001Good evening. I hope everybody's doing well. Um, welcome to this March meeting of the public schools of Robinson County. First item is a moment of silence. If we will please remember Mr. Katon Lewis, 11th grader at Pernell Sweat High School. U, Mr. Larry T. Brooks, senior, a former principal with Public Schools of Robinson County, and um Dr. Benjamin Martin, who was a teacher at St. Paul's as well. So, this time, let's take a moment of silence. >> Thank you. Next item is adoption of the agenda. I will not turn the minutes. >> Oh boy, I just kept. Next up, we have the pledge of allegiance by Littlefield Middle School Battle of the Books team. Littlefield Middle School. Oh, sorry. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for
002which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Miss Chavis, if you could have those students introduce themselves and what grade they're in. your name and your grade. >> My name is Kinsley and I'm in sixth grade. >> My name is Bruce Sts and I'm in fifth grade. >> My name is Brooke and I'm in seventh grade. >> My name is Carson Ryan and I'm in sixth grade. My name is Reese Baffro and I'm in fifth grade. >> My name is Kennedy Chavis and I'm in sixth grade. >> My name is Luke Mlan and I'm in sixth grade. >> My name is Connor. I'm in fourth grade. >> My name's Landry. I'm in fourth grade. >> My name's Allison and I'm in seventh grade. >> My name's Brayen and
003I'm in fourth grade. Now, Mr. Hamilton, is that correct? This is the battle of the books team for Little Field. >> This is both teams. >> Both teams. Gotcha. Let's give them a round of applause. >> Thank you. Thank you, Littlefield. Thank you, Mr. Hamilton. Mr. Chav. >> Next up, we have the adoption of the agenda. If you would notice on D on item D, approval of minutes, it will only be January. So, cross off February there. I need a motion to adopt the agenda. I got a motion by Mr. Henry Brewer, a second by Mr. Crystal Monroe. All those in favor say I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. Approval of the minutes. Motion by Mr. Craig Lowry, second by Miss Melissa Oceans. All those in favor say I. Any oppose? Eyes have it.
004Next up, information items. Lumb tribe recognition. Dr. Freddy Williamson, board and Miss Jessica Cely. If we could have the board step in front. Good afternoon and I hope everybody's doing well. What an exciting time uh for Robinson County, for Lumbi Nation, for all people, right? That that we recognize people histories present and the future. So, this is an exciting time as the school system. We're excited about the partnership and the honor to recognize tonight. I want to start. We're going to ask Jessica if you'll read the proclamation, please. >> PSRC congratulates the Lumbi tribe on full federal recognition. The public schools of Robinson County and PSRC Board of Education extends a heartfelt congratulations to the Lumbi tribe of North Carolina on achieving full federal recognition. This historic milestone marks the culmination of more than a
005century of perseverance and advocacy by the Lumbi people and their leaders. After 137 years of effort, Congress included the Lumi Fairness Act in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, and President Trump signed it into law on December 18th, officially granting the Lumbi tribe full federal recognition. Federal recognition opens the doors to additional resources that can profoundly impact the lives of tribal members, including many of our students and their families by expanding access to services that can strengthen opportunities for future generations to come. This achievement is a powerful affirmation of alumi's identity, history, and resilience, and we are certainly proud of our strong partnerships with the Lumbi tribe and anticipate a brighter future ahead for our communities, school, and county as a whole. Congratulations. >> Before we do the presentation and actually gonna ask Dr. Emanuel
006if you actually do the presentation please. Let me ask each board member if you desire to come and and again have remarks please. >> U Dr. Connie would you join me and help me with this please? And then Brandon, I think you want to receive other members of the >> And yeah, other members of the board. >> Um, it is with our pleasure the public schools of Robertson County to present this plaque to the Lumbi tribe, which I am glad to be a part of. Excuse me. Yeah, close. And now comments any comments from any board member and then Graden. Um I'll piggyback on what Dr. Williams said. It's a great thing for Robinson County. It's a great thing for the Lumbi tribe. is good for Robinson County all in together. Been a long time
007coming. Welld deserving. I'm thankful for the tribe members that came tonight to receive this award on behalf of public schools of Robinson County as well. >> Henry Brewer, I didn't prepare a speech, but I'll make a comment. Um I was on the first uh constitutionalized Lumbi uh tribal government and um my father was also and it's a great honor to see that the new generation of people have took charge and and and and made it this far. Thank you very much. Let me say good evening. Uh we know what's happened in the past and I say past I can say the past 100 years, past 50 years, past 75 without recognition. We now have recognition. So what's going to happen next? What's going to happen in the next 10 years, 15 years, 20 years? There's
008people in this room that's going to be a part of that. There's people not in here that's going to be a part of that. And all that's going to be looked upon later on. You have this opportunity. What did we do with this opportunity? So, as sometime has been said, you have one time to get it right. And uh the Lumbi tribe has one time to get it right. And again, like they said, this is not just benefiting the Lumbi tribe, it's benefiting all people. And I'm really excited to see what's going to happen to the kids in school. If it's medical aid to to elders, health care from that standpoint, if it's opportunities for education that people right now don't have because it's not affordable, but all these things we got to get right
009this time and it's things that I'm looking forward to. Thank you. >> My name is Terry Lleair. Uh my grandfather um Sanford Lleair actually um was fighting for recognition up in Washington DC um in the 80s and 90s and he also served on the the tribal council and he went on to be with the with the Lord um back in the the 2000s uh 2007 or or eightish and um yeah on that day I was at the tribe when the news came through and if he could have been there that day um he did he didn't get around very well I believe he would have forgot about his bad hip and everything else. He would have been very excited. Um, thank you for all the work the tribe has done to uh to get this
010through. um getting it included on the NDAA was a massive uh massive accomplishment and um I look forward to continuing the relationship that the public schools has built with the tribe and um I I look forward to to building upon that and um taking advantage of all the opportunities that are going to come to the entire district and county um through this recognition. Thank you. Just want to piggy back on what everybody else said. This goes to show you that Rosson County can achieve great things the help of the Lord. Congratulations. >> Anyone else? Let me just say on behalf of chairman John Lowry and the tribal council and the lumbi people, we thank the public schools of Robson County for this this evening. We have had a great opportunity to to go through uh
011the different locations to receive proclamations. We last week we was up in the governor's mansion receiving it there. So, it's been a great pleasure. Uh I was at Washington DC on the day that the um this was approved and what an exciting it was. It was a great adventure and so we just thank you for uh for this opportunity being able to come tonight and receive this on behalf of the chairman. He would have been here tonight but we've got some visitors in and so we got a lot of work to do. We got a matter of fact the council got to meet with him tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. And so there's a lot of work going on uh with this public uh recognition. And so we just thank you again for everything that
