001We got >> Thank you. Oh, thank you. welcome you all to the well schools regular board meeting. Um first we'll start off by repeating or saying together our mission statement. Okay, we can read it in Yolissa. >> The mission of the school district is to create and maintain a highly effective educational system in which every student receives the highest quality education. employees and parents work together to prepare students to become caring, competent and responsible citizens who education process. >> Thank you. Now I need the uh for us to review the agenda and I need someone to make a motion to approve tonight's agenda. A motion to approve. Okay, been motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Here's been motion properly second to approve the agenda for tonight. Are there any questions? All those in
002favor say I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. And the mo agenda has been approved. I'm sorry. Yes, and we did just approve the agenda, but I do have something that I need to add. So under um seven a I need to add a number three and that is the district work. >> The number three number what district >> work week for 7A number three you say district work week. Yes, sir. I need a motion to approve the amended agenda. [Music] >> Second has been motioned and properly second to approve the um amended agenda. Are there any questions? All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it and agenda has been approved. amended agenda. Okay. The next item on the agenda is open session approval of minutes. Can I get a motion
003to approve the minutes? All right. Is there a second? >> Second. >> There's been a motion properly second to approve June U meeting minutes. Are any questions? >> All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. And the um minutes have been approved for chair. Next item is going to be recognition. And the first we have representative state representative Rotten Peters to come forward. >> Good evening everybody. >> Good evening. Madam Chair, Madam Superintendent, Mrs. Harrison, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Robinson, Jenkins, Mr. Davis, Clerk Jenkins, everybody else who was here tonight. Um, I'm here to uh recognize a young man, the school, community, family. Um, because everybody I feel like when one person that represents all of us win, we all win, >> right? >> And um, I know from what I've read,
004and the coach that this is a young man who was worked extremely hard. You don't become a champion or win against other people in a state championship race. That's right. Uh without a lot of dedication and commitment. So, uh Mr. Burgess, you and your family, if you'all join me up here, Coach M, you as well. I want to read all of this. It's not long, y'all, but I I just want to read this real quick. Congratulations. Forgive what I told you. Frame it. Put it somewhere. I told him, you know, I ran uh track when I was in high school. When I was a junior, but I only did it to get out of school. >> Yeah. I wasn't any good. I did it to get out of class. Y'all was supposed to laugh. All
005right. Resolution honoring Donald Burg's champion 110 meter hurdles. North Carolina 1A state championship. Whereas Donald Burgess, a rising senior at Welen STEM High School Careermies in Weldon City Schools, playing first place in the 110 meter hurdles at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 1A state championship meet held on May 16th, 2025 at Marcus T. Johnson track at North Carolina ENT State University in Greensburg. Mr. Burges improved on his time of 14.74 seconds in heat one of the preliminary round by registering a time of 14.49 49 seconds in the finals to claim the gold medal. Mr. Burgess was the 2024 male athlete runner of the year in the Taron Athlet Athletic Conference and the 2025 conference male athlete of the year in track and field. Mr. Burgess's title is the second track and field state
006championship in the past six years for Weldon City Schools and the first state title for Welen STEM high school careermies in over 30 years in a track event. Despite not having the facilities and equipment his opponents possessed to prepare for the competition, Donald through diligent training before and after school emerged victorious, standing as a shining example of the resilience, dedication, and potential of student athletes with athletic competition playing such an important role in the total education of our young people. I am extremely pleased to pay tribute to Donald Burges on an exemplary season and achievement as he serves as an immense source of pride for his family, his coaches, his school and community. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, do hereby honor Donald Burgess
007on winning first place in the 110 meter hurdles at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 1A state championship and extend best wishes in your future academic and athletic endeavors. >> All right. to stand over. >> All right. Congratulations. >> I got to get the exciting. Thank you all so much. Great job, Mr. Burgess >> and Coach. >> All right, the next item on the agenda is Miss Robin Davis for FBLA. >> Come on down. >> All right, everybody. Amen. So, while we we have congratulations in order, we want to congratulate Takira. Takira um placed second in supply chain management at the state LLA competition. And so, she goes on to national competition in Anah, California. To hear, this is her second time making it to nationals. So she went to Chicago, Illinois maybe but
008three years ago. >> So we just wanted to make sure that we recognize her as well. So I have a certificate that reads future business leaders of America certificate of achievement. This certificate is proudly presented to Takira Ivy in recognition of her commitment to excellence, her exceptional leadership, dedication and achievement in business education which led to her qualification for the FBLA National Leadership Conference. Her advisor is Mr. Burton who is joining us today. So congratulations. >> All right. Yeah. And we also have her mom here is very dedicated. So wherever we go, she's with us. >> All right. >> Moment. >> All right. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. All right. Now that we've gotten all our recognitions out of the way today, we will move right on to public forum. Um, Superintendent Boom. Do we have anyone
009here for public? All right. The next item on the agenda is reports and we will get a report from our superintendent Dr. Tammy Benji. >> Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> Let me start my superintendent report by once again saying thank you to Wellland City Schools Board of Education and all stakeholders uh who are part of this community for the opportunity to serve as your superintendent. And by way of uh reports, I will say that these have been some busy days. Uh we don't work on Friday generally, but as uh superintendent, you work about seven days a week, >> uh 24 hours a day. So there have been uh no days off and today is the 24th. But within those 24 days, we have had departmental meetings, individual departmental meetings where I've met with
010all of the directors here at the central office level and had discussion about what their job duties entail and just different things moving forward into the 2526 school year. uh things of accountability nature and where we go from here and just trying to look forward in terms of getting done to make sure that we're all on the same page. Uh in addition to that, we had our new construction going on. So I've been out to the construction site a couple of times. One time I went I got trapped in the middle of the highway. So no, I didn't realize that the big truck was not going to move, but I thought maybe it was going to move. So but nonetheless, I I just wanted to see the update uh where we were at that point
