001Good evening everyone. Like welcome to our August 11th meeting. Um first call is going to be a moment of silence. Thank you. We also going to have um Miss Christa Monroe and Miss Melissa Ocean. They going to be virtual. And Miss Christie feels she's running a little [clears throat] stands nationy for all. >> Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> Next need a motion to approve the agenda. Got a motion by Mr. Henry. Second by Mr. Bradley Phillips. All in favor by saying I. >> Those opposed. They ain't there yet. Uh, they're not there yet. >> [snorts] >> Need a motion to approve the minutes. Uh, hold up just a second. >> These are the uh minutes from the February 10 and 24 board meeting. >> Mr. Chair, I have a question. Do we need to
002proceed with the motion in second or >> Okay, we've got a second. Okay. So, on page 20 and 21 of the February uh minutes, it's noted that uh Mr. Craig to proceed under policy 9300 as it was written to hold the public hearing. And I second that, but the uh the minutes describe that motion, but it doesn't show where that whether it passed or failed. And and also at our June meeting, Mr. Schwarz specifically stated that the motion passed. So, should we reconcile that before we >> Yeah. the um on page 20 I'm sorry where where were you >> page 20 and 21 uh [clears throat] on page 21 there was declared and then [clears throat] um the vote was was on page 22. >> Okay. [snorts] >> There was a substitute motion to table
003it and then that that passed unanimously and that was on page 22. >> Okay. Also, um Mr. Vonte's name is spelled wrong a couple of times on pages 18 and 20. Okay. Um, who do we have the who the motion second by? >> Okay. [clears throat] >> [snorts] >> Okay. >> One more thing, Mr. Schwarz. >> Yes. >> On page 23, um the first line um references 28 US Code 132G. Should that be uh instead of the US code 28, should that be 20? >> Uh, it should be. Yes, good spot. [clears throat] Uh, you want to pull those and we'll make those corrections if you don't mind. >> Y. >> Okay. If you would, Mr. when we go into um close session, just get up with attorney and show them um or you got
004them highlighted or marked on your page and that way we can correct them. >> Okay, we'll come back to the um the minutes information items. Um first on that is the NCSBA student advisor, Dr. Williamson. Mr. Chair, board members, we are excited and thankful tonight. And let me ask Miss Keley Deal if she'll come forward, please. In your board package, you have a letter from State Superintendent U. Mo Green. In the letter, he says to um Miss Killy, I'm pleased to appoint you to serve as a student advisor to the state board of education pursuant to general statute 115 C-11. Your appointment is effective immediately like in September [laughter] for two years. We are excited and and thankful. Dr. Harrison, you served as state board chair. Will you share the importance of our student advisors?
005If you don't mind, please. >> No, the student advisor plays a major role. >> Yeah. To the mic. >> The the student adviser plays a major role. There are two of them. One is a junior and one is a senior. So, they will have two years there. uh the board members frequently when debating or discussing policy will turn to our students and and ask for their advice. Uh you young people out there in the schools who were here to to serve. Uh so only two representing the state of North Carolina and it is just a uh an incredible honor and uh wish you the very very best and I know you'll represent Pernell Sweat and uh Proson County Schools very very well and you'll enjoy it. >> Good. So share a little bit about yourself
006with us and if your parents let's ask them to come up and then board members so we can get um a picture please. It's an honor to be here. Like he said, Noel Deal. I'm a rising junior at Pernell Sweat and I'm honored to be appointed in this position. I know that I have a purpose and I have a message that I want to share, but I also understand that the role that I'm taking on and I believe I'm ready for the state board of education and I believe they're ready for me. And my mom is here with me. Um, I'm very grateful for my parents and my family for and being with me every step of the way as well as my family at Pernell Sweat. And go Pelos FFA because I am our
007historian. Love that. But honored to be here. [applause] Let's [snorts] get >> [applause] >> Thank you. Good evening, Chairman Simmons, Superintendent Williamson, and board members. It is my honor to recognize tonight Pernell Sweats FFA chapter for earning gold status. The Pernell Sweat High School FFA chapter was recognized for its outstanding achievement at the North Carolina FFA state convention held in June, earning national chapter gold tier status and celebrating the accompl sorry accomplishments of several student members. The National Chapter Gold Tier designation is one of FFA's highest honors, recognizing chapters that demonstrate excellence, building communities, and strengthening agriculture through impactful programming and member engagement. Let's give a round of applause to Pernell Swit. [applause] Get your picture. the turnaround of of this program has has really been just amazing. So, Dy, we thank you for your
008work that that you're doing in instruction. Do y'all want to say something? >> There you go. >> Um, good evening everybody. U, my name is Michael Bristo. I am proud to serve as president for our chapter this year. Um, like she said, our chapter has came a very very far away and we're just incredibly blessed for all of our member support, our community support, and having the support of um anyone who knew what um the purpose we wanted to accomplish. So, we thank you. Thank you so much. [applause] So this time we'd like to recognize him as the national FFA teacher ambassador. The public schools of Robinson County is proud to announce that Pernell Sweat High School agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor. Tique Harley has been selected to serve as a national FFA teacher
009ambassador for the 2627 school year. Harley is one of just 88 agricultural educators in 38 states selected for the prestigious national leadership role. He is also one of two educators chosen to represent North Carolina in this year's cohort. As an agricultural educator at Pernell Sweat High School, Harley has played an instrumental role in creating meaningful learning experiences for students while fostering leadership, personal growth, and career readiness through FFA. His selection highlights not only his individual accomplishment but also the excellence of agriculture education programs within the public schools of Robinson County. Congratulations [applause] Well, thank you. I thought I was gonna out of this, but but it's an honor to be able to represent our district both on the local level and on the national level. So, I want to thank each and every one of
010you all for um our support. I want to thank Mr. Herman Lleair for his support and everything that we do at Peroswood High School. Thank y'all. >> [applause] >> At this time, I'll ask Lumberton FFA chapter to please come up. While we waited, I have to always remind folks I have a degree of as I'm FFA. [laughter] >> I can't wear it. Lumberton FFA was recognized as the top overall FFA chapter in North Carolina through the National Chapter Award program during the 97th North Carolina FFA state convention in Raleigh. The National Chapter Award program recognizes chapters that excel in developing student leaders, strengthening agriculture, and building communities through a comprehensive program of activities. This recognition reflects this chapter's commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for every student while making a lasting impact on the school and
011school community. [applause] >> Yes. >> [applause] >> And we'd like the president to please speak. Um, thank y'all so much for um the recognition for tonight. In addition to the top chapter in the state, we just got word Friday that our building communities um project of only rain in the drain is one of the top 10 national finalists um through the national FFA program. And so our students will be going to national convention to interview for that. Um that is something that our students did win just a couple of years ago. So to be honored or to be recognized for this honor again is extremely important. Um also in addition to our top chapter at state convention we also had the state champion cre also just up here. So he will be competing at national
012convention as well. And then um we also had a state officer elected and this is the first time we've had a state officer since 2022 and she's only the third one from our chapter um in the history since 1992. So, we're super excited for her and she has some remarks behalf of North Carolina FFA. >> Thank you, Miss Grimsley. It is an honor to be here on behalf of North Carolina FFA and also a part of Lumberton FFA because as I stepped into this building, I couldn't help but think about the amount of times that I've been here on behalf of my home chapter. And FFA isn't just about agriculture. It is about preparing students to serve, preparing just preparing students to leave their communities better than the way that they found it. And I'm
013very proud and very thankful of the support that public schools Robinson County has gave to the North Carolina FFA Association and to the support to the local FFA chapters like Lumberton, like Pernell Sweat, and just for allowing them to better prepare their students for their futures no matter what career path that they go to. So, thank you all once again. Thank you. [applause] >> Hey everybody. Um I'm the president this year of the Lon FFA chapter. Um they wanted me to speak a little bit about my opportunity to go to Kansas this year. I'll be going in September. Um it's for the animal systems nextG conference through National FFA. um I'll get to learn a little bit more about the animal systems and animal science and it kind of will uh go towards my career
014goals wanting to become a veterinarian uh later in the future. Um but I can't do so without you know my school board and the things like that. So I really want y'all's um everything to go towards that as well. So but thank y'all for the recognition. I'm really excited. >> [applause] >> So there was an official request for support to go to Kansas City. >> So Erica out of my contingency and get the information to Erica. Congratulations. >> Can we get that? We made the motion. [applause] So, I'd like Miss Candace to stay up here. So, the we'd also like to honor Miss Candace Grimsley because she was honored at with the honorary national North Carolina State FFA degree. The honorary state degree is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to agricultural education
015and the North Carolina FFA Association. This this prestigious recognition acknowledges years of dedication to developing student leaders, supporting agricultural I can't speak tonight. Advancing the mission of FFA across North Carolina. Congratulations. [applause] >> That's everybody. >> That's it. >> [snorts] >> Oh, >> who [clears throat] made that motion and second? Trey made the motion. Who made the second? Brad. Okay. So, motion by Mr. Britt, second by Mr. Phillips, and approved 80 to support trip to Kansas City. >> Okay, Miss Crystal Monroe, >> can you hear me? >> Yes. Uh, we just made a motion to approve Pernell Sweat and Lumpton high schools to go to uh Kansas for the FFA. >> I I approve, too. >> I'm sorry, one student. Um, just made a motion. Want to know how you vote? >> Um, for it.
