001Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Good evening. It is 6:00 and I'm going to go ahead and call this meeting to order. All the board members are present. It is the practice of our 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. >> 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. >> Please join me. I pledge allegiance 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.
002Dr. Stallings, do we have any additions or agenda agenda items to the agenda? >> Yes, Ms. Garvin, we do. If you will please note that both items 5 5 2 5 and 5 5 2 6 should read 8:30 a.m. not p.m. Again, the numbers are 5 5 2 5 and 5 5 2 6. Please edit those to read 8:30 a.m. Thank you. >> Very good. >> [laughter] >> The superintendent respectfully requests approval of the agenda as presented. >> Move. >> Mr. Doughty moves. >> Second. >> Mrs. Gallo seconds. Questions? Concerns? All those in favor? >> I. >> Opposed? Very good. Moves us into our 1000 information, um, and we are going to go just half a squanch out of order, um, and we are going to start with our Entertainers, um, as their director has
003is in high demand. So, Mr. Ethamale. >> All right. Um, so should I just ask the students to stand where they are, or how would you like for me to for you to see them? >> Do y'all want to stand, or you want to come on down? >> Or do you want to come on down? >> Come on down. Okay. So, if the, uh, members of the Entertainers will make their way down front here, and go ahead and just, um, I guess face you all, them? Face them for now, and then you'll turn around. Okay. >> [laughter] >> All right. While they're coming, um, we have we have 47 Entertainers total. Um, many of them this evening are at track meets and other things, work, and, um, other things that they're in, and so not
004everybody is here this evening, but, um, I just wanted to, uh, highlight just a few things that we have done. Um, I feel really weird, cuz I feel like I'm not talking to like your backs. Um, so we have been so busy. Um, the month of December we were, I think I counted up of the 15 days that we actually had like school days, or whatever, we were out somewhere doing something 11 of those days. Um so December was very busy for us around the um the county and singing and everything. Um and then we started our competition season in February. And we went to four five competitions. We were unable to have our competition because of weather. Um but we went all over the place. We were around the state. We went to Ohio.
005We went to Virginia. And we were very successful at all of those places. Just to highlight um a few of those things. Um our best performers and if you're here best performers, just give a little wave. I'm not sure who all's here. Savannah Workman was a best performer. Uh Parker Biller. Hayden Hicks was a two-time best performer and Haley Bailey. Um they um that's that's they get picked for our group. Um the judges look at that and just see who, you know, really stands out to them. So we we congratulate them. Um we also had a two-time outstanding male soloist, Parker Biller, um had that award at states and also at Grove City, Ohio. Um we also have um this year we were awarded the outstanding show design at state competition. So that's just the
006how the show's all put together. So that was really cool to uh to get that award. Um our uh combo, if you're in combo, will you kind of raise your hand up here? We've got a few. We have a 12 12, right? I think it's 12. 12-person combo and um they were awarded outstanding instrumental combo at states this year and that was really um a really super super thing for us to have. Um we were also second runner-up at um state show choir. So that's just kind of in a nutshell what we've done. Many of these kids are also in the band. They're also in the um the play and as you'll see here in a minute. And um and they're very busy. They're very busy. They're in they're in sports and they're in FFA,
007and they're in FBLA, and Oh, I always forget somebody, but they're in a lot of stuff. They're very busy. But, we're very proud of them for the things that they have done this semester, and we appreciate the chance to highlight them this at this time. I would also like to mention as an honor also, Jake Davis was chosen for All-State Choir. Wave, Jake. Jake was chosen as a freshman to go to Charleston and represent Grafton High School in the All-State Choir. Jake was also chosen in the honor jazz band. I'm just going to throw this in here so I don't forget. The honor jazz band at Wesleyan, and he went there and had an intensive weekend, what, 2 days, and then had a performance. And he did that on jazz on guitar. So, we're very
008proud of him. So, I think that's all I have to say. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> Thank you. Yes, Mr. Stallings, Dr. Stallings. >> So, Miss Mrs. Neal, I have on behalf of the Board of Education two certificates to present. One is to the Grafton High School Entertainers Edition 55 for your wonderful performances and awards earned, best combo, best soloist, and show design, etc., throughout the 205 2025 2026 school year. And you happen to mention this one to Jake Davis for representing Grafton High School and Taylor County Schools in both of the 2025 and 2026 All-State Choir and honor jazz band events. So, I'll bring those to you, Mrs. Director. >> All right, thank you. >> [applause] >> Mr. Chandler, do you want to take this one? We'll just do one. So, in the interest
009of keeping the evening from dragging on into tomorrow. One of us will speak to each group as we move through this and we're going to start with Mr. Taylor at this end. >> Well, they don't call you guys entertainers for nothing. Uh you have given lots of joy to most of Taylor County at one time or another. Uh thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your efforts and your hard work. Uh you are to be commended for being in the Entertainers. It's uh it's a wonderful group. >> Did somebody grab a picture? Um did somebody get a picture? Parents? Somebody, I think. Nobody's raising their hand. >> [laughter] >> Okay, Val's got it. >> Very good. >> Thank you. All right. >> Thanks, Val. >> Thank you. You You guys want to go ahead and
010sit down? >> Yeah. >> You know, think about it. If you're popping up a thousand times, maybe that front row is an excellent place to >> Yeah, it's it's like yeah, just stay. >> Okay, we will at this point move back to the uh printed schedule and we will go with the Taylor County Schools Staff Recognition, the 2026 Taylor County Schools Staff of the Year. >> Dr. Soles. So, this this year's selection for our Counselor of the Year was Renee Solomon. Is she here today? Renee, would you please Renee, please come forward so we can talk about you. Is Helen here? All right. So, this this year's select selection took place through uh a lot of nominations and letters of support and then a lot of sorting and determination through a committee and then that
011was handed to me, and the selection for this year's Counselor of the Year goes to Renee. And so, Renee, I have something for you. Just 1 second. Dr. Decker will provide you a gift bag of some information, plus there's also a certificate in there that says, "Congratulations, you are the Counselor of the Year for Taylor County 2026." >> [applause] >> That process, by the way, ladies and gentlemen, includes not only those applications, but letters of endorsement and support of her colleagues, students, and parents. So, congratulations, Renee. >> Oh, she took off. We just want to congratulate you, Renee. Thank you so much for your dedication. Um I know that you've dedicated a lot of years to Taylor County, and I know you were very helpful to a lot of us during the pandemic even. So,
012I know we really truly appreciate all that you do for our students and staff and in the community. Thank you so much. >> [applause] >> The next piece on the schedule is the cast and crew of Into the Woods. So, if y'all want to come on up here. Um I came down here because this is my baby, and these are my babies, and I am tickled to death. Um these 31 kids said on top of everything I am doing academically, on top of everything I am already exploring in the world, on top of everything that I plan to do, I'm going to do this, too. Um and they showed up in snowstorms and they showed up on days off. Y'all, they showed up on a PD day for a 4 and 1/2 hour rehearsal. Like,
013ah! Everybody else is still in bed. They're here with me. It's amazing. Some of these are new friends to the theater world and some of these uh are near and dear to my heart for 4 or 5 6 years now. 5 years. 5 years, some of you. Ah, thanks. Um but I would like to present to you the most amazing Sondheim is not easy um and these kids said, "All right, we got this." Um they helped direct each other, they helped each other grow, they worked together, they created the comedy, they created the drama, and I am absolutely delighted to present to you the cast and crew. >> [applause] [applause] >> And if y'all want to turn around, somebody else is going to say nice things to you. >> So, Ms. Garvin, before you are
014was the ladies and gentlemen before you here from our board members, I want to present to you the cast and crew. You are congratulations for your wonderful spring 2026 theater production of Into the Woods Jr. Excellent job. >> I think I'm working there. Um Yeah, definitely congratulations to all of you. You did a a great job. These are little blurbs of your high school career that you'll take with you and please just take a moment and capture that. Um one day you'll be our age up here. Well, their age. I'm still young, but you know, um and then one day you'll be Dr. Stallings' age. You know, it's a um >> Careful. >> Come over here. >> [laughter] >> Um no, just capture these moments. Enjoy them. Um and you guys did a great job.
015Um these like Mrs. Garvin said with the time that you invested next year there's going to be something just as great as that and just continue to focus on those things and do your very best and just know we see you and we know what you guys are doing and how hard you're you're performing and you're making us proud. >> [applause] >> Okay. Thank you, Valerie. >> [laughter] >> All right. >> You guys can say thank you. All right. Um next on the list is the Grafton High School Band. We're not all ones and superior rating. >> [applause] >> All right. Awesome. So, as you can see, you've seen familiar faces up here. Several of these students are in um have you know we're in the play, they're in the entertainers, they're in the band.
016We've got an FFA, we've got FBLA, we've got all kinds of stuff up here. So, we have 45 students in band this year and I started working with them in the middle of November. And the first day I looked at them and I said I am I am certified to teach band. In 30 years I've never taught band. And they were like, oh boy. >> [laughter] >> But I told them I said you give me grace and I'm going to give you grace and we're going to figure out this together and we did. We figured it out and this group of kids showed so much perseverance and dedication and commitment. They set a goal very early on that they wanted to earn straight ones at ratings. And I told them I said we're going to
017have to work hard. And they did. They I'm going to get teary-eyed. Okay, they rose to that occasion and they overcame and um helped each other and worked together and really really made Grafton High School proud and Grafton High School band proud. We went to Bridgeport High School in the middle well towards the end of March kind of in the middle of the play. I don't know who scheduled that. Um but um we went and and the kids they just they had it. They they were so confident. They knew that that they had worked hard and and they were going to do it. So, we started and I was nervous. I don't know if they were but I was. And about halfway through the first piece which was pretty long. The first piece is kind
018of long. And about halfway through I thought we got this. And they they just soared and all the judges were very complimentary and you know we're very gave a lot of good info for us. But we scored three straight ones that the WBA SSAC ratings. It is a requirement for band to do that. It's kind of like the SAT test, I guess, for, you know, for everybody else. And they um they just knocked it out of the park and I cannot be more proud of them of all of all of my students cuz now they're my babies, too. And uh it's just it's a it's just going to it's it's been a it's been a hard year, but it's been a good year and I'm just very proud of them. And I just want to
019put a little plug in there. We have our our choral concert on Sunday, this coming Sunday at 3:00. And then we have our band concert on Thursday at the 7th at 7:00. See how we did that? The 3rd at 3:00, the 7th at 7:00. Now you can't forget. So they'll be they'll be on the stage performing that as well as May's busy. Entertainer's going to be busy. Band is busy. It's a busy time with with all of that. So I'm very very proud of them and and all of their accomplishments. Thank you. >> [applause] >> This is May. We also have a a certificate for this group. Congratulations to the Grafton High School Band for your for earning superior ratings during the 2025 2025 2026 annual band ratings event. >> Ms. Garvin, do you have
020permission to speak? >> Yes. So I know I'm not currently the principal of Grafton High School, but at the time that this began, I was. And I didn't know that I would have an opportunity to publicly say this, but I need to since I have it. Mrs. Mayo, a few years ago, was not working at Grafton High School when the entertainer position came open seven and we needed somebody and one evening she and I were on the phone as friends. It wasn't really a and I said she said I need to talk to you about something and I thought it was just going to be some random and she said I'm thinking about getting back to the high school and I said what will that take and she said I need you to promise me
021if I get in over my head that you're going to tell me to back up. You're going to look after me and I said I'm going to fight to keep you above water and you're going to keep swimming and we're not going to go down like we did the last time cuz the first time she was here she said yes to everything. You can't say yes to everything. >> I learned. >> So she spent seven years and she did pretty good not great. Sometimes she got in the weeds a little bit and had to get herself back out cuz it's this is a big job. Everything about fine arts uh first of all everything about education is big job but fine arts is just commitment commitment commitment but when this all something when we needed
022somebody in the fall and I didn't know what we were going to do I did not know these kids needed somebody um this county needed somebody and I had no idea cuz it couldn't be me cuz I've told him I can't sing a a lick. I couldn't do anything. And I walked down there and I started to ask her for something that had nothing to do with that and she said I got you. >> [laughter] >> And I said it's my job to protect you but I can't cuz I need you and she stepped up and this for her last year in retirement what a way to go but I just want to publicly thank you friend um for what you did for these kids in our community. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> [applause]
023>> Hello. Uh on behalf of the board and uh everybody up at this table I just want to say congratulations to all of you. It gives me a great joy to know there's this many students in Taylor County shining so well going around the state, going to other states, making Taylor County look very good. Uh you should be very proud of that. I [clears throat] want to give a shout-out to the parents and siblings because they have to support it, too. You all have brothers and sisters that probably had to give up for you to do something like this. You give up stuff for them to do other things. It It's very encouraging to see you all in many different activities, too. Sports, FFA, just just to name a few down the line. Uh I
024want to thank the teachers and and the coaches and the staff, the uh counselors, and everybody that helps make this possible. You You guys You You're our future, and we need you. And you always hold your head high. Be very proud of moments like this. I think someone said it before, these are very cherished moments. I want to thank like you know, there's a number of things. I look around and go, the transportation department, you know, they they get buses to and from. I saw the day you went to Bridgeport. It was about 10 minutes before Mr. Stallings sent out the email saying that you guys had won. You know, I saw you coming back at about 2:00 in the afternoon coming from Bridgeport. So So it's good. So it takes a team, and you
025guys are a big part of the team, and you got a good team behind you. And And I appreciate very much everything you guys do, everybody in here. Thank you. >> THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> GOT TO TAKE A PICTURE. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, GUYS. VERY GOOD. All right. The next group that we would like to bring up is the Taylor County Middle School Band, who also, I believe, received straight ones at ratings this year. >> [applause] >> All right. Don't have as many here. Um with all the sporting things going on, our kids are involved in so much. That's where they're most Majority of them are at, but we do have a couple of representatives here in our 8th grade. Uh, our band has had a very busy year as well. Um, as many
026know by now in uh, November we went to Washington, D.C. and we represented the state of West Virginia at the National Veterans Day ceremonies there, which was just an absolute thrill uh, for me as a teacher. I've never done anything like that with a group. Um, and also with the kids um, one of the best comments that I got was on our very last day. Um, our touring company, we had each group of buses had a tour guide that took us around. And the best compliment that I got was uh, our tour guide looked looked at me and said he goes, "Mr. Chadderton," he said, "out of all my years of doing this," he goes, "these are some of the most respectful young adults I've ever had the pleasure of leading around." And that to
027me, they could have played horribly and I wouldn't have cared. They did not, but they could have and that was just the best compliment to me because I always talk to my kids about giving to your community, being good citizens, role models, future adults. And that to me was one of the best compliments I could have ever gotten as a teacher. Um, but we had a great time in D.C. We represented our state and our community and our county well. We played extremely well. I was so proud. Um, and then I'm going to piggyback off of Doritos a quick plug. If you did not get a chance to see our Veterans Day performance, our band concert is May 18th here at the high school. We will be doing a portion of our D.C. performance at
028our concert that evening. We will be honoring our veterans in the middle of our concert and we'll be performing what we did in D.C. live. So, if you did not get to see it or you all you could do is stream it, you wanted to hear it live, you'll get your chance to hear it there if you would like to come out. Um, so fast forward to ratings. Uh, with the snow days and everything, um, I always pick our music and give it to the kids right before we leave for Christmas break so they have a chance to look over it and kind of learn a little bit on their own. And then here come all these snow days and I'm sitting here going, "Did I pick too difficult a music?" Cuz we just lost
0292 weeks of rehearsal time to get ready. So our performance was on March 26th at Bridgeport Middle School. And when these kids came back to school, you know, I told them I said, "Guys, I said we're going to do this and we all the music is graded 1 through 6. 6 being the most difficult. That's what your upper level high schools usually perform. Collegiate ensembles would perform. Typical for middle school is twos and threes. We performed two twos. One in some books is graded as a three and that was the one I wasn't sure if I picked too difficult a music or not, but I just told the kids I said, "Hey guys, this is what we're going to do. Here's our goals. Here's our timeline. By this date, I want to have this music
030ready to go so we can just kind of fine-tune things the week before ratings. Um and kind of like what Aretha said, we got done with our first piece of music and I was like that that that's all I need to hear. It's we've got it. That's it's it. Um I try not to show my emotion when I conduct, but I was all smiles after that first performance. I think the kids knew it as well. Um but we scored three ones for me one from each judge, three ones and on each scoring sheet that the judge gives you that you get grades A to A to F on tone, balance and blend, intonation, um appearance, things like that and we had a near perfect score. We had straight A's except for two B's in all
031of those categories from each judge. Out of each judge, we had a straight A's and two B's. So it was almost near perfect performance as you could get. Um and then after that we had a we had a great time with each other, but um this band has worked extremely hard this year. Um we've had we've had days where we didn't know what was going to happen. We've had some days of what I like to call mediocrity, where they know that that's I always say that's the bad word in my vocabulary, where they know they can be better, but they always come back in a day or two and and they give me everything that they've got. Um so, it has been a great year. We're still not done. We've got our concert coming up.
