001Good evening. I hope everybody's doing good and welcome to this public schools of Robinson County Board meeting for November the 18, 2025. At this time, I'd like to have a moment of silence. Thank you. Next item is pledge pledge pledge of allegiance by Rex Renard Elementary School. Miss Cumins, if you would bring him up to the microphone. Salute pledge. >> I pledge aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Miss Cummings. Miss Cummings, if you would have those kids introduce themselves. [clears throat] >> Hello, my name is Lzette. >> Hello, my name is Kayleiana. >> Hello, my name is Ashley. >> Hello, my name is Daniel. >> We thank y'all for coming and thank
002you, Miss Cummings. We appreciate all you do. [applause] All right. I need the adoption of the agenda. >> I got a motion by Miss Melissa Oceans, a second by Mr. John Simmons, Mr. Cherry. Mr. Brid, I'd like to make a motion to uh to add to our agenda a discussion item on establishing a subcommittee. It's the same one I mentioned last month. I called it I called it last month. the the the HR subcommittee and that and that that caused some some confusion. Uh but but let me let me just be clear that the subcommittee that I'm I'm proposing that we create is not about making any hiring decisions. It's really about the board and how we can get involved in taking care of our staff. We need to have ongoing discussions on employee retention
003uh recognition and recruitment and overall staff satisfaction. And that would give us an authentic way to monitor how our people are doing. And uh with the respect to the administration, this is not about micromanagement. It's really about uh stewardship and and basic governance because at the end of the day, this board uh we're really responsible for the workforce uh that runs our district. For example, right now there's various support systems that that uh that we offer uh support systems and um resources that we offer that not all staff are aware of. Um, some staff are being >> Terry, are you making a motion? >> If you don't mind, I'm making a motion. >> I'm making a motion. Terry's made a motion. >> Happy to set you >> as an information item as the paper that
004he's passed out to all the board members. Can I get a second? >> I got a second by Miss Christie Field. So, we will vote on that. It requires school board attorney. How many votes? >> Which would be eight votes. All right. All those in favor and supporting Mr. Cherry's motion. Raise your hand. Okay, I have five. So, the motion failed. Original motion made by adoption of agenda. John Simmons. Second made by Miss Melissa Oceans. All those in favor? Any oppose? Eyes have it. Approval of the minutes. Motion made by Mr. Vonte Leech. Second by Miss Melissa Ocean. All those in favor? Any oppose? Eyes have it. Information items. A monthly impact award staff recognition. Mr. Jamal Campbell. [snorts] Would ask all the board members to step up. Good evening, Chairman Brick, Dr. [clears throat]
005Williamson, and school members. I am standing tonight to recognize the November 2025 impact award recipients. [gasps] Our recipients exemplify our district's one team one goal model. These individuals work collaboratively to cultivate a supportive and thriving school environment. We want to thank Mr. Austin Jacobs and the Chick-fil-A for sponsoring this month's gift certificates. Also wanted to thank Mr. Brandon Ventura and Sim City for sponsoring our plaques. At this time, I want to recognize our classified employee of the month, which is Miss Martha Bullet from Fairmont High School. Is she here? [applause] We are proud to recognize Miss Martha Bullet, custodian and bus driver at Fairmont High School as the district's November 2025 classified impact award recipient. Fairmont principal Dr. Anthony Barton states, "Miss Martha goes above and beyond in her role as Fairmont at Fairmont High
006School. Her buildings are always exceptionally clean, and every time I see her, she's hard at work wiping, sweeping, and mopping. Anytime she's asked to complete a task, she's always can be counted on to complete that task and do it well. In addition to her custodial duties, she frequently steps in to drive a bus route when um on a regular basis um and sometimes at short notice. She does all of this with a smile on her face and kind words to everyone she meets. As a district, we celebrate and honor Miss Buller for the powerful difference she makes each day. [applause] first. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Thank you. >> Our certified impact award recipient for the month. We want to recognize Miss Alita Lumbob of Fairmont High School math teacher.
007Is she here tonight? >> [applause] >> The public schools of Washington Town is proud to recognize Miss Alita Lumbov, math teacher at Fairmont High School as a November 2025 certified impact award recipient. The principal, Dr. Anthony Barton, shared that Miss Ally is truly a blessing to Fairmont High School. She has been instrumental in helping our school improve math proficiency by more than 30%. She takes her students performance personally and consistently goes above and beyond, working long hours to ensure her instruction is tailored to meet their instructional needs. Her students love her and often request to be in her class. Her instruction is her instruction and progress monitoring are among the best that I've ever seen. We celebrate Miss Lumbok's dedication and impact on both staff and students within her school. Thank you. >> [applause] >>
008short. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Mr. Jamal. Uh, next up is Native American Month, Miss Jessica Cely. >> There you got to get back up for later. Okay. So, so good evening, Chairman Britt, Superintendent, Dr. Williamson, and board members. November is Native American Heritage Month. This is a time when we celebrate the traditions, culture, and contributions of Native Americans to our country and to their to our world. Several events are taking place at our schools across the district this month in observance of this important recognition. And before I sit down, I just want to say happy Thanksgiving from the public schools Robinson County Communications Department. Hope everybody has a great Thanksgiving. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Next we have Dr. Wendy Dorsy Carr. Oh, sorry. Take that back. Teacher incentive by Miss
009Irma is next on the agenda. Miss Irma, Superintendent Dr. Freddy Williamson, Chairman Trey Britt, and other distinguished school board district leaders, as well as partners in education. Good evening. We extend greetings from our pastor, Mr. Eric Trantham, our apostle, and all members of Trusting in Jesus Ministry, Dobbins Heights, North Carolina. Our purpose here tonight is to explore ways to hopefully minimize some of the absenteeism in the public schools of Robinson County. Although our church's outreach ministry assists schools in Robinson County, Scotland, and Richmond County school districts in various ways for years. The issue of absenteeism discussed in your June 2025 meeting raised heavy concerns, prompting our church to pray and reflect on additional incentives that might that we might be able to do and what we can do to help motivate our teachers and staff.
