001We are already behind the calling the work session to order forum. >> We do, but we don't have our board clerk because she's running around like a chicken with her head cut off right now. >> If you could pause just for a brief second and um call the roll. >> Good afternoon. Melissa Mason >> here. >> Josie Barnhart >> here. >> Pat Bradford. >> Judy Justice. Dr. Tim Merrick >> present. David Perry and Pete Wiggore >> also present. >> Thank you. Um we are going to have our invitation and I'm going to ask um Mr. Word to lead the pledge today after the invitation. So we're going to have the invitation and the pledge. This invocation is to call on God to help the board in their assisted living of all the relationships they have
002to coordinate. So Lord, I thank you that in the book of Ephesians chapter 1 verse 17, it says that we could ask God for the spirit of wisdom and revelation. It also says in Ephesians 3 in verse 20 that he will do exceedingly and abundantly above all we'd ever ask or think. So Lord, I ask for special revelation and abundance for the board, for wisdom, Lord, for unity, for purpose, Lord, that the purpose that they have, the call that's on their uh life, the call upon their responsibility. So I ask for unity and purpose and the fulfillment that you have for all of that which is before them. And I want to thank you Lord now in Jesus name. Amen. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
003republic for which it stands. One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> All right. I will entertain a motion to approve the agenda. So moved. Second. >> Any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I.................... Any opposed. That passes 6 to zero. Um so the purpose of today is to discuss the recommendations from the finance bond and capital committee that were just made >> literally just um and then to ask to see a presentation of all the school facilities that we're thinking about talking about. Um and then you can kind of see all of the amazing things. So this is our opportunity today to ask all the questions to get all the information. um our final decision will be um we will be voting on this
004at the very first meeting, our our October regular meeting. So, this gives us that time to be able to get everything answered to hear from the community and then to make our our decision determining what our priorities are. So, as far as um moving forward now, we have the recommendations from finance, bond, and capital. And I'm going to hand that over to the chair of that committee. >> And I don't know if in today's packet you have this step five, item five, sample of project costs, but it is in the finance committee um attachments. So if y'all can pull that up because that's basically what we approved and it is >> the name of that >> um >> sample of project cost. example of project cost >> and it starts with River Lights. >> We
005have it on our agenda today. >> Okay, good. And we made one amendment to that. We added $20 million that was on the original list um to do other capital improvements including HVAC units for all schools over the 10-year period. And so and he's now given it to us in print and a couple stipulations. It's the Mary C. Williams replacement school at River Lights discarding the Mary C property after River Lights is built and becomes Mary C. And um it's not quote a new school per se, but it's a replacement school that was on that list. Um, and so what he's handing out now, >> all >> Yeah. And if you looked at dollar amounts on the projects as recently as Monday of this week, these are the new updated numbers. They went up. Um,
006so that replaces all the numbers we've had in the past. That's hot off the press from Dr. Morgan those numbers which are incorporated in this list that's online as the sample of project costs. So final total of the bond ask this recommendation from our committee is 320,521,418 which is within the capacity of what the county can do. And if you were listening Mr. Credle said that it was um I took a couple of notes on what he said. He said it it was um was was basically feasible um and it was it was within they would have to do some little tweaking of their language because it would take us over the per capita for a couple of years but that was really doable. They could suspend that for a couple of years and we'd
007be fine. So that's where we are and now it's up to this board to make a recommendation of its seven members to the county of what we want to do. So with that, Madam Chair, I yield it back. >> Gracious, Mr. Wil and then Miss Barnhart. >> And I just wanted to uh just one addition. Uh we had talked about it as a committee. Uh there was a request from the from the uh county to prioritize the order of of these uh if if we choose to accept all these uh as as our list. But they did and I said well why don't we not do it >> this list this one. >> But if I said why don't we not online? No. Uh as a sample of project cost. >> Why not? The board's
008going to you know the board anyway. >> Um I'm sorry guys. I'm trying to hear >> it's on the screen. I'm sorry. All right, I'm having you here, Mr. Wilbar. >> So, um, basically what we were asked, what they ask, the county folks ask us to prioritize in case they it gets to them and they say, "Well, we can do we can't do $320 million. We can only do 100, you know, whatever, $200 million, they would ask us to prioritize. We were talking about doing it as a committee, but it made more sense for us as, you know, to do it because we have the final say anyway." Um, Miss Barnhart, >> I just wanted clarity of what you said at the beginning of this meeting, Madam Chair. So, the goal of this workshop is
009we're going to vote on this in our October meeting in a couple weeks from now. So, that goes Okay. Thank you so much for that clarity, >> Dr. Merrick. >> Yeah, as a full board, I still have not been told how we got to this list from this list. >> That's what we're doing today. That's what you're going to be presenting today. >> One of that is one of the things that we are talking about today. >> Thank you so very much. >> Yeah. >> All right, chair. Just to clarify, I think the plan of the workshop is to bring the board members who are not on the committee up to speed to where we we the others that are where we are now. So you can consider that recommendation. >> Thank you. >> And
010then determine where we want >> copies of the finance committee packet. >> Oh, that'll help be helpful. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, is there anyone else that doesn't have the finance committee packet >> and then save that for maybe Mr. Perry? >> Okay. >> And then we also have Well, that doesn't matter today. >> Miss Justice, did you have a question? >> Um, I'm a little confused about Sorry. I'm a little confused about what the purpose of the meeting is because I just heard something different. Um, I thought we were going to go ahead and decide on the priorities. He said that the vote >> what we're doing is we're getting all of the information. So over the past while um that committee has been acquiring all of the information about about the buildings and about
011the different needs across the district. They prioritized they brought forward their recommendation. Okay. Today is all about us an asking and answering every question that we could possibly have so that in a couple weeks when we do have our regular meeting we can then make a decision on priorities and um if we are going to move forward with the recommendations based off of >> mainly information >> this is information we have all the people here who know all the things >> know all the things >> all the things um and so hopefully we can we can get as many answers as possible and then we'll get community feedback as well um so that we can because this is since this is a discussion about a bond, the community needs to give us their feedback about
012whether this is these are good ideas or not. So, Dr. Merrick, >> 100% we need the the community input and feedback. Um, >> this is an interesting book I just was given and so >> pretty >> and then and then I hear you say that you want me today to ask all the questions and I'm like I'm not that fast a reader. Uh, >> so I hope you'll give us a little bit. >> Absolutely. There's more information coming. So, um, next up is a presentation of the school facilities. Who is going to do that? And you wanted to say something, didn't you? >> I'll I'll just jump it into what we're about to talk. >> Do it to it. >> So, as we have I wanted to wait until the 10th day had occurred uh
013for our enrollment to stabilize enough to do basically a capacity study. Not a capacity study, but a sort of a capacity look at where our schools are. Now, there's a couple somehow I uploaded the wrong one. So, just be that as it may. Alderman should be highlighted in purple and Castle Hayne should be highlighted in yellow. Can you go to this one for me, please? Thank you. So, iron, I was actually fairly pleased with what I'm seeing when I did the actual rundown of where we are sizewise, all those things. We only have four of our schools that I would consider seriously under capacity, which is under 70% full. >> Typically, you're going to want to run. You don't want every school at 100%, folks, okay? because then you've got nowhere for kids to go.