032Then we've got a performance at the Memorial Sunday up at the Prairie Town National Cemetery, as well as the parade on Memorial Day, and that will close out our season for the year. Uh represented here is uh Leach and Addie Westfall, two eighth graders, who will hopefully continue their musical journey next year into the high school program and continue to build the great things that are happening there. Thank you. >> [applause] >> So, Mr. Tydow, Ms. Leach, and Ms. Westfall, on behalf of the Board of Education, your certificate says, "Congratulations to the Taylor County Middle School Band for earning superior ratings during the 2025-2026 annual band ratings event." Congratulations. >> I uh I hope you two young ladies can pass on to the rest of the band our praise and uh uh accolades because uh
033either you're the smallest band in history or >> [laughter] >> or or a lot of the rest of them are off playing softball or whatever else tonight. Uh congratulations. Ones all across the board and all those A's, that's just absolutely great. Continue for the rest of the time to play music and enjoy music the rest of your lives. Boy, you guys are off to a great start. Congratulations. >> Next we have a group of art students and they had some projects displayed at Gallery 62. >> Good evening. Uh was not expecting to speak but I will praise my students if they will all come down. They're here. There was a I think a slight confusion on where to be tonight maybe in the sports so um The students that participate in art um who were
034in the art show at the Gallery 62 West um and for Arts Alive which happens every year Arts Youth Art Month excuse me. They are basically the top I feel as though they give it their all. They try. They work really hard and they shine. You can tell that their work has everything they had put into it. And so having that opportunity to have their work displayed at the gallery for them was a great opportunity and we're very thankful to the gallery for allowing them to do that. And throughout the year um not even thinking about that they have contests that they participated in. They participated in Arts Alive. There was a poster contest for the uh yearly um what they you know the celebration of the arts every year they do that in Charleston.
035And so all my students had an opportunity to participate in that and we sent several students work down to Charleston. Also we had two students in the uh Congressional Art Contest down in Charleston at the Cultural Center. And I believe their works um it on display. It may still be on display down there right now in their in their gallery. Um What we did the patriotic art contest recently where our students were focused on you know, how to portray um what patriotism meant to them. And a lot of that artwork um is on display in the art room right now. We're having our own little memorial art show in the in the art room, so uh those students that didn't go into the contest, which I believe the county is the um the auxiliary representative
036will judge those. And usually lately it's been um they get their awards at the board meeting. So, I'm not sure if you guys are doing that this year, but that's that's what I believe is going to happen, so uh that's that's another opportunity for students. They don't always get the um spotlight in the art in drawing, painting, sculpture, but they do um shine in their own way. They give it what, you know, their own ex- you know, they get to ex- express themselves, their feelings, their um you know, their thoughts, all their you know, everything about themselves through drawing, painting, sculpture, print making. So, that's their opportunity because not all of them get to do other things that, you know, but that's okay because that is their that's their niche. Um so, I just want
037to celebrate them. >> [laughter] >> Yeah. This is Catherine DeMassi and Caleb Waters. Thank you for coming. >> I do want to recognize on behalf of the on behalf of the board congratulations to the Gallery 62 art display representatives that are here with us this evening for your beautiful creations included in the 2025-2026 Gallery 62 display. Thank you for sharing your talent. >> And on behalf of the board, I just want to congratulate you as well, and thank you for sharing your talent with the community and with us. And you know, art is such a it's such a great thing cuz it really helps the soul, and it just really can speak volumes. And just expressing yourself through art can help so many people. So, I really appreciate and congratulate you for doing that and
038continue to do that. And I just want to thank our community, um you know, the art gallery for displaying their art. Um it's so wonderful to have that community involvement, and really, um you know, helping you achieve your goals and look for the next step, and I think it's just wonderful. And thank you so much for presenting this evening for them and sharing with us. And I I like It looks like there was 23 23 students, so um and thank you for representing this evening. Congratulations. >> Are we going to pick? Okay. Uh next on the list is the West Virginia Seal of Biliteracy. >> Buenas noches. Good evening. Um so I said I told the students to come. So. If Felipe The Spanish two honors. Okay. Okay, so I'm going to start with the
039West Virginia Seal of Biliteracy. This is a award is given to a student who had reached high level proficiency in two language. So of course they have been in Spanish and English. They take a big test. It's like 4 hours, 6 hours and then uh they have to get any scores and so They got uh an escort had a West Virginia Seal of Biliteracy and then if they get a higher score, they can get the global seal. So this year right here we have McKenna Wilson, Alexa Sweek and Emily Himes and Sen Chen. So The four of them got um the West Virginia Seal of Biliteracy and the seniors got the global seal. This is a very uh good achievement. It's a it will help them uh at college and to work because they have
040a proficiency in Spanish. Um also I have the National Spanish Exam. I don't have here any. Yeah, I have Valentina. Uh-huh. Some of them didn't come. >> I knew they have more. They didn't call. They They didn't report to the front. So, for the national Spanish exam, this is a national exam that they take. It's in reading reading >> [clears throat] >> reading listening and grammar. Uh-huh. And it's really hard exam. I I really I believe, but some of them actually place at the national level. So, I'm just going I actually have the medals and diploma for them. It's not allowed, but I'm going to pass it out because I think this is a great opportunity to do it. Um We're going to start with For my Spanish five, I have Emily Heim, who's the
041honor man here. Uh-huh. For my Spanish four, I don't have anybody here. So, let me think. My Spanish three, actually I have Jack Austin. He got a silver medal. Also, let me see. I have Sam Chen. He have a bronze medal. And then, I have one more for my Spanish three. >> I have Ronald Ball with a bronze medal, too. All of these they didn't come because of tracks of war. They are busy. Okay. For my Spanish too, I have a silver medal for Riley Murphy. Wow. She actually got a perfect score in grammar. Also, I have Olivia Pittman with a silver medal. Okay. And then for bronze, we have Brooklyn Peters. >> [applause] >> And Isabella Sebes with bronze, too. So, I think this is all. Yeah, so this is all academic. But also,
042wow, we went to a competition. It's called the West Virginia World Language Showcase. >> [snorts] >> Um the students compete in different different categories. Um they were like dancing, um poetic dictation, um what am I trivia. And Grafton was the school who took the most students. We took like uh 49 students to this. And this year actually, uh we have a lot more competition because this is the second time that we uh participate in this showcase. And when I saw the competition, I said, "Oh my god, this year is going to be hard, but still my students did very, very well." Uh the students placed almost in everything. They got like first and second place in skits. They got second and third place in singing. Actually, Jake is not here? Jake? Yeah, you were in
043the I thought So, we have Yaks. He got second place in singing, and Jake got third place in singing. Um modern dance, we got second place with Waka Waka. Um folkloric dance, we got first place and second place, too. Poetry, this was really amazing. Alexa Swick, she was the only who memorized the the the poem for all the participants. We have like eight in her division. And Alexa also won the first place, and everybody was impressed with her, so was Also, in dictation, we got level one first place and third place. We have Brooklyn here. She got third place in dictation. Um We have um prepared speech level one. We got first place and second place. And the videos competition, this is like a pre- uh they have to turn in them like in March,
044[clears throat] and then they have popular vote and judge vote. We just have three videos, and two were from Grafton High School, so they won first and second place. They were amazing. One of the videos was actually uh made by my my freshman about Grafton, and he was very impressed. They really want like the most original video. Everybody was impressed with their creativity. Also, we got first place in trivia. The student have to memorize like 500 questions and last year they were running up and this year they won. Also, I want to thank you Mr. Stahlin. You know, I asked him with my the MC of the showcase and I said I'm going to ask him because long time ago he was the MC of a festival that I used to do at the middle
045school. And Mr. Stahlin said yes and he went to this showcase. He spent the whole day there being my MC. So, thank you very much. That mean a lot for our students, for me and thank you very much and I really we have to give a big applause to these students who perform like in another language. You guys were amazing. Los amo mucho. >> [applause] >> So, Senora Skaggs, we have some certificates also for your group, ladies and gentlemen. Uh we have congratulations on behalf of the Board of Education to the students of Grafton High School Spanish program for earning a West Virginia Seal of Biliteracy, for earning the Global Seal of Biliteracy, for the 2025-2026 National Spanish Exam Performance. And lastly, the students of Grafton High School Spanish program winners and participants for your
046performances as a part of the West Virginia World Languages Showcase. And Senora, thank you so much for including me. It was a wonderful day for me. Ladies and gentlemen, you cannot be more proud of the students' performance at Fairmont State University that day. They did great things. I do not speak Spanish, but I believe in the Spanish language after watching our kids. They also were there performing some of the students were performing in French. Others were performing in American sign language. And all of them, especially those kids from Grafton, were very respectful. Thank you and congratulations. >> Well, um not by-literate at all, um unless >> [laughter] >> Okay. So, may- some days not literate, right? So, but I'm pretty sure the word wow translates regardless. Um the fact that you guys can do this
047in English and in Spanish, and that you can see how these things translate, how you can bring your music, your dance, how you understand intrinsically that this is a set of skills you will need to move forward in the world is amazing. So, thank you for all of the work you do to make this happen, to make us all look good, and to make it a brighter, bigger, broader world for all of us. So, and thank you, Señora. >> [applause] >> Get a picture? All right. And and buenas noches, yes. Um all right. The next group on the list is the Grafton High School SkillsUSA winners. Looks like we have some friends. >> Very good. >> So, I will say this is a first for me, but hopefully many more. Um most of you know
048me. Um and for those that you don't know me, I am Taylor Sears. I'm the culinary arts teacher here at Grafton High School. The first student I am going to present today is Wyatt Weaver. He unfortunately couldn't make it tonight. He got third place for graphic and sublimation. Um I'm not sure about the category, but I think I can proudly say that he went in confident and worked extremely hard to represent Grafton High School that day. So. There he is. Um Yes. The next two students I'd like to present is Aubrey Roy and Cali Copeland. Miss Cali is actually outside representing track right now. Um but these two girls worked extremely hard the month of March. Um what they did in a month and a half usually takes a couple months more to learn in
049the lifetime that they have. So. Um I'm just really proud of you guys. So. Um But with the wedding cake design, they had to collaborate and represent a design in a three-tiered style cake. So, it's one layer, two layer, three layer. Um but within this design, they had to show piping techniques. Um different types of Oh my god, I can't even think about it right now cuz I'm just trying to emotionally collect myself. Um But they had to show different types of piping techniques. They were able to work with fondant, um, use different, um, styles to different colors and so on and so forth. But with the categories and the sections of how they judge the cake, they base it on design, creativity, they do safety and sanitation, how well they work together, and how
050well they stay organized. They had a 3 and 1/2 hour time frame to present this cake. Um, they went up against 12 other teams. One of them was a middle school team, which I was really surprised and shocked, but these girls I'm extremely proud of. They had other things going on the month of March and I don't know how they survived, but they took this competition by the horns and they went with it. Um, but they did extremely well and I'm proud of them for that. So, Miss Aubrey, would you like to say anything? Do you have any Does the board have any questions for Miss Aubrey? Yes. Oh, yes, they were first in THE STATE. SORRY. >> [laughter] >> WANT TO SAY ANYTHING? OKAY, I WILL SAY the play the people that had placed
051for the SkillsUSA, um, the president of Fairmont State, uh, if they want a medal of any sorts on that stage this year, that they will have a $2,000 scholarship right off the bat if they decided to extend uh, attend Fairmont State University. So, that's 4 years of books and supplies provided for them if they decide to go. So. >> [applause] >> So, Miss Sears, first of all, I want to recognize you because I didn't when you walked up. I've never seen you with your hair down. >> I I got that all day today, so it's different. I know. >> It looks beautiful, of course. >> Thank you. >> And thank you. She's also the board I want to remind you that she's the lady that's in charge and does such a phenomenal job for our
052winter celebration. She and her her crew. On behalf of the Board of Education, congratulations to the Grafton High School student winners of the 2025-2026 SkillsUSA competition. Thank you. >> Yes, thank you. >> I am very impressed with everything that I heard that she said that you did. The only complaint I have is that you didn't bring a sample tonight. They gave you 3 and 1/2 hours. They would have had to give me 3 and 1/2 days to form something and it would have I would have had to pay them $2,000 to get me out of there. Um the the level of patience the level of mastery um the level of dedication that it takes. And I know how you're being taught. I've seen her work. I know how you're being taught. Um I I can
053tell you I'm nothing short of impressed. So continue what you're doing and I am very proud of you. I know the hard work you're putting into it. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> All right. Next we have our UTC 2026 SkillsUSA competition winners and participants. >> Good evening. Good evening, everyone. Thank you for being here. Um I'll start with this. Dr. Stallings said um "You think you could find some students to recognize at our next board meeting?" I said, "Can I find some students?" >> [laughter] >> Absolutely. So, I know when I came here in 2020, um, one of the big reason as reasons I came here is I'm I'm a Ripley boy. I'm not from here, but man, I've heard a lot about Grafton and I and I learned a lot about Grafton because
054of the quality of students that I witnessed, uh, every year, um, in FFA competitions, as an FFA advisor, and through other means. So, um, we're very, very lucky here in Taylor County. Um, I have an opportunity to recognize some students for SkillsUSA, and I must say, it's right up my alley as a past agriculture teacher and career technical education. Uh, I lived this world for for a long time as teacher, and so, we definitely want to recognize them. Now, they're probably saying, "Oh, no, Mr. Knapp is here." because Mr. Knapp believes in public speaking, and he thinks students should definitely be able to do that. So, uh, we're going to ask our individuals to come here to the mic, and they will introduce themselves as well as, uh, the competition they were involved in. I
055will say that, um, their work is is, uh, is amazing. Um, their ability to take their hands and and create, uh, amazing products. Uh, this is our future. Um, we need them in in America, and, um, we're very proud of them. So, come over here. Don't be don't be shy. All right, uh, one at a time, uh, please, uh, tell them your name and what competition you're in, and if you placed, what the placing was. >> My name is Isabella Laird, and I went into the welding competition. What welding What's it called? Sculpture, yeah. Welding sculpture, and I did not place, but I made a I took a pipe and I made that into a tree. And then I made a bird as a woodpecker. And as the feet, I made a spring, like I
056attached a spring. So, when you pulled back on the bird, it would hit like a woodpecker. Um unfortunately, I did not place, but I was very happy to be in the competition. >> Uh my name is Dylan Gutshall. I was in the motorcycle service technology program, and I did that for Skills, and I placed second. I dove just valves, do electrical work, and all stuff like that, suspension stuff, and placed second. >> My name is Gavin Nichols, and I I competed in automotive refinishing. I placed first as state champion, and all we had to do was scuff and clean a fender and paint it. >> [applause] >> So, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Board of Education, congratulations to Grafton High School student winners and participants of the United Technical Center's 2026 SkillsUSA competition.
