001Good evening. It is 6:00 and I'm going to call this first meeting to order. It is the practice all the board members are present. It is the practice of our Board of Education to begin our meetings with a 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 to provide a quality education for the students attending Taylor County schools. Amen. Please join me in honoring our country's flag. Dr. Stallings, are there any adjustments or addendums to the 6:00 meeting agenda? No, Ms. Garvin, there are not. All right. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of the agenda as
002presented. So moved. Mr. Taylor moves. Do I have a second? Mr. Summers seconds. Questions? Comments? All those in favor? I. Opposed? Motion passes. Bringing us directly to the 4000 series financial and this is the approval of the schedule of proposed levy rates for fiscal Excuse me. For fiscal year ended June 30, 2027. Superintendent respectfully recommends that the schedule of proposed levy rates be approved and adopted as submitted and that the Taylor County Board of Education proposes to lay the following levy on each $100 valuation in each class of property. Current expense levy rates, class 1 1940, class 2 3880, classes 3 and class 4 7760. Excess levy rates, class 1 1148, class 2 2295, classes 3 and 4 4590. Bond levy rate, class 1 466. Class 2 932, classes 3 and 4 1864. With a
003copy of the schedule immediately forwarded to the West Virginia State Auditor's office and a copy of the schedule published in the local newspaper as required by West Virginia code. Motion? Moved. Mrs. Gallo moves, Mr. Taylor seconds. Questions? Comments? Concerns? Yes, sir. Um Just being new to this uh Your microphone, please. I'm sorry. Are these changes to previous years? No, sir, I do not believe they are. Mr. Dolan, confirm that, please. >> That is correct. They are not There are no changes. Okay. Uh so so these are uh the same rates that were approved by the voters when they approved the levies then. Is that correct? These are the same rates that we have been paying or the voters have been paying um Since they approved the levies >> Since all of these things have been
004approved. Yes, sir. Okay, thank you very much. Okay. Any additional questions? All those in favor? I. Opposed? Abstains. Motion passes. I will entertain a motion to adjourn this meeting. Moved. Mrs. Gallo moves. I will second. All those in favor? I. I. Opposed? And our meeting is adjourned at 6:03 p.m. Unless someone objects, we will just move forward with our 6:05 meeting here just a squinch early. Is that okay with everybody? Okay. It's 6:04. I'm going to call this meeting to order. 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. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to
005the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. All right. Dr. Stallings, are there any adjustments or addendums to the 6:05 agenda? No, Ms. Garvin, there are not. Thank you, sir. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of the agenda as presented. So moved. Mr. Taylor moves. Mr. Summers seconds. All those in favor Oh, sorry. Questions? All those in favor? I. Opposed? Motion passes. Leading us directly into the 1000 series information, student recognition and we're going to start with our friends in the FFA and Mr. Tennant. Good evening, everybody. Excited to bring you some updates from Taylor County FFA chapter. I spent the last couple days and Stern Wood looking at proficiency awards and state star applications and things of that sort, but I'll share that with you after I
006talk about the cool looking at this page number six behind me. Um we have four new uh regional champion teams and individuals that I want to introduce you to tonight. Uh first I'll bring up uh the parliamentary procedure team. We have four of them, so if you guys want to come up here to the front. Uh Cage Andrews, Colton Roush, Colton Gillespie, and Payton Freeman are here tonight. Uh the other two team members were P.J. McGinnis uh and Cheyenne Bowyer. Um so we started back in December-ish learning about parliamentary law. Uh they had to take a 50-question uh general knowledge type test on Robert's Rules of Order and how to properly run a business meeting. Um in addition to that, they have 11 minutes to actually perform a mock business meeting. Um they're given a
007motion card with their item of discussion uh in advance uh with the five motions that are required to be made in the meeting. Then they have each make an additional motion. Uh the awesome thing is is they have no idea what they're going to see until the uh the judge says, "Did you have 1 minute? Look at your cards." and P.J. taps the gavel, they have no idea. So they have to be very very well prepared uh and well versed in parliamentary law to be able to pull off uh a task like that. Uh at the conclusion of their 11 minutes, then they're asked uh a series of oral questions uh about whatever specific motion that they contest at state convention in July. So the other group They're a little bit younger. This is a
