0012.2-3711A1 Personnel 2.2-3711A7 Consultation with legal counsel 2.2-3711A88 consultation with legal counsel general. Mr. Chair, I move to certify to the best of our knowledge, only public business matters lawfully exempted from open meeting requirements and only such public business matters as were identified in the motion to go into executive session were heard, discussed, or considered in executive session. Yes. Thank you, board. And we'll now stand for the pledge allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Everybody to stand. Yes, everybody stand. Oh, this is great. [singing] By the dawn at the twilight last [snorts] Dreams to the right flag there. Oh, the stars spangle for the land of the free. [applause] The
002choir. That definitely was special. That was a performance of Lebanon Elementary all Virginia choir. You did a great job, students. Okay, Dr. Hooker. Yes. At this time, would we have anyone that would like to speak before the board? Uh before I do the prayer tonight, let me kind of preface this that few years ago uh a certain organization said you couldn't have scheduled prayer and but they can't stop spontaneous prayer and I'm a pretty spontaneous type of guy. So, we've been spontaneous for a while now and I normally thank God for board members, the ones that were here before JJ and Chrissy was on and ask them to give leadership and, you know, thank for everybody that we acknowledge. Uh, I want to do something a little different tonight. And, um, as a minister, uh,
003I hope this isn't the last time I get to pray, but if it's the first, if I get kicked out, it's not the first time, I pray it's not the last. So, if you would, let's bow our hearts for a word of prayer. Heavenly Father, first of all, uh I'd be remiss if we didn't thank you for the opportunity and the freedom to come out and exercise our constitutional rights that we take so often for granted. But, uh, coming over here, you were kind of talking to me and, you know, a prayer that I think needs to be prayed, uh, as as the school year winds down and so many of our kids be going off to college or military or workforce or whatever it might be. Um, and those that'll be following them, though,
004the the rising seniors, those going into preK for the very first time, leaving mommy and daddy, I pray God that you will give them the wisdom to step out of the horrible, pathetic example that my generation has left them and the generations before me. Give them a heart to know that it's okay to disagree with someone and you can still be friends. Let them know that they're not a great person just because they want up somebody on social media or they come up with the best oneliner at a board meeting. Lord God, let them, you know, the song that we just heard, our national anthem, let us realize that it's a question. Oh, say, can you see? Is that flag still there? Let their generation be the generation that ensures our flag is still there.
005Let them be smart enough to go in your will and to make us one county, one state, and one nation under one God. And I ask this in the name of Yeshua Hamashiach, Jesus the Messiah. Amen. Amen. [applause] Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to address the board? I come to you today. I am a parent of a child here in Russell County. Um I've got two issues that I want to speak to you about. um for one um about the policy that you all have in place for um disciplining kids that get in physical altercations. That policy needs to change. I know there has to be a policy because we don't want kids thinking it's okay to fight. However, there needs to be something in there that allows for a child
006that gets attacked unprovoked that they do not get punished whenever they have to fight back to defend themselves. I have faced this this year. My son was attacked. Um I've already spoken at my son's punishment. He got two days suspension. um that I spoke with Miss Hooker and and she was in agreement and my son's punishment was taken away for that instance. Um but that needs to change for future students and plus my son will still be in this school system for the next two years providing that I don't have any more issues. Um but that policy needs to be rewarded somehow. I know it has to be there has to be one in place. But you all need to fix it to where a student doesn't have to be afraid to take up for
007themselves for fear of being punished when all they're doing is taking their civil, you know, using their civil rights to defend themselves. Um, and no, I don't condone violence in any way. Um, and then the other issue is bullying. I know you all have a I think it's a no bullying policy, but we all know that's crap. My son's been in this school system, he's in the 10th grade now, and there's been several instances in dealing with this school system since my son's been in school, that he was bullied. And he was bullied not just by students, he was bullied by staff. Um, and that needs to be addressed whether it's the staff or whether it's another student. These kids are afraid to speak up and tell when somebody's doing something because they're afraid of
008the repercussions that they'll get if they tell anybody. How you all are going to address that, I don't know, but I know something needs to be done. Um, last year, my son's ninth grade year, he got in a fight on the school bus. Um, and he was the one that instigated the fight. He had been bullied by this kid for over a year and he finally had all he could take and he stood up and hit the bully and Mr. Pots at the Leman High School uh took it upon themselves to [clears throat] punish my son. Um not talking to my son to find out what caused the altercation. Did not talk to me or my husband. did not do any investigation as to what went on. All they done was watch the bus video
009and just said guilty. Sent my son through the court system, had to do anger management, juvenile probation, and had to do five hours of community service over being bullied for over a year. Tell me that's fair. Tell me this anti-bullying policy is working because it's not. And something has to be done for these kids, not just for mine. There's other kids in this county. There's little kids that's just going to be starting. They deserve better than what they're getting now. My son deserves better. I [clears throat] appreciate you're coming. I I appreciate you bringing it to our attention. And I didn't get your name when you began. My name is Angela Street. Okay. Miss Street. Dr. Hooker, you're taking us down, I guess. And I sympathize with you and I understand where you're coming from.