014Somewhere between 80 and 90% is really optimal. Um, interestingly, as you can see, our middle school numbers are almost 90% full at capacity and our high schools are even higher than that at 97%. >> Now, there's a couple of variables to think about. One is, yes, our enrollment continues, our enrollment has not stabilized from where it was precoid. um we have slipped from 26,000 six or seven years ago down down down a little bit to about 24. Some of that I think there are variables in that we need to consider. The cost of living is one. >> Opportunity scholarships, things like that. The explosion of charter schools, that is another. There is also a birth rate challenge that I think we need to be considering as well that for the first time the United States
015has come under its replacement population number. >> Okay. So I think that is this bubble a high school bubble that's going to then bubble out or not. But then you also have children who return for our high school experience. So that number you have to consider. So I think what you're going to see when you look at this more closely is this is a geographic issue primarily. All the places that you see that are under capacity are all centralized here in the middle of town. >> Porter's neck >> centralized for you >> Anderson Herci things like that. >> Those things are are the pockets. We have a pocket situation going on. So, um, it's not going to be a simple fix where you can because a public may look at this and say, "Well, geez,
016if Porter's neck's at 117%. Just take 300 of them and put them at snipes." That doesn't work. Obviously, logistically, that's an issue for our community. That would be an issue. So some of these projects that you see that you'll see in a minute aren't necessarily to say this will fix our capacity issue but it'll give us the capacity to fix the issue if that makes sense. Right? So then this isn't going to be this is the start of a decade long conversation about things like consolidation about things like making sure we're being as effective as we can with the buildings that we have. But it's also about replacing outmoded, outdated, and unsafe buildings with safer, secure buildings for kids. Right. So, I just wanted you to make sure you had a copy of this. This
017is up to date today or at the 10th day. So, I thought it was relevant information and I was pleased to see that we aren't as under in capacity as I had thought we would be. You also have to look at this is a capacity with mobile units. Those are not with the potential of mobiles, but just with the mobiles that are already there. And I have one more point, but I'm going to let you I'm sorry. Can I let her say it first? >> Yeah. Sorry. >> Yeah, go for it. Go for it. I just want to make sure board members that were not in the finance committee meeting, the packet I gave you, the documents that we're referring to in this meeting are all in this packet I gave you. So, we're going
018to go through that entire finance committee packet. So, if you um flip through, and I do apologize, there are not page numbers in the packet. I apologize for that. But if you flip through um maybe it's around page 20 or so, you'll see that same chart we were just talking through. So, if you want to make notes in the packet um it will be there. So, if you >> um >> turn around, >> it's both. It's in both places. This one, this one has not been updated. You mentioned there's two updates for this. >> This is the one that I emailed you this week. >> Unfortunately, this is not the one I emailed you. I made a couple of additions to it after I uploaded it. >> So, the one that I emailed you is
019the most up-to-date one. >> It is. >> Yes. Correct. >> The only other thing I wanted to make sure is clear on the one that I sent you by email, I'm sorry about that. >> Okay. is there is a capacity number listed for our preschool centers that I want to make sure I make clear. So, if you look down there, you see that two of our preschools are over capacity. And that is not the right Sorry, I uploaded the wrong one. So, that's not the one I'm looking I'm talking about the one I emailed you. I want to make sure you see that when you look down at Johnson PreK, just for an example, Johnson PreK says that they're already over capacity. I want to be clear that that is based on the number of
020prek compatible rooms that are in that building. Meaning they have an exterior door, they have a sink, they have a bathroom. So the actual footprint of Johnson is the same as the footprint at Bradley Creek. It's the same building, but that number is housed to be prek specific, if that makes sense. >> So I didn't want you to think that boy, they're overcrowded. They have space, but they don't have prek compatible space as it sits right now. So, that's the things I wanted to explain. And I do apologize for this, but if you can just reference the one I emailed you, and I'm going to go print it out so you have a new copy. >> And Dr. Burns, did you correct on there because I'm not sure which copy is which. The how prek
021acreage because I'm still looking for 5.5 and it's 15, isn't it? >> I'll ask Rob that question when it gets done. How prek real estate was how many acres? >> This is This is incorrect. It says five acres and it's it's not five acres, I don't think. >> No, no, no. It's definitely not in You mean in total? >> Yeah. How prek? What's the >> Oh, how I'm sorry. I thought you said um prek numbers. How prek? Um >> no, the acreage for how is five and a half. >> That's all it is? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Miss Barnhart. Dr. Burns, >> would you mind answering the question? What is that optimization number for our elementary schools to be operating so that we're not sharing resources >> um part-time? What is that
022ideal number for us here in New Hverburg County? >> Everybody buckle up. This is going to take a minute. The state has a number that it staffs your schools at for certain specific things like AP counselor, media coordinator, um, enrichment, things like that. If you want to go with the state's number, that is different than the number we use here because we live in the real world. Okay. If you wanted to go to the state's optimization plan, you would need a thousand kids in every building to afford one assistant principal, which means by the state standard, none of our middle schools and none of our elementary schools would even warrant a full-time AP on their own. >> If you wanted them Yes, ma'am. >> That's going up from 750 a couple years ago. >> It
023was It's been a while. Yeah. But it used to be a lower number. It's now 98.53 kids gets you one month. >> That's >> right. Right. We all know that's a crazy number. >> For if you want to have each school have a counselor, social worker, media coordinator, you need to have 1,200 students in a building for the state to fund all of those. And then you have to look at enrichments. Enrichments is a little different. Enriment enrichments are about 575 kids to actually pay for all three art, music, PE full-time at a building. So, we as a district have given you guys as well each year sort of an aotment formula we use here at the ground level. >> If you want your school and that's why some of our smallest schools share an
024AP, share some enrichments because their numbers are really low. I think what Miss Barnhart was asking is what's the tipping point by which you say they're going to get them all. Yes, sir. >> If we have it, it's about 500 between 450 and 500. We usually say we're just going to give them. Now, social workers still share, but it does give a full-time counsel, full-time media coordinator, full-time enrichments for all three, and a full-time AP. So, that number optimization number, Ashley, would you say it's about 500? Honestly, I haven't looked at it recently, but last time we looked at it was >> that's pretty close. Yeah. >> Um, Miss Justice, >> and that's with local supplements making that possible. Correct. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Because that wouldn't be doing if you going by the
025statement. >> Oh, no. If we were just going by the state aotment, we'd all be in buildings right now because they they would need the help. Miss >> and just a comment, everything he just said is why we need those 42 positions uh school specialist from the endowment. That is the exact reason we do because we're not going to get an A for any elementary school. Um you're going to have to have a thousand students to get one of those according to the state formula. Other than that, we have to go into local money. It's local money from everything else. That's why it's so critical we get this funding down. All right, >> that's what gives you the print these out. >> Okay, cool. Um, so next up, let's look at the sample of projected
026project costs. And um, I think Dr. Morgan, this is you that can talk a little bit more about all of these different things. And there is and I'm guessing you're going to use this to kind of talk about the specifics of the >> So if you can find the paper that looks like this. >> Thank you. Okay, perfect. So, I'm going to hand it to you then and you can take charge and go for it. Tell us what to do. >> We don't need to. >> Y the last Finance >> point of point of information. I'm sorry. I don't know where you are. You said we get this. I've got this. What's number five mean >> on the agenda. >> Yep. Sorry. I'm sorry. That was my fault for causing confusion. My apologies. >> Appreciate
027that. Thank you very much. >> Sorry. My mic wasn't on anyway, so I can start over. Um, so at the last finance u capital bond, did I that get that correctly? at at that committee meeting, one of the members made a motion to um focus on some of the specific projects, pulling them from the total list. So, I'm going to jump back and forth for one second. The page that I handed everybody up front, that's the list that you have all seen for months, but it's now updated with current costs. So I believe it was requested at the last board meeting that you all have the opportunity to see that list in its entirety and it be updated. So I wanted to provide that number 52 on the agenda gives you that gives you all
028of the costs that I'm sorry all of the projects that were not included in the sample project cost. So, it gives a little more detail for those that the finance committee recommended we focus on and then it gives the detail of those that are included on this entire list but were not recommended by the committee. Does that make sense? >> Okay. So, in the list that you see under the sample project cost, we've got um essentially the the packet of information just focuses on the projects, but the list actually includes the projects of River Lights Elementary, New Hover High School, Phase 1, Pine Valley Elementary School, Tras Middle, and that is referring to building a new building on the site of SeaTac and Tras Middle as it is now would remain in place and would
029be used by Laney High School in some capacity. >> Uh Porter's Neck Elementary School addition and specifically that's an addition the proposal is an addition for eight classrooms. Um and then the items that are not project specific that's district-wide technology improvements, district-wide safety improvements, and then the other the other two items are program management and contingency fees that are built in. the safety improvements, does that include the U metal detectors that we've deferred? >> No, sir. This is this is a totally separate recommendation. The idea being that every year um there would be a million dollars allocated for safety upgrades and separately for technology upgrades. And so I think the the goal would be that at some point during the time of that as those funds are dispersed, all schools in the county would benefit.