011which hadn't changed much from the last time we were there but if you've not had an opportunity to see the new construction then you should take a look at it. It is coming up every day and looking very good. Uh we did have our beginning teacher and new teacher orientation this week which turned out very nicely. We are gearing up now for our administrative retreat which will begin on next Monday, July 28th, 29th and July 30th. So we will be I won't say the location yet. I need to get a confirmation on it. But we will be having our admin retreat next week beginning at 8:30 each day. Our convocation will be on August 4th at the high school, the middle high school. that will begin at 8:30 in the morning. We will have a
012keynote and we will have some of our very own speaking and we will have some fun things going on as well along with some bill prizes. So you want to come out and join us for that. And then on August 5th, we are planning a professional development day throughout the district where we have many different offerings that our staff can partake in and participate as if they were going to any state level conference. They have registered and are being put into different sessions to attend. So it should be very good. Um the last thing I will say is our theme for the new school year 256 is boots on the ground but we have kind of framed it and I might say this wrong but boots on straightforward excellence ahead might be off by a
013word or so but that's where we're headed and smooth. We want all of our folks to get ready to do the boots on the ground dance. That will be our finale. Uh I see Miss Jenkins, but that will be our finale on August the 4th. And then we will have a food truck rodeo on that day. Just some really good things going on. Trying to get off on the a good foot and start strong and we will end strong. That's where we're headed. Right. Next item, Andrew Jackson Restoration Project. >> So, as far as the Andrew Jackson restoration project, and Jason will jump in in a minute, we did have a a board retreat a couple of weeks ago, and we heard from Nicole Ria from performance services. She gave us an update on the
014feasibility report and just some different things that they had been looking at in terms of Jackson. Um, I believe we have to submit a letter to the town by next month in terms of what plans are. So, we're at the point of looking at a possible posting a possible RFQ, but I'd like for Jason to jump in and tell us where we >> Yes. Good evening, board members. And, uh, first of all, can you hear me? >> Yes, we hear you, Jason. >> Okay. Thank you. You're all a little quiet, so I apologize if I miss any questions or any uh comments. if I do I'm not an organo on purpose. Please just uh you know feel free to repeat question things. So so yeah so I've been talking with Dr. Boon about this. You
015know, I was not at the um retreat and you know, it's my understanding that there was direction from the board to proceed with the design build method for, you know, pursuing renovations at the Andrew Jackson school site and also to move forward with drafting an RFQ. Um and so, you know, in talking with Dr. Boon about that. I um you know also her and I felt like it'd be important to bring this to the full board just to talk through it. So with design build I mean obviously you I I think you're familiar with it. I think you've heard about it you know with other school construction processes or uh uh projects that you've done. um you know it's a it's a construction method where you know you have a single contractor who does the
016design work and then the actual construction work. Um you know it's one of several different construction options. It does have some procedural requirements that have to be met um before you know proceeding with it. you know, some of the advantages of design build. It can be uh quicker and faster than some of the other construction methods where you for example do an RFQ, go through interviews, hire an architect, that architect tech, you know, develops plans, you refine those and then at the end of that, you know, moving forward with going through another RFQ or RFP process to identify um you know, the actual construction manager for the project. you know, with design build again, it's faster because you have one vendor performing both tasks. Um, you know, in addition to being faster, it's really, you
017know, it's it's uh in some ways, you know, kind of designed for um I won't say simpler projects, right, but more easily defined projects. You know, oftent times when we've worked with districts on a design, build uh construction process, it's for something, for example, like HVAC replacement, right? There's a district with a high school and it knows exactly the size of the school, the types of units it needs, you know, everything can be very easily and quickly defined for the project. Um and and that also helps kind of speed along the process. You know, some of the other advantages, the construction costs are usually like known and fixed uh during that design phase. So, it gives you a little bit of price certainty. Um, some of the downsides, you know, it can sometimes be more
018expensive just because you're not going through, you know, a couple of different vendors with your architect and then your construction manager and then different bid processes for the subcomponents of whatever the work is. Um, but I think you kind of like most pertinent to where we are with Andrew Jackson, you know, before a uh school board or other government entity proceeds with design build, there is a um uh preliminary step under the statute that uh the board would need to take and that's um developing criteria for determining whether design build is appropriate for the project. Um, and those criteria typically, you know, they're presented to the board and the board approves them uh via a resolution and then, you know, after that point, the district proceeds with the RFQ. And you know, where Dr. Boon
019and I have been having a lot of discussion. It's around the first criteria under the statute which is the extent to which the government entity can adequately and thoroughly define the project requirements prior to the issuance of the request for qualifications for the design builder. And and that's kind of, you know, I think it's where it would help to have some more discussion. Um, you know, I do feel like where the district is now with Andrew Jackson, you know, it's my understanding that the engineering firm has started, you know, their work of assessing the site and determining what the possibilities are, but they have not completed that work. And without that you know feasibility study and that assessment you know completed it I mean it could be difficult to meet the adequately and thoroughly you
020know portion of this first criteria for selecting design build. Um, you know, my understanding are there could be a range of options from, you know, restoring a decent portion of the building, you know, to be used for events or things like that. Or it could be, you know, that the building is largely, you know, unsalvageable. Um, and the proposal could be to retain a portion of it and build a memorial park around it, right? Um, you know, with design build, you know, prior to the RFQ process, you know, I would certainly recommend kind of not only knowing what the options are, but like knowing which one you want to choose and which one you can afford. Um, so, so again, I've been working with Dr. Boon on the RFQ, but you know, her and I
021were were really thinking about I understand the time constraints here, but also, you know, wanting to make sure that this is the appropriate process and, you know, just come back to the board for some more direction uh before proceeding. So, I mean, with that, are there any any questions for me? Any questions for Dr. Boone? you know as I understand it with the engineering firm they have again started their work maybe they haven't completed the work you know that would certainly be a document that report that would inform you know what the what the project scope is um it also would help the board with you know giving direction to staff for also you know choosing amongst whatever the potential available options are Um I did go back and look at the town of Halifax's