010And Dr. Hooker, we've got this summer to look at these types of situations and hopefully we've been dealing like I said since my son was second grade. second grade he was bullied and it was at Homemaker Elementary. Then my son now goes to Homemacre because after Mr. Pots and them done what they done at Lebnon in his ninth grade year, I transferred him. We foot the bill for gas to take him to school. Uh we foot the bill to go pick him up because I can't allow him to be somewhere where the bully, he got an assigned seat on the bus. My son had, like I said, went through the court system. He got kicked off the bus until further notice. And this other kid got an assigned seat. That's not fair. Second grade, my
011son was bullied at the school. Actually, not from a student. It was from um Miss Eaton. Uh she was the assistant principal. Then my son was second grade. They bullied because he had trouble getting his work done in class. And they bullied and bullied us to get him tested for ADHD. So, we did and after doing so, we were told uh by the guidance counselor, Miss Vanessa, that my son didn't need help, that he was just being manipulative and he just didn't want to do his work, even though the doctor had said he had ADHD. All right. Then, Miss Eaton proceeded to threaten my son that if he didn't get his work done, that he would have to go to summer school that year. Well, she had threatened him for over two weeks with that.
012He would be called down to her office if he didn't do his work in second grade. And he would be in the office for three and four hours a day. And if they're in that office for that length of time, they're not in the classroom. They're not learning. [clears throat] And she at one point slammed her hands down on the desk and got down in his face and told him, I said, "Get it done." All right. And then after she kept threatening for summer school, he looked at her. second grade. He he gets his crawl full. He'll tell you what he thinks. And he told her, he said, "You can't make me do nothing that my mommy don't agree to." And she got mad. So, I got called into the principal's office when I went
013to pick him up that evening. And she proceeded to tell me that um my son took her to a place that she didn't like to go. Well, Miss Street, uh, I really do appreciate you coming and I appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Anytime that you have any problems and you don't get your resolution, I feel like at your principal level, uh, you need to really immediately bring it to the attention we have of Eric. We have been over here to this board several times. As I said, um, sometimes things get worked out. Miss Hooker, I completely appreciate you working this last one out like you did. Um, we both do. Um, because we've not always had it work that way when we've come to the board. It's not always worked out. Um, and
014and that's that I have to be a voice for not just my son, these other students. They deserve to be able to go to school and feel safe that they're not going to be if they do go tell somebody that going on that they're not going to be picked on, bullied or or god forbid something else because of that. And another issue that needs to be brought up, there needs to be more cameras in these shops at the trade school. Um I h I do know the cameras that they have doesn't capture the whole um it doesn't capture the whole room. And with my son with this last attack that he had, um, the cameras didn't pick it up. I do have video because this was it was a planned attack. All of the other
015kids in the class knew this was going to happen with the exception of maybe three or four kids and my son didn't know it was going to happen, but all of the other kids knew. One had tried to lure him into the u locker room so that it wouldn't be in front of cameras and my son didn't go. And when my son didn't go, the one that caused the altercation uh came out and started just punching on my son. Um and then like I said, the the repercussions was the one that hit my son, he got three days suspension. My son got two days, which Miss Hooker did take that away. Um but how is that fair that the one that does it gets three days and my son got two days when all he
016was doing was trying to take his part and take up for himself. Just something needs to change, y'all. I I I I don't know what you can do, but I know something needs to change and stop this bullying in this county for these kids. And whether it's from staff, whether it's from children, they need to be reassured that if they talk, they're not going to get in trouble. Thank you, Miss Street. And again, we have Dr. Hooker. If you don't get resolution with our administrators, you have a board of seven and you can come to our meeting and we'll be glad to hear you an executive and address whatever you need to. Okay. I thank you for coming and you too, sir. Dr. Hooker, does our uh fighting policy does that address self-defense? That's we'll
017I'll look at that. Make sure I don't write off. It does. I think it needs to. Yep. Anyone else like to address the board? I'll go ahead. So, I give up a seat. Look like you got a big crowd. I just want to My name is David, chairman of the board of supervisors. I just wanted to come tonight and I know we had a pretty late meeting last night, Dr. Cooker, and I just want to thank you and Brooke and all the board. Uh I just want to let you know that uh don't let it anything deter us from our responsibilities to make sure that we fight for our people and our staff and our you know as I see all these awards uh here tonight. I know y'all got a pretty lengthy meeting. Our