030in one way or another at some point. >> A lot of that might end up being safety. So, as as mentioned in one of the items that is included, and that is where I I hesitated because I couldn't really see what Miss Mason was holding up, but the first the first packet that is um included as an attachment um under number five is just more details about the sample of project costs. that's listed on the front page of number five. If you were to go and the master plan for New Hammer High School is simply what we have included that just because >> you probably haven't committed all that to memory. So, if you want to pull it up, you're welcome. It's the same presentation you all saw at the June or July board meeting,
031but it's there for reference. And then the summary of project cost part two, as I mentioned, that is where It looks very much the same on the front, but it is a more detailed description of the of the projects that were not included in the finance committee's recommendation. And then the only other thing I added was the Isaac Bear advanced planning report. Um, to be honest, that's that didn't make it to the discussion table today, but when we were planning I was planning to upload things, that had been a conversation topic for the finance committee. And so I wanted to include it just again like the master plan as a reference so that you could look at it. >> So looking through um is everybody on the same >> Getting there. We're catching up. >>
032And I apologize. I'm realizing now I probably could have organized this a little better, but it when I did it at the time it made perfect sense. >> Okay. So you >> So you mean start over? Okay. [Applause] >> Sure. >> Looking at the >> All right. So I'm going to look at the one that is the sample the sample of project costs. And at the top it lists the purpose of those projects. So this identifies River Lights Elementary School as a new school to be built. Uh New Handover High School phase one, >> Pine Valley Elementary, a replacement school on the same site of the as the current Pine Valley. Uh Tras Middle again being a new building on the CEKC campus. Uh and Porters Neck Elementary Edition for eight classrooms. So, I've tried
033to provide just a little bit more detail. For example, the River Lights would be uh the proposal is a new 650 student elementary school to be built in that River Lights development. That's a 15 acre lot. Um we we do not own that lot. However, that lot is to be conveyed to us once funding has been confirmed. New handover phase one. >> Yep. >> Mer lights. Mary Ce Williams and the lights the capacity right now um the maximum Mary is 431 capacity at 360. So the new river lights will be 650. So the new river lights are increasing our capacity which is going to then rotate some students around that area into that school. So it's not school to school size. >> We could take some from Bellamy and it would take off some of
034the capacity. >> Yes. Can I make one statement? Two, well, two statements. One, I know that in 2014 when this first got floated, this conversation was there in the last bond, it was also the plan to rebuild Mary C. Williams as well. I will tell you over the last decade I one of the recommendations I will try to convey to the board is I think we have to continue to look very carefully at our overhead costs which are the number of buildings that we maintain. I do not think the enrollment has the capacity for both Mary C Williams and River Lights. So I think that what you would do is you would basically create Mary Williams at that school, not rebuild, not both. If that makes sense. >> The other factor to think about, I
035did talk with Mr. Kudra this morning, and I'm going to try to say this correctly. He said that the school system and the county commissioners took steps in 2017 to secure the land at River Lights. that in his estimation that there is not a clock running on when we have to build there. He said he feels and he said that our attorney can reach out to their attorney but he said he is confident to say that the school system has the ownus of responsibility for that land. We may not own it but we don't it is dedicated to that function. And I can clarify I had a conversation with him yesterday morning and he said for all intents and purposes you do own you have to drive to it. So that we shouldn't worry about
036that aspect of the fine but based on what has transpired. >> Can that's where we are. >> Uh Mr. I keep c can you confirm that because I've heard all kinds of rumors for years because we haven't built yet and the expectation was a lot you know previously and uh yeah could you confirm how much right we have to that land because as I said yeah thank you >> but and and I asked him like twice I said can you say that again so I make sure I say it right. So he says that in 2018 that the county commissioners and the school board voted collaboratively to designate that space. >> That's >> but River Lights owns it, right? >> So as it stands right now, I think there were plans to move forward with
037with building Breaking Ground several years ago. >> Oh yeah. and they had there was a conveyance agreement in place that was being edited and then we got to a point where the school system was not in a position to move forward with the funding and so those conversations halted. Um I have reached out to um the the representative for River Lights we're having a conversation on Monday actually um so because what I was hoping to get is an updated agreement. I wanted to get an update of that um conveyance agreement because the most recent one I have is several years old and my understanding is there were some edits being made but it wasn't necessarily just to the conveyance of the property so much as the declarations of of you know kind of like any
038HOA they have these covenants and some of the covenants simply didn't apply to a school that was going to be built there and so they were editing those things as well. So those conversations are are still happening. I mean, they're we're re-engaging. How about that? >> Yeah. I just I'm just being very practical. Real world. I would, you know, I'd like to know that we do have that down in writing to protect us only because I've seen way too much because this is politically involved. I mean, the whole school board and district is anything can happen and and we could lose it and we can't do anything about it. So, we just got to protect ourselves. I want us to have it, but I would like to make sure we do have it. >> That's
039what I'm trying to find out. >> That's the question. >> It'd be a lot of egg on our face if uh we made all these plans. >> Yes. >> If we show up there and there's hardly something there >> that would really be bad. Again, Madam Chair, I contacted and had a conversation with the county manager yesterday on that topic to clear my mind that that question was answered and he said yes. So, um you can ask what I just told you. >> I think I think what people are asking for and you can correct me if I'm wrong is just the documentation just so that it's because >> yes, it I'm glad that he said that, but just to have that as just a an extra This is this is actual facts. >> Yeah.