022letter again and the deadline for a response is August 24th. Um but that is the deadline for you know having the feasibility report from the engineer you know thinking through funding sources and it's not necessarily the deadline for actually having you know started the process of doing whatever it is that the board decides to do. So I do feel like there's some time um in order to again just make sure that this is the appropriate process uh you know meet the criteria for design build and also just have you know a good detailed RFQ which of course you know leads to good and better RFQ responses. Um the the last thing I'll just mention with design build 2 under the statutory process um you know after issuing the RFQ uh there's no statutory timeline for
023the amount of time that it needs to be out for u proposals to come back in. You know I would recommend seven you know at least seven days because that's the standard for formal bidding. Um, but I would just say that under that statutory process, there's a minimum number of three bids that need to be received in order to uh move forward with making a selection. And if a district gets less than three bids, then you have to rebid and do it again before you can move forward. Let's say there's only one bidder. And I say all that to say, you know, oftentimes the thorowness of the RFP or RFQ can influence the bids that you get just because, you know, some company might not bid on something that's not entirely clear as to what
024it is that they would be doing. Um, so I'm sure that's a lot to digest and again I know I wasn't part of the meeting uh last week. Um, but I did want to give that update and let you know that I'm working with Dr. Boon on it and then just get some feedback from the board as to, you know, your thoughts on kind of uh using the engineering report to then determine the next steps. you know, that's designed build. We can have an RFQ ready to go at that point. >> And Dr. Boon, feel free to fill anything in there. >> Oh, I was going to ask Mr. um that day when we had our um retreat and I know that the lady said >> Nicole said that um for the first part in
025order the first part for us to respond back to the town of Halifax, they would do that, >> right? >> And we wouldn't have to be under any type of >> right no contract >> contract or anything just for them to respond back. um with some data that they collected or numbers, things of that nature, >> right? >> Um but the RFQ was for them actually for us to put it out there so that they could be a possibility of being the ones that are going to do the work at the scope. Right. >> Right. >> Okay. >> Um >> Yeah. And that and sorry and that that's where you know it's kind of you know the report which is I understand it's not been completed yet. I understand they're doing that at no cost
026which is really you know amazing and generous. In talking with Dr. Boon, I mean the the report would certainly in my mind influence the contents of the RFQ, right? The scope and having the final report with the final details, you know, would help the board with deciding not only what's possible, but giving very clear direction as to what to, you know, specifically do with the site. Um, you know, really I I do have some concerns with proceeding now with a design build process where there's a range of options. We don't necessarily know exactly which options are feasible, nor do we necessarily know exactly which option, you know, that we want to choose and proceed with. Um and that's my only you know my main reason for for recommending you know um that the board wait
027and consider that report before proceeding with a design build RFQ process. Okay. So, um I guess is that okay with the board, but just wait and see after um the letter is presented to um facts and then we can do the RFQ to see. >> Okay. Everybody's in the back. And just and and just to clarify, so you know, I would I would hope right the so there's the getting the report to the town and I'd hope that you get it first. So it might be earlier hopefully than that August 24 deadline, right? So the board could certainly let's say you get it and it's two weeks in advance of the deadline and you want to meet consider it you know give direction for an RQ process you know it's really the receipt of the
028report by you that I think would be helpful with next steps and that could certainly happen prior to August before. November 24th is on a Sunday. 24th on Sunday. All right. Well, Jason, once we get a report, then we'll have to um do the three get the three bids. We decide to move forward after we get a report. >> Right. So, so I mean my understanding of the report is it will include details for you the board and the district as to what what is feasible right and what the you know potential costs it'll be ballparks you know those options are I mean it could be I don't know that the report will say that the building is salvageable right it'll cost $5 million, but it could be renovated. It could be turned into an
029event space. You know, the report could also say that it's, you know, that condemnation and um, you know, demolition that that's really the only feasible option. in which case the board, you know, might have the option of preserving part of it and then building and designing, you know, some sort of memorial, you know, or park. Um, but without the report, you know, it's difficult to know exactly what the options are. And I do think that for the board, you know, once you have the report, you can decide on what option to choose. That will influence the RFQ. And then once the RFQ is issued, that's where we would need at least three bids. And if there are not three bids, like three responses, you would need to reissue the RFQ. And after that second time,
030you know, you only get, let's say, one bid, you can proceed with that one bidder. But on the first try, you at least have to get three in order to move forward with selection. So the main thing is right now for us is just to satisfy and meet that deadline um of getting something back to the town of Palifax by August 24th. And hopefully that'll come in about two more weeks from from then. And then we can worry about our RFQ later, but without that letter or something to present to Halifax. We have nothing anyway. Exactly. >> So what we'll do, we'll come back once we get the letter come back and then we'll talk about >> doing the RFQ depending on what's in the letter. >> That's yes the report. So question, do we
031need to contact them to say that we have to get the three bids because they doing the study based on hoping that we will get them to do what the work >> but they know that we have to they knew that we had to put it out there. She was in there when we talked about that. >> Yeah. >> So she knew that we had to put it out there for someone for other companies or other you know companies to be on. >> Well, right. I mean so so the engineers who you have now you know their task is to develop a feasibility report that identifies the you know I'm reading it now structural mechanical electrical plumbing potential environmental concerns such as asbestous and mold as well as um you know work to be done
032on the building and site grounds. a cost estimate. Um, so really, you know, I see the report as, you know, as it's described, a feasibility report that you can then use to decide what you want to do. You know, they could certainly bid on whatever that is as long as they're not, you know, providing guidance on the RFQ itself. Um, but you know, I'm confident that they can do this engineering work for you and still be eligible, but you would of course have to bid it out and we would have to follow the statutory bid process. But so there's not, you know, there's nothing for them to be doing with regards to getting three biders or going through any of that process. That's really I mean in my mind you know well sure certainly they