018greatest asset in our county is our children. And we got to have those people who teach our children. And u and we got to pay those people u a good wage to be able to not only attract new people but to keep the ones we already have. I know that and I hope you all do know that I'm committed to support our teachers and to support you all. And let's don't let anything deter us from the goals that we really have and that we got high goals to set. Honestly, I wouldn't want to live in another place and I wouldn't want to be here. And as this lady just said, I've got two grandsons getting ready to start uh elementary school. We're excited about that. And you know, as three of my sons getting ready
019to graduate one and we had a wonderful balart service there the other night with our my pastor Yel Miller came and spoke and done a wonderful job. I think it had a huge impact on those kids. And we had a a wonderful uh day of prayer that we had out here at the government center. Sean was there and spoke and I told him I was so impressed with his history and his knowledge, the words that he was able to speak on on the things that he talked about before he prayed and as he prayed. And but we had a lot of good leaders there that day that that prayed and prayed for our schools, prayed for our teachers, prayed for our students. And you know, I think that we can come together as a group,
020both boards, and work together to make sure that our people are took care of. I'm so impressed with this. I know you guys have got a lot of awards to give out tonight, but I just want to come and thank you. Thank you. Don't let that deter us from our goal. Thank you. Make sure that we're going to address a lot of these issues that the school has and the school system has and work together. I'm here for you. I want you to know that. You know, I'm a phone call away for any board member that has a need in your district or a need in in the area to help our children, whether it be sports related or whatever. If we can assist, we will. and appreciate you Bob for all the hard work
021you guys do through the workforce program. I appreciate that and I'm still working on All right. Okay. Thank you. [laughter] Thank you, Mr. Well, and I just want to say congratulations uh to all these children here tonight that's going to get these awards. Uh, I want to I want to come to the graduations and be there for you guys and show my support for what hard work, time, and effort you all put in to making sure we have the best of the best in Russell County. So, uh, if there's anything I'd ever do, please let me know. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] Would anyone else like to address the board? Good evening and I apologize [clears throat] for my voice ahead of time. I'm Elizabeth Sabo Vance and I am here respectfully to request the
022board to name the Castlewood softball field after my father John Sabo. My dad is a Russell County native and graduated from Castlewood High School. After graduation from college, he [clears throat] began a 26-year teaching career in the Russell County school system. In 1984, Coach Sabbo started the first girls softball team. Three years later, he and his team won the first and only state championship. In the 16-year tenure at Caswood High School, my dad amassed an impressive 306 wins. For all these reasons, I believe he deserves to have the honor of having the field named for him and have it followed if there is a new field. Today, my dad has a record of 580 wins as head softball coach in the Virginia High School League. Thank you. That's wonderful. [applause] And I'll be glad to
023make a motion to name the Castle Softball field after John Sable. Thank you, Mr. Gibson. Second. Thank you, Mr. Parsons. And third, [laughter] I knew it. any further discussion and we're very proud to do that and thank you for thank you so much for coming and thank you for his accomplishments. All in favor? I I Any [clears throat] oppose? I don't think so. Thank you. You're so welcome. Anyone else like to address the board? Okay. Thank you. Okay, Dr. Hooker, do we have any adjustments for the agenda this evening? Uh, no, Madam Chair. Thank you. Do we have a motion that we finalize our agenda tonight? So moved. Thank you, Mr. Ball. Do we have a second? Second. Thank [cough] you, Miss Garrett. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Okay, we have a motion that
024we approve uh the minutes of our regular monthly previous meeting. Get the date on that. It's April the 1st. April the 1st. I'll make that motion. Thank you. Uh Mr. Ball, do we have a second? Second. Thank you, Mr. Parsons. All in favor? I I any oppose? Okay. We have the [clears throat] special called meeting minutes of April the 15th, 2025. Do we [clears throat] have a motion that we approve those minutes? So moved. Thank you, Mr. Gibson. Do we have a second? I second. Thank you, Mr. Ball. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Okay, Dr. Cooker. We're down to our recognitions for tonight. The exciting time. I'd like to ask Miss McCoy to come up and please help. Thank you, Dr. Hooker, Madame Chair, Vice Chair, members of the Russ County School. We have