010What challenges do schools face from teacher absenteeism? Teacher absences pose a unique challenge for the K12 school districts. Not just here, but nationwide. In business, excessive absences lead to a loss of productivity, which is a great loss, possibly of jobs if not turned around in a reasonable time. loss of jobs for families, hurting tax base for local school districts and school dollars to school budgets. However, in education, absenteeism of a classroom teacher results in a loss of student learning which of which may or may not be able to be made up in a timely manner for the student. That is those students who have fallen behind drastically to be successful for the 202526 academic school year. Notwithstanding, if teachers and staff are not adequately encouraged and motivated themselves during these unprecedented times, it could lead
011to a withdrawal of a desire to teach or work in public education. Our educational budget for the 202526 school year allocates funds to continue the Ron Farabe and William Anderson scholarships each valued at $250 a piece at the Robinson County Career Center. We have also initiated a large grill distribution program of which Fairmont High School was selected in May of this year, although they have yet to collect their grill from Lowe's. The purpose of this initiative is to prepare for major hurricanes or storms such as those experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew and Florence. Since 2022, we have donated grills to several schools in Robinson County, Southside Ashpole, Townsend, Peterson Elementary, and Rex Renard Elementary with the hope that these grills will be utilized for the betterment of the schools, especially during times of
012crisis or so the school does not have to borrow from others. one is able to cook, fry or grill on these large grills. And our hope and desire is that the grills not be used to be raffled off. We also have provided bicycles, financial assistance through donations to the Beta Club and other school programs or needs as well as schools attended by our church members. This year, however, our goal is to also sponsor a $200 Visa card for a classroom teacher whose name will be randomly selected at a principal workshop here at central office. The selected school will also have the opportunity for PSRC staff members to participate in a drawing for a $100 Visa card that includes teachers who did not win the $200 Visa card as a first in the first initiative. I
013apologize. Uh, who did not win the $200,000 visa opportunity for staff members to participate in a drawing initiative for a $100 Oh, I already read that. $100 visa. Okay. Teacher assistance. This is to provide additional incentives for bus drivers, cafeteria workers, janitors, maintenance workers, or any PSRC staff on the campus of the schools selected. This first initiative will take place from December 2025, January, February, March, and May of 2026. bringing our total educational budget for the 2025 2026 school year to $3,945. In order to participate in the drawing, the teacher or staff must be on campus and place their name only in the raffle box we will bring on the day of the drawing. Again, the drawing will take place within 10 days after the school name has been pulled at a principal workshop here
014at the central office. Our total 2025 academic educational budget for school districts in Robinson, Scotland, and Richmond counties is $7,16. We appreciate the continued support of all partners in education who are who tirelessly assist students and community staff despite the challenges we each face in these uncharted times. We firmly believe the one team, one goal vision of your educational leader, Dr. Freddy Williamson. Thank each of you for giving of your time, your energy, and support in trying to help meet the needs of students and staff in the public schools of Robinson County. God bless you. That is all. [applause] >> Thank you, Miss Urban, Miss Brenda, for that information. Next up is special recognition of Pernell Sweat cheerleaders, Dr. Wendy Dorsy Carr. Good evening, Chairman Britt, Superintendent Williamson, and board members. The public schools of
015Robinson County would like to recognize Pernell Sweat High School cheerleaders, Key Deal, Kila Woods, and Kendra Burns. If you're here, would you please come up? >> I didn't show. So, we'll still rec [clears throat] >> these three young ladies. Um, we want to recognize them for their commendable actions and willingness to assist another student in a time of need. These students displayed responsibility, compassion, and presence of mind that reflect the values we strive to instill in all of our learners. Their actions serve as a reminder of the importance of caring for one another and upholding the spirit of one team, one goal. The board and district leadership extend sincere appreciation to these students for their positive example and leadership among their peers. [applause] So now we'd like to also recognize our bright ideas winners. Bright
016Ideas um our educators and PSRC received bright ideas I grants from Lumbi River Power EMC. These grants fund innovative hands-on classroom projects designed to enhance learning and spark and student spark student creativity in grades K12. Tonight, we would like to recognize these educate educators, I'm sorry. I'm going to ask the board to well, you're already up here. Come up. And before we begin, I'm going to call each person to come up and shake everybody's hands. And if you'll stay up, we'll get everybody together at once in one big picture. Okay. Anna Kudascus, St. Paul's High [applause] Christina Johanna Haley's at St. Possible [applause] Courtney Llear Southside Ashpole. [applause] Denise Lynn Douglas, Prospect Elementary. [applause] Edward Chan Wei Chang, Lumberton Senior High. [applause] Kayla Hendris, Peterson Elementary. [applause] Lola Cook, Magnolia Elementary. [applause] Laura Ashley Clark,
017Magnolia Elementary. [applause] Martha Malden, St. Paul's Elementary. [applause] Nicole Strickland, Red Springs High, [applause] >> Ray Don Harding, Deep Branch Elementary, [applause] and Richard Jones, Penrook Middle. [applause] And if we can get everybody together, get one big picture. Get in the front. Let them get in front of the name that was left off my list. Stephanie Thomas. >> So Stephanie Thomas, Rex Ren, we're sorry. Please come up. [applause] Anybody? Congratulations. [applause] >> [snorts] >> Congratulations again to those bright idea grant winners. Next up is NEHS Band Books Week Artwork Award, Mr. Andrew Davis, PSRC Early College. Good evening, Superintendent Dr. Williamson, chairman, Mr. esteemed board members, PSRC Early College and the Soaring Eagles chapter of the National English Honors Society and the National English Honor Society would like to recognize and congratulate Favi Tolantino Rayon
018for being named the national winner of the 2025 band books week literary art award. She received a letter of congratulations from the National English Honor Society director Christopher Lockwood as well as a certificate of her achievement. The competition challenged students nationally to artistically unite a classic band book with a contemporary one. Fabi chose the to unite Harper Lee's Tequila Mockingbird and Angie Thomas' The Hate You Give. I want to congratulate this talented young lady and scholar for winning this award. [applause] >> [applause] >> Congratulations again, Favi. And thank you, Mr. Davis. Next up, Miss Jennifer Freeman and Brendan Thompson, 2025 partnership by North Carolina Statewide Family Engagement Center. >> Good evening, Chairman Brett, Superintendent Dr. Williamson, and board members. It is an honor for me to share 2025 exemplary partnership by North Carolina statewide for