040And I asked for it in writing as well and he asked our attorney to call theirs. >> Okay. >> And I've also been in touch with their attorney. So I just want to let you know that I >> I predicted this question well in advance. >> Good job, Dr. Morgan. >> Good job. Good job. >> Yeah, we need to know for sure. >> No, we didn't. >> All right. So the next one >> uh the next one so for New Hmer High School phase one phase one is part of the four the fourstep hybrid recommendation that they made. Phase one essentially would um it would move the cafeteria. It would secure let me back up. It's going to secure the perimeter around the campus on both sides of market. Um, they would build a new
041cafeteria and in that cafeteria building, that building would be a three-story building. That would be a brand new building. They would house classrooms. They would move the auto shop from where it's currently located. Um, they would have a secure courtyard. We'd secure the vestibule um in part. And so I say that because in phase three of that proposal, they do a couple of additional construction. Uh they they do a couple additional additions to the catwalk to make it more secure and connect to other buildings. In phase one, the recommendation is for the schools to get ownership of that catwalk so that we can then block off the entrance the entrances so that it's not as accessible from the ground level. Um, >> and then it would also move the bus drop off, which is currently
042located on uh the north side on Princess Street. It would move it to the south side behind this new building and connect it to the parking lot behind the tennis courts. Yes, >> Miss Barnhart, >> did we um I I've been vocal that I'm in favor of the hybrid plan and so that is what in the phases looking at this got allocated as part of the recommendation, but I didn't know if we needed to officially vote as a board if we were in favor of the renovation of New Hano versus the hybrid plan versus the new build. We were presented those three options. Did we ever officially have a vote on those? I just didn't recall that. And so I just for clarity and as we're discussing this, I didn't know if we needed to
043do that officially before, >> but that's what that's what is in the consideration here today. So I just wanted to be very clear with that. This this is part of the hybrid model being included in the bond, which is basically dedicating us to that model um as far as planning purposes. So, I didn't know that my understanding was presented to us and then we were going to have to figure out how we wanted to function with that. Um, I don't know. >> I just wanted to make everyone aware to my colleagues at the time. Um, >> well, not exactly about that. I wanted to let those that were not at the previous meeting. Uh there was a big discussion to be honest about exactly we're talking about about phase one, phase two. Um there were
044several folks that really wanted to have phase two be part of the bond. Uh the discussion there was that it would actually put us push us over the debt limit, but um I'll be honest, I was the one brought up. I think we really need to as a force, I mean the the board of education and the county commissioners hand in hand go to the endowment together and say this is a pillar we need it done and not uh you know well can we you know this kind of thing and I think that was overall well received. So I think that maybe you know we could do phase one through the bond. We could do phase two almost sim simultaneously or shortly thereafter. We have to shortly thereafter to be honest but once the endowment
045if we can get the endowment when I say if there's no way when we get the endowment to be part of that uh you know to to come to an agreement to do that you know just to let you know that. Can I >> um >> I'm sorry. I just wanted to offer one piece of information too. >> Sure thing. >> That I didn't do. Um one other thing to consider just for the phase one as we talk about phase one and phase two. Um one things that we have talked about but I want to make sure everybody's on the same page that if we move if we were to decide to move forward with phase one that is in place and allows the students to remain in school while that is happening. Um, one
046of the convers part of the conversation that came up about phase two and and there's been some discussion about mixing and match matching. I think it's important to note that with phase two, it's really focusing on renovating the buildings, the rooms in the main building. >> And there's nowhere to take those students while that work's being done if we don't have the new building from phase one. >> So, I just wanted to throw that out there as information for all. >> Miss Bradford. And for clarity, the committee voted not today but last meeting to discard under the consideration from the handover anything except for the hybrid. We took off the plate for the committee the find a piece of land, buy a piece of land, build a $330 million school. We took that off the
047consideration for the committee and we took off just doing $137 million innovation. And you'll notice that phase one and what our motion to this body is is to do $60 million worth and then go looking for phase two and some other >> sorry it again um okay at the committee level a month ago not today we voted to take the $137 million just renovation only to New Hver off the table and we voted to take off the find a new piece of land somewhere in the county buy the land and build a whole new school to replace new handover and then abandon the new handover um as a facility and then we were focused totally on the hybrid. Now today we've got hybrid down to the first stage of it as Dr. Morgan has just
048I I identified um and then as Mr. Wavore said we'd go looking for project the second second stage. We want to do it, but under this bond, we can't put all of our money in one school or it will never succeed. So, we're not abandoning phase two, three, and four, but we're looking at phase two as to coming from some other funding source in some way. >> Um, as a committee. Now, it's up to this body to decide. >> Miss Justice, you had your hand up a while ago. >> I believe that my question's been answered. I'm I'm listening intently here. >> I know, Dr. Merrick. >> Yeah, I'm I'm I'm a stickler for for procedure and governance. And I I hear that the finance committee made a decision. >> Mhm. >> And now we
049are not able to make a decision outside of a decision that the finance committee made that we didn't make, >> that the board didn't make. Well, >> okay. So what we're talking about right now is a recommendation >> for phase for the second you know for the hybrid model >> right >> that the board has not to my colleagueu's point has not voted on >> I agree I agree >> they voted clarification >> um is especially I don't especially I don't think we can either >> and then I would say that I will bring a motion at our agenda review that we take on that vote. So you have between now and next week. >> We can we can I mean we have not developed the agenda. So Dr. Barnes and I can add that.
050>> All right. You have another day before we have to put it on. So we're good. We're good with that. That next that that works for me. It's not that I disagree. I like the hybrid plan. I just want to do it correctly. >> Yeah. No, I agree. I agree. Um, so just a little side note, I don't know if you have been able to look at all through this packet, but um, we started talking about River Lights and if you go to that next page in the papers, you can see the plan, which I thought was really cool to actually like >> to see what they're what they're wanting to do, the floor plan and the um, site plan, the conceptual site plan. So, just, you know, to to have to look at. Um,
051but I thought that was that was something to note. And I believe it's also I think there's the also the new handover is in there. Pine Valley, all of them are in there. So, it's really cool to kind of see all that. But Dr. Morgan, >> that's great because I was actually didn't I didn't point that out, but um yes. So, moving on moving on. Um, Pine Valley is the next item listed on there. And the same thing applies. cyclone is listed in there with the first and second floor. I'm sorry, my mic's on now. Um the um proposal for Pine Valley is to build that on site. The school for Pine Valley would continue to operate while that's being built. That um that particular piece of land is large enough that we could do
052that. We could keep kids safe while it's happening. Um and then once the new school is built, we would demo uh the previous one and make use of that land accordingly. So similar to River Lights, that would be the goal would be for um that to be built to capacity for 650 students. Um one thing I think is probably worth pointing out as well with the new elementary schools that we didn't talk about is the idea that we would I think we would like and Dr. Barnes, correct me if if I'm misspeaking, but we would like all new elementary schools to be built with an idea that prek can can have classes in there as well. >> Um, so I just wanted to throw that out there because that's those are the only two um
053elementary schools that we'll be building from scratch if if we move forward with this proposal. >> Dr. Merritt. So, I'm I'm noticing that Pine Valley now has uh 413 and we're looking at building 650 um and that we're looking at maybe there's a slight decrease every year. So, obviously that's going to be taking on you know from other schools and as part is that part of the consolidation concept that we're going to eventually one school is going to disappear. I think once you knock over enough dominoes, you're going to land on a place that we may say, "Okay, what else could we do with this building and repurpose it?" There are also other opportunities kind of as we go forward. But this is really about there's there's no place that Pine Valley could go where
054we could just say we don't need a Pine Valley. M but if we can replace a Pine Valley with a safe building. I think as you go forward throughout the years, we also have to think about the fact that does new buildings increase enrollment as well. So I think as you go forward over the next several years, you'd be able to say, okay, where can we find consolidation? Where can we find movement? But building schools like this with a little bit higher capacity with a little bit of pre-k compatibility, things like that, what you're really doing is you're building agility into the school system so we can pivot better and have more choices later on. I think does that make sense? >> No, it does totally make sense. I guess you know when we look
055at HVAC units, we look at life like what's the lifetime of this? And I don't think we can quite do the same thing to our schools, but we but we do know that some of our schools are more outdated than others. I wonder if there's any way to put that information in a chart like this so we kind of can start to see, oh yeah, that one's going to be likely, you know, if we were going to phase something out, this one would be the one. You know, >> Dr. Dr. Morgan, if I sent that back to you, could you add in the age of each of the building? >> Yes, I have that. Oh, look. He has >> He's just saying combine them. He's saying combine them into one. >> And are they in
056that? Is that in the packet? >> This is not in the packet. This is my own personal cheat sheet >> for anytime I'm in a conversation with anybody. >> Is it written on the back of your hand, too? Test. >> I've seen it. You gave it to us in the last three months. >> I may have. I may have. But this this particular reference has the year that the acreage square footage in the last year renovation. So for example, so for example, like Pine Valley was built originally in 1969. The last year of renovation was 2001. >> So I do think that's relevant. >> It is and I'm happy to share that. >> Appreciate it. >> Yeah. >> Um we're talking about >> Yeah. >> Can you guys see your Williams? >> Yes, I can.