025a lot of recognitions tonight. So, we'll without further ado, we'll start with our Lebanon Elementary, all Virginia choir. if they would come forward along with their parents, uh, River Francis, Samantha Huff, Zeta Law Horn, and Mason Reynolds, if you'll come forward. and their choir teacher, Kelsey Sites, their principal, Miss Tabith Long. We had a couple that had to leave. They sang so beautifully earlier. So, Miss Sites, would you like to say a few words? Sure. Um, so the All Virginia Elementary Chorus made up of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students from across the state. Um there was about 215 students from across Virginia that participated two weekends ago in Manasses. We practiced for six weeks before we went. Then we practiced all day on Saturday and had a wonderful concert that evening. Um I have
026taught for eight years, well this is my ninth year now. I've taken several groups, not from Russell County, um, but in my previous district to all Virginia choir, and I have to brag on the students I had this year. I think they have been the best group and I am not overexaggerating there. They were so well behaved and worked so hard and really responsible. [clears throat] So, I'm just very, very proud of them. [applause] [applause] Um, Well, I will just reiterate what Miss Pike said and um two of the kiddos had to leave for other obligations which shows you what type of students they are. They're in all the extracurriculars. I think Mason came from a soccer practice to here and I think one was leaving for ball and so they're definitely well-rounded students at
027Le Elementary and I think it could be maybe the first group that's gone to the elementary Virginia offire from elementary. So we're excited to have been able to to participate in that and they deserve to be recognized tonight. Yes. [applause] Announce the the parents name. I left that out. It's uh Riverh Francis, Mr. and Mrs. Heath Francis, Samantha Huff, Mr. Mrs. Nicholas Huff, uh Da Law Horn, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Law Horn, and Mason Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Reynolds. Mason Reynolds, the All Virginia Elementary Chorus, 2025 All Virginia Elementary Chorus, [applause] Samantha H. Congratulations. [applause] Of course, we have Ba Laworn and River Francis. and I'll give those to Miss K. Thank you. [applause] You sang beautifully. Good. I want you for a long time. Okay, our next recognition is Morgan Davis, Betty, and
028Griffin Davis. Parents, if you'll come forward. This is for State Leadership Conference 2025. Uh advisors are Kim Captain, Betty Davis, Kayla Hollyy, and Brandon Monk. if you'll like to come forward. And I see that uh that assistant principal uh David G is here. [laughter] Sorry. If you'd like to say a few words. Congratulations, Morgan. She did an awesome job. She was first place in introduction to FBLA at the state level. She's actually also finished third place in graphic design as well. And she'll be traveling in June to Anaheim, California. compete in national competition. So super proud of Morgan. She always does excellent everything that she does. [applause] This is presented to Morgan Davis in recognition of winning the 2025 FBA State Leadership Conference and Introduction to FA. Congratulations. [applause] Thank you, Morgan. Good job. Good
029congratulations. Okay, our next group is uh Castlewood High School FBI State Leadership Awards. Um Angel Trent, daughter of Roger Student. [applause] Candace Saunders, the daughter of Roy and Mercedes Sanders. [applause] Magen, uh, David and Summer McAuen, and Melanie and Tony Brownie, and Presley Jordan, uh, Sean and Judy Jordan, and Shannon Jordan [applause] is here for, uh, Casswood High School. Is Miss Sher Allen here? She is not. So, I was going to just read what she said. Okay. Go right ahead. She just wanted me to uh explain what the project was about, but this year the project was about the blue devil legacy wall. And the goal of this project was to uh rebuild the Castwood High School sign that's located in front of our building and lots of local businesses and the community and everybody
030has helped and contributed so much to these young ladies who have worked so hard and um also they've included the masonry team. help build and learn some block and brick and the building is supposed to start tomorrow. So, we are just so excited to see this come to pass and see how [snorts] beautiful it is and we are so proud of you guys and you did a wonderful job and thank you for representing Castle Hospital. [applause] Angel Tren in recognition of Virginia FA first place community service project [applause] Sanders [snorts] [applause] Virginia FLA first place community service project [applause] and Presley Jordan. [applause] Fourth place journalism. Congratulations. [applause] Thank you. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Our next group are from Casswood High School and it they are our uh forensics uh winners. The head coach is Shanda