012you do for the public schools of Robert County. Next item is Women's History Month with Miss Jessica Sely. As we recognize Women's History Month, we honor the courage, dedication, and vision of women who have shaped our communities, our nation, and our history. We celebrate those who through determination and perseverance paved the way for greater opportunities and ensure that women's voices are heard. This month, the public schools of Robson County proudly acknowledges their contributions and celebrates Women's History Month. Next item is the monthly impact award staff recognition. Mr. >> J. >> Next up, we have Miss Jessica Cely again for the Blue Ribbon Awards. >> This is my last item. I promise. Um, board members, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to share that the North Carolina School Public Relations Association, also known as NCPRA,
013has honored PSRC for excellence in communication. We earned three gold awards. Um, one in image graphic design and two in special events and programs. These awards honor the work of the communications department and district as we welcomed our state superintendent to our district, launched our own superintendent advisory council, and encouraged our youth to make wise decisions and say no to drugs through our red ribbon week campaign. So, I'm very proud of this and our work and I look forward to great things ahead. You good? Yeah, I'm good. Thank you again, Miss Jessica. Next up again is the monthly impact award with Mr. Jamal Campbell. >> Good evening, Chairman Trey Brit, Dr. Williamson, and school board members. I'm here tonight to recognize the March impact award recipients. Our recipients exemplify our district's one team, one goal
014motto. These individuals work collaboratively to cultivate a supportive and thriving school environment. We want to thank Mr. Austin Jacobs and Chick-fil-A for sponsoring this month's gift cards. Also want to thank Mr. Brandon Tour and Sign City for sponsoring our plaques. So, we want to first recognize our classified employee, Miss Marilyn Sanderson, school nurse, who serves Roland Norman Elementary and Will Middle School. We can like Miss Sanderson and her principal up to the front, please. So, I just want to say um before I get started, you know, Miss Sanders um she uh just to win this award, she almost delivered a baby a couple weeks ago just to win this award. And but thankfully thankfully um u the teacher did not go into labor but she was right there with a steady hand. So we appreciate
015you um for what you do every day for our schools. The public school county proudly recognizes Miss Marilyn Sanderson, school nurse who serves Roland Norman Elementary in Littlefield Middle School as the district's March classified impact award recipient. Principal Dr. Joanne Cole praised Miss Sanderson's Sanderson for outstanding service, mentorship, compassionate care across multiple schools in the PSRC district. Beyond her clinical duties, she has trained and guided other nurses, modeled professionalism and ethical practice, and consistently upheld high standards. Known for her calm, dependable presence and dedication even beyond work hours, nurse Sanderson is celebrate for her lasting impact on students, staff, and the broader school community. As a district, we celebrate and honor Miss Sanderson for the powerful difference she makes in our district. I want to invite Mr. Samson stand up to the front if they're
016here. I didn't know you see Next, we want to recognize our certified impact award recipient coming from Roland Norman Elementary School, Miss Mary Watson, third grade teacher. If you can come to the front, please. >> The district recognizes Miss Mary Watson. third grade teacher at Roland Norman Elementary School as a district certified impact award recipient for the month of March. Principal Dr. Joanna Cole shared, "Miss Watson demonstrates exceptional leadership, professionalism, and commitment to student success. Beyond her excellence in the classroom, she serves as grade level chair, school improvement team representative, and digital teaching and learning coach. In all roles, she fosters collaboration, datadriven instruction, and schoolwide improvement. Miss Watson strengthens team morale, promotes innovation through effective technology integration, and models integrity, enthusiasm, and high expectations that positively in influences both students and staff outcomes and
017performance. As a district, we celebrate and honor Miss Watson for the powerful difference she makes each day in the lives of of her students, colleagues, and overall school community. Congratulations. I want to invite Miss Watson's family to the front as well. Thank you, Mr. Campbell. And congratulations again to Miss Watson and Miss Sanderson. We appreciate the job that you do. Next up, we have Dr. Dallas with the 2526 Students of Excellence. Good evening, Chairman Britt, Dr. Williamson, and board members. This evening, the public schools of Robinson County's academically and intellectually gifted department along with the Chamber of Commerce organizations are honoring two students from each high school. Each chamber organization selected two applicants as students of excellence for the 202526 school year. And each winner will receive a recognition item chosen by each chamber group.
018Student winners, when your name is called by the chamber representative, please join Dr. Williamson and our board members for a picture. After both winners are recognized, you'll also take a photo with the chamber representative. After that, we're going to ask you to please stand for all the presentations. So, at this time, we will start with the Lumberton Chamber of Commerce representative, Miss Sandra Oliver, who will present the winners for early college at RCC and Lumberton Senior High School. >> Wow, what a night to be here. Thank you. Um, it is an honor. I am the education uh chair for the Lumberton Area Chamber of Commerce and I have to tell you that it was a pleasure to read all of the applications from Early College and Lumberton High School. Uh it just gives you a
019lot of good hope for the future. And I just want to introduce these folks to you from Early College. Uh the first person that we're recognizing is Fabola Basa Noad. And I probably have just messed up her name big time. Where is she? Come on. Come on up. I want to tell you a little bit about her. She has an unweighted GPA of 4.0. She received acceptance in the North Carolina School of Science and Math online program. Uh she is awarded recognition as a junior volunteer firefighter at Renert Fire Department. And lastly, uh, she's proud of the fact that she continues to grow spiritually in her church community. I am just amazed at her plans for the future. I plan to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at a 4-year university because I have a
020passion for working with circuits, robotics, and hands-on problem solving. You go, girl. I don't even understand all that stuff. Um we we congratulate you and we'd like to recognize uh if your parents are here, we ask them to come up and also we'd like to ask uh Mr. Drew Davis, the principal, to come forward. All right, congratulations. And we have a plaque for you. Step in front of you. >> I'm afraid my flags will fall off. >> Okay. >> All right. Thanks. Next from Early College, we have Hannah Inland. Hannah I'm going to tell you a little bit about Hannah. She has an unweighted 4.0. She's a 12th grader. Uh, and she received acceptance at North Carolina State's engineering program. Um, she's also completing the North Carolina School of Science and Math while she's enrolled
021at Early College. And she was also honored as a student of excellence twice before. So this is nothing new for you, Hannah. Again, I'm just taken aback by her plans for the future. She plans to earn a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from either North Carolina State University or Georgia Institute of Technology. I would love to work at Boom Technology, a supersonic airliner on the achievement on the development of their overure airlines. Wow. Congratulations, Hannah. Do you have are your parents here with you? Okay. >> Okay. >> Thanks, Congratulations. Okay, now for Lumberton Senior High. Uh, would Jasmine King come forward? Jasmine is a 12th grader. She has a 3.9 unweighted GPA. Some of the things that she's uh most proud of is she was the winner of the 4 state public speaking award. She's