057We've heard a lot about the the great kids from Taylor County and Grafton High School going to the UTC. So, congratulations. >> Um congratulations to to you all, and everybody that was in the competition. Uh you know, the skills you learn there are skills you will use every day. You know, there isn't about every week I get my welder out, try to weld up stuff. I I not good at all. You would probably not even call it welding, okay? But, it gets done, but the skills you have is what America needs. It's what the people of the world need. You know, we've got to have welders. We've got to have automotive body. You look at that down the list of everybody there. And and it's so great that Taylor County produces a lot of those
058every year. Those skills will stay with you forever. You may go into some other unrelated field, but you'll find yourself back here doing this, helping a neighbor, doing something. So, congratulations to you. You make Taylor County proud. So, and and to all the parents and teachers and everybody out there as well. So, appreciate you very much. Thank you. >> Did you get the picture or do we need to bring them back? >> I tried. >> All right. Thank you. Um we now have the FFA state competition. I don't know if y'all saw it, but I said that and the whole row stood up like in sync. It was amazing. >> Well, good evening, everybody. It's a honor to be in front of you again to talk about the rockstars that wear the blue jackets with
059Taylor County on the back. Um this group of individuals that we have in front of the the board tonight participated in career development events. Every year the West Virginia FFA Association hosts 24 different career development events twice throughout the year, which is a little bit different than what Mr. Summers may remember from his time in vo-ag, but they're held in two different points of the year um in fall uh and then the winter. Uh we had two teams ready to go in December, but the weather said not yet. Um so they got postponed to March, and we actually ended up putting a third team together uh as well. And we had three teams go up to Morgantown in March uh and did very very well. Uh the first one I'll talk about has no representatives
060here, and that's the food science and technology contest. Uh in that contest, they're exposed to uh food industry type careers. Uh they had to uh memorize some questions for a general knowledge exam about the food industry. Uh they had to identify aromas. They had to do some safety and sanitation uh type skills. They had to identify uh customer complaints uh through inquiries. And they did very well. Uh the members of that team were Cage Andrews, uh P.J. McGuinness, Peyton Freeman, who was the 10th place individual, and Cheyenne Balliard, who was the third place individual. And combined, they ended up being the second place team in the state out of 17 teams. Um The next group that I'll talk about is the uh milk quality and products boys. Uh in that contest, one that's very near
061and dear to my heart and in a a staple tradition in the Taylor County FFA chapter, uh those boys had to learn about uh the dairy production industry. They had to uh take a general knowledge test about, you know, the the marketing and production of dairy products. Uh they had to identify cheese. They had to identify uh off-flavors in milk among various other things, a little bit of math. Drop our heads on math a little bit, that's all right. Uh Overall, we did very very well. Uh Dylan Garrison was fifth place individual. Uh Jeffrey Wyckoff was seventh place individual. Maddox Misha was eighth. And our other representative, Cole Boyles, when you combine them together, they were also second place team in the state and did very very well. And then the our last crew that
062we had, uh we kind of threw together last second, uh but they worked really really hard, you know, none nonetheless uh in the plant pathology contest. Uh the idea behind the plant pathology contest is that they have to be able to identify uh farm crops or farm vegetables, uh identify what disease is currently impacting that crop, uh and then a way to uh eradicate that disease if possible. So, it's a little bit of memorization. A lot of bit of memorization. Uh probably could have used another month. But, all things considered, all four kids placed in the top 10 individuals. Uh Kierra Spring was 10th place individual. Jackson Hildreth was seventh place individual. Uh Gracie Poling was the sixth place individual. And Ashlyn Lambert was the uh fifth place individual. Uh so, all four kids got
063into the top 10, which made it good enough for them to also place second place in the state. So, we took three teams up there and got three second places. And you know, they did a really really good job. Uh something that I'm really proud to say about the Seven Oaks peers that they're all sophomores. >> Wow. >> They're all sophomores. So, uh it's going to be interesting to see what they're able to accomplish in the future. And I can't wait to see that happen. >> So, Mr. Tennant, ladies and gentlemen, uh on behalf of the Board of Education, congratulations to you, students of Grafton High School's FFA program winners and participants in the 2026 FFA state competitions. Well done. >> Yeah, on behalf of the board, I'd like to congratulate you all. And good
064grief, life skills for the future of agriculture in West Virginia. And you're all what? Sophomores, you say? Next year and the year after that, come on, look out for you. Uh I'm telling you, you've got a future ahead of you in uh in these competitions. If you can do this well as a sophomore, you can do even better as a junior and senior. Uh Again, congratulations, and you guys are developing life skills for agriculture. You uh have uh career development in mind. Go for it. Uh congratulations. >> Great. Thank you. Next on the list, that brings us to our Scores winners. Grafton High School students competed at Scores, an academic competition at Marshall University. There are over 90 different competitions, and students competed from West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky. I always say it's one thing
065to be competitive within Grafton High School. It's another thing to be competitive across the state. It's a whole different level to be competitive across several states. The following students placed in competitions. Health Science exam, second place, Miley Singleton, who could not be here tonight. In Art and Design, logo and branding, our sophomores swept that entire category. First place, Corbin Newbraugh. Second place, >> [applause] >> second place, Bree Spencer, who could not be here tonight. And third place, Caleb Waters. Broadcast news writing, first place, Braden White. Second place, Parker Biller. Photo journalism, feature video, third place, Lucas Nicholson. He could not be here tonight. Next competition needs a little bit of explanation. It's called the next best team competition. Grafton High School's team placed third in that. That team is a little bit different because it's
066definitely impromptu thinking. Students are giving a an idea, a concept. They have to quickly market a product and come up with an idea. They have to come up with a a name. And our students definitely did that. So, in third place is Sarah Moore, Braxton Bowling, Beckett Stallings, who cannot be here tonight, and Savannah Workman, who also cannot be here tonight. In creative writing, short story, third place is Rowan Duvall. And finally, general physics, second place, Zeng Chen. >> Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the board, congratulations to Grafton High School's student winners of the 2026 Scores competition. Excellent job, ladies and gentlemen. >> Well, congratulations. This is always the favorite part of the meeting for me is um seeing our students and all the accomplishments that you guys uh do, and I just want
067to say just wow. I mean, being not only representing Grafton High School, but your state of West Virginia, and then competing with uh students from other states, and placing, I mean, that is just amazing and just so wonderful. Um continue success for you all, and just congratulations really for representing not only Taylor County schools, but um your state as well. So, good job. Congratulations to the parents, too, uh for your support and the teachers that that helped you along the way. So, congratulations. >> Turn around. Get a picture. >> Thank you very much. >> Next, we'd like to see the FBLA state winners. >> Mrs. Bolyard, who is the FBLA advisor here at Grafton High School, could not be in attendance. However, you're in great hands with Braxton Poling, who will be your speaker. >>
068In March, we took about 25 students with us to Huntington, West Virginia for a state leadership conference. Um they participated in different competitions, workshops, and networked with different people around West Virginia. At the conference, we had 16 members that qualified for nationals in San Antonio, Texas. Um we are only taking 10 members to with us to Texas this summer, and we will have the members introduce like their competitions. So, >> I'm placed third place in broadcast journalism. >> Um my name is Kenna Wilson, and I placed first um with impromptu speaking. So, with impromptu speaking, um you kind of just talk on the spot. Like, you're supposed to make up a speech. And um yeah. >> [applause] >> My group, um Aubrey me, Aubrey, and Callie, and Reese um did business plan, and we placed
069second in the state. >> [applause] >> Uh myself, Grayson Ramazon, and Owen Hester placed first in sports and entertainment management. We also had uh the other sports and management team uh take second place at states as well. >> Unfortunately, most of our members were in the track meet tonight, and they cannot be here. So, we'd like to recognize them as well. But, we'd also like to thank the Board of Education for their generous donation to our FBLA chapter for us to be able to attend San Antonio this summer. We'd also like to recognize Sophia Austin, our chapter president and former state secretary, as well as Carolyn Stead, chapter vice president and former state historian, for their dedication and time to our local chapter, but also their hard work at the state level and their dedication
070towards the state conferences, which they helped organize and plan for our state. >> Oh. We would also like to recognize Braxton Poling for being elected as the next state historian for the state of FBLA. We can't wait to see his accomplishments and dedication to FBLA at the state level. >> And finally, the state FBLA hosted a pin design competition for our national trading pin in San Antonio. And then we had our very own member, Natalie Cartwright, that won the pin design competition for the state. And this is the pin. >> Ladies and gentlemen, congratulations to the Grafton High School state winners of the 2026 FBLA state competition, and best of luck in as in the summer. Congratulations. >> Y'all You are amazing. Um again, these are not small concepts. These are not small projects. These
071are a culmination of life skills, of working together, of being able to hold your own in a room full of peers, in a room full of adults, in a room full of strangers, and say, I got this. You make us all look good. So, thank you for all the time, all the dedication, and for having the tenacity to say, "What can I do next? And how can I make this brilliant?" So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Stand pretty. Smile. >> Senator Show. >> All right. And last on this amazing list of student accomplishments, we have the Grafton High School State Swim Team. Maybe. Yes. There we go. >> down. All right. As Julia is coming down, um just want to recognize that most of the swimmers are trackers as well. I guess I can
072say that. Um they're on the track team, but we did want to acknowledge Julia as well as the other members um a historic year for for Grafton Swim at the state competition. And um Julia, would you like to speak on that? Okay, that's okay. So, Julia is a a wonderful member of the team, and uh we congratulate her and the rest of the members. Unfortunately again they could not be here tonight. Congratulations. >> So Julia, on behalf of the Board of Education congratulations to the Grafton High School's 2025-2026 State Swim Team for your excellent individual and team performance. Congratulations. >> I can offer you congratulations, but I can't swim. So I don't really know what you went through, but I can like say awesome. If you're ever offering swimming lessons, maybe I can join with
073the other three and four-year-olds. I don't know. I'll be the oldest one there by 40 years, but congratulations. All joking aside, you did an awesome job. >> Hands down, the most amazing part of sitting in any of these chairs is what we got to do tonight. Our students are phenomenal. And so thank you to the parents, the guardians, the teachers, the siblings who push, the administrators who pull, and everybody for waking up every day to do this. Y'all rock. Um and at this point, you are excused. That moves us to a very patient Williamson Shriver architecture team and and their presentation on the new transportation building project and >> [laughter] >> and unfortunately yes sir, you do need to use the microphone. Uh if you'd like to remove it from the stand and walk around
074with it you may. >> Good evening. >> Hello. Yep. >> It is on. So I've been asked tonight to come to present a little bit about the uh second phase of the project. So to bring everybody up to speed, uh we have been working with Taylor County schools on a transportation uh project at the new location over on um Route 50. So phase one was a previous portion of the project after you guys purchased the building. It was a renovation inside the interior of the building to update some of the spaces to make the bathrooms ADA compliant uh and to add some doors as part of the garage entrances for the project. Add set of stairs to the second level and then get it ready for the new transportation uh area for the the build
075uh for the county. Um at after that we had a phase two portion of the project which was going to be bringing fuel tanks uh to the site, getting them to where it's all prepped and ready for your transportation to relocate there along with uh creating a retaining wall and island fuel station for the fuel tanks and then getting it ready so that you guys can use it. So we have bid the project. Uh it was presented to you guys at the last board meeting. You guys did have a list of questions. So since that last board meeting I received those questions. I've reviewed them. I provided answers to them uh and then I'm going to kind of open the floor to ask if there's any additional questions prior to the presentation I've got of
076just going over the scope of the project for phase two. >> First of all, thank you very much for for putting this together and answering these questions. I appreciate you taking the time to do that. I want to thank Ms. Decker and Ms. Shoemaker and and all that met us at the site where we did do a review of that. Some of us board members were able to get a review of that. It's quite informative. The transportation department guys were there and I appreciate that. So, um after looking at everything, I did have one question. And I think I could have missed it, so it may just be on me not anyone out there. Uh I was under the impression when we're doing the new But I didn't see that in here. Maybe I just
077misunderstood. >> No, the in the initial estimate, it was never a paved lot. It was going to be a concrete area at the island for the fuel pumps. And then at a future project, if funds were ever available, then you could do a paved lot there because that was just something that we did not explore due to the cost that we had at that time. >> But Okay, so so I'm assuming that and that's fine cuz I just misunderstood that. Maybe I just didn't hear well. Um so I'm assuming though that there are some areas where there's some low spots. There's areas where mud and all is washing. I'm assuming there'll be some gravel work done. You'll be digging up, putting in drainage lines. There's the I think you called it the I don't know
078if it was actually like the fuel or oil separator or maybe contaminant separator. And And so there's going to be a lot of construction around there. So, you know, retaining wall put in. So, I'm assuming there's going to be a lot of gravel and all that and compacted in and done. >> Yes, so I'm actually going to show you and if you want, I can jump right into that. >> Yeah, why don't you do it? I mean, why don't you do that now? >> So, I'm going to do my best to work here. So, what you guys are looking at here is the property kind of outlined in the yellow with your building set in the middle. So, that's kind of outlining the area you have so that we could understand what we're dealing with.
079Now, there is a grade behind the site. This area is kind of that gravel area that you guys have that you're talking about that may be a little soft. We did have a geotechnical engineer review this as part of our project so we could understand what we needed to have. And going into the the next part of the project, we are going to have to carve out some of that back hill side to expand the area of usable space. So, we're going to have a retaining wall that is highlighted there in pink. I'm going to try to zoom in real quick. There we go. So, this area highlighted in pink is a retaining wall that has to be put in place to be able to get enough area and clearance behind. The propane tank is
080highlighted here in the light blue. We have a gas or a diesel and a gasoline tank. And then this red line is representing the 80-ft clearance we need to have for the propane tank. So, that's why we had to push this towards the back of the property. And then kind of highlighting over here on the lower side is on the right hand side of the the site is your fuel island. So, this is an area that buses can drive in on both sides, have access to the propane, to the gas, and the diesel on this side of the property. And then all those will have underground connections back to those tanks. There is a fueling location back here for the propane and then fueling will be directly into those two tanks. Yes, sir. >> Okay.
081Is it all right to ask questions now? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um your retaining wall, how tall is that? >> So, it starts Let me pull this down some. >> I mean, average and highest point? >> I think the highest point is in this corner here because of how much we're retaining and is in roughly 12 to 15 ft and there will be a fence on top of it. >> [snorts] >> And that is just what we have because of the natural terrain that's coming down here to be able to push back and create an area, but it is a retaining wall as part of that design. >> What's it made of? >> I believe it is a segmental retaining wall so made out of design blocks that are will be stacked and be connected
082together with gravel and other reinforcement. >> Okay. And and just one further question. I mean a 12-ft retaining wall you're going to have a lot of I guess of dirt, rock and so on. Do you have a place to dispose of all that or >> I think we were trying to get it to where it's a balanced site so if there is any area on site that we can dispose of it, the idea is to try to not have to truck it off too far, but we had it in our documents that they were supposed to either balance a site, relocate it on site or if need be they could truck it off, but if we have a location adjacent or we can work out we can limit the location or the distance they have
083to travel. >> So with you know, rising fuel costs everything I guess I guess it's it's in the budget if you have to haul it two or three miles or something you you've got that covered. >> So in the bid that the contractor provided, it is covering everything within our construction documents. So that is the all the site work associated with this project, all the new tanks associated with this project, all the concrete, all the storm, the oil separator, everything on the exterior of this project, also the tank removal and the any type of remediation of the site at the existing site is all covered in the in the budget that we that the contractor bid. >> All right, thank [snorts] you. >> Any other questions at the moment? >> Yes, I did have a
084question. Just from some feedback that I've been hearing, um is the preference that the tanks are in the back from our transportation folks or I'm hearing s- preferences in the front, but I just want to clarify. >> So, when we were designing this, this was always the intent is to have it in the back just so it's out of the way. Now, if you being if I can zoom out, you have the opportunity to park the buses towards the front of the site, uh but there is a distance that we have to maintain it from the building. So, the left to right of the site does limit where you can put it towards the front of the building, uh and then where there's traffic we keep it out of the the public eye as well.
