001a screenshot of it. I got it. >> Okay. >> Ready? You're ready now. >> Okay. >> We are back from recess after our uh budget meeting this morning or this afternoon and we are ready to proceed forward with our business meeting. So, if everybody rise for the pledge of allegiance, please. 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 [snorts] all. >> Just a reminder, it is May 11th, 2026. The Mer County Board of Education is in regular session. It's just shortly after 600 at 602. All board members and the superintendent are present. Let's do our recognitions. Our favorite part of all board meetings. Okay, as Mr. Prudich said, it's always our favorite part
002of any board meeting to have the opportunity to recognize staff, students, or community members. Our first board recognized is 110% club for Angel Ellswick, and she is the school counselor at Timberwood Elementary School. >> [applause] >> Angel Ellswick, school counselor at Timberwood Elementary School, has been nominated by principal Sarah Gross for Mercer County School's 110% club. Angel is far more than an exceptional counselor. She is a source of hope, comfort, and strength for students and families during some of their most difficult moments. She listens without judgment, advocates tirelessly for children, and creates a school community where students feel seen, supported, and valued. One of the strongest examples of Angel's dedication is her leadership of Timberwood's adopt a wolf program. Through her efforts, 44 families received Christmas support this year, helping 155 students received clothing, shoes,
003coats, and toys, while 39 families were provided with complete holiday meals. Angel coordinated every step of the process, ensuring each family was treated with compassion and dignity. Her kindness and commitment continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of Timberwood students and families. Angel Ellswick, school counselor at Timberwood Elementary, but I do [clears throat] want I do want to thank you so much for doing the experts. Uh the things that talking about are not part of your job, but they're part of your heart, right? those kids. We really really appreciate that extra because it makes a difference in the lives of those children and we appreciate the effort that you make for county children every day. [applause] >> Our next 110% club uh awardee is Anita Mullis, ECAT aid at Timberwood Elementary School. She
004with us [applause] not here. We're going to move on to board recognized for certificate of achievements and this is for the 2026 Golden Horseshoe winners. The Golden Horseshoe test has been administered in West Virginia each year since 1931 and is the longest running program of its kind in any state. The top scoring students in each county received the prestigious award and are included as knights of the Golden Horseshoe Society. The Golden Horseshoe has become known as a symbol of scholastic achievement to honor students who excel in the study of West Virginia. Our first uh Golden Horseshoe winner is Emerson Brown from Montcom High School. And parents, you can come up and get a picture closer if you'd like. >> I got to tell you, you've never Maybe the hardest in the world as questions that
005you didn't even know were questions >> about. >> What was the hardest question? >> Got question. >> So tell us about the ice cream wall. I'm curious now. >> Well, I don't know. [laughter] >> Well, somebody's got to Google it, so we'll know, right? That's awesome. But she's been you earned this and we're so very proud of you. You are a part of an elite group of kids in West Virginia that and you should wear this proudly for the rest of your life. You know more about West Virginia and it's wonderful. Congratulations. [applause] >> We'll bring them up one at a time and then we'll do a we'll do a group picture. Is that what you want, Amy? >> Yes. Okay. Our next Golden Horseshoe winner is Bryson Mitchum from Montcom High School. CONGRATULATIONS. [applause]
006>> The ice cream wall. >> So, what's the ice cream? [laughter] I forgot it. >> That's all right. So, let me ask you the same question. What was the hardest question that you faced on that test? >> I don't know. >> I didn't [laughter] accept an elite West Virginia. You know more about the state than most people. You should always be proud of that. Okay. So, congratulations. Our [applause] next golden horseshoe winner is George Codle from Pike View [snorts] Middle School. [applause] [laughter] >> I didn't get that question. >> What is it? >> It's in the Lost World Caverns. It's a rock formation. >> Now you need to go on a field trip. >> She needs to go on a field trip to Lost Cabins. >> Wall A L. >> I thought there's an L.
007And I was like, what kind of law is there? [laughter] Okay, that makes sense. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I was I wasn't ready, was it? >> I gota ask you. What was the hardest question >> that you faced? >> It was the economics. There's 2012, 2013. The books really didn't cover that. >> That was not a fair question, was it? >> Yes. >> There you go. [laughter] You knew the rest. >> There you go. So, you should be proud of yourself. You're You are part of an elite crew at West Virginia. >> All right. A knife. That's right. A knife. Our next golden horseshoe winner is Allison Drenin from Princeton Middle School. [applause] That's perfect. >> All right, young lady. Can't ask you about the ice cream wall. [laughter] >> What was the What was
008the toughest question you faced? >> That's okay. >> It was hard, wasn't it? It was a tough test. You aced it. You're a night. You're very proud of yourself. We're proud of this four count. And a lot of kids took it. So, we need to give them a big round of applause. >> I've got to say something to that. I just I told her about lady that I replaced. I didn't replace her. But I got her seat on the board from Lu. Her name was was Kaufman. She was a teacher here in Princeton for a long long time. I grew up at a church that my parents and family and Miss Kaufman and Mr. Kaufman and my mom sung together in the choir. Do you know that when he was and he was a golden
009horseshoe winner? when he passed away, he had his symb he had his thing on his >> meant that much to him and he kept it all his life. So this is a lifetime achievement. >> It truly is. You all take care of be proud. That's right. >> Congratulations. [applause] Next, we're going to move to award for certificates of achievement for state science fair first place winners. The following students were first place winners at the state science fair held at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center in Charleston, West Virginia on May the 9th, 2026. Our first group is a team Kendall Needley, Aubrey Hunter, and Christopher Hatley from Oakville Elementary. [applause] All right, get up here in front. Turn around so everybody can get a good picture. Big smile. >> All right, so tell us about
010your project. >> How long will it take to be dumped? notebook. >> That sounds like a fun project. >> How long was it? [laughter] >> Well, it was a while. Our highest one was 24 point something. >> 24 minutes or 24. >> Yeah. >> Which one was that? >> Oh. Love. >> Which one does Which one was the quickest? >> Chewy. Chewy. >> Chewy chips. >> Really like this. Nice stripe there. >> Oh, that's a good deal. [laughter] >> Very proud. You did such a great job. Our next state science fair first place winner is Zoe Brown from Bluefield Middle School. In addition to being a state first place science fair winner, Zoe is the Thermoffisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge nominee. This is a premier STEM research competition aimed at sixth, seventh, and eighth grade
011students in the United States. It encourages young innovators to showcase their scientific research and problem solving skills. >> What was your project? >> Microbial fuel cells. You can take water and do from the ground and actually turn it into electricity. acid breaks down organic matter. We can actually harvest the electrodes it produces into a sulfate boat and turn it into electricity. >> That's impressive. >> You got plans on what you want to do? >> So, I want to go for three PhDs marine biology engineering with mathematics. After I take those three, my plan is to instantly roll into the marine biology coast after I graduate high school, which I'm on the coast to graduate about 16 years old. Once I do that, I'm going to be working for my PhD, marine biology post, which is
012my ultimate dream. I will most likely go to William and Mary College for my marine biology PhD while taking online courses for engineering and mathematics. I'm going for a PhD that actually pays you to get your degree. After I did that, I'm going to be working full-time as a marine biologist while working for my other two PhDs. After I do that, I'll be calculating mostly the trench trenches and density levels. I'm also going to be building my own subs in order to go down into the ocean, which requires about calculus 4 and 5, aka why I want the mathematics degree. I'm also going to be a professor at William Mary F mathematics after I get it to also teach the next generation how to do it while using it for my engineering calculations and my
013milling biology. >> WOW. [applause] >> WOW. I love it. >> I'm glad I retired. [laughter] >> That's not right. >> I don't know what I'm going to do next week. >> Our our next certificate of achievement is for state social studies fair first place winner. I'm not sure if either of these students are here, but I'll read this. Natalie Farmer, fifth grade, and Reagan Patton, fourth grade at Melrose. Don't think we have that. We'll move on to award for certificate of achievement for Governor's School of the Arts. Clayton Mack and Elijah my 10th grade students at Pike View High School. I don't think they're with us. That concludes our recognitions. more up and good citizen to write the correct one myself. >> We are back in session. There's nothing out there about American history 1966.