022also the recipient of the superintendent academic award and she's also serving as the 4 club president. Jasmine's plans are to go to college for a business administration degree and eventually become a public administrator. So would Jasmine's parents please come forward. >> I'm sorry. And we wanted to call Larry Brooks up as the principal. So I'm getting lost in my papers. >> Get right over here. Your time to shine. You're fine. I just >> stay right there. And the second recognition for Lumberton High School is Leaken Wilcox. Leaken is in the 12th grade and she has an unweighted GPA of 3.6. Some of the things that we would like to share about Leaken is that she's president of FFA chapter and president of the South Central region. She is an attendee of the NextGen National FFA
023Conference and she's also captain of the Lumberton High School cheerleading team. She plans to attend North Carolina State University and major in agricultural education. We certainly can use her in Robinson County, can't we? So would Laken's parents please come up? And I'd just like to say to the AIG coordinators or whatever, Please encourage your students to apply. I loved reading. It was great. >> Just all of them. >> So now we will have the Fairmont Chamber of Commerce representative, Mrs. Whitney Johnson, please come forward to present the winners for Fairmont High School. Y'all make me nervous standing behind me. Just saying. >> So, our first student we're going to start with is Miss Jatoya Mlan. I promised I was gonna get it right. Come on, Joy. She has an unweighted GPA of 3.773. Three outstanding
024accomplishments that she's achieved. She's earned straight A's from second semester of ninth grade until present. And she's an 11th grader. She's earned the Golden Tornado Award in ninth and tth grade. She's the secretary of the African-American club and the Beta Club. She plans to attend a 4-year university and major in nursing. is your family. >> Is it? >> Come on, Mom. And our next student is Dalton Hersy who is also an 11th grader. His unweighted GPA is 3.5. Three outstanding accomplishments he has achieved. He exhibits exound outstanding character, responsibility, compassion while serving as a positive role model for his peers both inside and outside of school. His activities involve within his church where he demonstrates leadership, commitment, and a heart of service. Volunteers with the rescue of Lumberton. dedicated his time serving and supporting emergency
025response efforts in his community. His future plans are to become an electrician and own his own business. Congratulations. Dr. Barton, touch him. >> Dr. Barton, do you want to tell us something about Friday? I mean, >> yes, sir. We're super excited for the first time in Fairmont High School history of our girls program to be headed up to um Wake Forest University to take home the 4A state championship. So, um, super excited about that. Just give all the accolades to Coach Thompson and his girls. Um, a lot of people want to plant seeds and see the fruit the next day or the day after. And, um, and that's not what's happened at Fairmont. Coach Thompson has built that program from um, pretty much from the start. So, we're super proud of uh, them and our
026girls, but want to bring it home to Robinson County. Okay. So, now we will have the Penrook Chamber of Commerce representative, Miss Carol Richardson, come forward to present the winners for Pernell Sweat High School. Uh, good evening everyone. Uh, my name is Carol Richardson. I am vice president of the Pimrook Chamber of Commerce and I stand here on behalf of our president, Marcus Bryant. Unfortunately, he's unable to be here, but he gave a um sent a little uh sweet message. The Pimber Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors proudly congratulates the students of excellence award winners. Your dedication to academic achievement, leadership, and character repave the road to continued success. We celebrate your accomplishments today and look forward to the positive impact you will make in the future. Um, our first, um, the first name
027I'll call is Craig Eli Lowry. Craig has a unweighted GPA of 4.0. Uh, three outstanding accomplishments. Um, one is a four sport athlete, soccer, cross country, basketball, and track. Second, all A's each school year. Three, he's devoted youth group member at Berea Baptist Church. His future plans attend North Carolina State University and or play a sport in college, attain a college degree in law or sportsmanship. Um, sports journalism. Congratulations. Okay. Oh, will his family please come up? Get up here. >> He's also the grandson of Craig Lowry. >> Craig Lowry. One more. One more. One more. One more. Congratulations, Craig. Um, the next name will be Logan Hunt. Logan has an unweighted GPA of 3.8. um three outstanding outstanding accomplishments or inactivities. One is I'm proud to have entered high school without the need for
028a 504 um 504 plan. I have successfully um successfully maintained all A's and a few B's without any accommodations. I am currently a member of the Varsity cheerleading team, Beta Club, and ASUS club. and I serve as a sophomore class representative for the student government association. I'm a proud member of a ch um church drama team where I fortunate to I am fortunate to travel to local churches to perform. This has also allowed me to travel to Tennessee to perform and compete compete internationally. Um future plans after I graduate I plan to attend UNCC Chapel Hill to pursue my goal of becoming a dentist. Congratulations, Logan. >> Our family would come on up, please. Okay. So, now we will have the Red Springs Chamber of Commerce Representative Mr. Brian Freeman come forward to present the
029winners for Red Springs High School. Good evening. and I'm proud to represent the Red Springs Chamber of Commerce. And we are so excited to recognize two outstanding scholars at the best high school in the county, Red Springs High School under the amazing leadership of Steven Sinclair. First up is Prudence Mahamba in grade 12. She has a unweighted GPA of 3.590. That's a lot higher than mine was. She is also the co-founder of the Future Link Foundation that helps students in Zimbabwe pay school fees. She will graduate high school at the age of 16 by taking extra classes. She has earned her CNA certified nursing assistant certificate at the age of 16 as well. She plans to attend college to become an orthodontist. We ask her parents to please come forward. Her family as well as
030Principal Sinclair. Congratulations. Each recipient will receive a plaque and a $50 gift card. Next up, we're excited to represent and award Gabriella Lleier, grade 12, unweighted GPA 3.711. She has successfully maintained her small business rema while remaining at the top of her class academically. She is earning college credit to work towards her associates degree while still in high school. As well as she has earned her CNA, certified nursing assistant certification at the age of 17. And that's how we do it in Red Springs High School. Her future plans are to major in pre-law, then attend law school and hopes to create a scholarship and organization organized fundraisers to support lowincome students in fulfilling their dreams. Congratulations her family. Please come forward. Sorry for the script. And our final presentation will be from St. Paul's Chamber
031of Commerce representative, Miss Doris Mlan, who will present the winners for St. Paul's High School. >> Hello, my name is Doris Mlan and I'm vice president of the St. Paul's Chamber of Commerce and on behalf of my president Frank McNair and our board we'd like to thank Superintendent Williamson, Chairman Britt, and the entire board for inviting us to be a part of this uh recognition for our seniors. We're going to recognize two tonight. Our first one is James McCoy. He's in 12th grade. His GPA is 4.0. He's he was the chief junior marshall for the class of 2025. He will be attaining associates degree on May 2026. Proud to be a part of the Battle of the Books. And lastly, part of the men's bowling team that won two conference championships. After high school, he
032plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Pinroke to attain a bachelor's degree in accounting. And if you've got really good eyesight, you're going to see that I put the wrong name on his certificate, but we are going to correct it. And we'd like to recognize his family and our principles. Are they all Is your family up? It's one, two, three. Our next student is Arista Lowry. She's in the 11th grade. She has a GPA of 3.9. She's selected as a North Carolina governor's page for Native American Student Leaders Week, founder of Being Their Voice organization for the Missing Murdered Women. Lately, lastly, top ranked student, one of 248 for the class of 2027. and I just saw on Facebook what she is going to be the chief marshall this year for the juniors.