033could be one of any other you know number of biders once you get the report and you decide what to do next. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you so much J well attorney. >> The next item is going to be the new pay schedule. Dr. >> Yes. I have information from the finance department. Currently, we're paid the last day of the month and the proposal is or rather is proposed to be changed to the 25th of each month beginning August 25th rather than at the end of the month. >> Simple reasons for that. >> Think maybe close out processes, but Miss Kow toward any at the end of the month, we have time to fix it and fix things far as um pay. If someone's check is missing or we have to make adjustments
034for monthly reports, we have time to do it. If we when we pay on the 31st, that's the last day and we can't adjust like our federal deposits. We don't have time to do anything else. We'll write that check on the 31st, but then everything else going to go to the next month. >> Yes. Absolutely. >> I'll make a motion to change to new. >> All right. It's been motion pro second to change um to adopt the new p new new pay scale. New pay schedule. Are there any questions? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. And motion carries. Next item is my report and I want to take a moment. >> District work week. >> Oh Lord, hold on. >> Number three, work week. >> Yes,
035>> district work week. I'm sorry. I do apologize. >> The proposal is or the request is that the work week will go back to 5 days beginning the week of August 4th when our teachers return. >> 5 days 8 hours a day. >> 8 hours. >> We August 4th. >> She said 8 hours. >> Eight hours. >> I'm just making it clear >> that it's eight hours. >> All right. Eight hours. >> Eight hours. I make a motion to return to the 8 hour week for second motion and probably second to return back to the regular schedule of eight hours. Okay. Um are any questions? All those in favor say I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. And motion carries. Next item is I want to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every
036last one of you all. Every employee um across our district from our teachers, principles to bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, district and office staff. Your dedication and heart for our students means a lot to this district and you are truly the heartbeat of this district. It's also my honor, although she went before me, to officially welcome Dr. Boon to her first board meeting as our superintendent. >> We're excited for the energy and for the energy and the vision that you bring and we look forward to the journey ahead together. I would also like to um do a special thank you to all those that help make our make her swearing in ceremony a success. I would call names but I don't want to miss out on anyone. But you all help out tremendously. You jumped
037in and they tell me that, you know, you should ask for, you know, ask people and I'm not used to asking people for help. But when I did, it was nothing but just a question and and you all just jumped right in and did whatever you all had to do to make the program of the swearing in ceremon ceremony a success. So, I do appreciate and thank each and every last one of you all for all that you all did. All right. As we prepare for a new school year, like Dr. Boone said, let's get our boots on the ground, our focus sharp, and our hearts ready. Charger Nation, this is our time to shine. Let's lead with purpose and charge ahead. Um, before I move on to the next item, I would like to
038go off the record a little bit. Well, off the agenda a little bit because it's warm in here. And so I want to ask my fellow board members, is it okay, have you all reviewed all of you all's um uh reports for tonight? >> So is it okay if we forego those reports for tonight because it's warm? >> Yes. >> Is everybody okay with that? >> Okay. >> Ask some questions in the consent agenda, but >> Okay. Well, we'll get we you can ask those when we get to that. So, the next item on the agenda is going to be we're going to move to um Did you have any amendment? Any amendments, Miss K? No. >> All right. We're going to move right along and we're going to go on down to Mr. Hall
039who will present for the new school project. >> Thank you, Miss Al. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, board members. Hopefully, you receive a one page document. >> Okay. today. This this is simply an outline of the uh just a snapshot of the new school project. So, what I'm here for tonight is to just touch on some of the highlights and certainly address any questions you might have. I broke it down into some basic things. The timeline hopefully most of you have seen it already. We can go back a little ways. I have >> we don't have so you mind if I continue? >> I don't I don't please every I'm sorry not here timeline for the new school completion. We did have the financial issue at the beginning of the project. The financial issue
040being the bids initially came in above the amount of money this project has available. So we had to stop and regroup. That cost this project close to three months. As a result of that, currently the substantial completion date, that is the day you can actually occupy the campus, is currently at the end of August. And that's not good timing for the school year, but rest assured, uh, I and others are advocating for Franc to to make up some time. Uh I would say when we get into the first quarter of next year, we'll have a much better idea of what the summer occupancy date is going to look like. >> Um I'll just mention the weather. The other thing beyond that that time we lost it to begin. We are in a year where we
041have had near record >> and they have experienced all of that over at the job over at that campus and by there >> and that campus is relatively flat. So when it rains, it takes a lot to get the water out. But they've had some challenges, but they're working through it, I think, as best they can. Just this afternoon, I and Mr. Hunter and Dr. Boon met with Halifax County Finance. Uh for those of you, just to make sure you're aware, Halifax County is the fiscal agent for the monies that fund this project. So we're making sure we are in lock step in terms of records. Um my company keeps records about the total budget as does the architect Lansancy and things as their portion but the county being the fiscal agent we going to
042make sure that we are in lock step with all of the numbers being the same across the entire team. Um, I mentioned the current work. Current work is ongoing. If you've been fine there, they are working diligently to get uh as much of the to get the building dried in uh as soon as they can so that they so the weather will not impact um won't be as much of an impact to the schedule. But several things I mentioned I put on put in here to just point out. Um, and again, I'm just touching on the highlights. Athletic fields for the fall of 2026. Your athletic fields are going in late summer, early fall this year. This gives you a year to do the maintenance on those fields. So that come fall of 2026, they
043should be ready for play. Okay, that's significant. Um, and I did note I heard the young man that had the uh award earlier. Uh, there was a mention about facilities that he had as his disposal. There is a a regulation track included in your um on your new campus. So helpful. Hopefully that will be a tremendous benefit to your students. Um, we are working uh with some other owner provided items. uh for example, IT equipment will have to be purchased by Welen to go into the uh data closets in the school. And I think in one of your recent meetings, I know you did you approved the furniture, fixtures, and equipment um quotes. So, what that allowed you to do was to lock in the prices on those on those items. And it's a very
