001All members are present. We I'm sorry. It is the practice of the board of education to begin our meetings with prayer and the pledge of allegiance. We invite you to bow your heads for prayer and stand to join us in the pledge if you so choose. >> Please bow your heads. Lord, we respectfully ask for your guidance and wisdom as we proceed with the business before us. Keep us mindful of our purpose of providing a quality education for the students attending Taylor County Schools. Amen. All right, Dr. Stallings, do we have any adjustments or addendums to the agenda? >> We do. Miss Garvin, would you please address item 5556 and add the name Karen Anderson? That's item five556. close to the end of your agenda. >> Thank you, ma'am. >> Right. The superintendent respectfully requests
002approval of the agenda as amended. >> Mr. Daddy moves. >> Second. >> Mrs. Gallow seconds. All those in favor? I opposed. Motion passes. Uh we do have a delegation. They have graciously agreed to let us recognize our students first. So, we are going to jump straight into the best part of this job, our student recognition with a regional social study fair winners. Good. There you go. Usually you don't I don't need this, but usually. Good evening, esteemed members of the board, Dr. Stallings and Dr. Decker. I'm back once again with more good news about our amazing students up on the hill. Every year we are blessed to have students who choose to go above and beyond in social studies and take part in the annual West Virginia social studies fair competitions. This school year we
003had eight students ranging from grades five through eight who advanced to compete in the at the regional social studies fair in Glennville. At this event, there were 199 student projects representing 18 different counties in West Virginia. At the end of this day, TCMS was honored to be on the podium that day four times. Our first group is Miss Summer McCauley, Maddie Pitzer, and Zoe Garvin, who are in the sixth grade at TCMS. They impressed the judges with their project, the evolution of Barbie. These young ladies placed third in a very competitive economics category. [snorts] [applause] >> [snorts] >> Okay. >> However you wish, ma'am. So ladies, we're going to wait for the rest of your fellow winners to come on up here and then we'll talk to you all at once. Okay? So step over,
004but don't sit down. >> And ladies and gentlemen, right now I have eighth grader Ally Kurpatre, who entered the newest category, America 250. [applause] Alli's solo project on the American Revolution was amazing and she brought home the third place ribbon. Miss Ally. [applause] Next we have Carter Kurt Patrick. [applause] >> All right. Carter is a fifth grade student. Miss Polling social studies class. He wowed the judges with his solo project on the history of the iPhone. And he too brought home a third place ribbon. No ham and him. All right. And finally, we have Eastston McDougall. Okay. Another fifth grade student of Miss Pollings who entered a very tough anthropology category with an awesome look at his own family lineage in the McDougall clan and was able to bring home a third place ribbon as
005well. [applause] Guys, I look forward to coming to see you again next school year with more stories like these from up on the hill. Thank you. [applause] Wow, how impressive. Congratulations to all of you. So that is a wonderful accomplishment. Um we are so proud of you and thank you for representing not only your school but your county and then going uh to Glennville. That was wonderful and congratulations to you and um your teachers and your parents as well for helping support you because um we wouldn't be there without our teachers, right? Good job. [applause] >> Thank you. And I just want to reiterate uh you you make Taylor County very proud. We're very happy to see you up here at your smiling faces. It's really great to see you. You've done good. You've represented
006the county well. And for that much competition come in a lot of third places. I'm sure you'll do better. Um uh social studies is very important. It's very it's very good to understand that the fact that you took that on. I really like your you know the Barbie girls, the iPhone, the America 250. Those are all great categories. You should be proud of yourself for picking those categories and making the best you can out of it. And so you should be very proud of yourselves, your parents, your siblings, your brothers and sisters. They all support you. It's really great and we support you here as well. So thank you very much for making Taylor County shine. >> [applause] >> familiar faces with a lot of different um things that you've written and um talked about
007here. I don't know a thing about the Barbies. So, that's pretty awesome. Um I'd like to read that. Um the iPhone um Mr. Taylor could definitely uh get a little bit about this. I uh I gave him a iPhone for seniors book one uh a couple months back. So, you give him that. Let him read that. Um, no, I'm I'm very uh impressed and proud of you guys. Um, keep doing what you're doing. Um, and just as um Mr. Summers said, third place is um very very uh exciting and we'll see you back up here. >> Congratulations. You're big stars. I'm telling you. Uh you're you're going to go places in life. You're starting out grand and we want to see you back here again next year with another exciting project. >> I just want
008to comment on the diversity here. This is amazing. And the way you guys decided what interests me and how does that fit into a bigger picture is really phenomenal. Um, I'm super proud of you guys and of our friends at the library who are able to help us very early on Saturday mornings for a lot of our kids here. So, thank you to you and your parents and your teachers. Well done. [applause] Fair was held on the Tuesday or Wednesday of our spring break >> and [applause] also thanks to those rockstar teachers that are behind them. >> Hi. Um, I'm speaking on behalf of the high school regional social studies fair winners. Um, we had sent 10 uh groups or individuals down to Glennville that day as well. Um, we didn't get much uh many
009students going because of that spring break, but we did have some uh second place winner and two uh groups that did go to eligible go to Charleston. Um, so out of the 10 that we that were eligible to go down to Glennville, we have a second place world history group that included Karen Miller, Addison Soul, Cameron Gray, and Taylor Baldiard. And their topic was the history of Legos. Right. And um our first place winner down in Glennville at the regional level was for individuals geography project which is a long way home Sergeant Edward R. Winston. And the another first place winner we had was US History Group. Uh Jaylen Summers and Anna Polling, women do the work. Okay, I forgot to mention about the uh Sergeant Winston project. That was Paisley Freeman, right? And um
010um those two uh groups were eligible to go down to Charleston. Um only one went to Charleston because there was a conflict with sports that evening or that day. And uh Jaylen and Anna with their project women do the work ended up in first place at the state level for US history group. And that was the second time that they got first place in US history group. Their freshman year they had uh placed first place at Charleston and their senior year. So they ended up with a theme over the years of how women were involved in different wars from their freshman year all the way up to their senior year. So it was kind of unique to see the evolution of our project. And I know that they worked with Mr. Dave Polling over there