033After high school, she plans to attend a four-year college to major in American Indian studies and pursue a career in Native American law. Is her family here? Congratulations. So our AIG department would like to thank each chamber of commerce organization for their time and cooperation in this endeavor to honor these students and also Dr. Williamson, Dr. Carr, and our esteemed board members for the opportunity to present this evening. And we wish all of our winners the best of luck. We know you have such a bright future. So thank you. All right, congratulations again. That's a prime example that hard work pays off and we have a lot of talent here in the public schools of Robinson County. There's no doubt about that. Um, next item, we can actually go back to our seats and then
034we'll move on from there. that remaining. Miss Patty, raise your hand. Wave at us. Miss Patty, wave at us. How are you doing? Take care of both. Dr. Dallas, thank you for handling that. Next up, we have Mr. Jamal Campbell with the recruitment fair. Good evening once again, Chairman Britt, school board members, and Dr. Williamson. I am super excited to cordally invite all our board members, our community, and those who will be listening online to our 2026 career fair, which will be held at Lumberton High School on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This year's theme, great schools start with great hires, celebrates the dedicated individuals who make a difference in the lives of our students every day. We'll be hiring on the spot for both certified and classified positions across
035the district. Applicants should bring the following items: several resumeumés, photo ID, your social security card, and a certified transcript. Whether your passion is teaching, assisting students, maintaining our facilities, or supporting transportation services, we welcome you to explore exciting opportunities with us. We look forward to seeing you on March 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Lumpton High School and discovering how you can help shape the future of our district. And so once again, we invite all of you out to that great event. >> Thank you, Mr. Campbell. Um next up we have state of the teacher profession report. >> Thank you again um Dr. Williamson um Mr. Brick and schoolboard members. I want to present to you the state of the teacher report. This is a report that is released by NCDPI each year.
036Um you you should have a copy of it at at your desk. The Norcon latest state of teacher um teacher profession report shows that PSRC is holding steady or performing better than the Sand Hills region on several key indicators. The reporting period is from March 2024 to March 2025. Once again, this data is released by NCDPI. There's some key definitions I want you to understand as I go through the report that will help you better understand this report. The state attrition. The state attrition is the percentage of teachers who leave employment in North Carolina public schools from one year to the next. Mobility is the percentage of teachers who remain in MC public schools but move from one from one LEA to another. LEA attrition is the percentage of teachers who leave a specific district
037LEA whether they leave NC public schools altogether or move to another district. Recruitment is the rate of each the rate of which a district replaces teachers it lost by attracting teachers who transfer in from other NC districts. Vacancies. I want to make sure we understand what what the state constitutes as a vacancy. A state defined teacher position that is either unfilled or filled by a teacher who does not meet fully meet lensure requirements. NC state statute defines a qualifying license as either a continuing professional license, an initial initial prof um professional license or residency license or limited license. Teachers holding a provisional or a temporary license such as permit to teach or emergency license or a rehired retiree are considered vacancies by state statute. state statute. And once again, a beginning teacher is a teacher
038in the first three years of teaching in North Carolina public schools. So, what are some highlights that we can pull from this recently released report? The top trends for PSRC. Number one, a lower attrition than the Sand Hills region. PSRC's state attrition rate is 8.4 below the Sand Hills regional rate of 10.8, 8 indicating comp comparable stronger teacher retention the lower EEA attrition and mobility than the region PSRC's LEA attrition which is 13.1 and mobility 4.7 are below Sam Hills re Sam Hills averages of 15.8 and 5.0 0 suggesting more teachers are choosing to stay in the district rather than move to other neighboring eleas. Number three, a competitive vacancy rate compared to peers. PSRC's vacancy rate of 11.0 is similar to Cumberland's which is 11.6 and close to Moors 9.8 8 showing the district
039is managing vacancies at roughly the same rate as nearby similar size districts. An area of improvement um that we're continuing to strive to improve on as a district is our rec recruitment and pipeline stability. PSRC's recruitment rate of 15.7 trails the Sand Hills region rate of 25.9, meaning the district is bringing in fewer transfer transferring teachers relative to his losses and must rely more heavily on new and often less experienced teachers or international faculty. In your presentation, I presented a chart that shows you the Sand Hills region rates versus PSRC's rates. And so, some of the key takeaways I want to just pull out from that chart. The state attrition rate shows that PSRC keeps a higher share of its teachers. The LEA attrition, fewer teachers are leaving PSRC than the regional average. the mobility
040rate. Slightly fewer PSRC teachers are transferring out of the district to other eleas and our recruitment rate which is an area that we got to focus on is um PSRC attracts fewer transfer teachers than our peer districts. The top five district that the PSRC is getting teachers from which is Cumberland, Hulk, Whiteville City and Bladen and Scotland County. the top five districts PSRC is losing districts um teachers to which is Cumberland, Scotland, Hulk, Blazen, and some charter schools. As relates to our vacancies, the state now counts as a vacancy any funded position that is unfilled or filled by a teacher who does not fully meet licensing requirements. Now I want to say each teacher who is in those positions do have a license but according to state statute they only recognize three license types. So
041if they have alternative license such as a permit to teach or emergency license it does not count as a fully licensed teacher which means it counts towards a state vacancy rate. In PSRC, many reported vacancies reflect classrooms where a teacher is present but is not fully licensed under state statutes, which underscores the need for ongoing license to support and mentor. And I also want to report that this year um you you'll see that in Nashville's data, we've actually improved greatly on that number. So, we're seeing less alternate license being applied this year and more um standard license being applied for our teachers. So, that means we're we're hiring uh more fully licensed individuals starting this year. PSRC's 11.8 vacancy rate is comparable to Cumbas 11.6 and some higher than 9.8 placing the district in the
042same overall band as similar Stan Hill systems. As we many of you know, our K5 and exceptional teachers positions account for a disproportionate share of PSRC's vacancies, reflecting a statewide pattern and shows that special education and nearby grades are the hardest areas to um staff. And as a whole, we're seeing um that across the state. teacher exits and multi-year trends. A total of 106 teachers left between March 2004 2024 and 2025. In that reporting year, 7 17.9 of exits were reasons beyond LEA control such as retirement, health or family moves. 4.7 were initiated by the LEA. 49.1% fell into other reasons and 28.3 were attributed to personal reasons. Since 2023, statewide teacher attrition has stabilized after a post-pandemic peak and PSRC's current attrition rate, which is below the Samuel average align with the state trends.
043There are three positive trends for PSRC since 2023 which align to the state data and our local figures which are number one, we are seeing a continued state attrition rate below regional and state averages indicating improved retention relative to our peers. Number two, stabilization of mobility at a level below the Sam Hills region, suggesting stronger commitment of teachers to remain with PSRC. And lastly, maintain a vacancy rate in line with comparable districts while facing similar statewide challenges in special education and early grade positions, which points to effective short-term staffing strategies even as long-term pipeline work continues. And so that um board members is our overall summary of the 2024 2025 state of the teacher profession report. Thank you, Mr. Camel. M Dr. Terry Lleair, >> thank you. Um, thank you for that, Mr. uh, Jamal.