031[snorts] Brooker if she'll come forward if she's here along with Jane Kennedy. And our winners are Colton Kennedy, uh Travis and Na Kennedy parents, um Satie Dingus, parents Richard and Jeannie Dingus, Rianne Ramsey, Terry and Angela Ramsey, and Josyn Phillips, Ronnie and Jessica Phillips. [applause] Um, this group is phenomenal. Um, they've worked very hard all year. Um, and they've done it as multi-port athletes and most of their preparation came in their free time. They would have sleepovers. [snorts] the girls and practice practicing on the bus um reciting their pieces on their way to school um during other sporting events when they had free time and uh even came up on Saturdays and worked to um become what they are now. And I couldn't be prouder of St. Marian and Colton who were here and Josie
032who was not able to make it. Um they have really made this a wonderful year for me and All credit goes to them. They're lovely kids. [applause] Um, I don't know that I can say much more, but they are just a wonderful representation of Castle Hospital and they they work theirelves to death and practice very hard and have done a wonderful job and we are so proud of all of you. Thank you. [applause] in recognition of the 2025 BHSL class one state forensics champion serious dramatic interpretation. Congratulations [applause] Davis. In recognition of the 2025 VHSL class one state forensics runner up humorous duo [applause] right in recognition for the runner up of the humorous duo [applause] we have Joelyn Phillips 2025 BHS class one fourth place poetry Congratulations. [applause] Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you for [snorts]
033about that before. Okay, next our big group high school uh state champions uh speech uh and forensics. I thought when I call your name uh and [snorts] if you'll come forward along with your parents. I'm sorry I don't have parents' names. Um, but Emma Martin, Landon Owens, Marley Bush, Mercedes Rau, Caitlyn Mullins, Abby Amos, Chloe Dylan, Katie Cole, [snorts] Autumn Brickman and Lily Garrett, Rock Keane, Haley Stilner, Alli Beck and Ethan Powers, Maisy Ferguson, Olivia Hes, Callie Salts, Stardot breeding and coach Sarah Ste if you'll come forward [applause] students I'm gonna start with you. All right. Well, first of all, uh I know that it looks like we only have a very small portion of our team today and that is just because I have students that are so um involved in our school and
034I think that is what helps them be so successful. So, we have students that are at um track and soccer today. We have kids who work. So, we apologize, but they send their regards and they thank you very much, but um we hate that they couldn't make it today. Um I I don't know what to say. I wonderful, wonderful things uh about this group. I only have one left over from our very first state championship and that's Emma here. And you know, you get that first one and you think, "Wow, this is awesome. This will probably never happen again. I'm so proud of these kids." But they just they come out and they want to do well and they want the program to succeed and they work really really really hard and it shows. And
035I, you know, I can't I can't brag enough on how much and how hard they work. Um, they're already the ones who are not graduating, ones who are sad, but the ones who are not graduating are already looking for pieces for next year. They started pretty much as soon as state was over. They said, "What are we going to do next year? How are we going to do better next year?" And so, um, it's just a, um, a testament to how great that they what the heart that they put into the program and how much that they want to represent. And I'm really, really proud of them because they are fantastic human beings just in general. So, they're really great. [applause] Um, I I love coming here for speech. Uh, last month we recognized Castlewood's
036academic team. You can and see all the homemaker academic teams. You know, we're in Appalachia and there's sort of a sort of a stigma about Appalachia that we may be not a little bit backwards or a little bit not cultured. And you know, this just goes to shows the talent of our children here in this county. Uh that we can do so many academic and theatrical things. Um you know, they say the state stops at Ron Oak, but I can tell you that speech and come through Lebanon High School. Sarah students and it's because Sarah is so good at her job. She brings these kids out. Um they come out from tennis, they come out from soccer, basketball, baseball, football, uh academic team. They do both. We have kids that just are multi-talented and it's
037awesome that they can represent our school in this way. And we're so proud of them and we're so proud of Miss St. We're very lucky to have her. [applause] We have individual plaques, but we also have a team plaque. Is that correct? Yes. Okay. Landon Owens. [laughter] I know. I Emma Martin [applause] EHSL class 2 state forensics champion pros. Congratulations. [applause] Mercedes Ragu. Okay. [laughter] Abby Amos [applause] in recognition of the 2025 VHSL class 2 state forensics third place original oratory. [applause] Marley Bush [applause] recognition for the runner up of pros [applause] Mullins coition [applause] of third place storytelling. Congratulations. [applause] [clears throat] Okay, great. Lily Garrett [applause] in recognition of fourth place serious duo. Congratulations Here's [applause] your state flag. Brock baseball, Ali Beck, [laughter] Macy Ferguson, Haley Stiler, [applause] in recognition of state