085>> Well, and I think that, you know, when we were down and visited, um we talked about the front of the building maybe being purposed for another opportunity in the future because we're not touching that part as well as the second floor. So, I understand that. It was just some feedback that um from constituents. So, I wanted to to get that information clarified. >> we're planning this site, there could be future development there. We don't fully know. There's an idea that something could happen or if you need to expand for more use, uh you would kind of expand towards the front of the site because there is ample room. You kind of have a limitation of how far back you have based on the property. So, the kind of the layout idea is to put
086everything towards the back, work your way out towards the front. >> Okay, thank you. >> You're welcome. Any other questions at the moment? All right, let me try to go to the next page. So, the question about the gravel uh and the parking lot. So, everything shown in this light pink will be new gravel associated with our project. And then everything shown in the gray areas will be the concrete uh associated with this project. So, there'll be concrete pads for uh the fuel tanks. There'll be an apron out the back of the building. And again, the uh concrete area for the fuel islands. >> It was also added in front of the fuel tank to to do the grading and and gravel. >> Yes. >> That was added in the addendum. >> Okay. >> That's
087included in the price. >> Yep, so >> the front of that. Just so you can check. >> Oh, out here? >> Yeah, out in front of that fuel tank to the edge of that dotted line. >> Got you. So, as you see here, this is also additional gravel that'll be leveled out uh protected. Now, I do know that there is a sanitary access here to the uh um I believe the septic tank. So, our knowing that there is going to be buses traveling there, I know we were planning to protect that because you'll have a lot of heavy traffic over gravel area. So, I know there's something in the documents to protect that uh lines there so that over time they do not become crushed and you have to deal with a a backup in
088the new bathroom. >> [snorts] >> And then going to maybe the next page, yes. So, this is outlining some of the the storm line. So, as part of the site work, when we're creating this retaining wall, we have to collect all the storm and the runoff there. So, these areas is the new storm line tying in way down to the front of the building. And then we've even designed uh an area on two sides so all the water is all the pads are sloping so that that water will be collected, routed in, and then as it's coming out of the building, we're putting a oil gas separator here, tying both of them in, and then that'll be discharging tying back into your uh storm line at the front of the property. So, there is a
089major storm running across here. So, we're rerouting all that connecting it to there. Yes, sir. >> Just Just one question. Back to the retaining wall, um are there any French drains or anything behind that or is it gravel stone behind that? Or will And will that uh be tied into the drainage system? Or is it just wait till it comes through and collect? I mean, I don't I don't really have a preference. I just kind of like to understand. >> Yeah, so luckily we do have a detail here for the construction documents. So, this is showing do >> of detail. >> Yeah, so this is showing the retaining wall. There is a 4-in drain at the very base of it and then that ties in Let me zoom back to the previous page. It actually
090ties in I didn't highlight it, but there is a new Italian line from the back of the retaining wall tying into this kind of catch basin that is kind of collecting these drains as well. >> Okay, thank you. So, any water that is coming on the surface behind the retaining wall will come to a area of aggregate gravel bleed down into the drain and then collect over that way. >> Okay, thank you. >> So, I think these are my four slides that I had for the presentation. Um Now, there are details in there, but most of the important stuff is talking about the Uh my mouse is on. Talking about the the drainage the the gravel and the asphalt and then the important one is the the fuel tanks and the location of that. Uh
091now, when we bid this project, we did put a time frame of when you're able to award the project. Um so, we are running towards that time frame. If you guys uh do make a motion later to move forward with the project, um as you indicated, costs are going up. So, if this by chance goes out for a rebid, uh you might see it be even greater. Um now we have everything covered in the documents that we feel that is there. So, the removal of the existing tank of the other site, it is covered in the documents through an allowance. That allowance is a $250,000 to cover that. We talked with the geotechnical engineer and the environmental engineer to make sure that the dollar amount we set aside to cover that will allow us to
092have an allowance that will cover the removal, the medi- uh the remediation, and then the backfill, and then anything that we may uh address. Now, if that cost from the contractor once we determine it uh in that allowance is less than what we've indicated, they will credit us back at the end of the project. So, you that will be money that you would get uh towards the project. Now, also in that budget, we had $100,000 as an allowance. So, that allowance is there to deal with the unknowns because anytime you do a site project, you're going to have unknowns associated with things that we could not see because they're below grade. When we start taking this out, we may get into issues because of where we did our geotechnical investigation. 5 ft away from that
093may be a rock that we didn't know about. So, there is money set in the budget that will allow us to award a construction change directive within the approval of the Dr. Stallings and Dr. Decker. And then if we do exceed that funds, that's when we would come back to a change order, but our our goal is to have allowances built into your budget so we don't have to come to a change order to the board. And at the end of the project, whenever we have a credit, then that will just be a deductive change order at the end of the project. Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, you know, assuming we get this awarded and move forward here pretty quick. Maybe you have it and you're getting to it and you can tell me to
094hold that thought and move on. That's fine, too. You don't have to answer it now, but do you do you have a rough order of magnitude of schedule like, you know, retaining wall complete like July 1st, tanks installation August. I mean, do you have a timeline just of the of the of the high-level items cuz the tanks, clearly the tanks, retaining wall is probably the biggest parts of the project. >> Right. So, that would be on the the contractor and that would be something that they would provide us after they have a signed contract. Likewise with a breakdown of cost. We have given them a time frame of when they have to have all the work complete. So, their number reflects having all of that scope in the construction documents completed by that time indicated
095in our specifications. And I want to say off the top of my head it's October, but I I could be wrong. I think I answered it in one of the questions. >> Right. And and and clearly, you know, taking the tanks out at the old site it would be the last thing on the schedule, I'm assuming. >> Correct. >> Uh do you have a rough order of I mean, can it be complete by Sep- this part complete by September 1st? Cuz that could be complete September 30th or October 15th or something. >> So, again, we gave the contractors a a time frame of when they had to be 100% complete. So, they it's back to their means and methods of when they're scheduled. They are looking at it that they're able to start within um
096a 14-day period after the board has awarded it. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> I think the information that we have indicates removal of old tank and any contaminated soil and backfill areas to be complete by October 20th of '26. >> Okay. >> Um I I do have some more questions and it may be as we discuss a little bit further, [clears throat] but I think for transparency sake to the public, we should you know, discuss what some of those questions were that we asked you because >> That's fine. >> you've given us answers, but you know, this is a big project and I think it's important that the public has an idea of what we asked, but I do have um some questions regarding some of the questions that we asked um in
097the information that was provided to us. There's 1 2 3 4 5 6 questions that say waiting for comments from Matt Glass and Terracon Corporation. Do you >> I do not have the answers as of today. >> Okay. >> So, those were questions addressing the EPA when I did provide these answers to you last Thursday, I believe it was, I had not received those responses yet and I realized when I got here today, those questions have not been answered to myself as well. So, when I get back tomorrow morning, I will do a phone call cuz by the time I get back tonight it'll be a little late, but I may start an email, but start pushing for those answers so I can give you the that information as part of the project. Now, uh,
098as part of additional services under rooms and service contract, we do have environmental overview for the uh, existing site. Uh, that was a an additional service that was added to our contract with Terradon Corporation for observation and testing after the tanks have been removed to make sure that everything in that area is is covered and you don't have any issues. Now, uh, talking with the transportation, they have um, records of everything and it has passed uh, based upon current records that you're still in good shape. Uh, but as you know, as we've talked, this whole project has been you we don't know when something catastrophic could happen. So, the goal is to get this moving as quickly as possible so that the existing tanks can come out and you don't have any issues that may
099happen at any point. >> So, I have a copy of that here that Mr. Weaver supplied tonight. This was dated uh, 4 7 2026 that the tanks do pass. Of course, the recommendations are that we have surpassed our 30-year warranty on these tanks and that uh, that there's the documentation of that and so their recommendations are to obviously move as quickly as we can to do something with those, but at this current time they have passed. There's no no concerns that we have any leakage at the as of 4 7 2026. >> Thank you. Um, uh, I will just share uh, the question some of the questions that I asked. Um, I think that we were told that there were about 18 approximately 18 contractors that were interested, um, but that we did have two
100bids and um, you know, I had some concerns with that. I just wanted to know a little bit more information on uh, the blue and gold company if they had removed the underground fuel tanks before and if so successful completion of doing that and then um if the removal of those tanks will be sub-subcontracted or and if so who that subcontractor would be. I also asked given you know current location if there was any EPA requirements that we needed um you know to be aware of and and such in moving forward. So those were some of the questions that I asked and um I did receive answers as well as the other board members on that um that this company has done commercial experience with demolition excavation uh reclaim and they've done mine services, heavy
101civil construction um that it is within their their scope and um they will be performing the site work themselves. So. >> Yep. So Blue and Gold or Blue Gold Development is more of a site work contractor. So this is kind of up their alley versus maybe the general construction contractors. Now when we conducted that mandatory pre-bid uh we do that so that we can have an understanding of who is interested in your project. Now even though we had 18 people in attendance not all of them are general contractors. Some of those would be uh suppliers and subcontractors to potential bidders. Uh now when we did bid it we only we did have two uh bidders provide bids and they were uh within a reasonable amount of each other uh but they did exceed the the
102discussed budget that we had but the previous budget that was provided back in June of of 25 uh did not have an outlined um removal of the tank so that's where $250,000 uh would kind of offset that overage we're currently talking about and then um the other overage is we provided a budget based upon scope June of 2025. And as we've dealt with for the past 9 months, we've seen things go up and we're seeing costs go up even more. So, if we delay awarding of this project, there could or re-bidding of this project, then we may run the risk of seeing greater cost. >> So, to answer your question a little bit more in depth, we I have the sign-in sheet of who who attended. There were others as Greg mentioned as paving companies
103that were on there that could be subcontractors for some of these site removal. So, they a lot of times have their subcontractors attend if they are thinking of bidding on the project. So, they were all not, uh, site >> No. >> contractors that were there, but we did have 18 different people sign in. So, to kind of give a little bit more in depth of that. And we also on that day of the bid opening, Greg was his partner, Jason, was there. We actually had three companies attend. Two only submitted bids. The third came, um, because they were very interested, but they were, uh, currently in the the midst of another project and their bond would not suffice covering this project as well. So, they wanted to see the process though and understand it for
104future opportunities. So, there were three present at the bid opening, but only two that submitted the bid because of that circumstance. >> Right. >> I just kind of have a a comment. I We were training for for Board of Education training and talked with someone from one of the other counties and they just recently had to build a bus garage because of a tree falling on there and it was $3 million. So, this I mean it hap- pricey >> Yep. >> projects, but they just had to do a $3 million one in March. >> Right. So, we are dealing with another county with another transportation project. Um the initial project was going to be more of a cosmetic project, and once we got in and started removing the 40-plus or 40-year-old plus metal panels, we
105determined that it was a wooden pole barn uh construction. We had a lot of termite damage and rot, so it ended up being a complete um new build ground up of an existing footprint all going with masonry. Uh so, that was again, bus garages are are being projects that people are starting to focus on uh just because the ones that are 30, 40, 50 years old are not lasting. Uh you guys have a brand have a building. Uh it is a good metal building. It will last you a good length of time. Uh have a large site. It is easily accessible. And getting your fuel tanks out of the ground is a positive thing. So, that if you do have any uh future issues, we hopefully you shouldn't because you're buying brand new tanks. Uh
106but, you would be able to observe them and you could control them in case something does happen. >> I I think the other point that I would like to just make as as I went through and tracked the the progress of this that started back in August of 2024 these conversations and remind of some of I think the past conversations of uh the purpose was to also allow and Mr. Dolan can I'm not putting him on the spot, but he doesn't even know I'm going to say this, but you know, as we are getting ready to purchase our own tanks, that will allow us some more flexibility in in bidding out fuel prices and not hold us down to uh renting those as then someone can charge us whatever they want for the fuel as
107we're kind of tied to that. Also, removing the old and then putting new we're still going to have to have pads and retaining walls to put even if we don't buy them and rent them, we still have to do the site work to get that ready and so, there are a lot of these things the back to the presentation that happened in October of 24 when Greg was here the first time, you know, sharing that our current site does not allow and if if you listen to the bus radio any morning as I do every day, them, you know, asking Gary to move this bus or that bus as they cannot get in and fuel easily. They we cannot park all of our buses on our own property so that if we have an emergency
108situation that happens, we we don't have anywhere to park all of our buses. Whereas this new site allows us that opportunity. We have electric out in the front of that for those buses that need to be plugged in. Right now, our drivers can drive these buses home. In the future, that might not always be the case as a mandate happens with different things that come to us and so we're kind of our hands are tied and and this opportunity allows this a lot more flexibility. It gives our drivers a lot more space. We can be fueling two buses at once coming in on both sides. There are a lot of of of options here that give these gentlemen that do this work every day a lot of flex more flexibility than we currently have. And
109that's kind of been shared. I also found it interesting that and Mr. Dulan might we had to switch insurance companies due to the fact that these tanks are so old and he shared that with you at the start of this. So this has been, you know, again, it is a hefty price tag that was mentioned back in June of 25. It is a hefty price tag and and we know that and we don't take that lightly, but I I did want to make sure that you all had those pieces in front of you too. So I appreciate Greg. This is Greg's third visit to go over this project with us and so I do appreciate all the hard work he and Jason have done for this and all the times he met with Todd and
110Gary and everyone to hear their ideas and get what they needed for work. >> Yep. >> And then I want to address one other question that I knew. One of the questions was asking can we have a breakdown of of cost? Well, that contractor generally and most contractors talking with my business partner who was a contractor, they will not give a breakdown of your cost until they have a signed contract and then they will provide us a schedule of values which will indicate what they have for bonds and insurance, what they have for general construction or general conditions, what they have for that retaining wall, what they have for that fuel tank, but they will not share that prior to having a signed contract because then their numbers would be out in case they worked
111with different vendors and they don't want that to be public. So, that was one of the questions I want to make sure that we address that. Once a signed contract, then we would have a schedule of values to identify the cost associated with the retaining wall, the site work, the concrete, the fuel tanks, the islands. And if we need to discuss a value engineering option, that would be after we'd have a signed contract. Now, value engineering is would be where we would try to reduce some of the scope work with the contractor to say, "Hey, we have designed it this way based upon what we need to do. Do you have another another option or solution that we could consider to save some cost? Maybe the the retaining wall, the size, the the the height
112of it." Are there other options that we could explore, but we have to have a contractor under contract before they would entertain any type of option to reduce your cost. >> [snorts and clears throat] >> Mr. Davis. >> Um I'm appreciative of of you answering the questions. I know there was a plethora of questions that were given your way. Um it you've answered majority of the ones that I've asked about the the new building. With respect to the old building and the tank removal, um and this is obviously a necessary, it's going to happen. The permitting around that with I my assumption is that's in a flood zone. With the flood permitting on that, what what what type of cost would we entail on that? >> It would go through the the DEP and uh
113the contractor would be required as part of this project to go through the permitting process to make sure all that's there. So, it should be covered in in the contract we have here. >> So, it's essentially am I understanding that it would just be something on them, not us? Or Okay. >> Yep. >> That's >> Cuz they they they understand what we have. We're working with the environmental side of Terracon Corporation, likewise with the civil side for the design, but the environmental side. And we have worked through that, and those were some of those e uh EPA questions, but they're DEP uh Department of Environmental Protection. >> I understand. I just um I I think I my concern was where the liability lied. So, you've answered that for me. Thank you. So, I appreciate it.
