001Good evening everybody. The Mer County Board of Education is in regular session. We had some earlier uh business and we are ready for our uh budget hearing. But first, we're going to have the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> So for the record, it is keep having to look at the date. It's May 26, 2026, and four board members are present. Uh, Miss uh, Smith is on a trip to Hawaii, I believe. So, I'm sure we're all jealous of that. So, uh, our purpose is to have the public budget hearing. So, I will turn this over to Lesie. >> Thank you very much. We distributed two
002documents. The first is a PowerPoint and that's where we would like to start. Um, as you know, we had a budget workshop several weeks ago and we did go over some of these at a very high level, at a preliminary level. What I'd like to do first is um on the first page, it is a personnel overview. And what I did was start with our certified list numbers that were submitted by Dr. Philip Pek in October and reconcile those to where we are now with the staffing changes. Those are broken up into blue and green professional and service staff. We net have an adjustment of 14 and a half professionals and 27.55 service reductions. Since our budget workshop, we did add two different items. We added speech language pathologist just three of those. Um and
003we added an English teacher for Bluefield Middle School. We also added an IT assistance that has not been approved yet, but that has been recommended of course by some many of us um who will bring that later should we do that. But that does reduce us to 703.5 professional and 497.47 47 service. Um that does still have us over 4.26 professional and 57.51 service from for state funded positions. That does not include grant-f funded positions. Those are just the state funded positions. We will be over 65.64 and 127.86 if you include those. But again, those are those are funded um by grants and really are not included in those documents um in the state aid formula. Our total headcount will be 1200 1200.97. Again, the driver of this um especially for those who may not
004have have heard the initial workshop, we lost 325 students from last fiscal year to this fiscal year. um which resulted in a in a little over a $ three and a half million dollar cut in state aid due to our enrollment drop. Um next page is just an overview of our revenue and I'll turn that over to Jordan Angel. So at this point in our um budget planning we are anticipating about $128.7 million in true revenue coming in. Um and of that there's obviously various sources. Um we are expecting 14.8 million in our regular levy, 17.8 million in our excess levy. Those are the same throughout the full five years of the levy. Um with our state aid, uh we've received a comp of 53.3 million with a charter school allocation of 917,000. That charter
005school allocation comes directly off the top of our state aid. So we will only be receiving 52.3 million out of that 53.3 million there. Um of our different funds we are anticipating um 91.8 million in fund 11 which is our general fund. Fund 12 is the 17.8 million in excess levy. Fund 51 right now we have budgeted a million dollars in um interest revenue from the investments that we have through the state department. that will also be the fund where any of our SBA projects um that we get in the fall whenever we receive um those grants. That's where those will be. But since we don't have those completely finalized and exact numbers yet, we didn't include those yet. Um and then fund 61, we're anticipating about $18 million. Um those are federal and state
006grants. most of our federal grants um we do have a preliminary comp on um one of our bigger ones IDA which is a special education we are still waiting um to receive um a comp on that to know how much we're getting. So for any of those that we don't have an exact number yet we just budgeted um enough to cover the salaries and then that way anything else we can always do an adjustment later when we get those actual comps. um most of those budgets in GPS don't become available until after June 1st. So that's why we just have to budget enough for salaries at this point since our budgets are due by the end of May. So basically we back into that total. We we know what our employees are. Um Dr. Atkins
007and um Miss Huddle provide us all of the employees. So basically we budget the employee cost. Now, for for title, we did budget some of the um same some of the expenses, but in essence, we budget those to net until we actually receive the final. For our expenses, as you know, and Mr. Prudish always says, our biggest expense are salaries and fixed costs. We have $104.5 million budgeted for that. Utilities and transportation, we increased those 3%. Um fuel we increased primarily 5%. Learning resources. I've lumped several of these together. This is primarily IT related. Um onetoone devices. Mr. Murphy met with um Miss Mitchell and Dr. Atkins and their teams came up with a about $2.6 million in expenses that they foresee for next year. The other expenses are just miscellaneous general expenses um miscellaneous
008supplies that we all we code to 611. So those expenses are included in that building and buildings and maintenance which is a typo. I'm sorry that I just saw that. Um $3.3 million for buildings and our maintenance expense. Child nutrition is $4.6 million in expense. Our total child nutrition budget um Jordan made sure to point out is is over $8 million, but those salaries are included in that top line in salaries and fixed costs. So just for food cost and equipment is uh four 4.6 million and then the remainder of miscellaneous expenses are 7.7. The next is just a graphic to help demonstrate where our expenses are allocated. that helps um really explain in in more detail that salaries and fixed costs are about 81% of our expenditures. I did also want to mention that
009child nutrition does have you know a major budget and impact on our overall budget designated funds. Um in our workshop I pointed out that we had about $3 million after all of these expenses were budgeted. We had about $3 million and we made recommendations in this budget. 1.25 million will be moved into fund 51 and that is for capital projects in in in particular because we know the next project is a new Straley Mercer school. We estimated that over the next four years we need about another 1.25 million to build up to our matching percentage should we get the SBA funding for that project. We presented at the workshop a list of projects by the schools. $1.2 million in this budget is allocated for the priority one projects that were discussed at the workshop. Some
010of those are minor as you recall. Some of them, you know, included guttering, some sidewalk repairs, those types of things. Um, a couple of restroom projects. Um, Mr. Atkins has already started on the Melrose project, for example, ordered that so he can get his crew on the Melrose restrooms for this summer. We also allocated $250,000 for furniture and primarily our secondary schools. We have a significant amount of surplus as we discussed at at Spanishburg that um Lindsay, now Lucas, is going to be distributing, cleaning, and getting those distributed to our elementary schools. We allocated $250,000 for playground improvements for Glennwood and and Oakville and $300,000 is just um what is left for for incidental repairs such as air conditioners that go out that we we aren't necessarily um planning etc. And just a few things