014>> Invite the kids in pat on the back. They're doing a good job and it just it gives you a good feeling about the [clears throat] future. They're there a lot of kids out there doing a lot of great things. We need to promote them and and pat them on the back. Uh so the next item on the agenda is citizens input. We have one individual and that's Carl Lily. Come up. >> Thank you. >> Welcome sir. I'll give you that. >> All right. Thank you all. Uh just uh real quick on the solicitation policy. I've been up here before speaking on it. So, uh, just wanted to thank you all on the improvements that have been made on it as far as alleviating restrictions of field staff, uh, from professional organizations to be able
015to come and speak to members and non-members alike. We are almost there, y'all. We are almost there with this policy. There's just one thing that I had noticed that I didn't quite understand uh, and that I feel really should just be removed, and that is section 3.4 C on the solicitation policy. specifically uh restricting my ability to speak with non-members. Uh so uh the way that I read the policy as it is now I can go into a designated area uh throughout the day whether that be uh during lunch or uh during planning periods uh and the policy uh dictates that for planning periods specifically for anyone that wants to come speak to me it has to be a member. Now, to me as a field representative, this just seems arbitrary and a little too
016restrictive as far as my ability to be able to go and speak with the folks. Uh, I go to a school, go into the designated designated area, what have you. Let's say I've already done a lunch visit. I'm going somewhere in the afternoon for the afternoon planning periods, uh, just to make myself available while I'm already in the county. If I go in there during the planning periods as this policy reads, evidently only our members can come speak to me. If a non-member wants to come speak to me about information about the union or whatever, this policy restricts that. It does not allow it during their planning period. Uh, and like I said, upon reading that, it it just seems unnecessary and arbitrary in my eyes. I don't see what that is accomplishing, nor who
017wins out of that. uh it just seems restrictive as far as recruitment goes. It it it it simply seems that it it's just a restriction set forth to where potential members cannot come to me. Uh and I do have an issue with that. So if that is the only thing that gets changed and removed from this policy, I'm okay with it. I can live with it. So if the restriction from the non-members part gets removed and they can come speak to me with the same freedom that a member can, I can live with the policy. So I just wanted to uh make sure all were aware that that's how I was reading the policy. Uh so thank you all for your time. >> Thank you. >> Mr. Marks. >> Yes, sir. President Pach, I wanted
018uh Mrs. Harrison to stand up for a minute and show you the banner that uh I received Thursday from Apigy. There's 55 counties in West Virginia that have that use Apigy and they gave us this little banner and uh we've had Aptogy since 2021. I believe it was my first year here that we uh got that been pretty neat to show our uh contact uh >> what type of uh >> all the information there. Uh go ahead and uh she gets it over here and I'll read it some of it. I got you. real quick. The uh what we delivered uh 6,888 uh delivered uh fast and reliable alerts uh live feeds and contacts in a loop, how many students served, how many uh how long we've had API and uh we did a lot
019on um uh promoting u public schools in West Virginia and uh the association is really pushing that. We're going to do a training this June. Uh we're going to share with Raleigh County and Apogee has a gentleman that works with them that does a lot of things with uh that promotion. We'll get a picture real quick. Dr. Atkins got it. All right. But Amy, thank you for your lead in that. And uh we got that and I just wanted a chance to recognize and give her a shout out along with all the staff that uh produce things. We're going to have a u a code where we can submit other uh other other information but just again telling our story and uh the state of uh West Virginia the association of school administrators is pushing
020out that how can we do that and write our stories with what we're getting from some of the loss of enrollment and those things there and how can we do that it's faced everywhere across the uh state and how can we do that and u that's part of uh that recognition there but I wanted to share that small banner there that uh I gave Mrs. >> Mr. might just a suggestion for those in the in the audience and those people listening uh that don't know what apttogy is just a quick >> apttogy is our communication tool it has thrillshare it uh does a lot with our Facebook our Twitter our x on and Instagram and a way to put all that information out there so all the social media and shooting some information out there
021to brand what we're doing for Mercer County Public Schools so >> all texts all calls that handles our website, all the schools websites, rooms where parents can communicate with teachers and administrators, all of that. >> Any other questions regarding that? But thank you, Mrs. Harrison. I I gave it to her this morning and then I had to take it back off of her and bring it back over here to the this afternoon. So, also tomorrow is election day and there's no school. Just wanted to announce that we [clears throat] have administrators meeting this Thursday at 8:30 here at the tech center at the seminar center here. Uh this Thursday, uh May 14th at 12:30 at the board office conference room, we have student discipline hearing hearings. And also Mercer County Schools retirement banquet is next
022Wednesday, May 19th at 6 PM at the Chuck Mathenina Center. And then also the Jason core team is meeting uh Wednesday, May 20th at 3:30 here at the tech center. And again, we received the emerging school from AASA, the STEM district. We are striving to be an empowering district. I know Noble County got that a year ago at the national conference at uh at Leburg that uh several of us went to. Also, the Patriots pledge and Jenny Collus has led that with us. And um this is the third year and that is uh next Thursday May 21st and remember that time is 5:00 and it's at the Chuck Mthena Center and we have Colonel Rocky Hodgeges as our guest speaker there and we're real excited that so just wanted to announce those things and let
023you all know and I'll get you a reminder of those also coming up Thursday on the 21st. >> That's correct sir. >> For those that you may not know, Patriots pledge is a ceremony recognizing the young men and women who have committed to the US military, Coast Guard. Uh, and it is a wonderful ceremony and and uh it it promotes uh them for what they're doing and the service they're providing to to us and and it's certainly something that's worth coming to see uh if you ever get a chance. So, >> and she told me a brief number and I'm trying to think off top of my head, but it was in the hallways. Was it 28? >> 20. Gotcha. No, no, that's that's coming to the ceremony that because she's getting some feedback there.
024So, good deal. >> We're looking forward to it. >> Thank you. All right. The next matter is uh we're going to hear from Laura Buchanan of the Princeton Public Library. If she'd come up here and speak from the podium, we would certainly appreciate it. All right. First of all, thank you all for having me here and for Paul personally inviting me to come out and speak. I really appreciate it. Um, for you that don't know me, and I I'm thinking about most of you don't know me, I'm Princeton Public Libraries, uh, library director, and I've been in the position since 2021, December of 2021. So, um, and I started my career over at the library as the youth service coordinator two months before COVID hit. So, it's been a steep learning curve for me, but
025a journey I've really enjoyed. and I've kind of gotten settled into my new position as the director and just the library as a whole. And one of the things on my bucket list was finally meet the fine folks over here. [clears throat] Um I feel like I don't know really what the board of education does and in turn what we do at the library to help service the community and the students that you all help and raise and send out to us and into the world. Um I say they get sent to us because a lot of them walk over to the library after school. Sometimes they play hookie at the library, too. But, um, so I I've been going over what best to do to make use of the time that you have here.
026And pretty much I decided to just give you a few numbers from last year. Um, give you an opportunity to ask me any questions just so you can kind of have a roundabout vision of what we do. Um, so I apologize. I'm not a formal speaker. I don't speak to students every day. I kind of sit back in my office and talk to a turtle and occasionally do a program. So, um just a a brief capping of things. Uh we do have a staff member, nine staff on hand. Two of them are full-time, myself and the adult program coordinator. And we have seven part-time. Um everybody pulls together to help serve the community with programs, events, outreach, and of course, general library uh work the for lack of better name. During up to January of
0272026, we uh had 34,000 just a little over 34,000 active members at the library. That's broken down. We break it down for statistic purposes. Um but that's a general blanket look for you guys. 22,583 of them are here within Princeton and just a little over 9,000 are Mercer County. So, we do serve a population, a large population of surrounding areas. We even have people over in England that are signed up with the library. So, anybody who tells you libraries aren't relevant, I have numbers to prove them otherwise. Um, books are still being read. We also have created 748 new library accounts this past year. So, on a regular basis, just this past month, we created, I think it was 50 new library accounts. So, it's actively growing. Um, we participated or hosted 292 programs last
028year. You can do the math. You guys are all teachers of how many days are in the year. We stay very busy during the summer reading which is coming up for June and July. That's some of our busiest times. A lot of times you will see on our calendar a couple of events scheduled in one day. So, um, it's quite a busy place. Uh with that we are able we interacted with almost 8,000 people through those events and outreach programs. Um and some of those events and programs are going to the schools and that's primarily what I want to focus on here. We go into the classrooms as much as the teachers want us there. We are happy to educate teachers with how to use our our catalog system um EPCO and other e- resources
029that we have available through for free through the library. Um I was really shocked when I took this position at how many teachers have never stepped foot in the library, not even the old one. Okay. Um, so I was quite surprised by that and my thinking is if the teachers don't know the resources that the libraries have, if they don't know how to use the cataloging system, how to search, how are you able to teach the students about the benefits of a library? It's more than just books. Um, there research papers and stuff. I I got to participate in doing a social studies fair as a judge and a lot of students were quoting Google as their source. Google's a jumping off page, you know, as you well know, it's not the source. So, you
030know, these are benefits that we can help you with because by looking at that catalog in your classroom, those students can pick out books. We can order books that you're needing if you don't find it for free. There is no cost when we order a book for you all [clears throat] that you need to check out. Uh we also we have 10 public computers located downstairs, four laptops. Uh those computers are available for free for the public to use. They don't even need a library card. For students, we will do printing for free, including color printing. If we know it's a project they're working on, if it's related to school, we print it absolutely free for them. We also have resources. We have, you know, the markers that they might need, puff balls, you know,
031construction paper, whatever they might need to help them make those projects happen, including working space for them to meet up as teams. We have several meeting rooms available and if we know that they're doing a group meetup, we make it happen and find them a spot. We also have educator accounts that we can create for teachers, homeschoolers, um that extends any books or movie checkouts that you might need if we, you know, so if you're looking a lot of the readaloud folks come out and they get books to read into the classroom, we can extend that so that you have that book for the entirety of your project. students when they're doing their research papers, if we know it's for a social studies fair project or something, we find out when that project is due
032and extend it for that due date, even if it's two months period and stuff. So, we're we're really there trying to help these kids as much as we can because I know for a lot of them, they don't have reliable internet or they don't have that home backing and support. So, we're trying to help them as much as we can by taking the money element out of it. Um, those are just some things I want you to be aware of. Overall, just in case you're wondering, do books still circulate? They sure do. If you, we have roughly just shy of 55,000 physical items in our library. And if you took every item and had it check out at least once. That's how many circulations we do annually. So, yes, we still check out books. We
033also have e resources available including audiobooks, ebooks, and magazine subscriptions on there. So, I'm not sure what my time limit so you guys just start, you know, but um we also have a STEM lab available for anybody to use. There's VR headsets in there, four 3D printers that we do classes on. We have beginner robotics and uh like um programming, beginner programming uh implements in there. Um, I'm trying to think because I'm feel like I've gone completely off script, but um, basically we are here to be a backup for the school. So, if there's something you all are wanting from us, material that you know that we need to have in the school, like there are summer reading lists, send me an email. Um, you can look it up online. We're a very small library.