114>> You're welcome. >> So, now that we have the tanks above ground, >> Yep. >> um and because we control them, we potentially have a much better fuel cost. What is Is there a difference in the lifespan of an above ground tank versus an underground tank? Generally speaking, obviously >> I would say the ones above ground are probably going to last longer because they're visible. They're not under hydrostatic pressure uh associated with it. They're designed differently. When we were um specking these tanks, I reached out to a couple different vendors and got information of the requirements for the above ground tanks. Now, there are a lot of a lot of county school systems that have above ground tanks. Um so, it is very common. Everybody's getting away from the below ground just because of issues
115uh breaking, contaminated soil. So, going above ground's going to be a better thing. Um but lifespan's probably still the 40-plus year range. >> Okay, just in terms of as we move through this, where which envelope do we need to start putting $5 a year in? And how many dollars How many years >> multiple envelopes >> so that you could put towards multiple things cuz at some point your building will need some metal panels replaced. You'll need a roof talked about. You need HVAC. So, there's going to be times you're going to have to start saving and Mr. Dolan's great at that to being put side money here and there so that you have stuff for future projects. >> Yeah, I mean I know that we do it with the [clears throat] turf on our fields
116and we we have different pockets where we go we we need to make sure that we're building this in so that when we get there in 15 years or 20 years or hopefully like you said 40 40 years we'll be like yes, we have that sitting here in the bank and we're ready to go. >> And that is with every project. So, we are the design team overseeing your new Anna Jarvis. So, as you finish that building when it is complete you should start setting money aside for a roof in 20 plus years, HVAC in 15 plus years, and anything else you may need to address. At some point your West Taylor is going to have those issues that we're discussing HVAC projects here at Grafton High School. So, you as a county are doing
117the right things to start putting money aside even though maybe $5 here $10 there it adds up over the course of time. >> And other than that I would just like to echo Mr. Dowdy. Um We all came up out of our seats and and threw every question we could think of at you and you responded quickly and gracefully and thoroughly and I very much appreciate that. >> You're welcome. >> Yes, sir. I I do have one final question. Before I ask it I want to iterate what some others said to appreciate you pulling this together rather quickly providing all this information has been very helpful. The site tour was very very helpful to us. This is more of a curiosity question. There's no right answer. Are the fuel tanks and the the fueling station
118is it under any kind of a canopy or a roof or anything or is it just out in the open? >> It's out in the open. So, the risk of putting any type of canopy over this, you'd have to go make sure it's high enough, but the the turning radius is we're dealing with and the potential buses hitting it, we decided not to do any type of protection over that. Um, so, that's that was not part of this project. Now, >> Okay. >> if the decision to try to explore that, we could consider it, but that would be a change to the scope that would be used in that, but we did not consider any type of canopy over the fuel island and or the fuel tanks. >> And I'm not requesting a scope change
119at this point, so >> [laughter] >> I just want to get it on the record of saying that I'm not claiming a scope change. So, anyway, no, I thank you very much for your information, so. >> All right. >> So, just, um, to review what we've talked about in previous meetings, so our current tanks that are underground were 20-year tanks and they've been there >> 1990s. >> 30 1992. >> They were installed 8 28 of 1992. >> So, they're beyond their life and Dr. Decker, you mentioned earlier about the insurance. >> Yes, they're 30-year tanks. So, we are 4 years past >> 4 years past, yes. >> And then, you mentioned about the insurance, so I don't know, Mr. Dola, maybe you can We switched because >> The the our insurance carrier, um, actually it
120was the who contacted me because the tanks had reached that 30-year period and the carrier that we that they had provided at that time, you know, stated that they would no longer insure them because it they had reached that 30-year maximum amount, so our insurance company worked in our favor and they found another carrier that they worked with that was able to provide us the coverage for I guess maybe the high like a high risk, um, you know, policy to cover those tanks. >> We started discussing this back in August of 24. And um so it has been a while since we've talked about it. Um we've been in this process. Um I have a question about the existing building now. Um I know we had talked about, you know, there's some roof damage still
121there and things like that. So this this movement is is a good thing because even our existing location would need work. >> Upkeep. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Yes. We we talked We did talk about that at that meeting that that is going to be in need of a roof at our current site and some different things. So there is maintenance at our current building if that's lingering there, that would be a price, too. Yeah, and there's not room to put tanks there, exactly. >> We explored that option early on and there was not a location for that. >> That was the decided by the November 12th of 2024 meeting. Mr. Greg was there on October 22nd of 24 and reviewed it and then went back and shared with us that was not going to be
122an option. >> It's also an additional policy that we have to carry. We carry flood insurance on that property as well. We also have pay a rental fee uh for the parking lot uh next to the store um for our drivers and uh buses to park down there. So those those expenses would not be there at that time. Like I said, that'd be one less one less insurance policy we had to pay and one one other bill that we would not have to to carry as well, so. >> And I think you mentioned earlier, too, about the fuel that we're purchasing that from from a specific vendor and by going with this we would be able to have greater flexibility, right, Mr. Weaver and Mr. Boyer? >> be able to bid that project out and
123get better prices every year. >> The propane the propane, you know, it's a you know, it's a wintertime fuel and if we could buy it in July with the size tank that we have, obviously we'd get a better deal because there's a lower demand for it and it would, you know, potentially be enough to carry us through the whole entire year. So, instead of getting smaller deliveries weekly like I said, we're we're getting we're paying for the cost of the fuel plus the cost of the delivery every time you know, they come and deliver since we have such a small a small tank. So, you know, >> So, we would have a a bigger tank at the new location, right? >> Yes. >> Yeah, the current tank, how big is that? 5000? The current tank
124is 1000 gallons of propane. This one shown right here is 18,000 gallons. >> And and half of our fleet runs on propane. >> That's what I was going to say. I know Mr. Boyer shared that with us and Mr. Weaver and I want to just take a moment to really thank you both for taking the time out of your day on a beautiful Friday afternoon that you spent with me for a couple hours with Dr. Decker and Ms. Shoemaker. I really truly appreciate it. You took me all around, you answered all the questions that I had and I truly really appreciate that and thank you also to you for like all the questions that we have thrown at you which has been like 30 to 40 I think at at least. >> We get those
125from contractors from time to time as well. >> [laughter] >> A follow A follow-up to the propane thing, the way it was explained to me at Lady's First when I discussed it, is our current tank is 1,000 gallons and we are paying because we don't own it, we pay more for the propane and we have to fill it up constantly. >> Three times a week. >> Yeah, when we put in the 18,000 gallon one, it's like as a homeowner, I do summer fill-up in August because my propane is cheaper in August. >> Yeah. >> So in August, we can get 18,000 gallons at a negotiated rate that we bid because we own the tanks. So the amount of money saving there is compounded by the fact we can get so much, we can get it
126in the off-season and we can bid it. >> And we only pay one delivery fee. >> pay one delivery fee. So there's a lot of savings within that situation just by that one 18,000 gallon tank that we cannot put at our current bus garage. So >> Yes. >> [laughter] >> So we've had numerous uh companies want to place bids for propane, but when they find out they have to provide the infrastructure, the pumping station, then they're no longer interested in it. So we've had at least three major companies in the area want to place bids each year cuz we bid it each year. Our fuel is bid out each year. So when we when we draw in uh that kind of interest for 18,000 gallon, they're going to trim uh they're going to sharpen their
127pencils and we're going to get a better rate. >> So in the long run, that's a cost savings. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> And owning your own tank versus renting it, as you understand, yes, you have some more upfront cost, long-term is going to pay for itself. >> This is a loaded question and it's not it necessarily a question that we can go with right now, but in the in the construction phase, this is a this is a question I'd probably ask Jared off the record, but I can now ask it now. I apologize Dr. Decker. >> Plead [laughter] the fifth. >> Could in the design process, with that fuel being at that lower rate, can we get that filled and ready and done while we're doing everything else around it? Like while we're doing
128the gravel, while we're doing that. Like I know we're not we're probably not going to cut the ribbon until November. Can we can we get the gas filled in in August? >> So that would be kind of on the contractor. Again, we gave we have provided them a a completion date. >> around him? >> We will we will work hard to try to do that. Yes, we will talk to them if this is awarded. >> goal is to build the retaining wall or do the site work, build the retaining wall, get the pads in, then they can tank can be in, they can then start working the underground this way. But again, it goes back to means and methods by the contractor, which we do not control. We say you can start by this date,
129you have to be 100% complete by this date. The way you get from A to B, that's on the contractor. They will have a a a flowchart kind of indicating their milestones on their own and they will identify that. We will not put that on them uh just because that controls the schedule and sometimes jacks up the price. >> But we will share that with them as >> Yeah. >> And every in any project that I have worked with Greg and Jason and they are great to represent our needs to our contractors and usually these contractors are willing to help us meet what we need. >> Yes, sir. Just one further comment. I want to thank Mr. Bowyer, Mr. Weaver. They start before 5:00 a.m. and they're still here tonight. So, appreciate them coming in
130to answer our questions along with everything we got last week. >> I know when we first started talking about this though, I think Mr. Dowdy had asked about a wash bay. Is that something that is still in the plan or future or >> There is not a location within side the building that will be separated enough that can be large enough for a wash bay. Um if you're considering a drive-thru wash bay, it would likely be something that would need to occur on the front of the site. But also once you put that there, you're going to limit yourself because a drive-thru wash bay, you want to try to probably have it enclosed, heated so that you can do it in your cold months so that your bus drivers don't have to get out of
131there. So, that would likely be a separate building. >> Yeah. What was that? >> They They've got all the room in the world now that that they didn't have at the old one. >> Yeah. >> They've got the room. >> They've got the >> The options are yeah. >> But a But a a separate wash bay, we do not have that in the current design. That was not in the current budget. Uh that could be a phase three or four or five or whatever you guys want to do uh down the road and we'd be glad to help you with >> be happy to design something in the >> I've designed a couple of those already. >> [laughter] [snorts] >> Well, and I just want to clarify too, you know, I was down and looked
132at the building and um I know that there was some community members asking about a a bus lounge. It It is not a bus lounge. There is um two nice new bathrooms that we needed to have and then I think it was a It's like utility. >> Yes, utility >> Okay. >> And three new garage doors so they can pull buses in, three buses at a time to work on for maintenance and PMs. Yes, and then there is a conference room that they can do all of their bus driver training in. We did not add that. That was already there. >> You did. >> But it is a large enough space for them to meet and have all their drivers together. >> Yep, the existing building had uh a couple different different items, offices, bathrooms,
133conference rooms, small kitchenette. Uh those are things that can be utilized by the transportation there because it's already an existing space. >> Yeah, this phase is totally to get our tanks in. >> Yes. But once the tanks are in, this building will be ready to be used. So, the main thing is to get this project moving forward, uh get the contractor My recommendation is to award the contract to get this thing moving forward, uh so that it can be done and if we can if they can accelerate because of good weather, then that'll help us in the long run because that will allow you to get that bus or transportation building quicker, uh but they do have a time frame associated with their bid. >> As far as funding, this this wouldn't be any part
134of that 10-year comprehensive educational facilities plan or anything, right? >> So, on the comprehensive educational facility plan, the CEFP, um what the Department of Education typically looks at is educational buildings. >> Mhm. >> Uh those are what can be received funding from uh the School Building Authority and local funds. Sometimes county school systems do plan to do um maintenance buildings, transportation building, Board of Education buildings in their CEFP because they see the need for it, but all the funding for that is 100% by the counties because it is not something that you can receive School Building Authority funds for. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Anybody have any additional questions? >> Not at this point. >> Thank you. >> My my last question is how fast can we get that other name off the front of
135that building? >> We can probably have them go knock that down. >> [laughter] >> You guys own it so you can do whatever you want. >> Thank you very much for your time for all the information this evening. We appreciate it. >> Well again, we we like to as Jason, my business partner says, he likes having questions because we can get all the answers out to everybody so we appreciate you asking taking the time to ask the right questions and then us giving you the opportunity to provide those answers and if there are other questions that come up after today after I've departed, please have Dr. Stallings or Dr. Decktor provide those to us but our again, our recommendation is to accept the award the contract low bid that's there and move forward with this
136project. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Uh there is a line here about future capital improvement projects. Is that an additional piece for this evening? >> That it was the chart provided in your packet as a part of a question from Mrs. Gallashaw. She was looking into that obviously um Greg is part of all those projects [clears throat] as we have shared with you that for future as you know, we have already received funding from the SBA for the HVA replacement at Fleming Elementary School. We have done the pre-bid meeting for that and the bid opening is approaching. I don't remember the exact date but it is approaching quickly. We also have submitted to the SBA replacement of the boilers here at Grafton High School as we have one that's down now. So we are
137asking for SBA funding. Mr. Dolan has secured that funding for that and we will work through the HVAC here and then at that's just part of the future planning field turf replacement. There's a variety of options that could be considered there. Uh that's why in your chart again those prices are projections. That's why we there nothing has been bid, so we cannot put those out numbers out because we don't want to influence bid numbers on those, but those are projections of cost. Uh again the awardment of the SBA is actual funding we've already been awarded. So that is there for you to review. I I've put that under Greg as he has designed all of these projects as well. It And so if he if you have a specific question regarding that, he's here to
138answer that, but again those are just projections. Those are just future projects that are going to come in front of the board at some point in time. Uh some sooner rather than later such as the Flemington project, which you've already seen it as a board because it was SBA awarded, so you're already aware of it, but the actual bid of that will be coming in front of you. Y- yes, it's it we did the >> it's I believe the bids due >> I want to say the fifth. >> Yeah, you know, this Friday or next Tuesday. I know there was a >> Yeah, I want to say it's coming up. I think it's the fifth. >> Then it's Tuesday. >> I think it's it's coming up. We did the pre-bid already. Is it Yeah, I
139don't have my calendar in front of me to know that, but so that's just the list of projects as Mrs. Gallo asked for that in her list of questions with with this project. >> So the Flemington one is first? >> The Flemington would be the first one or the Grafton High School >> The Flemington has already been [clears throat] awarded, so we were awarded that from the SBA last spring's SBA awardance, so we've already received we know the SBA is funding that one. And so we have bid that one. The Grafton High School it was the MIP that Greg just wrote and submitted for us. Uh we will not find out if we get awarded that until June. But uh we will be working towards replacing that boiler in one way or the other um
140as Greg is working on a plan for that. Whether we get SBA funded or not, that money that you see there is going to go toward a boiler. >> Yeah, so to kind of backtrack a little bit, last September we worked with Taylor County to do a full major HVAC replacement here at Grafton High School. It was submitted to the School Building Authority under their need submission. It was not awarded. And that one is the the need submission is where you can apply to kind of unlimited amount. But when they get to the current submission, we have a maximum request you can go up to a million dollars to the SBA. So we had to scale down the important scope that we can start with at Grafton High School, which is the boiler replacement. And
141then if that is awarded in June, then you'd move forward with replacing those items. And then the goal would be to go back this coming fall with the other portion of that scope that was not funded last fall. >> Yeah. >> And then add it again. >> Which we've already we've already told every SBA submission, that's what we're going to be asking for is that HVAC replacement here. So that is Flemington's already been done. So at the end of this project, all of Flemington HVAC will have been replaced. So it will be brand new, good to go. Grafton High School is the next building to get HVAC replacement and that's where we're like you you see we're starting that that process with the SBA. Okay. So that was just for informational for you so you
142all could see major projects coming up in the next several years. >> Well, that's helpful. Yeah, cuz >> Yeah. >> There's a few things. >> Yeah. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. Wonderful. Uh I'm going to move on. Everybody's paused. So uh the next piece is request information which was some Taylor County school enrollment numbers um which have been provided to us. Mr. Summers, you had provided asked for this specifically. Was there anything else you needed in addition to just those numbers? >> I saw it. I had it in here. I'm not sure where Uh, no, that's that's good. That's that's exactly Yes, thank you very much. That's this information is good. This is what I'm asking for. Uh, gives me, you know, something to work with. Um, I for the most part, you know, I'd
143like to see this on a regular basis. I don't know if monthly is necessary, but at least quarterly. And uh, uh, and I've made some requests also if kind of jumping ship here a little bit for for this kind of budget information monthly. Uh, what what we want to get to what I want to get to for this and I've I've talked this with some other board members is is uh, sort of the your your building and uh, resource allocation and capacity and, you know, I see in there about the air conditioning for Flemington Elementary School. If we're going to run that school, it clearly needs to be kept upgraded. But if it's a 50% capacity, it takes the same amount of money to um, to cool it whether the classrooms are empty or full
144and those kind of things. So, it makes you wonder, you know, how much money are we going to spend uh, and and you know, I I know the term consolidation is not a fun term. It's not a fun term for me and I don't want to say that right now, but I did um, but the point is is that we, you know, if we're going to be making millions and millions of dollars of upgrades over the next few years and we would need to prioritize those. We're going to need student enrollment numbers whether it's raising, lowering, uh, where where where we can make better use of capacity we have. We're building a new school uh at Anna Jarvis and I'm going to need to know what the old school capacity was, what the new school
145capacity is, whether we're using utilizing the new building at 80% or 50% uh cuz all those kite types of data points help us uh run this in a in the most efficient way possible. So, so that's sort of where I'm headed. This is a starting block. This is really good information. I appreciate you getting that to me. It's kind of a long-winded yes, I got it. Thank you. >> Very good. That brings us to the superintendent's updates. >> Actually, Ms. Garvin, I made the decision because you had such a long preparatory piece with recognitions as well as these two presentations. I did not prepare a specific update otherwise. >> So, just as a whole nothing's blown up in the last 2 weeks and we're okay? >> That is what I understand to be not so
146much in word, yes, ma'am. >> Okay. >> All's good in Taylor County world. >> All right. Um do we have any board member updates or board committee meeting reports? >> I have a an up a couple of updates. Uh item number one, the softball score tonight from Grafton 10, East Fairmont 6. Uh item number two, uh I was privileged uh week and a half ago well, Monday a week ago to come in uh Eva Robinson asked me if I would like to come into her class and do a little bit of astronomy. And so I was privileged to go in and and teach a lesson on astronomy history uh to all of her classes. She has some of the most well-behaved students I have ever stood before. Uh very fine group of kids. I really
147enjoyed myself and was glad to get over here to Grafton High School. >> [snorts] >> Fantastic. Anybody else? >> I just wanted to comment that the training that the Board of Education members were able to attend on Thursday was very insightful. It was all about finance and budget and it was it was very informative and I appreciate the opportunity for the board members to be able to go to that. >> Translation, Mr. Dolan, you're about to get a ton more questions. >> [laughter] >> All right, anybody else? >> It's good. >> Hearing none, we'll move into the 2000 series minutes, policies, contracts, and agreements. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of all the minutes from the levy meeting and the regular meeting, both of April 14th, 2026. >> So moved. >> Mr. Taylor moves, Mr. Doughty seconds.
148Questions? All those in favor? I. Opposed? Motion passes. >> [clears throat] >> We've got some agreements here. Uh Item 2271, the superintendent respectfully requests approval of agreement with WVDE Option Pathway to include an opportunity for at-risk high school students at least 16 years of age to take the high school equivalency HSE while still enrolled in and attending West Virginia public high school. It's a renewal of a previous agreement. And item 2272, the superintendent respectfully requests approval of Blue and Gold Development as the successful bidder pertaining to the phase two, including all site prep, existing tank removal, possible hazardous materials mitigation, and the purchase of three new fuel tanks for the continued construction renovation project of the new transportation building in the amount of $1,747,670. Funding source, capital improvements. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 2271
149and 2272 in the 2000 series. >> Move for approval. >> Mr. Dowdy moves. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Mr. Taylor seconds. Questions, comments, concerns? >> Yes. Go ahead. >> I do have a question. It gets into the budget part. Uh it says it's from capital improvements. Do we have a balance of our capital improvement uh funding source from there and uh you know, are we solvent and can we write a check for that amount? >> Yes, we can. Um our [clears throat] week currently have uh a little over $2 million in our capital improvement fund. Um and more money that I have budgeted when I get to the budget portion of the uh presentation this evening. >> I'm sorry, Mr. Dolan. Did you say how much? Two? >> Two million, yes. Two
150million. >> And then we have other funding sources. >> Correct. I In the budget presentation, there's additional funds that I have budgeted over since the project's going to span two different fiscal years. >> Okay. >> Quick minute. >> Okay. >> Go ahead. Ask your question. >> No, no, you said it's going to span I mean this project's going to span two >> If it starts If it starts next week, two fiscal years. So, it's going to span FY26 and FY27. Because it's going to start in May of this year, which is FY26. >> And then carry over into FY27. >> Okay. >> I got it. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> So, part of it is coming from >> FY 26 and part of it is coming from FY 27. >> Okay,
151which would be July 1st. >> July 1st, correct. >> So, the 2 million would be from this calendar uh fiscal with additional sources. Okay. And that is separate from personnel budget. >> That is correct. >> Okie dokie. At this point, we have an open motion on the floor. All those in favor? I. >> I. >> Opposed? Motion passes. Moving us into the 3000 series consent calendar. Um we have several holiday schedules and facility requests, out of county travel, out of state travel, some chaperones for looks like all three elementary schools. The superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 3171 through 3184 in the 3000 series. >> Moved. >> Mrs. Gallo moves, Mr. Dowdy seconds. Questions, comments, concerns? Hearing none, I'll call for a vote. All those in favor? >> I. Opposed? Motion passes. Moving us into
152the 4000 series financial and Mr. Dolan is going to bring us or give us a budget presentation for FY 27 financial updates, supplements, and vouchers payable. >> [snorts] >> Okay. >> Lori, do you want this? >> I got it. Yep, it's good. Here we go. That's right. Good evening. Uh >> [clears throat] >> in front of you, inside your packet, you have a balanced budget at this time. Um >> [clears throat] >> on the first page of the budget are the projected revenues for fund 11, which is our general fund. Our fund included in those balances is our fund equity, which we are required to you which are we are required to have in this year's budget. Um that is the total of 378,258.13 and 2,057,532. The next revenue line is our from our regular
153levy, which is 6,568,861. Uh additional ad valorem taxes is 200,000. Uh we're projected to have $300,000 in interest. That's been a uh pretty steady constant. Um building rentals is 10,500. That's uh rentals of our any any of our school properties, camp tolls, um athletic fields, things like that. Um mineral leases $1,500. Medicaid billing is $350,000. Uh other revenues um $20,000. That's donations and things of that nature. Refund from prior years. Uh that's on our taxes is $95,000. Dental and optical premiums from retirees is $100,000. Uh another miscellaneous item is $20,000. Our basic state aid for next year is projected to be 11,618,403. The state provided a retirement allocation of 921,205 dollars. Um public charter schools, 296,118. RHBT, which is part of our PEIA, um uh allocation fund is 30,614. Our unfunded retirement is 2,615,385. And
154our allocation for PEIA this year is 2,894,199. Does anybody have any questions on our revenue for fund 11? The next >> I'm sorry. Um can you explain how we get revenue from public charter schools? >> So, that is part of our state That is included in our state funding. >> Okay. >> So, when they give us our our total numbers, that portion is pulled out that we have to set aside in a line item to provide to charter schools in our district. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, that reduces that reduces our amount that we have to allocate towards stuff in our district. You're welcome. Uh your first page is uh are your teacher salaries, uh salaries and benefits for >> ask a general question so I can follow your But, it's just more general.
