001everyone and welcome to this public schools of Robinson County board meeting on January the 13th, 2026. Um at this time we are going to have a moment of silence. Thank you. Next up, we have Oxendine Elementary School here tonight for the pledge of allegiance. I'm sorry. Good evening everyone. We are Oxin Beta and on one two three to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for allible. >> Thank you, Miss Bird. If you would, can you can we have those students introduce themselves and what grade they're in? >> My [clears throat] name is Micah Emmanuel. >> My name is Kaisley Pearson. >> My name is Kaylee Strickland. and sixth grade. >> My name is Jalisa Lewis. >>
002My name is Antonio Leget. >> My name is Tyler Craven in fourth grade. >> My name is Brian Barton in fourth grade. >> My name is Naden Craraven. I'm in sixth grade. >> My name is Paisley Bullard. >> My name is Kahana Lair. Fourth fifth grade. >> My name is Sakaya Hatcher. in sixth grade. >> My name is Kenzie Cummings. In sixth grade, >> my name is Carter Ports. In fifth grade, >> my name is Johnny Locker and I'm in sixth grade. >> My name is Alan Smith and I'm in sixth grade. >> My name is Malia Le and I'm in sixth grade. >> Let's give a round of applause for these nine brothers. [applause] We thank y'all for doing the pledge of allegiance for us. Miss Bird, thank you for the job that you
003do as well. Dr. Emanuel, >> I need to make a comment. Yes, ma'am. I taught at Oxidine School for 13 years, and I hope some of the parents of the that your parents probably would know me, but that's the only community where they would kill hogs and bring me meat, bake cakes, bring me food. It's a close-knit community, and I'm very proud of you students. very proud of. Thank you, >> Dr. Emanuel. One thing I said about my beta is if you notice, we have a lot of siblings. So, I said that's a great representation of my families from oxidine. >> Thank y'all. [applause] >> Next up, we have adoption of the agenda. I got a motion by Miss Crystal Monroe, a second by Mr. Henry Brewer. All those in favor say I. Any oppose?
004Eyes have it. Approval of minutes. Motion by Mr. Craig Lowry, a second by Mr. Henry Brewer. All those in favor say I. Any oppose? Eyes have it as well. Information items, Lumby Tribe recognition, Dr. Freddy Williamson and Jessica Seely. Mr. Chair, board members to Robinson County after 137 years of effort. We say congratulations to the Lumbi Nation for being recognized by the Congress in 2026. What an awesome awesome act of justice. [applause] So we want to say on behalf of the public schools of Robinson County, all of the citizens and the school board we want to recognize. And so, Miss Jessica Sely tonight is going to share with you a letter of congratulations that we will ask each board member to sign and send to the tribe as part of the record that we join
005in in saying congratulations on this accomplishment. Jessica, >> good evening. The public schools of Robinson County and PSRC Board of Education extends a heartfelt congratulations to the Lumpy Tribe of North Carolina on achieving full federal recognition. This historic milestone marks the culmination of more than a century of perseverance and advocacy by the Lumbi people and their leaders. After 137 years of effort, Congress included the Lumbi Fairness Act in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, and President Donald Trump signed it into law on December 18th, 2025, officially granting the Lumbi tribe full federal recognition. Federal recognition opens doors to additional resources that can profoundly impact the lives of tribal members, including many of our students and families, by expanding access to services that can strengthen opportunities for future generations. This achievement is a powerful affirmation of
006Lumby's identity, history, and resilience. And we're proud of our strong partnerships with the Lumbi tribe, and we anticipate a brighter future ahead for our communities, our schools, and our county as a whole. Thank you. [applause] Mr. Chair, if you would please ask any comments u from any board members that also want to offer their personal please. >> Dr. Terry Lachler, >> I would like to um to second that uh sentiment um uh from the board. Congratulations to the tribe on this monumental accomplishment. Um, I'm I'm hopeful that we're going to continue strengthening our relationship uh with the tribe and continue working with those um with those leaders um to impact the lives daily of our huge um native population. This is a historic moment for uh the tribe and for the public schools of Robertson
007County. um this is a huge opportunity for us to um to capitalize on and I'm hopeful that we'll be um strengthening those partnerships and taking advantage of um of all of the uh resources that are uh yet to come to uh to our county. Thank you, >> Dr. Emanuel. >> I I second what everything that's been said. I I hope no one sees this as an eye against you. I hope they we see this as a we that we're working together to strengthen the education opportunities for these children and the health care for the seniors and whatever else comes around because this is Robco and I think we love each other and I I want to commend Mr. Phillips the other night. He was talking and he almost emotionally when we were talking about how
008we love where we lived and how when people left I don't care where you went when you went off to get your fortune you always wanted to come home so I I echo your congratulations I I think that those who work hard to get this happen and many people work hard we we thank you for that thank you >> Mr. Henry Brewer. >> I'd like to say that um in 1994 I was went on the first elected tribal government with a constitution which made it legally the first elected body. And my father was right beside me representing a different district and he's deceased now. And I remember him telling me that he would not see federal recognition, but his grandkids would. And he he is just so right. And when that decision was voted on
009and made, it was like I wanted to I caught myself picking up the phone to call my dad to tell him. That's a great accomplishment for me. Mr. Craig Lowry. >> Thank you, Chairman Britt. Yes, sir. Um, you know, I could echo everything everybody said, uh, is very true and we all of us have our different thoughts. Um, but I do want to say, and I think we all know this, all of what's coming is not going to be tomorrow. It might be two or three years before we see any real benefits, but as we say sometimes, there's one chance to get this right. uh things are going to come in. We have to have people in place where we're working together with the tribe and other entities that might come in and we get
010this stuff right because folks uh I can't even imagine how much changing this can be for the educational benefits in this county. Uh and the medical benefits and educational whether I get to see it or not, my children and grandchildren hopefully will and I'm just thankful for it. Thank you, >> Miss Christy Fields. And on behalf of the 10,000 native students in our school system, I just want to say it's a good day to be Lumi. Thank you, >> Mr. John Simmons. >> I just want to say congratulations to the Lumbi tribe. It's a great honor and I'm honored to have my name on that letter sent to him. It's a great accomplishment. >> Mr. Travante Leech also want to say congratul congratulations to the to Lumbi tribe on this historic um event you know
011and um look forward to continue to work and strengthen our strengthen our relationship with the tribe. Thank you >> Miss Crystal Monroe. >> Um same I just echo everything and it is a big accomplishment and just congratulations to everybody that worked really hard to get to where it is today. Mr. Bradley Phillips, >> I can only imagine just, you know, how processes work, the the behind the scenes efforts that probably go unnoticed, you know, to get such, you know, recognition. So, um, I think it's a proud moment for Roberts County. I'm excited to have my name on that letter as well. I think it's going to benefit our community greatly. >> Good. very good thing for Robson County. Dr. Williamson, next item will be school board members appreciation month. >> Great. Before we do that,