034We have one email, one phone line. It will get to me, I promise. Um, but send me a a book list of what they're reading in school so we can make sure those books are available to them. I know a lot of classrooms have, you know, inner classroom libraries and stuff, but we can extend upon that. We could work with you. We can even bring books to you so that your students can check out if you want. If there's a teacher that wants to make a teacher library card, you want to be responsible for those students, we can, you know, talk and work it out. But um again, I'm just trying to get the resources out there and by the teachers and the board of education talking about and and learning what the library does,
035then we can make lifelong learners and readers out of these students. So, any questions? Like I said, I went totally off script from the um but you all have reports that you [clears throat] can browse for your records. If you ever have any questions, even if you don't ask me here, you can ask me, send me an email and ask me. Well, you're obviously passionate about libraries and I appreciate [laughter] Yeah. Well, and I was also very nervous, so I'm like, "Okay, what do I got to say?" No, >> You did great. We appreciate all the information. It's very helpful. >> If you want to find out about us, you can stay. If you want to go, that's that's up to you. >> All right. [clears throat] Next action item on the agenda. Well, the
036next item on the agenda is policy 23:22. Conversation, >> President Putage, again, 2322 is the accountability. The state uh board, the state department of education monitors our meetings, and they want to see what we're doing with teaching and learning and we have it on the agenda and we'll start off with Dr. Atkins. >> Okay. Thank you. Just going to be uh brief this evening. It's the time of year where our focus is on our summitive assessment. So that is ongoing in all schools. Um you know grades uh 3 through 8 and 11. And we started that last week and it's really underway this week into next. And then we have a period of couple weeks for for makeups. And those results come in fairly actively um a lot different than in the past because we
037do get them digitally but we don't have enough information right now to to know much about it. I'm just really excited. I want to share this and I think Miss Harrison did a press release on this today. I don't know if anyone's picked it up yet or not, but we do have two schools that have been selected for uh Disney's musical in the schools. It's called the stage connect grant and those two schools are Mountain Valley and Straley. Um I heard from them about a month ago. uh over,00 schools had applied for it nationwide and these two schools had made in the top 325 and they were going to select 200 and so they both were selected and they are very very excited. It is a threeyear commitment period. Um it includes um training and
038professional development from Disney. um it they provide them the scripts and the music and all of the items that they need to be able to produce these plays that are based on Disney themed, you know, Aladdin and and Lion King and all the things that they're interested in. Um up to I think 60 kids for school. Um really really excited about it. I talked with uh Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Rosski today and um haven't been able to talk to uh Mrs. will yet, but I know that they're very excited and and they we view this as something that helps set us apart from the other options. You know, these are parts of things that kids have opportunities to do in Mercer County Public Schools because the the teachers, the principles, the social workers, whoever it
039may be, apply for these opportunities. And so only 200 schools in the whole United States are getting to do this and two of them are ours. and um really excited and and we believe that the culture of the school makes a difference in student success and we've certainly seen that in these two schools and I think this will contribute to it. So just excited about that. They said they would like to come sometime and talk more about it but I think they need to learn more about it to be able to share but it's it's uh going to be a really great thing for the schools to do for the next three years and a great opportunity for their students. >> Thank you Miss Mitchell. I'll be brief as well. Um again, like Dr. Atkins
040said, we are testing. Uh we have done the um SAT and then our other students, grades three through eight, are testing now, but we do not have any of the results back yet. We're hoping to get those scores in very quickly. Um and I'll be glad to share those once we get those in. Um we are we made the decision to not keep the mastery prep um program that we you we actually started it two years ago and we found that it we saw improvement. We found that it was working some but we also found that we could get for a whole lot better cost the diagnostic and the teachers use it and they use it regularly. So, we've decided to go with that for grades 9 through 12 for next year. And it aligns
041right with the SAT. So, I think we will see. We've checked with other counties, talked to several of them. Um, some are using it, some are not, but the ones that are have have seen significant improvements. So, we're we're going to give it a shot and try that. It'll save the county some money because it's not as expensive as the mastery prep. We are still in the negotiation part right now with >> and the um data the reports that we get as a district and that the teachers and the schools will get um mastery prep was a little lacking in that area. Um it wasn't very user friendly. If there was a specific type of report uh certain data that I was looking for, I couldn't pull that report myself. I couldn't pick and choose
042what I wanted. I had to contact them, tell them what I wanted, and then it might take a couple days to get it back. Um, so we really wanted something that would uh give us that district reporting that we could use right away and have it at our fingertips. And Miss Harrison has worked really hard with that. She's done a lot of cross-checking and you trying to decide what would be best for us and where do we get the best information and uh I'm very pleased with it. Mr. Murphy's been involved in it. So, we're we're going to make this a go and I think I think we'll be pleased. Um this is just a a little caveat. I went to New Rivers um graduation Saturday night. It was their um annual um two-year associate
043degree graduation. And we had several students from Mercer County. And they always acknowledge Mercer County, but they had the students stand up. They read their names off, gave credit to Mercer County for the dual credit programs that we have. And uh it it just is a really nice feeling when you're sitting there and you see among all the adults these students who are still in high school that are are getting their associate degrees. So u and we already have is it right now signed up at Concord to continue with the grow your own program. So we're it's 24 or 28. Do you remember? But, you know, that's a nice number of kids already and they'll have two years behind them when they start. So, that that's good news for us. Um, this is a little
044not really about the accountability so much, more safety, and that is the school mapping. Um, the team was here last week. They did visit every school. They were very pleased with how we had things lined up and how things were labeled in the schools. um they check things like um fire extinguishers and numbers on windows and doors and that type of thing. We will get a report for them and it will tell us things that they're recommending that we would need to do differently. They were very pleased and when I met with them on Wednesday morning, they said that they're not used to going into school systems where they ever talk to somebody from central office. It's usually a custodian in a school and our principles all had someone with the school mapping team and
045Mr. Atkins provided guys from the maintenance department as well. So we were able to answer a lot of questions with them while they were here. Um so when we get that report we'll share that as well. But that was that's where we are with it and hopefully we'll be able to get that before school's out. >> Thank you for members questions of either >> or Amy. When will the teachers be uh trained on how to use the new uh testing platform >> on August? Yes, August 17th when they start back that will be you know we have the days before the kids come that will be one of the mornings or afternoons I don't know if we know afternoon they'll have an afternoon resource you know seeing it when somebody stands up here and talks
046about it and shows pictures etc but when you know the feet hit the street and they start teaching is somebody going to be available >> welll they're sending trainers that day to walk them through it and um we're going to ask that they bring their tablets so that they >> will there be resource people in each school where it will be done that will learn a little more intense have a little more intense >> inter one good thing about is this is a program that many people have already been using >> and requested from the >> and yes and have requested >> we've had we just didn't have the like diagnostic >> this will be just be our new benchmarking tool for secondary for 9 through uh IRA is what we use uh three through
047or K through eight >> but um this is something that many of them are already familiar with it'll be a refresher when we do that training but Il is all also willing to do uh virtual trainings and things like that throughout the year when needed >> now are they part of the same organization that does the SATs >> they do have a connection with them but we also can use blue book which is definitely tied to the SAT and it's free And that's something the the LL is meant to benchmark to make sure that they're meeting the um content standards for their grade level. >> Uh the SAT is completely separate and that's something that they can use a free resource blue book that is 100% tied to the SAT. >> And one thing that
048one thing that um our teachers and administrators wanted to continue were boot camps. they really like those boot camps that we had where, you know, someone came in and trained the students on how to do test taking strategies and specific to SAT. So, we're going to continue those. And um I have to give credit Miss uh Web, Gail Webb, who's our coordinator with Gear Up. Gear Up is going to pay for our um 10th and 11th grade students next year to take the PSAT and the SAT. Um that's part of their budget for next year to you know they were in the middle schools last year and they moved to high school this year. They were ninth and tth. So next year they're going to do 10th and 11th and they have already agreed to
049take care of the financial part for us on that. >> That's great. >> Pretty good. >> I have a question. >> Yes sir. >> Seemed like the last time you you talked about the um and about the what mastery prep at that discussion there was discussion of con academy. Is that separate or is it gone? >> We still have con and a lot of them use that. Um, it's free to the students. They can use it at home. They can use it with us. Um, I could go home right now and get on here and start doing something on con and it goes from it goes every grade level too. I mean, not just in secondary. So, we will still use that and the teachers will use that as far as a resource that they
050can go to with the kids. But the excl the biggest the biggest buying that we have is that we need something that gives us those benchmarks so that we can see where they are at the beginning and then you know monitor the progress through the year. >> I guess Rosemary you heard my speech in the previous session said I got him when you were talking about >> yes >> utilization and >> yes and and you're very familiar with how that goes too. So, I mean, it I think it'll be it'll be something that's geared a little more to what we're used to doing and our kids are going to feel more comfortable with. I think that'll help. >> Anything else? And Mrs. Wellman, anything with 24 20 23 22, excuse me, 24. >> So, I
051did attend ASPO last week with several folks from the business department and it was a really good training. One thing I did want to mention is that um on day one they had a session on how to communicate with your board. And I guess this is my only board I've ever worked with. So I assume that all boards work as well as our board does. Um and and wanted to say one of the the things that they focused on were the indicators, five indicators um or signs that we should basically be watching and they are weak procurement controls. That's purchasing policy 8200. You all know how strong we are. You approve every purchase over $15,000. We tell you what co-op or what bid it's on. Um poor documentation as you know from our audits, federal