019family engagement award. At this time I'll yield to Mr. Phillip who is our program director who also attended the meeting. We're very very proud of these individuals and Brandol and we're extremely proud proud of the work that you do with our community and with our families. So thank you very much. >> Uh good evening everyone. And I'll read a little bit from the publication. The public schools of Robinson County has been recognized as a 2025 exemplary partnership by the National Center of Families Learning and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The distinguished recognition honors school districts that demonstrate a deep and sustained commitment to family and community engagement. As part of this honor, the public schools of Robins County will receive a $1,000 award for ongoing support for family engagement initiatives. These funds will
020help the district to continue to expand our program and resources and collaboration for our families within our school district. This acknowledgement reflects the dedication our educators, families, and school communities have to continuing to encourage family engagement across our district. Family engagement remains a district-wide priority for our public school system. Through intentional planning and collaboration, the district has reframed how it connects with families, creating opportunities that value diverse experiences and foster mutual trust and respect. The public schools of Robinson County continues to leverage the strength of our community partnership to enhance student achievement and family well-being. Congratulations, Brendan Thompson. [applause] >> Good evening. I just want to say it is an honor to accept this recognition on behalf of our district. Um this honor reflects the work of many hands um many staff many teachers as
021well as many community partners who come alongside of us and continue to allow us to elevate and build a capacity for family engagement across the district. So thank you guys. [applause] >> [applause] >> Congratulations, Miss Brendan. And as always, appreciate all you do. Next up, UNCCTP partnerships, Dr. Mulvin, Dr. Wilds, and Dr. Castillio. Y'all have the floor. >> Hello. >> Good evening, board chair Britt, esteemed board members, Dr. Williamson and all of our friends and partners at PSRC. I'm Tracy Mulaney and I'm the very proud dean of the school of education and I'm here with some of my colleagues Dean Rich Castillo and Dean Liz W associate dean Liz Wilds who are going to talk to you about our brand new program and school of optometric medicine and some ideas we have. So, we're here
022to talk about our incredible partnerships that we have that we enjoy with PSRC at UNCCTP. We understand that we are the main major pipeline for teachers in PSRC in Robinson County and we take that very seriously. We understand that it's our duty to train the teachers the best that we can so they can provide your students with great outcomes. Right? That is that's the overarching um common goal that we both have. And so I want to talk to you about a few of those partnerships. One of we have three pipeline programs direct pipeline programs that we have articulated agreements where students ha are are committed to come into teach PSRC once they finish. We are an NC teaching fellow school which is 10,000 up to 10,000 a year and for every year they get the
023scholarship. They get to um teach in a they have to teach in a district or else they have to pay that money back. And most of our students that we have that are in our undergraduate and many in our graduate programs come here. We have similar programs with Brave Scholars which is a private um $2.9 million um grant that we have through the anonymous trust. And we have the first Americans teacher education program which has been at UNCCTP for many many years and we just got that renewed. Again, it's a payback program. So, it puts teachers into your classrooms and we're very excited about that. Some other programs that have been really key in our partnership center around literacy. We know the big push for literacy um in the state, in the districts um and
024even in our EPS or our colleges that are working on training at preparing teachers. Um, right now we have a partnership with the Battle of the Books, which was a big grant through the NC collaboratory of about $80,000 to provide sets of Battle of the Books books and putting them into students hands so that they have access to those materials. And then we have one of our professors doing research on that. Um we also have a new initiative called Lead to Read which is a literacy afterchool clinic that we are um bringing our students to Penrook Elementary that are part of our brave scholars program and in some of our literacy classes and they are providing some intervention and some support of liter literacy skills for students who may need extra support. Um we have
025done intentional work with literacy instruction. We've done letters training. we do this follow the science of reading um and we've had a book big push for that uh I also want to say that I have myself have read um at two schools this year for the read across or last year for read across America and we have many faculty that go into schools to do participate in that program. Um a lot of our we we have actually more than just our teacher prep programs that we um have covered under the school of education. We have professional school counselors and we have a score grant through the professional school counseling program that provides professional development and work between PSRC and our school counselors. Um we also have a leadership program where we have currently seven of
026our MSA candidates in your school. So that clinical practice we cannot train our students leaders um we can't train teachers and professional counselors our our um school counselors without you. it just can't be done. So that's why these partnerships are so important. We also have a lot of community engagement that we work um with PSRC on. We had the fall festival. We have the shining stars come over and participate in in lessons that we do with them and then they go trick-or-treating through the quad. We have the special Olympics which PSRC is a big part of and we um host that at UNCCTP. um the BSA, which is the very special arts program that we just hosted um in October before the fall festival. Uh and it's just an incredible if you don't if you
027haven't seen that event, you really need to come and check it out. It's just a really great um opportunity to see our partnerships working um together for kids for the um better outcomes for kids. Uh we have a STEM day that we have for your m your multil- language learner students every year. Um we host it at our school. Our our students provide activities and the whole family unit can participate which has been really fun for us. We um partner with lensure support so that your teachers on residency license licenses and our undergraduate standard teachers can get through that support um and they can get licensed because it does no good if they come to you and they cannot they cannot sit for their license. So, we want to make sure we give you effective
028licensed teachers. And finally, we have many grants that we work in collaboration in partnership with PSRC that we're very proud of. Um, two weeks ago, we got noticed that we had $3.5 million of grants awarded through the office of um Indian education. Um, so the FATE program got refunded. We have a program now for fate forward. So any of your qualifying teachers that are looking to advance in like national board certification or if they want to go through a um graduate program then we can support them with this grant. We also have the field program um which is for educational leaders. So it provides pretty much all tuition and expenses and support for students that are in that program who are eligible for that program. we have 25 in that program that we can accept.