011as you know personnel and fixed costs are our biggest expense. I feel very strongly that this is a good um solid budget. It is balanced as you see and we did include the contingency that is recommended from the state as well and that is primarily an overview. We also included an actual budget from Weeus. So you will see that those totals it I know it's complicated. It's a little bit hard to understand, but these are the the individual budgeted items that we will be submitting to the state should you approve this budget. This is kind of a reiteration >> other than the headcount the additions >> where >> it's in our salaries and fixed costs. >> Yes, >> we're obligated to it regardless. >> Yes. PIA, our PIA allocation that we re receive from the
012state. All of those are specific allocations in our comps that we receive from the state and that's included in our salary and fixed cost. Do do you ever see that going down? I mean, is it is it is it headcount dependent on a regular basis? Because I know OPED's been around for a long time. I pres I pres me and some associates presented an option for them and they thought it was a little um morbid but set up a welfare benefit trust and take care of it that way. Okay. So we're we're stuck with that regardless. >> Yes, sir. So you said 3% increase for utilities. You satisfied that's going to be enough? >> That was the recommendation from the state. Um we we if it exceeds we have contingency that we can move over
013to cover that. >> And how much is when you add the 1.25 for the future capital projects excluding what we're spending for MCT. How much is in that fund? >> About five million right now. that that is not designated for MCT. >> So you're trying to get to about 10. >> Yes. >> For the state for school boarding school building authority. >> Yes. That's how I came up with the 1.25 is an additional 10 with the five. >> Gotcha. I just I was trying to do the math in my head and it seemed to work that way, but I wanted to make sure. >> So the list of priority one projects that we approved at the last meeting, that's what this 1.21 21. >> Yes. Yes. That was basically we were looking at some of
014the top ones, but we had enough funds to cover all the way down to that level one. So, we just went ahead and and allocated that. >> Are you satisfied that 30K is sufficient for unexpected? >> What say you 300, >> Tom? >> 300K. That's enough. >> And we still have some in the 3.2 million. There's still some for um contractors and building, you know, repairs as well. We we budgeted off of what we've spent this year. >> What's Do you know the the balance in the uh fund for capital and I always get the two confused. The one that's >> not for construction. >> I brought that If you don't know, it's fine. I just >> Looks like we budgeted a $4 million um carryover that will come from that will bring from this
015year into next year. >> Okay. So, we do have some wiggle room if we need if we have a Okay. Yes. >> All right. >> I just keep thinking about >> Bluefield Primary or Bluefield Intermediate and Princeton Primary and the what that costs. So, we got to have some money for those kind of things. >> Yes. And we do that. We do still have that Princeton primary project on our radar. We haven't begun that project yet either. >> Yeah. Okay. So, we do have a good bit of wiggle room then. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Ask Tom. What any update on the Sun Valley septic situation? >> No, I've sent multiple texts and um I've also sent an email this morning just trying to get an update from Thompson Linton and at this point in
016time I don't have one. I do know the perk test was they contractor came on site and did do the perk test but I don't have the results at this time. >> No sir. >> Well I can tell you he dug four holes and only two of them the water went anywhere so it doesn't look good. >> So best case scenario what we've got in this budget proposal is that going to take care of it or are we looking at we don't know. >> Yes it's budget. I mean, this this amount of money we've got >> put in here will finish the project. Is that what you're saying? Or is that's what we'll have to spend per test? >> If the perk test does not work, we will have to come up with about $800,000
017to put in a new septic system at Sun Valley. >> That's there. >> And wasn't that contingent on getting some permissions from adjacent properties? >> Yes. Yes. other questions on >> I've just got really it's not really a question but going on this designated funds page I really I applaud the efforts um because it's something that kind of the 1.2 2 million is something that I've as a former principal was a pet peeve of mine and I think that we've addressed that. The furniture and the playground improvements are also something I think we've needed for a long time. So I appreciate, you know, those efforts. However, going forward, we we'll always have some new principles and we'll always have uh people who are unenlightened is a term that I learned in college. You're not dumb,
018you're just unenlightened. But I think it's important that that uh going forward maybe that we explain these efforts to our principles at the high school and the elementary level so that they kind of know the guard rails of where this came from and how they get a piece of the pie. >> Okay. >> I think that's really important because if you don't do that then you get the fingerpointing, well they've got this and we don't have that. And I think that's important for the principles to know. >> We did meet at at the last administrator's meeting. We did discuss and explain that Glenwood and Oakfell had raised significant funds. Glenwood, as I mentioned, had raised $62,000 towards their playground. >> And and we actually will spend less because we got a 40% discount when we
019got the quote. So, um, Glennwood will will not use all that money. And again, Oakville had raised 16,000. No other schools had raised any funds towards their playgrounds. So, we did discuss that with the administrators and encourage them to to we will match. We're not doing this just solely out of the goodness of our heart. >> Well, um we're matching. >> I understand the matching, but keep in mind some communities have a lot more resources than other communities. >> Well, we did that with Oakville. They This was not a match with Oakville. >> No. Oakville had raised $16,000 and we gave them $85,000. So, um, we we did and and we will continue to do that. I completely understand and we'll continue to encourage that. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? And I'll just end
020with this comment and that is is that this was a really well done budget. was done with the input of the treasury, with the maintenance, with personnel, uh, special needs, it was put together in a in a very thoughtful, informative way. Uh, we got tons of information. It is a really solid budget with a lot of good thought put to it and and I want to commend all those that worked hard on it because it reflects a team effort and and that's that's great. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> We certainly appreciate the help from from those other departments as well. >> Okay. So, that'll end the budget hearing and we are going to take a three minute three minute three minute uh break because we've been going at it for a while and we