155But, I see all these neg- neg- or these numbers are negative. I'm I don't understand why revenue is negative numbers. >> Because it is projected we receive it as we get it. So, it's always projected as a negative in the world of education. >> Okay. Um So, so back on the fund equities, >> Mhm. >> can you explain what that is? >> Those are our carryover funds and restricted fund balances. >> Okay, I'm not I'm not sure I'm following that. Um So So So let me jump down to bottom. So are we projecting 28 and a half million dollars revenue for fiscal year 27? Is that the way I read this page? >> That is correct, sir. >> Is that everything? >> That is everything for fund 11, which is our general fund. >> So
156So So our our annual budget give or take $28 million. >> Just for fund 11. >> Just for what? >> Fund 11. We have multiple We have multiple funds. We have fund 11, fund 12, fund 21, fund 31, fund 51, and fund 61. >> And And And I trust you know all those and I trust you >> Yes. >> live, breathe, and die them every day and do a very good job at it. Okay, I have no doubt >> Okay. >> that you're handling it fine. Okay. But um >> hair when you started this job. >> Um >> I was 180 lb and had long blonde hair. >> So I'm going to segue a little bit here and when I asked for a one-page budget report monthly >> Yeah. >> I'm I'm thinking some of
157this will put in there. Now, I saw some of the documentation gave talked about some money market funds. Now is that possibly where the fund equity comes from is the interest we earn on that stuff? >> So the fund equity is money that we carry over each year from year to year that we did not spend. So we are projected to carry forward >> So So we're looking to carry about $2.4 million over or 10% of our budget? >> We are projected to carry over Yes, correct. >> Okay. And so And that's And And And does that include what's in the Is it Is it >> You're talking about two different things, sir. >> Okay, that's that's why I'm confused and that's why I'm trying to understand. Uh you know, cuz we just went over
158a budget sheet that talked about so many hundreds of thousands of dollars and so many millions of dollars for projects that need to happen soon. >> And uh and you said you're spending pretty much 90% of your capital improvement funds with one contract pen stroked. And so how do we replenish that for air conditioning? You know, if you add the [clears throat] two together, that looks like we're at one's out for bid and one we're getting ready to sign a contract and our capital improvement funds are zero at that point, give or take. And so I'm trying to just see something that helps me understand that we're solvent, that we're not one step away from bankruptcy. >> Okay. >> And so I'm going to need that information. Now, whether it's here tonight or not, I
159can excuse if it's not, that's all right. >> It's here. It's you're just It's just in >> But it's got to be more simple than than 45 pages or whatever's here. >> So, this is just the This is the projected budget for next year. >> that. >> And then when I get into the financial report, which is the next set of pages, goes over the money that we have in our checkbook >> Sure. >> and stuff. And like I said, it's completely different I I different pots of money. So >> trying to get it into layman's terms. I'm not an accountant. >> I understand that. >> But I've handled millions and millions of dollars over my lifetime, hundreds of millions of dollars per year. And so I like to get it It's where I'm getting
160to to get boiled down to one sheet and I'm trusting you're going to pull specific things out here. Maybe you'll join all this into one line on on the Excel spreadsheet I sent. >> I have I I I worked tirelessly all day today in between making sure that payroll was done today. >> And everything else to get you to get you the document you needed. It was a misunderstanding between you and myself because of the emails that went back and forth. >> Sure. >> I misunderstood what you said because you pulled stuff you you stated that you pulled stuff back and that's what I took that as. >> Yeah, so >> my apologies. >> No, no, no. >> But for the next meeting, I'll have >> Sure. >> the Excel spreadsheet for you. >> So
161I'm not trying to criticize you. I'm trying to help you understand >> I'm trying to put it in terms that you understand so you understand it because you're I apologize. You're kind of all over the place. >> Yeah, I I I I understand. >> And and what we're looking at right now are the numbers that the state provided to us for school for for our budget for the upcoming year. >> Okay. >> And the numbers that I that I'm giving you, there's multiple funds and they come from multiple places. >> So I'm just bringing this up as a discussion. You've done everything right. You're not and I'm not criticizing you at all. You're doing a good job. I just want you and me to work together and anybody who wants to join in to come
162up with something that comes out monthly and I I understand you submit like a two or three page report to this >> It is not. It's a it's a it's a 30 page report, sir. >> According to Bowles Rice, it was about a three page >> I hate I'm not going to talk ill of a of a law firm, but what they told you was incorrect. >> Okay. >> Because I printed it off to I printed that report off and again, today it was it was 30 pages. >> Okay. All right. So >> [laughter] >> So I'm just bringing all this up for discussion and I'm I'm hoping I'm not criticizing you. I'm hoping you understand sort of what my end goal is for this meeting at least once a month and so you and
163I will work together to get there, but it's going to take some time. So I'm not criticizing you. I ask questions. I want you to understand what I need to feel comfortable here. >> And I understand that and I invite you to stop by my office at any day of the week between 8:00 and 4:00. >> It's going to take more than a day. >> And that's fine and it's if it takes more than one day, that's fine. >> Okay. >> That way I I get I can get it into the terms that you and I both can understand. >> Okay? >> You can carry on. Thank you for listening and helping me here. >> [cough and clears throat] >> So, your second page, uh like I said, that um it it gets into the
164uh salaries and benefits, um health insurance premiums, retirement, uh workers uh workers compensation for uh teachers, aides, uh pre-K teachers. Uh if you look down on that first page, right at the bottom, right above pre-K, that's where that charter school money goes to. That's where I had to budget it to that line item. So, it's there if we if >> [clears throat] >> we have to send that funding on to them. Um next page is guidance and you know, guidance and nursing. Uh again, salaries, benefits um you know, for those individuals. Um Yes. So, they base base all of our funding off of that second month count of, you know, the uh of our students. So, we have [clears throat] the um board members' information, uh your all salaries, uh benefits such as social security,
165um employee employee training services for your conferences, um travel, general supplies that may be needed for various things, association dues, um legal counsel, uh insurance deductibles, vehicle insurance, things like that. Uh the super superintendent and assistant superintendent's office, uh salaries, benefits, um for for those individuals and their staff. Principal's [clears throat] office, this is for all five schools for the principals, assistant principals, secretaries, um staff development, uh sick leave, health insurance, uh and other benefits. Treasurer's office, this is salaries and benefits for for personnel uh associated with um with my office. Uh supplies for software for software and technology that we have uh that runs through my office, retiree, uh dental insurance, dental insurance, and optical insurance for employees that we provide. Uh the next item is um our custodial department. This is for their
166salaries and benefits. Um then included in that uh in that under that um is also our water sewage disposal service, telephone voice, data communication, natural gas, electric electricity, and some repair and service maintenance technology. Next department is transportation. Uh this is for the uh all the transportation department, uh the drivers, mechanics uh are included in this part of the budget. >> [snorts and clears throat] >> We also have their um their disposal service, the flood insurance, um insurance deductibles for any kind of accidents we may have, uh legal advertising, natural gas, electricity for that current building. Next is special education. Uh so this is for anybody in the special education department, salaries benefits. We get down to specialized training, this is our bus aids um for their salaries, benefits, any kind of sick leave. Then
167our CTE, this is for for those individuals that came in presented tonight for our welding and things like that. Their salaries and benefits. At the bottom of the next page, three lines up from the bottom, I believe it's about the 11th page of the book, is the reserve for contingencies. I believe at your training the other day there was I don't want to say they they said something [clears throat] incorrectly, but the information that was passed along to us by the state finance department that we were supposed to provide 5% of the projected revenues for a reserve for contingencies this year. And at the bottom in not so bold lettering it says that the Government Finance Officers Association recommends a balance of at least two months of operating revenues or expenditures, which equals to approximately
16816.7% of total projected revenue. So as the budget is presented, I this is the topic that you and I have we've discussed again this is the 16.7% is a totally different financial report. I provided that number to you from the budget from the balance sheet. That's where I got that from when we had our discussion a few months ago. Like I said I don't know where why they told us told us five but then told you all 16.7. But if you want to get to that 16.7 unfortunately you'll have to make some big decisions. >> [cough and clears throat] >> The next part of the budget is special services. This is for some employee training for special education department. This has been part of the budget since my arrival here in Taylor County. We have
169Camp tolls. That's for services provided down there for water, sewage, gas, phone, maintenance supplies, propane, and things like that. Um Next item is transportation department again. This is where we budget our fuel, propane, gasoline, their training services, lubricants, repair maintenance services, supplies [snorts] and hardware, vehicle parts, fuel fuel tank inspection fees, and again employee training. And then we [clears throat] do have a little bit of reserve for reserve for special projects for them right there. I would like yeah, like I said we've at the time, like I said, I ran the report, you know, and and budgeted out what we what we had paid to to date, and I could see that maybe coming down maybe by maybe by a third, I would hope. Like I said, because like I said, we're getting you know,
170we get the bills and we're you know, it's always a couple months behind cuz they bill us, you know, the way they bill us and everything. So Right. Right. And like I said, that's where we're you know, like I said, they have to you know, somebody made the statement there a few minutes ago, they have they have to pay for fuel, too. So, if they're driving to Grafton three times a week as opposed to just one time a year, you know, that's going to that's going to save us. >> [clears throat] >> The next item is our Medicaid. Again, that that's funding that we receive every year. There are a few salaries in there. Um benefits, some of our other professional services that we that that are provided through that budget. Our next item is
171step 7A. That's for improving of of the educa- of education. Um So, there's some funding in there for >> Uh if I could interrupt you one just so I understand. So, I'm looking here at the page that says step 7A. You just mentioned that. If I see revenue there is 657,000. If I go and flip all the way back to page one, is that number represented on page one? >> It's all part of the >> of the 28 million? >> That's part of the 11,618,403 and 6,568,861. >> Okay. My question is >> basic state aid and what they call local share, which is the regular levy. >> My my question is is it So, so all these revenue numbers here are contained within the first page of revenues >> That is correct. Yes, so back
172back on where the reserve for contingency is. Um Two lines above that, there is a intra fund transfer. That's 2 million 180,105. It's just >> not with you here, Shane. >> Okay. >> Which page are you on? If you go back to where when I was discussing where the reserve for contingencies was, it was like the 11th page after the revenue page. >> First page? Page one? >> Then count then count 11 pages after that. >> So what am I looking for again? I'm sorry. >> You're looking for the line item where I was discussing reserve for contingencies. >> Okay. Let me adjust. I I don't want to hold this meeting up and make it any longer than it already is. >> It's below the uh if you find the pages that said CTE. >>
173CTE? >> Yeah. I think you're two pages past that. >> Okay. >> And then down at the bottom it says reserve for contingencies and right above that it says intra-fund transfer. >> Mhm. >> [clears throat] >> That 2,180,105 if you go down to where I started with special services and every every space down through there special services, camp tolls, transportations, step seven A Medicaid and step seven B all those revenues total the 2,180,000. So anytime we have a project within a fund which is >> [snorts] >> these special services and things like that we have to do an fund transfer. And that's just to show it's just an accounting term to move the revenue from one place to another. So that is included in the 28 million at the top. And then I have to
174put that accounting number in there for the transfer and then put the revenue on each of those different items. Just because it has a at some point in time the county has decided to make these special funds within the inside the general fund. >> Could I please ask a a general question about your spreadsheet here or whatever this ledger is? >> Mhm. >> Is this within the state's system or is this something you have? >> It's it's inside the state accounting with the Weavers accounting system. >> So so were you probably required to use their accounting system? >> I Yes. I just I I take it and I take it out of there because it is a 1980 DOS program. And >> It looks that way. I'm sorry. >> I'm happy the fact that we
175can even get it into an Excel spreadsheet. >> Okay. >> But Mr. Dolan, that intra-fund transfer is the equivalent of the envelope system. I took $35 out of here and I put $5 and I put $10 and I put It's the same $35. >> If if you wanted me to run a report on fuel because they they made that special project for transportation, that's why they did that. >> Yeah, perfect. >> So they're they were tracking these special these special projects um like I said for various reasons and like I said step 7A and step 7B are part of those along with these other other items. So you could easily pull the information instead of when you run run the report a Weavers report that >> So I have a question on the step seven.
176I know a couple meetings ago we talked about um anticipated reductions in that um fund. >> Mhm. >> And you didn't have that information yet. So, is that >> They they They did not do it this year. However, it will be next year. >> Okay. >> But they did not provide us the amount. And it's going to be on the technology for part of it, the 7B. And it could be it it depends on how the state does it. If they do it as a per pupil, then I'm not sure how big it will affect us. If they did it just on a cross the board, 55 counties pay an equal portion, it was anywhere from a $50,000 reduction to $100,000 reduction. If they did it equally, but again, I can't I'm not they haven't
177stated us >> But when >> to do it. >> But when it's reduced, is that it's going to be >> So, it'll be for '28. >> '28, I mean. Sorry. >> And like I said, it will be out of the it'll affect the step 7B, so that's our technology fund. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. P- P- Please continue. >> Okay. >> I was I was just going to say that was That That That's the uh step 7B technology, that's the end of uh of our general fund, fund 11. Uh the next is our excess levy. Um you know, the carryover amount projected for that one is is 4,074,863. Based on the approved levy rates, we're projected to bring in 3,964,742. >> [clears throat] >> Um >> Okay, I would do I do have a question.