044So, it says that on here on our page three that our EC um, kindergarten through fifth grade positions account for a disproportionate share of our overall vacancies. Is there a um, a number that we can attach to that and compare it to other districts? >> Yes. And um we had it on um uh I didn't have it on this report but I can get that to you. >> Can we um can we have access to the full report? Is that public? >> Yes, that that report is public um on many news agencies released that um last week. Okay. >> So last Thursday I believe the state board approved it. >> So it's on DPI. >> Yes, it's on DPI website. And so um but one of the things I want to make sure I mention
045earlier is when you look at vacancies, what the state attribute as a vacancy uh according to state statute is totally different from what districts consider a vacancy uh which also contributes to a higher number. But you have to understand that many of those vacancies they're saying are vacancies. You actually have a teacher there. But according to the state statute, they only recognize three license types and they don't they don't recognize the alternative alternate license types. >> Dr. Terry, are you good? Any other questions? Mr. Campbell, I appreciate all you do, sir. >> Thank you guys. >> Next item is public comments. We have one, Miss Billy McDonald. Is Miss Billy McDonald here? Good evening, Miss Billy. We will have three minutes once you start talking. >> Okay. Um I would like to >> and if
046you would if you would speak into the mic. >> I'm sorry. >> I have these that I would like to pass out to each member. It's just the information that I'm going to share. >> Yeah. Can you hold on Cole? Start our time back over again. Um we'll get it handled for you, Miss McDonald. >> I only have 10, so I'm sorry. >> It's all good. >> Sorry. All right, Miss McDonald, like I said, you'll have three minutes and your timer will start when you start. Okay. >> I would like to say as a parent and a grandparent of St. Paul's. I am also um a sports mom and I'm here to talk about the bathrooms at St. Paul's softball field for the public. That's my main goal today. Um we believe the restroom facilities
047need to be constructed within a reasonable walking distance from the St. Paul's High School field. This should be done to make the softball facility at St. House High School equal to those at other high schools in the county. And we need to resolve concerns regarding the elderly, handicapped, and others with mobility issues because we're we're having problems where people are are not able to make it to the bathrooms. And this is a current this is the current setup. There's a picture of I'm sorry guys that you don't have it, but I have a picture of the actual the current closest restroom at the for the public at our facility is at the football field. The yellow line in the shortest is the shortest path to each restroom to the football field. To reach the public
048restroom at St. Paul's High School softball field, you would have to walk through a parking lot in nearly the entire distance of the football field. As you can see, each of the other districts softball facilities have public restrooms access within a reasonable distance. And I'm sorry, it's on front and back of each page. Uh just to give an idea of how far away the restrooms are, this is the image of the St. Paul High School softball field supple. It's uh superimposed. It's like three softball fields is how long it takes to get to the restrooms. For the last few years, the school has had portaotties placed in the parking lot near the field, but um we do not feel that this is a feasible long-term solution. They are generally non-conducive towards the mobility issues of
049the handicap. It gives the perception that the school does not care about their female athletes. Considering baseball has a public restroom on their field, it's a potentially title nine issue. Last lastly, they are disgusting. Also, when you use portaotties, there is no way of washing your hands. Um the question is and and not just me but many people of the school. Um we had an understanding that the restroom was being built in the in the past. Lines were installed. You can see where the sidewalk was actually broken. They dug it up, installed lines with the pipe sticking up out of the ground at the softball field. Why was this project seemly abandoned? Will it would it be possible to build something if a lot >> Miss McDonald? >> Thank you guys so much for listening.
050>> Next up, we're moving to action items 2026 2027 school calendars. Mr. Bobby Lleair. Good good evening chairman Britt, Dr. Williamson, board members. So once again, it's time for us to approve our calendar for the 2627 school year. So our process this year, we uh convened a calendar committee with various individuals across the district. We decide uh the calendar committee had input on two different options. Our next step was to take those two different options and put those before the entire district for the district to vote provide comments and feedback on which calendar. So one calendar we presented uh for the district to vote on had us ending it ending first semester prior to Christmas and we called that option A. Second option was option B where uh exams will take place after Christmas. the
051results came in and 44% of the results across the district um chose option A um with about 56% of the district uh um results across the district choosing option B which is the calendar where um exams will take place after Christmas. So, uh, based upon the results from the committee or input from the committee and input from the district, we are presenting to you tonight to approve what was called option B. >> Miss Christy Fields, >> Mr. Bobby, at our calendar committee meeting, I advised you that the Olympic pow-wow is September 25th. You have a teacher work day scheduled for that day. Many of our students the only way they can attend that powow is through Indian education. What day can we change this to so it doesn't interfere? So again uh that was the
052calendar that came out of the committee at that point in time as we discussed within the committee. There's one day a month that teachers can take off. And typically what we do is if you look at every nine weeks, we just simply go one, two, three, four, five and put an a teacher work day there. >> So what day can that be changed to? Because it's not set in stone. It has to be September 25th. >> So it would be the decision of the board to change that to any other day. >> Dr. Terry Lachler. Well, I had a different question, but since we're left this hanging, I think we should resolve it. Um, what date was that, Miss Christie? >> The 25th. So, September. Um, is there any other date that would be uh
053that would work and allow the students to attend the pow-wow? Maybe the first Would that be an option, Mr. Bobby? Mr. Chair, may I? >> Yes, sir. >> Great. I don't think we want to set a precedent with that because we open the door then uh that we have to take similar actions for for similar activities that we can't do and should not do. And we can on the 25th um they can use yellow school buses, parents can drop them off. That is not an issue in terms of providing transportation um for that. Um again this is what our teachers are recommending um for us to operate on. But again we don't want to open that door. So, we are going to cheat students who have historically been able to attend the pow-wow because everybody
054can't make get a ride to the school. The whole purpose in doing this is that they're already at the school. It's easy for them to attend. This was an issue last year. So, I'm not understanding why it happened again this year and it was addressed and brought up last year. So, why can't it be moved to the 18th? This is something that this district has always done. This is not new. It's not new to the community either. >> Dr. Man, >> I think I know where Miss Christie is coming from, but I also have to agree with the superintendent. It would have to go back and teachers would have to vote on it because they voted on these two in my opinion. Uh any change like that, they would have to vote on it. I
055don't think we as a board can change it. I mean, that's my feeling now. I might be wrong. So a calendar committee meeting is to discuss the calendar. Correct. Correct. That's it was to discuss the calendar. This calendar was presented to us and again I stated at the meeting that this is the date for the Londow. This was not it was not addressed and neither was it told to the teachers and the staff because I don't believe that the staff would have been okay with that teacher workday being on that day. So we chose to pick and choose what we were going to share with the staff. We just recognize the tribe tonight and so now we're telling them we don't need to we don't care for students to attend the pow-wow as they have
056in the past and that we don't care that those that are disadvantaged and not able to attend any other way if they get are able to go or not. Is that what we're saying? >> Mr. Attorney answer this question for me. I think I'm correct. law states the local school board establishes the calendar. Am I correct on that? Far as that far as answering Dr. Emanuel's question. >> That's correct. >> Okay. So, Dr. Emanuel, I don't think it would have to go back to the teachers. Am I correct, Mr. Schw? >> That's correct. It's up to the board to do what the board decides to do. >> May I make another point, please? Yes, sir. >> Bobby, will you explain the 25th and why um the 26 is an option? Explain that, please. So, so
