon or this evening, I'd like to first welcome Mrs. Stephanie Tiller to the board. say that we have received our certificate of entry into the National Register of Historic Places for Andrew Jackson. And it says um State of North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Office of Archives and History. This is to certify that the Andrew Jackson Elementary School, Halifax County, has been entered in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior upon nomination by the State Historic Preservation Office under provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. This national register is a list of properties significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, and
006culture. A comprehensive index of the significant physical evidences of our national patrimony. Properties listed therein deserve to be preserved by their owners as a part of the cultural heritage of our nation. Date entered December 29th, 2025. So, we are officially Andrew Jackson is officially on the National Register of Historic Places. So, I'd also like to say that we do have two students who have been accepted into Governor's School and since I am not 100% sure that they have received notification, I will reserve their names until next month and give them time to receive an email or a paper copy of their acceptance. Um, at this time I would like to call uh Mr. Cameron Bird and Mr. Jerry Jonathan to the front. They are going to give us reports this month. They are part of
007the superintendent's student council and they have been tasked with making school reports on the good things that are going on at our schools in Wel City Schools. >> Good evening. My name is Jerry Johnson. >> My name is Cameron B. I a school of health sciences physics leadership and elementary. So first updates as you know this new year we rebrand our name early college business and with the new rebranding is more than just early college high school is the stepping stones and the foundation for life after high school and life after college. We can try to major and just walk in the career path of our choice whether it be science, business. My second news for our election is we conducted brand new students into our beta club recently on February 26. The beta club
008is the international honor society which promotes academic text students in 3.56 overall students tiana Stevens Richardson My mind again and she said our students are the heart of everything we do. They are resilient, driven, deep committed to their futures. We cultivate culture where every student value challenge a relationship matter with high expectation prepared with one of support. At our school learning extends beyond the classroom, empowering students to think critical, lead integr just in the county of the state, but in the entire country. All right. And earlier this weekend, I did have the privilege of meeting reaching out principal of the elementary school and be able to actually visit the elementary school to gather some inside of the elementary school. You'll see the next slide. Thanks. Thank you. So recently some of our elementary school students
009were able to partner with 4, which I'm also a 4er 4 been for a few years um leading an embryology project for certain classrooms. throughout Halifax County have a chance to have eggs in an incubator in their classroom to raise the chicks and learn about the hatch hatching process. So, some of the second graders at the elementary school were able to experience that project. Here's a picture of some of the students in the class. This is right after the egg on the eggs hatch. Right after the chicks hatch. So they got see the whole process of the egg about how the chicken develops inside the egg until they actually see the chicken coming out right there. Go to the next slide. The elementary school also recently celebrated Read Across America where they had learn they
010got to have stories read to them books by different people. They were visited by Tracy Story and Ver Police Department and our very own officer Vaughn read a few stories to the kids as well. Let me go to the next slide. There we go. Thank you. Up around the school, one thing I noticed when I was actually able to visit the elementary school was that the student artwork that they made in their art class is up all over the school. I walked around. I got to walk around and see the different things that the students made. Here are some things that they that Miss Squire's fifth grade class thing in art class. Different pictures of some kids catching snowflakes on their supposedly students catching snowflakes on their tongue. And then there's some pictures that they
011student various students color in honor of Black History Month picture of Rosa Parks, Harriet Tuffin, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others. Not only are the students that go to elementary school creative but staff are creative too because they have I notice Monday they have exact path path students K through 5th to show to shout out to students who are doing well in their exact path practice and I noticed that on one of the bulletin boards there's some words of wisdom keep students encouraged and one of them says be kind another one says today is another change to be better and one more says you can do hard things which is also something that our president Dr. Robertson tells us at our family to the next slide and uh principal Lee wasn't able to
012be at school at the time when I was when I was I did was able to email her and she sent me a few statements and she told me that the elementary school overall has a positive supportive uh environment that's focused on student there's a strong sense of community between staff and the students And right right now the elementary school has a full-time librarian who has helped them embrace their literary focus and that their biggest focus right now moving forward is their focus on uh social emotional learning and student leadership program. Students have leadership roles in the classroom. They have student recognition programs where their students do well and they have mentoring conditions and pledge. >> Thank you Cameron. Thank you Jerry. >> So next month we will continue with our students making presentations. uh
013we will pick up on our schools that were not presented tonight and we will make sure next month that they are included in the rotation and that's kind of the track that we will follow moving forward. Give our students an opportunity to present. >> So I will move along with the new school update. So Mr. Bernard Hall was supposed to be with us tonight but he's not feeling well. So he sent Muscle Hunter and I an update that I will just read to you. He said the schedule had been updated to show a substantial completion date of August 26, 2026, 160 days from today. The stocking permit is expected on August the 20th. Um, a reminder, substantial completion is defined as the point where a project is sufficiently finished for its intended use, allowing the