052monitoring. Um our our documentation is very strong. It helps us all the schools help us with that. Lack of transparency. I was kind of um surprised that they said treasurer should attend board meetings. And as long as I've been here, the treasurer has always, you know, I inherited this from Joy and she was always here and speaking directly to the board. Um, delayed decisions by the board. I do not feel that you all have done that and some of that are the rifts and transfers that you all have made and feel very strongly that that we're in good shape from that perspective and a failure to monitor financial indicators and through our monthly reporting, we'll continue to do that as well. Um, and one of the things that that they focused on is communicating to
053our board that you're not accountants. So, we need to interpret the data as well as we can to to make it as user friendly as possible so that you can understand it. Um, so I tried to do that a little bit more with graphics. Amber was the one who reminded me to use AI for our meeting earlier and I give her kudos for that. Mr. Toman recognized it. I will say they thought Jordan did it so I'm pretty impressed that I did that. Um, you know, I I am learning. Um, but but no, it I I just want to say it was a good session, but I felt very good that our county is already, you know, monitoring those things and and the biggest thing is we can have the best controls, but if we
054don't enforce them, it doesn't matter. And our schools, our principles, our administrators, you you all um that that's key. We we we really do follow that and you all support us in that aspect. So from my perspective, from all the trainings, again, want to not just reassure you, but to tell you how we comply with those. Feel very good about that. >> Thank you, SWman. You had your team with you, your professional team with you, too last week was huge. So for them to see the whole system, how it works. So >> absolutely. >> And and a month ago, you went to our superintendent meeting that they requested to >> the treasures attend that as well. And and >> so this is ASBO. It's the it's the West Virginia Association of School Business Officials. And
055they have payroll sections. They have kind of ch tracks you can attend based upon whether you're payroll or accounts payable or a treasurer. And this session was by Bowls and Rice. And um it was it was very good. And it it did surprise me because some of these things to me, we've always done those. And it's kind of common sense to me that we present you with enough information. Um, but again, just wanted to emphasize that it was good training. Lindsay attended, Jordan, um, both our payroll people and Marcia Crawford attended as well. We got a lot out of it. They also did report that they hope to open the new bid on the financial system within the next few months. Apparently, the state purchasing department is very strict, much stricter than ours, and they
056have to go through a lot of processes, but they they plan to move, which is aggressive, to move everyone to the new financial system by July 1st of 2028. >> Um, so 55 counties, it's a lot. I did not volunteer to be a pilot county, just to to let you know. um you know I'm sure you know some of the others will be but my men my new mentor JP Pendleton um he he has volunteered and um feel very very good at it we can give you data but again I you can't give you meaningful data out of weas right now it's just not possible we have to you know interpret it run it through different you know spreadsheets [cough] to be [clears throat] able to really get meaningful um so I I'm personally very
057excited about that that'll even add to our controls Anything else, Miss Well, Mr. Mr. Atkins, >> I want to also remind you too, even the SBA and the Department of Ed reports, too. If you'd add to how well they came back, Mr. Atkins. >> Oh, sure. Yeah, we did. We did the uh our annual inspection of our Timberwood, Lu Primary, and Mountain Valley. Uh they came back very well. They always note on there how clean our facilities are. Um Preston Richmond from the state department, he comes down and we go through individual units on the roof. We check cleanliness of school. He's in and out of classrooms checking CO levels and just overall school cleanliness and efficiency and he he gave us a good report. I have already addressed the identified deficiencies and given Mr.
058Tomman a letter to submit back to him and um there was very there were very few this year and he even noted on several that many of the ones from last year were were corrected and and are no longer an issue. So that was one thing and then positive and safe in school environment. We um we have our pre-construction meeting this Friday with with ZMM and Main Street Builders for the Bos for the Secure Engines at at Princeton Middle School. And uh as we talked about at the last board meeting where you all approved um that purchase that uh this is this has been something not only for our secure entrance for our visitors but for our students as well because they do have to walk outside to go to the cafeteria. And this is
059a huge improvement for that school and and a much needed facelift because when you pull up to that school, it's it's not the uh most welcoming vision. So we're excited for that on Friday and I think it'll make a big difference in that school. >> Dr. Philip, >> I don't have anything right now. >> Yes, sir. >> You're familiar with [clears throat] Pike View High School? >> Yes, sir. the I can't remember I think these are oneway valve maybe admittance valves or anything. >> Are you talking about on the roof? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Last time those were serviced or what the service life any chance on those are? >> Okay. I think I'll go ahead and address this. There's a there's in the 30 years Pike View's been there roughly uh there's been
060an existence of a perpetual odor uh is what was Miss Lily and I talked about last week while I was on vacation. But at there were points in times where bar barometric pressure would push roof vent uh gases back through the school and the school's been on a plenum air system. So once it gets above the ceiling, it's going to go throughout the school. However, um historically our problem is not only that, but dry traps >> and when we have a any dry trap you have in the school is going to let sewer gas back into the school. Uh it's a continual uh issue within the school. And uh we actually we reiterated again today that it's essential that the custodians are visiting those weekly and and keeping those traps wet at some point in
061time. And it's just nothing more than open flushing the toilets, running some water in those coaches offices that are designed with showers uh that are very infrequently used especially in offseason. So I >> that's probably a failure partly on my part because we found >> we found restrooms that we really didn't even know were there. >> Sure. Sure. >> Because they've been covered up by storage items. So I probably should have made a map before I retired, but now that I think about it. >> Well, it's all your fault. [laughter] >> You're welcome. No, no, we they're they're clearly identified and we actually encourage Miss Lily to make a a signoff schedule that they hit each one. I I think we got a better protocol in place and the the students and parents and the
062teachers everyone there shouldn't shouldn't have to deal with that. However, it's a building flaw design. not something we can easily fix without just uh >> you know maybe a a positive >> flow where it of course that may make more problems where you could actually have a solar unit or something that would try to have a fan pull those fumes rather than just >> I guess it's just static. >> That's that's not the issue. That the roof issue is no longer an issue. Those those oneway valves they don't fail. So, we're probably looking at drain. >> Yeah, that's 100% drain issues. >> Thank you. >> We identified the drain within five minutes of being on site. >> I was up there for the band. And >> yes, >> it it just brought back so many
063good memories. >> Is it President Roots? I just before we move forward want to comment on the the workings of the the leadership team and how well it's functioning and the information we're getting is just great and uh it's it's giving it to us in a format that's easier to understand. The hard work you guys did on the I know you did a lot of overtime. You'll get paid overtime, but I know you did a lot of overtime. Uh we appreciate that because it really makes things better for all of us and you know the ultimate goal is for the children and so doing these things right makes it makes it work for the children and and that's that's what we want to do. We want to make sure it's right. Okay. So we'll move
064on to our business. Uh the approval of the minutes of April 23, April 27, May 5th of 26. I would note there needs to be a correction in April 23 of 26 at adjournment. Mr. Godfrey moved for adjournment, not Mr. Bailey. Mr. Bailey wasn't present, so that's a typo that will need to be corrected. April 23rd of 26. Is there a motion with that with that correction? Is there a motion to approve the minutes? >> I need a second. >> I thought you had two. Second. >> They both said motion. I know, but pick one. >> Somebody's going to say second. All right. [clears throat] >> Anything else on the any additions, corrections, or deletions? >> Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. I. Oppose. Likewise. That motion carries. Five in
065[clears throat] favor and none opposed. Let's do the consent agenda. All right. Board memo number 394 is quote number 865, classroom walkthrough platform observation tool. Rule new one. Pricing was requested for quote 8.65. 65 uh from observe for success the current provider. The price is unchanged from last year. Superintendent recommends approval of renewal one to observe for success for the platform observation total for 12,49750 and this is funded by title one. Board memo number 395 is a towable electric boom being requested by maintenance. This price was requested from United Rentals utilizing the Equalist Cooperative Contract for the purchase of one tobo electric boom 30 to 36 ft extension. The cost is $19,000. Uh this purchase is made pursuant to West Code which allows us to bid to move directly with the vendor without competitive bidding
066if they're a legitimate government purchasing cooperative. Superintendent recommends approval of the purchase of one tobo electric boom from United Rental in the amount of $19,000. Excess levy funds is being used for that purchase. Board amendment number 396 is the approval of anou with the western supreme court of appeals office of sup office of the supreme court uh for the 2627 school year. This is to provide continuation of a school-based probation officer position serving our schools and the West Virginia schools of diversion and transition. It's designed to support students and families through attendance intervention, currency prevention, uh diversion services, re-entry support, coordination with schools, counties, and community agencies. Uh under thisou, the board will reimburse the court quarterly for the officer salary and approved employment related expenses. This agreement remains in effect through June 30th of
06727. Uh would note in the memo that the partnership has been a valuable resource in dealing with and addressing chronic absenteeism. Approval of this agreement will allow the important services to continue. The superintendent recommends approval. Board amendment number 397 is RFP number 329, renewal 2 of long andor or local andor long distance. Renewal tube pricing was requested from Frontier Communications for RFP 329 for local and long-distance service. Frontier submitted renewal pricing with an increase to $49.99 on business lines. The initial charge in 2024 was $29.99. So, a pretty good jump. Expenses for the fiscal year 2425 year were 220,88407. Superintendent recommends approval of RFP 329 local and longdistance renewal 2 to Frontier Communications for 29,583.19. Board amendment number 398 is bid number 974 refrigerated maintenance renewal 1. This was requested from Southern Air uh for
068repairs and annual preventive and maintenance services on school cafeteria equipment. This renewal covers the 2627 school year. Uh, Southern Air submitted renewal pricing at $93 an hour, which is about a 3.3% increase. This is the first increase in two years and is due to rising cost of fuel. Superintendent recommends approval of renewal one of bid 974, refrigerated maintenance to Southern Air for repairs of refrigeration equipment in school cafeteria. And this is a child nutrition funds are being utilized for this service. Board memo number 399 is a request for maintenance for a Bobcat L65 compact wheel loader. Uh this was uh requested from Bobcat of Beckley utilizing a source cooperative contract for the purchase of a L65 compact wheel loader for the cost of $82,263.82 uh as a competitive uh as a legitimate government purchasing cooperative.