057again what we have decided to do within um each month is give the teachers an option to take a day off and even if we go back and look at even the stretch from January from January to the March uh window there it is an even split >> also the 25th ends a semester right >> that >> the graing period ends the grading period >> no no sir I'm sorry the 23rd would act the 22nd and 23rd would end the grading period for the first nine weeks. Dr. Terry Lachler. Go ahead. >> The end of the first nine weeks is October 22nd. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Yes. My mistake. >> Go ahead. So, we're talking about September 25th. Um, what would be the what would be the problem with moving it to the 18th? Would
058that cause significant challenges? That there's not there the challenge in that again would be splitting the nine weeks in half to provide that break middle ways the nine weeks for staff. Okay. So, what about the 28th, which would be that Monday? There's not an issue with a teacher work day being moved anywhere. An optional teacher work day being moved. Again, I think it goes back to Dr. Williamson's point of adjusting a calendar based on community events. So, if I may, um, keep in mind, Bobby, you DPI require April one, >> correct? >> But, but we can send it back to the buildings and and let them vote on it. >> Yeah, let's do that if you don't. >> And I got a um and while we're on that, let me ask a question. So, um,
059we got a total of about 982 people that voted. How many people voted last year? Do you got a Do you have any >> that this number is similar to what we had? >> Similar to what we've had in the past. Okay. >> We we I don't believe we've ever reached above a thousand votes. >> So, it's good. Okay. Was this survey anonymous? >> Yes. >> So, you didn't have to log in to Google or anything to >> You had to You had to sign in with your PSRC account. I did not collect emails. So if you tried to log in with a Yah Yahoo email, it would not allow you to log in, you could log in with your PSRC email and the survey did not collect email addresses. The only identifier that would
060have been is as you can see the tally of the votes is indicated what school you voted from. Now I'd be glad to show anybody the survey to show that there are no names attached to the results that came in. I believe that, Mr. B. I believe it. I I um trust that it was anonymous in the sense that you were not collecting emails, but you know, when you're um and I know you you probably want this information so you can separate it out by school and level or orever how else you want to disseminate it. I completely understand that. I've um I've conducted surveys um collected thousands of them. Um but uh is there any way that we can people when when they're on the internet? A lot of individuals feel like they're being
061tracked anyway. I know I do because you can say something and all of a sudden you got ads for it. But when you have to log in, even though you you're saying you're not collecting that information, people are not um people are less likely to um to be forthcoming about how they could participate in the in in anything that that they feel like could be routed back to them. If there's any way that we could make it fully anonymous, um that would be nice. But I'll move on. Thank you, >> Miss Crystal Monroe. Um I just wanted to go back to the 25th. Um the only concern I have would be like if we do one for one, we have to do for all. So if there comes again next year, another date and something
062else is going on, are we going to change it for them too? So I just want to make sure that's out there. >> Mr. Leech. >> So um I just got one question. So we everybody's we okay with the calendar. It's just the it's just the date that we're we're we're we're just at the date that we're saying from my understanding that we talk about. But I'm also with Crystal. If if any other group or something come up and there's something going on, we're going to have to change it. If we change one, it's going to be one one for all. I mean I I have no issue either way, but that's that's the way we're going to do it. We're going to do it. Go ahead. >> Hold on one second. I got people.
063Mr. Vonte, are you done? >> Miss Christie Fields. >> I disagree with that because we receive federal funding for Indian education program. That's the only reason I'm I'm having heartburn about this date is because we receive funding for the Indian education program. Part of that funding is to promote culture to the Native American students who fall up under the Indian educ education program and have 506 forms. And again, the district has historically supported that and supported the students. It's about the students. It's not about the teachers with this. It's about the students and providing an opportunity to students who otherwise would not have an an opportunity to attend if they were not able to go through the school through the school system. That's all that's about. This is not about any other organization. This is
064about federal funding that this district already receives. Let me make that clear. That's all this is about. And the students, >> Dr. Terry Lachler, Dr. Connie, um I'm sorry to put you on the spot, but you'll hear. Um how many students do we have approximately in the district um that either participate in the POW or um or at least have 506 forms? >> Miss Connie, can you get to a microphone, please? That way everyone can hear you. >> Hello everyone. Good evening. We have over 250 that participate from the high school level. We bring those school students in during that afternoon and we provide um activities for them. We do a STEM activity and then we also do a college and career uh program for them and then we take them over to try that
065morning. We can have students from all of our schools that attend. We have had over a thousand students to attend that event. Um last year we didn't have that of course because it was not on the day that school was that students were in school but in previous years we've had over a thousand students to attend. >> Thank you. Thank you Dr. Connie. Hold on one second. Dr. Bangle and Mr. Bradley Phillips is next. >> I I do have to say now we it was brought up just like Miss Field said like we it was brought up at the calendar committee about that that day and it affecting you know kids getting to um travel events. I can contest to that in in my mind. I I don't feel like we should send this back
066and wait for a vote again. I feel like, you know, if we were wanting to go with option B, you most people probably voted for this based off the imbalance of the school year, which we have no control over at this moment. Um, but I would be all for you moving that day and still approving this calendar. >> Dr. Emanuel, >> this question, may I address Miss Connie? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Uh, Miss Connie, who's involved? Who puts on the power? Is it just your division? Your you are you putting the power on? I'm trying to where I'm heading to. Why can't we change the date of the powwow if we're controlling the powow? >> We do not control the powow. The pow pow is controlled by the Lumbi tribe and the pow-wow on that
067Friday is the education day and they invite students from all of the four surrounding counties to come. So they have students that attend from Scotland. They have students that attend from Cumberland. They have students who attend from Hoke and from Robinson. And of course we have the largest body. So we have the largest number of students that attend. So this is a this is an event that is put on by the tribe. We just support that event. It's not put on by Indian education. So it's not we can't change the date. The date's already set in stone. >> Thank you. Go ahead, Miss Vont. Hit your button, please. If um now I want to say this before I make my com um before I make my motion and stuff. We have more kids that just
068go to schools. I I disagree with you just the lumpy tribe. I mean we have we have a melder party kids and stuff and so I don't have no problem moving the date but if we move the date for the tribe of what we got going over and any other group or something have something going on we're going to have to move a date too. That's all I'm have to that's what I'm going to say. So, with that being said, I I want to make a motion, Mr. Chair, if I can that if we propose to move the date to Monday and and accept the calendar as being presented to move the day to Monday. >> Hold on one second. Now, let's make be clear on what you're saying. You're making a motion to move
069the September the 25th >> to the September the 28th. Accept the calendar as uh as we amended. >> Accept the calendar as presented and move that optional teacher work day on September the 25th to September the 28th. Correct. >> That is your motion. >> Yes. >> I have a second by Mr. Henry Brewer. Motion was made by Mr. Vonte Leech, a second by Mr. Henry Brewer. >> All those in favor, raise your right hand. >> Eyes have it. >> Have it. Bradley, do you have anything to add? >> May I say make >> Was that unanimous? Can we can we show? Okay, it was >> Mr. Craig. Go ahead. Hold on, Dr. real quick. Uh, we've had the vote and I'm fine with the vote. U, but I will say we might move other dates