178I Things like that's what raised me my eyebrows. Uh I see a $4 million fund equity there under excess levy. Was that on page one? >> No, sir. Because it's a different fund. Each fund has a different revenue source. >> So All right, so help me understand. So, in addition to the $28 million on page one, we also get $4 million give or take? >> Well, we have Yes, $4 million. Plus the carryover. >> And if I look one down that page, I see maintenance capital improvements of $1 million revenue. >> We're going to go back to the same thing that we just discussed because it's because it has a special project. I got to do the fund transfer out. Which is the $2 million. >> is is that where which line item in page
179one does that $1 million come from? >> It is a completely different revenue source. >> when I ask if I don't know what our annual budget is. I thought it was $28 million. >> It is not. It's It's closer to I mean, I have to go through and I don't didn't add it all up, but last year alone, it was close to $40 million. >> So so in 2026 give or take, not holding you to the penny or even to the $100,000 Taylor County Board of Education roughly operates on $40 million a year. >> That is correct. >> Okay. Those are the kinds of things I'd like to see submitted monthly. And I would like to see Okay, so I give if we get $40 million a year, I would assume then that our budget
180is $40 million, so that would be filled in here for And then like for say that we were operating on 26 I would see that since this is like month nine of our budget, maybe you still only have March, so you can think it's end of March. And since April's not over, so one would expect 75% of our budget, you know, and and so then I as a board member can then start saying, "Okay, we're we've spent 78 million, but we're not going to have transportation costs in most of July or June, and so therefore I can be a little bit over. I can see if I'm if I'm at 72% at the end of March, saying, "Okay, that means maybe I'll have a surplus this year." And it gives us some idea of how
181we're doing financially. We need to have that scorecard on a monthly basis to understand how we are and whether we're solvent or insolvent or close to it. And uh and it you know, I've heard this 5% reserve, 16% reserve. I I'm not going to I'm going to say we have to comply with state rules or regulations. Um I think the state law or whatever maybe says 5%, but experts say 16%, so probably the answer's somewhere in there, but I want to know what our projected goal is. I'm not expecting you to answer those right now, but over the course of the next month, say by the end of May, I'd like to have something that we could present that says, "Here's how our $40 million a year is budgeted. Here's how it is." And and
182I don't need it's not your fault. You know, I see professional salaries in here give or take a hundred times, and I just need one line item that says professional salaries, which can include food, social security taxes, Medicare taxes, PEIA taxes, etc., social security taxes, and a line item. And so then I can see quickly $40 million and $22 million, whatever it is, I'm just throwing numbers out here, goes to salaries. Okay, and that's the kind of information I'm looking for from your page of stuff. Again, I'm not discrediting what you do here. I'm not discrediting what's here. I just think the general public and especially the board members need to understand what we're dealing with here and so that everyone can feel confident that we're doing a good job and uh trying to you
183know at least uh a lot of transparency to make sure we're doing our due diligence and the taxpayers can feel relieved that we've got the best operating thing. We don't want to end up with a Hancock County / Upchurch County situation and that's my only reason for this and that's our job. So Anyway, again, you don't have to answer any of that. I don't expect a response. I'm just trying to help you understand. I think we can narrow this down to a one-page report monthly that gives us a feel for how we're doing from a solvency >> You're only going to see this 45-page report one time a year. And that's what that's in that that's in May. >> one sheet of paper 12 times a year. >> Well, I'm just saying that this is
184this is just the projected budget for for all of next year. So you're you're what you and I are on the same page about this one-page report. And I and I'll get you I'll get that to you, but this report that you we're look going through right now is what I'm required to do one time a year to give it to you all so it can be given to the state at the end of May. >> Okay. >> And that's the only time you're going to see this whole stack of papers. >> All right. I think I think we're in the same budget. I think we can definitely get to the goal we're trying for, but I I want you to understand what I need. Broad numbers a board member does not need to see
185this even maybe I have to see it one time a year, but I clearly need to see something once a month that says the checkbook will balance this month. Okay. And that we have >> And I and I'm going to get to I'm going to get you going to get to that as soon as we get through these next 40 like 30-some pages because I have the answers to the questions you're asking. It's just not that time yet. >> I believe you. I believe you and so I think we're on the same page and I'm again I'm not being critical. I'm trying >> No, I know, but I'm I'm just saying that we're getting to you we're getting to that, but this isn't that. >> Right. Okay. >> This is for next This is for
186FY27. This is the money we're going to start spending July 1st of 2026 through June 30th of 2027. And then I'm going to tell you what our balance of everything is in the coming moments. >> So this might be a question down the line to my left. Um So does the board approve this budget? I don't know my full responsibilities of our job to approve this budget. >> Yes, I will I'm presenting it to you tonight for you to hear. I will put it in the newspaper for the next 2 weeks. And then on the May 19th board on the May 19th agenda, you all will approve it. >> Okay, so so before that approval comes, we're going to have to have something >> You're talking about two different things, sir. >> No no, we're
187going to have to >> I need you to come to my office so we can have a discussion because it's not going to it's not going to happen in front of these microphones. Because you're you're talking about so many different pieces that you're you're you're not getting what I'm >> Okay, I get it. It'll be a monthly report and I understand that's not for approval, but to approve a budget, I'm going to have to see total revenue, total planned outlay or >> That's what this is, sir. >> It is if it's got a summary page somewhere at the end cuz I want to be able to see when I say yay, I approve this budget. I know if I'm >> The budget I'm required to to budget to zero. >> I I I get that,
188but before I'm saying yay, I'm going to know if we're spending $40 or $140. And so far nothing I've seen, no offense to you, you're just trying to present what's here. You know, maybe you've got a summary at the end, but I'm going to need to know some categories that we're going to report monthly what it totals up to. So I'm just telling you that you don't need it now. I'm just saying we're going to have to get there, so. I may be the only one that says nay, but still. >> Well, we can continue uh uh formatting and uh specific specificity of additional forms um at at a later date and >> I I'm just trying to help Mr. Donnell understand what's going to make me feel in my comfort zone. >> All right.
189>> And you feel comfortable with my comfort zone. >> I'm just I'm I'm trying to get there because I I like I said I I'll state I'll state it again. You're you're you're all over the place with what you're asking for and I can't give you what you're what you're wanting because you're you're because of what you're asking. >> Okay. >> I I I just I mean I can give you again multiple things in multiple different presentations, but you're what you're asking for at the moment >> I I >> is not what you're asking for. >> Yeah, I I >> I >> [laughter] >> I don't expect you to answer my question today. I'm telling you what we're I'm trying to help you understand what it's going to take. >> And I and I I
190I told stated earlier that I have an Excel form that you asked for that I will give to you on May the 13th. >> Okay, well or before. >> On May the 13th. >> Pardon? >> May the 13th is our next board meeting, correct? Am I >> Or or before. I can't decipher 40 million or $140 million in a 2-hour time period. >> I'm not I don't understand that statement. I'm sorry. >> I- I- If you bring the numbers in here to a board meeting and give them to me and even Thursday before, I might need longer time to decipher that. So, the sooner you can get it the better is my point. >> Okay. So, we have the numbers now. After this evening, it has to be published in the paper for at least
1912 weeks. >> Correct. >> We'll get a summary sheet on the 13th, which is the next board meeting, and the following week, the 19th, will be the actual approval. So, we are already in 3 weeks, and in that time, I'm sure that we will be able to have additional discussions so that you can And I And I think we may just be having a terminology moment. Um so, I think getting through this would be easier without the distance. >> I I I think I I think we're on the same page. I think and we might be talking past each other a little bit. I'm just trying to help Mr. Dolan understand, you know, what's going to put me in my comfort zone. And And I think it's very doable. I don't think there's going to
192be an issue here. But And I'm glad to come to the board office, and and we can sit down and go over this as well. So. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> So, Mr. Dolan, if you would carry on, please. Uh we were in fund 12, I believe. >> Yep. Um >> [clears throat] >> So, we were in the maintenance maintenance part of it. Uh again, like I said, just like we talked about in fund 11, we have the fund transfer out for the different projects. So, um the maintenance has its own project, so I transferred out 1,085,324. And that's divided up for various items, salaries, benefits, uh repairs throughout the county. Uh anytime we have to hire a contractor for anything, maintenance supplies, uh lawn care service, uh we transfer out the $40,000 for
193the turf replacement. Um Next items are the school allocation and extracurricular uh for the schools. Um each one of those items has to have its own set of revenue because it has its own special project. Um >> [clears throat] >> we have our copy release that's in there. Uh we have $200,000 for textbooks. Uh coaching and extracurricular contracts uh 385,000. Our food service, that's the $100,000 to provide uh free lunches to all the students of Taylor County. There's a $10,000 line item for the 4-H Center. There's uh 411,399 for technology. Uh that is for salaries and benefits for the technology department. Uh I got off track there a little bit. Um I did budget um back at the top and throughout the through the excess levy, there's 22 22 positions that are funded, salaries and
194benefits that I budgeted. >> Excess levy? >> That is correct. >> Okay. >> The next page is our debt service. This is the money that we have to uh repay for um the bond each year. Um so that that was determined through the um levy and rate sheets that were were approved there a few weeks ago. The next um next amount is our fund 31, which is our bond account. Um the fund equity equity is basically the amount of that I've projected that will be left as of June 30th in the bond account. And then I broke that out for the Anna Jarvis project and the um security upgrades to the other schools throughout the county. Next is your capital improvement project. Inside of it, we had a fund equity of $1.349 million. Uh we
195have reserved for special projects 319,977. Uh we have additional revenues for the Anna Jarvis project. That is the SBA's portion. So again, that's the projected amount that we're going to have available you know, as of June 30th for from the SBA uh to finish up the S or to finish up the Anna Jarvis project. Transferred revenues in of uh $1.65 million for the um uh bus garage project. That's an addition. Um and then we have the 835,000 for the HVAC project at the at Flemington. Um we have some [sighs] legal advertising that's associated with that job. And then revenues of $40,000 for the turf project, which leaves us um 506 The total amount that we have at this point is 568,475 for the turf replacement. Last bit of the budget is the is our fund
19661, which is our special revenue. Uh these are um state grants um that we receive uh block grants from the state and federal government uh listed on the on the sheet for fund 61. Our pre-K budget, our CTE block grant, communities and schools funding, our title one, title two, title four, federal IDEA, federal pre-K, federal Perkins, and our child nutrition budget. Our title our title title one, our IDEA, and child nutrition include salaries and benefits for 33 employees. >> [clears throat] >> Does anybody have any questions about fund 61? So again, all the all the items from page one to this last page here of fund 61 completely zero out. The next part of your packet is the um salary and supplement book. This is includes the salaries for the directors, treasurer, superintendent. This is
197the um Taylor County Board of Education salary supplements for administrators and central office employees for FY 27. Next is the state principal and assistant principal state minimum increment schedule for 26-27. Next in your packet is the Taylor County Board of Education academic supplements for 26-27. These are items such as uh national board certifications, certified nurses, counselors, speech pathologist, um our extracurricular supplements for band directors, student councils, uh CT administrators, National Honor Society, chess advisors, and things of that nature. The next page is the uh salary schedule for professionals. The salary schedules do include the um 5% or 3% increase that the uh state provided. So, both the uh professional and service pay scales include that amount that the state approved for the salary increases. Next page is your uh is the technology department uh pay
198scale. And then your service uh service personnel. This is their salary based on the monthly. That's how the state presents it to us, so that's how we push it along. This is the next page is the professional substitutes daily salary rate. Uh they're kind of tiered. They're based off of their degree level. Um if they just work day-to-day, you know, it's the top amount. If they work uh consecutively days when 1 through 10, like I said, it's the top amount. If they go over 11 11 through 30, then it's the it follows the scale below. And then if they are in a long-term position or on go over 30 days, then they're paid off of the professional scale. Next page is the uh athletic coaching supplements. Uh there's been no changes to these. We changed
199them every few years ago. Um there's those, and then we have the last page are the Taylor County Board of Education academic supplements for after-school programs, for credit recovery, ALC, uh breakfast, computer operator, department chairs, and things like of that nature. Does anybody have any questions about the salary book? >> Yes, I do. With the uh recent legislative 5% increase, is that going to be in effect into this budget here? Is that reflected here? >> Yes, that's that's what's reflected, like I said, on both the the professional and service salary scales. So. >> So that is included. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions about the budget? All right. That concludes the budget portion. >> [clears throat] >> Next is your financial update. The first item in the in your package should be
200the WV BTI account, which I commonly refer to as our savings account. So, that is those are funds that we have that are set aside for uh various various items. Uh our current balance at the close of business of March 31st was 9,738,551.96. I'd booked 28,768.35 in interest. So, the interest is kind of dropped down a little bit. I think at the beginning of the year was up closer to almost 5%, but we're still getting pretty good return on on that investment. So, the next account statement from the BTI is the funds that are available for the bond. These monies were put into this account um and as of you know, March 31st, there was 9,431,596.92. And I had booked 29,227.33 in interest for that account. >> So, so I do have a question then.
201So, give or take 9 and 1/2 million dollars on each of these pages. >> Mhm. >> So, that's 18 million dollars, give or take 18 18 19 million dollars. So, I I guess I just again, so I understand that that's definitely not a part of the budget. It's just what's in our reserves. >> That is correct. The the the page that I'm talking about right now is strictly the bond for the AJ project and security upgrades to the schools. So, that's all this $9,431,000. That's all that can be used for is to to finish to finish the completion of Anna Jarvis and [clears throat] whatever security upgrades are decided. >> that helps because this money's spoken for, but we haven't spent it yet because bills haven't came due. But, this is allocated to be spent
202on Anna Jarvis plus the security plus everything that was in the lobby, I'm assuming. >> Just that Yeah, just the page I'm talking about right now. >> The first page is >> [snorts] >> $9,700,000 that we have to use. >> Unencumbered. >> Well, I mean it's all there to use, but some of it's allocated to the school, the second page. >> Yeah. >> The first page is, you know, this roof cave in tomorrow and you know, we got to put a new roof on, there's $300,000. We would pull from this fund on the first page. Is that Is that what I'm hearing? >> That is correct, sir. >> Okay. So, in in you said I think you said and if you didn't I I I I apologize, you can correct me. Like we have like
203a 5 million or 5% reserve of our state budget in somewhere. Is it part of this 9 million or is it somewhere else? >> A portion of this will become part of that 5% for next year. That first part of that presentation was all for next year. >> No, I understand. I'm not So, I'm I'm good with that. That's your budget for next year. >> [clears throat] >> I guess my question is the 5% reserve we have within this 9 million or is it somewhere else in a different account? >> It It could be part of this. It could be part of the funding that we still haven't received from the state. It could still be part of the taxes that we haven't received yet. It It could be a number of things. Again, it's
204It's just a projected number at this point. Because again, we don't know what's coming up. >> Right. >> Again, the the roof could fall in and we may have to use money, you know, cuz as of today at 4:00 when I checked the bank account, we had $2.8 million in the bank. >> Okay, but again, I I may have misunderstood something, not that you said it. Uh we were at a training session last week and they said that 5% or 16% whatever number we want to go, it's like it's under lock and key and it takes like 12 signatures and act of Congress to get it unlocked. >> Boy, I want to see this presentation. >> Pardon? >> I want to see this presentation that you guys all got to sit through. >> my interpretation
205of what they presented. >> That's That's not the case. But >> as a board of board of education member, >> Uh-huh. >> it's my job to help keep that lock and key in there because if it's used, it's probably being used to keep Charleston from taking over this meeting and directing it till we're solvent. Okay, such as we've seen in in neighboring counties. >> Right. >> And so I guess I I and I don't know the state laws, but it's the way I interpret it was that's supposed to be earmarked and set aside and it takes to pull one penny away from it, it takes like 17 signatures or something. So I could be wrong. I would suggest that we take a look at what we're required to do and make sure we're following that.
206That's That's my only point. >> Okay. >> So So I guess my question is our 5% is kind of within this cuz if we're our budget's 40 or 50 or 60 million dollars, you know, 5% of 60 million is $3 million. So there should be somewhere in my interpretation only that there's a $3 million account set up that says if we're if we agree that 5% is the number and we're within state code, then that's that's locked away, you know. It's under the new bus garage floor and only certain people can get there, you know. So. >> I think it's important to note though, and Mr. Dolan, please feel free to correct me, there is no dedicated income source that creates that. So, we can take this bit from here and this bit from here
207and this bit from here and they collectively have to add up to that. And while there absolutely need to be safeguards keeping that money in its high interest placement feels >> It's only to our benefit. >> Right. >> To keep it in that savings account. >> Okay. >> Because it again it accrues interest, so we're accruing interest >> And we know >> more revenue. So, >> And we know that if we spend this cuz it's in the checking account that we can't also spend this because some place the number has to add up. >> Uh like I said, the the savings account is you know is a is our you know reserve for reserve for contingencies. Um if if I come in here and present that to you one day and it's at a million
208dollars, then we got a big problem. >> Yes. >> since I've been here right now at this point is about the lowest it's been, but I haven't moved money from the checking account to that account. >> Right. Okay. Thank you, sir. >> You're welcome. >> All right, so I do have a specific question. I'm going to go to the second page here, the 9.43 million dollars. >> Yes, sir. >> Uh this is mostly allocated to pay bills for the new Anna Jarvis school as they come in and other security things not only Anna Jarvis. Um is the 1.7 we just approved is it a part of this as well? >> No, sir. >> Okay, that's fine. That's fine. I'm just trying to understand. And so, um is is there anything in the budget we just
209went through that adds to this or is this enough to complete the project? >> It should be enough to complete the project. And yes, there was a >> But we didn't pay the bills. >> [clears throat] >> That just means it's time to go. It could be. There we go. All right. So, >> Did you turn off the power strip? >> You don't have to go home, but >> [clears throat] >> you can't stay here. >> [screaming] >> At this point, I am going to ask for a pause so that we can fix the lights and use the facilities as necessary. So, barring any specific objections, please take five. >> Does anybody have the number for Caprice? >> There >> Mhm. >> All right. And welcome back after that brief intermission. Thank you very much.