011in middle school. So really the evolution there. So hopefully we can go ahead see evolution. These kids here go to their freshman year always up to their senior year. So I don't think I have any of my students here with the social studies fair project. Okay. So all right. So we can give the certificates to them at the school then. All right. Thank you. >> [applause] [cough] >> So, now we're going to recognize the Golden Horseshoe winners this year. So, as you're probably aware, our eighth grade students across the state take the Golden Horseshoe um each spring. It consists of an essay and then it also a multiple choice um exam that they take. So, this year our winners from Taylor County Schools is Maline Bowers. Maline's with us tonight. [applause] Um, Brody Moes, who
012I don't believe is here either, [applause] and Owen Roberts, he didn't have a choice. [applause] So, these three students will then go on to Charleston on June 9th, and they will participate in the nighting ceremony. Um they are also going to be in the Memorial Day parade. Um riding in the parade this year. [applause] >> Yeah. Be careful of that sword when they knight you. Congratulations. That's quite an accomplishment. you uh you should really be proud of yourself and you're probably more knowledgeable about West Virginia than almost anybody else in the room. >> He's already saying we have to call him Sir Owen. >> Thank you. Um congratulations to you. That's a great accomplishment understanding West Virginia history and being a part of that and congratulations on getting your nighthood. I'd be glad to call
013you uh Sir Owen uh for you to go do that. That's great. Appreciate your parents, your support, teachers, everybody that makes that happen for you. And even for those that weren't here uh for the last ones, you know, we do appreciate we see these names quite frequently. So, Taylor County has a huge huge group of very very good students. It says a lot for the school system, says a lot for the teachers and the parents. So, thank you. just echoing what the others have said. Good job and um have a safe travels down there being kned and uh congratulations. This is not a small accomplishment. So well done and thanks to everybody who helped support you um and to get this done and yeah, pictures with the sword, dude. Or it didn't happen, right? Thank
014you. [applause] >> All right. Uh here I am again. Uh this time on behalf of Youth Leadership Association Grafton High School. Um I had the pleasure of taking students down to Charleston uh last month for Youth and Government program. What this is is the mock legislature, Mach uh courts and so forth. So they get to learn about government in depth by actually participating in government. Um the board education and Ms. Roberts had uh graciously uh provided us to go down to Charleston there. So thank you all again. Um so I'd like to recognize the students who did attend, but I think I only have one student here, so I'm gonna put her on the spot here. This is Miss Ryland Taylor. She was designated as a senator down youth and government. Um story about her
015is that uh she's a sophomore but a first year student at Grafton High School. Uh the first few weeks of school she said I want to go ahead and do youth and government. I want to be a legislature. I want to go ahead and tell this story here. So she has a story a personal story that was involved. you don't have to to tell us anything about it, but um she wanted to go ahead and get it addressed and perhaps someday get it addressed before the actual West Virginia legislature. So that is one of the things about that youth and government is that these students go ahead and uh tell their ideas that sometimes they are uh taking the hands of the legislature in the next legislative session. So, um, I'm gonna present the certificate
016to Ryland Taylor. All right. Come on up over here. [applause] All right. So, we have uh seven other students that attended. Guess they're not here. All right. So, she's all yours. >> Wow. Great job. Thank you for that initiative and that drive to to get involved like that. And you know what? Kudos to you because we need more youth involved in our government because these decisions impact your generation as well. So we really need to hear your voice and your ideas. And good job. Continue. >> Congratulations to you. And I think I heard Mr. Zakowski mention you were a state senator, but you played that role. That's very good. Um, the only thing I can say, it's only up from there. So, someday I hope to see you as the president of the Senate someday
017standing up there being the lieutenant governor. But don't stop. You can do it. Make yourself proud. Make your country proud. Thank you. You grew up. I haven't seen you since you were a little kid. Congratulations. I'm very very proud of you, Joe. >> I look forward one of these days to actually voting for you when you run for the Senate yourself. You you may actually get there. So, uh you keep your goals high and congratulations. That's uh good business. Well, I think for you and your seven compatriots here, you probably had the most amazing time and could probably give us all a master class and how this really is supposed to work. Um, so thank you for being involved. Thank you for being willing to tell your story and to carry on because we need
018people who are going to fight the good fight into the future. So, lovely blouse. You look awesome. So, thank you [applause] Thank you guys. >> Yeah. We have one more set of recognitions and that is the Flemington Elementary School Rising Star Campus through Capturing Kids Hearts. Um, and then we will pause in the 1000 section and return to our delegation. >> Thank you. Thank you, Miss Garvin. I want to take a moment to recognize a very important accomplishment by one of our school campuses and that is the Flemington Elementary uh faculty and staff. They have been recognized by the representatives from the capturing kids hearts program and uh they impressed her quite quite well and uh it's no easy task to uh be able to work the program capturing kids hearts that's been introduced to
019the county this year and they definitely have earned uh recognition. So, if the faculty and staff that are present from Flemington Elementary School would stand, please. I'll I'll join I'll come and join you in just a minute. So, I don't [applause] I'll ask the principal, Mrs. Dolan, to come forth and talk. She loves the attention uh to receive to receive the certificate. And perhaps without putting her on the spot, I will uh perhaps you might give us some inkling about what it takes to become recognized as a rising star campus. >> We had a fight at the restaurant who was going to do this. So I'm glad that you called me out. Um obviously I lost. [laughter] Um, so to be a rising star school, you were just in your first year of um, implementing
020capturing kids hearts and Allison thought we were doing a great job and nominated us for it. [applause] I just want to say congratulations and I've heard nothing but wonderful things about the capturing kids hearts and just hearing all the experiences and how much it truly has impacted our students and their families as well. And I think that it's impacted you all as well. Um so congratulations and thank you so much for your dedication and uh really embracing the program and um you know implementing it to its fullest. >> Congratulations. Uh Flemington's got a soft spot in my heart. I taught out there at the high school for four years. Uh, I uh I really appreciate you guys uh having this program and carrying it on and the impact you're having on the kids. Thank you