021probably need a little bit of a minute. >> So, we're going to take a recess. I can't. My belly feels like I don't think We are back from our recess. Uh thanks for everybody's patience if you're streaming. Uh and for people in the room, thanks for your patience. Uh so let's get on to the next part of our agenda, which is superintendent's opening in March. President Putage, I just wanted to uh let everybody know that the Mer County Schools retirement banquet was last Tuesday. This year we had a total of 27 retirees. And with that experience u is 607 years of service that uh with those 27 that retired, we had 10 that showed up to our banquet. And uh with those 10 was a large portion of that 607 was 130 or 173 years
022of service of that 607. So that was pretty a lot of years that left Mercer County schools. The Patriots pledge in the back is uh Miss Jenny Collus. And I personally want to thank Jenny for incredible this is the third year that we've done the Patriots pledge. We had 19 Mercer County students that were recognized and honored. Uh, Colonel Rocky Hodes was our guest speaker. We also had Robert Malice from the State Department came and he also passed out coins, the uh, common ground coins to all the um, all the new kids that registered for the service. Yes, sir. So, incredible. Tomorrow, U Dr. Philpek, Mrs. Amber Refe, Miss Emily Huddle has the happiness advantage uh, training for those that hadn't uh, attended before. So, thank you three for your leadership on bringing that incredible
023program to Mercer County Schools. Uh, also, uh, tomorrow at 4, uh, what we've done in the past is usually for before they go on their Argonaut trip, the Jason Argonaut trip, usually meet at one of the local restaurants with the parents and bring in uh, the former Argonauts. That group is getting rather large, as you can see, the former Argonauts to the right, but Mrs. Mitchell came up with the idea that we'll bring them over here. uh she is doing some things personally to uh uh put together for those kids and uh we're going to meet with the parents and just because they go on a trip pretty soon and you see that um is June 21st and 27th just to get everything finalized if they I think they have a very early flight that
024um 21st morning. So we get everything all set up for them on um Thursday, the Jason Core meeting and we have a solid group that's working with that is here at the tech center here at the seminar center and we're working to hopefully I know Mr. Hodgees said before how can we change to be from emerging school. We're hoping that uh soon we can get the honory of being an empowering STEM district. And there's only one other school district and that's Noble County Schools out of Ohio that's a empowering school district in the nation. And we're going to try to see if we can get to that. Also, this Friday, um we got all four high school graduations. They are all at six o'clock and um we've got those assignments and um >> you got
025parking spaces for board members. >> I think they got you everybody taken care of. Yes, sir. >> I think and you're at Pike View. Yes, sir. Right. Yes, sir. So, we'll have that. And u and with that uh you know, I don't know u a little over 10 days ago, we lost two students. And I don't know if a moment of silence would be uh for them that we lost those two students 10 >> 10 days ago. If you think so, Mr. Pich, I just think that'd be appropriate. and what our schools did in the terrible tragedy and just uh how the communities come together and just any way we can give our our kids and that family and support and I just wanted to share that with you. We'll just take a moment and
026>> in honor of those two young men. >> Okay. >> Thank you. That is it, sir. >> Thank you. >> All right. 2322. >> 2322. I do have Mr. Russ Russell Lipcott the tennis director. Uh you guys approved him. They do that annually along annually along with the treasur but he is uh so uh graciously coming to give you an update on the graduation uh tennis rate all those certain requirements there. I want to document it in our minutes and uh he said he would uh be here this evening. So thank you sir. >> Yes sir. Uh in front of you I've laid out two different small packets here. here. The first one on the year-to-ate chronic absent report, I did a little different than what I had previously because I wanted you guys to
027see uh data from beginning of the year to the end of the year versus monthto month. Um because this is obviously the the accountability measure that we're graded upon. So, as you can see for and this also has excluded our prek population because we are not uh held accountable for prek. Uh so for this current school year live data we're setting at around 15.5% 15.15%. Which is well below the uh expectation for the goal that we set as a as a 10% improvement which would have been a two percentage point improvement. Uh so um definitely ahead of schedule there. I anticipate that to even slightly decrease once the state takes their aotment out as far as um certain excuses go in FA students that do not meet 135day requirement. So um that second page obviously
028is just a further breakdown of those students um similar to the one that you guys were provided last month at 15.16 is what their statistical data showed. Mine showed 15.15. So I feel very confident in what I came up with being right there neck andneck with them. Uh the third page that you see there is >> stop. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> How do you define needs attention? >> Um that is a criteria that the state actually defines. It's anything that's not quite at the 10% mark. So it could be anything above five. So it's like five to 9% chronically absent. So that's their definition. All right. Uh your third page there is a year-to-year um showing of our past chronic absenteeism rates versus what we're currently sitting at this year. Um that 25% once the
029state made their adjustments obviously come down to around 20.8 uh which is what we were uh accountable for. So there was about a four to 5% adjustment there. Again, I don't think that will be quite as low, but I still think our adjustment will come down another probably 2%, one and a half percent. >> 2425 you're speaking of. >> Yes. So, the 25 was prior to the FAW, prior to them excluding any of the other absences like suspensions and things of that nature. So, once they did that, we I think finished around 20.8% 8% for the year and the goal was at 18 and we're currently sitting at 15 before exclusion. And then the last one is just a breakdown for you all to see in regards to grade level and how that breaks out
030through prek all the way through 12. Again, prek I could not take from this chart, but we are not held accountable in that regard because they do not meet compulsory school law requirements. And then on your last 11 by 17, that's just a virtual breakdown. I wanted you guys to see where we were at last year per school. Uh and then where we're at this year for school, which all equates to that 15.15% uh to the 160day mark. That is again I think is exceeding our expectation of where we even thought we would be ourselves. But again, I think we're, like I said, ahead of schedule track um compared to what I thought we would be. 16% was what I was kind of shooting for and we're kind of slightly below that right now. I