014owner to occupy or use it. Um, Clancy and they report that they will have a detailed meeting about the schedule next week with the intent being to look for ways to accelerate the substantial completion date. So, there is still some hope that that date will move up some. Uh maybe even July would be nice, but of course we don't know for sure. So it says also a reminder that Welder needs to have a plan in place. We als we need to have a plan in place in the event that the substantial completion date does not allow adequate time for move in and starting for the next school year and that we are working on and we'll talk about it some in our work session. So a snapshot of what's happening now. inspections by ratio and
015their consultants are ongoing above ceilings before ceiling tile is installed. Uh number two, the commissioning agent hired by the district is actively involved with inspections of ongoing work. Number three, the permanent power connection to the building began on March 18th, 2026 with testing and startups for equipment to follow. Startup of mechanical systems is critical to the installation of finishes finishings such as flooring since the building must be conditioned before install can proceed. Uh number four, the budget review continues to determine any scope that can be added to the project, notably improvements in the existing gym and lights on the baseball and softball fields. At this time, it appears that all added scope identified by Welden staff can be completed within the existing budget. And when we talk about all added scope, that includes any um
016any construction items that need to be done to the existing gym. Anything that's going on at this point, that would take care of. So, we wouldn't have to once they finish, they would be finished with everything. Um, number five, meetings with vendors for owner provide items are scheduled over the next month to prepare for deliveries and installs this summer. Number six, if you've been by there, you see that the greenhouse has been installed. Number seven, interior painting is ongoing. And number eight, site light lighting installation is also starting. So, we've come a long way with the new school. We have a short way to go, but we are just about there. So, it is very exciting. Any questions? Do what I can. I'm not Mr. Hall, but Mr. Hunter is out there. I divert to
017him if necessary. Um, number three, we have substitute programs. I would like to ask that we resume that conversation in our work session or at our next board meeting because we only have information for partial programs that we were trying to identify. We would like to bring all the information to you at one time. I'll skip four and come back to it. Number five, calendar choice. In your packets, you have two calendars. for you to look at and make a determination on which one you would like to adopt. The first calendar has Let's go to the second calendar. The second calendar has August the 17th being the first day for students and August the 10th being the first required teacher work day and that has school completion on May. Make sure I'm right 28th. Your
018second choice is the very first calendar on the your top page. And that has the first day for students being August the 24th and your first required teacher work day being August the 17th. And that has school finishing or completion on May >> no June 3rd. Those are our two choices. The only thing I'd like for you to consider is the construction that we have going on at this time. Um, I know we would in an ideal world, we would like a much earlier start date. However, we do have to be mindful of the construction and it would be better to come back and amend something if we needed to rather than adopt the wrong thing on tonight or the wrong choice. agree with that. And I like that the days we have an even
019amount of days when I think about testing for our students. And I really like the later start date because I know we are still short of the days that they gave us, but I'm hopeful. So I like the first the first um but we're not we're not going into action tonight. We do need to because the calendar is due April April 1st I believe >> you have to have a calendar submit. >> Okay, >> I believe so. Miss Robinson left. >> I'm pretty sure I was going to ask anyway talking together and there's some other things we're going to have to approve going in too. So, I was going to ask you all, we haven't gotten there yet, but it's March 31st. Thank you all for work session. What's the date? March. I think that
020was one of the things that I said 31st. >> What time is it? or next week. Is next week good for work session? >> Cuz we have some other things we need to approve. >> I don't have everything we need. Yes. In order to >> um what day you talk? I can't do Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. >> You can't do it. >> Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. >> It's next Thursday. Fine. >> Next Thursday. >> Not good for everybody else. And like I said, the the next week, Monday, Tuesday, or next day, the last March 30th. Good. >> I'm good. >> Yeah, I'm good. We need the money. So if we move to March 30th by the vote, um will they give us time to put a plan in place for the start of school just
021in case we don't get the certificate until the 26 alter these are the only two opt Li best anyway because actually the calendar approved the calendar just need to work out if we can't get in before these are >> the deadline for reporting your calendars to the state board is April one so I mean that's why it needs to happen tonight >> the statutory deadline is April 1st for reporting on your 26 27 calendar to the state board event. So I mean it it's either tonight or at a meeting between now and then. >> So the two start dates won't change and that's the latest test. You ready? vote on the calendar tonight. >> There's just a motion second. >> All right. >> Motion to approve option one. >> Yes. >> Second. >> Are there
022any questions? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. Miss. >> No. Motion carries. Eyes have a motion carries. Um we are going with draft three. >> All right. >> Yes. Now we're going back to our work session. It's down here further. But any March 30th or March 31st? Either. >> Okay. Miss Tiller, Miss Jenkins. March 30th or March 31st for work session? >> 31st. >> I don't know right now. 31st. You're good either way. >> So March 30th is March 30th better for you, Miss Jenkins. >> Okay. So let's do March 30th again. Five o'clock. Five. Five o'clock. Yes. March 30th. And it's going to be central office. Can we move at 5:30? >> We doing 5:30? Yes. It should be the wrong. >> Okay. >> Um, so since we have scheduled a
023work session for March the 30th, I'd like to take numbers six and seven and reserve those for the work session >> and the end of the brief. >> Yeah. And number three. >> Yes. And number three. Numbers three, six, and seven. Thank you. >> Yeah. There could be a motion to postpone its 7 A 3 6 and 7 to the March 30. >> I make a motion to postpone. Motion to post >> postpone um 7 A 3 6 and 7 to the work session. >> Okay. Motion prop second to postpone um 7 A 3 6 and 7 to our March 30 work session. Are there any questions? All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. Motion carries. And those items have been moved to our work session for March 30th. >>