057Um, Williams was built in 76 and last renovations were 99. >> That's a really relevant point, especially when you think of in two years are we going to ask for upgrades or modernization to a building or or like a project to do repairs? Well, maybe we need to think about where that building's going to be in a decade. Mhm. >> Miss Barnhart and then I'll come. >> Well, Madam Chair, to my colleague's suggestion to some of these other projects that didn't meet the committee's recommendation, there are renovations and additions to some of these other elementary schools. And so while knowing the optimization realm is 500 ideally if there's a possibility to do some of these lower lower projects and hit multiple of our buildings to say let's renovate and add on to and get that
058capacity maybe these aren't the top projects for the like the will of the this board and that that becomes a discussion is it better to build new or repurpose I mean and that's just a matter of opinion um I think it comes to the result though of just saying we're going to have to have conversations too of the overhead is important because the operating at every building is costing us money and the potential of saying recouping some of that and having less buildings to operate that could increase that buffer in our operational expense and allow us more staff to be pulled into support our students which is a very important conversation for us to have. So, um I don't I don't necessarily know if there's two or three projects on this lesser I'm trying to
059see of all the handouts we got today which is the which is which I'm trying to refer to so everyone's on the same page of where looking at that list of >> it's the number two summary of >> page number 800 part two >> part two summary >> like this full one this is that full list of looking at what I circled was what The recommendation of the committee was but if there was a possibility to say were some of these other projects is it the will of this body not today obviously but are some of these other projects combined and replace one of the elementary schools is it more beneficial for us to do that I don't know the full answer to that question I think it's a matter of discussion and opinion but
060I I think that's kind of what I heard you kind of getting at to say is it better to kind of hit a few of our facilities versus one bigger your facility. I don't know >> if if I could offer just one thought along those lines. I think it also will depend on which schools you look at for that. Um for example, >> because at one point the discussion before my time the discussion had been to do something different with Williams where it would be renovated and then it would be used in sort of this multi-purpose fashion from the school system. Um, I think part of the part of the issue that I think we need to be aware of with Williams in particular is to do the work that needs to be done to
061Williams to re to renovate it the way it was previously suggested is still going to it's probably going to be in the neighborhood of $ 3540 million. And so to me then the question would become well is it worth us to do that and move forward with a plan that we had a few years ago or would it be better to build the river lights and know that we might be able to still use that >> for for any number of reasons without having to renovate as much. Not all schools are going to be in that in that shape though. Right. So if you're looking at making an addition to uh some of the other schools like >> or something. >> Yes ma'am. So like Porter's neck is on here, but >> yeah. >> Um
062I think the last edition Dr. Barnes and I were talking the last edition that was done to a school um with the 2014 bond. >> No, it was uh Rightsville Beach. >> Oh yeah, that's just recently. >> That was that was recent. They had nine mobile units. They had more classrooms outside than they did inside. Mhm. >> Um, but because of the the because of where it's located, I think the town of Wrightsville would no longer grant them special use permits to add more mobiles and they couldn't increase the footprint because of where it's located. So, they had to go up and so they added a second floor for the first time. So anyway, I say that because in 2014 Bond, there were additions to other schools, but they were more community spaces like the
063the high schools got gyms and cafeterias and libraries. Um that was the only that got, you know, additions and then there were some that were brand new like Blair was rebuilt and College Park was rebuilt. And so um just thought I'd share that. It was interesting to me. >> Dr. Barnes, and then I'll come over here. Everyone needs to turn towards Crystal and give a brief nod. So, um, in an email, in accordance with the development agreement, the county and the school board must notify Newland community communities that an elementary school located within River Lights is needed to adequately serve the needs of the community. We will prepare a resolution for consideration by the school board and county commissioners at an upcoming meeting. This will initiate further discussions. So that was in 2017 and then
064again in November of 2017 have an email saying the county commissioners unanimously approved the resolution related to a future school site on River Lights property. Um so we will look for that agreement but it looks like there was that one that was done. >> Yes. >> But uh I know right. So um it looks like there there's something that works. So, we just have to lay our hands on the hard. >> And just to be clear, we we definitely have that. Um the only thing I don't have is that conveyance agreement. So, yeah, >> I can find that and get that to you. >> But that's a those are positive steps for sure. >> Um I know all three of you. So, I'm I think Judy was first and then we'll go Miss Bradford and
065then um Dr. M. >> Okay. Uh I was lucky enough to be here during the process. Um I think it was 2019 when we toured with architects. We were going to do a lot of things then and didn't have the chance. And the main one of the main things that came up was the reason that Pine Valley and Williams needed to be redone was literally because they were so darn unsafe. >> Uh they were developed during a different time in education philosophy were open schools and so we have doors. It's almost like many new Hanover high schools and so you can't really remodel them. You really need to rebuild a school that's safe. So, um, and that's the reason they've got the priority there is because no matter what way we look at it, it's
066they're still wide open and they're going to be that way until something happens. Right, >> Miss Bradford? >> Um, and what I would say, Dr. Morgan is this sample of project costs. If you could take that and then add to it for us the age of the schools, just put it right on there. And then um the capacity numbers because I've done that in my handwriting here, but I can't distribute that to everybody. But for example, under River Lights, it would say um River Mary C. Williams at River Lights. Mary C was built in 76. It was renovated in 99. The maximum capacity is 431. It's currently at 360. So, this school increases capacity. I think that helps us make up our minds to see it all on one sheet. If you could just because
067you've got the information, but just combine it into the one sheet for all of those. Um, and any other that the board wants to consider that's not in this top five. >> Dr. Merrick, >> um, what you guys have been doing is a lot of work. I want to commend you for what you're doing. So what what I'm about to say now I don't want it to sound like I'm ungrateful um but really good long range planning if we are starting to envision the fact that we are going to consolidate we should start with the end in mind which of our schools do we think we would we might consolidate so that we can start planning and I know that funny word about changing the catchment area for these schools and where kids go from
068where to If we're going to consider consolidation, we should have that be part of the plan ASAP so we know kind of what direction we're heading in. Thank you, >> M. Barnhart. >> I think before we have that conversation because when this gets put on the ballot to be voted on is a list of ideas of projects of this is where to encapsulate this as justification of why what we're going to do with it. Make sure that every single school in New H County Schools is positively affected by this. Um, but I think that this also kind of break gives us some breather room to say, let's see if our enrollment does continue to decline because that changes the conversation. Um, and I think in my head I and I was vocal at the previous