031find it interesting that the ninth grade has a course attendance. >> Well, and I do too. And if you happen to notice, if you look at our sixth grade and our ninth grade, both of them are high. We've already kind of looked at some of this data, I'm trying to take some things into consideration. We're um currently, and we did this last year as well, we're polling or sending out a survey to our fifth grade teachers and to our ninth eighth grade counselors asking about students who may have difficulty transitioning into the new setting. Uh that we can make our school aware of and our support staff aware of some of those kids who may struggle with attendance, academics, etc. kind of in advance so we can have plans in place to work with those
032students once we've kind of noticed this data trend like you've like you said >> when you look at school year you're on the some of it's really impressive. >> Yes. >> U I mean when they're already low it's hard to go whole lot lower but but when they're when they're >> higher and then all of a sudden you're seeing a 30% drop. >> Yeah. >> That's pretty impressive. >> Yeah. Yeah, I think we we've discovered a lot obviously in this year as far as how things were being coded. I mean, there's still room for improvement there. I think uh we've definitely got some things we can still get cleaned up, but yeah, there's definitely been a lot of gains for sure. And we've got for students, we've got what 15 days >> is the last
033day, so soon to be >> about 15 days left. Uh yeah, I think we're at 16 something like that. >> 163 right now, something like that. >> Okay. So, so you could still see students that are chronically absent right now actually if they don't miss could drop out of the chronic off of that. Yeah. And we could obviously have the >> the spectrum. >> We're at the end of the year, so the opposite could happen. >> Yes. 10th month usually predominantly difficult for us. Um, but even with this, I wanted you guys to see even and I hope not. We're going to try not to have a bad month, but even if we was to happen to have a bad month, I still think success we're we're successful in what we set out to accomplish
034this year. >> Russ, you're to be commended on on the number that you hit. >> Well, and don't take this, but that's that's what you're doing this year. Do you have plans for any changes? obstacles that you need help overcoming what moving forward into the next year can can we not necessarily you know but what what's the plan >> yeah to do better >> well and I think a lot of it obviously is data analysis we have to look at it and see where our biggest problems are grade levels that they are we're already kind of starting to implement some certain things with certain grade levels uh that I think will pay off to be beneficial because transitional years seem to be our biggest jumps And I think we all get that. Moving from elementary
035to middle, that's a big change. Middle to high, that's another big change. Kindergarten is a big change. Sickness, a lot of different things. So, yeah, you know, we're going to look at this and try to what can we plan over the summer to make sure that we're having a long-term effect, not just a year, a yearly impact or a one-year impact. >> Walk me through this, please. You've got I was in school today, graduating senior 44 days. >> A graduating senior miss 44 days. Okay. >> And I made the comment what is what's being done? >> Well answer and I'm not picking on you. >> Sure. >> But I understand what what triggers taking taking action whether it be intervention whether it be a phone call a whole visit contacting the legal system. What what
036triggers that? Well, and that's the difficult part of whether or not they're when you say legal system, are they 44 excused or 44 unexcused or split down the middle? Because I can only get involved legally if they're unexcused absences. That's the difficult thing about chronic absenteeism. If they have a bunch of doctor's excuses and parental notes and things of that nature, it does make it very difficult. However, that doesn't mean we just throw our hands up. That's where it's important that our student support staff gets involved with the student, has meetings with the student, meets with the family, and if that's unsuccessful, obviously call myself or Miss Brown in to do home visits and further uh conferences as well. 44 days, um I mean that's excessive. It really is. Um but we've seen that traditionally
037with senior itis is what I call it. I mean it's it's very difficult kids getting to a certain point. And I think also that's where scheduling comes into place. We got to make sure we're scheduling our kids second halfs of the year, beginning of the year for classes that they still need instead of like hopefully not frontloading anything. So there's some things there that we can walk through and work through to make sure that the kids are still in setting and involved with something that they need other than just things that they electives. You know, >> I'm not trying to be >> No, you're good. >> You said we can do. >> Okay, let's let's talk a little bit about what when how you assess that that student. >> What do you do at the
038school level? You go to the counselors or the principal, how do you how do you get that kid? >> Yeah. >> On a regular to make sure they're getting their >> course >> and what else are you going to do after that? >> Yeah. So obviously we have to rely heavily on our counselors and people that that as far as scheduling goes, but we still meet. Miss Brown works most of my high schools. Uh she works all of my high schools. We still pull we have a list of students like we've always had that we keep a running tab on. We'll pull these kids in, have conferences with them. The schools usually do that with their student support staff. Miss Brown's very good about going out and doing that as well. um we try to
039keep running notes on these students to address whatever barriers is affecting their attendance. Sometimes unfortunately it's not always a barrier. It's by choice. Uh and then we have to overcome the parental situation of supporting either that choice or if they don't then they become unexcused and then we can address them legally. So it's always a fine balance. I'll be honest with you. It really is of is the parents in support of us being involved or are they looking at it as a situation when my kid is missing days but it it's not that big a deal because they don't need this, you know. So, it's always up to us to present it that it's still v valuable and valuable for your student to be there regardless even if it is an elective uh and the
040things that they are missing out on. So it it's something that we're constantly battling, but we do take it. And again, I don't look at it as you picking or saying anything. I mean, it's it's real. That's what it is, and that's what we fight every day. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Anybody else? Any other questions? >> Thank you, Russell. Yes, sir. >> Very important. >> Dr. Atkins, anything uh you want to go next? >> Yes, sir. Just have a couple of things here for um 2322 that schools are finishing up mostly makeups this week for GSA. Um you know that is live data and we're watching that closely. Of course the live data doesn't exclude non-ontinuously enrolled students. It doesn't take into account any alternate assessment students and things like that. We are scheduling