021very much and congratulations. >> I I just want to say thank you for everything you do for all teachers, but you you've done very well and this is a great program. So, you should be proud. We're proud of you. We're glad to have you on the staff and uh very much appreciate what you do. Thank you. >> I'm sorry you lost and had to come up in front. Um [laughter] thank you. Thank you guys for Yeah. Nobody else is sorry, but yeah. Um thank you guys for all you do. I I know what you do day in and day out. Um and it's no small feat. So thank you guys for what you're doing to impact those kids. So, wild cats have big hearts and y'all prove that every day. So, thank you for loving
022all of our kids from the bottoms of your hearts, even on the days when that's big. Um, so thank you for everything you do and I'm sorry you lost Miss Ginger, but you do speak well. So, I think you're an excellent representative of your school. Um, and y'all are dismissed. That's the bell. Go catch your bus. [laughter] Thank you for your time this evening. [applause] >> All right. And that does bring us to our delegation. Thank you very much for being patient while we dealt with those things. Um, Miss Watkins, as a reminder, this is a delegation, so you can speak to us, but we can't speak back. Correct. You do have five minutes, and you are being livereamed. If we're going to mention anybody specifically, we would go into executive session. Thank you, ma'am.
023>> Ready? Okay. Good evening to all in attendance. For those who do not know me, my name is Courtney Watkins and I'm speaking tonight as a parent of a child attending Anna Jarvis. First, I want to note that I notice and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our administration, our teachers, and our staff. I'm here to advocate for children due to many parents having growing concerns regarding school safety, classroom disruptions, and lack of transparency. A major concern is the amount of time our children are being removed for classroom clears while which reduce instructional time as well as requesting transparency about the pro procedures and the policies that do exist to prevent future events notably the ones that pose a safety risk. We know each child has the right to a nurturing orderly and safe
024environment supported by Senate Bill 199. Also to note, we know Senate Bill 199 was signed as a law in 2025 and no additional funding was granted to carry it out effectively. Recently, questions were raised in the community regarding classroom clears and other behavioral incidents that raise safety concerns. When administration was asked what the notification process is when these incidents occur, the response was given that there are currently no formal notification processes in place. Parents were referenced to West Virginia State Board of Education policy 4373. However, Tonight, we as the parents ask the board to take a stance as there are clear procedures that must be followed. As parents, this is deeply concerning and disheartening. Ongoing incidents that include physical harm and emotional distress occur daily. We also advocate for our teachers to help foster an
025environment where teachers can teach and not just be disciplinarians. We understand and respect that student privacy must be protected under FURPA and no parent is asking for confidential information about another child. However, protecting privacy should not prevent transparency regarding incidents that directly impact the safety, emotional well-being and educational environment of our children. The other children do not deserve to carry the burden of their peers who are repeat offenders. And this is why policy and procedure must be ex executed in a fair and just manner. We understand that some students may lack proper support or perhaps suffer medically. However, with the help of staff administration and the board in addition to established policy and procedures, we should identify the needs of these children and help support the parents, guardians in gaining the services and support needed
026for future change. We need to ensure our teachers, sta and staff also have the training and resources available to foster a safe school. When classrooms must be evacuated or cleared due to violent, aggressive or unsafe behavior. Families deserve to know how often are these occurring, what procedures are followed to ensure dangerous or traumatic situations are being avoided and how instructional time is being affected and steps taken to prevent reoccurring situations. The emotional impact on students and family from our children witnessing these incidents requires us as a community to work together for solutions and transparency. When repeated incidents occur without communication, when consequences are unclear, and when families feel that their concerns are minimized, trust in the school system begins to erode. This is a major reason why parents are choosing other forms of education for
027their children. As a community, parents, and teachers, as well as the board, I believe we can work together for a solution moving forward. Another major concern is a lack of clear communication regarding existing policies and procedures. Parents are often told to speak with the principal for clarification, and many have repeated attempts to ask questions regarding safety protocols, classroom clears, behavioral procedures, and parent notification expectations. Unfortunately, the concern among many families that those attempts have not resulted in any clarification or communication. Policy 4373 emphasizes safe and supportive school environment, but parents cannot effectively partner with schools when information about safety incidents is withheld or when procedures are communicated unclearly. If policies and procedures are being followed, families should not feel dismissed or left questioning the processes. It should be clear. Tonight, I respectfully ask the board
028to review the following objectives, which I will provide via email due to time. Every child deserves a learning environment where they feel safe, secure, and able to learn without fear or ongoing disruption. Every teacher deserves support in maintaining a safe classroom. And every parent deserves honest communication when situations occur that impact their child's day and emotional well-being. I urge the board to prioritize transparency, accountability, and proactive communication with families moving forward. Also, the legal responsibility of the school system must uphold by abiding procedure and policy that is currently in place. We request an attainable short-term plan of action and our goal formal confidential process notifying parents of classroom clears. And we understand the board cannot deliberate tonight. We ask to be put on the next agenda. But I do want to thank each of you
029and each of the people who are here tonight. And I pray that our children's safety takes priority as laws and policies do exist to make our future brighter. with a collaboration of parents, teachers, board, and the community. [applause] >> Thank you for your time, Miss Watkins. That moves us forward into the superintendent's updates. Thank you, Mr. Garvin. The information that I provided you in those folders uh should be uh it's twofold. Initially, it is a list of the first >> interrupt. I'm sorry. I'd like to interrupt before everyone leaves. just so I know and maybe there was some emails or some information that was a very good bit of information that was provided to us and we I want to thank you for coming and doing that. >> Um you >> Mr. Summers, I'm sorry.