012I do want to say personally from me, it is a proud moment for all of us. U the future is bright and and again long overdue. I I do want to say and as Dr. Lle, you sent an email out today. Can you share that information opportunity uh to learn a little bit more about this please? So there's an upcoming webinar uh that's being uh hosted through a group of attorneys out of Washington DC. Uh Miss Orlando Lleier is a is a part of that group. Um AC Lleair and and a couple of other ones. I think um Jody Cummings I think they're all attorneys. But the uh the webinar is going to be uh geared toward uh leaders in throughout the county to discuss how uh this recognition may impact uh the community. Um,
013I I text the information out to uh a few of our um comm uh county commissioners as well, and I'm I'm encouraging our board members to to attend because [clears throat] there's no I would imagine that there's no cookie cutter or or no schematic for how these uh types of relationships uh get implemented uh throughout the nation. uh all of them are are going to be different and and how it's implemented here is is going to be different from how it was implemented in in another place. Um one of the advantages that we have is our current infrastructure throughout the county. We already have a strong health care system. We have a strong education system and I think um the future of of these entities um if there's any opportunity for you to work for
014us to work with with the tribe and sort of capitalize on what we already have um will be greatly uh it'll greatly benefit us in the future. I think moving forward um when you look uh 20 30 years down the road and and um and people ask the question um how did the public schools of Robinson County engage throughout this process? History is going to judge us by how we respond and that can go many different directions. Um I would encourage everyone around this table to uh embrace this opportunity. um view it as a uh view it as a a stepping stone uh to help us to educate these children um to take advantage of all the um of all the benefits that are that are going to be um bestowed upon us moving forward.
015It's a huge opportunity. Um don't forget please if you can participate in that webinar, it's going to be very informative. Great. It's the 20 It's the 29th. Yes, it's the 29th at six o'clock. I I sent it to um to the board [snorts] today. So, it's a free reh webinar. Just go ahead and and register. Um there's no better group in the United States suited to answer any questions that that we may have uh about this process than these individuals that's going to be on this panel. I would also mention uh it is our intent in the February board meeting, Lord willing, that our school board attorney, Mr. Richard Schwarz, he will begin to present some information also to help us be ready. Doesn't this align with our theme, one team, one go align with
016that work? Mr. Chair, thank you for allowing me to do for me. Let me ask our cabinet if you'll come please. [clears throat] As you know, January is school board appreciation month and so it's always an honor when we can recognize this outstanding school board. It is an honor to serve with you. We appreciate all that you do. the loan hours, the many phone calls, all the questions that you answer to help us to accomplish this work. We do not take it for granted. It is hard work. It will try your souls. You have to make hard tough decisions. And I don't care what decision you make, somebody's going to be happy and somebody's going to be sad or mad. But that's the nature of our work. I can say to this board that I've
017had the privilege of working and this is my fourth board. I have and and I am enjoying working with you. I honor you for your work and and for your service. I honor you for your backbone and your commitment to do what's right for kids. And so tonight, we just want to say thank you for all you do. And I do hope that the public also recognize and appreciate the time you put in away from family and all that you do. I said it last year. I'll say it now. There's no question when you cross over, God's going to look at you and say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. You've been faithful over a few things. I'm gonna make you a ruler over the school board in heaven." [laughter] Thank you. Thank you
018so much. Now, let me ask board members if y'all would come please and join us. Line up across the front [clears throat] and then Melissa before they leave tonight. You we have what for them. Say it Lana. We have a ham. So, please don't leave without you taking your hand tonight. If you'll line up across the front, [laughter] I I do want to give any cabinet member an opportunity to share your thoughts with the board and then if we can find it, we may have some other gifts for you if we can find them. Okay. >> Any cabinet member? >> I would just say thank you for all the support. I know there's a lot of hard work and we need your support in what we do in curriculum and in EC and all the
019other areas and I just appreciate the discussions that we have about meeting the needs of our students on a daily basis. Public Schools of Robinson County Communications Department says, "Thank you for all that you do. We really appreciate you and because of you, we can do what we do each day in in our classrooms across the district." Thank you. Again, I just like to say thank you for everyone. As everyone's already said, it takes all of us working together for one team, one goal to make things work with PSRC. I appreciate it. >> Good evening, everyone. I want to thank you for the work that you do for the public schools of Robinson County and especially the children because they're the most important reason that we're here. And again, thank you for everything and we
020do appreciate it. And most importantly, I want to say thank you as a personal individual. You have been really good to me. Many of you have said very good things to me along the way about the department and how well they work and I'm pleased to say that we love you in our department. So, thank you very much. >> Good evening. Again, I want to uh reiterate everything everyone before me has said. Thank you for your commitment and hard work. And as Dr. Williamson has already stated, we can only get this accomplished if we work as one team and one goal. Good evening. Good evening. Good. I I'm just so grateful for that. I love all of you. Really do. Um I know. I know. But I listen, I really do appreciate every last single
021board member. I've had great relationships with each of you individually and as a collective. Um the respect that you guys exemplified for my department of human resources. I truly thank thank you and I just truly thankful for the relationship we're building and for what we're doing for our district and making our district the best district in the state. Thank you. And and now we just have again to be able to say thank you. We have something for you and we'll each pass you like a check maybe money. >> [clears throat] [applause] [clears throat] >> All right, I'm going ask the board to come on back up because next item is monthly impact award with Mr. Jamal Campbell. So, come on back up. There you go. >> Good evening, Chairman Britt. Williamson, school board members. I
022am here tonight to recognize the January 2026 impact award recipients. Our recipients exemplify our district's one team one goal motto. These individuals work collectively to cultivate a supportive and thriving school environment. We want to thank Cakes and Pastries and Lumberton for sponsoring this month's gift cards. Also want to thank Mr. Brandon Vento and Sign City for sponsoring our plat. So for our certified employee impact award, I will invite Mr. Ricardo Naverette and Miss Katam to the podium please. [applause] The district proudly recognizes Mr. Ricardo Naare, band music teacher at Oram Middle School, as the January certified impact award recipient. Miss Katasha, principal stated, "As a band teacher and a DTL coach, Mr. Nava truly embodies the spirit of one team one goal. He willingly steps in to help in any capacity when needed and consistently