041over the next couple of weeks our principal and supervisory evaluations and that is at the central office level. and then of course um with the directors and supervisors and then our building level principles. And then I did want to share that on the next board agenda we will have the staff uh to be approved for our summer learning. There will be two sites again this year. one at Princeton Primary School that will service the Princeton side of the county including um to Sun Valley to Lashmate and then we'll have one at Bluefield Primary from Montcom back to Bluefield. Um as we've done the last several years, regional bus transportation will be provided. Um these are near to full day programs. Uh breakfast and lunch will be provided and it is um a third grade success
042act requirement. uh qualifying students are invited and this year we're expanding it beyond just the students that have a third grade success act improvement plan but any student that's below grade level that can commit to um we have two full weeks in July 13 through 17 and July 20 through 24 at both sites. So we will have the principles, teachers and uh all relevant staff on we hope to have them on the the June 8th meeting. Also this summer, we're going to have an additional summer program during that first week, July 13 through 17th at Bluefield Intermediate School as part of their CSI designation. That will be um for students in third, fourth, and fifth grade. Um the students at Bluefield Primary and Princeton Primary are K through third. So if any other third graders
043um that did not meet the qualifications for the program at Bluefield Primary, they can go to Bluefield Intermediate. So we hope to have that also on the next board meeting. >> That's questions. >> Thank you. Dr. >> When do you Ernie, when do you expect to get your u EOI numbers? >> That that is a good question. I Ready just I assume you're referring to I Ready. We just finished up kindergarten last week. So, we'll have that next board meeting. >> And the states in the in the third grade success, they set forth criteria, but then they had a laundry list of what the exclusions or exceptions could be. Um, you're talk referring to retention. >> Yes. >> The third grade success act retentions do start next year in the 2627 school year. Um, those
044students have been under that success act since kindergarten. Right. So, that's the uh the first cohort. And yes, there are a lot of exemptions that was uh added to our promotion policy that's on comment now, but those are from the state. And we did send a letter home to every second grade parent um this year explaining all second grade parents, not just the ones with plans. And of course, that is has been explained throughout the last three years with those families as well. >> So they're being advised now where their where their child is in the process. Correct. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay, >> Mrs. Mitchell, >> I'm kind of a copycat to Dr. Atkins because um we are in secondary also scheduling our end of the year evaluations with our principles and our central
045office staff. Um we are um trying to finish up things for the seniors so that when they leave Friday, they're good to go. and the ones that need to um repeat any classes for them to be fully graduated, we are going to start those um summer school classes for them next week. Um the proximity that we use, we are running from June 22nd to August 14th for our kids all the way through 11th grade. But the 12th grade that some of those that have to take a class in order to be able to officially be a graduate. Um we're going to there's rolling starts to this. So we're going to go ahead and start them early. Um Miss Collus, Miss Alith, Miss um Harrison and I have been working with Ken Lester to get everything
046in place for that. Um it's the same charge as it was last year. It's $99 per credit per half credit. We do full credits and we're doing recovery credit recovery only this year. We're not doing um the state has put that out there where you can have it for enrichment or advancement but um we're funding it for the credit recovery. Um we are also like Dr. Atkins finishing up with makeup testing. We have still been doing some makeup testing for benchmarks under mastery prep with the high school students. They had some situations where they weren't completely finished. So I don't have a good analysis of that. I can tell you that with the middle schools, we've seen better student achievement, fewer atrisisk students, and an increased proficiency in both their LEA and math. Um we
047are seeing academic progress in middle school and specifically we had significant growth um in both Glennwood schools and Montcom Middle School. Um they have there are now the high growth level which is the acceleration stage. Um every one of our schools is showing growth at different stages but we did we did have Bluefield is in early transition. Princeton is in a developing growth stage. White View is sustained where they are. And then the high growth is in both Glenwood and Montcom. Um Amy has done a phenomenal job of keeping up with all that. She um takes care of the analysis. She's been with us on any of the calls that we've done with whether it be for I Ready or Mastery Prep or now the EXL. And we did get that put into place so
048that we do have diagnostic for next year. um that will be significantly less expensive for the county than what we were paying with Mastery Prep. Um so we think we've got some good things going on. We'll have more detailed information to share as we finish up in the next couple of weeks. And for our um Jason learning conference, we do have 11 um employees signed up. We originally thought we were taking 10, but we had another one that asked if they could go, so we have included them. Um it's pretty much where we are. >> The um proximity >> $99 expense. I know in in in past years it's been waved so to speak. >> We we pay that. >> Okay. So >> the students do not have to pay. Yes. That's budgeted. We worked
049with Miss Wellman on that and it was budgeted for us to be recovered. >> Do you have a a preliminary headcount for now? I don't know that we do yet. Do >> we? >> Finish exams. >> We are going to hold orientation like June 22nd, that very first day, because it will be up until that point that they'll be getting grades in and be able to the counselors have them to see where all the students are, make sure they've all passed. So since it's a proximity program, all the kids that are checking out now, well, they're seniors, you know, right now they're turning in their laptops. If they need laptops to to get caught up so they can graduate, >> keep their laptops know that if theyap, >> the schools know which students need them,
050and so they'll just keep them signed out to them until they finish and they can actually start as early as next week. I think June 2nd is the first date that that proximity starts. >> And since it's half class credit, you're talking >> I didn't think so. >> Okay. So they can they can credit recover one class. >> She's she's saying one thing, you're nodding your head on something else. So So what is it? If I if I finish up the year and I'm I'm nasty in two classes, can I and I'm I'm failing two classes, can I take summer school and um recover those two those two classes? >> We have it planned for the students to take one class this summer because we do have credit recovery during the school year within the