029And so we're really excited about that. Again, many of our students are coming from this area and they go back into this area to fulfill those duties. Um I also want to say that we have many potential partnerships and few and and several emerging partnerships. One is we have an occupational therapy program and that program is um we just is it signed now? theou. Okay. [laughter] Last week or a couple weeks ago it was not. So we have anouous um with PSRC so that our students can do their clinical work in that um in your schools and that will also provide a pipeline to a very needed service in your schools. So I wanted to make sure I shared that. And now I'm going to turn it over for a future possible collaboration and an
030idea that um Dr. Wilds and Dr. Castillo came to me and said, "I know you like those folks at PSRC, so let's get in there and see if we can we can work another program." So, I will turn it over to them. >> Thank you, Dean Milaney. Uh, good evening. I'm Rich Castillo. I'm privileged to be the uh founding dean of the UNCCTP College of Optometric Medicine, first in the nation, by the way. Optometric Medicine is truly a first, and we're right here in Robinson County. Very happy uh uh to be initiating this effort. Uh I want to pledge to you tonight that we will do everything we can over the next few years as we launch uh to be uh partners. You know, I I don't think that there's been a a school that
031I've been involved with in an optometry program where we haven't had a very uh positive uh experience uh in collaborating with our local school districts. So uh in that regard, uh I'm very happy to be here, very happy to meet uh you. Uh we'll be happy to hang out afterwards and answer any questions. But in the interest of time, I'm going to turn it over to my uh colleague and associate dean, Dr. Liz Wilds, to discuss one of these possible collaborative relationships that we're looking forward to. >> Thank you and thank you for uh inviting us here this evening. Um I wanted to talk to you about a program that we have named um healthy eyes, bright minds. And actually before I launch into the program, I want to make sure that everyone is aware
032of what's happening on campus at UNCC Pemroke with respect to the college of optometric medicine. The board of the board of governors approved in May 2024 that we uh a program for doctor of optometry was to be developed at UNC Pemroke. Since then, uh, a dean, an associate dean, yours truly here, um, have been appointed and together we are working through accreditation. A $91 million building is being constructed. Uh, it hopefully will be we'll be breaking ground in spring. If our accreditation goes well, we will be entering our first class in uh, fall of 2027. they will enter clinic in fall of 2028 and that is when the building is expected to be completed. So as part of that um I want to talk to you about healthy eyes and bright minds. So it is
033a program that um is integrative. It's going to um combine community partnership, clinical education, research, and I care. And our targeted population are the children within Robeson County. Many uh children not only in Robeson County, but across North Carolina are lacking access to comprehensive eye care services. And I want to make uh a real a distinction here that I'm not talking about vision screenings because vision screenings while effective many conditions go undetected with vision screenings. So I have um some data from prevent blindness up on the screen in the infographic. You can see this is from the state of North Carolina from 2022. When you start looking at those vision screenings, while some of those numbers aren't too bad, um, again, they're vision screenings and they're broken down by age and race. But now, if
034you start looking at the infographic on the right, you can see that we're talking about comprehensive eye care examinations, and those numbers are extremely no low. And my vision is I think North Carolina, we can do better, and it can start right here in Robeson County. So our goal is to work in collaboration with the schools. So we would be working closely with preschools, elementary schools, middle schools and high schools to facilitate services to ensure students receive vision comprehensive vision services necessary to succeed in a um in academia and socially. How this would work is with uh the schools and parents and so the schools would facilitate um consent for the students to participate in the vision program. The students would be transported via school bus to the UNCCTP eye clinic during school hours uh
035to remove logistical and transportation barriers that many families face. The students while at the UNCCTP eye clinic would receive comprehensive dilated eye exams and combined with PSRC and UNCCTP College of Optometric Medicine we can ensure that students receive accessible and efficient vision health care. This is a sustainable program um because we know that approximately 80 ch 80 80% of children in the area are eligible for uh IARE services insurance. We would be willing to help parents who have not enrolled their children in insurance plans to provide services. We understand that there are going to be children that are going to be ineligible for insurance and we are would be actively pursuing grants to cover not only the care but eyeglass costs for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Ideally, we would be um pursuing grants
036that would allow children to have two pair of glasses, one to be left at school and one to be taken home using grants and insurance money. This is definitely a sustainable financial model. having children come to uh the UNCCTP eye clinic provides pediatric patients for our optometric students and so they would be building their clinical skills while providing care for the students. This also allows them to become aware of social determinance of the area affecting patient health and care health and I care outcomes. In addition, this would be a research platform for us. Um, the program functions as this platform by collecting data on pediatric vision and academic performance. The data collected during this research would be linked to educational outcomes and ultimately hoping to drive public policy. So long-term the this initiative would promote
037improvements in health and vision and education systems outcomes uh for all the children in uh PSRC. So we are standing here before you asking um for a call to action. This program again integrates education service and it is sustainable and we would be able to uplift the community for future health care professionals. Uh it removes obstacles allowing health care access um supporting student health and academic success um through this partnership. So, we're calling on PSRC to invest uh into this type of model that will uh improve student health and healthc care education. This is a um being a teacher myself for the last uh we'll call it several decades. Um this is a a quote that really hit home. It's from a study that looked at how vision and health impacts learning. No matter how
038well teachers are prepared to teach, no matter what accountability measures are put in place, no matter what governing structures are established for schools, educational progress will be profoundly limited if students are not motivated and able to learn. Vision problems play a major role in limiting the motivation and ability to learn. This is why reducing these disparities through a coordinated approach warrants validation as a cohesive school improvement initiative to close the achievement gap. And so I leave you with that and we would be happy to entertain any questions you might have. >> Mr. Henry Brewer, >> Mr. chair uh and board members and Dr. Wilds. Uh I think this is an awesome opportunity for Robinson County Schools and also um another uh group that would probably be a great partnership with the optometry is the Lions