016>> Was that Kansas or Kansas City? >> Kansas City. Okay. So what we know >> 90? [clears throat] >> Yeah. >> You caught up? >> Yeah. [snorts] Next on agenda is the um 2026 2027 board committee. Um anybody have any questions about those? Mr. Chair, Mr. Mr. John, I um well, thank you for recognizing me. I just had a few observations about the assignments. Um and and I respect your your position uh in making these decisions, but I just had a few comments. So last year, Miss Christie was was chair of finance and um it seems like a missed opportunity uh given her role in a senior leadership position at the credit union not to have her on that committee this year. Um we have one board member who's on four committees and um all
017the other me uh all the other board members are on either uh two or three. um every board member. Uh so we've got four types of leadership positions on the board. We've got the chair, the vice chair, and then for each committee, we have a chair, and every board member um holds one of those leadership roles except one. Um, but I just want to make you aware that if you're not on a a committee, um, policy 22, uh,30, uh, as board members gives us the ability to says, uh, any board member can suggest subcommittee agenda items for any any committee. Um, I just wanted us to know that, uh, that that's our role and we we are we do have the ability to go and participate those meetings and suggest agenda items even if we're
018not on those committees. And um and I I Chairman Simmons, I I want you to know that I recognize that these are your decisions to make and um if if it's your um if it's in your purview opinion that this is the best way uh for us to utilize the talent around the table and for us to advance the public schools of Robinson County, then I'm all um I respect your position in doing that. So um let's go ahead and get some of these committee meetings scheduled. There's plenty of work to do. Thank you. >> Committed was by board policy. The chairperson has the right to assign a person to any committee that he chooses or her choice. >> I said I let you speak. Let me finish. >> So therefore, I've chosen people that
019fit best. It doesn't matter what job you have or what title you have. It's where I think you fits best for the public schools Robinson County. And I did something that we had never did before. I put a chair and a vice chair there. So in other words, we are moving forward. >> I respect your position. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Mr. Lakes. >> Um I would like to make uh Mr. Mr. T, I'd like to [clears throat] correct you. There's actually two board members. That's not a U. Well, there's one. Okay. I didn't see that. I'm sorry. I didn't see that. I thought >> and this is something Mr. Tur said and I I think it uh the lawyer got involved in this before the grievance committee. I don't
020believe any board member can attend that grievance committee because I you just made a statement about board members tendies. Am I right, Mr. Lawyer? >> Right. The agreements committee is set. Uh if it's set, you can't add add members to it. Uh you the the chair could appoint an additional member, >> but just to go observe that, >> but if you're having a grievance hearing before the grievance committee, if an additional board member shows up, they can't sit with the grievance to the grievance committee. >> Okay, that that was my question. That's the hearing, right? For a hearing, >> right? For a hear. Well, for any committee meeting. Yeah. [clears throat] >> Any other questions? >> Curry. >> Okay. That that was my comment, too, because it it came up last year at grievance. So,
021just so we're clear now going forward, if we got a construction committee meeting, uh Mr. Schwarz, you know, anybody can show up. The only people, if I'm correct, and the only people voting on it is people on that committee. But if it is a grievance hearing where somebody's filed a grievance, the only people that named unless the chairman adds somebody. Am I saying that correct? >> That's correct. Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions before we move on? Communication year end report. Miss Jessica Silly. >> Okay. >> Good evening, Chairman Simmons, Dr. Williamson, Dr. Harrison, and board members. It's a pleasure to stand before you tonight. Um, I will be very brief. I know I gave you guys pages of of things that the communications department's been working on, but I'm gonna,
022if that's okay with you, I'm going to be very brief. And Mr. Vonte said, as he famously does, be brief. So, I will. So, um, so communications, I talked to the principles this morning. We had a very fruitful leadership meeting. I always talk about, um, the C's of communications. Be clear, concise, consistent. But what I always add at the end is always you know make sure that communication is collaborative because we all know one person cannot do the work right. It takes collaboration to do the work have every day in our public schools and I'm thankful for the team of folks we have at the school level the district level and my um I always kind of joke about cabinet stepping in as my photographers when I'm unable so thank you for that. Um, you
023make you make this job the dream it is. So, I appreciate you. And if you'll go to the next slide. Social media performance at a glance. Let's take a glance. So, the beautiful thing about reports is when it has a lot of green on it, right? So, we're looking at this thing and it's got a lot of green on it. So, we see that um this just measures. I just go year-over-year because it's kind of hard to measure within a school year. So, I just go year-over-year. We're picking up on our impressions and our reach. So, those are very positive signs. Um, we didn't get as many net new net followers as we did in the last period. And I have learned sometimes less is more. When you post a lot, sometimes it gets bogged
024down. And that thing called the algorithm, it will throw you off. So, you won't if you post a lot. And I think people kind of get a little frustrated with me sometimes when I I don't post as soon as they send it to me. But if you um clog up your if you clog up your feed, then people won't be able to get all the information they need to get. So I try to limit my posting a little bit. So that's why you see that change there. Next. All right. So key highlights for social media. We're seeing an audience engagement continuing to grow. Our visibility is reaching new heights and our video content seems to be what is carrying us a lot. Um people like to see that that's kind of a change and another
025C that I talk about like I talked about this morning to our principles is the challenge in communication is that is always what changing right so the way we communicated five years ago 10 years ago is different than we communicate now and even in 10 years from now who knows what we'll be doing probably be holograms and stuff so I I like to um kind of dream about what we'll be doing but um it's going to be different but we have to adjust to that right so our website traffic has increased and our audience continues to grow. So, these are some really positive things we're seeing on our social media. Okay. So, our strategy recommendations. So, as I told you guys before, we're uh working on you can see some of our CEK uh videos
026we're pushing out. Um prioritizing short form video and we're expanding our storytelling and we really want to be what? Strategic, right? So that means again not clogging up all of our feeds with a lot of information but strategically scheduling out information that people need to get as they're scrolling and as they're scrolling after dinner or before dinner. Um also we're seeing we want to continue to drive action uh to our website and then tell those authentic people center stories because the best part of Robinson County is what our people and I will preach that till the day I die. Next. >> All right. Brand performance report. We're moving right along, Mr. Leech. So, media visibility and reach. Um, you wouldn't believe it, but we actually have got outside of the United States. So, you will
027see, I don't know if you can see that pretty good, but we've got visibility outside of the US. And looks like Australia's one place we got visibility. So, that's fun. Um, so we're seeing again average or advertising value equivalency is looking pretty good. So that's kind of what you would expect to spend on advertising if you were to. So again, thank you to our media partners and I think they're on our next slide. So top sources by mention for this time, Newsbreak app and then the Robinsonian. Thank you, Robinsonian, you're here this evening. WPDE, we've got a radio station in St. calls and then we have another radio station. So those are our top sources by mention for this period here in 2026 looking ahead. So what do we want to do? We want to
028keep our momentum going. We want we want to maximize major district milestones like our CEK opening which is exciting coming up August 21st. So come out to that at 8 am. And again, we want to celebrate our who our people because our people are the best part about who we are and what we do every day. Next. So, thank you for the opportunity to serve. I don't like to brag on I don't I'm not a big bragging person, but I just really appreciate the work and just being able to do this every day. It's a dream. And I will take any questions at this time. Troy, >> Miss Jessica, mine's not a question. Mine's a statement. Um I not go unnoticed and um I sincerely appreciate what you do. No doubt. >> Thank you, sir.