069No competitive bidding was required. Superintendent recommends approval of the purchase of the Bobcat L65 compact wheel loader from Bobcat Beckley for 82,26382. Excess levy funds are providing for this purchase. Board memo number 400 is a price increase for tools for schools student laptop refresh. Back in December of 25, board member 211, we approved the purchase of 887 student laptops. Due to price increases, Lenovo Zones has increased the cost per device by $100. The original cost was 287,350. This increase will bring the total purchase price to 376,50. Superintendent recommends approval of the increase of the purchase price of 887 Lenovo 100W student devices from zones to $376,50. This purchase increase will be funded by the excess levy. Board amendment number form 401 is additions to the sixth grade approved reading list. Uh the following titles are
070submitted to Mer County Public Schools reading list committee for consideration for inclusion in the sixth grade approved reading list. They include Stepping on the Cracks by Mary Downing Han. Come on. The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Significant Events in the Life of the Cactus by Dusty Bowling. Uh, superintendent recommends approval. Board memo number 402 is a lease of a building for the Mercer County Academy of Adult Learning in Princeton. Warmwater Investments. Uh, the property owner at 195 Davis Street in Princeton has agreed to lease space to the Merch County Academy of Adult Learning. Uh, square footage is listed. The lease is from July 1st, 26 to June 30th of 27. Uh, the lease shall be renewed for an additional 12 months from 27 to 28 with an increase of 2.5% annually unless canled by
071either party under the terms of the lease agreement. Superintendent recommends approval of the lease with warm water investments from July 26 to June 3027 for 4,19536 per month. Board member number 403 is the Mercer County Workforce West Virginia Career Center building lease. Uh this is also with Warmwater Investments at 195 Davis Street and this is to lease rental space for what we call spokes. Um this is also a lease from July 1st 26 to June of 27. Uh renewal for an additional 12 months from 27 to 28 with a 2.5% annual increase unless canled. Superintendent recommends approval of the lease with Warm Water Investments from July 1st 26 to June 30th 27 for 3,592 97 cents per month. Board a memo number 404 is placement of a student from CA from Concord University uh from
072the department of mathematics and computer science. They've requested the student be placed under the supervision of Brent Murphy uh to complete an internship during the summer 26 semester. Placements as always are contingent on the appropriate forms being completed, receipt of an acceptable background check, and the university ning site supervisor superintendent recommends approval. Board memo number 405 is audio enhancement request from Mountain Valley Elementary to purchase audio enhancements for fiscal year 25. Amplification allows teachers to have their voice amplified through the classroom. This is installed in K5 classrooms. The projected cost is $32,72.17. The purchase will be made using CSI funds. Board amendment number 406 is copy paper. We obviously need copy paper. Quotes were obtained from four vendors to purchase 400 cases of copy paper to be stocked in the warehouse. Uh we received four
073responses. The low bid was contract paper group for 400 cases in the amount of $12,516. Superintendent recommends approval. Board amendment number 407 is a memorandum of understanding between Mercer County Schools and educational consulting teams. Uh we received a new a renewal of a $25,000 grant through House Bill 5405 to support the development of teacher leadership networks focused on mathematics. We're pleased to announce that Lake and Lucas, a math teacher at Princeton Middle, will continue as the teacher lead for this initiative. Her role is to participate in specialized training this spring and summer preparing to establish a local improvement team. Uh we believe this work will enhance mathletics achievement in the middle schools. Uh per the grant requirements, we must enter into this memorandum of understanding. Superintendent recommends approval. Board amendment number 408 is bid number
074987 for paving. Uh we requested uh competitive bids for paving at Bluefield Primary, Montcom Elementary, Early Learning Center, and Lashmate Moka. Pike View Middle will be excavated and gravel only uh to prepare an area for new parking lot, which will be paved at a later time. We received one bid that was AAA paving in the amount of $300,000. Superintendent recommends approval of that bid to AAA paving in that amount. Funding is provided by the excess levy. Board a memo number 409 is RFP 353 sewer pumping and grease trap pumping services. This was issued to provide uh a request for proposal for those services from Jan July 1st to 26 through June 30th of 27. It was advertised as appropriate. We received one proposal from AAA septic tank services which is the current provider for sewer
075systems and grease traps across Mercer County. Pricing is $2,900 per sewer pumping service and $550 per grease trap pumping service. Uh there are currently 14 schools with three traps that require quarterly inspections and pumping. The annual cost for brea trap pumping is 30,800. There are currently four schools with septic tanks that require pumping. Sun Valley is pumped weekly. Lashmate Moka Oakville and Spanishburg are pumped as needed. The annual cost is approximately $140,000. Combined, the estimated total would be 170,800 for 2627. Superintendent recommends the award of RFP 352. Two AAA septic tank services. Excess levy funds will be used. Board amendment number 410 is an auction of surplus items that have been identified as outdated and no longer needed. You have them listed in front of you from central office and Bluewell School. Superintendent requests approval
076to offer these surplus items for sale at public auction. The last action item on the agenda is board amendment number 411. I'm sorry. The last action item on the consent agenda is board 411. Payment of invoices for the month of May. You have the those invoices attached. Actual checks have been written or being held pending consideration by the school board. Uh the superintendent recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve consent agenda? >> Move to approve. >> Is there a second? And there's a motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? >> Yes, sir. For memo 397. >> Yeah, that's my question. >> Maybe may maybe it's just the way I've looked at it, but it's a little confusing when they're talking about um price increase. So, the lines are going in 24 were 30
077bucks and now they're going to be 50 bucks. The expenses for 2425 are $220,000. Last pair, last sentence in that in that memo is the fact it says >> $29583. So what's what's that mean? Why is it higher? And and is it for 2526 26 27? Does it work off of the same? Is it a school year contract or is it or is it just it'll start when's it start and when's it end? >> How [snorts] can the individual go up so much and the total go down? That bother you know that >> he was back in the back >> I don't know. I didn't do those calculations. My gut tells me they did not account for a growth in the cost when they estimated this year. Um >> well, it doesn't give us any
078time of u existence for the contract either. So I unless we're up a a time a time crunch, >> we can pull that. >> Yeah. Why don't we Why don't we figure out what it is? is, you know, that's $200,000 versus 220 versus 209U >> because we had a $20 increase. >> That's per line. >> Yeah. I >> don't >> I don't know. I don't know if they cut lines. Did you cut any lines from last year to this year? Didn't you do that? The fax machines, >> didn't you take those off? >> Okay. I I don't know. I'll have to I didn't do this one. I'll have to look at it. >> Okay. >> Uh the other two are basically the same thing. 402 403 for the adult learning center. What do we where
079where is this building or these buildings? And it's the same building. >> Is it where it's always been? >> It is. >> What do we What do we teach? >> It's right there. We can't teach here. That's the the GED program for adults who dropped out of school >> and we just don't have room for them here. When the new addition is added, there might be able to be a possibility we could bring. >> They're considered part of MCT. >> They are under CT the CT umbrella. Yes, they're just they're funded. >> This is 100% grant funded. The lease is grant funded as well. We receive 100% funding >> and I appreciate that part of it. I was just curious how many students do we have and is there what do they come when who
080teaches it? >> It varies. It's like a rolling admission. It's not a >> It's not a set time. >> It's also adult. It's adults. These are high school students. >> No, they're they have to be 18 or older before they can go. >> They're not kids. They're adults. >> Behind where the workforce building is. >> It's at one end of that building. It was downtown in Princeton on Main Street for years and years and then we ended up going there and we had one in Bluefield as well and when the teacher retired we did not fill that position back. We just bust them over. >> Okay. Can Before you move on, can I ask a question about that? Um I should know this, but what when when are those students there? Is it daytime? >>
081It's daytime. It's all daytime. They're there from like 8 to 4 and the students come in about 8:30 and they're there. >> They're adults >> and they're all adults. >> Okay. Well, that >> Yes. >> I was going to ask if that would help our utilization rate, >> but if they're adults, that wouldn't be a good >> totally separate. Yeah. Everything funding everything is different with it, [clears throat] but it is under the CTE umbrella. >> Okay. I don't have the memo uh number, but theou with regards to the Supreme Court of Appeals and Mercer County Board of Education. Um, sounds like that is we're paying for a truency officer or someone that's working with probation. >> This is done under stat. This is done by statute. >> The statute allows this if counties want
082to do it. Okay. But we're >> That still doesn't answer his question. >> We're We're under I mean what kind of expense do we have for this? >> It's about 8 Our share is about $85,000 a year. >> What and I I read that the responsibilities and that the person has and officer will and there's about 10 or 12 things. Where are they functioning out of school countywide schools where where they're needed? at the courthouse. >> Yeah, they were located in our back building uh two years ago, but they then since moved to the courthouse. So, >> is that Donna Brown's position? No, that's not >> they work in conjunction with Russell [clears throat] >> in the courts. >> Do we not get some reimbursement on this position? Seems to me like the statute says
083something about 50% reimbursement. >> You don't think so? I couldn't I didn't find that's why I asked how how much it cost Mercer County schools because I couldn't find anything that that said it was um it was funded. Well, it says yeah it's funded by Mer County Board of Education and the Westing Schools of Diversion and Transition. So, are the the schools of diversion and transition wonder who that is and are they kicking in their share? Yes, I'm finished. >> I got uh um on the uh board memo 394, the walkthrough platform. Is that uh for teachers primarily? Yes, that's the platform we've used for the last three years and [snorts] it's uh very very user friendly and [clears throat] all the principles really like that platform and [snorts] we manage it through the the