039Club. It's amazing how many students that they find that cannot uh see and they also work with them to get glasses. So it sounds like you're running unilateral and that would be a great partnership. >> Agreed. Agreed. Yes, the the Lions programs are very good. Um, and we would be happy to partner with them 100%. >> Mr. Lawson was the person that I normally would talk to when it comes to that. >> Dr. Emanuel, >> just a point of observation. When you had the data up, it might be, and maybe I couldn't see because it was so small, it might be worthy to have a Native American column instead of the others. I couldn't see where you had Native American numbers because this count is basically Native American student enrollment plus there are other counties
040with a large Native American student. So that might be something to think about. >> Absolutely. uh the Native Americans for this uh this data that was collected um do fall under other and so this was just the data that I was able to find on North Carolina and it is not of for Robeson County it is for the state of North Carolina for the data that I presented but you're absolutely correct and honestly we probably don't have that data and another reason to partner so we and further that and again that will drive policy. So you are absolutely correct. >> Thank you >> Dr. Williams and to Mr. Craig. >> Mr. Chair, allow me to allow Mr. Craig to go first. >> Go ahead, Mr. Craig. >> Okay. Thank you. Um Dr. Mulaney, am I
041saying that right? Let me ask a question. You mentioned the fate program. >> Yes. Now, is that the same program that's been at the university 10, 15 years? >> Probably longer than 20 years. I mean, we've had it for a long, long time. And it just got literally we just received >> received it again. Yes. >> Okay. Well, I thought it was. And I'm just going to say if this optometric program is anywhere as good as that program has been, because folks, I don't know if you know it, it that program allowed people sometimes first generation college students to go out and they could do their clinical work, student teaching, whatever you wanted to call it. >> And they had a mentor. And these people got jobs. The majority of them got jobs in Robinson
042County. I I'm not sure how many teachers have been placed in this county through that program that we might not have had as teachers if it hadn't been. So, like I said, that one when you said it was is an outstanding program and if this is anywhere close, yeah, it's definitely something we need to look at. I appreciate you saying that and I want to also mention that our brave scholars program um we also it's very similar to that and we had two students that in our first five that have gone through we've we have like five every cohort. So these we have two students that did are doing their clinical placement right now here in PSRC who have been hired by y'all. They were hired this summer to teach in December. I mean to
043teach in January. Um Dr. Williamson has been advocating. He's come to some of our clinical practice professional developments. Um PSRC's been very involved with our students as well. So, so we are trying, we understand that 80% of our students, they come to teach here. They come to teach in this county. So, we have to prepare them. We have to prepare them for every student in our classrooms. And as you said, we have a a large population of American Indian students. And three of these programs are focused on putting teachers in those classrooms who have American and um American Indian tribal affiliation. [clears throat] >> Thank you, >> Dr. Williams, Dr. Maney, and to UNCCTP. I want to say thank you for powerful partnerships. Um it is amazing uh the work that's going on. uh the
044impact that is having in our building. And I [clears throat] said to you probably a couple of weeks ago, we rather have a student from UNCCTP. They really come to us prepared and we appreciate that. They never enter the classroom trying to figure out. They enter the classroom because of their experiences knowing how to teach and we appreciate that. >> Thank you. Also the next step in in this partnership will at some point we receive anou that we can >> Yes sir. What we would like to do in order to prioritize this on our agenda uh is develop a mutually graable or letter of intent and then perhaps get together a a small committee to actually develop the framework on how to proceed forward. As Dr. Well said. The program at the UNCCTP is not
045set to launch till 2027. Uh so we've got a little time to work on this. But again, coming in my background is actually in in Taloqua, Oklahoma. I spent 30 years as a practicing eye surgeon in in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, affiliated with the optometry program there. We had some vision screening programs. Honestly, not as comprehensive as what Dr. Wilds here has envisioned. And I can tell you that that story ended very well. So, uh, we're looking to replicate and exceed, you know, uh, what we were able to do in northeastern Oklahoma right here in Austin County. >> Great. >> Thank you. >> Um, Dr. Terry Lachler, >> thank you so much um for coming uh this evening, Dr. Maney, while I was in Castillo. I was uh just taking a look at uh and reflecting
046on what you said about the Healthy Eyes and Bright Minds uh program. Is there another or a similar program like this anywhere in the the nation that we could sort of take a look at? >> Absolutely. actually um I recently joined UNCC Pemroke from I moved from Chicago and uh the program there had a partnership with the Chicago public schools [snorts] and it was an incredibly successful program and we actually have been in touch with the person who um ran the program and lo and behold she's retiring and she's moving two hours away from here. And so, um, uh, we've, uh, we've planted some seeds and we're watering them. Uh, and she's very happy to guide us, uh, to she's told us her journey. Uh, she shared the challenges, the pitfalls to watch for, the
047things to to change. So yes to answer a ve that was a very long winded winded answer to your question but absolutely >> thank you so much and thank you u Dr. Maney again um the school of ed at UNCC Pimro is wonderful I may be a little biased because I'm teaching some classes and I work there full-time but um the partnership is just outstanding thank you so much for coming >> Dr. Emanuel, >> I have one comment. Another program that we use that I think she mentioned was the forward program. Did you one of you mentioned that program? Years ago, we use that program. Did you mention that one? >> Yeah. So, we have a fate forward program which is it's an extension of the FATE program. So, we're providing opportunities um for those
048teachers who have come maybe even through our very own FATE program to continue to advance their teaching practice. And so that's either through national board certification or through a master's program or another certification. So it's we haven't had that particular grant, but we have had grants that have had the word forward in it as I understand before because we tossed that around when we created it. Yeah. Thank you. >> Is that everyone? Everyone's good. Thank you. Next up is Robinson County Planetarium name and request Dr. Freddy Williams, [clears throat] Mr. Chair, board members, [clears throat] last month you heard a presentation in form of a request to name the new planetarium after James Hoods. Um, it would be the James Hoods Planetarium. They have completed um the naming facility form policy 9300. According to our
049policy that is in your board package, we will now submit this form to the construction committee who at some point will review that and make a recommendation to the full board. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> Mr. Attorney, would you like to speak? >> Yes. Earlier there was a vote to amend the agenda to um to add the committee charge talent uh acquisition and retention. I advised that a majority vote was needed and we got the numbers mixed up. It was at eight. Um I said eight when all we needed was five at that time. So um if the board would like to reconsider that motion and correct that that is completely um with the balance of the board will need a 2/3 um vote to add that item. Now >> does everybody understand?