029>> Mr. Chair, thank you for all your hard work, Miss Jessica. Um for our social media, do we uh boost posts? >> We don't. We don't boost. Now, we have advertise like for our career event that we do every year where we're recruiting our folks. we will spend a little bit of advertising money on boosting posts like that. So, we will do um paid advertisements and that has helped us tremendously as we're looking for more candidates to come into our um career our career fair hiring event. So, we do that every year. >> That's um that's probably a good return on on investment to boost something like that for for job recruitment and those sorts of things. I wonder if it would also be worth looking into uh boosting different types of posts um like
030for if there's any um important announcements that people may typically miss or or anything um worth looking into um spending some money on making sure that people have that information. We may want to look into that because it don't cost a lot of money. It it doesn't cost that much to boost boost a post to get it in front of people. But thank you. >> That's right. And and I agree. And actually there's some of our um social media sites where you can add highlight or add followers and it'll send notifications instantly to your followers. So that is one quick free easy way I try to leverage to make sure that that gets in front of as many eyeballs as possible. But absolutely that's something we can we can look forward we can look into
031further um in the coming days. But absolutely I agree. Social media is a really big return on investment >> for sure. Thank you, >> Mr. Craig. >> Uh Mr. Jessica and Dr. Williamson with the uh I know we put out stuff about the grand opening uh and the open house at the career center. Uh is there any just I'm gonna say let more people know. I know we put stuff out and you put stuff out. Uh but just I think as much as can be put out to let people know that there is a grand opening next Friday and then there are tours there that Saturday. So if anything can be done to >> just add some more things to that. I think it would be helpful and thank you for everything you do because
032you do do a great job with what you do as far as putting stuff out. So thank you. >> Thank you. Absolutely. We can push that out. We can send some ROOC calls out. Let people Yeah. know. be reminded. >> Dr. Mayor, >> I think part of Miss Jessica's success is her positive attitude. If you notice when she speaks with a smile, and I appreciate that. It's always a pleasure talking to you and with you. So, congratulations. And I want to ask something else, which is has something to do with this, but kind of sort of. How are the recommendations or suggestions for the superintendent search coming? Are you getting any at all yet? >> So, I have just had the pleasure of putting out the survey. So, I've just sent the survey out um
033on our social media pages, all all our school websites. So, that has kind of been my role in it. >> Um I I won't do anything as far as reading it, but I will help distribute things like um posting it on on So, I've posted the surveys. Um I posted it. It was the day. It was a couple days after because I want to make sure that the contract was signed and everything. We were good to go. So, um, but that is live and, uh, I'm sure Mr. Sam might have an update on that that we can ask him to send your way. >> I was just May I go follow up? >> Go ahead. >> I was just curious as to the number, not necessarily the content if you knew how mean responded or
034anything like that. >> I am not sure, but we can get that number for you. >> All right. Thank you. Mr. Chair, if I may, I want to echo what Miss Brett said to Jessica. Thank you for all you do. Do outstanding [snorts] job uh communication to our parents and communities. Uh they're in the note and if not, they can call and get an answer to that. But just thank you for your work and telling our story. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? Thank you, Mr. Jess. You're doing a great job. >> Thank you. >> Next is the uh G allocation PSHA boost club, Mr. Craig. uh and board members. Uh as some people saying uh several probably weeks ago now, there was a post that uh showed allocations uh throughout the county
035for various things and um from the general assembly in North Carolina. One of those uh items was $165,000 sent to Pernell Sweat Booster Club. So, a little background information on that and just what that is. Um, basically folks that started from I contacted Representative John Lowry back in the spring and told him that there had been discussions and a lot of times by me of trying to sweat because they hadn't ran a meet out there in over 10 years. And I asked John, I said, "If you can do anything to help us," and I do to figure out $100,000. I said, "We could use it. it won't build a track, but it might get started. And he said he would see what he could do. So after that conversation, it was a few months later,
036actually, you know, about a month or so ago, he called and he said, uh, we're having 165,000 is going to be sent to Pernell Sweat and it was his call. He wanted it sent directly to the booster club, which from what I understand that is permissible to do that. and uh him and uh and myself, we've all known each other and him and my son's been friends for a long time and that was just representative John's request to send it to the booster club. So, in conversations too earlier with his brother who was a former representative, there had been comments made about helping the middle schools in the county. So, they ended up putting together another 90,000. That's how it come up to 165,000. And that 90,000 will be divided to all the middle school
037athletic departments in the county, which they will end up getting checks for $8,181. And as soon as this money is delivered to the booster club at Pernell West through state funds, every what processes has to be done there. Um the booster club will disperse checks to the middle schools in the county. uh and hoping we can have a presentation here with Mr. Lowry here and we'll dispense dis dispense it to the athletic directors and hopefully the principles can be here which again that will be countywide far as we know this is a one-time donation. The 75,000 is to stay in the booster club account at Pernell Sweat and uh hopefully can get some more money which if we ever get the money here to be able to track it sweat um that's 75,000 less than
038what the county would have to put toward it come from an ask from me. I know there's a lot of stuff on Facebook that I was not going to respond to, but it came from an ask from me. Not trying to hide anything or what have you. And uh that won't be the last time I asked for there or anywhere else of trying to get something done like that. So uh that's pretty much uh the background in it. And uh those checks will be dis dispersed to the middle schools just as soon as they get the money down and then can write the checks and and take care of that. If there's any questions, I I'll try to answer. >> Thank you, Mr. Craig. Anybody have a question? I do not have a question, but
039we did receive some additional information today. Miss Erica, if you share that good news, please state. >> Good evening, Chairman Simmons, Superintendent Dr. Williamson, Superintendent Harrison, and board members. Just a couple hours ago, I received some information um from Miss Kelly Blue and Mr. John Lowry that there is going to be an additional $450,000 allocation that will be sent to the county of Robinson to go to to be split between Lumberton, Fairmont Booster Club, Red Springs Booster Club, and St. Paul's Booster Club as follows. Um, a total of 225,000 will be sent to Lumberton Booster with 75,000 designated for soccer facilities and 150,000 for other sports. And Fairmont, Red Springs, and St. Paul's would each receive 75,000. And again, those funds would be dispersed directly to the county of Robinson. And we'll work with Miss
040Blue um to ensure she gets the information she needs for that to be submitted to the booster clubs. Thank you. >> Any [clears throat] questions, >> Mr. Chair? I'm sorry. >> That information as well this afternoon, Miss Erica, which is good news for all of public schools of Robinson County. >> Yes, sir. >> Goodness. >> And I'm Char sorry, uh, Chairman Simmons. I was told I called you Chairman Leech. I apologize for that. I didn't mean to do that to you. >> We'll talk about that later. Okay, [laughter] >> Mr. Chair and members, Erica, once we received notification, I had to research um if booster clubs receiving funds from the general assembly had happened in other places. And what did you find out? >> Yes, sir. I didn't count, but there are several counties, Union
041County, Alamance, I I don't know exactly how many counties, but there were various um booster clubs. There was even an academic booster club that received funding from the special appropriations in the in the budget. There were numerous counties that received different all kinds of different allocations. 350,000, 333,000, 50,000. It was in a lot of different denominations, but there were several. >> We are thankful for for those funds and we'll put them to good use. So, please every please ask. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else? Okay. Next is the Northline DPI facility need survey. Mr. Bobby, >> good evening, Chairman Simmons, board members, excuse [clears throat] me, Dr. Williamson. So, every five years, the general assembly requires local boards to submit a a plan for uh facility needs. Our last study was done in