044long list of all of the furnishings that go in. They will be ready summer of next year that your prices are locked in. One of the num a number of things we talked to the county about today was to make sure we have all the paperwork in order so that that u those purchase orders and that process is is in place so that those items show up next summer when they're needed. So again, those are just some highlights. Uh any questions you have for me, I'll be happy to >> any questions from anyone? Happy Monday. Thank you so much, Mr. Hall. >> Thank you very much. >> And I haven't forgotten Miss Jenkins from the board. Good. Yeah, those >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you so much for coming and giving
045us an update. >> Well, thank you very much. >> Good. >> Thank you. >> All right. The next item is going to be um technology. Good afternoon. >> Good afternoon. >> We should have two documents from technology. The first document is the technology disaster recovery plan which is basically a living document. Um this is something that we will review each year and make changes as needed. So the disaster plan basically um in case there is a event to happen with our network it's all covered here are the steps of what we have to do to react and who we need to report these things to. So I ask that um we adopt the technology disaster recovery plan. Um each school building so school location will receive one. Also the names and the names that we
046have listed under the personnels will also receive a um word document of this disaster plan. any sort of training. >> I plan to um talk about this next week when I retreat. >> Okay. >> And that's the >> technology disaster recovery plan. Okay. >> So, do we need to adopt that? Yes, ma'am. Okay. >> And it has to be signed by Okay. So, I got it in my packet this week. All right. So, can I get a motion? Well, has any everyone gone through it? Everybody is okay with it? Can I get a motion to approve the technology disaster recovery plan? >> I make a motion to approve the technology disaster >> sir. >> Recovery plan. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Okay. All right. Motion properly second to approve the technology disaster recovery
047plan. Not any questions. All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. And motion carries. >> Thank you. Okay. The second document that you should have is the student K12 parent body and notification regarding technology fees. >> I am coming to you to ask you to consider that we charge our students a $20 technology fee. This will help towards the cost of repairing devices. um will also go towards purchasing devices. Please keep in mind that with the tariff assessments, prices of devices will be going up. Also, um for the devices that are intentionally damaged, it causes the district to have redundant spending. So, we are constantly replacing devices that were purposely damaged and also um accountability. So, I've checked with other um surrounding districts and they're all charging a fee between 20
048and $50. And in this policy, this is outline of the incidents, first, second, and third incident depending on the um damage to the device, if the device is lost or stolen, um is indicated here as well. So, the technology here again, I'm asking that you approve it to be $20. We would like to send out this form once the students return back to school. >> Question. >> So, where does that money go to? >> It will go into a technology um account. Okay. >> And that money will be used to purchase um items to repair or purchase parts to repair Chromebooks. >> So, is that um pot of money going to be here or is it per school going to have their own? >> It'll come here. bookkeepers will collect the fees from the parents.
049We're going to start off with cash. Um we are researching online options that the parents can pay online as well. But to get started, we will be or the bookkeepers will be collecting cash and then the check will be written for deposit into the technology account. >> What What about and I'm just I'm I'm because this has come up before in another district and it was a lot of controversy about behind it. Um, you have some families that may have three, four, five children in the district and that family is not able to afford that $100. >> Okay. Well, within the within this um document number five exception and waiverss. So that basically speaks to that. So we can u review that on a b you know on a basis on a family basis. >>
050Can we just set a do a set fee for a family of three or more or something like that? I think that might be a little easier than there set fee for that. >> We can look at that. >> So I think it's important to just keep in mind that currently we have nothing. >> Right. Currently, we're pulling from either a fund balance or something when we have to repair our technology. So, if we were to charge a fee, it it would still would not be enough to cover whatever, but at least it would help to, you know, cut the cost some. >> So, that's the only thing I ask that you consider that currently we don't have anything. So, if school starts and 50 devices are destroyed by Thanksgiving, those are 50 devices that
051we are responsible for. um making sure that we can repair because we don't have a sustainability plan in place. I have a question. Do we are are the devices insured? >> Yes. And this is detailed also of the number two fee amount and associated fees. So it's outlined by the first incident of damage. We will um look at the device. If it can be repaired here, it will be repaired. If it's beyond what we can do, we'll send it off for repair, which the insurance will cover that. So, if we find that the damage was purposely done, then we will ask the family to pay a fee of $28, which will cover the the insurance for the repair of the device or either replacement. And third case, um, if the Chromebook is damaged on purpose,
052then we'll be looking at the parent or guard in to replace the, um, Chromebook, and the cost of that would be $225. But I think it's important to put something in place because we know that the devices are going up. Different districts are talking about it. And I know that when I first started, we were on a five-year replacement plan or refresh plan, I'm sorry. So principles are having to order Chromebooks at the end of each school year to replace the broken ones. That's pulling money out of our budget that probably don't don't have to be spent. Again, we we know that the pro books are going to have wear and tear, you know, the normal wear and tear for, but we're trying to minimize the damages that's done to the prone courts. And I
053think that having a technology fee will hold accountability to the students and also the parents or the guardians. And it will also help our district, our technology um department where we could purchase parts that we need to repair them. >> And they get to take their Chromebooks home with them. >> No, they don't take them home. >> They don't? >> No. >> Um and this is just a start. I mean, it could be revised a little bit later down the road, you know, but this is just a start. >> I think it's important that like she, you know, we don't have anything at all now. So you have to keep that total cost. So I think it's important to put something in place. So >> and like I said, other districts are charging anywhere between
05420 and $50. And that's Halifax County, Northampton, um Gates County, Nash County. >> And so what happens if they don't pay? They don't get a Chromebook issued to them. Is that correct? >> That's correct. >> And what happens if the student has work to do on that Chromebook? What happens? So we do we just I mean as a district do we just I mean what do we do with this student? >> Well I guess they would have to receive a paper packet from their teacher >> that acceptable >> but is that acceptable? >> I'm just asking >> because I mean you going to have different type of situations to come up. Um >> well I personally am I'm in agreement like it's it's reasonable >> and I reached out to other districts um on our