070later on and I'll leave it at that and I don't have any problem with that, but there might be other dates that we move later on >> and I I voted for it. However, anybody else that needs to move a date, I will vote for that. And I want that clearly understood. >> Mr. Jenner, that was basically what I was going to say, too. Um, we need to make it fair for everybody. And, uh, if we do it for one, we do it for all. Okay. And just so we're clear, opt uh, September the 25th, the optional teacher work day is going to be moved to September the 28th, which is that Monday. It's been voted on and approved. Option B. Good. Mr. Bobby, I'm Chairman Britt, can uh you also have your PSRC early
071college calendar. If we're done with B, move to PSRC early college calendar. Mr. Craig, I know it's finished, but um high school coaches might be thankful for that because normally you're out and it's a work day and you got Friday night football. So now they won't have to deal with those kids being at home and not knowing where they're going or what hand to deal with that part. So that might be a byproduct that wasn't looked at just from that standpoint. That's all. >> And Mr. Bobby, you said we got early college calendar in front of us now that we need action on. >> Correct. So Mr. Davis has met with his staff and this is the option that they presented. I did not mention this with the other. Both of these calendars meet the
072calendar law as currently written. Miss Christy Fields, >> we have the same issue with as uh the other calendar where the teacher work day needs to be moved to September 28th. >> I need I need a motion on the floor of what y'all want to do. >> I I make a motion that we change the optional teacher work date to September 28th for the early college as well. >> I got a motion by Miss Christy Fields, a second by Mr. Henry Brewer. All those in favor? >> Excuse me. Is that if I may for clarification is your motion to approve the calendar with that change or just to change the change that date? >> And I have a motion by Miss Christy Fields, a second by Mr. Henry Brewer. All those in favor raise your
073right hand. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. Thank you, Mr. B. >> Thank you. >> Next up, we have the audit. fiscal year ending 2025. Mr. Lee Griome and Miss Erica Settzer. Good evening, Chairman Britt, Superintendent Dr. Williamson, and board members. I'd like to introduce um Miss Lee, Mr. Lee Gri, excuse me. He's going to give you an overview of our uh fiscal year ending 2025 audit. Um a lot of what you'll see in here, we've talked about um fund balance. is going to show you as an independent source of how low our fund balance is and to support our request to our county, including our school food service account, which we've had conversations about and will continue. And I will let Mr. Gryom get started. >> Mr. Gryom, hold on one second before you
074start. Dr. Manuel, go ahead. Instead of him reading from or going from front to back, is there any way we can just direct questions? Is anybody comfortable with that or we want to read it? Let him read it from front to back. I'm talking about board members. Do we want it read from front to back? No, I I think I mean we read it. >> Mr. Gryom, we got this ahead of time. If you will give us your abbreviated version of this. Oh, yeah. we'll be good cuz we've already looked through this. I'm not even sure I'm capable of that. >> I think I think we want to know what we were good at, what we had deficiencies, and if we have specific questions because I think we all scanned it and then, you know,
075address what Erica said about maybe the potential shortage, things like that. Just give us your if I went in and said, "Give me the skinny version." >> No, I'm good. I I I'm good with that. >> If I went in and said, "Give me the skinny version and let's talk close your book and tell me what's in it." You understand what I'm saying? >> I am. This is This won't take long. You're okay. Um Okay. I'm here to present the audit for June 30th, 2025. Uh it was a good audit. Um on a schoolboard audit, most of it compliance work. So, we issue four opinions. We uh but most of it's compliance related because you have a lot of grant funding. So, everything checked out. So we have an unmodified opinion. That's the highest level
076of assurance that we can issue on a set of financial statements. Um we're required to test internal controls. Uh we didn't find any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. Internal controls. We tested inventory at year end. Everything checked out. Uh we didn't have any issues with uh controls over expenditures. Uh so the accounting records were in great shape. So your business office did a great shape. I do or did a great job. I do want to thank Meredith Singleary who is the manager on the job did a lot of the leg work and put together the 75page statements which you know I don't want to read that either. Um so we did not have any disagreements with management. There were no significant accounting policies and again the accounting records were in really good shape. Uh just
077notable a lot of fix fixed asset additions this year totaling $33 million. So a lot of expenditures uh in that regard. Um, as far as uh what Erica was mentioning as in the graphs, I can go over that real quickly. And there's unmodified opinion at the bottom of that graph. That's that's the audit opinion I just described. Okay. Um, so what this is getting at is since 2022, you can see the downward trend in cash and you'll see that in all these slides. um school food service cash and this is analysis of fund balance. So this is really kind of your equity. Uh this has general fund, capital outlay fund and school the school funds in here and you can see it marching down down and to the right. So that's really what the sort
078of the feedback is. So as far as the audit compliance standpoint, everything was good. Uh, but we would like, you know, from our opinion, we would like to kind of see that start turning around that trend, that downward trend, which I think that's what Eric is getting at. The other thing I do want to point out, operating revenues by source, when I was looking at this earlier today, the lo the blue bar in that chart is county funds or county revenue. I guess that's Robinson County. Um, it's mostly flat from that period. And it's a little bit surprising since inflation's been, you know, pretty significant since the pandemic. You would think you would see that revenue source up and to the right a little bit more. That's just my opinion. I just wanted to point
079that part out as well. We can go through and then again, this is general fund fund balance. Again, 2021 and 22 were the peaks. Um, and then really it's kind of reverted back to preandemic uh balances here. So, just pointing that out. And again, the compliance results, we didn't have any internal control findings, no material weaknesses. So there was no findings in three of the compliance reports. And that's really it. Again, I mean, your business office did a great job, you know, helping with the numbers. Uh there were really no significant adjustments that we had to make to the report. Um so yeah, is there is there any questions? Dr. manual. >> I I have one on page 75 and it's because Erica used to always take our money for indirect cost. If you look
080on page 75, there's a statement there that I don't quite understand. It says indirect cost quote. Would you read that and tell us maybe you and Erica why we not chose not to use the 10% indirect cost? Explain that to us. Did we lose money not getting the indirect cost to what? What? It's because I don't understand it. That's only reason I'm asking it. >> So the um Yes, ma'am. is in reference to child nutrition. We're in our fourth year of not being able to charge indirect cost to child nutrition because of the operating fund balance available in child nutrition. They have to have at least two or more months operating in order for us to charge indirect cost and they are the only ones that we can charge the 10% to. All of our
081other federal grants were limited to this year it's 1.121%. >> Okay. Thank you. You answer my question. >> Mr. Craig uh Miss Sura knows how I feel about indirect costs. We won't have that discussion tonight. Miss Erica, uh, Miss Erica, I this question is for you or, uh, Mr. Griffen, if I'm correct. >> U, that's right. >> With with what this is a good audit based on what you looked at and the findings you have, we have a good audit. Okay. My question is with the monies we have now, I guess, Miss Erica, first off, are we okay as far as paying our bills as we've been getting reports and stuff like that? Are we okay now? And not behind an eightball. It's now or, you know, shortly, but right now, are we taking care
082of our bills first off? >> Yes. But as we've been talking about over the last years, we we desperately need an increase in our county appropriations. Um, as Mr. Grien mentioned, inflation along with all the other things we've talked about and we will continue to talk about. I know we have an upcoming finance committee meeting we're going to schedule to go over all this in detail. What I said about indirect cost. Um, we've only gotten a $ three.5 million increase over the last 30 years from the county. A million of that goes towards charter school payments. >> So, we are able to pay everything at this point, but we are at a critical junction where we do need an increase from our county >> with being in that critical junction. And the kids we lose