024Okay. And almost the last thing that I have is we can go back to number four which identifies school consolidation. So as we are all aware uh currently our setup here is middle and high school middle school grades 6 through 8, high school grades 9 through 12. With our new school that is that we're almost ready for that will have the same setup. So therefore, we have had some conversation as a board and made the decision to make the new school one 612 school. It will not be designated as a middle school and a high school any longer. It will be a 612 school. Um so some may ask why would we consolidate and we've done a consolidation study and different things um not that long ago but some of the reasons for school consolidation
025would be expanded academic opportunities um increasing and having greater college and career readiness options for our kids. uh more stability in our quality and staffing. Um, of course, finance always play a role in anything when it comes to consolidation, but I also believe that we would have improved student support services. Of course, research consistently tells us that comprehensive support services improve our graduation rates and improve student outcomes. So, we are looking at those things as well. And of course, you could stretch some of those same reasons out and branch over into extracurricular and athletic programs. School consolidation would increase some of those things as well. And here again, we know that research tells us that extracurricular participation is linked to higher graduation and attendance rates for our students. Um, another aspect of school consolidation is
026equity. equity across the entire school which ultimately is equity across the district. So cons consolidation can reduce inequities. It can bring continuity to our different uh programs, different things that we're doing within the school. Students will, you know, receive the same level of instruction when it comes to teaching and learning across the whole gamut. Um, so there are many, many reasons that we could go on and on with in terms of why school consolidation is a good thing, but I do believe for Weldon City Schools that making a new school a 61 a 612 school will be in our best interest. I do believe it will benefit our children. I believe it will benefit our staff. I believe it will bring continuity to our um different things that we have going on. I believe it
027will give us an opportunity to do some things that maybe we are not able to do now. And of course there's always that sports legislation from the state level. It will help to increase that u part as well. So any questions? So we will continue to um bring up this item. We'll bring it up again next month just to give out some additional information and we will schedule a town hall style meeting that way if community members and parents would like to come out and ask questions even staff then they will definitely be able to do so. I'm sure there are many many questions that will float around in the minds of individuals and I am always available to answer any questions that anyone may have or at least I will do my very best.
028>> That's all I have for that piece. >> Okay. Um I would like to go back and I know we just approved our calendar but it slipped my mind and I hadn't tipped my tongue to say we were discussing calendar. So Dr. I want to know about the early college and their schedule >> as far as count is concerned here. Can you >> Yes, because I know that recent well it wasn't up until probably a few years ago on SP Robin you remember when we used to have two different calendars the early college had this had a calendar and the other schools all our other three schools had a different calendar we kind of merged the calendars and everybody went on the same calendar it's probably maybe what four three four years ago it wasn't
029that long ago So, do you have a calendar or is there a calendar for the early college for next school year? Because we've approved we want for the entire district I mean for the district. >> We we usually we're going to go along with the calendar that that we have for the school system because I recommend um ACC starts around the same time or a week after we do so you don't lose a lot of time in between two schools. So it won't hurt start all the other schools in the district. So right now that's where we are because they need to start the third week in August and we usually start like the first or second week in August and so that's been the common thing. So right now we're just kind of waiting
030to see I know I have the summer schedule. I'm not really sure about HC fall schedule just yet but I know they start around the third week in August. So that would be you missing a week. >> Yeah. >> So, but we So, what happens is we get in school. We're already in school when they start. >> Yes. But I'm talking about if if you're going to go with the calendar that we just approved. >> We'll be our students won't be starting until the 24th. If if our student if our student if we start on the 24th and HCC starts on the 25th we'll miss they start that late. I never know class start we start around the same time. Like we actually started last year. >> Y'all have y calendar? >> I I got
031the summer calendar. I haven't got >> I was small session. >> Last year the class started on the 17th. >> So which is a week >> and we were a week ahead. But if we start like I said normally they start like the third week in August but we're we're starting our students on the fourth week in August. So therefore those students, our students or students at the early college will miss out a week of class because they won't be in student, >> right? >> But how many students that's dependent on how many students are taking college classes, >> right? So what normally happens is most of my students who take face to face classes, they drive anyway. You can work it that way. And my students who take online classes, you know, they're they're
032home logged in. >> So we get it just log in. So, we kind of work it that way that our kids that can drive or can't get to school, they're usually juniors and seniors anyway. Um, it works out for us because we had that kind of bump um I think a couple years ago coming back for Christmas. Um, I think we started >> we started later. >> Yes. Because they started right after. >> Yeah. Started later. So, it worked because the kids were able to still do their EPA, get online, get work done. So, it's just a matter of actually knowing when they're going to start in the fall. >> Okay. >> Um, >> then it's also the issue if we start before the district, we share the buses. So, that would mean that we