038forensics fifth place impromptu speaking. Congratulations [applause] Ethan Powers [applause] in recognition of state forensics humorous duo. [applause] Cali salt. Okay, we have Olivia, Katon Stallard, and Elliot Bre. Zach thinks she needs some help. [laughter] This is to Miss You want to I dropped these. I'm in trouble. [laughter] Pressure is on. This is presented to Miss Sarah Suits for the 2025 VHSL class 2 state forensics championship. [applause] This is also a plaque for the school that I'll give to Mr. Pots. And that is it for [laughter] high school forensics champions. [applause] That was great. Congratulations. Congratulations. Good job. Congratulations. Good job. Thank you. Awesome. Thank you. Thank you. Our next group are our Skills USA stage winners. Um if uh Mr. Mayor Razic will come forward and the students and their parents when I call them
039out. I know Booker Stephie couldn't be here tonight, but his parents are Keith and Sarah Stephy, Levi Lester, Mr. Greg Lester, Hunter Cox, Garland Cox, and Paula Cox, Scotty Smith, James Smith, and Melissa Rose, Samantha Ray, William and Cheryl Ray, Shay Johnson, Billy and Vicky Johnson, Haley White, Ally Sier, and Stephanie White, Maddie Bailey, Donald and Tracy Bailey, and Rihanna Stanley, Jerry Cheek and Tammy Dudy. [applause] Miss Connie Stinson respons. [laughter] This is a great group of kids and never thank the parents enough. And tonight I want to conse [applause] very very well. We've got some going to nationals and we're very proud of that and we just want to thank everybody for your hard work. These kids have worked really hard. Has nothing to do with me or anybody else but they worked hard.
040We want to thank the board for supporting us. Dr. Cooper our director, Mr. Mr. Thank you all. [applause] I'll just tell you a little bit about my masonry competition. They had to construct a block of brick corner. Had to do orientate brick in different patterns. Took four of them up there. All four of them placed. We had two first, a second, and a third. So, they worked really hard in the shop, and they and I'm glad they got to showcase their skills, and boy did they prove it. When they when they got in the competition, they done real well. But the coolest thing I think about the whole deal is all [clears throat] these boys that place and three or four in my shop, they're out there in your community right now doing projects already
041and getting job offers. Booker's got a job offer for this summer. Uh Scotty worked with Travis Gilbert over the summer. Hunter Cox worked with Johnny Hagerman. They done a job this today. Finished it up at the Farm Bureau. Uh we're going to do one at the park and we're going to work on the Castlewood sign like we're talking about. So I mean these guys are are putting their skills to work right here in the community. So I think that's awesome. [applause] [applause] Thank the board for uh recognizing our students and you know as we see these students walk through here uh how talent that we have here in Mos County and not only academically but these students here uh performing their skills at the state level. We're we're here I think I've been uh president
042now seven years. We've been here every time uh with the students that have performed well to stay. Um I can't be more prouder of these students. Uh they just [snorts] they work hard every day and I want to thank my staff uh all my instructors and especially these students for the hard work that they put in vocations for this day. Thank you. [applause] Scotty Smith in recognition of winning Skills USA. Third place, Brick Lane, [applause] Hunter Cox, Levi Lester, [applause] recognition of winning Skills USA. Second place masonry [applause] Haley White [applause] in recognition of Winn's Hills USA second place job demo open criminal justice. [applause] Maddie Bailey [applause] USA second place job demo open criminal justice. [applause] Samantha Ray [applause] in recognition of winning skills USA first place job demo criminal justice. [applause] Shay Johnson
043[applause] recognition of winning Skills USA first place job de MOA criminal justice. [applause] And last but not least, Brienne Stanley [applause] in recognition of Winning Skills USA third place job interview. [applause] Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you for coming. And I'm sure congratulations. Good to see you. I know you're proud of my babies. We're proud of congratulations. So proud. [laughter] Thank you. Good job. I know you're proud of him. No, I said that lagging behind us a little bit. Our next recognition is teacher of the month and that goes to Miss Sarah Stew. She'll come forward along with Mr. Claus. [applause] I'd like to read your nomination. Mrs. Sts is my daughter's speech and drama coach and a friend and colleague of mine at Lebanon High School. This weekend, speech coach, formerly forensics, Sarah Stuts and
044her team were awarded an unprecedented fourth state championship in a row. My daughter has been a part of this team since her freshman year when the team won a first state championship. Sarah's an excellent coach and teacher and help has helped my daughter grow in her confidence, poise, performance, leadership, and team building. There is no other team like the speech team or one act that is as supportive and inviting and welcoming of others. This is all in addition to a full-time English teacher with an excellent SO scores and EOC reading and writing and someone who has brought back a spring musical to Lebanon High School. Much of which is time spent without pay. She does it because she loves it and her work and dedication and the kids love and respect for her certainly is