023supports both scholars and staff. His positive attitude, flexibility, and teamwork make him an invaluable member of our school community and a role model for collaboration. As a district, we celebrate and honor Mr. Naverat for the powerful difference he makes each day in the lives of students, colleagues, and our overall school community. Thank you, sir. [applause] I'm stand >> appreciate all you do. >> [clears throat] >> for our classified impact award recipient. We will invite Miss Christy Ward and her principal, Miss Chro, Miss Christine Tresante, to the um podium, please. [applause] >> [laughter] >> The public school county proudly honors Miss Christy Ward, secretary bookkeep at Parkton School as the district's January classified impact award recipient. Her principal, Miss T, shared, "Miss Christie has devoted 36 years to the public of Robson County, including 26 years
024at Proton Elementary, where she's both a proud alumni and an indispensable member of the school community. As secretary and bookkeeper, she goes far above her official duties, serving as the heart of the school by supporting daily operations, assisting students and staff, and preserving partner's history and spirit. Her adaptability and commitment to growth demonstrate her ability to thrive in a changing environment, continuously enhance her skills, and contribute positively to the overall efficiency and professionalism of the office. Deeply respected, Miss Christie embodies loyalty, professionalism, and a lifelong dedication to Parker Elementary in a school community. As a district, we celebrate and honor Miss Ward for the powerful difference she makes each day. [applause] Members, if you can come to the podium, [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Come on in. >> I'm not like [laughter] Wow. Thank you guys.
025>> Thank you. >> All the way around. >> Thank you. >> [laughter] >> Miss Sers with update on prime time. If you will hold on one second. We're going to go ahead and get the beginning teacher of the year with Mr. Jamal Campbell since we have all the board members up here. >> So once again, good evening chairman, school board members, and Dr. Williamson, we want to invite Miss um Ryan Jacobs to the front because she's going to be recognized for our um she's the finalist for the MCAT beginning teacher of the year for the state. She's one of the finalists for that. So, we want to invite her up to the front. And so we're super excited and I'm going to have Miss Nikia McKver, our director uh personnel and our beginning teacher um
026coordinator to give you some background information and I come back with our presentation. >> Good evening, Chairman Britt, school board members, and Dr. Williamson. North Carolina's North Carolina's begin a teacher program is designed to support, mentor, and develop new educators as they begin their careers in the classroom. It emphasizes strong instruction, professional growth, collaboration, and commitment to student success. Beginning teachers are asked to do a lot, learn the curriculum, build relationships, manage classrooms, and inspire students all at the same time. Those who truly shine set the tone for a long and meaningful career in education. Miss Ryan Jacobs exemplifies what this program is all about. Through her dedication, passion for students, and willingness to learn and grow, she has made a positive impact in her classroom and school community from the very start. Her dedication,
027professionalism, and care for students have not gone unnoticed. Congratulations, and thank you for the difference you make every day. [applause] So, I also want to just include some information about um our um finalist. The public county proudly recognizes Miss Ryan Jacobs, Union Chapel Elementary School teacher as a finalist for the MCAT 2026 Burrows Welcome Fund North Union Teacher of the Year. Her principal, Mr. Antonio Wilkins and the district staff commend her enthusiasm for teaching and the exceptional level of engagement she fosters with her students. Her passion for education and genuine love for her students have set a remarkable standard for all beginning teachers to follow. As a district, we are thrilled to celebrate this outstanding achievement and look forward to the continued impact she will make throughout her career with us. And so at this
028time we're going to um present our plaque and we're ask um Mr. Antonio he's here um and so we're going to um present our plaque um this afternoon and we'll have Mr. Kid to read our plaque and then we're going to invite the family to come to take a picture. Presented to Ryan Jacobs, Union Chapel Elementary School Educator, in recognition of being selected as a a finalist for the North Carolina Center for the Advance Advancement of Teaching 2026 Burroughs Welcome Fund North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. This honor reflects outstanding dedication to students, excellence in teaching, and a commitment to educational leadership. Presented by the public schools of Aison County Board of Board of Education, January the 13th, 2026. [applause] >> And now we're going to invite uh Miss Jacob's family to the
029front as well and take a picture. >> Oh, okay. >> [applause] >> distance. So, I can say a few words. All right. I just would like to say uh Miss Ryan Jacobs. She's a wonderful teacher. Uh she's a product of this county as well. I want to make sure we recognize that. I know she went through Magnolia and I think uh St. Paul's uh high school, right? Miss Ryan, which high school? Which high school? Lumberton. Lumberton. Yeah, Lumberton High School. I apologize. Also, her mother's a public school teacher as well. Uh I think her last stint was at Magnolia, right? But like I say, she does a great job and I don't want this to be taken the wrong way or anything, but uh the the one thing I did I I didn't really plan
030to say anything, you know, believe it or not, but I would like to say um she don't follow the curriculum, the curriculum follows her, you know, if that makes any sense, you know. And what I mean by that is basically uh she brings it to life. You're welcome any day of the week, you know. It's not like a dog and pony show. So, if you'd like to see a great teacher, uh, come to Union Chapel and, um, not just, you know, we have great teachers, but definitely Miss Ryan, you know, she's definitely earned that plaque there. That just wasn't a a little show she put on. And also, uh, I know she appreciates it, but the support y'all gave her, you know, the things y'all support through the county, you know, uh, she just embraced
031all of it, you know, and, um, you know, and I I know she contributes that as a factor, too. But also, she's just a talented individual, you know. She's just amazing is all I can say. So thank you. Thank you. [applause] And so we want to announce as well next month [snorts] at our February board meeting we will have INC actually come down and do a presentation from the state. And so board members will have this we'll do it again but the state will be doing presentation for um for being a finalist in that pro process. [applause] Congratulations again, Miss Ryan Jacobs. Next on the agenda, we have update on prime time, Miss Melinda Sers. >> Hello. Good evening, Chairman Brett, school board members and superintendent Dr. Freddy Williamson. And I'd like to give you
032just an update, a little bit of information about the prime time program. U my name is Melinda Sers. I am the prime time coordinator for public schools Robinson County. I began this role back in July. The prime time program um is considered a port a support service in our county. You may also hear it referred to as before school care and after school care, morning care, but it's all part of the prime time. Um it is designed as a support for working families to provide a safe, reliable and affordable care um for their for our students, their children outside of the regular school day. We have 13 school sites that serve as prime time sites. I can share those with you if you wish. 11 of those sites are certified by the North Carolina Division