033have to figure out how to get our kids to school while other kids are not in school. We then, you know, we have kids who are siblings, siblings in the high school or in middle school. And so you have one group of kids starting and other group of kids still home. So we just try to keep it that way so it won't disrupt the home too much. So >> that's why we changed it so that everybody be on the same schedule because for a long time that's how it was on two different two we had two different schedules. But I was just wondering you know >> I think we can work it out if if college starts before our kids go back. I think we can work it out the schedule that the kids who
034I know they can and the kids who need to take college classes face to face that there will be kids that do drive they can get to classes and um the kids who can't they can do the classes online a lot of tests that line up to >> Can we make sure of that because I would pay for students that have dropped because they were missed the first >> absolutely week. So, we have an amazing um cosplay zone um Miss Randolph that make sure that doesn't happen. I'm getting alerts all day, all day about what the kids are doing. So, we'll just make sure that they don't get dropped from classes and they get dropped off the class, we already calling parents and having conversations with about classes because once they get behind on EBA,
035they start being behind. Um, so we try to keep up with that and I I come in and appreciate and talk to the kids too, try to help support them as but um for our 9th of when we all kids do drive um so we not have any problems with that especially like days when HCC will go and we had to be closed they were able to get to their class. We didn't have a lot of instances of absences from online office in but they were able to get to their classes. Okay, that was just >> Thank you so much. >> Next item is for chair report and I would like to say as we step into our final quarter in the school of the school year. I want to take a minute to speak
036from the heart to our close-knit school community. In a small district like ours, we truly know one another and not just names, but it's neighbors, friends, and family that makes what we do together even more meaningful. This time of the year can feel very busy and sometimes overwhelming, but it's also a special opportunity to finish strong. Our students were here, but they have gone. But I want to let them know, if they're listening, that I want you all to keep on pushing. You've come so far and we're still cheering you all on. To our teachers and staff in the entire district, thank you for your care, your patience, and dedication that you pour into our schools each day. It does not go unnoticed and it makes a lasting difference. Let's continue to support one another.
037Let's lift each other up and take pride in what we are accomplishing as a community. That's what make our district so special. I would also like to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to our newest school board member, Mrs. Stephanie Tiller. We are grateful to have her join us and we look forward to working together as we continue to serve our students and our families. Let's make these me these last weeks meaningful, memorable, measurable, and something we can all be proud of. Charge of pride. Are there any is there anyone here that has or celebrated a birthday in the month of March? >> March 12th. Okay. Happy birthday. >> Anybody celebrating any anniversaries? All right. March >> 30th. >> March 30th. Okay. You got to be on at night, huh? Work session. Sport session. Work
038session. Okay. Um any other special um events in March that anyone's celebrating that would like they would like to share? If not, we'll move on to our next item on the agenda and that is committee meetings. And um on last year uh we came together as a board and um I appointed everybody on board um everyone had their own select committee that they were to serve on. I would like to bring those committees. Well, we never really got a chance to start on um serving on those committees, but I would like to start having our committee meetings and us planning committee meetings with the um areas that you all are designated to um oversee. >> So, um and we want to start those committee meetings as early as April. I know it's we're near school
039year, but it's not too late. It's never too late. Um, I will be sending back out the committee meetings um the names that that you are designated to and Miss Tillery I'll add you on to a committee as well. Okay. But we all seven of us now serve on the policy committee and that's really really important because our policies and our handbook are really outdated. a lot of them. We just need to start going over policies. Um because as things come up, we run into things. Um and Dr. Boon and I confer a lot and Mr. Whoever and I confer, but we have to go according to what's um going on in our policy right now. But some things are outdated and some things need to be brought up to 2026. So I would like
040to start one thing for the work session start on um looking at our policies and revamping them and revising them to fit the well city schools that we serve today. Uh the next item is Miss Kathy Kidd for financial report and she is not here tonight but she did leave um a copy of the amendments that we have coming up and I am not a businessman but I'm not an account so I'm not going to break it down for you all or read it to you all, but you all have it here to see. But these are the amendments and they do these this amendment which is from fund one and amendment two need to be approved tonight. So, if I can get a motion to approve this fund one, which is state public fund,
041school fund one, and amendment number two to be approved. Make a motion to approve state one. >> Is there a second? >> Second. There's been motion and properly second to um approve amendment number amendment fund one and amendment number two. School fun and amendment number two. Um are there any questions? All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have. Motion carries. The next item is going to be our audit report. Come on up. even madam chair board members to see y'all again if they're doing well if all you got content report should have there >> we'll be going over just a few pages from the report that I think are of the most importance to you all over seeing finances of the school district um I don't cover something that you had a
042question about just feel free to interrupt at any time and ask questions the audit covers two main areas that we're required to issue reports zone. The financial section covers the first 54 pages of the report and it's followed by the compliance section starting page 55 of the report. And within the detailed financial statements, there are four letters that we issued that pertain to these four sections. And the first section we'll start with is the financial section. And on pages one through three of the report is our financial statement opinion letter. And it's a clean unmodified opinion which is exactly what y'all want to receive as a board. That basically means that we feel as though all the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements reliable and free from any sort of material statement errors. Right.