055list this serve and districts have responded back. So there are a lot of districts in North Carolina who their charge technology fees the only thing that I would just like to see like say some cap put on like said it might be you know a family that has four or five students and just have some cap on that But >> so three students, three or more students, $50 cuz they're paying 20. >> I'm just saying I'm not saying that's good, but I'm just saying because we're paying 20 for the first two and then having a third would be a discount. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Or whatever you all decide, but I I can agree with that. I'm in agreement of charges. And maybe what we do moving forward is look at some type of sustainability
056plan, not just for technology, but for other areas as well. Because it's just like your personal savings account. You keep taking from it and you never put anything back into it. Sooner or later, it will be depleted completely. have anything? >> No. We have to do something. >> I'd rather not charge the kid, but we have to do something. >> Yeah. I prefer not to. >> Yeah. >> If we're having to order parts and knowing how monies are for us um for schools, period, I I'm I'm okay with minimal cost. And I'm just I'm just I'm just thinking about the big picture with everything. And I'm not saying I'm opposed to this either because like you said, it it'll be some help or some type of replenishment back to the what you pulling from to
057getting repairs done. I'm not s But I'm just thinking about the cost and and and in our community. Um, >> how about 10? >> You know, how how about $10? >> Well, so like I said, I'm not going to tell the kids, but we have to do, but they're not taking them home. So chances of them turn them up, you know, being supervised. >> Hopefully they don't, but you know, some stuff happen. >> Well, you got to deal with them. But >> and they're not taking they're not keeping up with them. And you'll be surprised. >> Um everywhere I've >> hopefully made them. >> It's to make them more responsible for it >> if they know they have to pay a fee. I'm not saying not charged. No, no, no, no. I'm just saying >>
058I'm looking at it on both sides. I know what you're saying. >> I agree with not charging them. We have to do something like Mr. Bennett said, but since they're not taking them home and they're there in the classroom and if they do something there to them, they know that if you mess up this, you're going to have to pay $20. Your mom going to have to pay $20. >> They gonna have to pay $20 to get it. Yeah. >> Before they even get >> Well, you have to pay more. >> Oh, yeah. You have to pay more, but after it's messed up. Yeah. >> Yeah. That's what I'm saying. I think they would be more responsible. >> Yeah. >> I really believe they would be more responsible. >> Yeah. I know. I would. >>
059I hear you say $10, but you can't even get two songs. >> No, you can't. >> Real talk. >> So, so I mean, like I say, I like the idea of doing that. And so, let's take it one step further. So, if we do run to a situation where we have a a excess of funds or we don't utilize those funds uh throughout the school year, can we look at some type of rebate or credit program for for the future to help offset those costs so they don't if if we don't use those funds and we have the funds available, students don't have to pay as much. But again, >> I got you. Right. Exactly. Yeah. Chances of that are probably slim to none, but just in case. >> Yeah. >> So, I'll make a
060motion to adopt. >> Second. >> Okay. It's been motioned probably second um to go along with the uh technology things. Are any questions? >> Yes. Well, not a question, but I need to add a a small piece in there that we make sure that we do something for if it's like we said a certain number like three or more kids. >> Okay, just so how do we insert that? >> So, I make a motion that we adopt the $20 fee with correction. >> Correction >> with three or more kids. So, so board members, I mean, I would just say if you're creating, you know, exceptions to the fees, you know, you do have a policy on point which allows for exceptions in the event of economic hardship. So I mean instead of defining what that
061is or what one example might be such as having you know five kids or six kids in the form itself you know you can just rely on your policy and then under the policy it kind of delegates to principles and um uh the superintendent for you know helping to develop procedures for those kinds of feed. requests. Um because I do think I mean to the point of that example, you know, having five students might push it up into an economic hardship type of situation, but instead of like listing out all of the, you know, potential fact patterns that could fit the exception, you could just rely on what your policy says. Now, >> but we need to Do we need to resist? >> Jason, >> we said we had a policy. >> You do. You
062have a policy 460 student fees. Um, >> what do we need to do in relation to that motion then? >> Well, so the motion is to approve the form. I think someone was starting to make a motion to amend but did not finish because I interrupted them. So, uh, whoever was making it, they could just, um, resend the motion to amend. >> I resend the motion. >> Yeah. And, and then my only other suggestion here would be just to delegate authority to the superintendent working with me just to work through some of the wording in here. like it's described as a usage fee and you know under statute you know rental fees are prohibited but damage fees are allowed. So I think in a lot of districts even though there's this $20 flat fee that's
063really designed to cover that first incident of damage at no cost. So, um I don't think the board needs to to do anything here other than, you know, your role under the statute and your policy is to approve the fee itself, but I do want to make sure there's wiggle room for staff to work with me on the actual wording of the form. >> We need to make We need to make another motion. No, no, I don't think so because your motion was to approve the fee and that's, you know, the fee and then I just want to make sure it's with the understanding that, you know, I might make some suggestions to your staff on some of the wording that's within the particular form here. So, I don't think you need to do anything
064different. I just want you to know I'll be working with staff on making some of those modifications. >> All right. So it was motion and properly second. Are there any questions? >> All those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? >> Motion carries. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Next item on the agenda is we're going to um we're going to go to our consent agenda. And I know that um you had some questions. When I said that you all had said that we were going to >> I'm good with that. When I said central office update, I didn't know it was something we really need. I'm I'm good >> with the building the build up rooms back there in the back. >> That's what I thought. >> You want it? >>
065I don't we do we do have to go back because I did have a board member to ask a question that has a question for um exceptional children. So, we'll back up to that. Miss exceptional children. >> Good evening. There is a question in regards. >> So, Miss Bullet, I just wanted to ask uh I see that prek as up to July the 14th only have 13 students approved. >> Well, you know, we have to turn our board packets in early. So, as of today, we have 17 >> approved and we have eight applications waiting to be approved only with Smart Start. >> Okay, that was my question because I saw that and I was thinking that's only one classroom, you know, according to this, but you said we have 17 approved. >> Yes, ma'am.