033of Child Development Early Education and we are governed by the North Carolina Child Care Laws very similar to the pre-K programs and shining stars without the um curricular component of that. Our prime time operates on regular school days, not teacher work days and holidays. Obviously, if there's a school delay, there's no morning service. If there's an early release, there's no afternoon service. But on regular school days, we have prime time. Our morning care begins approximately an hour before school starts. So, generally speaking, that's 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. And I appreciate the staff members who come in that early because that's a very early day if you ask me. Um, and then our afterchool care goes until 6:00 pm in the afternoon. So, when school gets out all the way up until 6:00 pm, the enrollment
034process for our prime time program is very simple. There's an application, there's an enrollment packet, and um you turn that you fill that out at the school, turn that in to the school site um coordinator. I mentioned earlier that our program is affordable and it's designed to be that way to support not only um parents but also some of our some of our PSRC workers who utilize the program. We have had no fee increases in at least 10 years. And I know this because I looked back through some of my old handbooks just to see how how um how we may have increased the fees. Back in my 2015 16 handbook from Carol Middle, the fees are exactly as they are today. After school care costs $32 per week for one child. That is um
035if you add if you have two children from the same family at the same school, then it goes from 32 to 42. an additional child is 52 and we add $10 not $32 for each child we increase it by $10 for each child. If you pay for afterchool care then you are also eligible to come to morning school morning care or before school care. Now there are some people who only need the care in the mornings and that price is 30 $13 for one child 18 for two and 21 for three. That is from the same family attending the same school. Aside from parent pay, there is another way that we receive pay for um for students who attend the afterchool care program and that's through a DSS childare voucher system. And we encourage parents
036who might qualify for that to contact their DSS caseworker for more information. That's another way that they can pay for the afterchool care services. After school care includes a daily snack, time for homework, they do centers. We have outside playtime. So there's a there are a lot of activities just to keep children engaged. And I've been to all of the sites actually this year several times. And you know, they seem to really enjoy the time when they're at centers and talking and working with their with their peers doing things like Jenga or um they love Legos. I'm looking to get some magnetiles. I want to look for a grant to get them some of some of those type of hands-on activities. They really love that. Um so it's not only a place for the children
037to go and be kept during after school but you know there's also emotional and social growth that happens there our students are building confidence independence they're building friendships and in our program the site the site workers and I like to say prime time is the best time it's the best extended school time we do range anywhere from 22 to 60 students in our program at each school. We have approximately 450 students enrolled. 470 was the highest number enrollment that I um can find for this school year. We have over 50 trained staff members working in the prime time program. Some of them also work in our schools during the day. They serve as teachers, instructional assistants, custodians, cafeteria workers, and substitute teachers. We also have retirees who work in our program. I would be one
038of those. Um, and then some at some at the sites as well. And then community members who really do a fine job of coming in and working in the afterchool programs and loving our children is what they do. They seem to really enjoy it. and the children the children do as well. And there's some training and certifications that are necessary to work the program. We have an orientation at the beginning of the year to kind of take care of all of those and we share that you the staff members what they need. But with the growing demand for child care for our school age children, there's been a lot of information out about that during excuse me, especially during the Christmas break. I read two or three articles about it online. there is a need
039for afterchool care or for school care in general or I mean daycare centers in general for those who work and it's becoming harder and harder to get. So we consider our prime time program an essential service for our families and I just like to say I appreciate the board's support of this very valuable program. Miss Sers, I definitely appreciate you and I appreciate all the the prime time staff that they do at each of the schools because I know that is extra, but still appreciate what they do for our students. M Dr. Terry Lleair, >> thank you Miss Sis for uh for that information. Um I appreciate you u coming back to the county and heading up this program. It seems like a wonderful venture. Um I have a quick question. Uh do we have
040a maximum ratio for the number of uh students per worker? Yes, we um we work under we work under an enhanced ratio of 20 to one. The state allows for a few more than that, but we we keep the 20 to1 ratio in our program. >> Okay. That's all I was wondering. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> And and you said 6:30 in the morning. >> Yes. >> So 6:30 in the morning to 6 pm. So, you know, if you think about it, we are we have children under um under our care for almost 12 hours a day throughout the county. >> Major responsibility. Thank you. >> You know, and morning care is a really good way for students to to get ready for their day. What when I was principal at Peterson, I was
041always appreciative for my worker there because I knew that she was setting the tone for those students for the rest of the day. And it and it is important. Bus drivers do the same thing. Any other comments? >> Thank you, >> Miss Ellers. Thank you. >> Next on the agenda is child and adult care food program, Miss Jennifer Hannah. >> Good evening, Chairman Britt, Superintendent Williamson, and board members. As part of our yearly requirement, I'm here to discuss the Shining Stars food program. Shining Stars facilities operate their food program through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The Child and Adult Care Food Program, also known as CACF, is a federally funded program that is administered and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture
042and Food and Nutrition Services. The purpose of the program is to ensure that eligible children adults who attend qualifying non-residential care facilities receive nutritious meals. The CACFP meal patterns ensure that infants, children, and adults at participating centers have access to healthy food throughout the day. CACF meals and snacks include whole grains, a variety of vegetables and fruits with less added sugar and saturated fat. Our staff works diligently to ensure healthy nutritional meals that vary with the seasons and the cultures that represent our students. This year, Shining Stars renewed our application for 1999 participants. With that enrollment, we were awarded an estimated 211,13247. This award total can vary with the fluctuation of student enrollment throughout the year. The total breaks down to 132 students eligible for free meals, 27 students eligible for reduced meals, and 40
043students who were denied eligibility. All students who are denied eligibility are covered through a reduced rate with CACFP and local funds from our NC PreK partners. This grant helps to support our cafeteria staff salaries and other students meals through throughout the school 2526 school year. Thank you. >> Any other comments, Mr. Henry Brewer? >> [clears throat] >> So making it clear, no student really pays, >> but there is qualifications they had to meet. >> Yes, sir. So >> we're making it happen. >> We make it happen. >> Great. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Hannah. [snorts] >> Next up, we have public comments. Um, the first one on public comments is Eco Quig. Eco Quig present. Okay. Next up is Mr. Next up is Mr. Bosco Lleair. >> Comment that. >> Mr.