0422021 and so we recently completed that completed our 20. So the primary primary reason behind this of course is to see where schools facility needs are but it also allows the governor and other lawmakers to facilitate conversations around floating school bonds. So um the way the process worked, BASA came in and conducted interviews with our maintenance department and also with principles to determine specific needs over the next five years of our facilities. Uh along with basa staff and our maintenance department, we provided estimates on things that may need to take place with over the next five years and in some cases maybe even longer than that. So the report does not require So what we're asking is that uh Mr. Bradley, I believe you're chair of the construction committee is that we uh schedule a
043construction committee meeting to review this report in detail and then that way that would allow more time for any questions as related to the dollar amounts that are coming out of the reports. We currently have the reports being printed at the print shop. As soon as those notebooks are ready, we'll get those in the hands of all board members. Our final report is due August the 31st. And so that report again does not have to be presented or approved by the full board. It just would require the board chair's signature along with our county commissioner uh chair signature. >> Any questions? >> Trey, Mr. Bobby, just to verify that process that we discussed here a few months back, there is no cost in this right now. Correct. No, this is this particular uh the facility
044need study. Yes, we had to enter into a contract with Basa U, Miss Erica 30. I would have to get the dollar amount, but it but yes, Basa came in and completed the the next on the item is something else. Correct. Yes, there is a cost for the facility needs. >> Okay, Mr. Bobby, the energy saving performance contract. >> All right. So, uh again, we uh good evening again. So, to recap where we've been at in this conversation over the last couple of months, uh we did a presentation in January, I believe, at our construction committee meeting. We also presented to the full board in February. [clears throat] So again, to go over what an energy saving performance contract is, it allows us to to make facility improvements performed by an energy uh services company.
045Uh how do we make these improvements? We reallocate funds uh based on are done within the partic within the the contract. And why is this important is because it's guaranteed. Uh if we enter into a contract with an energy savings company, if we do not meet those savings, they are responsible for basically cutting the check for the payment or difference in that payment for that particular year. And I think this word has been mentioned a couple of times. What are some things that we can get a a quick return on our investment? And uh if with the board approval, if we move forward with this, we are definitely going to begin to work on lighting because we have a lot of old buildings. Uh and as you know, once you walk in a building and
046it's lit up, it just changes the entire environment in in that building. [clears throat] Also, one of the things we definitely need to work on is building automations to get our get our HVAC systems um on a timer and not necessarily running all the time. and also again the exploration of water conservation. So based on some studies that have been done, we have a potential low-end savings of over $30 million uh depending upon again depending upon what we enter into a contract with the energy savings energy services company for. We do have some good news. the process has process has been cleaned up a little bit and makes it a little bit easier once we phase. Uh the general assembly ratified Senate Bill 445 to move the process of selecting the company from an RFP
047to an RFQ. So if uh now we're able to almost enter into an agreement much like we did our HVAC work where it's a design build and not necessarily looking at prices upfront. So, um, so again, that's just a recap of where we're at. And I also need to mention, if I'm not mistaken, uh, the governor did sign this bill into law, Mr. Schwarz, after our conversation this afternoon. So, I believe that it has now been signed. >> I know he signed two bills into law while I was driving down here, but I'm >> So, I think this is one of them according to the information that I just got. And so, uh, again, one of the things we re want to reiterate to to the board is that this is a guaranteed program at
048no risk to the district. [clears throat] >> Sorry, M. >> And and also there's no there's no not only no risk, there's no cost. >> And Mr. Bobby, um, we still have cooling issues within our schools. Am I correct? >> Absolutely. Even after spending the 25 plus million dollars in ESSER across very across all of the high schools and at least seven other campuses, we still are experiencing HVAC issues across this district. >> And with this energy saving performance contract, we're looking at quality work. Am I correct? Not just a low bid. >> Correct. That's why it's moved to an RFQ instead of an RFP. >> Correct. Um, is this going to the construction committee or what's the plans with this? >> No. So what we are asking tonight before we move to selecting the
049energy services company, we need to select our um third-party independent re reviewer. Uh >> and that's no cost, right? >> Correct. Correct. So after the February meeting, we put out an RFQ for our third party reviewer. That information came back and we would like the board to select LLJ as our third party reviewer. Mr. Craig, >> mine is kind of reiterating Mr. Trey. Um, no cost. What was that other no? I wrote it down somewhere. No cost, no risk. So I mean, and the quality work is done. So this company, they come in, this work's done. And if now make sure if we don't have savings then the company has to pay us that year >> the difference in that payment >> correct >> difference talked about okay now finding out how their savings is
050is that a getting into a miss question or what the bill cost one year compared to what it costs that year how how do how does that savings determined >> again that would be determined in the contract once the company is selected Okay. >> And they will do their calculations. If we go in and we do all lights in all buildings, again, it we're we could have the conversation when the company comes in. Are we going to do all schools? Are we doing 10 schools? Are we doing 15 schools? That savings is going to be determined as to what we identify as the work that needs to be done. >> But >> and where and where. But let's say I want if we're going to do lots, I might be saying the wrong thing, but
051okay, let's jump on all schools in the county. If we going to do lights, let's not pick out some. But if we did all schools in the county, again, there should be savings that year or we will be getting some money back. And it's not going to cost us anything upfront for what those companies will be doing. >> Correct. And the reason I keep asking these questions that that particular part to be totally clear, [snorts] I don't want to sign off on something that's going to come back and cost the school system stuff 10 years from now or there. And you know, you're giving us those assurances, I'm sure, from the companies that that wouldn't be the case because that's my concern. and if we had to pull money from a various area that we
052really don't have it to pull from. >> Okay. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Chair. Let me ask our attorney to talk about the guaranteed part a little bit more and then I can share. I've had experience with performing contract in another district and Dr. Harrison, you had some experience with that. So, Richard, will you please just walk us through again to part of this contract? >> All right, he's waiting for that. Go ahead, Mr. Chris. >> So, Mr. Bobby, could this include some of our septic system issues or is this specific? >> No, I do not believe that we could get get involved in septic in this. Now, we could take some of the we may be able to take some of the savings and address some other issues, but to make that part of
053the contract, I'm not sure that we can make that part of their contract. >> So, tell me again, what would the contract cover? >> Again, we would decide that based upon the opinion from the third party reviewer. Your quick return, again, it's going to be lighting because our buildings have old lighting. U we will be able to save probably the most amount of money up front with those lightings. Once we begin to see that savings, if there were other things we wanted to do within the energy company, like some HVAC work or some water work, we could come back, redo the contract and address those or we take the savings and could possibly address other issues across the district. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. >> Yeah, sure. Uh just quick question. Um Mr. Rob, you
054said um you would like to recommend LLJ. How how many other firms bidded in that process? >> There there was not a bid for this process. We did an RFQ. >> Yes. And so LLJ when we bid it when we placed the request out there, they were the only ones that returned. Again, there aren't many engineers in this area that do this kind of work. And based upon his information or the information from the company that comes back, he has done this in several counties across the state. >> Okay. >> Request for qualifications. >> Mr. Trey, >> Mr. Bobby. Um, so basically we would like to move this RFQ waiting another month. No, we we are asking that we uh approve LLJ as our third party independent reviewer. >> I make a motion that we