066>> And we've got eight on the waiting. >> We have eight at Smart Start being approved. >> Oh, okay. All right. Thank you ma'am. I was thinking just one of approval. So when will we know about the approval for those eight days? We also have people coming in that have already called that they're ready. We have applications coming in. We want to be ready when the school starts already started to separate the classroom. We're getting the right. >> So those eight on Monday should give us 25. Yes. >> Okay. So, one question about the back. Um, where it says students, that is that the top one. Is that the total number of students we have in the district on the on this? >> Yes. Okay. 144th. Yes. >> As of July 14th. >> Okay. Everything
067was done July 14th. Gotcha. Keep in mind with the eight children, they go through a process. So they're looking at those applications for approval. We did for application. So we we're very positive that they will be but you know they got their own criteria that they very hopeful all eight will be employed. >> Hopefully. Yes. >> And I know it takes parents a while to do the application. >> Okay. That was my remember they taking the seniors out. >> They haven't put it in the new update as opposed to discounting. >> Okay. >> Thank you so much Mr. B. Any other question? Thank you. So now we'll get an update. Um central office update. >> Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. the first one to apologize in this room. This is a tough room at
068this time today, but um we'll get that checked out. So, with the um the co uh expansion, um all the construction has been completed. What we're waiting on now is the uh the building inspected. That's left not too long. That's why I was at how it first got started, he um he's he's he's approved everything except for we need a fire station. So, that's something that he told us at the last minute that we need to make sure that we install. So, we've uh we reached out to security connection so that we can get a date for that to be installed and then they'll be able to um call OC then we'll be able to occupy the space. >> So, that's that's where we at with that. Um specific thank you so much. >> All
069right. The next item on the um on our agenda is our consent agenda. And um I'm going to ask that um we pull um H out and vote on it capital because Dr. Well, we'll talk about it separately, but um can I get an um a motion to approve the consent agenda A through G? >> Question questions. >> So, my question is I saw that some of the contracts that we have don't have dollar amounts on them. >> Okay. Um that's Miss Bulock or is it Miss Bulock? No. Which one? probably because it's OTP again. >> Okay, Miss Bulock and then what? Okay, Miss Bullet, there's a question in regards to the two contracts um for speech therapy and physical therapy. there's no money um no money monetary amount attached to those contracts. >> So
070those are just two addendums. What happened was when we had our um beginning of the year meeting last week, the providers realized they had not put an administrative cost in per hour, which is what that addendum is. You approve the contracts already. This is just an addendum to those contracts. And >> but these are the so these are the amendments. I'd put blanks in for whatever the hourly rate is. For whatever the, you know, administrative services would be and then also blanks for whatever, you know, with including that amount, it would obviously increase the not to exceed amount the contract. But it looks like the versions in still have those um >> blank highlighted language. >> Correct. That's Is that what you're looking at here? Because I looked in. >> Oh, no. I'm looking on
071paper. >> Okay. Your package. So, I have to look at those. I was just looking at what we had online because it was a couple of them that didn't have dollar amounts on. >> Yeah. It's just those two. So, those would need the hourly rate filled in, >> right? because those providers are providing services and then the hourly rate could be the same, it could be different, but whatever that is, it'll increase the not to exceed amount that the board already approved. So, unless there's a completed version um in paper, at least the ones in assembly still have those blanks in them. >> Okay. Are there any other questions? If not, can I get a motion to approve um Senate agenda A through um G? >> Well, so so are there are there versions with
072those numbers filled in? >> Yes, we have them on paper. We have them. >> Sorry, I didn't hear that. Thank you. >> Yes. Make a motion to approve the agenda AG. >> All right. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. It's been um motioned and seconded. um to approve a consent agenda 8 of G. Any questions? >> Yes. I don't see Yeah. >> So, >> yes. What are you looking? I don't see that paper says um first amendment individual physical therapy service. One, two. Second one. Speech. Okay. Okay. That's just not what I had looked at. So, >> all those in favor say I. I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. Motion carries. Next item is going to be H and the school names. And um we have two. I'm sorry. So, my request
073is that we take a look at the names of Weldon Global Academy and Weldon STEM High School Careermies. Um, I I know we've had the names in place for a while and we are very hopeful that at some point Weldon Global will be Weldon Global, a true global, but I would like for us to consider changing the name to Weldon Elementary School. That does not mean that we will not pick the global back up at some point, but it just means we're not exactly doing global activities at this moment. So, I think it would be more feasible for the name of the school to become Weldon Elementary School. Um, I feel the same way about Weldon STEM High School Careermies, which we don't really have a focus on STEM at this particular point. So, I'd
074like to propose that we change the name back to Wilm High School. Again, that does not mean that we will not get there and that I won't come back before you at a later date to change something again. But I just think at this particular point, we don't we should not put something out there that we're not doing right now. >> Can I get a motion to >> question? >> Yes. >> I know that was something we had talked about that needed to that we needed to talk with. Are you going to say you were going to say the same thing I'm saying? Okay. >> Um about is that something that we need to make contact with DPI to see the numbers and all of that? I've already done. So that has been done. Okay.
075>> I spoke with Shannon Miller and all we need is approval from the local district level and then Aquila Robinson will go into Eddie and change the names. >> Okay. >> Can I make a motion? >> And this is it. >> So board members, the the only thing I would add, you know, so it sounds like on the DPI side the change is simple. You know, you do have a board policy 9300 naming facilities that references um involvement of staff and students assigned to the facility in the process of identifying possible names. Um I I don't know, you know, if that was the standard process that the board followed, uh coming up with the names that you have now, but I did just want to point that out. I don't know if that's happened right
076through surveys or you know other methods of gathering community feedback but that's um and then the the policy also provides some criteria um to follow none of which would be implicated here but it does have a little bit of detail in there. Um when we changed it when we changed it last time I know when we changed we that was when we started with the Spanish emer program and that's when we changed um we changed to well elementary global academy well high school careermies I really don't remember when and when when it was changed but anyway Okay. If you all are in favor of changing these names back, we can do that tonight. >> I just think the name should truly represent, you know, what we do, who we are. >> Other than that, it's