044Bos, I'm just going to let you know whenever you start talking the three minutes will start. >> Okay, that's fine, too. Um, Mr. Henry, you made the statement about uh you and your dad serving on the Lumbi Council together. As you will remember, I was part of the original constitutional assembly along with your dad representing 44 Lumbi churches that drafted the first constitution. And I would tell you your dad was a man among men. His yays was yay and his nays was nay. Now I will say good afternoon Mr. Chairman, board members, staff and guests. I am Bosco Lleier, 614 Melinda Road, Perinburg, North Carolina and that is located in downtown Prospect. We came before you in November to ask that you name the new school of career and technology the Hard and Hunt School
045of Career and Technology. We gave you a package that included support letters. At this time, I would like to speak about those support letters. Starting with a letter from Reverend Dennis Himstead, pastor of Mentor's Chapel, Reverend Dr. Mike Cummings, Bishop Reverend Landre Hunt, a letter from the mayors of Red Springs, Primroke, and Fairmont, Dr. Maisie Gibson, community and school student support coordinator, North Carolina House of Representative Garland Pierce, former House of Representative Charles Graham, Lumbi Tribal Chairman John Larry, who represents 60,000 Lumbi Indians, UNCCTP Chancellor Dr. Robin Cummings. That's to name a few. There are at least five schools in this system named after white folk. There's four named after black folk and there's two named after Indian folks. So I would ask you to question, is it so wrong to name one more school
046after the Indians? Mr. Craig, you made the statement that you only have one chance to make it right. Well, you can do that tonight, folks, by honoring two of the best lumbies that's ever walked in this county. That's Dr. Barry Harden and Dr. Johnny Hunt. Now, you want to make it right. The man that serves represents the 60,000 Indians, he he signed on to it. the chairman of the tribe. He thinks it's right to do that and so we're asking you again. Let's do the right thing. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Boscoden. Next up, Miss Loising Def. Mr. Freeze, you will have three minutes. Good evening, Chairman Britt, Superintendent Williamson, and board members. At the last board meeting, we asked for the technology school to be named for Dr. Barry Harding and Dr. Johnny Hunt.
047Tonight, I want to reiterate the contributions made by these two gentlemen. Both have records uh recognizable accomplishments, awards, leadership, and service in Robinson County. They have exhibited honesty, integrity, sense of fairness, and dedication. You all receive letters of support from members of the community. Some board members have received opposition to the school being named in honor of Dr. Harding and Dr. Hunt. Since there is support and opposition, why not schedule a public hearing for the purpose of hearing from the community in support of opposition to naming the technology school in honor of Dr. Barry Harden and Dr. Johnny Hunt. Thank you, Mr. Freeze. Next up, we have Mr. Gary Lleair. Mr. Ller, you will have three minutes. Thank you. I'm Gary Lleair. Thank you for what you do for the good people of Robinson County.
048Uh we all know why we're here or at least speaking publicly now about the committee's recommendation to put a plaque instead of naming this building after these two honorable people. Um where is the public opposition? I'm sure they'll be right behind me to speak. Uh if if there's such a ground swell of opposition to this and you tell us about it when you get a turn to speak. If there's opposition, tell us why. If you're not for it, then tell us why you're not for it. uh to to the other board members who don't serve on the committee. Uh you know, you're not bound by their recommendation. I mean, it is just that, a recommendation, of course. Um you and if you again, if you're for it, tell us that. If you're against it, tell
049us that. I'm a way I'm way too old to just do this dance. Uh there's obviously a voting block that's formed. Uh my prediction right now the votes, you know, unless unless somebody is willing to step up. Let me say this. If Congress can agree on federal recognition, surely surely surely you can agree to to do what? How? Raise your hand if you think it's wrong to name the building. No hands. Surely you can agree to name this building after two deserving people. Um, you know, for African-Americans, imagine if she was on the other other foot. You're here asking a building to be named after a deserving African-American and everybody else in the room votes against it. You know, the other two races vote against. That's what we got. You know, it's the elephant in
050the room that nobody wants to talk about, but it's there and it's the vote voting block that's formed. Um, you know, you know what it is. general public may or may not know but obviously whites and African-Americans have now there are six of you and you have done what you are doing to exclude the five votes of American Indians. American Indians in terms of population obviously is about 50% of the school population. You know that better than I do. This is a slippery slope for the good good of the school system. You really should stop it. uh it it will you know it'll come back in time if if you don't uh to to bite you. A plaque is just a gesture. People walk by, they don't even see it. Um never notice it. Naming
051this building is the right thing to do. And if you don't think it's the right thing to do, then be bold enough to stand up tonight in this meeting and tell the public and everybody here why it's not the right thing to do. I thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Mr. Lleair. Last one is Miss Miss Dale Alfred. Miss Dale Alfred. All right. Doesn't like Miss Alfred is here. Moving to action items. Next item of business is the monthly financial report. Miss Erica Settzer. Good evening, Chairman Brit, Superintendent Dr. Williamson, and board members. You will find the monthly financial report in your packet. I can answer any questions anyone has at this time. >> Mr. John Simmons, >> Miss Erica, has anything changed that we need to know about? >> No, sir. >>
052Make a motion approve. >> I got a motion by Mr. John Simmons, a second by Mr. Vonte Leech. All those in favor say I. Any oppose? Eyes have it. >> Thank you, Miss Settzer. Next is construction committee recommendations. Mr. John Simmons and Mr. Bobby Lair. Mr. John Simmons. Construction. The construction committee committee met on January 6 to review two requests made naming the building based upon public 9300 naming facility. Naming forms were submitted for James H. Hooks Planetarium Hordon Hunt School of Career and Technology. The construction committee reviewed the request but made the following recommendation. A plaque to honor James Hook to be placed in the planetary area of the building and a plaque to honor Dr. Barry Horton, Dr. Johnny Hunt be placed in the building. >> Miss Christy Fields. >> Mr. Chairman, I