051school day that that they can do. So the intent is to mainly get the seniors taken care of so that they all do receive their diplomas and then you know allowing that extra credit to be attained by the ones that need a credit recovery. >> And I understand it is to regain or recover the class credit not a grade to become sports eligible. >> That's correct. This is for credit recovery. >> That's all. >> Anything else? Any other directors have anything under 2322? No. Thank you. >> All right, you're finished. All right, we'll move on to our business portion of our meeting. Approval of the minutes of May 11, May 14th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? >> Motion and a second. Are there any additions, corrections, or deletions
052to the minutes? >> There appearing to be none. On the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. I oppose. Likewise. That motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. Under old business. Board memo number 261 is a second reading of policy G41. Employee right to record meetings involving disciplinary disciplinary or performance. The superintendent recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? >> Second reading. Yeah, this is all business. I'm sorry, sir. Okay, there's a motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Uh, yes, sir. When we put it out for for public reading and you come back and and I notice we've got a sheet where there was response. What's done with that before we go ahead and move forward? Anything? >> Well, it's for us. It's for our for
053our consideration. We're the ones that passed the the policy. So I know what you just I heard what you just said. Should have asked the question. Okay. >> That's that's for for our benefit. So if we want to make changes based on the comments, we can. That's the purpose. >> Before passing. >> That's what I thought. Okay. >> All right. So there's a >> Go ahead. >> But we didn't get to see this until a day or two ago. >> Well, but that's but but That's why we meet in the public and act in the public. The purpose of it is to so you're informed and then you go into the meeting and if you want to make changes, you do that at the meeting. That's the open meetings act. That's what we do this
054way. >> I understand that part, Greg. >> Okay. >> All right. >> I'll shut up. >> Oh, you say what you need to say. >> Not a problem. >> All right. There's a motion and a second. Anything else? Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Opposed. Likewise. >> Opposed. >> That motion carries. Three in favor and one opposed. Board memo number 383 is second reading of policy KO8, advertising, solicitation, and fundraising in schools. Superintendent recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve? >> Move to approve. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> A motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? I know there's a comment in there and and I know that Carl mentioned it last time. I don't read it the way he reads it. I
055don't think it interferes at all with his ability to talk to non uh association members. I think he it specifically says he can. >> Is that the way it was before or did we change that? >> Everything is uh in the policy that you guys went through the workshop and we even went through and verbatim tried to get everything in there that you guys mentioned during the workshop. Mr. So then I agree with what Greg said. It seems like it covers it. >> I I think that it it does allow him to to communicate with with non-association members. >> I read it >> pretty freely myself. I mean I I think it does. >> I mean designated times no no different than a a member. >> Well, right. Nobody and he's not going to interfere
056with anybody's instructional time or assigned duties because he's not going to I mean I know him enough to know he's not going to do that. That's really the limitation. >> So >> I really thought that when he was making the comments, it was on our very first reading rather than >> he puts a comment on this policy. So >> Okay. >> I I think he just reads it differently than I do. I just don't view it the way he does. >> Anything else then on the motion? All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Oppose. Likewise. >> The motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. Board amendment number J. I'm sorry. 384 is a second reading of policy J22, staff and wellness. Superintendent recommends approval. There were no comments. Is there a motion
057to approve? >> So move. >> Is there a second? Second. >> There's a motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? There appearing to be none on the motion. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Opposed? Likewise. That motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. Last old business is second reading of it's board member number 381 which is a second reading of policy KO5 family engagement policy. Uh there were no comments and the superintendent recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve? >> Move we approve. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> A motion and a second. Questions, comments or discussion? There appearing to be none on the motion. All in favor signify by saying I. I oppose. Likewise. >> That motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. Let's move
058on to the consent agenda. All right. Thanks for reminding me earlier. I won't call for a vote now until we get to the end. >> Sorry. >> You know how I can get sometimes. All right. So, policy 429 is student placement from Rad Radford University. They're requesting placement of a student to complete a 12-week placement during the fall of 26. They will be supervised by Kathy Lincolnis. Placements are contingent upon completion of forms, background check, and site supervisor. Superent recommends approval. Board memo number 430 is the placement of student from West Virginia State University uh to be placed in Merch County Schools to complete 50 hours uh for multiple courses, actually 50 hours plus 50 hours during the s summer 2026 semester. Placement is contingent upon forms, acceptable background check, and site supervisor. Superintendent recommends
059approval. Board memo number 431 is the credit recovery summer courses through Southern Educational Services. Merch County Schools is seeking approval to provide credit recovery courses for grades 6 through 12 from June 226 to August 1426. Cost is $99 per half credit uh plus a cooperative administrative fee. The total last year was $36,7920. We do not have the exact headcount at the time, but the estimated cost is a similar. The superintendent recommends approval. Board memo number 432 is RFP 352 walk-in cooler. Uh Princeton Middle needs a new walk-in cooler. Uh so an RFP was sent out advertised in two newspapers. We received responses from Hooton Equipment and Southern Air. Uh after ranking them uh and considering uh in consideration of the rankings, the total cost for the cooler freezer is 65,66756. Uh, superintendent recommends the purchase
060and installation of the walk-in cooler freezer at Princeton High School by Hooten Equipment at Charleston, West Virginia in that amount. Child Nutrition funds this project. >> It says Princeton Middle in one place and I think Princeton High in another. Did I read it wrong or >> No, you're correct. Two two spots up above the points and then below it says Princ. >> Tom, is it Princeton Middle or Princon High on the cooler? >> Princon Middle. >> Okay. Thank you. Yes, sir. >> I thought it was, but it says for high in a later spot. So, that that will be for Princeton Middle. All right. Board a memo number 433 is a payment of invoices which you have in front of you. Checks have actually been written and are being held in consideration of the treasury.