030When a delegation comes to speak to us, we are not allowed to engage in conversation. We can put it on the next >> agenda. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to protocol. My bad. Okay. So, I'll I'll be quiet. Thank you. >> Sorry. Thank you. >> Would you do me a favor? Send that information to me. I just I just provided my email so you I provide me so that I can come to you. Thank you. So as I was saying uh ladies and gentlemen of the board we have I provided you a couple things. One is a packet of information that is delineated in numbers one through six, a monthly school updates from their middle school and our Flemington Elementary School, which is very promising and a focuses on academics and uh and a very
031positive productive uh demonstration of a strong program there. The second is the safety report with regard to weapons detection equipment usage at the Grafton High School. Uh in addition to that there is a building number three was a building utilization uh information per April 30th uh that had been requested earlier I believe Dr. Deck was kind enough to provide that to us and number four administrative flowchart that had also been uh requested of us just for uh kind of a sequential process for your review at some point. Uh we my intent was to include also um information regarding contact numbers. I can provide that to you event a little bit later. Number five talks about the new anarvis building floor plan. That's so you can see that in case you're driving by and you haven't
032uh had an opportunity to see that. At some point, the contractors will afford us an opportunity to schedule a meeting for each of you uh to tour the facility once we get it to this safe situation because the West Wings second floor is still under construction and they prefer that we not enter there yet. Um and lastly from that delineated list of those attachments is a parentfriendly calendar that is that you approve but we that is the one we typically have also provided so parents can have a better more clear um easier to interpret version of the the landscape version that we submit to the state. Um so I hope you'll appreciate that that's for FY27 school year. Um and so the others I wanted to delineate just a few moments with you if you
033would. I want to mention that Grafton that I had congratulations are due um because we also have uh recently the gra a team of our Grafton High School's Future Farmers of America FFA program uh recently earned not honors but first place honors at the national level uh in the area of homesite evaluation a part of this year's 2026 national competition. I wanted to mention that that takes place in Oklahoma. But equally important, 130 competing teams. I want to se say that slowly and let that settle in. West Virginia, Taylor County Schools, Grafton High School, and I would be remiss if I didn't mention that it was under the toutelage of Zachary Tenant, who is a legacy from Steven Tennant, and they built they both built together a very program, a strong program. So, I just
034wanted to make sure people heard that on live stream and our board sees that in our updates because you just don't show up and and win first place at the national level when you're competing with 130 other probably very capable but obviously not capable enough in that particular competition this year. And I'm more than proud of them and I know you are as well. The other I want to congratulate and we just did that. We recognized the Flemington Elementary School staff for their rising star campus. Moving along to the Anajervis Elementary School. Uh production of the facility continues to be conser um conservatively ahead of schedule and I say that with cautionary statement. We're not moving in tomorrow, but they are moving and the team and the company the company that is building the anarvis
035is a very efficient and thorough group of individuals and we meet with them frequently. Uh the second floor as I just mentioned the west wing of the building is currently being addressed. Um arrangements have also been to allow students and faculty to they provided us beams and we they got a chance to sign their name with a a permanent marker so that someplace in the building forever they will be able to say to their kids and grandkids I signed a beam when we were building that school and the kids were elated when they got to have that opportunity. Um, you'll also notice I've added a photograph of uh bright turquoise that is now being affixed to the outside of the building. And at this point, it is being affixed to the rearmost facing the one
036that faces north, which is toward the current school. And I would challenge you to watch Facebook as that continues to wrap around the building because there are a lot of students who are excited that we have chosen that color to paint their school and some people that uh this is a clarification. It is a a beautiful color. However, it is merely the the what you affix as a sealant to the block before we put the the front brick facade. But I'm sure once it wraps around the building, our community will start t chatting on Facebook about who picked that color. Some will love it, as do many of the students, and some will say, "What?" So, I encourage everyone to watch Facebook when you when you actually see the painting color wrap around there. Um,
037I too was taking it back a little bit, but I realized, oh, okay, I'm all right. The brick in fact has been received and delivered and it'll be ready to be added once that when the sealing sealant is finished. Moving on to uh Flemington Elementary School. Per your approval, the work recently bid will soon begin addressing the muchneeded HVAC system project. I know they're eager to have that happen because the weather is changing. Um, also the concession stand that you approved and supported when they were trying to renovate it, uh, is starting to take take place or has taken place to the point where they're now thinking and there is some money left and they've been explor exploring the option not at your expense but to add a restroom on that particular portion of the
038of the facility there. Moving on to Grafton High School, please continue to refer your um to your previously provided calendar of May events. Uh there's a lot happening at Grafton High School and a lot more will happen before the end of the year. And with that in mind, the uh portion I added in red, I wanted to clarify that uh the faculty and staff at the commencement on Friday the 29th, they have asked that we arrive for commencement by 6:30 in the Mary Battle Studio. Uh and regarding their much needed their muchneeded HBAC work, we continue to await for results of our ant what's anticipated in June the results of our recently submitted proposal for some SBA support for their HBAC system. Uh and lastly but not least, the new transportation department per your also
039per per your approval phase two of that location uh renovation process is underway. And uh one last piece and I bolded it in all t good news that is I'm pleased to inform you that at our administrative council meeting of this week I learned we all learned from Mr. Ballard that uh we anticipate having seven new bus drivers added to our fleet of drivers ready to start the FY27 school year. And even with that good news, his plan is to continue to advertise for yet more bus drivers to join us. We that way we're pretty much better and short of having some available transportation for both trips and bus runs here in the county. I hope that information is helpful. I also want to share with you uh one other bit of information that I