210We will continue with Mr. Dolan's presentation uh on our financial updates. >> Okay. Um the next [clears throat] uh next pages are the um are the from the checking account. Um the first page here has our um previous balance, the number the amount for our deposits, the amounts for checks and debits that we had throughout the year throughout the month, and our ending balance as of 33126 was 1,904,313.43. That was after all the payrolls and I said everything that comes out of everything that we spend comes runs through this account, so I said you flip back through the pages, you can see the deposits and additions that were they're made. Like I said, a lot of them from the state. Um and then you get to the checks and withdrawals. I said shows our payments
211for the electric bill for deposits to the retirement system. Payments to the visa, our In-code insurance. Things like that. Does anybody have any questions about the checking account? >> I did have a question on page three. On 34, what is TSACG common remitting? >> TSA is a it's um stuff that our employees can do for optional retirements for like 403bs, 457s, IRAs and things like that. So, we we do every time we run payroll, we do a payroll deduction for those employees that sign up for that. And then we on their behalf submit that money to to those companies. >> Okay, so explain. It's the wire transfer debit. Okay. >> Yep. >> Thanks. >> Yep. >> Okay. Next items in the in the presentation are budget supplements. We did we received one one grant there
212between the last meeting and this meeting. It was for the teacher of the year. They the state provides them $300 and we received that grant there a couple days ago. The other items on there were journal entries for the unfunded liability. They're in the budget every year, but we just have to go through and do a journal entry to place those items to get those items to come across. We also had a PEIA adjustment. They they adjusted our revenue for the year, which they do from time to time. And then we had I had some budget supplements for some to transfer some funds um in our special revenue for special education for items that weren't being used and items for items that were being used. Does anybody have any questions about the budget supplements? Last
213part of your packet is the schedule of checks that were already written. Couple pages here of checks that were already written for various things like the retirement system and WVIS utility [clears throat] bills and other payroll items like our taxes, federal, FICA, Medicare, and state taxes. The last part of the packet are the schedule of checks to be written upon your approval tonight. Various items like always uh supplies, transportation supplies, fuel, uh travel reimbursements for employees, um and other uh technology technology supplies and items of that nature. Does anybody have any questions about those? If no questions, that concludes my portion of the show. >> Thank you, Mr. Dolan, for the wealth of information that you have provided us. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items in the 4000 series. >> So, moved. >> Mr. Taylor
214moves, Mr. Doughty seconds. Questions, comments, concerns? >> I I have a question, too. >> Yes. >> So, what are we approving or voting on? Just that we received it? >> So, we are approving on the we are agreeing that yes, we received that presentation. Yes, we received the financial updates, and we approve the budget supplements and vouchers payable, so checks written and to be written so that we can keep the lights on. We are This is not final approval of the budget. You will still have several weeks to review as necessary. >> Thank you. Any additional questions? Hearing none, we have an open motion on the floor. All those in favor? I. Uh opposed? Motion passes. Moving into the 5000 series, item 5501, uh Buffy and Jeremy Markham request permission to transfer their child from
215Barbour County to Flemington Elementary School pre-K for the 26-27 school year. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of item 5501 in the 5000 series. >> Moved. >> Mrs. Gallo moves. >> Second. Yeah, second. >> Yeah, Mr. Summers seconds. Uh questions, comments, concerns? As always, we have room for this fine child. >> We do. >> Wonderful. Thank you, sir. Any additional questions? All those in favor? >> I. >> Opposed? Motion passes. We're going to move into the 5000 series. We have employment, we have transfers, we have extracurricular duties, substitutes, extracurricular duty resignations, an abolishment, a creation, service personnel employment, transfers, extracurricular duty resignations, and service substitute res- resignations. Uh superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 5502 through 5532 in the 5000 series. >> So moved. >> Mr. Taylor moves. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Mr.
216Summers seconds. Questions, comments, concerns? >> I do. So, with um these transfers and employments and abolishing creation, where does that um put us in the formula? We're still within that. Cuz I see we're seeing some of these folks come back as we typically do in riff and transfer season that >> Yes, absolutely. >> Yes, so so this is a result from the actions that you took previously where we abolished and then we created positions. So, we are still lingering at that same number. I will say though that of the of those employees that were impacted, we have about 29 employees still lingering out there that haven't been placed back in positions yet. In the next two postings, I'll have 11 jobs that I have to fill by some of those individuals. So, that will drop
217us down under 20 people. Again, right now we're still having some shifts in our our employees moving around still. So, everyone off of the riff or transfer list hasn't been placed back yet because some people are still moving. What what I would remind you is that we are not employing anyone that was not employed inside of Taylor County at the time of the riff or transfer. We are not employing anyone from outside of the county if we have anyone that was impacted by that riff or transfer. So, if we have somebody in a field that we didn't impact anybody riff or transfer, we might be hiring someone out of county in that. But, if anyone that was impacted, we would not fill that. So, we are placing these people back into positions. So, right now
218there's still 29 employees that were impacted by riff or transfer that haven't landed back in something yet. But, like I said, I have 11 jobs I know that I'm going to have to fill in the next posting that opens tomorrow morning. 10 of those jobs open tomorrow morning that will land some of those people back in. I've also received a resignation that will appear on the May 13th agenda. So, as we've had some other people resign and retire also, we are we will be filling these people back with the people that were impacted by the riff or transfer. And you'll see some of those people were transferred. So, again, as service is impacted, that's a reminder that service bump others out of positions. So, all those positions are open and then those people with the
219most seniority have to land back in jobs. That's what you're seeing on this posting is them landing back into positions. And then, as I said, um for example, there was one position that someone wasn't impacted by riff or transfer, but they had the most seniority in the county, and and so they got the job, but then their job's going to be on this next one. So, someone in the riff or transfer if will land in that. So, we are still placing people back into these positions. And I as I said, I have received at least three resignations since riff and transfer of jobs that were were posting to. So, those will continue to post as as we get those in. So, my hope is that the majority of our people that were impacted will be
220placed back. >> Okay. Um sorry, I have more. Uh in regards to 5517 and 5518, are these I I see that they're a part-time, but it says 220 days, but it's still just a part-time um like an extra duty or it's part-time? >> shift. So, they're working 220 days, but they're only working a part-time shift during the day. So, we do not need them for a full 8-hour shift, but they are employed to those extended contracts as uh 220 or 240 cuz we need someone doing those jobs every day. We just don't need someone 8 hours an 8-hour shift to do those. >> Okay. And then, um hang on. In regards to the creation of 5516, um just clarification, so they need both of those backgrounds, music and art, to qualify or what? >> So,
221so the posting it's there's a copy of it in there. It actually says you can be an elementary certified teacher to hold this position. If you have music and art, they would consider that as as options, too. But an elementary teacher is certified to teach K to 6 all subjects. And so, as we had to reduce a position out there for specialist cover planning periods, as we know, elementary teachers can teach all content areas, including art, music, PE, all those areas. So, they wanted to broaden that to not just be music, to be able to add that so they could cover art and music. So, an elementary certified person that was impacted by riffle transfer could also be given a position back rather than hiring someone from out of county to do just music. Because
222they would be certified in the elementary school, that's K to 6 certification covers all those all those content areas. Whereas, when you get into secondary schools, you have to have that specialty certification in art music 5 to 9 or 5 to 12 or K to 12, you can have all those pieces. >> Okay. >> So, it's allowing Flemington and West Taylor more flexibility in what that teacher can cover. It can cover art and music. That's what they That's why they put the emphasis of art and music. They want that those two content areas to be covered by that that specialist teacher. >> Okay. >> That was long-winded, sorry. >> No, that's okay. I I appreciate that because I mean the arts are very important. I just want to make sure that you know. >> Correct.
223>> I asked that. >> That was the point behind that from Mrs. Knotts and Mrs. Dolan was so that it offered the wide range of of art and music so they could cover all that these content standards. >> Okay. And then, um this is probably probably something, I guess, that you probably could answer, Dr. Decker, more really about the job description. So, you know, I do want to clarify that I did inquire a few with a few different individuals regarding the CIS coordinators who work in the schools. I asked individuals who worked in the county and out of the county in the school system. Um, and it was my understanding that was part of the training to garner community support for supplies as well as funding and it was a it's a blended funding support
224program for the roles and the supplies. But, moving forward, I want to again clarify what the role is and then uh, with the funding, we know that that is decreasing. You know, are they able to apply for grants or funding and will they receive, you know, training on that role and have access to resources or a point of contact to make those connections in applying for support. >> Yeah, absolutely. So, Mrs. Roberts already has a plan for that. So, the contact at the state department will be coming in to Taylor County and meeting with building level principals as well as these two position people that will be awarded these positions to talk about all of those questions and explain all of that to everyone. So, everyone is on the same page about how they will
225be used, how they should look for funding, how they should ask and and coordinate supplies, how we can get community support, all of those. Uh, so, Mrs. Roberts already has that planned um, for a July meeting with her to come in and meet with and the building principals were already told this at the last building at our administrative council meeting and that a date is forthcoming in July to meet with the the two community in school positions, those persons and also the building level administration. So, So everyone has an understanding of what the role is and what it the responsibilities will include. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Okay. Uh there are no other questions at this point. We have an open motion on the floor for the 5000 series. All those in favor? I. Opposed?
226Motion passes. Moving us into the 8000 series, board member comments and discussions. We have Grafton High School commencement activities and schedule, which they have conveniently provided us a lovely double-sided color copy. Um it is my understanding that the only piece that is requisite for us is the graduation. Um all other all of the other activities are optional, but encouraged. Is that accurate? >> It is that. >> Minus the trip to Kennywood. We do not want to go with the seniors to Kennywood. >> That is accurate. >> Okay. Is there any other information that goes with this, Dr. Solis, that you're aware of? >> At this point, I haven't been told otherwise, but if you remember prior to graduation, we have been asked to arrive approximately uh 6:45. >> You want to look a little earlier
227than that cuz parking tends to be >> I will I will definitely um I will investigate that if that is not changed. It says arrive by 6:30. Uh and so we will that's really listed for the students, but as I recall, we were there by 6:30, 6:45. >> Is that happening inside? >> And parking will be reserved for you. >> Downtown. >> And >> I'll confirm that with the current principal. >> And we will get confirmation on whether that is inside or outside, although I a little birdie told me that they were hoping for outside. >> Depends on weather, yeah. >> But it will depend on weather, absolutely. >> It's hot. >> I believe they're looking into that, but they're also concerned that there is a if because it's Friday, there might be if there's
228any pending they'd have some concerns about striking that quickly. I'll confirm that closer. >> Okay. Very good. Um and then that I believe moves us to the discussion of the 26-27 schedule for board meetings, which is also available in your packet. >> I have a question. July 14th uh I will be involved in setting up for Starquest. I can come back from Green Bank and make the meeting and then go back to Green Bank again, but I would love to have that meeting be on another night if that would be possible. >> I can't make that happen. >> I'm just joking. >> [laughter] >> I'm joking. >> I feel like at this point >> Is is it possible it could be on the 7th? >> On the 7th? >> one on the sixth. >> Huh?
229Oh, that's the organizational meeting. >> Uh-huh, okay. >> [snorts] >> Uh >> So that's the 21st, I guess. >> I don't know that there's any particular issue with that uh moving it. So, where would you like to move it to? >> The only the only concern I I obviously do not It does not matter to me. I was joking when I said that, Mr. Taylor. The only concern that um Dr. Stallings is that the the swearing in of the the >> just as long as we have that and it doesn't interfere with Mr. Dolan and and whatever you guys have. >> Right. >> Or not objection, but concern. >> I do know that the goal is to have the new members sworn in on the 1st, which is a Wednesday. I believe I recall. And
230the question is do we want that to it can be it's my understanding it can be done privately. I can arrange to have a judge come and do that at my office. Unless you would prefer as a board member as the other board members to be a formal board meeting. It would simply be long enough to uh conduct the swearing in so it really is not a requirement. >> We have to elect officers. >> But that can't happen until the 6th. >> That can't happen till the 6th. So, that's the the question about the swearing in. I've investigated the possibility, but uh >> Well, either the 7th or the 21st would be fine with me. >> So, that would be the day. >> If that could be >> You can So, you can't make the
2316th? Is that what I'm learning? >> I I could. I I can. I will. Yeah. >> So, we have to have it on the 6th and tell me your conflict was the 14th? >> My conflict was the week of the 13th through the 18th. >> All right. So, we'll have it on the 6th if I'm understanding that correctly. >> Yeah. >> And then we would move that instead of the 14th, we would move it to the 21st. And Am I hearing that? >> That would be better for personnel-wise than moving it up. Moving it back would be better. >> Then that seems reasonable. >> So, the 21st So, we'd meet on the 6th for our organizational meeting, the 21st instead of the 14th, and then the 28th. >> If that's the pleasure of the board.
232>> I I'd much appreciate that. >> Well, that's your decision. As a board >> Are there any other changes or tweaks to the calendar for FY 27? >> Perhaps it would be appropriate to wait until the newly elected members are joining and they could happen they could discuss that as well. >> I think alternately you are looking at a very >> it now and then >> Yeah, you're looking at a very standard um >> Right. >> lie and I think that that's probably fine. >> We can make adjustments at post July 6th. >> Do we want to keep the adjustment to July 21st? Okay. So, at this point we will entertain a motion to move the July 14th meeting to the July 21st. Mr. Dowdy moves. >> Second. >> Mrs. Gallo seconds. Questions, comments, concerns?
233All those in favor? Aye. Motion Oppose? Motion passes. >> Thank you. >> You're quite welcome. >> Okay, so I think we like that calendar. We have anything else for board member comment or discussion this evening? >> Um I would like to entertain the thought of something that we did learn at the training that looking at our agenda some counties have like a line item that just indicates on the agenda that uh financial statements or balances are available to the public during business hours or something along those lines. And um I didn't know if we could discuss that at the next meeting to see if that was something that the the board would like to add to our agenda or not. >> Could you explain that just a bit? Thank you. >> Something along those lines,
234yes, ma'am. Yeah. But I you want that added for the issue >> on the 8000 series of the next meeting to see you know, what the board's thoughts are. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We'll discuss it next time. >> Yeah. >> You got it. >> Got it. Thanks. >> Okay. All right, any additional? Hearing none, we will move into the 9000 series. Future meetings, um I am going to make >> to the 8000 that discussion we just had, please? Sorry. Uh Did Is Is there specific things that were called out there that we want to start seeing and discuss to put on the agenda? >> So, this is an excellent opportunity for you to say, "Next meeting, I would like us to sit down and collectively discuss X. That we should all wear purple
235socks on Tuesdays." And then we don't have any further discussion about purple socks this evening. We have that entirety of that discussion next week or next meeting. >> you. >> Yep, no worries. Um In the 9000 series, as we learned this evening, the middle school choir concert is also on May 19th. Um I would very much like to attend that since my daughter is involved. Is there any feasible way to move that 19th meeting to the 18th or the 20th? >> I thought you said it was on the 18th. I'm sorry. >> The band concert is on the 18th. The choir concert is on the 19th. >> [laughter] >> It's a very busy week. And and if that is not amenable to anyone else, I will bow out that evening, but >> So, what what
236date you want to move it to? >> Uh either side, 18th or the 20th. >> Either either side. >> Either side. >> No, not May 18th. That's my anniversary. >> Oh, okay. I feel like we run into this problem with your anniversary every year. >> Well, I feel like if we're meeting on the 13th, which is a Wednesday, that's too quick of a turn around for an agenda. >> We have a schedule on Not everybody can make either of those dates. I'm >> I'm sorry. And >> I can't make either. >> Is the 20th good? >> The 20th, 21st, any any other day that week literally works for me. Mr. Dolan, is I know that we have submission to the state after approval. If we move it to the Tuesday or to the Wednesday or
237Thursday, do we muck any of our timelines there? >> No, as long as I get it as long as I get it submitted to them by June the 1st. >> Thank you, sir. >> You're welcome. >> So, your suggestion was when? >> The 20th. >> That gives us back-to-back Wednesday meetings, which is out of step with standard, but if that is Again, if that is not convenient for anyone else, I will >> I'm not available, but you don't need me. I'm the 20th. He can do it. >> We can make it work. >> If and if there's an alternate day that week that is more conducive. Or the following week, move it to the 26th. >> I move we move it to the 20th. >> Can you stop making motions until we >> [laughter] >>
238We're all [snorts] very sleepy. >> I mean, the 21st works for me, too. I don't know. Is the 21st better? >> 21st is not better for me. >> I'll be gone on the 21st. >> Is the 26th, the following Tuesday, better? >> That's after Memorial Day, right? >> Yes. >> Senior reception, if you look at that calendar, that's not something you would be attending necessarily. You're invited, but I would be attending that. Is the 27th an option? >> It doesn't say the 26th. I don't I mean, I don't know, but that is the senior reception for the >> [snorts] >> awards and honor graduates. And that's an evening this time. I mean, the 20th works for me. I don't know. >> The senior reception is to be similar to the winter celebration setup, followed by
239the senior sermon in here. >> Who does the 20th work for? Works for me. >> Dr. Decker. >> It doesn't work for Dr. >> Dr. Decker, but 20 seems to work across if that is >> We can make it work, I suppose. >> Again, I if it is inconvenient for anyone else, I will bow out that evening. I was simply asking as a as an indulgence. >> But that's what we're all about, indulging you. >> Make your motion. I move that we move the meeting from May 19th to May 20th. >> Move. Second. >> Garvin moves, Taylor seconds. All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Opposed? Very good. Uh that makes our future meetings Wednesday, May 13th, 6:00 at the board office. Wednesday, May 20th, 6:00 at the board office. Tuesday, June 9th, 6:00 at
240the board office. And Tuesday, June 23rd, 6:00 at the board office. At this point, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. Mr. Daddy moves. >> Second. >> Mrs. Gallo seconds. All those in favor? >> Aye. >> Thank you very much for all you do. We are adjourned at 9:45.