043Let's go to page 13 and we'll look at the board's general front as a June 30th 2025. Page 13 shows a the balance sheet of the governmental funds. So it's basically a snapshot of where the district stood as of June 30th, 2025. And we'll be focusing on the first column, which is your general. Everybody got page 13. We'll be focusing on that first column I said um which is the general fund and if you look up at the top see the general fund had total assets million 806787 and that was comprised primarily of cash and cash equivalents of a million780347 go down to the middle you see total liabilities for 123,337 you can take the total assets minus minus the total liabilities getting the district's fund balance at June 30th which is the next to
044last number in that first column of million683 June 5th. Okay, that amount represents an increase of about 601,000 over the fund balance that was reported at June 30th, 2024. So, the district's fund balance is currently at what what we would consider a very solid level uh as of June 30th, 2025 compared to other districts around the state. Um, now the district spent down about 1 million of its fund balance in 2023 year, but over the past two years, most of that has been added back, which is good to see. And uh a lot of the districts we all with the expiration of the federal co funds that y'all y'all were getting uh they've been having to dip into their fund balance reserves the past two years. So it's good to see that y'all were able
045to add back a little bit the past two years instead of having to dip into those fund balance reserves and uh hopefully y'all can keep that trend going forward and uh hold on to this fund balance and try to preserve it and you know use it for an emergency needed something. Anyone have a question about this page before we move on? Let's go over to page 54 and we'll talk about the school nutrition. Page 54 shows the revenues and the expenditures of the school food service program for the year ended June 30th, 2025. And if you look about threequarters of the way down, there's a line that says net change in fund balance. It's the last row that's got three columns to them. And there in the middle, you can see the actual results for
046the year. You see the program reported a slight loss of 19,277. And that's actually an improvement of about 4,000 over the previous year. June 30, 2024 year broke reportable loss of 23,000. Um overall revenues and expenses were comparable when comparing 2025 and 2024 uh in this program. And at June 30th, the program had cash balance balance reserves of about $186,000. And that was down about 16,000 from the previous year. So you've got good cash balance reserves at year make it 10 more years at least if you only spent down 16,000 a year. But um you know, I'd rather recommend y'all continue to try to make improvements in this program. Try to get it at least to a break even level um so that y'all can hold on to that cash that you've got and uh
047and try to get the program to a point where you can start paying the direct cost. Um that would be where the child nutrition program pays money to the general fund to cover the operating costs of um of that program within the schools. But again, y'all got good cash balances at year end. A lot of districts we all especially in this part of the state they're having to subsidize child nutrition from general fund. They they've got their cash has gone down to the point general funds having to give child nutrition broken money so they operate. So again y'all y'all are getting closer to break even. Y'all can just get to that point and hold on cash. Anyone have any questions about this page for us? Okay, starting on the the next page is the first
048of three letters on page 55 is the first of three letters that we issued relating to the compliance testing over the board's internal control and expenditure of state and federal granules. Uh we're required each year to perform compliance audits of various large state and federal grants that flow through the district. And this past year, we're required to audit the title one program, the uh ed education stabilization fund, state school fund, and state lottery funds. And uh and auditing these programs, we select a large number of payroll and general dispersment transactions. And uh we get the finance department to give us the backup documentation for all those transactions and make sure that uh those grant monies are being spent in accordance with specific grant requirements uh that are over those monies. And we're happy to report
049that the state and federal letters that that we issuing were both clean unmodified opinions uh which means we didn't note any uh findings or question costs or issues related to control over those grants. So state federal Now, we did report one finding related to internal control. And if you would, let's turn over to page 62. We'll talk about that. body got page 62. If you look down toward the bottom, uh you'll see a in bulk says finding 25-01. Does everyone see that? Okay. It uh refers to general ledger account reconciliations. And this finding relates to payroll liability account reconciliations not being completed in a timely manner during the year. Um finance department was impacted by basically a complete turnover in staff over about the past year year and a half and uh which contributed in
050a timely manner during the 630 25 year. And uh once we were provided the reconciliations, there were no issues noted um with those reconciliations um the finding didn't result in any loss funding. No question costs or budget violations as a result of the reconciliations being done a little bit late, but it did end up making the audit be a little bit late this past year. But uh but again, there there were no big issues noted as a result of the reconciliations being a little bit late. And uh we talked to Miss Kidd about this. She feels confident that the matter has now been resolved. Shouldn't be a problem going forward. I think >> anyone have any questions about that? >> You said it was turnover. >> Well, yeah. You had like finance officers knew that