040recently received and there is a letter. Interestingly enough um I was asked to provide each of you this letter. I too received a copy as did I believe Dr. Decker. Um when I read it I immediately called for a meeting uh at Anna Jarvis with their faculty and staff. In fact that's where I came right before tonight's meeting. I met with them for two hours this afternoon to start a conversation to address the concerns that have been included in this letter. Uh they are focused on the same topic as we heard earlier this evening. Uh and uh I encourage you to read that. But I also reassure you that uh as your superintendent I I jumped on it to see what we can do. initiated a conversation of solution finding with this giving voice to
041the faculty and staff. I don't unfortunately I can't give you the exact number that attended. That's my error. But uh I would imagine there were close to 30 or 35 people present in tonight's meeting, this afternoon's meeting, excuse me. And I see that being something we'll continue uh because uh some very valid concerns exist and solutions are needed and we are starting to explore that from inside rather than make decisions just for them. I believe it's best to find that way to approach it in that manner. With that being said, I believe I am finished and thank you for your time. >> I I think it's safe to say that we're going to want to talk about this more next time. >> I continue to anticipate more will be coming forth to you. In fact,
042I just sent my email with the lady that presented tonight so that she'd be able to send that information to me. >> Wonderful. >> Dr. Stellings, I did have um a question regarding the um exploring possibilities for a restroom at Flemington uh for that concession stand. Refresh my memory. Was wasn't there some concern about uh drainage or sewage or something at one point when we first started talking about this? >> You are correct. And that was the initial request expectation was they were expecting to just connect with the building. >> Okay. >> Uh that they were redirected to make contact with water information from I believe it's southwest district water company out there as well as making contact there. My expectation is the direct sewer line from that is to go out and connect with
043the the what goes by the front of the school, not the school's sewer line. >> Okay. >> That was part of the conversation where make sure you talk with the fire marshall and the um fire marshall about what you do to that building. I hope that's helpful clarification, but you are very correct. And then um I know what that you've been providing us with the uh weapons detection logs and things like that and that is helpful. What that addresses our high school and our middle school and I think just given the delegation we've heard this evening I think we need to have a little more focus on our safety measures at our elementary schools. >> So some kind of Yeah, >> totally agree with you. We also um remember we have part of the bond
044that there are monies that are not just for building the new school but to address each of the other campuses with more and more security measures such as window treatments, numbering of classrooms, uh etc. >> Do you have any additional questions for Dr. Stallings about his superintendent's update? >> I have a question. Uh I appreciate very much this information is very helpful. a lot of information. I'll review it, but thank you for getting it out to us. Um, one is on the building building utilization chart. I know it's just got the Anna Jarvis school, which is fine. Uh, I just I have one question. You don't have to answer it tonight, but given the size of the new building classroom, how much will that change with our expected enrollment for starting a 2627 school year?
045And again, you don't have to give me that tonight, but I would like to see that information in a chart as well. So to clarify your question, how much will they >> it's it's the new school if the new school were put into this form because it says you're 80% utilizing the old building. I and I know enrollment's coming down or you know maybe staying the same or coming down just a little bit is what I thought I heard. I I don't know how many extra rooms or how much additional space there is in the new building. So I'm just curious as to if we had this in population in the new building, would that number stay at 80%? would have dropped to 75%. I'm just curious. >> Well, it will probably I would anticipate
046and I'll ask Dr. Decker to confirm that, but I would anticipate you might see a dip. >> Yeah, that's what I figured. >> And that is mainly because uh Mr. Summers, that's a good question as well prior to your joining us on the board early on when the design of the building was being cons uh considered. Uh the board we made I made a recommendation the board was with went along with that and that was they approved the uh original design was having four classrooms less on the top floor and the decision was made to go ahead. It would be expensive but it would be so much more later if in fact enrollment continued to grow and we needed to add on >> right. >> Uh so that decision is making that possible. uh which
047might mean as we increase the space and the number that percentage might dip a little bit, >> right? I I would anticipate it would if there's more space. Uh so that that's good. I just like to have that information because you know I I don't know classroom wise whatever between the old building and the new building. >> Yes, for sure. So uh when this was designed there were uh four preks, four kindergartens and uh three of every other grade and we are dropping to two. We have dropped from four to three in some of those other grades. So, we will have more space in addition to the four classrooms that we are are adding in addition to that. The exact percentage, we could figure that out for you once we get square footage there. >>
048Sure, that's fine. >> But there will be more space in the building. There was already going to be four extra classrooms with the addition of those four rooms, but then with the drop of classroom sizes, we can get that number for you so you can have accurate. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> I also want to clarify too, Mr. summers and for the rest of the board they'll remember that uh that doesn't indicate those four classrooms I mentioned uh they're not sitting as empties they're one was uh redesigned to accommodate some offices for speech and language etc um and uh I if uh history proves me correct it's amazing how the spread can happen >> I would anticipate that >> and I've been told that sometimes when you build a new building it sometimes
049causes some people to move into the area area because they want their child to be in the newest school. >> Right. >> That doesn't mean it's always the best. There's a great school in Flemington. We just heard about that today. >> Which which has a detrimental effect on the other schools, but we'll deal with it. >> Right. Right. >> I hope that's hope that's clarful. >> Okay. >> I would say one other thing. Uh I appreciate sort of the work chart or the uh not it's not really work chart but it's a good chart. So I don't I I want to call in the administration flowchart. I like that very much. That's good information. I appreciate you getting something. >> Thank you. I can also I will do my we should be getting you a