084system. Anything that we submit that we'd like to create a walk through for by teacher request, principal request, district request, they have a turnaround time of less than a day usually. >> And one thing I do want to note is it says it's title one funded, but secondary schools obviously comes from different funds. But not well. >> Yeah. But it it's very well used and monitored. >> Um and it's used to u help monitor students. I mean um teachers inside the classroom. >> It's classroom walkthroughs for teachers. Yes. >> So and you can use that as an aid for their evaluations and other things also. >> Well it it it can be but it's not a part of the formal evaluation system. No. Uh we also created one this year for our ECATs to help
085it just helps provide meaningful feedback that's timely and not restricted to you know the restrictions of 5310 and when you do actual 30 minute or more observations of classroom teachers it just allows for a walk through a snapshot in time we try to do an elementary one per month I think secondary similar to that and then some schools do do more than that just based on the need and CSI schools do more the state usually requires more but it's been a very very helpful tool. >> Is it used by principal? Sorry. Is it used by principles and central office both? >> Yes. >> Okay. Sorry. >> What's the uh device that it's done on? >> You can do it on anything. U but you can do it on your phone. >> Okay. >> It's it's
086it's more user friendly though on like one of these tablets or or a laptop. There is an app for the phone. >> We used to use iPads I think >> and you you could yeah any device. Um and second thing I was just wondering about the boom >> towable electric boom is that for outdoor indoor use >> it's outdoor >> so is that to help our light situation on our fields >> parking lots it's not it won't reach field lights parking lots flag poles we rent one several several times a year um and generally when we try to rent it we rent it for a month or a week or two to knock out as many projects as possible and it's a it seemed like it was it's a pretty good deal on a on
087a used one. This is a used one and uh it'll I think we'll use it way more now that we don't have to go through the process of renting and getting the PO gas. >> It's electric. >> Electric. So, where where are you going to have room to to store it out of the weather? >> Uh we Well, we have room for it at our back school lot, but we'll keep it at at our shop. It won't be stored out of the weather. the the compartment where the batteries are, they're sealed and the the basket itself has cover for the controls. Uh but you'll you see them at United Rental all the time and the rental companies that they store theirs outside as well. >> So it's not something that we have to keep inside
088the garage. >> No. [clears throat] >> Um >> do we still use the old indoor boom that or is that been replaced? >> We have we we still use the old one with the outriggers and everything comes. We still use that. We have a newer one. Uh it's actually been down for about a year and we just finally found the ability to get parts for it. Um so and it's tough to get in and out of a vehicle, but we we do use it some. We rent we a lot of times we have to rent like when we do scoreboards and those kind of installations or large scale light replacements in a gym, we we rent the kind where you can drive, not fold them up each time and do it just for efficiency. Going
089back to Pike View, is there a high school? Is there a solution to get those lights replaced with some kind of boom? Because remember, we never could get I noticed there's several lights out there still in that. >> Oh, we we rent the drivable large scale booms. >> It was on a the >> in the auditorium. >> Oh lord. We or sorry, we talk about that all the time. Uh we we don't have a great solution. We we we did get we we talked to the guy who's over rentals in the whole East Coast for United Rental and he he thinks that we might be able to get some uh about half the house with this one and actually had it approved in PO to rent it a few years ago and uh the high
090school was unable to work out the schedule that we needed to do it during spring break. Uh but it is something that we do feel the stage will hold the weight of the equipment and then we can boom out over and get some of the house lights because last time I was there too there's um basically I bang my head against the wall because I have no idea how to to do it. There is no catwalk. There is no anything you'll remove all the seats in the in the auditorium and then try to put them all back after. >> Sometimes I wonder about the engineers >> architects and engineers sometimes we'll think about maintenance. Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. You're welcome. >> Any other questions on the consent agenda? >> All right. That Go
091ahead. >> 397. Is that going to be removed? >> I was just getting ready to say on >> You need to amend your motion, >> right? >> Yeah. >> So, we we've got a motion and a second that included 397 which we want to remove so we can get some further information before we act on it. So, will you amend your motion to amend that motion? >> Include the removal. >> I will amend my second. >> All right. So then with that amendment and a removal of 397 on the consent agenda, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Likewise. That motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. Under additional business. Board memo number 412 is our annual requirement that we appoint a treasurer and an attendance director. Uh the superintendent is
092recommending Leslie Wellman as treasurer and Russell Lipincot as tennis director for the fiscal year 2627 school year. Is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? There's a motion and there's a second. >> Further discussion. >> Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. I oppose. Likewise. >> That motion carries five in favor and none opposed. >> Go ahead. Yeah. Yeah. regarding board amendment number 413, which is a request by a board member, Jim Bailey, to attend a professional development in June of 26 at a conference being hosted by school boards for academic excellence in Charleston, South Carolina, June 24 to 26 of 26. This conference brings together board members from across count share experiences, strategies, and lessons learned. will be paid out of county funds for professional development. Superintendent
093recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> A motion and a second. Any discussion? >> Yeah, I don't think it's necessary for me to vote for, but unusually there's no estimate of price or anything. >> Yeah, I wondered about that, too. >> We have any idea of what it might cost? $99 the fee for the conference along with hotel and travel. It's what we're looking at, I believe, is what I I got on his um that he shared with me through the text. >> We probably need to know a little more. >> We probably need to know more. I mean, this this actually fits under the 15,000 cap. You could approve, right? >> Yeah, but I normally don't approve board members. you guys do
094that, you know, I think that's the right way to handle that. So, that's why you guys have it. >> So, I just uh thought it'd be uh >> best to bring it to you. >> So, $99 plus travel and >> and hotel cost and it's a it's a great PD to be my opinion that I go you guys approve me to go one national conference. If I do any others, we approve any out of state trips. But, I think that he's uh he's excited about that. It's in Charleston, South Carolina. So, it's three days. I think it's his uh what 24th, 25th, and 26th. So whether he drives the first day down, I didn't get >> June. >> Sorry, I saw that. Yeah. >> Hot. >> Yeah. So he's excited about that to uh maybe
095converse with board members across the nation. It is uh I think it's huge to go to a national conference. I think uh I've always got stuff back from things. So I I I think it would be good. >> Could we make it if he bring back good information, we'll pay him. If he don't, he has to reimburse it, >> you know. [laughter] And you may, Mr. Rogers, you may request you may you may request to see the agenda. I could not print that off on the Facebook. Sometimes you presented agenda. I think he'd be more than willing to go over this at the next meeting. I think he would do that in in July very much. Okay. >> What's the pleasure of the board? There's a motion and a second. Let's >> vote on. >>
096All right. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Likewise. That motion carries. Four in favor, none opposed, one not voting. Jim >> Bailey. >> For memo number 414 is renewal of Jason Learning for the 2627 school year. Uh approval is requested for this renewal. uh the district-wide access to K12 STEAM curriculum, student learning experiences, and professional development. [snorts] It supports district goals related to the STEM engagement, instructional effectiveness. The cost is 60, thou 69,9.998 is paid by using excess levy funds. Superintendent recommends approval. Is there a motion to approve? >> Move approve. >> Is there a second? [cough] >> Second. There's a >> motion and a second. >> What was our cost last year? >> Same. >> Oh, the exact same. Yes. Okay. Anything else then on the motion? >> Question. Oh,
097>> go ahead. >> Questions? >> Yeah. >> I brought this up in a conversation several months ago and asked that a um reachout survey be done with the school with the teachers in the in the system. And it was reported to me, not to us, but when I inquired about it, the majority of our secondary schools said it wasn't wasn't, you know, a few of them used it a little bit, but it was not, you know, with with gear up and some of the other things that they have. They just weren't using it. And then it was being utilized more in the primary side um in addition to, you know, the other resources that they have. But I didn't understand and I read through this that shows what all is done and what the application
098fee includes. But I'm not against but I am at $70,000. >> Um >> can I can I make some comments when you're ready? >> You can. Um, >> you know, five bucks a student annually is re revolution ed curriculum builder and student success. >> We're not using that. That's that's not in that. >> I know it's it's not checked, >> but um 50 technology courses. I can see where here at at the tech center in Barry's class and maybe some of the others, but with with everything that that they're trying to do in the classrooms to work with regular curriculum, um I I just don't >> I can tell you that she's not here tonight. She's out of town, but she uses utilizes it with special ed. Um she actually about once a month puts
099out a tile that would be very beneficial for special ed teachers to use. Um and they have done that consistently. I I don't know as far as Dr. Ekins and I did speak to our principles and we did ask them to survey their their um staff and we basically got the opposite of that. the primary teachers weren't using it as much as upper elementary and then secondary um and then that we were using in secondary as STEM projects. You know, the tech center can use it certainly and Barry has used it, but it can be used in any program. It doesn't have to be just, you know, a a technology program or there's those tiles if you get into them. There's lots and lots of different materials that that the students can use from that.