053offer a substitute motion to name the newly built planetarium, the James Hooks Planetarium. I further include in my motion that these names be placed on the outside of the building in large size lettering as the official names of the facility. I further offer that there be his portrait be placed on the wall as it has been done in other schools in Robinson County in recognition of Mr. Hooks. And I ask that we come together and vote as we have recently done with other recently named facilities in our county. >> I got a motion. I got a second by Mr. Henry Brewer. >> Substitute motion will go first. >> Hold on. >> Mr. Terry Llelair, I have a question for our attorney. If you take a look at our policy uh number naming facilities, it mentions
054um uh the the policy is not a prescribed process step one, two, three, and four, but there are some steps in here that these individuals uh have followed. um namely they've uh they submitted the name of schools and school facilities nomination form to the superintendent who then um I guess forward it to the full board for consideration. So I guess there's a couple of different ways a school can be named. It can be named uh recommended by the district or um an outside entity can come in and submit this form. But uh during this process of submitting a form um there there's also a requirement in here for a public a public hearing and I don't think that's been done. And also there's a uh a committee here uh named the uh facilities committee. So
055is the facilities committee that's mentioned in policy 9300 the same as the construction committee? Um, if that's the case, then we need to update this policy to reflect that uh that naming convention. Okay. If that's the case, then I'm wondering um is it appropriate for us to be voting on a recommendation from the construction committee about uh about uh plaques? I'm fine with plaques, but in terms of naming the facility, there has been no uh public forum. The the forum has not been held. Um there's been no input from the from the public other than these groups that's came in and uh submitted the form and got all these letters of support. So I'm asking our attorney to chime in on the process. Uh have we fully followed it as prescribed in uh policy 9300?
056[clears throat] My understanding is that because it came from com construction committee that it can go ahead and be considered by the full board at this time. >> But this doesn't mention the the construction committee. It says facilities committee. Do you want to comment, Mr. Bobby? Mr. Bobby Lley would like to comment. >> Good. Good evening, Chairman Brit, Dr. Williamson, board members. So, the way our process has worked in naming all other facilities that we've gone through in the past is the the um recommendation has come to the full board. That recommendation has then gone to the construction committee. Once it goes from there, uh if the construction committee's recommendation is continue with that full name of that facility, at that point is the uh public hearing held. It is not held prior to it
057going to the construction committee. >> Mr. Terry, you still have Go ahead. >> There's no step one, two, three in in this uh policy and how that's carried out. It sounds to me like uh like a decision was made early on just to just to not have uh the the public hearing. >> Mr. Chair, if I may. Yes, sir. >> Our practice has been all along because we've named several um athletic fields, gyms, is that that public hearing had to happen in the community from the group that was making a recommendation to name. That's been our practice and if you look at the policy the way that we have interpreted that policy that's what it requires and again to the question in terms of construction and facilities the same committee historically in the past it
058was but it aligns now ward work with some of the state board committees we can go back and modify that policy if that's an issue and add facilities. So you're saying that the that the uh the outside groups that are interested or bringing this uh name recommendation, they're the ones responsible for facilitating a public forum. That's according to the way that we have interpreted this policy and our practice in the past. Yes. As part of submitting uh the forms, one of the question was did you conduct a public hearing to make sure there was support for the request? >> So the recommendation from the construction committee um is to not name the facilities. Instead uh hang a plaque with their names on it. So, we're not going to consider um naming those facilities after these
059individuals. >> That was the recommendation from the construction committee, Mr. Terry. Yes, sir. >> I think Dr. Emanuel has some uh some further context to add as well. >> Yeah, please speak. >> Go ahead, Dr. May. >> My context goes with I want to go with Mr. Hooks. You may not because I God bless me. I'm a little older than anybody here. I was a student in school, elementary school. This man wrote a grant by himself. By himself. Now, this is why he's deserving. He wrote this grant. He got this grant. This planetarium was built. We had a planetarium. Morehead planetarium was the only planetarium in the state at that time. People would have to go all the way to Chapel Hill or wherever Morehead is in Chapel Hill, right? They would have to go
060all the way to Chapel Hill on the activity bus to see a planetarium. This man, this pantern was built. As a consequence, counties like Hope County, Scotland County, Moore County would come to our county. We got on the map to visit the planetary schedule classes. This man absolutely deserve this building to be called the Hooks Planetarium. If he doesn't, I don't know what in the world does. I mean, folks, he put us on the map with science and space with this planetarium. I don't know if people knew that, but he wrote this grant himself and got $65,000 back in those days. That was a lot of money to build this planetarium. And I have the another context when we get ready to vote for the others as to and this is the educational context not
061the political context. This is something that I was here I saw and those my age saw it. Thank you for letting me speak. >> Yes ma'am. Mr. Henry Brewer [snorts] when um and for those that remember when we did the groundbreaking we recognized uh individuals that started the idea of a career center and that was uh Dr. um Harding and Mr. Johnny Hunt Dr. hunt. Um, and like I said, you know, we we've got all of these letters that was shared with us from our notorious uh county officials other than this school board. So, if we don't act on their request, then we're not serving the public. Go ahead, Dr. M. You're still on. >> Okay. So, can I make my context about the Hunt Harding building now? >> Okay. Back in the day when
062Dr. Harden was superintendent, we had a southern accreditation visit. That's when they come and to credit us for a school. Uh, this team went to the career center and they were so impressed. The lady when they wrote the report they said this is the best kept secret in the state. You all need to publicize this career center. It was so good as to what was doing there. So Dr. Harden took that concept and he began to meet with RCC. He began to meet with UNCCTP. He began to meet with anybody would listen to him across the state to try to secure funding to continue to make that a better place or to build a new school. He worked on it. He worked. It was his passion. All right. He worked during his tenure. Then when