050So now you would need a twothirds refresh Mr. Craig on the item. >> The item is a committee charge to it's a committee charge to the talent um acquisition and retention. Um, the purpose is to establish and to strengthen the district's ability to recruit, retain, and support a high quality workforce. >> Mr. Craig, Mr. Terry, placed a paper on your desk there for it. >> Mr. Vonte Leech. >> Um, Mr. Attorney, um, I would like to Mr. Chair, I would like to make a motion that we u table this to further discussion. >> I have a motion to table. Second by Mr. John Simmons. All those in favor say I. >> Any oppose? what you said a few minutes ago. It was very low. I apologize. >> So earlier there was a motion to amend
051the agenda to add the committee charge. I um I advised that you need a simple majority and then I um chairman asked Mr. Chairman asked me whether that was eight or a different number. Um I mistakenly said eight but all you needed was a simple majority which would have been five. >> So we had five, right? And so now since the agenda has been adopted now you need a simple m uh another majority and now we have more board members present um to reconsider that um action item. Is there any questions? >> M Christy Fields >> we we already had the number when we voted the first time. That wasn't our fault. The error was made. So why would we vote to do that again? >> Because now you have a different number of board
052members present. >> We didn't at the time when you made the error. >> Correct. But still with the board members present, you can't negate those um board members that are now here present. [laughter] So, >> I'd like to make a substitute motion. >> Have a substitute motion >> that we vote on this committee charge talent acquisition and retention again to add to our agenda. Second by Mr. Henry Brewer. All those in favor say I or raise your right hand. I have it. Six four. 64. All right. We're going to add this on the obviously the next item that we're going to address. Mr. Terry Lleair, I'm going to turn it over to you. Hold on one second. Mr. John Simmons, >> how that is going to affect the >> UT just made Mr. Leech? >>
053Well, the secondary motion was to override your motion and so that's where it's going to resolve and end at. Is any other further questions? when did that. So, how's that? >> Mr. Mr. Leech just did the motion. >> So, Mr. Craig wasn't here the first time this was brought up. Then when Mr. Leech did the his motion, we had a different number where it was um three opposed. Um so you did not have a your motion was to table it to next month. >> Yes. the table to further discussion. >> When the second motion came about to reconsider and um and supplement it, it was a 63 vote to approve and bring it back to the table and adopt >> the substitute over road. >> Well, we voted on no we voted on my motion
054first before we made the substitute motion. >> Correct. So substitute motion got to be before before the regular motion. Correct. >> Okay. No problem. >> And it's only information item. Go ahead, Mr. Chair. You have the floor. >> It's fairly uh straightforward. I've I I placed at your desk um a draft charge for this committee. Um and I've proposed naming it talent acquisition and retention. Uh but it's up to it's up to the pleasure of the board whatever we want to call it. Last month I made a mistake and said the words HR and there was some confusion. So the purpose of this committee will be to establish uh is to establish and strengthen the district's ability to recruit, retain and support a highquality workforce. The committee will provide structured oversight and make recommendations that
055promote employee satisfaction, transparent communication and equitable equitable access to district resources and supports. So the for in terms of the scope scope of work for the committee that I'm proposing monitor workforce health uh uh one there's only four. So first we'd want to monitor workforce health uh reviewing data related to employee ret recruitment retention turnover and satisfaction identify trends that impact the district's ability to attract and retain qualified staff. Uh the the second piece of that is um is it enhance employee communication and support. So in doing so, we would examine the effectiveness of current communication pathways between staff administrators and the board. Identify barriers uh that prevent employees from sharing concerns or accessing supports. Uh we would also ensure the district the district uh program benefits and employee resources are communicated equitably equitably and
056consistently. That's um that's particularly huge because uh not all of our staff members are aware of the resources that are available to them. Uh third, we want to promote recognition and work workplace climate by exploring strategies to strengthen employee morale recognition efforts and overall workplace culture. uh recommend systemwide approaches that support staff well-being and strengthen a positive district climate and recommend system level improvements by identifying systemic issues that affect the employee experience proposed actionable districtwide improvements rather than addressing concerns one incident at a time. So in terms of deliverables, I think the um the committee will provide periodic updates to the full board regarding findings, trends, and recommendations and present maybe an an annual summary of workforce health indicators and proposed district-wide improvements limitations. This committee will not participate in hiring, firing, supervision or evaluating
057any employee nor does it itself uh involve itself in any personnel decisions or individual employee uh matters. And um I would like to open the floor to uh anyone that has any comments. >> Dr. Emanuel >> uh Mr. Would you consider adding something to that last part that something to the effect that we cannot upsert the duties of the superintendent and or the state laws or whatever? I think that has to be in there because >> some of the things you're mentioning are wonderful and that that's why I changed my vote. >> This is not to circumvent the administration. That needs to be in writing though because the superintendent's delegated powers by the state and of course there are personnel laws things that we can't get involved and I know you're not saying personnel >>
058but some of those things may lead to that. So I would like if you would consider putting that kind of statement to solidify that superintendent's power in that statement in that if so if you so desire putting that in there that I would feel better about that. >> Absolutely Dr. Emanuel. Thank you. And like I said this is just a draft u just to open the floor for discussion. I appreciate that >> Mr. Craig. >> Um thank you Dr. manual for the part you added and Mr. Terry, the part that caught my eye was the limitations >> u by putting that in there. This is not a committee that has anything to do with hiring and firing and this clarified some discussions that been had been held earlier because again as we said that that's
059not our job but to do these other things here for me sounds good and the limitations part and to clarify that you know superintendent has the authority he has um we get that in there you know I'll be definitely good with it. We could um we could maybe work with the attorney to um uh to work this and make sure that everything's on the up and up and maybe bring it up for a vote uh next month. >> Hold on. Hold on. Dr. Manuel, Miss Melissa Ocean. >> Okay. So, I have a question because going through this document and these things sound sound good for somebody, but it doesn't sound good for us as a board. um because we're coming dangerously close to acting as employees of public schools Robinson County, which we're not. I
060don't think we should be enhancing or promoting anything within PSRC because there's people here that are more than able to do that. Um we as a board, I don't think because we're getting dangerously close, you you're not going to be able to stop these people from talking to you about personnel. you're not going to they're going to be walking a thin line and I don't want to be involved in any of that because we're we're not they're they're not going to be able to delegate what we need to know versus what should be shared with the superintendent and his staff. I don't I don't want to have any parts in in in this because it's we're we're merging two things together. They're going to form a committee. It needs to be of either a third
061party or someone actually is employed by PSRC. does not need to be this board. We don't need to be holding any oversight for anybody. Not not for this >> Dr. Emanuel. Back to you. >> We also have to consider that this is not a committee that meets every week or something. I think we have to limit our meeting because you understand what I'm saying Terry. We got to have some kind of basis for the limitations. And I think with this is addressing what Miss Ocean has said. I think that's in mind and that's where I was coming from with the limitations, you know, that would limit us discussing personnel because I right now when someone comes to me about personnel, I have to say you have to call the personnel office or call the superintendent.