051this kid came in. was it like around November or October of the year that we were all so she come in I think things were already maybe a little bit behind with payroll account reconciliation so and I know Miss uh accounts payable turned over as well maybe right before she got there and I think now payroll's turned over so I think the whole department's >> had a turnover in the past year and a Yeah, they've had a lot to deal with and it's it's not uncommon at all when we see a lot of turnover in finance and they'll they'll they'll get behind some. So, it's again there were no issues noted once they got caught up, but it did end up making the auto a little bit late, but that shouldn't be an issue with
052the state and go all the time. And again, Miss Kid feels confident she's got that under control. Now, there was a prior year finding, turn over to page 65. We have one prior year finding. It was finding 24-9. And that finding related to budgets that were entered into the general ledger not reconciling back to the budgets that were approved by the board of education. So when we performed the current year audit, we had no issues related to that. Had had a couple of minor differences. They were off around $3,000, but that that's immaterial for what we're doing. Um and I did report those two matters in a separate letter um that we issued. But going back to this finding 2401, it's shown as corrected in the office. All right. Again, we did issue a separate
053letter that we call a management letter and it was there should have been two letters in the front of your book and u one was a two-page letter and the other was free page. Everyone have those letters back. So the two-page letter is the one we call the management and uh it discusses several internal control areas that noted where improvements could be made uh in the district's processes and procedures and these items are not considered to be to be material or significant. Um, but they are areas that we felt like needed to be uh, you know, warranted the attention of management and uh, and we've talked about these items u Miss Kidd I think she's been over them in detail with Miss Boon and uh, it's my understanding that they're they're in the process of
054being addressed. Did everyone find those you guys help? Um, I didn't plan to go into detail on these items. Again, they're not significant in terms of um in terms of the audit, but they are areas that we just felt like needed to be looked at and um and addressed at some point if if u >> what about time >> Outstanding checks. So, y'all got, you know, you write a check and um they have a cleared name. Whoever that were written to has not cashed them. are over a year old and the state requires when a check's been outstanding over a year, you need to investigate it, try to reissue it, contact the vendor, whoever the check is written to, find out why they didn't cash it and you either reissue it to that individual or
055that company or you as cheap funds, you send them basically to the state and the state holds them and u and whoever that person is can come back and claim that money at some point in the future. But that's that's the process that should be happening with all checks that are more than 365 days past due or have cleared 365 days. And as I mentioned, one of the comments is related to the uh the budget. Two two of the budgets were about $3,000 off when they were entered into the general ledger from the bullet group resolution. And you know, there's a comment related to title one. There's a 12% administration requirement that you can't spend more than 12% title administration. Yeah, we're over a little bit on that. About $8,900. Um the federal government doesn't
056make that show a finding for anything under 25,000. So, we just wanted to point that out to you in this letter so that y'all could address that and make sure it doesn't become a bigger number in the current year. So, y'all are limited to 12% on that. this past year 13. >> Then we've had a recommendation for a few years about converting to an automated timekeeping system. I think y'all been on on paper system and I believe that with this new software y'all are going to link program and early May. I think Miss K said that that should part of that should include converting to an automated time keep that this comment should get addressed as part of that and we did not know some purchase orders that were not prepared on consistent basis. That's
057something we have that that's probably the most common comment we have at districts we go to where purchase orders are not being submitted to finance uh in a timely manner. Um sometimes the invoice shows up before a purchase order shows up which kind of defeats the whole purpose of doing the purchase. Um but uh you know there were no issues noted with those purchases but it it does show that you know folks in the district some of them aren't getting those purchase orders done first as they should requesting uh approval of those funds before they actually go and obligate the district. So that that's an area that you know needs to be in that one's probably the most common the state. So was there any questions on the anything in the management letter? >> No,
058I just want to make sure that I'm clear on page 13. Um when you total fund an balances these are totals for each of these areas listed at the top correct or you might see it more. >> So on page 13 then so the fund balance is that that billion 683. >> So that's for general and then there's a number for each of these other >> That's right. Yeah. >> Yeah. If you read across from that fund balance line you notice that state public schools and federal grants are both zero. y'all spend those monies when everybody together go they don't carry over um at least y'all don't have to cash in the thing and put it that way. I know some of the federal money does carry over but it stays with the state so