061Uh checks will be issued to vendors upon board approval. Board memo number 440 or 430 434 is the PCR transactions which you have in front of you. Superintendent recommends approval. That is the end of the consent agenda. Are there questions, comments, discussion on the consent agenda? >> Board memo 431. Rosemary, that's where I why I asked. It specifically says the cost be $99 per half credit, but you're saying we're not doing half credit, >> right? That's what they charge for half credit. They charge $99, but our county. >> So, we're doing $198. >> Yes. >> Okay. That's the only question I have. Anybody else? >> Uh, yes. On on the coolers, what's the timeline? Probably >> after this is approved. >> Open business this fall. >> They promise. >> We're not going to have igloos
062and >> Okay. Anything else on the consent agenda? Is there a motion to approve? >> Move to approve. >> Is there a second? Motion and a second. Any further discussion? There appearing to be none on the motion. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Opposed. Likewise. That motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. times two. >> The next action item on the agenda is board memo number 435, which is a memorandum of understanding with the city of Bluefield for the DARE program. We have been working with the city of Bluefield and drafted this for the 26 27th school year. The city will uh provide a certified uh school resource officer to serve Bluefield Primary, Bluefield Intermediate, and Bluefield Middle and provide DARE instruction and related programming. They will also perform duties consistent
063with West Virginia law, including maintaining school safety, mentoring students uh and serving as a resource on substance abuse prevention and safety. Uh they will not be responsible for routine school discipline matters. The officer will remain an employee of the city and under the supervision of the Bluefield Police Department uh while collaborating with school administrators. Uh the board will provide the city with 30,000 annually to support the program and both parties will maintain applicable liability coverage. Uh the agreement may be renewed annually and may be terminated by either party with 30 days written notice. Uh this is funded out of the excess levy. Superintendent recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second. Sorry, I'm putting it in the wrong place. Discussion. >>
064I was just wondering what's the 30,000 go to? It'll go towards salary. >> Towards salary. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we're essentially taking a law enforcement officer off the street. >> Will they add another person because the way I read this, this person's already employed, is it not? Is she not? >> We're taking one of theirs that's gone through the service. >> The bot bottom line is they were going to offer the DARE program one way or another, whether it come out of their budget. So the term that we had to use is put this contract together, have our attorney look through it and put the contract together, but this gives us a person in there and we're helping them fund that DARE program. Also, >> it it the great thing about it is we get
065a school resource officer out of the deal basically and for less than what we're paying out. >> That helps. Even though it's covering three schools, they're it's a good program. We had legal go through all of it and was very comfortable with the um contract along with I think Mrs. Wellman looked at it first had some bullets that she put wanted to look through on it. I think uh all of us went through but I think it's uh satisfies that need for bluefield city and along with us also. >> Anything else? >> And speaking of budget, Mr. Wellman already has that budget correct. Yes. Thank you. Then on the motion, all in favor sign by saying I. >> I opposed. Likewise. Motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. >> None. None opposed. >> None
066opposed. I'm sorry. >> You can absolutely you can. Board amendment number 436 is playground equipment for school. We've gotten a quote from game time in the amount of 83,9831. the purchases may being made through a an omni partners cooperative purchasing which allows us to to uh get bids without competitive process if they're part of a competitive a cooperative. The superintendent recommends approval of the purchase and installation of the new playground equipment for Glenwood School. A combination of school and board funds were used for this purchase. Is there a motion to approve? >> Move we approve. >> Is there a second? You guys are slow on the motions and >> yeah, I know. I've been waiting and nobody goes. >> I sense that. >> Oh, I know. I know. Any discussion? >> Then on the motion,
067all in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Likewise. >> That motion carries forward in favor and none opposed. Board memo number 437 is a registar career advisor for MCT. So we want to have a register career advisor position here. Uh the successful applicant will coordinate and support student enrollment, registration, records management, and student services within the career and technical education setting. They're responsible for maintaining accurate records, attendance, transcripts, demographic data, state reporting requirements, county policies. They're also going to assist with academic and career planning, scheduling, graduation requirements, career paths, certifications, dual credit opportunity. You sure one person can do all this? >> Well, one person's doing it now. >> Yeah. Okay. The successful candidate will support student success by connecting students and families with appropriate resources and collaborating with instructors. Much needed. Superintendent
068recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> A motion. And there's a second. Any further questions or comments? >> Yeah, I all this stuff like you said kind of just now, all this stuff has to been done already. So, is it somebody is it you doing this? >> It's me. Yeah. That's me. >> She's doing it. Y. >> Yeah, that's me. Yeah, th those are those are my jobs. >> That's why you see your car parked out here at 7 o'clock in the evening. >> Okay. >> We have outgrown the ability for me and Mr. Simon to be counselors. Also, we have with the addition of dual credit and we're extended pathways, our new building, we have definitely outgrown our capability. >> It's a good problem to
069have, right? position we bring to you all. >> We understand that. Yes. >> Anything else? Then on the motion, all say favor signify by saying I opposed. Likewise, >> that motion carries four in favor and none opposed. >> Board memo number 438 is also MCTech. It is industrial sewing and digital design teacher. Uh we are seeking to approve a position for the tech for industrial sewing and digital design. They'll be responsible for high quality career technical education instruction aligned with state curriculum standards in industrial sewing digital design skills. Uh they'll develop lesson plans, monitor student progress, etc. This is a a um grant-based position. Is that correct? All right. So the superintendent recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second. >> Just quick
070fill in real quick for what this is all about, how it came about. >> We were approached by an individual um who was working with Carheart. Carheart is looking to create a high school program that would teach students how to sew and do digital design. that way they could grow their in America business versus outsourcing it. Um they had tried it in North Carolina, they've tried it in New York, different places. Uh but the state department referred them to us to try. So we have worked with Carheart, the Beninham Foundation, the state department and then um an individual named Reed Miller who is designing the program currently. When you expect it to be in operation >> August if you approve it. She's been working on it for about two years. >> So like any other
071employment opportunity, it's open to anybody um in the system now as well as outside opportunity. >> Absolutely. If they're qualified. >> Not many people are going to Yeah. >> have sewing capacity. But >> well, when I was reading the qualifications, I just Where are you gonna find such a person? >> We're going to try real hard. >> I I I do think that we have some individuals who are going to be interested. >> The state department is assisting with that. Um and I think Carheart is helping as well. >> Well, sometimes it's a well, >> they've actually gave us curriculum. Um it's called Isaac and it's an acronym AIC. They've actually given us that curriculum for whoever takes the position and then training. >> What about equipment for the job? >> So, we have $76,000
072that goes towards curriculum development and equipment and then they are sending us some of their not old equipment, but you know, they have a life cycle and it's it's cycled out. So, we'll get some of that equipment as well. >> So, where are we going to put them? currently. Um so we are losing a position as you guys know um in it. So the plan is to move esports into that room because it's much bigger and our esports program has outgrown that. So then this program would go where esports currently is >> be up on the second floor where Daniel is now. >> Yes. The issue will be getting the equipment up there with no lift for elevator but we're working on that too. Mr. Atkins, that lift that we bought, will that let us
073bring something through a window somewhere? >> No comment. >> We'll make it happen, sir. >> All right. >> Well, I know it's tough. When we were at Bluefield without an elevator, it I mean we got we sit and laugh about it, but it can be a real issue if you things to move and it it does dictate sometimes where logistically you have to put something. >> I was able to buy this year a high-capacity mobile stair climber. So if need be, we do have one of those that we can use to try to help support the backs of the maintenance crew. elevator is on the way. Just >> basically when we have boiler sections like at Staley when we were trying to rebuild that boiler, each section weighs about 900 lb, right? >> And getting
074it down the stairs enough just to get it in to rebuild it was proven quite difficult. So, Miss Wellman and I worked together and we were able to have the funds to buy that to hopefully help and we've used it about four different times already. >> Good. Anything else? Then on the motion, all in favor sign by saying I. I oppose. Likewise, that motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. Board memo number 439 is creation of a MCT task force. Let me get the right button here. to support the continued growth and improvement at MCTech. Uh to provide uh advice and input to the board of education concerning pending new construction and facility planning, expansion of vocational programs and career paths, development of partnerships with local business industries, apprenticeships and internships, opportunities for students,
075and general improvements to vocational educational program. It would serve as I said in an advisory capacity and provide informed recommendation and community based perspectives to assist the board in making decisions. Superintendent recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Is there a second? >> Motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion. Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. Likewise. >> Motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. Board memo number 440 is approval of the budget for the 2627 school year. Uh we went over it earlier and have been uh been provided information for the general current expense fund, special levy fund, permanent improvement fund, capital project fund, and special revenue fund. Superintendent recommends approval of 2627 school budget. Is there a motion to approve?