050copy of the personnel directory if you haven't received that yet. Uh I will certainly get you one um so that you can those will be more than just a name. You'll actually have a contact with them. We actually have a master list for you and our director, so I can get that to you as well. >> Okay. If you have it, don't print one out. >> Okay. >> I can't I I anticipate you guys know that and I probably don't need to know everybody's information. Okay. If it's available and I need it, I'll take, you know, take a look at I would just if something like that comes up, I would actually come to you and we would do it from here and >> I appreciate that. Thank you. >> So, yeah, I don't ever
051anticipate that, but thank you. >> All right. Thanks. Yes, sir. Okay. Uh, do we have any board member updates or board committee meeting reports? >> We do. >> Do tell. >> Uh, this morning I, uh, had the pleasure of attending the United Technical Center board meeting. And, uh, [clears throat] they announced at that meeting the National Technical Honor Society new inductees for 2026. and one was our very own Isabella Leair who was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. So from Grafton High School, we do have one honore there that uh is to be commended. Uh they also reported continued enrollment. Uh Taylor County has 30 students which has been the trend all year. So our our enrollment is staying steady over there. uh they did uh also report the audit and there were no
052findings in the audit which is commendable. Uh so that's my report from the United Technical Center. >> Okay. Um I looks like that moves us into the 2000 series minutes policies contracts and agreements. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of the minutes from the regular meeting of April 28, 2026. >> Mrs. Gallow moves. >> Mr. Summers. Questions, comments, concerns. All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. Uh we have item 2273 which is a policy in the first reading and as such no action needs to be taken on that unless there are questions. Okay. Moving continuing down into the 2000 series. The superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 2274 through 2276 in the 2000 series. Mr. Taylor moves. >> Mrs. Gallow seconds. Questions? Yes. Um, Dr. Stallings, do we have um on 2274, do we have
053an estimate um of cost or how often this is going to occur? I mean, I've seen where the hourly rate and so forth, but do we have any idea of a ballpark figure of cost here for this? We do. And uh that is devoid of information right there. I will get that for you. Um it is just it's the same as we had last time because it's a rem renewal, >> but that doesn't give you an figure. I apologize for that. Mr. Dolan, you don't by any chance have magically have access to that number, do you? >> Thank you, sir. That is certainly something if you'd prefer to pull or hold or do >> I can bring that back to the next agenda. I >> I do know that it's more expensive to try to
054do it on our own than it is to try to do it through the cooperative. Um >> without question historically that has been to our benefit but Does anybody feel the need to pull this without the number? >> Okay. >> It looks like the purchase order that we have in place for this year was uh $15,000. Uh I know it's just based on the number of uh employees that we're going to gain. We have to train and everything. So, they get paid in like an hourly rate. Our trainers do. So, um we're not we're not close to that dollar figure at this point in time. actually about half of that. >> Very good. >> So perhaps we could make an amendment and you could you could say not to exceed whatever but however your whatever
055your pleasure. >> I'm okay. I I just wanted to, you know, since we're talking about a lot of budget things, I wanted an idea of where we're at there with that. >> Duly noted. My apologies again. >> All right, that leaves us with an open motion. All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. Moves us into the 3000 series consent calendars. We got some purchase orders, facility use, outofcount travel, chaperones. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 3185 through 3195 in the 3000 series. >> Moved. >> Mrs. Gallow moves. Mr. Dowy seconds. Questions? Hearing none. All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. Moving us into the 4,000 series financial vouchers payable. do dazzle us, Mr. Dolan. >> I don't have much to dazzle you with this evening. Uh we just have some vouchers
056payables uh since our meetings are so close together here in the next couple weeks. Uh in the first part of your packet uh were the first six pages or so. Uh we're schedule checks that have already been written for various items related to payroll contracts and services that we have with uh various vendors. Um said payroll. Uh that's about that's about all for those six pages. The rest of your packet is upon your all's approval is the schedule of checks to be written for items such as travel, transportation, uh cost, uh repairs, some repairs at the high school, um some instructional supplies throughout the county, and um some professional services that we have. uh with a few vendors. So, does anybody have any questions on this? >> Okay. Thank you, sir. >> You're welcome. >>
057Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items in the 4,000 series. I'll move Oh, sorry. >> Okay, Mr. Summers moves. I'll second. Any additional questions? >> All those in favor? I opposed. Motion passes. Moving us into the 5000 series, student matters, personnel, and legal matters. Item 5533. I am apologize if I do this name incorrectly. Netti Freshour requests permission to transfer her child from Monalia County. >> I believe that's correct. >> Uh to Grafton High School, grade nine for the 2026 2027 school year. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of item 5533 in the 5000 series. >> Mr. Taylor moves. Do Mrs. Gallow seconds. Questions. >> The standard question is can we accept? Do we have the room to accept this child? And >> we do. >> No concerns about that. >> I was just going to say another
058traditional question is do we know? We are not aware of any. >> Delightful. All right. At this point, we have a mo open motion on the floor. All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. Carrying on in the 5,000 series. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 5534 through 5556 in the 5000 series. I'll move it. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Mrs. Galla seconds. And we have questions. >> I thought we'd said something in the beginning about the 5556. >> We added a name. >> Oh, we added a name. Okay. Right. Thank you for the clarification. >> Certainly. Have any additional questions in the 5000 series? >> I I do have a question. Um, hang on. in regards to the creation of 5540 5541 I didn't see a description and I didn't
059know if that was because it's like an extracurricular position and then I was just wondering what the cost I I think don't we have like a supplement >> um schedule or something like that maybe >> yes I might have to look to Mr. go for that. So you don't have a a job description because these already have existed in the past. So it's not brand new creation of something. It's just bringing it back. And every other school minus those two have a current SAT coordinator. So they're exactly is do you recall what that pay is for the SAT coordinator? >> I know it's divided up um and it's based on the number of students. Yes. >> Or the number of sats that they have to do. So, I just can't remember off the top of