077false advertising, >> right? Yes. >> So, is there a motion to change the two schools names back to their original names? >> I'll make a motion. Make a motion to change the two schools back. at Welen Global Academy, Welen Elementary Global Academy and Welen STEM High School back to Welen High School and Wel Elementary. >> Okay, second. >> Okay, it's been motioned properly second to change those two schools back to their original names. >> Are there any questions? All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? I have it. Motion carries. Next item is going to be okay. Um discussion and we have assembly. So my question um is if we're not using if we've decided to use paper do and all of us are not using assembly with fidelity do we need to keep
078paying for it? we need to just do away with simply or are we at a point that we can't do that as far as paying? >> I think that um some of us is simply is beneficial because we're able to go online and and you know just look up stuff electronically and also it's saved their documents are saved there um for records so you can go back at any given time and and pull that information up. So, >> I believe that it it serves the district um some good. >> That's my personal opinion. >> I agree with that. >> Definitely. >> But I was able to go back just this year to research. I was looking for something and I went back to a meeting and I knew something had happened and I knew around
079the time frame but I was able to go back online and pull that meeting up and also the fact that we are streaming meetings as well. That's beneficial also because I was able to go back and hear everything that was said at that meeting. Any other questions? >> I don't I think it's need to wait and save but that's needed. >> It's is archive. I mean archives everything. Any other questions? Next item. Bus camera system. So I was hoping Mr. Hunter, I'm not sure if he's out in the lobby or not that he was still here, but in talking with uh Mr. Hunter and even just a few months ago, there was an incident on a bus and when I asked about a bus camera, that's when I found out we do not have cameras
080on our buses. So that is a little alarming to me just a little because it becomes a safety issue and your bus cameras can very well give you the evidence that you need to validate something. So I would like for the board to take a look at or consider um possibly purchasing if we have funding bill possibly purchasing camera system for our buses because I do believe we need it. And Mr. Hunter has >> Yeah, I have a few and I'll pass more. >> And the quotes was for uh quotes was for 13 buses. We have 13 uh young bus >> and also included 174 activity. Thank you. So you'll see the prices. Okay. [Music] So got the boom. So, um, I'm going to ask Dr. Boon if she would share this information with all
081the board members because we're passing it around now. But just for us to kind of look at it more in detail and give us a little bit more time and we can add to our agenda for next our next meeting to decide on um >> and are those quotes what are the dollar amounts >> and I don't have it. Miss Harrison has it. These are what I'm looking unless I'm mistaking them looking at dollar amounts and quotes for radio cameras. >> Which way? >> Oh, okay. So, I didn't get Okay. >> And I'm happy to work with staff on thinking through bidding issues too, like if it's 90,000 or higher and what types of processes to follow. All right. So, we're going to table that until next our next meeting. Give everybody a chance to
082look at it. Mr. Hamilton, too. >> All right. >> Oh, I got be in school. >> Excuse me. >> We'll be in school. >> Yes. >> And this is just one foot, right? >> 13. >> That's three. >> But it's the same company. We need three different I just didn't >> I didn't get that one to I didn't >> Okay. >> She just email them to us. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. >> All right. The next item on the agenda is board vacancy. And um we do still have a vacant seat and we have had people to apply for the vacant seats um but they have not yet been interviewed due to um scheduling. So at this time it's on the agenda again tonight so that we can get a schedule put into place
083so that we can get these interviews. >> Yes. >> Okay. So we schedule. >> Well, how many candidates is it? >> Five. >> Four. >> That was five. >> It's five. It was >> It was six. It was five. But Miss Brooks pulled out and she was >> It's still It's Hold on. four. >> It was five. >> So, it's four. >> I did too. >> Okay. So, we're here now to look at some dates on our I said I didn't bring mine with me. >> Okay, go ahead. >> Go ahead. I'll just work around it. [Music] What with me? August acceptable a too busy month for me with my side job and other things. But don't don't let that stop you. I just Stop. I just don't want to have to do it. Um
084I'm not prepared to do it. >> When are we um are we supposed to do it during a work session or regular board meeting? What what >> we can but it's going to take some time. So is nothing else going to be able to >> we can't do anything else. >> That'll be the work session. >> That will be the work session. Okay. >> Work sessions are what? Second, two minutes. >> Um, well, actually they don't have to be scheduled because and we talked about that at our retreat. Nothing is scheduled right now for a work session. >> Work session. >> Yeah. >> Right. They >> normally they were second Thursday, >> but I got you. Can we tell you what that >> it's whatever the pleasure of the board is? >> Okay. So, >>
085we need to schedule a work session. >> Schedule a date. I think we need to set a date when we're going to do it because we asked these people and they did what they asked. They sent the letter and uh it's almost been a year now and I think we need to um we asked the people but they sent the letters and I really think that we need to go head on and set something up to interview or whatever. I think we take time to do it after we ask >> what was the deadline? What was the deadline? So how long ago >> we we did that in what? January, February, March, something like that. It was March. Yeah. >> In case you remember the date was it March something deadline for application for for
086submission of >> the letter. My recollection it was several months. There was a one deadline and the board extended it for the applications and right now the board's in the process of scheduling the interviews. >> I was trying to look back at my notes. Yeah. Well, did you all want to do it during the week time or do you want to do it on the weekend on Saturday? too much. >> Oh, Miss H, you play too much. So, is August out of the question right now? Are we into September already? >> It's just one. It's just me. August. I just can't. >> Well, that's important. I just can't. >> Yeah, that's okay. got to be there. >> Well, three, four, four. >> Yeah, but I mean >> I would think everybody >> with a decision
087like this. >> Exactly. You fill in the seat that somebody Yeah. >> So, >> and that's why it's taking this long, >> right? >> So, we're in school graduation. >> Yes. >> Yeah. and hiring a superintendent and you know this we've been dealing with a lot like that. >> Yeah, a little stuff like that. >> Yeah. >> So, I'm just waiting on for some dates for somebody to throw out some dates. Miss B Robson don't have her calendar. So, and >> All right. So when is September second? >> Is that something we can do? We come back out for close session. >> Yeah, we can do that cuz my calendar is in the back. >> Yeah. Okay. Your calendar back there. Okay. So, we'll come back. We'll we'll we'll we'll do this when we come
088back into open session. for the sake of time. Okay. >> Okay. >> Cuz her calendar is back there. Oh, >> okay. >> And so I just want to instead of sitting right here, you know, flinging our thumbs. >> Yeah. Okay. >> All right. So, next item is we're going to return back to close session. Can I get a motion to return back? >> Make a motion. >> You want to say something? Return. >> I just trying to follow that. So, is the decision to table the board vacancy interview scheduling until after closed? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. M Robinson, >> you making a motion? >> I make a motion to return to close sessions. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Second. >> There's been a motion and properly second to return back to
089closed session. Are there any questions? All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. And we are now going back to close session. Thank you so much. We'll be back shortly. >> So you all hang around >> hang around till we get back. >> Oh my god. So having a great time. The entertainment is good. >> Thank you.