076>> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? There appearing to be you. Look. Okay. There appearing to be none. On the motion. All in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed. Likewise. That motion carries. Four in favor. The last action item on the agenda is board memo number 441 which is the personnel agenda. And you should have received a paper personnel agenda which included Dr. Philipac included what changes? positional professional side and um a resignation for an ECAT on the service side. So Haley Collins on service and Jill Teman on the itinerate principal position. >> We had a blank in the prior. >> Yes. >> What was handed out to you? There was a position. We just didn't have the name yet. >> Yes, sir. >> All
077right. Thank you. >> Start over. >> Yeah. So, she's going to the early learning center and the >> everybody else. >> Yeah. Early learning. >> Is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? There's a motion and a second. Any further discussion? And on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Oppose. Likewise, that motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. That's the end of the action items on the agenda. Mr. Tobin, >> I do not have uh anything else unless we have any administrative updates. Well, >> we do need an executive session. Yeah, I was ahead of you on that, but I want to get through this first. We'll need an executive session to discuss the purchase of real estate. >> Anybody any other updates, Mr. Mr. I'd
078just like to give a little update of the the issue we had last week at Montcom High School. Uh we've been aware of the the failing pump. Basically what happens we were having we were reaching high limits on our on our fan wall, not our fan wall, but our water loop that supplies our chiller with cold water. We were having to reset it often. Uh we ordered the pump probably eight weeks ago and it's a pump flange assembly with with multiple seals with inside the encased pump. Um, we were waiting. We we ordered it from Peerless out of Pittsburgh, but we had to go through a dealer which was um Precision Pump in Cross Lanes. Uh, Miss uh, Stone and I, Miss Mitchell, we had a meeting previous Thursday and we to we discussed the
079rising temperatures and what we were going to do to try to prevent and uh, alleviate some of the the issues and and there were uh, lots of concerns and while the upper the upper portion of the building did reach 80 plus degrees, uh, the bottom floor was was not completely unbearable. But um you know with the new addition of the windows we got two years ago um they could not be opened um not we generally if you've been to any of our new schools or any of our renovations and the state department does not recommend operable windows within the school. So um yeah that was a it was a slight issue. However I got up um Tuesday morning was at cross lanes at 6:30 picked up the new pump. Uh while we knew it wasn't
080a full pump, we thought we could we could hopefully make that pump work, uh we did have it working for a little while Tuesday evening and uh it it too kept cutting out the high limits and we didn't want to burn up the pump. So I told him to stop and we did bring in a specialist from Charleston and he helped us troubleshoot and get through it. Uh basically we had to rob the impeller which was the the portion that drove the water from the loop to the chiller and we changed the impeller out. uh we were lowering we lowered our amps and were able to make the pump work. So while it was less than ideal it it is alleviated and during this we also learned that we we do have two pumps now.
081We don't have a two pump system which is advised in the new schools but we have a one pump system with a spare pump that uh our specialist who helps us with our boilers and now hopefully uh chillers in the future but uh has ordered us seals for our new motor so we will have a spare in case it ever goes down again. >> Great. Great. Thank you. >> So, since we're doing orange frog, we'll end on an orange tonight. Um, so I wrote a grant for um another pays lab. We have one at Bluefield High that we implemented this year. So, we did receive funding for that for $69,875. So, we'll purchase another pays lab for another high school in our county. And then it will also help fund our grant positions to help
082our graduation rate and dropout rate for special education. >> Great. Love grants, man. >> Miss Harrison, do you want to share what information you were told today when we met with API? I think a lot of credit goes to you on this, so if you don't mind. >> Well, first, um, I survived testing season, my first one. Uh we ended uh the general summit of assessment on Friday and I want to give a shout out to all of the school testing coordinators and the principles who have done this for many years longer than I have. I learned so much from them. They were right there to help me. Uh and the folks in Charleston, I I've had a direct line to them and and bugged them to death. But I learned a whole lot and
083it went uh pretty smoothly. So I'm I'm happy for that. Uh we met with Aptigy today, you know, who handles our website, um social media, our all calls, all of that. And um Aptigy is in all 55 counties. They they handle all of our school systems websites uh and social media. And they said that we are third in the state for the amount of postings that we make. um all the good news that we get out there and uh that was a surprise. So that was exciting. >> That is great. >> Thank you and good job. Thank you. >> Anything else? >> Okay. So I need a motion to go or I'm I need a motion to go in executive session for the sole purpose of discussing the purchase of real estate. Is there a
084second? >> Second. >> There's a motion and a second. All in favor signify by saying I. I oppose. Likewise, that motion carries. Four in favor and none opposed. There are no other action items on the agenda tonight. When we come out of this executive session, we will be adjourning. We are back out of executive session. Uh, as promised, we have no other action items on the agenda. Mr. Hodges, move. >> Is there a second? Any objection? Good night, everyone.