063his tenure was over, Dr. Hunt began. They begin then to form committees. He began they begin to meet. They begin to solicit to go to the Congress. He began he began to make and then the biggest thing is when they found some money to hire an architect. Bosco might have been in on this. I don't know. They hired an architect and there were blueprints for them. From blueprints then they did a needs assessment with the business and industry. They wanted to know what do you need 10 years from now? What do employees need to know? They took that needs assessment what the business and industry said that that our employees would need to know. They formed a curriculum along with the blueprint. Then Dr. Hunt worked with that. He worked with it and he worked
064with it. He solicited help from any organization would help him. And those two men took a germ of an idea, a comment of career centers are best kept secret alive that people are not sharing. And they worked religiously. And I have to give Dr. Williams credit. Dr. Williamson put the nail on the coffin at the end of this process. But those two guys work, I'm telling you, they worked to try to make this this concept a reality. And if we tonight decide vote, if the vote goes not to name it after these guys, I we have set a president that no one else as long as this board stays as a body. No one else will get the opportunity to to be to name anything after anyone else that's deserving. And Roland Norman School is
065an exception because that school was named in honor of two teachers. So I can't I'm like that somebody said from the audits but I won't be as radical as that. I do not know of any three people more deserving to have [snorts] structures named after them because there were those of us here that saw what they did. Bobby Mr. Bobby Lachler and Herman they were in on those two administrations. They were not young enough old enough to see Mr. cooks go through it, but they were in on the other two and maybe Erica got part of it. I'm not sure. But I appreciate you letting me give some context to it. But thank you and thank you for the votes that you do tonight. But remember, we're setting the president when we vote now. Whatever
066comes before the board, I don't care who it is or what they did. If it's defeated tonight, then that's it. Nothing else will be damn anyone else. >> Miss Crystal Monroe. Um, I just wanted to I'm kind of I thank you Dr. Emanuel for giving a lot of that information and I do appreciate everything they have done over the years. Just my little input and like you said, if it doesn't get named then nothing should be named and I agree with that. Um just on my end of thinking about it is just the just maybe overlooking overlooking the other contributions that other people have put in or may have put in for the future so to speak. So just say 10 or 20 years from now other people are sitting here and have put just
067as much effort or equal like where would their names go? So that's that's where I look at it as is if then everything would have to be named after somebody. So that's why I thought about the plaque idea because if other people contribute more or donate a bunch of money or put in as much 20 30 years they could everybody can be acknowledged for what they have done for the contribution that I just wanted to show my thoughts on why I recommended the plaques. Um, and just like if there was new information that came out for someone that like just in the future, if there was somebody named the building and something horrible came out about that person, then it looks bad on us. So, that's just where my thoughts are with naming something. Now,
068I hadn't been here before with naming a building. I know far as like the gymnasiums and stuff like that, but that's just my input on it. I just wanted to be transparent about that. >> Thank you, Miss Monroe. Next up, Mr. Craig. Um, legally, I don't know. So, lawyer, this um this might be get legal with you here. Um, it's been said and ever how it was supposed to have been done, there was not a public hearing. That hasn't happened. So, I'm getting a call to do this. Somebody else getting a call to do that. Can we stop this and require public hearing with the James Hooks recommendation and with the Dr. Harden and uh Dr. Hunt recommendation? Can we stop no vote have a public hearing or do we have to go through and
069have a vote tonight? So the important thing here is that this [clears throat] recommendation is coming from the construction committee, right? So if your options here are basically to table the motion and revisit it later or you can send this back and refer it to construction committee for further recommend um consideration. >> Okay. So a motion could be made now. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. I make a motion that we table this uh recommendation tonight. Second. Got another motion made by Mr. Craig Lowry, second by Mr. Henry Brewer that we table this motion, Mr. Cherry Lair. I would also like to add that I think it's important for us to and Mr. Craig's already made the motion and that's sort of what I was going to allude to um as well. um if we go
070ahead and uh circumvent this process and decide not to do a public hearing, then we are um ignoring the will of the public. And I would remind everybody around this table that we're public servants. Uh the public put us in these seats. Um, I don't think uh morally we have the you you may have the um the legal um and the the governing or oversight authority to circumvent the public in this process, but I'm going to ask you uh to think about your morals and um and and what uh your core values and consider the individuals that put that put us in these seats. Part of this process is very clear right here in black and white policy number 9300 is that there must be a public hearing uh to discuss or to listen to
071our constituents when we get ready to the name facilities. Think about what Dr. Manuel has just said and the impact that these individuals have made and the contributions that they've made uh to this county going all the way back to the 60s. If anybody if anybody uh went through the public schools of Robinson County, um you heard uh Mr. Hooks, you heard his presentation and he made an impact on you. So, think about the individuals that put you in these seats. >> Mr. Henry Brewer, >> um Mr. Bobby, when we named um u a stadium or or whatever at St. Paul's uh high school was track it was the track was there a public hearing held with that ye yes so in every facility that has been named in recent knowledge that I'm aware of
072again that request has been brought construction committee says yes or no to that request all of it has been yes after they've said yes that group is then directed to go have a public hearing. Once that public hearing is held, then it comes back to the board for action. >> Okay. And what if the public fails to I'm just throwing this out, fails to come up with a name. >> So, the the group has already decided a name or recommendation for the tracks, baseball fields, um courts, everything that we've named. there's already been a name that they've come up with. It's just it's gone to the construction committee. Construction committee says yes, have your public hearing. Then after the public hearing, they get comments and then the report is brought back about what those comments