008This is a freshman group of of parliamentary procedure nerds. Uh they don't have as much to do in terms of parliamentary law. Uh they only have to make three motions out of the seven kids that are on the team. So some of them, their only job is to simply debate. Um We get We started somewhere in in December. Uh they also have a 25-question test on parliamentary law. A little bit I don't want to call them like a JV team, but a little bit of a of a step down, a good introduction to uh parliamentary procedure. Uh in addition to their test, they have 13 minutes to make a demonstration. The other thing that they have to do as part of their demonstration is they perform opening and closing ceremony, uh which is a a
009ritual that that we do in in the FFA. Um they're also asked an oral question at the conclusion of their 13 minutes. They partic- So you So to speak, they do a state star for farmer. They do a state star for placement uh and like an agricultural business or a service and then a state star in community service. We submitted two this year and we went two for two there. Uh Anna Poling is the state star in agricultural placement uh and Cheyenne Bowyer was named state star of all the state degree candidates. And that makes three state star farmers in a row for Taylor County FFA, so a lot of really good things happening in front of us. Uh thank you guys for for letting us come and let me talk and get to see
010some good-looking FFA jackets back here. >> [applause] >> Sure. Wow, that just blows me away. Um such excellence and you know, when I think I've heard everything that FFA does, then I get surprised again. I am just so thoroughly amazed at everything that you young adults are doing and I just think it's amazing. Thank you so much for all your hard work and your dedication and really um we are so proud of you and you know, you have so much um to look forward to and we're just really really proud of you and thank you uh to Mr. Tennant as well as to your families because I know it takes a a whole village. It takes your families' involvement to help support you and encourage you. Um I know you have long days. Um you
011know, not only your school work, I know some of you are involved in extracurricular activities outside of FFA, so um just really great job and thank you so much for representing Taylor County and Grafton High School so well. Talk about developing life skills. My goodness sakes. You kids are really on top of it. Uh you make Taylor County proud and you're developing skills for yourselves for the whole rest of your lives. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Well done. How did I not know that Colton would have five? How did I not know that? When I grow up, I want to be Colton Gillespie. I think I had that on Facebook one time. Um Now, you guys, you're creating your future now. Um you're doing big things and you're learning these things at an early age and you're
012doing an awesome job at it. Um I haven't seen a lot of you all in a lot in a couple years and you're like growing up. I see names. I'm like, "Wait, that's not Cage." I'm like, "Wait." No, you all aren't growing up like this. Um but you are and you're It's very impressive. Um it's very impressive the the the accolades and everything that you've done. Um just know that we are very proud of you, but you should be proud of yourself. Um and and keep this up. Yeah, everything that's been said so far, I just want to say it again. Uh it's it's really good seeing all those FFA jackets out there. I appreciate that very much. Uh I was telling someone mine still fits. It's tight, but it still fits pretty good for
013me. And I'm proud to uh have worn that a long long time ago as well. I can remember the FFA Creed, going to Mannington for the parliamentary procedure contest. I did it for 4 years. And I know all the work that uh you all go through to make that happen. I know you're uh you you put a lot of extra time in all your farm projects along with school, the parents, grandparents. You know, it takes it takes the whole family to run a farm. You all know that. And I think it's great that you're here to see the support and everything. Uh we still run our family farm, and it takes a family there, and everybody gets involved all the way down. I really look forward to seeing the second row being in the front
014row, being announced as first place winners in in the next few years as well. I know you guys can do it. And so and and Mr. Tannant, I thank you very much. It takes you to push them along. I saw you at the West Virginia Beef Expo. As someone said earlier, you know, these skills will last a lifetime for you, and cherish them. Uh I'm a member of this organization, the Beef Expo, the Lions Club. You know, the Robert Rules is something you'll live with the rest of your life. So, you won't you won't want to forget and you'll be glad you learned it here. So, thank you for making Taylor County look so good. Congratulations and good luck in your careers. I am amazed at how big the bubble of confidence and determination is