059y'all don't have it yet. The other special revenue fund it had a million223 951 and that includes just various uh y'all have some restricted grants that don't flow through uh state public school fund or the federal grants fund. they flow through fund date and uh and that that's what that money represents and there is some unrestricted money in that fund as well. So then you have a capital outlay fund that's 693,309 >> and all of that money is restricted for capital outlay but you'd have to have county commissioner approval to spend that you know in in a different way. and so but then the individual schools combined had 50,191 and that's basically the the bank schools combined. >> Okay, >> that was pretty much everything I planned to cover um from the report. Was there
060anything I didn't go over question? Again, I think overall the audit went went well. I know we had one finding, but it got resolved and there was no no issues with that. Overall, the district's in good financial shape as of June 30th. Um, you know, records are very transparent. Everything that we asked for backup for, the finance department was able to provide good backup documentation. There were no unusual transactions noted nothing of a question. We felt good about it. Clients focused on the good job. This kid's not here tonight. They they did a good job getting us everything we asked for and look forward to working with them again this year. >> Thank you. >> Good to see y'all. >> All right. Next item is curriculum and instruction. Dr. >> Okay. So, you all have
061the exceptional children at prek information in your packet. if you have any questions. As far as the curriculum piece, we've been doing some benchmarks. The parents look at the data. Just trying to dig deeper into teaching and learning, especially since we're getting so close to the end of the school year. Will anyone have questions? I have one question. Um, is it April? Okay. All right. Any other questions? We also have student services. Do we have partner is here and I believe she has something with panorama. >> So nothing for CTE. >> Oh, CTE. >> No, CTE. our FCCLA students um went somewhere where Greensboro and several of them placed as you saw tonight when they um received their red coats and all the wonderful things and they will be preparing to go to nationals. Um,
062I'm thinking that they're going on. She said Washington DC, I believe. >> Do we have a date? >> Washington DC. Any other questions for 15? >> Get them baby ready to go. >> Get them babies ready to go. >> And bring it on back home. >> And bring it back home. I agree. whatever they want to get. >> Miss Ricky Faulner is here. You tell us about Panorama. >> Good evening. >> I was waiting to see if there was going to be a question or if I needed to present it. Um, for Panagram, Panorama has been our social emotional seal universal screener. Um, it was purchased with a monthly beer contract. um during COVID with the eserrophones and that contract those um the payment that was spent on those in advance that ends this uh
063semester. So, we would have to uh renew for our universal screening. So, we have another proposal of a contract. We don't have to approve it until um until May, but we're trying to get all of our purchase orders done in advance. So that's why we're bringing it to you in advance so that we can get onto the schedule for August um as our new renewal time instead of renewing kind of in the middle of a year, middle of a school year or the end of the school year, renewing at the beginning of the year when the new funds come in. Um so Panorama is what's used for MTSS, multi-tered system of support. is used for behavior intervention tracking and a different part of what we have been using panorama for which is basically been to
064screen and determine which kids may need support. We um they have added another component which is an artificial intelligence piece that can give more plans for supporting those students. So instead of just having the data and then the staff having to determine how to develop a plan to support students, they are um Solaris which is not the open AI that we've been hearing negative things about uh for trying to share that information. Solaris is a proprietary system and that's why it is listed as a sole source vendor because you cannot use the program that they have. Another company can use it. Everything is inhouse. Um, and so that's a three-year renewal. The first renewal would be uh May 24th. That's the deadline for it. And that would be 31,475. >> Yes, ma'am. >> We don't
065I I don't have anything in my packet. >> You didn't get it in your packet. Um, I can just present this information to you tonight and then it can come back to you for approval because this will require um and I can make sure we get the cont. >> Okay. Just add the work session. >> Um, so it's a three-year contract from the May 25th which is the end of the current uh contract that we have with them to August 1st of 2028. So carrier school to 2028 as a contract. um but we would pay it in a yearly increment using title one funds and title four funds that we have allocated for the purpose for um helping students with social emotional behavior and those interventions as well that can make sure >> any questions