100>> But but at the end of the day, again, I'm not a teacher. I've never worked in a classroom, but with everything that's that's put on them, in addition to having to deal with the issues with kids that aren't don't want to be there, >> where do we where do we find the time to use add all these additional tiles? I mean, if you've got a school that's got 25 people in it, 25 teachers, >> how many? >> Well, it the thing is it's a resource just like any other resource that we have. And it's it's by choice like we have some teachers that have not used at all, but then we have others that have used it. >> I mean, almost too much. You know, we're having to monitor because we don't want that
101to be the total curriculum for the classroom. It's a resource. It's the same with this. It's another resource that that they can use. Um, >> as a as a teacher, I may be wrong because I've never this is new. Uh, this wouldn't be additional time. It' be if I'm going to teach this unit, then I can go and find a tile. Let's say I'm teaching causes of civil war. >> Correct. >> Possibly I can find a tile that does a good job doing that. And it might even save me time. And you're talking about kids who don't want to be there. Maybe I would think it's possibly I haven't seen one. don't know, but I think it possibly could be something that would be more interesting to them than it would listen to me talk
102about it or just reading it out of the book. >> Well, when in our budget workshop district software, we're spending $800,000. >> I know $70,000 isn't a whole lot, but in the scheme of things, still $70,000. >> Look, can I >> and all these others >> 70 69,000 is not software. 37,500 out of that is the Argonaut program. It is 125 from each kid. So that's 375 out of that. If you guys don't want that next year, that's fine. We can knock that out. We wanted to get our next level for ASA STEM. We have a Jason core team. I'd invite you to attend any of those meetings that uh Ronda Rogers runs along with we probably have 20 people. We have a national conference, a Jason national conference coming up that's part of it
103that will attend. So very if it's probably 30,000 or 20 is with the software. So with it in Brent's area there that's it. But honestly the the you went to the national conference last year along with your wife. U I've been to all those. I am not going this year with a conflict of the schedule but I think we've got 10 spots. It's probably a $100 fee also. There's a fee in that. I think we've got probably five people probably interested just off the top of my head that's interested in going to that conference. But that'll be the end of June and the first date of Jan of July. But again, the pleasure of the board, it is not worth for me to have you all not want it. It's I'm not going to challenge
104that. That's I brought it to you to bring it. It has brought more information to uh spark STEM and do those things since I've been here. But again, it's the pleasure of the board and I brought that to you. And again, 37,500, that's 125 in Argonaut. You guys did the Argonaut announcements. We've got three people heading out to uh Houston at the beginning of June, end of June. So that's that's where we're at. So again, Mrs. Mitchell has been more the contact with that. I have moved myself away. I felt uh some things have been attacked on that that I just thought let's have Mr. Mitchell lead that. So again, I've been a part and been around Jason with the national uh conference and doing some stuff there that I think I've got sparked. We
105brought some things back to excite our kids and do some things different. If you get on those programs, they're available everywhere. Um there's a lot with AI and all that, but [clears throat] whether people use them, we've got a usage report. I sent that to you the end of uh February. I sent you the usage report. So again, it's the pleasure of the board. So I >> I haven't seen a STEM program that can replace it. So do we just say never mind? That's I mean that >> No, I'm not trying to be at the doubting Thomas or anything else, but um it's a program, we've got the argument, so we're sending two students. >> Three two students and a teacher. >> Well, that's two students. Yeah. >> And it's a great it's a great
106thing for them. The ones that went last year, they went around to the schools and talked to some of the younger children about what the program does. But I guess part I don't guess part of our job is to expose every child in Mercer County schools to an opportunity for something that they may that may enrich their life. And and obviously this does. um question I asked and I was told no is is it an all ornone? So you've got to have all the all the teachers both primary and secondary enrolled so to speak and then then that's what opens up. Can you I thought well let's continue to have um the the Argonaut program and maybe not have the the the other. Well you can't have one without the other. So, you've got to
107have you've got to have the main stuff and then you pay twice that much or twice the price or the same price added to it to be able to send three people. So, that was just my question. You know, we're looking at the budget. We're looking at money. I'm sure that obviously this is already in the proposed budget, but if we have an opportunity and obviously I'm wrong um to save $70,000 to be able to use potentially on something else, far be it for me to to turn it down. I just wanted to to vent my concerns and questions and I appreciate that. So that's what I have to say about that. >> Anybody else? All right, we've got a motion in a second. All in favor signify by saying I. >> Post likewise. Are
108you not voting? >> No. >> You're voting no. >> No, I am voting. I am abstaining from voting. >> All right. Four in favor, none opposed, and one abstension. Board memo number 415 is fiscal year 27 salary schedule salary indexes and extra pay schedule. It is attached to your memo. Superintendent recommends approval of the attached fiscal year 27 salary schedule salary indexes and revised extra pay summary. 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. That motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. Board amendment number 416 is PEI insurance for service personnel. PIA benefits are extended through the end of August for professional personnel through
109legislation. Superintendent requesting the board approve extended PEIA coverage for service personnel in the same fashion. This will allow positions affected by riffs to apply for physicians in the fall. Superintendent recommends that PEI benefits be extended until August 31st to 26 for service personnel affected by rifts. Is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? There's a motion and a second. Questions, comments, or discussion? >> Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I oppose. Likewise. That motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. [clears throat] >> I would I would recommend you stepping out since your name's on the memo >> on the audit committee. He doesn't get paid for it. I mean, it doesn't I don't think this he gains >> whenever I was on it before I
110never stepped. >> He doesn't gain any pinary advantage for this. I don't >> I just didn't want to be the one to be liable if uh there was a problem with Mr. Bailey doing that. >> [cough and clears throat] >> Board amendment number 417 is the audit committee appointment. In accordance with procedures manual for procuring audits and reviews of local governments issued by the audit office of the state auditor. Mer County Board of Education is required to appoint an audit committee. Members of the audit committee shall be appointed for the by the entity board for a period of two years. One member of the committee shall be appointed by the entity to serve as a primary contact person. Committee shall have at least three members but not more than five. at least one board member
111from the entity's governing body, which means from the board. One member being an entity appointed with a working knowledge of the accounting system utilized. The remaining one to three members may be appointed as deemed appropriate. Superintendent recommends the appointment for the audit committee for fiscal year 27 and fiscal year 28 be Lesie Wellman, our treasurer, Jordan Angel, professional accountant, and Jim Bailey, a board member. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. >> Is there a second? There's a motion and a second. questions, comments or discussion then [clears throat] on the motion. All in favor signify by saying I >> oppose likewise and one abstension. Is that correct? >> He voted yes. Okay. We have to have board member on it. That's required. Um board member number 418 is the first reading of policy I3
112promotion and retention policy for elementary schools. Mr. Toman, >> I'll uh refer to Dr. Atkins to answer those. uh issues on the policy for elementary retention policy. >> All the changes in that policy are the required additions from House Bill 3035 which is the third grade retention act. And since word for word taken from uh statute and those are uh for third graders starting next school year the 26 27 school year if uh they don't meet exemptions then they would be subject to retention. So it defines all of the exemptions and what all those requirements are. >> Do you and probably I know you can't know but do you have any idea are we going to likely face a lot of retentions or hopefully not what's this going to be like? >> I think we're
113subject to likely face a lot of retentions. [clears throat] And so it's important starting this year in January, we sent a letter explaining all this to the parent of every second grader, which will be next year's third graders. And you know, it's difficult to predict how many students will meet the exemptions. Um there are other exemptions um opportunities there. Um, of course, all of this happens after staffing, which can be an issue for us personnel-wise, but they will have an opportunity for an extended year program, and they'll be given an opportunity to take a second summitive assessment um to also be another style of an exemption. So, there's still a lot of guidance and um details that will be, I think, provided to us from the state department next year. And we've been working on
114it for two years. And there's a lot of moving parts to this. >> How how does this deal with special ed duties? >> They're exempt from that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. If you look at the exemptions, there are many exemptions. And if students have any type of individualized plan, that's an exemption. When this bill when the bill was being discussed, it was pointed out repeatedly to people who wanted to change things that federal law on IDA and special ed is superior to state law, period. You can't alter what federal law sets out. uh and uh it took some uh repeated conversation along those lines to get them to understand that they they can't alter that and there and there are many exemptions you know but again I think only time will tell hope
115that we do get to a place um that we won't have a large number of those and there are lots of opportunities you know even beyond the exemption you know with the uh extended year and second GSA opportunity and it's for students these are the students that are red, the ones that are, you know, below grade level that we have to really look at. And if they they don't have to take the test and move all the way up, if they move even into one grade level behind, if they increase, then they will be able to be promoted. So, still a lot of guidance forthcoming, I feel, though, from the state department. >> Our language is taken directly from the statute. >> It could wreak havoc with with staffing, that's for sure. >> Yeah. something