015that comes with every single one of these blue jackets. Not just in this room, but I see you guys outside the school, like going to places, and there is this aura up, this energy, this confidence, this like yes that just radiates off of all of you. I am amazed and proud and absolutely in awe of the grit that you all are show at such an early age. And I wish you the very best of luck. And if there's anything we can do for y'all, feel free to holler. And And you can go now if you want. We're going to recognize some school staff. Miss Garvin, I believe they're going to be taking a photograph of this group in the hallway. Excellent. Miss Shoemaker, she's going to take Thank you. All right. And that does bring
016us to our next piece, which is TCS staff recognition. So, we just wanted to give you a little back history on our service of the year. Um for those of you that are new, we did something a couple years ago where we opened up nominations to the community. Um previously, we the nominations were mainly made by the school staff, but we opened it up to the community um just to kind of, you know, we have wonderful teachers. We want them to have an opportunity to share um share that as well. So, just out of our teachers, we had 42 teachers nominated for this award this year. Um service staff, we had 12. Um so, like I said, we know we have amazing teachers, service staff, counselors, um principals, but it was great to see um
017how much our community sees that as well, our families. And so, once we received the nominations, then um these individuals were contacted, and they were asked to fill out an application. Um and then once we got the applications back, there was a committee that kind of helped narrow it down a bit. And then um Dr. Stallings um reviewed them to help select um our our individuals. So, in order for our winners to advance to the state competition, um they have to have at least 5 years of service. So, we did have some um individuals that um were nominated, but they did not have that stipulation um to go into the state competition. So, um like I said, once we narrowed it down, um Dr. Stallings had the tough job of looking through all the applications
018and um selecting our individuals. So, um Dr. Stallings, before you name our individuals, you we have some folks that are here. Do you want to have them stand up? So, if you were nominated for Teacher of the Year, please stand so we can recognize you. And then service staff of the year? And I'll turn it over to you. At this time, we'll recognize the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, and that person is Miss Britney Shemy from Grafton High School. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. >> [laughter] >> Welcome, Mom. And at this time, we we had uh the service We have the service personnel present this evening. I will recognize that we will at least announce that the winner of this year's 2025-2026 service personnel member of the year is Angie Moore, one of our bus drivers.
019And last but certainly not least, we have the category of Counselor of the Year for the 2025-2025-2025-2026 uh Counselor of the Year for Taylor County is Miss Renee Salome from Taylor County Middle School. Congratulations to you and to all of you. That was not as as Helen as Mrs. Roberts has indicated, it was not an easy process. I know that's very cliché to be heard, but it is true. A lot of candidates with a lot of quality information, and we appreciate your participation in that as well. Thank you. Is that okay, Mom? So, um in the bags, I don't want to give it all the way away, but um we were we have just as amazing teachers, we also have amazing students. So, um at the high school, Miss Stacy Ward and her students, they
020created um it it's absolutely beautiful, but like I said, I don't want to say it what it is, but there is a something special in there that they created for you. And um our service um award winner as well as our counselor um also received that. So, like I said, we have amazing students um as well. And um Britney, Renee, and Angie like um will go on to compete at the state level. So, they'll be our representatives at the state. I I I just want to thank everybody, all the teachers, the staff, the service personnel. Uh you you do amazing work. Uh sometimes it probably looks overlooked and not appreciated, but it is very much appreciated. Uh just the previous group of students tell us what kind of teachers we have here. And I I'm
021sure you have just as many students that deserve just as many awards as what we just saw. We hope you bring them forward. Uh we're pleased with all you do. Uh and uh we do we do appreciate you being here and taking care of the students. They are our future, so you are our future. So, thank you. To echo what he said very much, uh we appreciate what you do. And um a true test, we would like you to stay for the rest of the meeting, so it's going to be at least a 6-hour one, so we'd like you to stay. Um and that's just um just a test, you know, for the state. So, um no, we we do appreciate um everything that you do. Uh you know that. And yep. So. And congratulations.