062So that we could actually stop that because nobody's we have no right to be in personnel. I don't want to get personnel. I mean I think we could stop that immediately. Anybody who's on the committee could stop that, I would say. >> Dr. Williamson. >> Yes. My recommendation is before we move forward, um, we hand that to our attorney because we already have policies in place to address everything that was said. Um, so at this point as a discussion point, let's hand it to our attorney, let him take a look at that and again look at all of our policies because we certainly don't want to violate policies. Some of that will. >> Mr. Craig, well, I was just going to add and definitely look at the attorney. Um, I'm on the grievance committee and
063people will call me that something's happened and when they start talking, I stop them. I said, 'You can't have this conversation with me now because if you do, I got to recuse myself and that could affect other things. So, you know, even something like this, if the attorney says it's okay, I think you can stop people. You just basically can't listen to what their thing is until it's brought to the proper place. >> Dr. Emanuel, >> I'm sorry, Dr. Listen, would you give me an example if this is not putting you on the spot of which part in there would we be violating the policy if such a committee were formed? Give me an example. >> Well, just the grievous process. Um what would that turn into? And then some of that's confidential because it
064involves evaluations and that's personnel. So again, we need to have our attorney to >> But he just said that's not what we what the committee would be doing. I guess I'm confused with that part now. >> But anyway, go ahead. >> The intent and then what will happen is two different things. We had that conversation. So we just need to clarify for employees that they won't cross that line and uh create problems. >> Dr. Chair >> I just want to take a look at the limitations again. There's one sentence and we can definitely expand this. This committee does not participate in hiring, firing, supervision or evaluation of any employee and and really notice this in the last part. Nor does it involve itself in personnel decisions or individual employee matters. So 30,000 foot and we
065can definitely fine-tune the wording and the language with the uh with the attorney um between now and the next time this is brought up. >> Thank you, Dr. Terry, Miss Melissa Oceans. Last thing >> and this Yeah, this is the last statement I have. Even though we putting in this limitation, you're we're still involving ourselves in employee matters because this is an employee matter and they should be taking it up with their employer, not not with us. We have one employee and it it doesn't involve taking on everyone else's issues about why why they quit. And yeah, we want to know, but we don't I don't think as a board we should be the ones monitoring workplace health. >> Based on my understanding, a few years ago, we used to have a committee like this.
066>> Mr. attorney if you would consult and then report back to us on that sort of thing. I'd like to have some more clarification on it from there and I guess we'll bring this up again. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next up is public comments. Miss Ada Evans. Miss Evans. Mr. Evans. I have behind me the Robinson County Citizens Nominating Committee. and you each will be receiving a packet of information. >> Mr. Chairman, board members, superintendent, and distinguished guest, it is my privilege and honor to speak about my experience with the former superintendent Dr. Barry Harding and Associate Superintendent Dr. Johnny Hunt. Schools are more than a building. They are symbols of value, visions, and leadership. Few people have done more to embody these ideas than Dr. Harding and Dr. Hunt. When I was
067hired to become a principal with the public schools of Robinson County, as a matter of fact, at this school I'm standing in now, Dr. Harding called me to his office for a meeting. He informed me that this school was a low performing school at 14%. We boldly set goals for the upcoming year. I had one year to get the scores up or I was out. Throughout the year with the assistance and nurturing from the central office personnel such as Dr. Hunt and Dr. Bruce Walders, mentoring, teamwork, and evaluations were given. With their help, our student performance was accomplished in one year to 41%. Dr. Harding always asked the question, what is best for the students? He was dedicated to ensuring that every student had access to a highquality education. Doctors Harding and Hunt led with
068compassion, courage, and a relentless belief that what's possible when a community works together for its children. Under their leadership, improvements were made in academic achievement and positive focus on the students. It was not just progress on paper but the human impact. They had a commitment to excellence, set goals, visited classrooms, provided support for teachers, listened to parents, and also accepted a phone call day or night. They instilled values of honesty, integrity, and perseverance, and the belief that every child should be given the chance to succeed. Doctors Harding and Hunt are both great listeners and communicators. They would listen to various viewpoints and then make a thoughtful call. Leadership by our superintendent is not about a title, position, or power. It's about influence, inspiration, impact, sense of fairness, decision making, and responsibilities. Dr. Harding and Dr.
069Hunt walked beside us and turned average individuals into a team which in some administrations has not been the objective. They were about high expectations, concern for others and a continuous growth encouraged growth and teachers. Thank you. Thank you Miss Evans. Miss Up next is Miss Loisine Defreeze. I'll refresh that you have three minutes Mr. Freeze. Good evening board chair Dr. Williamson and other board members bow standards Dr. Harding and Dr. Johnny Hunt are outstanding and accomplished educators and of course combined they have given almost 80 outstanding years of public service to education. Dr. Barry Harding, our superintendent, was the original concept designer for the public schools of Robertson County School of Career and Technology. The land for this facility was purchased under his administration and his administration originated the blueprint architectural design for the original
070education and planetarium facilities. He and his leadership team also established the curriculum course offerings and transportation management of logistical plans for this program. Dr. Johnny Hunt as a county commissioner, chairman of the county commissioners for almost 20 years. And he worked tirelessly to secure additional funding to build the new school of career and technology. And as associate superintendent, he along with his administration leadership team was a major part of planning curriculum development. logistics as well as helped to design the new technology high school. In addition to these individual accomplishments, these gentlemans are also the products of education here in Robinson County. Dr. Barry Harden as superintendent also established the awardwinning first in the nation public school district motor sports technology program for the prevention of student dropouts which received state and national awardwinning recognition under
071Dr. Bar Harden's administration the he provided the leadership and vision for all Robinson County schools to obtain certification under Southern Association accredititation. Dr. Johnny Hunt Dr. Johnny Hunt has served for more than 40 years in civic leadership roles as well as educational roles. In conclusion, without a doubt, it is only befitting that our >> Thank you, Mr. Freeze. >> Okay. With opportunities arise to recognize the homegrown role models and >> servants. Next up, Next up, we have Mr. Gary Lleair. Howdy y'all. I'm going to skip the formalities and save my time. U my name is Gary Lleer. I live in Pimro. I've been there about all my life. My wife over here is a retired principal as y'all most of you know. Uh thank you for allowing me to speak. Okay. Uh thank you for