055approve NJ as our third party rule. And this is no cost. Correct, Mr. Bobby? >> Correct. >> You need a motion to move this to an action item. >> Motion to move it to an action item then, Mr. Bobby. >> Got a motion by Mr. Brit, second by Mr. Henry and then Mr. Henry had a um a question. >> Mr. Bobby um you know a couple years back we were contact and they've received a grant a company came out and uh furnished the LED lights and the mechanics of installation. Um will that all that be interrupted with this new contract? >> No. So so the agreement we had was actually with with uh DEEQ. They got a grant to replace uh gym lights in across lowincome districts. So all if I'm not mistaken all of
056the lights in our elementary and middle school gyms are now on LED. [clears throat] Let me go ahead and get a >> vote on the motion. >> All in favor saying I. >> I. >> All oppose. 10. >> Yeah. Yeah. 10 is absent. Yeah. Mr. T. So, Mr. probably the last the last thing we talked about on the agenda was this NCDPI facility needs survey. So what if we complete this survey now and then um start the performance contract process and they select a school for re you know revitalization. Um, but then the fac the facility needs survey comes back and says, "Well, we're going to give you a bond to do uh whatever and it may include consolidating a couple of schools that we've already started into this uh energy savings program uh performance
057contract uh with. How will that how will that manifest? What does that mean? We won't be able to get it again or >> No. So, so the facility needs there's no action tied to that from DPI. All we're doing is submitting our information to them saying based on our evaluation of our buildings in our district and over the next five years, if we done absolutely everything that needed to be done in that building, this is the dollar amount that it would cost to fix or repair or replace different items in the building. There's actually once we submit it, there's no money that's going to come back to us based on our needs. Again, this is just in place. So that when conversations are held about what other facility needs across the state, there's a dollar
058amount tied to that so that politicians and those folks who have the the purse strings can can begin to have deeper conversations about how much it's going to cost for uh capital needs across the state. >> That's what I was getting at. So what if it gets to that point and we've already saying so again uh you can adjust your contract as you move along. You're not stuck within that contract from beginning to end. There are times you can come back and renegotiate your contract. >> Bobby, also part of this data will be used if the state ever decides to float a state bond. Therefore, this data to help determine the size of that bond. So, Mr. Bobby, in a quick sentence now, tell tell us again what will LLJ do as this reviewer? What
059are they going to do for us? So LLJ will act as our independent reviewer of the services that the energy sav energy services company [clears throat] would provide. So they will go out and they will analyze uh where the potential work needs to be done and they will be our goeteen to ensure that the work is getting done but also that the numbers are adding up in terms of the savings that's going to be allowed. >> So they will be the ones going around checking all the schools to start with. >> Correct. and then the company. >> Correct. >> And we will have to pick a company. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> If we select LLJ, the next the next piece after they do their initial work would be to do the RFQ
060for the energy services company for the company. Yes. >> Okay. There was known as a qualified reviewer. It has to be a licensed architect or engineer in North Carolina who has experience in um energy efficiency. And Bobby, now they will get paid for their service, but that would come through that would come from the energy services company, not from us. >> Any other questions? >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Bobby. Next is the U CTE update. >> M I'm sorry, Mr. Chair. They need to take action. >> Yeah, we moved it. I already did took vote and moved it. >> It was moved to an agenda. Action. >> So, you'll just vote on it later. >> Yeah. Yes. >> CEK updates. So, again, I purposely will not provide pictures tonight because I think everybody's excited
061about next Friday. Uh, our ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled from 8 to 10. Uh next Friday morning we have an open house uh where we're definitely hope the come out and just walk through the building. We do not have planned tours. We will have staff members in place to describe their work areas to folks that walk through. Again, I'm almost speechless at the walking through furnitureures in the building. Uh it really looks like uh don't want to say a school now. this pl this place is going to be beyond what I would call a school. It's going to be a place that's going to change the future of the boys and girls that walk through there, but more importantly, it's going to change Robinson County. So again, we look forward to a great ceremony next
062Friday morning. Uh I Miss Jessica at your pro at your desk has included a program uh for next Friday morning's event. Uh, next Saturday will not necessarily have an agenda. Again, it's just going to be the doors are open. Come and look. Um, again, I'm just in awe as to what this building looks like. But again, I'm more in awe about the impact it's going to have on the boys and girls in this community uh, for years and generations to come. >> Bobby, you are excited. That's two weeks away. >> Oh, I'm sorry. And the date is August 21, but the time is not on this um announcement. >> Do we have the time set? >> You have in front of you is the program. Miss Jessica has sent out invitations to all the uh
063elected officials. Miss Jessica, the dignitaries, uh those folks that we would love to be in attendance on Friday. So what you're looking at is just the program. It is not necessarily the agend, uh invitation that was sent out. And what time is it going to start? >> 8:00 Friday morning the 21st to 10. >> On Saturday is 9 to 12. >> And Bobby, we also want to clarify um you'll be able to walk through also on Friday to the public. >> Correct. >> So walkthroughs will be happen Saturday. >> Yes. Uh just to some other updates, Mr. Herman and his staff are current currently getting uh owner training. So each specific location is going through a training whether it's culinary, whether it's welding. All of the staff members are going through training on the new
064new equipment. Um again, just uh just really excited to have this place open. Uh when when children come back, we will not have students in the building the first week of school. Uh what we've worked with Metcon and Sfla A on is let's get the teachers in the building that first week. Let's get them accustomed to the Mr. Herman. We will meet with high school principles next week to discuss placement of those students at their facility for that first week. But we will have work for them for them to do. So it's not just going to get past those that first five days. But again, we will have staff members in the building getting the building ready. And we do not anticipate I told Dr. Williamson got a phone call today they should hand somebody
065the keys on the 18th. So we will have a set of keys to the building and it will be ours on the 18th. And just so everyone knows this is at least four months ahead of schedule. The contracted completion date was December. >> Mr. Masley. >> Thank you Mr. Bobby and uh and I I can't wait. Um from the from the from the road, it's it's amazing. I can't believe uh how how far they've come along with it, you know, over the last few months. It's just uh it's just a wonder. Um I was wondering, do we already have the uh the final inspections and all of that's been done? Is any is there anything else? >> We we currently have a temporary uh temporary certificate of occupancy. Okay. Uh the our biggest hole our
066hold up at the last point was our fire alarm. I'm signing off on the fire alarm agreement in the morning. So once that is taken care of all the other little is the only thing that would stop us from getting a certificate of occupancy. >> Thank you. >> I have two questions. Uh did we ever get any money or any promises for the solar panels that we talked about at one time? >> No, we did not. So, um solar panels, you must have the energy company that you're purchasing your energy from uh would have to sign off on that. >> Okay. >> And and I'm not sure how receptive our energy provider is on solar panels um for our building. >> Bobby did one more question. Bobby, did someone chronological pictures of this school being
067built? >> So, what I had Mr. Thiel to do from day one when there was nothing but weeds on the ground, u once a month, Mr. Teal would go out and fly the drone. So, uh we have a Google Drive from day one again when it was nothing but weeds um all the way up until last Wednesday. and we may still continue until the building is up 100%. So yes, we have a inside and out. So >> well, if you can find one more thing and I honest I'll quit. If you can find a picture where we broke ground with the shovels would too. You remember that? >> Yes. >> We went out with the shovels. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Okay. >> Anyone else? >> Next is the uh dedication plaques, the TE's pl