060my head which one it is, but it is in our schedule, the extracurricular schedule that is up for approval there next week. >> Yeah. And so, those are just recreations back of things we previously had in the past where we had created a full-time position and then with the reduction of the full-time, we are still creating extracurriculars to meet those needs through the budgets that Mrs. Roberts has received that she can she can continue those. Okay. >> Thank you. Any additional questions in the 5,000 series? Right, we have an open motion on the floor. All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. Moving us into the 8,000 series. Board member discussions and comments and a discussion of adding some verbiage to the 4,000 series regarding access to the financial information. >> Miss Garbbert, I'm
061passing around a sheet with Excuse me. Uh the passing around a sheet with some sample or examples of 8,000 series discussion for verbiage. Uh >> yeah, this one >> my apologies. So as you can see on the examples uh there we just harvested some samples from other places and I'm providing that to you for your discussion tonight. And you know if you see a piece of one and a piece of another and you like both pieces and we can make that statement as we can combine them in some fashion and words smmith. Uh I hope that's helpful as a starter. I didn't want to write one and then say come back with another and write. I thought we'd provide an opportunity if we look at a few samples that are already in places elsewhere with
062the dates that had been introduced there. Some include uh specific language regarding figures, dollar figures. Others such as the last two or three simply have uh a that information is listed as should you be interested. It's available here at the board office upon request. Uh depends on your ilk. >> That was kind of the um example they gave us at the financial training. It was something it was like a standard line item on their agenda under their um 4,000 series or just on the agenda that indicated um if the public would want to see any of the financial um statements or bids or things like that that they were available um during business hours with, you know, the treasurer, the superintendent uh to consult with them. And that could be added to the top of
063the agenda right up front kind of as a clarification of those ways of doing things etc or availability wise. However, because it wouldn't it could be embedded down in the fourth house of the agenda either place. Um, >> I kind of like the one for Preston County. >> That includes the by appointment which ensures that >> somebody is here who can >> that way they wouldn't show up and no one would be present and they become disgruntled by that and that might suggest something else. I I just think it's a good idea um for us to add just my opinion. I think it's a good idea for us to add something some type of verbiage on our agenda about that so that you know the public is aware that that information is available to them
064and you know they can request to see that information and look at that. want to list it and I don't want our front window looking like we're a closed >> entity. I agree. >> So, um I do like that because >> it it gives them the opportunity to talk to the professional with what what Miss Scallo is saying. It gives them that opportunity to schedule that appointment with the professional to talk about what their questions are and their concerns and >> allows that >> it be respectful of both parties time as well. I think the appointment option that's not to restrict them but just to make people available to them. >> I don't have any particular issue with that and I like the idea of respecting everybody's time by creating the appointment. Um, >> Mr.
065Summers, >> uh, I'd like to, uh, make sure I stay in line. If I get a line, just just tell me. I'm I'm I'm anxious to be corrected if I'm wrong in in all respect to everybody here and in the procedures and processes. I'm not one to want to violate them. So, uh, just just go along with me here. I I uh requested some time uh with Dr. Decker, Dr. Stallings, Mr. Dolan week or so ago and they were very gracious and went through about an hour and a half of their time with me helping me understand everything. We had doc Mr. Dolan came up with a very nice spreadsheet based on the one I handed out at our last meeting. Um I believe in full transparency. I think uh the public needs to know
066a lot of information how their money is being spent. I don't think they want to know all the information, but I think it has to be in clear and concise terms. It has to be something they can understand. Uh when I when I look down, I'm not an accountant in any way, shape, or form. I've dealt with lots of money, not mine, but government money over the years, uh in the tune of hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars. Uh but when I see, you know, no offense to anybody here, vouchers, payroll, totaling, I'm not sure what that mean. I don't know the definition of a voucher. Uh budget supplements totaling. I I I don't know, you know, just from the general public's point of view, what that means. Uh is that income? Is that
067expenditures? Uh budget supplements could just be in addition to or a grant. It could be a number of things. And we don't want to be vague. If we're going to put information out there, it's got to be clear and concise. Uh I really like a treasures report once a month. We talked uh we met about a week and a half ago. Again, a very good meeting and and and I would really like to know and the public to know how much we have coming in each month roughly, how much we have for the year, what our budget is, how we're working against the budget, whether we're behind or ahead of the budget. Uh, I don't want to see a single person's or a single check published out there. I think there's some confidential information we
068have to be careful. But if we say we spent $200,000 this month on on payroll, I think payroll 200,000 for example would be a good line item to have. I think income from the levy given to us by the county commission saying 182,000 whatever is a good number to have to know we brought that much in and I think that should be available at all times. I don't think it should be an appointment thing. I think it should be a part of this meeting being reported for anyone to carry and go out with and uh I really when I left that meeting and saw that spreadsheet I thought we're 50 to 80% of the way there. Uh, I I would like for that to be I'd like to meet with Mr. uh Dolan sometime between
069now and the next meeting and kind of put what I want on the bottom and see if we can enter that in draft form and then starting in fiscal year 2627. I'd like for that to be a part of the first meeting. It can be draft till then. And I would kind of propose to this board that we come up with something like that on a on a monthly basis uh to be presented for everyone who attends these meetings or listens online to have that information available. Again, I don't need it published in a newspaper every month, but I think the public needs to know, you know, just just what we're at. They need to know we're fiscally sound. They need to know we have a good reserve. They need to know that their children