045deserving of recognition. [applause] I just told Zach I need speech lessons because I always get up here and my voice cracks and things like that. So it's it's awesome that she works with our kids because you know it helps give them confidence. And as we talked about before, you know, we have a lot of athletes that get but we also have kids that maybe are trying to find themselves, find their voice, try to figure out who they are and Miss Stoops helps them to find who they are. And that's, you know, in this recommendation here that's reflected. We have a lot of students who Miss students has, you know, fostered through the last four years and she's done a great job with them. My own child loves her. Um, we're she is such an asset
046to Leon High School. uh in in addition to the the rings that we like to see um the play that we talked about one act we've had considerable success and one act under her as well and she's an awesome English teacher as well. We're really blessed to have her. You can't leave for a while. Okay, [laughter] [applause] suits Leon High School has been named teacher of the month. Congratulations [applause] I appreciate it. Zach's going to have to build you a new wall. [laughter] Accomplishments. Thank you so much. Okay, our employee of the month uh goes to a great team uh at Pwood High School and Elementary School, which is our cafeteria staff. So, I know I don't think many are here tonight, but if you'll come forward, I see Miss Brenda Ba, Miss Alice Collins,
047uh, Miss Jane Kennedy and Mr. Pent, if you'll come forward. [applause] We do have a big staff at Taswood Elementary and High School because they feed a lot of kids and I do leave their nomination upstairs, but I know what it says [laughter] and it's all very true. Uh this team was nominated uh and chosen because they work so great as a team and family and they feed the kids every day a wonderful meal and uh they work so hard to make everything uh wonderful for the kids and the kids uh appreciate everything they do and they always have a smile on their face and I have to say uh that they are one of the best cafeteria staffs that we have in the county. So, I I wish that everybody could be here tonight,
048but I do appreciate Alice and Brenda being here. So, uh I do appreciate them and and and that is a true nomination and a a true recognition. So, I'll let Mr. Pageant speak now. No, I'm very happy that they miss you cracking up. [laughter] She wasn't allowed to come, but but no, I've known Miss Alice a long time and I'm very very excited that they um are recognized. They don't get enough recognition. And for you guys that haven't been towood, um our cafeteria staff is feeding two schools out of one cafeteria. And so it's no easy undertaking and they do it with a smile on their face. And we've got everything from your prek3 to our seniors that they're feeding. Um, so in one lunch service, they go from putting things on a tray for
049a three-year-old to, you know, trying to get the seniors to get out of the lunch line because they're standing there and talking. So it is not an easy thing. Um, and we are extremely blessed to have them. They some of the most important people that we have at our school. And if you ask my kids, they are the most important people because that's the most important part of that. Exactly. Excited they got this. [applause] like to say the same thing. It's the hardest, you know, working ladies in our building. And I love to mention everyone I have a a personal relationship with them. It makes my day to walk downstairs and see them. And another little story about Miss Alice, I have to tell. Last week, I was a little bit sick and it was
050her birthday. So, I went down just to sing happy birthday. And so, I cleared my throat, you know, started singing. about halfway through I said I'm sorry being sick. She said I remember you caught you couldn't see him then either [laughter] but that's the kind of relationship we had and I love them all and it just makes my day to walk through there and see him and talk to him and and we looked each other up and I love having all of them. Thank you. [applause] Alexis H. I'll just introduce each one. Alexis Hill, [snorts] Alicia Adams, Angel Mullins, Kayla Towns, Regina Ston, Brook Marshall, Tammy Hicks, Miss Al Collins, [applause] Miss Bren the Beaver, [applause] Rebecca Woods, and Pan Fields. Thank you all. [applause] I was speaking to Miss Alice today and I told
051her the same thing. Hardest working lady. Congratulations. Thanks for what you do every day. Thank you so much. Good to see you. Thank you for all. Good to see you. Gracious [laughter] time. [laughter] And that is all. [laughter] Thank you, Miss McCoy. I'd also like to say thank you to Georgia. She's the director over these cafeterias. And if anybody's ever walked through our cafeterias, you will notice that we have number one state-of-the-art cafeterias from lunch lines to just the the cafeteria itself. But they do a great work in the cafeteria, but she also does a lot of the work here in this office. So, thank you, Georgia. [applause] That was a good evening. Uh, we're down to our bills and accounts. We have a motion that we pay the bills tonight. I'll make a motion