068and the plum at the bottom. >> All right. So, included in your packet are the plaques that we have ordered to uh honor individuals uh in the building. The first set of plaques you're going to see are the ones that are going to go in the main reception area. Those are the ones that identify all the board members and the county commissioners. So, um we have submitted some minor edits to that. I believe we're going to add the public schools of Robertson County PSRC board members. I think it just says PS PSRC board on there. Dr. Terry, we will add doctor in front of yours. Uh the other two that you have are the plaques honoring uh Mr. James Hooks and uh going outside the planetarium. So the uh sign company gave me two drafts
069there. one that would go on the wall as you enter the planetarium. Metcon informed me that they already have signage going there, so we will not put it there. So, it will be a pedestal outside of the entrance to the planetarium. The plaque honoring Dr. Harden and Dr. Hunt will go in the of the main building. As you walk through the main doors, there's an empty space to the left. Uh we will install those. We will have those pl that pedestal installed there in that open area as you walk out of the vest vestible. There's really not a wall space. I know there've been conversation about a wall space. There's not a wall space in the building to put the plaques on the wall. And there is a 6 to 8 week lead time on
070these plaques. So unfortunately they won't be there when we do our ribbon cutting. We will have them in the building. >> Mr. Craig. >> Um, Mr. Bobby, did we get the uh school emblems? Are they going school emblems? Are they going to be in the building? >> When I was there, when I was there on Thursday, the circles were there. The emblems weren't there, but I'm sure they're going to fill in those circles with the emblems. >> Okay. Thank you. Yeah. >> And we may and I'm sorry, we may not be completed with the sod when we open the school. So there may be a delay there, but hopefully there's going to be enough in front of the school where it looks green. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you, Mr. Bobby. >> Thank you,
071board members to podium. >> [snorts] >> Miss Williams and his family. This is a small token for what you have done for our school system. This is nothing compared to it. You turn our school system around till like I said this morning, it won't be long before our school system be competing with the white counties, the orange counties, and all the counties around. Everybody's going to be looking at school systems and and we going to say it did its job for that. I'm grateful to you. You know, God says the things that you want best is the hardest to get. And that was our friendship. It got off to a rock and start. That was the hardest part. But when we got to it, I thank God. Thank you, Dr. Whis. [applause] As we have
072our little joke goes around, little C got something he want to read. board. Um, we like to present you with this plot. U, I'm gonna I'm going to read it and try not to get uh jumbled up here. with sincere gratitude and deep appreciation for your dedicated leadership, unwavering commitment, and faithful service to the public education for more than 40 years, including nearly six of distinguishing service to the public schools of Robertson County. Your vision, integrity, and passion for public education have made a lasting impact on our district and countless lives you've touched throughout your career. Your legacy of leadership and service will continue to inspire educators, students, and future generations. On behalf of more than uh 3,000 employees and more than uh 20,000 students of public schools Robertson County, thank you for your outstanding
073leadership, devoted service, and enduring um contributions to our school community. presented by the public schools of Robertson County on today's date. [applause] [laughter] >> I got two left. I got two left on that. I certainly want to want to start by thanking God, right, for for this career that he's blessed to be with. I'm a crybaby, so I tell you that up front. Um Trey says it all the time. It's the people that that you surround yourself with. I have really really really been blessed with strong powerful decision maker for the right reasons and I'm been thankful for that. Um, in my mind, the best work has happened here in the public school county. I really believe in one team, one goal. No question about that. Uh, it it really really makes a difference. Um,
074I appreciate this board. We've been able to to share our true feelings. Um, but at the end of the day, we've always landed what's good for kids and that is is just special. I thank my wife, she was been faithful and true champion obviously u that many years in education at the administrative level. I've been away more than I've been home and and I appreciate her as a partner and our transporter baby boy. We appreciate that. I love all of you. I I love students and it's just been my honor to to serve and is a powerful powerful team and I'm praying that when you make your decision for the next superintendent that it will be a person that can connect to the vision and we keep going keep going. But thank you from the
075bottom of my heart. It has been fun. You had a really I love all of you. You're a good board. You're a really really good board. I love debate. That's powerful. Right. When we do that, a special honor for me is for and good friends to be following. That is so so special to me. He I don't think he has any idea of how special, but uh he's been a friend to our family and he's been a friend to me and I'm honored that he's going to serve. So I'm going start before I cry. I love all of you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It's been an honor to this powerful cabinet. Thank you. You know, most of the time I didn't know what I was talking about, but you would nod your
076heads and then go out and do what's right. That's a good cabinet. It's what you do on that page. But thank you. Thank you so much. [applause] Any board members that want to say anything. [clears throat] >> Um, I truthfully want to say that I respect the Wigson. Um, he has been an inspiration to me. He's laughed at my jokes when they really were not funny. So, but I do appreciate what he's done. He's done a great great great service for our children, our staff, our school system. Um, I still can't understand why he's going home. He doesn't know what retirement is. He really doesn't. And I encourage him not to do what I did. I retired. I got a truckload of my clothes and I gave them to my sister. I gave them to
077the church and community center. I said, "I'll never need these again." Guess what? I was convinced running for the water had some clothes. So, do not give your clothes away. You never know what's going to happen. I wish you the best. I wish your family the best and you'll be all right. Keep smiling and take some dancing lessons. Thank you. >> Um I'd like to thank Dr. Wisdom, you know, for his leadership, uh for his dedication to the public schools of Robertson County. You know, um first meeting him, you know, I had my reservations. I I didn't really know. But the first meeting with him, um, I sat down with him, had a conversation, and he stood by his word. He was always honest. Hey, um, he was stern, you know. Um, if he believed
078in something, he'll let you know. If he didn't, he'll still let you know. But he'll come back at you again and get his point across. But I just appreciate you and, um, wish you the best of your retirement. Miss Williamson, I'm gonna let you in on something. I've been on here going on year five now. Our first conversation, Dr. Williamson called me because I made a Facebook post about Saturdays should not be work days. And that first initial conversation wasn't good. But um we found friendship and um I'll leave it to him this. I wrote him a card today and the last sentence of it said, "Once my superintendent, always my friend." And I I'm going to stand by. [applause] >> I'm cry. >> Okay. We also have one of our past board chairman, Miss
079Lawson. You want to come say for the agenda? >> That's that's later. >> Well, that's late. >> What I'm saying is okay. >> All right. Okay. >> We'll give you We'll give you free. >> I was throwing I was throwing papers away. I I appreciate the opportunity. Um Chairman Simmons, board members, Dr. Williamson, Dr. Harris, and Mr. Schwarz. Um, as everyone knows, I'm Randy Lawson, former board member and chairman of the public schools of Robinson County. Uh, years ago, we hired Dr. Williamson. Um, several years ago, and there's some on this board that's still here. It was 11 4. Again, that's something that never ever happened in my my tenure on the board in 12 years. Um, Dr. Williamson has worked tirelessly for the public schools of Robinson County to make it the best to
