001do I have a motion that we exit executive session this evening I'll make a motion thank you Mr Eon got a second Perkins okay would you care to do us a certification for the executive tonight miss Perkins yes Mr chairman I wish to move to certify that to the best of our knowledge only public business matters lawfully Exempted from open meeting requirements and only such meetings what such public business matters as were identified in the motion to go into executive session were heard disc or considered an executive session we're going into 2.2 3711 A1 Personnel 2.2 3711 A7 consultation with legal councel 2.2 37188 consultation with legal council General yes yes yes yes yes yes okay thank you now this evening we'll stand for the pledge pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
002of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all okay please bow your head dear heavenly father Lord we just want to thank you for this night and Lord we just thank you for uh coming to be our savior Lord we thank you for that Lord we thank you for our representation here God and all the people that are in attendance Lord we pray for our schools and our school system and our leadership God we just ask that you guide lead us touch us and help us to make the right decisions God lord we just ask that you just go with everybody Lord and just bless our area bless our County do let us do the right thing and we'll give you all the
003glory and praise in Jesus name amen amen thank you Mr Eaton we appreciate you coming this evening go ahead Dr would anyone like to address the board tonight it's me again okay okay me again I need to pray again thank you all for having me this evening uh I had asked Ernie mcab uh which is uh our representative from the Ida he had to meet with Potential Prospect so he couldn't attend so I'll I'll start out with what I was going to talk about and kind of he kind of give me a gist of what to let you all and let the board and let the public know as far as what we're working on from the County's perspective uh in our last meeting I put myself in as uh uh the director of uh
004Emergency Management uh the reason I did that and our County Administrator now uh under me as far as that that position but the reason I took the lead on that is I've seen such a need uh and to address this need uh for our our safety we've had some unbelievable storms that that we've been uh that we've received and I think we need to be more proactive and reactive so with that said uh I want to ask the board to consider this ideal uh what I'd like to do is have some classes for our students uh through all three schools uh to be able to to be trained in Emergency Management uh Red Cross certified and CPR certified uh we have an outstanding program in the race program and some of I think those community
005service hours could be for volunteer hours it would actually look good on the resume or it would look good on their uh going into college you know to be able to to have that your resume but I I feel like it's a it's a real need we have some of the best fire departments and rescue squads in our communities in our area uh but the need is great I mean and when you're faced through the Emergency Management situation it's all hands on deck I mean uh had a very productive meeting yesterday with our Sheriff here in Russell County and uh some pastors that we wasn't able to invite everybody but we was able to bite some of them that uh have pretty large food pantries and that are very active in the Emergency Management Field
006currently some of our areas here that have addressed the issues in Hurley and ban County and tazwell and uh Damascus uh it's been overwhelming I mean that's people coming from Russell County and trying to help meet the needs in some of the most devastated areas even though some of areas uh really took a lick and we had a lot of Forester damage we had a lot of fence damage we had uh a lot of these so what we want to do is is with this new plan that we're going to be able to create is want you all to be available I mean there might be a time when one end of the county gets totally hit hard and we might end up having to bust people out so we don't know that we I
007mean it's just you don't know until you're dealt that situation what it could be could be on the lower end I will tell you currently we we was able to receive a grant from Well Springs we're we're putting back up generators in 21 locations these will be stationed in areas to where we'll have backup power uh we had we are going to get um three or four or five locations to where we can actually House people and put them up in facilities uh and this doesn't go just for storms but thiss also goes into the fact that if you have someone that loses their home or they get burned out uh what we've been able to do in the past is be able to the County's been able to afford to get them a motel
008room or get them their sufficient needs met but it's not a longterm uh thing that we that we need to fix I mean we absolutely need to try to work on this and and be better prepared so the reason I'm coming to you all tonight is uh I would like for our kids uh to have opportunity for that training uh you know we've got two of the best uh Emergency Management Personnel that are very well qualified to teach now I have reached out Southwest Virginia Community College and had that discussion you you two ladies serve on that board so I have had a discussion with them about creating an actual program based on a mergency management now I'll tell you if you get your certified certification in Emergency Management Field it pays really well and