073were at that public hearing that was held by the group that's requesting the naming of the facility. >> Mr. Vonte Leech. >> All right. Um to be clear, the u the current board members that's on the board and stuff right now, we never named a school. We named a facility, we named the gymnasium, we named the football field. Um right off the top of my head and the stuff about public um uh stuff about the public and stuff, the public have a form. The people that if I'm correct, Mr. Bob, the people that's bringing it to us have the public forum, not the poor. Is that correct? >> That is correct. >> All right. Just to make it clear, >> Mr. Bradley Phillips, hit your button again. Mr. Bradley. >> Um, Mr. Vonte, he already
074hit on what I was going to ask or you remind that that language is not PSRC have a public hearing. It's always from my understanding it's been put on, you know, whichever group that's that's looking to have something named or um from my understanding. Correct. >> Mr. Terry Lachler, Miss Crystal, uh mentioned earlier u about naming um facilities after individuals that are leaving. I actually had that same concern when we named the uh the soccer field after the uh individual in in Lumberton. And um I I just asked a question about naming, you know, facilities after the individuals that are leaving because you're exactly right. It could come up, you know, two years down the road and there could be some scandal or whatever. But uh but it was one quick question I had. Um
075individuals spoke up and said that was not going to be an issue. they were confident about that and we just moved right on forward. Um so um so that that that wasn't an issue after that quick conversation. And I would also like to ask um the individuals that came up and spoke about um in support of naming the facility after Mr. Harden and uh Dr. Hunt, Drs. Harden and and Hunt. Would y'all be willing to uh facilitate a public hearing? Yes. Yes. Whe not a group and you read poly any way you want to but it's sad mistake you say group that's cause for I don't remember when we done these in the past. I remember the the public uh the public schools facilitating these these public hearings. So, >> hold on one second. Hold
076on. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on one second. Mr. Terry, go. Your mic is up. >> We had a public hearing when we got ready to name the uh the complex or the the football field in Red Springs for Mr. Mike Smith. I was there. It was at Red Springs High School. And Mr. Bobby, I think is the one that facilitated that that facilitated the the meeting. [clears throat] Mr. Craig. Okay. We the public hearings are facilitated by someone here at the central office along with the people who come who support and don't support. uh when we named athletic facilities a lot of times the athletic director from here might went and conducted a meeting because I've been at meetings been at those public hearings where you might had 20 people there. I think when
077they did the thing for Mike at Red Springs there might have been 40 feet 50 people but I think uh Mr. Jerome was ad then if I'm not mistaken and he conducted the meeting so that's where the conduction is at. Uh now Mr. Bobby made a comment here that the okay construction committee is going to make a recommendation and the comments made okay after that we vote on it >> then there is a public hearing is that what you're saying >> what what has happened what has happened in the past when we named courts >> football fields tracks >> those individuals have made a request that the facility have be named after an individual >> it's gone to the construction committee construction committee has then given their approval and said have your public com have
078your public hearing then it is brought back to the board uh for action >> for actual action then so >> and that is and I'm sorry m but that is what's happened in every where we've named courts baseball fields >> tracks >> everything that I'm aware of in the last four years that I've been part of it's been brought construction public hearing then brought back to the full board for approval So now, Mr. Chairman Brit. >> Yes, sir. >> If uh [clears throat] if we're getting a recommendation tonight, voted to go along with construction or don't go along with construction, do we still have a public hearing? I'm saying if if it's not voted to do it, is there any need to have a public hearing? >> Right. Dr. Williamson. >> Mr. Chair and board
079members, I want to make a recommendation that we do proceed to table this conversation and ask for a clear interpretation of our policy from our school board attorney before we try to move forward. I think that's the next step in this process um is a clear interpretation of our policy as it is written. >> Mr. John Simmons. >> Um I agree with Dr. Williams on that, but I also have a question, Mr. Bobby. Um seemed like I remember the people um the PR first principal at East Robinson. There was a committee that wanted to change that name and it came to the committee and we said no, was going to leave it to East Robinson. >> To to my knowledge, it was not to change the name of the school. The request was to name
080the media center after that individual. And I think it Mr. Kinlaw if I'm not mistaken. Okay, no bow speaking. I've got a last motion was by Mr. Craig and seconded by Mr. Henry to table this motion. All those in favor say I. Any oppose? Eyes haven't been tabled. Thank you, Mr. Bobby. Mr. Bradley Phillips. I [clears throat] move that the u the board enters into close session for the following purposes to consider confidential personal matters provided in uh North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11 A1 and A6 and 115C-319 and to consider confidential UAL student matters as provided in North Carolina General Statute 143- 318.11A1 and 115C-42 and 28 US code 123G to consult with the board of education attorney to preserve the attorney uh client privilege and to discuss the following pending litigations. uh Amber versus
081Dun uh PSRC or versus PSRC 25 C [clears throat] V01561 and Jonathan Dial versus uh PSRC board of education Freddy Williamson Matthew Luckle uh 25 CVs 0005759-770 as provided in the North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11 A3 and to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11A1 to consider closed session minutes that are confidential pursuit to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.10e. >> I have a motion by Mr. Bradley Phillips go into close session. Second by Miss Christy Fields. All those in favor say I. Any oppose? Eyes have it. We are now in close session. to come out of close session. >> I got a motion by made by Mr. Vonte Leech, a second by Mr. Henry Brewer to come out of close session. All those in favor say I. All oppose. Eyes have it. Motion to approve classified and
082certified personnel. Motion's been made by Mr. Bradley, second by Mr. Craig Lowry. All those in favor say I. >> Any oppose. Eyes have it. Motion to approve legal issues. >> Motion's been made by Miss Crystal Monrose. Second by Mr. Vonte Leech. All those in favor say I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. Close session minutes. Mo motion's been made by Mr. Vonte Leech. Second by Mr. Henry Brewer. All those in favor say I. Any oppose? Eyes have it. Motion to adjurnn. Mr. Craig. Motion to adjurnn. Second by Mr. Miss Crystal Monroe. All those in favor say I. Any oppose? Eyes have it. We are journed.