083to any charter school in the state of North Carolina, they're taking away funds that would be coming if the student was supposed to be here, whatever that per pupil is. >> Correct. >> So, we're losing those funds. And we've talked since I've been on this board about the funds we get from the county, which has never been enough. It's not enough now and it's not been increased when when basically there's been no increase in 20 years, folks. Now, I know this might not be popular to say, but we know stuff hadn't increased in 20 years. It's increased the last 20 days and the way stuff is going up and but we don't get an increase and we don't get to affect that per pupil expenditure and really the only place we're going to get it
084is from county commissioners. >> That's the only way we have to increase our >> way we get that's the only way we can get it because there's nothing we can go out and do to get more money. So, I mean, >> and I also wanted to mention, I'm sorry, quote, >> of the 115 school districts, all but around 10 experienced a loss in ADM this year and are projected to release uh have a reduction in ADM for next year, >> right? >> All but around it's 10 or 11 of the 115 LEAs. >> And and and that's ongoing. And I know I I bring up athletics, but at at a meeting of that last fall, one of the big concerns of athletic directors was losing students to charter schools because they can pick and choose
085and bring in who they want. And that's where I know some of the teams in the state playoffs, they're from charter schools. And that's because they get to bring in the kids they want at their school, which in turn hurts the public school, which again, that's going on throughout the state. Correct. Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> I could ask more, but I'm good. Thank you. >> Dr. Terry Lleair, >> I know we had a presentation from um from Schneider um at one of our previous board meetings, maybe the one in January, and and there was some discussion about um uh you know, bringing them in to do some things as far as efficiencies that would probably save us some money on uh save us some money on maintenance. But as the as the external auditor,
086um I know that you you noted a high level of of maintenance cost. Um is there any anything that that pops out um at you when you're looking at the data uh that where we can um reduce cost? I know that that's probably a micro. >> Yeah. The only thing I can really comment on is um you know this is probably my 26th presentation this year. I see a lot of set of financial statements and uh things are c cost so much more now. So even if you were efficient, you can only go so far. I mean look at the prices of cars now. I think the average is 50,000. You know that Toyota Camry I had was like 18 grand that first car I had or whatever it was. But things are just so
087expensive. So I mean that's the and that's kind of my input on that. >> Dr. Terry, you good? I would say that I mean our enrollment is going down and costs are going up. So I mean that's a that's a bad combination to have. Um but there's got to be some ways that we can that that we can reduce cost maybe by um eliminating some of the some of the duplication that we have um or just at least taking a look at it. That's one of the things that that sort of that sort of perplexes me is that we that we spend a lot of time um talking about we need more but I just don't hear much conversation about how we've reduced cost over here or over there. I mean there's there's things that
088we can do even if it's >> done that Dr. um Lleair and we can bring that at a finance committee meeting so we can really dive into that and show you um the elimination of CNA positions saved the district about $1.5 million. We have a whole list of things that we can go through the show how we are you know doing our best to cost conserve. >> I understand but the the CNA positions were just I mean we were paying with those with COVID money. So I mean that's just bonus. I mean I >> and that is one of the reasons why you see the the change in the fund balance co really saved the district and allowed us to use those flexible funds to where we didn't have to use local. So we've been
089talking about the funding cliff for ESSER and that is real. We are back to those pre209 um fund balance. >> Absolutely. >> But as Mr. Griom stated and as we all know because it hits our pockets but with new inflation inflation amounts. Thank you. >> And and to Dr. Lia's question, we had that meeting yesterday. Um and we are going to make some cuts um to share that. Um but then the next month, but we've already gone through that process. We know what it's going to take in order for us to stay above waters. Um, but please understand since you raised that point, we've been able not to have to make those cuts up to this point, but we're beyond that. That is going to happen and we share that. We've already done that work.
090>> Thank you. >> Please understand what has to happen and we can't retreat from what it's going to take to keep up above water, but that work's done. >> I look forward to um to that discussion. Thank you. >> All right. Next, Mr. John Simmons. >> Thank you so much. >> Hold on. Hold on one second. Mr. Eric, we're not finished. We got Mr. John Simmons. I believe he's got a question. >> I don't have a question. I just want to thank Mr. Lee and Miss Erica. Like to make a motion to approve. >> All right. I got a motion by Mr. John Simmons. A second by Mr. Henry Brewer. All those in favor, raise your right hand. Any oppose? Eyes have it unanimously there. Mr. Schwarz, Miss Seter, Mr. Gryom, thank you for what
091you do. >> Yes. >> And I want to echo to our finance officer. Thank you and your staff. They do outstanding work for us. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hold on. Hold on one second. Miss Erica. >> Hold on. Hold on. Vonte. Hit your button. Go ahead. Vonte. >> Have anything changed from the monthly report? >> No, sir. >> I'd like to make a motion that we approve the monthly financial report. >> I got a motion been made by Mr. Vonte Leech to improve to approve the monthly financial report. A second by Miss Militicia Oceans. All those in favor, raise your right hand. Any oppose? Eyes have it. unanimously. Mr. Schwarz, fundraisers, Miss Erica Settzer. >> We had just the one from St. Paul's High School. >> I got a motion by Mr. Crystal
092Monroe, a second by Mr. Bradley Phillips. All those in favor, raise your right hand. Any oppose? Eyes have it unanimously. Thank you, Miss S. >> Thank you so much. >> I need a motion to go into close session. Miss Melissa O. I move that the board enter into close session for the following purposes. to consider confidential personnel matters as provided in North Carolina General Statutes 143 through 318.11 A1 and A6 and 115C through 319 and to consider confidential student matters as provided in North Carolina General Statutes 143- 318.11 A1 and 115C-402 and 28 US code 1232G to consult with the board of education's attorney to preserve the attorney client privilege as pro provided in the North Carolina General Statutes 143-318.1183 and pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 143-318.11A1 to consider close session minutes that are
093confidential pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 143-318.10E. >> All right, a motion's been made by Miss Melissa Ocean, second by Mr. Bradley Phillips. All those in favor say I. Any oppose? Eyes have it. We are now in close session. All right. I need a motion to come out of closed session. >> Motion to come out of closed session. >> Mr. Vonte Leech with a motion. Mr. Henry Roer with a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. Motion to approve classified and certified personnel. >> Motion been bained by Mr. John Simmons. Second by Mr. Henry Brewer. All those in favor say I. I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. Motion to approve close session minutes for the month of January. >> So move. >> Motion been made by
094Mr. Vonte. Second by Mr. Hen Henry Brewer. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it as well. I need a motion to adjurnn. >> Hold on one second. Dr. Carr. >> And then Dr. Emanuel too. >> Dr. Carr. >> Just a quick announcement. The um March 30th is the next curriculum meeting at four o'clock. >> March 30th at four o'clock >> in central office. Everybody writing that down. March 30th. Dr. Mano, hit your button. There you go. >> Can I It's here. I'm making an appeal for all board members to be present. Please be present because we can ask any curriculum question we have. And I don't know everything, but that's the chance to get it going cuz there have been several questions asked of me and I really
095really would like your help to be there. >> March the 30th at 4:00. Thank you, Dr. Emanuel. Dr. Carr. >> Thank you. >> Bradley, do you have something? >> Okay. Miss Melissa Ocean. >> So again, we want to congratulate the Fairmont High School um girls for their champion um going to the championship on Friday. Um we are right now asking the superintendent to please allow his the staff to go um the staff, the kids. We want as many people in attendance to support them as possible. Um, I don't know if the board has to make a vote on it in order for that to happen, but we want it to happen. So, everybody that wants to attend can go. >> We're going to figure out um a legal way to to do that. So, we
096let them know in plenty of time. >> Motion's been made by Mr. Vonte Lee to adjurnn. Second by Miss Crystal Monroe. All those in favor say I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. unanimously. Shorts, we are adjourned.