070are going to be educated for the next six months or whatever the number is without any income if something like that would happen. I think they need to be confident we're managing their money correctly. And I think a simple report one pager can do that for us if we get it worded right and get it put in your in a manner that that makes uh you know that show was you smarter than a fifth grader. So if we can make it till the fifth grade [clears throat] understands it then we'll be good to go. So, uh, I look forward to that. I was so encouraged when I left. I was like on cloud nine. And I appreciate your time for being with me that day. It was very very productive. And, uh, there was there
071was no disagreements anywhere. We were just want to say what can we do to make this a good thing and that's where we're all focused and it worked very well. So, if if we do have that meeting and anyone else wants to join, I think it's a great thing. So, thank you, >> Miss Garvin or members of the board. Perhaps I could suggest also uh a little of both. Maybe the statement that's kind of the appointment version and not only that but have that on the top of some place on the agenda as well as the uh periodic update about the financial status of the county and we can word we'll word smith that so it can be such that uh in more layman's terms so people the ver your point is well taken. Some
072people understand vouchers, some people don't understand that. And rather than risking misinterpretation, well, we can work on some uh verbiage that uh in addition to adding the statement such as you mentioned, Miss Scallow, um maybe that would kind of capture both issues. I'm not suggesting we're debating. I'm just suggesting that maybe it would be >> Yeah, I think more is better the most that we can provide because I know like you were saying there's some things confidentialitywise we can't put out there like um but I think having probably a combination of both would be the best thing. >> Right. Well, we allow us to explore that too and perhaps meet but you've already indicated that you'll do that. Um, that's all I'm going to say about that. >> All right. So, that sounds like we
073have some some draft options to move forward with and this discussion will continue to evolve um into the next fiscal year beginning July one. Um, anything else for this particular point? All right. And Dr. Schlines to confirm we have those two additional discussion pieces. one regarding the leather letter and one regarding the delegation that you will continue to update us on. >> I will. >> Thank you, sir. You have anything else for future board discussion? >> Uh, I would like to point out to the public that uh our two newly elected board members are present tonight observing uh our meeting and getting themselves ready to hit the ground running. Uh much appreciated. glad to see you here and uh the public should be aware that you are doing your due diligence. >> I'd like to
074also add if I may to welcome back Mrs. Gallow who's not left us yet but has just been elected to stay with us. I'd also want to mention uh when I spoke with the two new ca new I can't say candidates anymore board elects members um they uh we discussed although briefly because they were being interviewed by the newspaper etc but uh the the offer and extension that they seem I'm pretty confident they were looking to accept is that um coming together we'll have conversations including you Mr. Summers. I I have a a pet term that I refer as board member 101. That'll be our attempt to help catch up some of the questions you may have as well. And we'll try to schedule those at your convenience uh in the very near future. >>
075Thank you. Um I uh I I want to word this right. Um, I'm not here I'm not here to offend anyone. I am here to challenge. And so, uh, it's probably at first directed towards the the other board members and board members elect. Uh, I've learned a lot. I've been here six weeks and everybody's been very kind, very helpful. I feel like I have a lot of friends here. I feel like it's it's a good board. I feel like it's a very productive board. But uh in in this time of learning u after my first month and 30 days um I was provided very kindly and said here's some paperwork we need to discuss regarding your first month's pay and um I was quite alarmed by it. And so this is where sort of where
076the challenge comes in. Um I learned I get paid uh mileage to drive here to this meeting that lasts an hour. And I refused to sign that paper. I said I get paid and I didn't even know how much I got paid till that time as well. I get paid $260 to sit here roughly it's been an hour and 10 minutes tonight. That's the equivalent of about $200 to $220 per hour. Anyone working in the real world making $220 an hour on a 2,000 hour a year salary is making more than two or three or four of us combined in this room. And I find that alarming and I don't think it's fair to the Taylor County school system. And so I refused my mileage. I've already told them we got paid. There was a
077a levy meeting that lasted including roll call, including prayer and pledge, and the levy uh discussion approximately three minutes. I was told I would get paid $260 for that three minutes. I haven't got paid yet. I said I I was told I would get the paycheck probably this week. If I get paid for that, I'm immediately writing a check back to the board of education for $260. I refuse to accept $260 for a threeminute meeting. I feel like I would be stealing from the school children and the Tater County board at the Tater County school situation. So, I would kindly ask that we consider some of the things that we're getting compensated for and and work within your conscience. I can't do what's currently on the books and I'll figure a way to get around
078it. I'm strongly convinced, but if I get paid $260 to sit here for an hour's meeting, I don't need another $8 for mileage to drive here. So, uh, I I think I I've talked to the to the, uh, chairman and the House of Delegates about some of these issues. They said they probably would take it up and address it because there was an issue. Uh, the years passed and they did restrict that a little bit and maybe more. I would probably like to reach out to other county school systems. They said there's very few that collect mileage, Taylor County being one, to attend these meetings. So, I don't expect any comments or answers or discussions. You're welcome to and I'll take it. I'll be glad to discuss it with anyone. But I feel we can
079do the best and our best is yet to come for Taylor County School System. So, I had to say this. I I have to feel good with what I do for this school system and I thank you for your time. >> All right. Anything else for upcoming discussion points? Very good. That moves us into the 9,000 series. Future meetings, uh May 20th, 2026. That is a Wednesday. Again, that's a week from today, 6 o'clock here at the board office. June 9th, 6 o'clock here at the board office. And June 23rd, 6 o'clock here at the board office. Additionally, we have not a meeting, but graduation on May 29th. We don't need to schedule anything else, right? I >> think we're good. >> It's delightful. All right. U hearing nothing else for the good and the
080welfare. I am going to call for a motion to adjurnn. >> Mr. Dowy moves. Mr. Taylor seconds. All those in favor? >> I. Motion passes and we are adjourned at 7:16 p.m. Thank you all for everything you do.