069committee meeting that this is not um the numbered priorities. I would not have put them in that order because of the reason that I just gave. Um, I would definitely personally be spacing out the elementary schools to do them of prioritization and funding of the order that matters separate so that we're not building two elementary schools right at once when we're seeing that is the biggest room that we have a a buffer to be able to move with. Um, so I I disagree only for that reason is because if we start saying and I and I think it would be silly of us for to start a plan to say we're going to start moving all these kids around >> with without knowing what projects are going to be completed. Um but we can if
070we're seeing continual trend at some point current enrollment what is that number that says it is just really really hard to operate at 150 capacity. It's really really hard to operate at 125 capacity and in order for kids to have constant access to quality resources we we want to get them to that 500 capacity. like I I feel like it's a little bit too before, but I hear what you're saying that the conversation should happen, but I also don't want to create artificial angst about it >> and this is not a this is not a hard and fast vote kind of thing. It's just a matter of envisioning and it's probably even less for us and more for Dr. Morgan and you know what I'm saying. This is this is planning and I also have
071to admit that we don't want to make any kind of announcements of stuff like that before the pond is voted on because someone's not going to be happy with it, right? if if we have to close a school, it's going to hurt people. People are going to be upset. >> And Dr. Barnes answered that in our last meeting very well. And so I would ask him to do that. But if you look at this, you're going to have three new schools. If all the when all things are done, you got three new schools and you've increased capacity. Plus, you've dealt with the capacity issue at Porter's Neck. So that changes the whole outlook on the C-word or the Rword. And so to me, at first I thought we need to deal with that, but then
072I think that would be putting the the cart before the horse. We need to figure out what the bond amounts are, what it's going to go towards, and then see the effect of it. And is that essentially what you said, Dr. Barnes, earlier? Something like that. >> I don't think >> more eloquently, much more. >> I don't know if that's smart, but I think the the question about consolidation comes after the question about building. >> So I think that you are correct. I think that you've heard me say for a year now that the only three ways to put more staff into schools, get more funding, increase enrollment, consolidate our current overhead. >> Those are the three most likely ways. So, I think we would need these buildings to give us the flexibility to make
073good choices about closure rather than the other way around, if that makes sense. But I think your point of can we get a sense of what schools are the next oldest, which ones are the least safe, which ones are the most concerns. I think we can certainly do that. I really would caution us not to >> create a run at the bank, right? I don't want to needlessly worry >> staff and families, especially when we're talking about come back to schools. You know, we want you to be in our school system, but be careful. We might close your building at any minute. I think I think the >> counterproductive >> the bond question would help answer some of those questions. I think is is the order in my head at least. >> Y just thinking
074about it. >> Dr. Morgan, did you have anything else you wanted to go over at all? >> Not necessarily. I'm happy to answer or try to answer. >> You haven't gone through the rest of these. >> Uh >> that's true. I haven't. I'm happy to do that. if you could. Yes, that'd be great. >> Um, so the Tras Middle School, if you will, if you go in, if you go into the uh presentation, you'll see the only thing we've got for Tras is kind of a conceptual sketch of what it might look like on the CEK campus. Um, one of the things to keep in mind is, uh, that I guess it it'll have to be referred to as something else if there's another school there, but that Sidbury Road complex is large. there's it's
07579 acres. Um and so if you look at the diagram that's been included, there's you know the idea being that TR middle school could be an entire middle school campus there that that CEK shares with it. So they have athletic fields built into it. Um, you know, again, this is very high level, but they've even, it looks like they've even got, you know, football stadium, track. I say stadium, but football field, track, baseball, softball field. Um, but I think that's kind of I think that's kind of interesting to look at because again, I don't if you've not been out there, it's it's it's hard to imagine how big that particular campus is and the potential it's got. >> Big time. >> Mr. Wore. And I'm going to can I just remind everybody that it's not
076only going to affect tra, >> you know, add capacity. It's going to help our high school, Laney High School 100%. Which is huge. >> Miss Justice. >> Yeah, I'm going to piggy back on that. Of course, they've been talking about this for years. We went from class to a ninth grade center and that's again we go with educational research. It's a really good model as far as effectiveness maximum learning environment. >> Absolutely. >> Yep. >> I think it's going to help with traffic. I'm sorry. >> I could write a book on that. >> Like we've been work we've been trying to work with DOT for years to have a different traffic pattern. So you're taking out you're all the same families are already going to Laney right now, right? 9th through 12th grade. So if
077you take out all the families that are currently going to trust, that will help decongest that area big time. They're doing a good job. I'm >> I agree. But I it's it is it is I think it would help that as well and increase the capacity. Trask is currently at 707 to increase the capacity to a thousand and facilitate with that. So >> yeah, good >> Dr. Mer. >> Yeah, I'm trying to put together Sorry guys. I'm trying to put together capacity numbers. Um I noticed on the the new one that that Dr. Burns just handed out here. The colorcoded one does not have New Hover High School on it. Oh, no, it does on the second page. I'm sorry. >> Second page. >> Um, so the question I have is with this phase one
078of construction, what will it add capacity for students or is it just a matter of reworking what we have? >> Good question. >> That's a good question. I I don't know that off the top of my head and I can dig into that report a little bit and see if that will help. >> Um, because it's way under capacity. >> It it also kind to me it also kind of depends on how quickly the phase 2 comes behind it. >> Yeah. >> Because if phase two comes right on the heels of phase one, capacity won't necessarily change because they won't have access to the rooms they have access to right now. >> Got it. >> Does that make sense? >> It does. Um and Porter's Neck, eight classrooms. How much capacity is that? >> Um
079that is if you add eight classrooms. Now capacity isn't only the classrooms, it's also the gym, the cafeteria and things like that. >> So you can't it won't be a one for one number >> but I will find out exactly what that capacity because capacity also takes in the square footage hallways the the communal spaces. So we'd have to get that exact >> it's about it's I think it's roughly 10,000 square feet um addition. But >> I know when you add so for example right now if you have a mobile unit let's just for round numbers a mobile unit that's 800 square ft >> to build one classroom offset to offset that you're going to tack on another 25% roughly >> right >> um and so it's not one for one kind of like what
080Dr. Barnes is saying, but but I we can I can drill down on those numbers. I just don't know my head. >> Yeah, it'd be helpful to have. That's one of my questions, too. >> All right. Um, is there anything else related to Porter's neck because you talked about Tras? Um, did unless you had more to say about Tras. >> Good. >> Oh, no. >> Okay. And then anything else about Porter's neck? One thing about quarters neck that I learned yesterday is there's a corridor to nowhere to just pick up and build this new a division. There's it's already stopped off or whatever, but the existing have to build a connector just set up in advance to do this and that's kind of cool. >> That's great. >> Does anybody have any other questions about
081all of it? It's a lot of information. Yes, we do. >> It's a lot of information for me, the thing that um because I haven't talked yet. >> No, no, go ahead. The thing that when I'm looking at this and trying to figure out priorities, um, the thing that helped me the most was visiting most of these schools, um, and seeing what is actually there, seeing what's going on at New Hover, seeing what's going on at Fine Valley, seeing what's going on at Mary Se, just going to all of these different locations and and actually with your own eyes, beholding what we have um, in front of us. And it's going to be a self-determination obviously what your priorities are um and how you see the safety levels at different schools. For me, um I