072serving uh and thank those who served before you. Uh, I'm a product of this system and so are my my whole family is and and I'm proud to to say that this school system allowed me to to to go and compete outside of Robson County and then come back to Robinson County. And that's what I hope our kids can do, too. They don't have to leave now. I didn't have to leave then, but that's another park, another Sunday. I I I wish I I really wish Richard Schwarz was here, but he ain't here. Uh we were in law school together. Um we served I was county board attorney one time and worked on a case with him. Uh represent we were on the same side of the case and I taught him well. I assume
073that's why you hired him. Um smart guy though he did send somebody else tonight. I was looking forward to meeting him. Our group is made it's a cross-section of count of the county. We've got about five or six other people. Um, most of whom are retired educators. Uh, I'm not a retire I'm not an educator, but I did work as a judge and some folks claimed I I spoke a whole lot too much from the bench. Uh, we're led by Bosco Lleair and and Horus Hunt who are community activists. um and they're good people and they've got this group together and and we're actively trying to to to move forward and assist you. Uh this should not be a difficult task and it should not be controversial. Uh we hope you will will consider what
074has been said and what will be said. Um we know full well this is not our duty. This is your duty as a board. This is you you make this call. We don't make this call. uh nobody else makes it but you and for that reason we trust that you will listen to us and and give us you know consideration. Uh these two people Dr. Harden and Dr. Hunt meet the policy requirements for naming a building after them. My time's just gone. They're in your policy. It's policy 9300. Honesty, integrity, respect, sense of fairness, concern for others, self-discipline, teamwork, dedication. They did all those things and that's why we're here tonight. They both believe that schools were not just buildings. They're places where futures were built. Um we therefore we ask that you as supporters
075of this concept of course uh respectfully urge you to name the new facility the Harding hyphen Hunt Career and Technology Center or another appropriate name that would have the Harding Hunt in it. Uh thank you for your time and Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Lair. Thank you. >> Moving to our action items. Next item is district and school improvement plans. Dr. Wendy Dorsey Carr. >> Dr. Mango, do you have a question? >> No, I have a motion. >> Okay. They have these school improvements plans have been posted over a month for review. I want to make a motion that we approve them. I have a motion by Dr. Emanuel, a second by Mr. Henry Brewer to approve the district school improvement plans. All those in favor say I. Any oppose? >> Eyes have it. Thank
076you, Dr. Carr. >> Thank you. >> Next up, surplus auction sales agreement. Mr. Mr. Hugh Mway. >> Good evening, Chairman Britz, Superintendent Williamson, board members. Before you is a copy of the contract and a lit with auctioneer Lloyd Makans and a list of the vehicles we are wanting to sell. The seven activity buses listed are no longer needed and five of the cars are no longer needed. They're beyond repair or we can't get parts for anymore. Also on that list are two buses. >> Mr. Vonte Leech. >> I'd like to make a motion we approve. Um I looked at them. >> Like to make a motion that we approve. >> I got a motion by Mr. Vonte Leech, a second by Miss Christy Fields on the surplus sales agreement that we've been using in the
077past. >> Yes. Also the donation of the two buses to RCC. >> And also the donation of the two buses RCC. All those in favor? >> I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. Thank you, Mr. Muay. Next item, resolution of PSRCD transfer and lease. Mr. Attorney [clears throat] >> [snorts] >> So for this action item, it is involving the um the conveyance of the property to um the county due to just financing of the of the bond. Um it wasn't working out the way that the county originally thought it was going to happen. So, we're going to have to change that proposal slightly. Um and what basically will happen will the resolution will give the property to the county and then the county has different triggering language but ultimately will end up back um to
078the school district um once the bond or the debt is paid off. Um and so it um this what's also tied to this resolution is a lease agreement. And the lease agreement is the um for the school district to lease the property while it's in the county's name. The county again could not finance it without um the ownership status of the bond. So this is the reason for the slight change in the resolution um and for the proposal of the resolution. Any questions? >> If not, I need a motion to approve and a second. I got a motion by Mr. Henry Brewer, a second by Mr. Vonte Leech. All those in favor say I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. And then moving um tied to this motion would be the seeking a motion to
079approve the execution of a deed in accordance with the resolution and the lease agreements and have it subject to the legal um to legal review by the board attorney for the board of education. >> I got a motion by Mr. Henry Brewer, second by Mr. Vonte Leech. All those in favor? >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. Are you good? >> Are you good? >> Miss Erica sets school fundraisers. >> Good evening. >> Hold on, Miss Erica. Mr. Vonte Leech. >> Uh, I looked at the fundraisers. I'd like to make a motion that we approve the school fundraisers. >> I got a motion by Mr. Vonte Leech, a second by Miss Christy Fields. All those in favor? >> Any opposed? Eyes have it. Thank you, Miss Ser. >> Thank you. I've got one more. The monthly
080financial report monthly financial report >> and I can answer any questions about the monthly financial report. Mr. >> I got a motion by Mr. John Simmons, a second by Miss Christy Fields. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Miss Cester. >> Yes, sir. Mr. Craig. U Thank you. And uh I know I came in late folks, but uh or a quick comment before we go to close session. Uh Dr. Joanne uh Chavis Lowry, former educator in the county and uh she was also a former school board member. Her husband passed away earlier this week. And so I'd just like to ask that we take a moment of silence for her before we go into close session. Thank you. >> Thank
081you, Mr. Craig. >> Mr. Bradley Phillips. I make an motion that the board of education and public schools county go into close session for the purpose of discussing certified and classified personnel under general statute 143-318 uh 11A1 and um to consult with the board attorney retained by the board in order to preserve the attorney cl privilege between the attorney and the board of education for public schools or Robertson County general statute 143 3-31811 A13. >> I got a motion by Mr. Bradley Phillips, a second by Miss Christy Fields. All those in favor say I. >> Eyes have it. We're now in close session. I got a motion by Mr. Vonte Leech, a second by Miss Christie Fields. All those in favor? Any opposed? Eyes have it. I need a motion to approve certified and classified
082personnel. Motion's been made by Miss Christy Fields, a second by Mr. Henry Brewer. All those in favor say I. Any oppose? Eyes have it. Motion to approve close session minutes. Motion's made by Miss Christie Fields, second by Mr. Henry Brewer. All those in favor say I. Eyes have it. Motion to approve a personnel report. Moved by Miss Christie Fields, second by Mr. Henry Brewer. All those in favor say I. Eyes have it. Motion to adjurnn. Motion made by Miss Christie Fields. Second by Miss Melissa Ocean. All those in favor say I. This meeting has been adjourned.