080make it the best that it can be. A lot of mornings I go into work, I'm up at 4:30 every morning. I go to work, I get to work, I say, "Let me call Dr. Williamson at 6:00. He would be here at the central office working. Miss Williamson, I'm just telling you, I know where he was at. [laughter] If I left that, if I left that early for a moment and weren't at work, there'd be a problem. Um, but in saying that, um, if Dr. Williamson told you something, you could count on him. Um, Dr. Williamson would always say one team, one goal. That was his mindset. Um, we served through COVID in 2020. A lot of accomplishments, uh, Red Springs Sports Facility, the Pernell Sweat uh, sports complex, St. Paul's sport complex, the CT
081you had guidance. Uh you were the man for the job. Like Vonte said, you never let us down. You kept right on moving. Um and you know, your contract still renewed, right? And in in in saying that, I thank you for the friendship. I thank you for the camaraderie, the guidance, the things that you done to make PSRC the best that it could be. Um, I wish nothing but the best for you and your family. Um, and God's guidance on you in your retirement. Love you much. Anyone [applause] [laughter] else? >> Yeah, I try to be quick so I won't do what Dr. Williamson thread. But uh the first well first meeting Mike and I had with you one of my questions. Why in the world do you want to come to Robinson cuz I
082wanted an answer to that question cuz look I knew he had heard about us cuz everybody's heard about us. The good, the bad, the ugly. Everybody's heard about us. and he gave me and Mike an answer. I'm not going to get into that, but he did what he said he was going to do. And I'm thankful for him coming here. I'm thankful for the friendship that we developed, the conversations we had. Uh I learned a lot and uh we just had some I'm going just say in-depth conversations about this school system. And I'm glad I got a call from DPI that he was available. And Mike and I had two meetings with him. And then Mr. Randy, he came here to a meeting and I guess impressed everybody cuz like you say the vote was
08311 nothing 110. U you set the president Dr. Harrison followed cuz his was 110. So now that's two history setting things in this county for superintendent and I dare say in most any county when you're dealing with superintendents. Dr. Williamson, thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your friend friendship. Retirement is fun, trust me. Thank you. [applause] Not to be one to prolong things. Incredible team heard me say a lot of this uh this morning, but I feel like I've had the pleasure of watching Dr. Williamson grow up as a school leader. He was a high school principal when I first met him. Uh we developed a relationship somehow from afar and I watched him every step of the way and he was nothing but successful every step of the way. I I watched
084them in Hope, watched them here, and the last six or eight days that I've been here in the county talking with principles, interacting with these folks in leadership institute, even more remarkable than I thought. Um, the numbers speak for themselves how they're uh moving in the right direction. But to to watch this guy interact with his uh his people and the amount of respect he has for them and they have for him is exactly what um an organization deserves and and needs. You guys did a great job on him finding him. uh didn't do quite as well on your interim, but uh you know, bounce back from that and his shoes will never be filled, but find someone that and that focus and being sure that we know and always know, never forget what their
085north star is. And I will say that I I met Mrs. Williamson before I met Dr. Williamson and she was just an outstanding science u science teacher at Wigland Middle School. And so probably the first four or five years that I knew him I always referred to him as Shirley's husband and never really saw himself but I'm incredibly proud of you Freddy and wish you the very best [applause] Dr. Williamson, 40 years of of um of education. That'sanding. That's outstanding. Um thank you for your service and everything that you've done um to advance the lives of young people across the state of North Carolina. U Miss Williamson, I don't know if you've heard this, but the word on the street around here is that Dr. Williamson is going to leave and take half the leadership
086with him or all of them. Don't let him Don't let him do that. [laughter] Don't let him do that. Um, I' I've learned a lot from you. Um, 110 110 vote twice in a row. We got to keep that going. Um, I hope you enjoy u many sunsets and many relaxing days because all of that public service, you deserve it. And if at any point um this is the first time I think I've heard you say you enjoy debate. If if at any point you feel like you need a little bit a little bit of debate, you got my number. [applause] >> Enjoy retirement. I hear it's wonderful. I'm looking forward to mine. It's been a pleasure knowing uh Dr. Williamson times and uh I admire his participation in in every event. Uh just like
087this this uh past Saturday I go out we giving out uh school bags and Dr. Williamson's helping unload a truck. And I'm like, man, that's a faithful leader. When you see a leader participating and being the first to grab and say, "Let's go." That's a leader. That's a true leader. I admire you and I hope that this your retirement does doesn't send you to Hawaii or the Philippines. you uh maybe randomly. Thank you. [applause] >> Thank I got it. Thank you. Thank you. Um it's been an honor um working with you closely over the past several years, Dr. Williamson, after knowing you for I don't know 40 years maybe. I don't know somewhere around there. Um our paths crossed many times in different ways um uh in different school systems at state level working on
088different with different organizations and committees and um uh you know we've we've grown in this business together and um what you've done here has been simply amazing. Um and uh uh you know uh it's the culmination of a great career um where you've gone up step by step by step and um you've hit the pinnacle here and um it's been an honor to know you and work with you and I know our paths are going to continue to cross and um I wish you all the best in retirement. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> All right. Thank y'all. That's it. Mr. Lawson, you going to need them three minutes. Next, uh we move to action item, energy saving performance. Mr. Bobby, so Dr. Williamson. So, we have included in your packet uh a list of contracted transportation
089services for the 2627 school year. Uh Dr. Guzman and his staff have verified all appropriate liability insurance for our drivers and we are asking uh for approval of these individuals tonight. Mr. there. >> So, [clears throat] I saw the list of contracts and or the list of companies and their uh liability um number. So, what are we are we voting on actual contracts? And so, tonight to approve the contracted transportation providers and then for you to direct us into the contract that you would like for us to have them to sign. There are two options for the contracts. The one pager that we've used in the past and we also have the option of the other contract that's a little more extensive. >> Why is there such a difference in amounts between the insuranceances? >>
090That's based on the amount of students that they carry at that time. Sir, um it's based on on that. So the smaller amount, the less students they're able to carry in a vehicle. >> Thank you. I if going to make a motion that we approve and move on. >> Do you need to you need to pick which one while you're making the motion? Which you got to pick which contract while you're making the motion. The first one the short version or the long version. Uh I think I think we discussed before we had a heavy discussion about the long version and that because of the meaning behind every detail. So I suggest the long version. Who said second? So the motion the motion by Mr. Brewer, the second by Dr. Emanuel to approve the list
091of contract transportation providers with the long version of the contract. >> Yes. >> The long version is the one that has the um workless copy in it in it versus the the short version that doesn't have the workless copy in it. >> Mr. Trey, >> um I'd like to make a substitute motion. I've talked to numer Well, let me state this. I've talked to numerous drivers and that sort of thing and they all want contract. The first one, the short one. Um, I'm going to make a substitute motion that we stay with the short contract and the providers that Mr. Bobby has presented to us. >> Mr. Trey, substitute motion for the shorter contract second by Miss Christie Fields. Dr. Emanuel >> clarification. Okay. In this long contract, [clears throat] they got workman's copy in
092it, which means more money that these contractors have to pay out before they can get a profit. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> You got some operating on the bare minimum that almost they're not making any profit hardly. That's that would be in the short version if we stick with what we did last year. I'm just trying to get it clear in my mind. The long version, the work comp's been added to it. Is that correct? >> Long version, the works comp added to it, which they policy and stuff went over. And basically, it's just like you have two automobiles and you have two separate policies on it. They're just going to collide. >> Where the short version that one insurance is going to cover everything. >> I I'd like to be singing what I