082know that I see Mary C as a higher priority than I would say Pine Valley is. Though Pine Valley is up there, I would say Mary C is more for me personally. So, I think that going to visit is something that I'm going to recommend that everybody, if you haven't done it yet, go to visit these schools so that you can see in actuality what is happening right now um with all of our buildings. We have so many of them and so many of them have needs. But if we're going to focus on these, let's look and see if these are the ones we really need to based off of what we behold with our own eyes. And I think Mr. Wore had his hand up, too. I was just going to say I think
083we should all as questions arise you know Dr. Morgan's I'm sure very very available speak for you sorry very available you know for a phone call hey I got a question about this and this thing before we make any final decisions and two just a clarification um I think somebody before said well next week when we meet we don't meet next week we meet the following just sure >> either that or I'm I'm going to miss another meeting >> two weeks from now >> no it's not next week >> two weeks from now >> piggy back off of what um chair just said we brought this up at the last meeting an hour ago and the principal cuz I said sign up with the principal for a tour and he said I think it would
084be very helpful if you say come to my school and see Mary C, come and see Prime Valley, come and see New Hover but also I need a recommendation from Dr. Barnes or Dr. Morgan but also balance it against the more modern school so you have that comparison. So what schools would that be you guys that that that we would recommend to people? Go see Mary C. Williams and see Snipe. See what schoolington >> I mean >> any of them. >> Go ahead visit New Hover and then watch High School Musical and you'll get it. But >> I mean our newer buildings are things like Porter's Neck College Park. >> Um >> so I mean those are some of our newer elementary. Do you think those are the two newest? I would think Ashley. What's
085our newest newest? >> New schools. Ashley >> elementary schools. Cor is a good choice. Blair. >> Blair's beautiful. >> Yeah. Go see Blair and go see Mary C. Williams and go see um Pine Valley and you'll you'll you'll make up your mind right on the spot. You'll know how you're going to vote. >> Dr. Merrick, did you have >> Oh, I've got questions, but that's what today's about. I shouldn't have to apologize today, right? >> Um with building a new TRA at CEK. Um, is there any renovations necessary at Tras that would make it ready for high school kids? >> Somebody else asked the exact same question at the last meeting and that's a good one. Um, >> no, the principal was here and confirmed that there were some renovations done there in recent years.
086>> Oh, yeah. It was. >> So, essentially the TR as it exists right now would remain available for a different set of students to come right over. >> Yep. >> Fantastic. It would just be great. >> And to answer the question, another one that came up in that was, >> is the cost to tear down Mary Sea once it's vacant included in the estimate? And his answer was yes. >> And in the river lights, >> it is. Yes. And the construction is not as expensive as I thought. It's actually >> Yeah, it's the tear down. Miss Barhart, >> I I don't disagree that those two elementary schools absolutely need to be need to come down in a new structure. The question became is is if this board wants to explore the I know River Lights
087at Mary Se or whatever we wanted to call it that would in Pine Valley a onetoone tradeoff, right? But the question would be is if we did not want to do those two projects and we wanted to say let's renovate you know two or three others and still I agree those two schools I just identified to say they are not safe to you know to knock them down but that would be the question for this board is that something do we want to do a onetoone trade-off or would we rather say let's do one for sure new build and three renovation expansion opportunities and I am open to discussion for that but I think that that is that is part of our job to have the discussion to say what is our will >> uh
088Miss Justice >> absolutely number one priority for our kids is always going to be safety and that was what was determined during the last cycle when we thought we would be able to do these things so that's why they're on the top of the list and there's no way around it we can't leave them open without major renovations that would be prohibitive costwise. So that's why they are on the top of the list and why we're talking about it now. So although I wish we could do that that we didn't have to put those as priorities and we could look at all these other school needs. I mean that's just the reality. Safety is always should always be first with our kids and those schools are dangerous. >> I don't I don't I don't mean
089to be to be misinterpreted here. What I was saying is I think those two build those two elementary schools need to be knocked down and rebuilt. But the question is do we rebuild a new facility or do we say let's revamp and expand some of our current facilities and absorb that? That was my question for discussion. So I agree with you. I do not believe those two facilities are safe. I want to see an update. So that's the question that I would like to pose today to have some honest dialogue about because those are two very different conversations. >> Dr. Um, sorry. Uh, I've heard a lot of feedback from people in the community um about well the disappointment that Isaac Bear fell out of top priority and moved down. And you know, when I
090see what's going on and I see the amazing production, I mean, what they're able to do for high school, I mean, Isaac Bear is phenomenal. And they're in a little trailer when they're I mean I know that sometimes they're at college. >> I'm sorry. It's a learning cottage. >> Learning cottage. That's what they call it. >> We're going to call it a gingerbread house if you'd like. We'll call it anything you like. But it's it's not up to snuff. And yet, you know, I I I but I don't want to cast any aspersions because what they do is phenomenal there. >> Right. Um, but I guess I would want to know a little bit more of the thinking of the committee that had it drop out. >> I can answer that point, Miss Bradford. >>
091And we took a vote to take it out. We have a subcommittee, an ad hoc committee that is studying other funding to that facility. We want to bring Isaac Bear up. It is a strong need in our uh school district. However, the fact that the land will not belong to us and it's a combination of stateowned or, you know, university owned land and a building that would belong to us. There is no appetite out there for that funding. So, it's a self-defeating proposition right now to go forward on that, but not to find funding in some other form. And that committee is actually working on it and I and Dr. Barnes has had lots of conversations and he probably has more that I don't even know about in terms of how do we deal with
092Isaac Bayer bring it up to snuff but but have an innovative way to do that and fund it fund whatever we're doing in a different way >> but don't we already have an agreement with the state which is you know the university to for use of that land right now right we must be have some sort of contract right >> use of and ownership of the land is they're two entirely different things in terms of the mind of the voter Well, I I just want to say that there are many different arrangements around purchases. You know, I mean, there are people out there who who buy homes with a 100red-year lease on them, right? And I don't want to buy a house that way because I don't want to put someone in the position of
093having to sell it. But, you know, schools have a limited lifespan. That's why we're here today. that if we could get a 50-year lease on that land, then I don't think the public would have a problem with us building there. And I'm not trying to get the committee to rearrange all their thinking. I just I've heard a lot from the community and they deserve to have an answer that's that's, you know, suitable for them. That's all. Um, Miss Justice, >> well, there was an original agreement back in 2004 whenever it was originally put together that had to do with the state legislature also aiding in um and funding and I'm not sure exactly what's going on there. So, there's a lot of different wheels that have never been turned properly. Um, maybe somebody should put