009and there's a lot of these things that I I just think that a lot of people don't know about and I didn't even know about until I got elected and you learn you know I guess as you go these these things that uh could could benefit our students you know so if they've got a path or a career that they want to get into a a particular field or something like that I think this would be a real opportunity for them to get this certification I mean once you get that certification you could go on to be an M or uh you know and further end into that field of of the medical field you know so I wanted to present you with that on on the second thing is uh Ernie wanted me to
010express he would like to be in here tonight to kind of give you update and I have encouraged everybody that works under our guidance to come to the school system come to the board and to let you guys know what's going on you know from all perspectives on what we're doing what we're working on the things that we're doing so when our kids if they don't go to college they're still going to have an opportunity if they do go and get a onee certificate or they further their education our job is to make sure that we keep them here and they have a good job you know we want them to have a good job here we want them to stay here in the county we don't want them to leave and I understand some
011kids you know they want to uh test the field out in in other areas when it comes to pay and benefits and stuff we all understand that because we've just dealt with that with the uh where we work really hard together on addressing our teachers wages and stuff like that and and we still got a little ways to go on some of the other areas of that I understand so I just want to let you know that Ernie wanted me to let you know that uh we have some very high-tech Industries not just high-tech industry but a lot of Industry that that meet uh the field of welding and uh different different aspects like that but some of the new industries that we just landed Tate Enterprises uh cimons and uh we just closed on
012two more deals I can't really talk about them I don't I know people get mad at me and they get mad at our board because you can't talk about it until it's all released out but uh just want to let you guys know that we are working uh we've got a lot of people on the ground working to try to make sure that we have those types of jobs that will boost the economics in our area in our County uh Ernie one and I I told Ernie I said well you need to come to the board you need to kind of encourage them we want our kids to take care of the the race program they get their education paid for free and we want them to take advantage of that we want if you
013just go for one year and get a certificate in welding or Plumbing or anything like that we we definitely want them to take take advantage of those opportunities so we can keep them here and they can raise their fam on the other point we have initiated a a large Housing Initiative the governor uh has uh initiated a uh a program accelerate Southwest Virginia uh I leave for Washington DC on Sunday I'll be back on Wednesday talk about rural areas uh and the impact that we're facing so if you have anything Dr hooker or any of the board has anything that you want me to identify and I know education's a big play right now in from the federal to the state level so uh I want to be able to uh speak on um the
014things that I think that uh we need and and the things I think that would help us U so anything that you guys would have that you would want me to speak on I don't know what I'm going to say I gu I just you know how I am just I guess I go with my heart just lay it on the line and let them know the the difficulties and some of the things but it ain't all I think that our County and and our relationships are really good they're really strong compared to a lot of meetings I'm in and I see the the struggles and the difference and the pulls between boards I'm thankful that the good Lord that we don't have that here in this County I think we do have a good
015working relationship and I think we all see the need to fix the issues and I'm committed now that I'm chair of the board and and our board is committed to make sure that we further that help our teachers help our staff our you know school bus drivers our Cooks all those Personnel pieces as I've identified Russell County Schools is one of the largest employees we have in our County and you know we need to make sure that we definitely take care of that and I'm uh I know we've got we've got some other things work ahead of us and I think that it's doable I think we need to just you know get together like we're going to get I guess get started here within the budget itself we're waiting on I guess all this
016assessment to get done uh I would encourage anybody that's had an opportunity to to either go to the equalization board or to the assess board we've seen a lot of good results from that once those numbers come in our board is dedicated committed to make sure that we take care of our residents you know and help them just like we do with the vehicle tags so uh but other than that I appreciate everyone of you all here tonight and looks like you got a full crew of H tigers in here tonight and I appreciate seeing all them all of our our principal and all the staff that's here tonight and so if you need me you know how to get a hold of them thank you thank you for coming all [Applause] right would anyone
017else like to address the board okay uh Dr hooker before we go any farther I would like if we could to pay a moment of remembrance for Philip Henley uh philli was a good coach and uh he was in the school system for a number of years and sadly he retired and and now has passed away but anyway uh we would like to take a few moments of remembrance for Mr Henley thank you Dr hooker and you got any adjustments this evening uh no Madam chair you got anybody else in the delegation that wants to talk I don't think so okay okay do we have a motion that we finalize our agenda tonight I'll make that motion thank you Mr ball I'll second it you going second it Miss Perkins okay do we have a