093said then. Are you taking back your motion? >> Okay. >> She she was a second. >> Yeah. >> Who's second? Oh, Mr. Christie. Okay. Yeah, Mr. Craig. >> Thank you. Answered everything. The the shorter version keeps the cost down for the people doing this job. >> Yes. >> And we're covered. >> Yes. Well, when you say we're covered, there's there's more liability with the short version of the contract than than with the long version of the contract. >> More liability for the school system. >> More potential liability. There are fewer protections in the short version of the contract than there are in the long version of the contract. [clears throat] >> Okay. We got a um substitute motion on the board by Mr. straight for the shorter version. All in favor by saying I. All
094oppose. >> Do we have >> I'm I'm for the short version. >> The shorter version is 90. >> Okay. [snorts] >> 10. >> Huh? I got 10. I keep forgetting >> 10. Miss Ocean. >> Yeah. >> Okay. SP. >> Anyway, [clears throat] so good evening again. Uh based upon our previous conversation on our performance contract, we are asking for approval for LLJ as our third-party independent reviewer. I got a motion by Mr. Henry to approve it. Second by Mr. Leech any questions? All in favor saying I. >> I. All oppose. >> 10. >> Thanks, Mr. Bobby. Next is the um EC contract service, Dr. Car, Mr. Tracer Hunt. >> I'm sorry, Dr. >> I make a recommendation that we approve these contracts. They're in order. And as I said, we do not have the staff
095here to make these services and we have to use outside contractors and their prices are in order what anyone else would charge. >> Got a motion by Dr. Manuel to approve the contracts EC contract service. Second by Mr. Leech. All in favor by saying I. I. I. Mr. Finch the vote. Then you still do the question. Okay. All in favor by saying I. I. Miss Monroe. >> I >> All oppose zero. >> Oh, yep. >> Sorry. >> The the last page on these things where it says sexual offender register, what does that mean? That's to comply with the Jessica Lunsford Act that um they're checking to see if any any of the providers um have employees who run the sex offender registry. >> So that the employer they have listed there is on that register,
096right? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> They're not they're not on the registry. >> They're not on the >> That's what I was wondering. They got every one of us got somebody make [snorts] sure. >> Thank you. >> Thank y'all. Um uh school fundraiser, Miss Erica, Mr. Leech. >> I'd like to make a motion that we approve the school fundraisers. >> Second. >> Got a motion by Mr. Leech, second by Mr. Bradley Phillips. All in favor say I. >> I. opposing report. >> Hold up, John. Mr. Terry got a question about the school fundraiser. >> More of these fundraiser forms later on. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. I just want to make sure. Yes, sir. Thank you. >> Monthly finance report. Mir. >> Good evening again. Um, I included the monthly financial report in your packet
097and I can answer any questions anyone has at this time. >> Miss Erica. Yes. So, since we did not approve renewing the the L and Eureka, those funds, how are they carried over to this school year and how will they be used in the classroom for the children? >> They have been carried over into this school year. Yes. Um, there's actually though they've created a new PRC and I may not have all the details straight today. So, materials. Is that correct? So, the amount that we got allotted this year is in a separate PRC from the one that we've had that carried over and they have some new stipulations that require um they be uh used high quality construction materials. Um I don't know if I can go over the plan for those funds at
098this point. We've got different things that we'll bring before the board as the year goes on. Um, but I don't have a complete plan for how every all of those funds will be used right now. So when will we get an update since school is already starting and we haven't had an update about our intent is in September DPI will have released scores by then uh with school performance grades and our intent is to have that conversation in September. Mr. Lee. >> Oh, no. Mr. >> Trey, >> Miss Erica, just a statement. Will you let us know whenever those funds I know you will that you spoke about earlier. Will you let us know whenever that way we can be transparent with the public as well? >> Absolutely. >> And let them know. And I'll
099let me backtrack one second. Miss Tracy, Dr. Carr, I appreciate the job y'all do with EC services. It is a tough and the contractors that we use as well. And once I get more information, I'm not even sure if we'll be involved in the flow through. I'm not sure if the county is going to send a check to us, then us to the booster, or if the county goes straight to the booster. But once I get those details, I will definitely share with everyone. So with the with the year um right ride right getting ready with the school year getting ready to start. I've um heard from a few staff um that that there there may be um some individuals making copies of existing materials and if that's the case do you know where that
100uh that how we will cover those costs >> the copier uh contracts are >> I also received some notification that um some information has been shared with individuals at the school level to go ahead and download some of these electronic materials because they may expire. The the wording on that suggests that that they're may be using um some of these materials. Is there an expiration date on some of these materials that they have access to um eel or eureka? >> So, so let me clarify the vote was we could not use those funds. That was the extent of the board's authority as superintendent. The authority of the curriculum instruction. And so I had a conversation with Mr. Richard. What I sent out to principles and to teachers was to use those materials and that's what
101they're doing. We've had a lot of conversations and concern from teachers. What are we going to use? What am I going to teach? And and so again, my hope is once we get scores from DPI and we've already shared those scores with you, so there's no question in terms of if those curriculums work. We've shared with you a schedule in terms of when new curriculums come online, the process of how we select those curriculum. So I want to say to principles and teachers, use what you've been using. And I hope that we can get those funds released. >> Actually, there was not a vote not to use the funds. There was a vote to approve the contracts for the other providers and not to not to proceed with the two companies that were removed from
102that list. But there was never any vote not to use funds. I I understand the difference between curriculum and I understand that 100% and I and I and I understand the the curriculum did not change. Our vote was not to purchase material. So um is it okay uh legally, Mr. Schwarz, for us to make copies of existing materials? I'm not sure what >> I don't know what the licenses provide for any of those companies without looking at them to determine whether that's um whether that's okay. >> Can you address that education is completely free material. The only thing we were buy the books than to print Eureka we were free to download while we have the materials and we also have books in the um buildings that they're allowed to use in resource and so
103they're allowed to be scanned and used in that manner >> for the for the Eure uh the Eureka specifically >> when you say uh download and use does that mean that we can does that mean that that can be done at the board level and shared out. >> We have not, but that is a possibility. But the, like I said, the online is we think is going to last until like another two, three weeks and that's it. Then our contract ends with them. Even online, >> those materials even if we downloaded them, >> no, we can still use those because there are materials we paid. We still have copies in the buildings that belong to us, too. So, we still have copies, just not per child. And [snorts] so yes, we're allowed to use the
104ones that we do have. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> I make a motion that we approve the monthly financial report. Yes. got to >> approve the monthly finance report. All in favor by saying I. >> All oppose. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Brian. >> I make a motion that the uh board enter in the close session for the following purposes. to consider confidential personnel uh or personal matters as provided in uh North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11 A1 and A6 and 11 5C-319 for the board of education's attorney attorney uh client privilege and to discuss the following pending allegation Amber Dunn individually and as parent and natural guardian of AD and BH minors AD and BH versus public schools of Robertson County et- CV-01561 um as provided in North Carolina General Statute 143-318 8.11 A3
105and to consider confidential student matters as provided in North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11 A1 and 115C-402 and 20 US code 123G. >> Got a motion by Mr. Bradley Phillips to go in close session. Second by Mr. Trey Britt. All in favor say I. >> I. >> All oppose. in close session. Got a motion to approve certified classified Mr. Trey Brit second by Mr. Henry Brewer. All in favor say I. >> All oppose. >> Nil legal. What's that? Nope. Nothing to report. That's next is a German. >> Yeah, that's it. Motion to journ. Got a motion ajourned by Mr. Bradley Phillips, second by Mr. Leech. All in favor? Those opposed? Me.