116that comes up after we've already done it. >> Right. So, we we hope that won't be the case. We'll see. >> All right. Then that'll go out for public comment and we'll get it back soon. >> If you had a crystal, >> you had a crystal ball. What was special about the third grade versus any other grade? it. You know, research shows that if a child is not on grade level by third grade, it is very likely they never will be. So, I think that's probably the genesis of this. >> Okay. >> But, you know, there is also research about retention. So, you know, we just have to do our best to work through that and and we this is, you know, the third year we've had this process. So, these children will have been
117under this since kindergarten and had lots of opportunities for improvement and for growth and for plans if they need one and those types of things. So, um, we we'll see. >> I don't know how many of you remember, but I I remember these things, and my wife thinks I'm making it up, but I can remember as a third grader, the two things we had to be able to master was a multiplication table and I think some phonics type things. And >> yeah, I'm sure >> uh that stuck with me because, you know, I don't want to be left behind, so to speak. after. >> Yeah, exactly. [laughter] >> You know, you know where my mind was at. >> Yes. >> Multiplication tables and recess. >> Okay. There's nothing else on board a member 418. We'll
118move to 419, which is uh the request to have a maintenance supervisor created. This position would take place if the coordinator of services warehouse centralized inventory position. Over time, the operational demands of maintenance department increased significantly. Scope of responsibilities now includes oversight of multip multiple facilities, coordination of preventative maintenance schedules, compliance with safety regulations, management of work orders, and supervision of sta maintenance staff across the district. Uh the addition of a maintenance supervisor would provide direct on-site leadership to improve response time, ensure consistent implementation of safety protocols and regulatory compliance, strengthen oversight and accountability, enhance preventive maintenance efforts, provide better coordination of project resource allocation. This is not a additional position, but rather a strategic reallocation of existing resources. uh trading the coordinator position for a maintenance supervisor. We're aligning staff more closely with the
119district's current operational needs. Uh the superintendent recommends approval of this new position of a maintenance supervisor. Um >> is there a motion to approve? >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Service or professional? >> Service. >> Stay service. So my next question is, is the coordinator of services warehouse centralized inventory position no longer necessary or some of those positions going to be shipped over to the maintenance supervisor? >> There there's a small amount of overlap. Most of those will be uh can be absorbed with the current staff, the coordinator position. So I think that we have um as you've seen, I think the facilities director position has evolved into a an administrative leadership position and I think that we're we're headed in the right direction, but there is a there is a lack of
120the ability for me to oversee the day-to-day maintenance. So, this is this is a more of a hands-on experience with a the way the job description is written with someone who is certified in a specialized area within maintenance. Okay. [snorts] >> Okay. I'm I read this and we're confused. It almost sound like it's a new title for your job. It's not there, right? >> No, sir. They would work in under me to >> consistent working with you. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Because you're doing so much with the new school construction, too, which didn't used to be under maintenance. Correct. >> Correct. >> That takes a lot of your time. >> You have assumed many of the responsibilities that used to be done by purchasing. You definitely assumed a lot more administrative. >> So, this
121will help a lot more with the actual maintenance. So this would either require someone who's already working to get that new title or opening come up and put somebody in there. >> Correct. It could be someone new. However, it the some of the recommend or some of the uh the job description does require uh experience within the fields. >> Okay. So was this a bid a posting and then a bid job or >> it will be posted >> posted and then the whole gambit of years of experience and all that kind of stuff comes into play. I mean we're looking at um you know you have to look at the security laws within context of service and yeah we do have certain stipulations in there that you know it's a master electrician HBAC >> plumbing
122but they're they're in a certain order we're going to look those as preferred and so at that point somebody has that preferred then that person you know they'll take the supervisory test for service that we don't really do an interview for service employees. We do make sure that they're in agreement with position, but there's no pay difference in this job and the coordinator's job. So it's just kind of a there's duties that for a supervisor position that is more needed at this point in time versus the coordinator's position >> lateral move as far as um contract length 261 would that depend only thing I [clears throat] thought was I wondered if five years was enough but I guess you got to start somewhere >> correct because I have a feeling we've got plenty of good
123people. It's got a lot more than five years of service. >> The term supervisor implies to me that they're kind of a a boss of sorts over others. Is that what this is kind of doing? >> It will oversee the employees. >> Okay. >> Under my direction. >> Anything else? Anybody else? >> Nope. >> Then on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I >> oppose. Likewise, that motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. Board amendment number 420 is an employee disciplinary matter. Mr. Tim, >> president recommending to suspend Michael Rose, transportation supervisor, Mercy County Schools, three days. He served his three days and ask for your approval. >> To approve that we approve. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Motion and a second. >> Paul. Any questions or discussion? Then
124on the motion, all in favor signify by saying I >> oppose. Likewise, the motion carries. Five in favor and none opposed. Last action item on the agenda is personnel matter. Uh personnel agenda uh all new employment recommendations contingent upon acceptable background checks and drug testing. Uh with that requirement, superintendent recommends approval. You did receive a uh corrected or adjusted adjusted personnel agenda. It's my understanding that that an individual that had >> previously wanted the position decided that she no longer wanted >> and that was the secretarial job at at Sun Valley. Okay, that's off of here. Now it's no longer on the agenda. >> Is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> I'll take a second. >> Third, fourth. >> Okay, there's a motion. Then there's a second. >> That position still at this
125point. any desire to go in executive session or any need to then on the motion all in favor signify by saying I >> opposed likewise that motion carries five in favor and none opposed that is the last action ite on the agenda >> Mr. Toman president you have a board member graduation assignments u graduation is coming up in a few weeks and just wanted to make sure we knew which board member was attending which graduation >> I think I'm doing Pike View this year I'll do Bluefield >> [laughter] >> Smith is out of town. He's doing Mont. That leaves you, Mark. >> They made a >> Bernie will be your buddy. >> Be my second third year. Yes. >> What do you want to swap? >> No, I'm just kidding. >> Bluefield, >> you got
126it, Miss Harrison. They're all good. They're all good. >> Yeah, they're all good. They're all good graduations. >> Some are just a little bit longer because they have more students. That's all. >> They're all still much shorter than they used to be. >> And and as of right now, Mrs. Mitchell is going to be doing Bluefield. Dr. Atkins is going to Princeton. I'm doing MC column. We talked to our administrative lead team. If we need somebody at the other school, we're going to see what we can figure out. >> Do that. four schools and we got four board members going. So >> yeah, it works out. >> Okay, works out perfect. >> Sorry I won't be here. >> All right. Well, >> I guess Hawaii's a good [laughter] kid. >> Can you see the disappointment
127in you look really upset about >> I do enjoy graduation. >> It would have been your swan song. >> Well, that's true. It would be my swans on graduation. That's true. >> I spent many of days sweating at graduation. >> Yeah. Uh anything else, Mr. No sir, I don't know if any of the administr that 60day bonafide I can't separation of retirement through Senate Bill 712. So, we can't have conversations with coaches, substitutes, anything like that for 60 days until they receive their first. >> Oh, interesting. Okay. Thank you for telling us. >> Very important. Very important. >> Thank you for telling us. >> Yeah, because it's pretty ownorous. The the penalties are pretty ownorous, are they not? >> They are. >> Yeah. >> Is that wanting to talk to talk to them about subbing?
128Is that what you mean? Okay. I gota >> you have to wait till that time's over. Oh, that's good to know. I don't know that. >> I gota >> tell them one more time. [laughter] >> Yeah. No, no, no. The Senate bill this amount of days. >> Yes. It was in effect last year. >> When a teacher retires who's also a coach, are they informed that they're also retiring from teaching from coaching? >> Yes, they are. >> I was not. >> Yeah. >> And I was surprised when I didn't you could still be a coach. They changed that in recent years. >> No. Well, they >> I couldn't I lost my job coaching. >> Oh, I don't know about that. when I retire. When I didn't know till retired, they had to get on a
129horse and go to [laughter] your house. That was when he started it. >> Oh, >> okay. >> What did you >> uh 2008? >> She's not responsible. [laughter] >> Mr. Told me nothing. >> That was not your responsibility. >> Second. >> I I would like to discuss the acquisition of property if we could >> in executive session. Please, we can do that. Is there a motion to go in executive session for the sole and only purpose of discussing? >> So moved. >> All right. Already done. >> Oh, sorry. Second. >> There's a motion in a second. >> Jim motion me. >> Sorry to be a buzz kill. >> All in favor signify by saying I. I. Likewise. Folks, we're going to stay right here. >> This is a need to know. If you don't need
130to be here, we ask you to head on out. What happened? The blue well. >> We are back out of executive session. Uh there are no other items on our agenda to act on this evening. Move we adjourn. >> There is a motion and a second to adjurnn. Are there any objections? We are adjourned. Good night everyone. >> Good night.