018motion that we approve the minutes for tonight or minutes from our last meeting I'll make that motion excuse me okay do we have a second second thank you Miss Garrick all in favor I I any oppose okay Dr hooker we're to our recognitions for tonight okay I'd like to ask Miss McCoy to please come forward to help with recognitions I'd like to ask Miss deie Gibson and Miss Kelly Shelton and their young lady there to please come forward I wrote a few notes that I'd like to say tonight but this evening we have the special privilege of recognizing a group whose generosity is making a real difference in the lives of young students 49 Winchester has not only shared their incredible music with the world but they've also given back in a way that will
019inspire the next generation of artists by donating Fender guitars to Castlewood Elementary seventh grade students they are giving them more than just instruments they are giving them opportunity to explore their creativity develop their talents and experience the power of music firsthand their kindness and commitment in supporting Young people will have a lasting impact and we can't thank them enough they cannot be here tonight because they are playing in Europe but we have the privilege to have Miss Debbie Gibson which is Isaac Gibson's mother and Miss Kelly Shelton which is Buzz Shelton's wife and Miss Camy Cammy with us tonight to receive the plaque in 49 Winchester Honor on behalf of all of us we are honored to present this plaque as a token of our deepest appreciation thank thank you thank you to 49 Winchester
020for your generosity your music and your dedication to give back to the [Applause] community Miss Gibson would you like to say something on behalf of the boys thank you for helping create as a county and as a people and as a community the kind of men who are now in Berlin tonight but who will always remember their Roots never forget where they came from and always be grateful for every opportunity that they were afforded here in Russell County four of the six members of Winchester our wrestle County boys um it's been a whirlwind nobody knew that this was going to take place um we were talking on the way up we've never lived this life before we don't really know how to act other than to say playing like your hairs on fire [Applause] thank
021you so much than you good to see you uh Mr street from the could be here tonight so Mr Mullins is going to take pictures for him okay in honor of 49 Winchester in their recognitions tonight thank you all so much thank you okay a first recognition is teacher of the month and that goes to miss Alicia deal from hre elementary school if she'll come forward with Miss Jennifer principal I'm going to first read the nomination and I'll give you a chance chance to speak to see I am honored to recommend Miss Alicia deal for Teacher of the month she consistently demonstrates an open mind and a positive attitude creating a welcoming and supportive environment for both students and colleagues she goes above and beyond for each student ensuring they receive the individualized attention and
022encouragement they need to succeed dedication extends beyond the classroom as she is always willing to lend a helping hand in any way possible even when it goes up Beyond her job description she's always working behind the scenes to help create fun and exciting things for her students to encourage them to come to school and do their best her commitment kindness and willingness to contribute uh make her an invaluable part part of our team she meets each day a smile I can't think of anyone more deserving of this [Applause] recognition 6 o00 in the morning 8 o00 at night I need her to post something or I need her okay will you do this for me and and she does it but her schedule is so crazy she stays late and there's people in your building
023that you call like your person but she did and and whatever I ask her do sure I'll do that for you and she's just such a a bright spot in our school and whoever that done a phenomenal job I'm just so thankful that we've got a [Applause] [Music] [Applause] knowledges that Alicia deal haker elementary school has been named teacher of the month [Applause] [Music] [Applause] congratulations well deserved all right next recognition is is for employee of the month and that goes to miss crystalle [Applause] C here with us but the assistant principal Miss Jan Kennedy is okay I'm going to read the nomination can say a few words on her behalf Crystal go above and beyond she loves all the students and will uh and not only is excellent in office but she helps in
024other areas as well she keeps the whole school running smoothly thank Miss keny Miss Crystal couldn't be here tonight because and everything about her that she does and we are so blessed to have her thank you thank you down to the bills down to auditing yes bills and accounts okay do we have a motion that we pay our bills this evening I'll make a motion we pay the bills thank you Mr Eaton second thank you Mr Parsons any discussion all in favor I I any oppos okay we're to the resignations and retirements tonight we do have a few resignation and retirements to be approved tonight Madam chair okay do we have a motion that we approve our retirements and resentations tonight I'll make that motion thank you Miss Perkins do we have a second second
025thank you Miss Garrett any discussion there's one on there I don't know what she'll do after she retires but anyway she's a good friend I hope she'll be happy all in favor I I any oppose okay that takes us to new personnel and transfers we do have a list of new hires Madam chair okay okay do we have a motion that we approve um the new hires and transfers for this evening I make that motion thank you Mr Parsons and do we have a second I'll second thank you Mr E any discussion all in favor show hands just say I any oppose Madam chair I would like to vote Yes on all of them but the home Neer football job and on that I would like to abstain okay thank you Mr ball okay Dr