094a committee together and do some investigation and some outreach. I'm just suggesting that >> we have a committee they are working >> there is yeah there's an ad hoc committee that is addressing the Isaac Bear >> really speak it through through Isaac Bay or something because I this is the first time it's under finance >> I we need more communication >> support the removal of Isaac Bear off the bond I'll be vocal about that I think I was one of the only vocal ones in the committee to do that >> it is a unique funding structure because it's a collaboration ation of >> it's our students. So, it's specialty high school college. It's a it's a weird situation in the logistics of the statute of how it is written. Um, but I agree it's a
095phenomenal school. It's an opportunity to double the capacity of the amount of students we serve and provide what is um a kick butt education for what you can have as an opportunity as a high school student. So, I'm a big fan of this and a big proponent of of it, but I mean it's up to this board if we want to include it back, but it becomes we would not be owners of the building because it's not on our land. then that becomes the legality side of it and that's where the has that's where that's where the hiccup has been in the discussion but I agree I think it'd be great um if you start looking at comparing it to the capacity of things this is where I think does it behoove us or not
096this just question I'll pose $50 million to increase what by 200 capacity it would double it from 200 roughly to 400 students in high school arena and so is that a cost benefit of something we want to embark on? That becomes the question I think open for discussion that we should debate. There's a lot of logistics of you know having this having this um cooperative high school is awesome for our students. So I don't want it to go away but it becomes the issue for this board to consider. Is is that the best trade-off in the best interest of the district? $50 million for an increase of 200 high school very specialized capacity. And I think that's the I think that's the discussion. I value the program. I'm grateful for the opportunities that they give
097our students. We have phenomenal staff that work there. But when you're considering this list, I think I think that's something we have to consider too. >> Mr. Hold. Well, and as a former assistant principal admin early college high school, um, you know, I just think we have to make sure we are staying within all the guidelines, too. We have Okay. Um, you know, we have to stay within all our guidelines. I don't know exactly. I don't remember what the guidelines are on on maximum capacity for we'd also have to work with UNCW on maximum capacity. I don't know if there are maxing capacity. I think there used to be that there may not. I remember there was a minimum capacity, but I don't remember a maximum one unless anyone else does. >> Well, 100 was
098the minimum. And of course, we have more than one early cooperative high school option as well. >> I think one of the other challenges is that Isaac Bur students use that building for only two years, not all four. And that is a complexity with that as well. Now, I have met with Chancellor Votty twice. We sort of have three large topics that we continue to kind of cycle around and that is Isaac Bear, DC Virgo and uh Tras Coliseum. So we are making conversation about what the best options are. I am concerned about us bearing 100% of the cost for that building though. >> Yeah. >> And I think that's the part where I kind of get stuck. M >> Justice. >> All right. Um the committee under what purview is this committee? Is it
099involving I'm sure probably involves parents but also board members and and staff. I what I I hate to say this. This is the first I have heard of this committee and I like more information. Um there's some pretty powerful parents as far as abilities and I know that they ask for help constantly. I'm not sure what our role is in that and I would just like more information because there's a lot of funding sources in a lot of different ways but if you got a committee then they're working on it and I don't know what they're working on so I would like more information about that. >> Are you talking about the ad hoc the finance scaff >> Isaac Bear right now under the ad hoc fina bear ad hoc committee specifically just for that
100Dr. Morgan's on it. When was this put together? And why why don't I know about it? >> Three months ago, four months ago. >> I I don't you know, this is the kind of thing we need to It's always a problem in life communication, >> but this is the absolute first I've heard about it. >> Is not Commissioner Walker on it? >> Am I am I allowed to speak? >> Dr. Morgan. So, one thing that might help is when board when the ad hoc committee was formed there and I'm I'm going to throw myself under the bus because I've already talked to other board members about it. I was under the impression that we were trying to pull things together, see where we stand with Isa. >> What I found out quickly was we've got
101everything ready to go except money. So I talked to the board members on the finance committee and said I I'm not really sure what the next step would be. >> We've got plans and this was based on u Mr. Balines the principal. >> He was like Rob we I'll give you everything we got. >> We've got design. And so that was one reason I included that that packet the advanced planning packet because that was something that I had not seen until I started until I reached out and started having that conversation with people. If you look at that packet, you'll see exactly how far along they were. And you may already know, but it was news to me. And and so for what it's worth, the at that point, I think the conversation for my
102involvement, it became a conversation more about talking to people at UNCW to find out if they were on the same page. They're on the same page. We just need money. >> But see, that's not the that's not what I'm referring to. I'm talking about there's a committee with board members that's on it or should be on it and having this discussion because even in 2019 and 20 I know that I was involved with I there to a certain extent and they had that information even then I'm trying to understand is why literally I had no idea we had a committee that is working on this that I just would like to know what's going on with it and why I did not know as a board member >> um where's where is it listed I
103mean I'm Sorry, I'm just trying to >> So, in the interest of time, because I know and I want to make sure you have your answers. I'm not trying to shut you down. I hope you know that we have about 7 minutes left. >> Um, would we be willing to add that to the agenda? >> That's a good for discussion. >> Good, good point. I I would second that if you need that or whatever. >> Okay, I will write that down um >> so that we can we can have that discussion then. Um, as far as next steps, what we're looking at is, um, at our, as I said in the beginning, um, let's do some digging, look through those papers more, um, ask the questions that we need to ask and, um, at our
104regular, next regular meeting, we will, this will be on the agenda for us to discuss and vote on our priorities so that we can then take those to the, um, commissioners. Yes sir. >> And I think if you guys dr agenda review committee agenda review meeting >> vote on this regular >> regularly. Thank you. >> But we can we will talk about it at agenda review, right? >> Um because we're talking about the agenda. >> We'll talk about the agenda but the actual vote is on at the regular meeting. Dr. Barnes, >> the county gave the school system five different scenarios for funding levels. Anywhere from aund 50 million to 500 million, correct? >> I think it's like 137. >> 137 all the way up to 500. >> I I think we need to recognize
105that this at its core is a good problem to have. $300 million is a significant amount of funding >> even for the next five to seven years, whether it's 10 years. >> So, I'm just really pleased that we're getting to have this sort of discourse and conversation because the need we've talked about the need for years and their responsiveness. I thought a $300 million ask because I even called the county commissioner this morning and I said, "Really? Cuz that seems like a lot." like are you sure that and and he said I feel confident this is this is the right number this is what our we can support and so I just want us walking out of here realizing that this is a good problem that we're having >> thank you >> all right so
106with that being said I will entertain a motion to adjurnn >> second right uh any discussion hearing none all those in favor signify by saying I any opposed >> yep >> that pances is five to zero. 5 to one. We are a journey. >> He always does every single time. >> He He's missing the six and seven hour meetings. That's what he's saying. >> Never miss those. Those good Lord almighty. I swear those people are crazy. [Music]