066about anything that I'm concerned about I I need to see so that you have time to see it. >> Thank you so much. >> I'll make sure I get it. >> Um we've done exceptional children. So Miss Fletcher teaches Fort. >> Good evening chair. I have the beginning teacher support plans that I am seeking approved for. for this year. The beginner teacher program is a statemandated three-year induction program designed to support our beginning teachers. >> Is it is it like basically like the same type of program we had? >> It is. It's the exact same, but I have to have it annually. >> Okay. So nothing changed. >> Well, it's been working. I mean, >> well, can I get a motion to approve the beginning teacher? I have a question. >> Are there any changes
067at all? >> There are things. >> There are no changes. I can let you know though that this program is for our true beginning teachers. However, as an extra support for our international teachers who typically are not first three year teachers, we do include this in the teaching program as well as an extra support to them. >> Yes, many of them. All right. Is there a second? Is there a second? >> Second. Okay, it's been a motion and properly second to um approve the beginning teacher pro support program for the 25 26 school year. >> Is it for this? >> That's why I stopped. That's why I pause. >> It is. We do have to still just have it approved. So, we have it on record that it has. >> Okay. So next year for
068next school year to start and we'll we'll approve it early earlier, right? >> Next school. Yes. >> Okay. >> So I guess Michael, you said that we're approving this for the 25 26 student >> for this year. Yes. >> So why are we just getting this statement? >> We are bringing it because this is requiring for a signature to have to be able to have to submit and so we're bringing it for that purpose. So I I understand what you're saying, but I'm saying if we're doing 256, we're almost at the end of the 2526. I guess my question is why did you get it early? Because we had to make some to make sure everything was in place. Again, I did uh work with my beginning teacher coordinator and we came together to over
069ensure that everything is in place. Um, when I came in the beginning, the teaching program was a little bit of a concern. So, I wanted to make sure we had everything in place as it should be. >> So, have we utilized it at all this year since we're just getting >> Yes, ma'am. We have Yes, ma'am. We have fall since 218. motion out there. Um, are there any questions? >> All those favor say I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. Motion carries. The beginning support program has been cleared. Next item on the agenda, Mr. Hun, you have anything? Right. Next item on the agenda is consent agenda. >> Okay. Next item on the agenda is breaking a break. >> No. Next item is discussion again. Um, anybody have anything to >> All right. Um, >>
070nothing for discussion, but I just want to send our condolences to vice chair Davis. He's out with his family tomorrow 69 Ohio that's why you're not here public know thank appreciate you it say I appreciate you >> okay >> I understand that we had a situation with student here. Are we doing anything? Is it is the staff or is it district for the reim? Um right now I know that they as this as far as the school is concerned I know that they do have a memorial out front. I'm not sure if you saw that. Um as far as the district is concerned um I guess after tomorrow we will know a little bit more and Dr. Bloom will share that with us. I just didn't know if that was part of our proto policy.
071Do we have a policy for that or >> I don't know we have policy or not but that's part of we need to meet and start working on policies too. >> We're we're going to do something. >> Yes. >> Anything else? Again, Miss Tilly, we normally don't function like this. It's called school. We haven't been functioning like this, but things happen. But we learn how to work through things, you know. Um, but I do appreciate each and every one of you all coming out tonight. Oh, and uh we we're now, like I said earlier, we've been a long time operating off of six people on the school board, which I think that we've done a pretty good job of doing so, but we are now complete, I guess you would say, as we have our
072seventh person and you know, you know, um elections are coming up in November, but Miss Tillery was gracious enough to come and join us and work with us. She has an extensive background in education. She's been in education all of her life as far as I far as I know. Um she's been around she's a native of welder. She stays in welding and she loves children. Otherwise she wouldn't have worked all those many years with kids if she didn't have love for kids. So, um, Miss M. Tiller, again, I welcome you all. Welcome you to the Well City School Board of Education, and we look forward to having a good time working for the betterment of the city schools. And I want to thank each and every one of you all, my other fellow board
073members here. Um, like Mr. Bennett did say, Mr. Davis is not here. He's so missed tonight. He's really, really missed because I'm so used to looking to my left just smiling. But um please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers at this time. And also the ransom um Boswell family and also the Wilson school, Welen High School, this the basketball team and anyone that um the young man was affiliated with any of ourselves. At this time, I'm going to ask for approval or a motion to approve the items from close session. >> Make a motion to approve items discussed in close session. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. There's been a motion and prop second to approve the items that were discussed in closed session. Are any questions?
074All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. Motion carries. Now, are there any comments from the board? If not, >> thank you all. I know it's early mornings and late nights, but yes. Okay. Anything else? Not. Can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Okay. I have a motion to adjurnn and second. It's been properly second. Are there any questions? All those in favor say I. Any opposed? Eyes have it. And it's 8:58.