052we pay our bills. Thank you. Do we have a second? Second. Thank you, Miss Perkins. And all in favor? I. Any oppose? Okay, we are to the resignations and retirements. Yes, [clears throat] Madam Chair, we do have a short list of resignations and retirements. Okay, do we have a motion that we approve our retirements and resignations tonight? I'll make that motion. Thank you, Miss Perkins. Do we have a second? Second. Thank you, Miss Garrett. All in favor? I. Any oppose? And just a real quick thing on there, Mr. Donovan Helton resigning from his coaching position and and uh I just want to let him know that he's in our prayers. Absolutely. And everybody, please keep him in your prayers. Okay, we're to the personnel and transfers. Do we have Yes. Yes, madam chair. We do
053have a list of new hires and transfers. Okay. Do we have a motion that we approve those tonight? I'll make that motion. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Eaton. Do we have a second? Second. Thank you, Mr. Parsons. All in favor? I. And I will abstain. Okay. Dr. Hooker, Texas two air action items. Okay. Our first action item is the second reading and approval of policies. Do we have a motion? [snorts] I'll make that motion. Thank you, Miss Perkins. Do we have a second? Second. Thank you, Miss Garrett. Any discussion? All in favor? I. Any oppose? Okay. Item number two. Okay. Action item number two I'm real excited to announce is the request of the approval of a $1,000 bonus for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees paid on May the 23rd, 2025 with the exception
054of the cafeteria staff due to the previously budgeted bonus out of the food service funds. I'll make that motion. Thank you, Mr. Eaton. Do I have a second? I second. Thank you, Mr. Ball. All in favor? I I any oppose? You better not. [laughter] That's all I say. [clears throat] Okay, Dr. Hooker. Okay. Item number three, request approval that employee A be placed on paid administrative leave until further review or repeal. I'll make a motion that we table that. Second. Okay. All in favor? I. Any oppose? Okay, Dr. Hooper. Yes. Just a couple updates. May is a big month for us. And again, just reminding you of our graduations. The graduation dates for the high school is on uh May the 18th. Castlewood High School at 1:00 p.m. Lebanon High School at 400 p.m. Hanaker
055High School at 7 p.m. Our Career and Technology Center graduation will be on Thursday, May the 22nd. And this year it will be at LHS gym beginning at 6:00 p.m. The RCCTC nursing graduation will be Friday, May the 23rd, and it will still be at the Career Technology Center at 6 PM. Thank you, Dr. Hooker. [clears throat] We're down to the sales tax. April 305,75090. Uh the ADM as of 331 2025. Does any board member have any question or comment on the maintenance report, the expenditure report? Okay, Dr. Hooker, our next meeting, yes, will be Tuesday, June the 3. Okay, we've got calendar of events there and all that's listed. Yes, I went over the graduations and then of course the last day of school will be May the 30th, dismissal at 11:00 a.m. May
05630th, 11:00 a.m. Does any board member have anything they need to bring up this evening? Yes. I'd like to thank Belfast Elementary for our meal tonight. It was delicious. Okay. Anyone else have anything? Mr. Gibson, Mr. Parsons, anybody? No ma'am. Thank you. Make a motion we adjourn. Uh, well, I would like to thank Miss Music for being here with us tonight. And again, thank all our employees and folks that showed up last night in support of um our schools and our students and their children. And if this lined up table, if their accomplishments doesn't mean anything, I don't know what does. Uh actually the Russell [clears throat] County Schools is probably one of our best uh selling thing when our supervisors go out trying to recruit business and uh industry to our county. our our
057students, our faculty. That is a selling tool because we're here to uh collaborate with businesses that come in to help them train our sta uh their workers to perform their to make their business successful. So, uh I think I think we have a excellent economic tool for them to advertise when they go out trying to recruit businesses to our county. Uh that's enough said about that I guess. So we have a motion. All these recognition we have tonight and with looking back all our sports academic care technology we're we're tops. Absolutely. Congratulations to everyone. I'm proud of all of our personnel. They work very hard and they're so so deservant and we want to move our county forward and we want to move our schools forward. We sure do. Thanks again for everybody coming and
058for your time and your dedication and look forward to our graduations and a successful summer and [clears throat] then we'll be getting ready for another year another year. Yeah. So, we have a motion that we second. Thank you. My favorite. [laughter] You're getting out of here. You're good. I didn't think she was. Well, perfect. Hope you feel better. Thank you. Anything to get better now. these graduations. Y'all be careful when I see this. Oh, okay. I think she told me about that. I'll holler at you. I might see if they cooperate in the morning. It was a long night, but they finally passed the tax rate that I think it would cover. No, it was it was good.