026hooker your two yes we're down to the action items we do have two action items Madam chair um the first one is the request the approval of the last day of school and graduation date the recomend recomendation from staff is to amend the calendar for the last day of school to be on May the 30th 2025 with early dismissal at 11 a.m. uh we will get spring break March the 10th through the 14th we will make up days on Monday April the 21st and May the 27th through the 30th getting May 26th off for Memorial Day the recommendation from staff is for the re graduation ceremony for the class of 2025 5 to be held on Sunday May the 18th 2025 Castlewood High School will hold their ceremony at 1:00 p.m. Lebanon High School will
027be at 400 p.m. and hakre high school at 700 p.m. Russell County Career and Technology Center graduation date will be Thursday May the 22nd 2025 at 6:00 p.m. and at Lebon High School this year it has been moved from Lebon middle to lebnon high school the LPN graduate ation will be held on Friday May the 23rd 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the rccc this is what it's all about exactly it's coming congratulations right so we request the approval of the last day of school and the graduation date okay I'll make that motion thank you Miss Perkinson do we have a second second thank you Mr Eaton we have any discussion all in favor I uh any oppos okay Dr hooker you yes we have the second action item and that is the request approval of
028the special education annual plan for the 2526 school [Music] year you thought I that's good as I can hear you you need a motion for that yes we got a motion I'll make that motion thank you Mr Eaton we have a second second thank you I'm getting a lot of them spammy calls are you getting those need to make the okay need to do the vote all in favor I any oppose thank you now Angie can proceed with her plan okay you have any updates for us this evening no Madam chair not tonight okay our sales tax it's 46,9 5548 the ADM as of January the 31st 2025 was 30,00 30,000 3,061 what would you do with 30,000 County population everybody going to school yeah that'd be great May maintenance report this evening any board
029member have anything with that our expenditure report report any questions or okay Dr hooker our next board meeting Dr hooker do I need to uh discuss the yes you can do that at this time okay um a a gentleman by the name of Jerry farmer uh he's a business owner from Abington Virginia uh he grew up in fny right outside of H acre that's a little piece um but I've been working working U trying to get a press box for the varsity baseball uh team at honer High School um we had looked into trying to fund raise and and I talked to multiple businesses and I I come across Jaret um he's uh he's a cousin of ours and and I was talking to him about the idea of a of a press box at
030hakre um and was and seeing if he would just be generous enough to make a simple donation um and as I met with him over and over um he tells me he said well JJ I I'll tell you what I'll do I'll just donate you one so uh he has donated a 12 by 24 Press Box that he has built uh it is finished it's actually sitting in the back parking lot at to high school at the moment and uh we've had to do a little work to our grading and stuff up at the top where it's going but now he has totally donated that building which is almost a $20,000 value um and in honoring him for for doing such uh a a good deed to the to the school uh I would like
031to make a motion that we name the Press Box Jerry Farmer's Press Box I'll second that okay any discussion all in favor I I maybe you can get it dedicated there upcoming ball game or something dedication yeah that'd be nice if we could get a little plaque made and do something at the opening baseball game or something we're going to try to get it all finished before the baseball season got up got us a different head coach there and yeah so get them off get them off batting well it'd be good okay okay our next board meeting will be April the 1st yes there will be a budget Workshop on Tuesday April the 1st we'll begin that at 4 it should be 4:00 I'm sorry we need to correct that it should be 4:00 um
032the next Schoolboard meeting will be Tuesday April the 1st after that executive session will begin at 5: and then the meeting will begin at 6:30 can you change that i' like to thank everyone for coming thank you m music for being here this evening we appreciate you mad Madam chair sure I would uh I would like to get Mr LEL to look at the parking problem at honer Elementary uh he done such a good job on designing the other one and getting it done but there's a with the U influx of Sorge Creek there's another there's a need for more parking so I'd like for you to look at that problem and get back to us parking garage and I'd like to thank you better you better talk to peanut about that we will I
033might you might should go ahead Miss and I'd like to thank Lebon primary for the food tonight it was delicious it's hard to beat cornbread and soup beans to and those apple pies well we have two future calendar items okay go ahead okay we do have two future calendar items the rcct TC advisory dinner will be Thursday April the 17th at 6 p.m. and our Business Partnership luncheon will be Thursday May the 1st at 12:00 p.m. proba be I'll make a motion we adjourn thank you than you Mr ball thank you Miss Garrett all in favor be safe going home you get chch okay honey be careful it brings it up over here brings it up over here but I can't get the list no it won't go we did say 4:30 but then we
034thought we better do four in case there's questions t glot t you need your glasses forget where you left you sure pretty finger oh my goodness love your that there I think that one's Avail is e e for