022And every one of the rest of you that are runners-up, uh congratulations to you, too, for being nominated. Uh Teacher of the Year's a wonderful award to be nominated for it shows what somebody thinks of you. So, congratulations. Again, I'm just echoing what these uh fine gentlemen said, but you know, congratulations and thank you for your dedication and your content expertise and investing in our children. Um we really appreciate all you do. Um and just congratulations and good luck to you and representing Taylor County at the state level. So, best wishes to you. Well, I mean, I guess I'm a mockingbird cuz I'm just going to repeat all the things that got said. Um but to not only have this kind of effect on our students and on their families, but to then be willing
023to do extra work to prove that you're having the effect is phenomenal. Um again, thank you for everything you all do every day and every way you show up for our students. So, hopefully we can help support you along that path. And I'm going to tell you that you passed the test. 6 hours has elapsed. You can go. Ms. Garvin, if I might say one more thing and I was I'm remiss in not saying that earlier, but more than just an application that was provided for review and more than just their descriptions of what they answered to the questions, etc. were each of the packets uh had letters of support and indications and a variety of ways that they are impacting our students. Testimonies from parents, testimonies from students, and from colleagues. Uh each of
024them just a a real testament to all that's going on in in the school system here. Um not just I like that person, please vote for that person. It was some of them were multiple pages of testimonies and so uh the impact is enormous and I just wanted to acknowledge that. I was remiss in saying that before. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Mom, you can be in that picture, too, if you choose. Right. And that is going to move us into superintendent updates, data reveals, shout-outs, and in case you haven't heard. Thank you, Ms. Garvin. Uh in the spirit of a short agenda, I will keep my comments brief in spite of the fact that people say Dr. Stallings cannot tell short stories, but I will do my best. I want to give you an
025update about a few things. One, that uh uh the exciting news, as you know, this is prom season and toward the end of this month our our Grafton High School prom is going to be held at the 14 14 Arena and then their after prom is happening at the Hive. And they have received uh significant uh contributions to support that both from the community uh um county commission, I almost said community corrections. The the county commission and uh some funds for the Mary Battle Fund uh to ensure that uh everything to all participants is free. In addition to just free, uh which is significant, uh it also provides as a part of their after prom uh activities that provides uh a variety, just a vast variety of uh door prizes for all the participants. Um
026something the high school has been doing for some few years now and as has always been uh a very popular, well-received by the students who participate. I also want to give you an update that's intended to be an encouragement uh and it's bad news for Austin, Texas, but it's certainly good news for Taylor County, West Virginia in that uh and West Virginia in general, I have a good friend from Austin, Texas who sent me a very brief uh email of late and uh he is a former Graftonion and uh student and he went through our system here and he is watching and paying attention to our dilemmas that we have been addressing of late. And his email was just very brief and it said, "You are not alone." And the and there was a link
027to an article uh to Austin's uh independent school district and they are facing uh an an excess of $181 million deficit. I can't even begin to fathom that, but um it is not just unique to West Virginia and the enrollment issues that you have uh embraced and have been addressing, but I thought I'd that's intended to be a little bit of a boost and encouragement that Taylor County is not in that circumstance, thank God. Uh and I thank you for that. And lastly, the other piece I'm of this brief sharing is I I passed out the list of the Grafton High School's update regarding the utilization of the weapons detection equipment. Uh and their successful process with that as well. That's all for this evening. Thank you. Does anybody have any questions on those pieces?
028Do we have any board member updates or board committee meeting reports? Indeed, I have uh an update. Uh there was recent uh competitions uh that uh United Technical Student uh Center students participated in. Uh and I have uh several from Grafton High School that I want to report on. Uh Gavin Nichols won uh gold place in the state uh in automotive refinishing. Uh Dylan Gutshall won a silver place in motorcycle service technology. Uh and then uh there were several that were first in the local. Uh Eli Yost was first uh locally in collision damage appraisal. Uh Jason Poling was first locally in residential wiring. Isaiah Moore was first locally in showcase cosmetology. Gavin Walls was first located in welding fabrication. And Isabella Laird was first locally in welding sculpture. So, significant uh achievements by Grafton
029High School students that have attended over at the United Technical Center. And uh a lot going on over there and a lot going on in our technical programs all around. So, uh kudos to the technical programs. Dr. Stallings, um would we be able to invite those um students here so we could recognize them because the CTE is I mean very profoundly important in our county and I think that they deserve that recognition here as well. I agree. It is an extension of what we have here, so we will certainly make that invitation available to them. All right. I think that concludes the 1000 series, moves us into the 2000 series, minutes, policies, contracts, and agreements. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of the minutes from the special meeting of April 1st, 2026 and the regular meeting of
030April 7th, 2026. Have a motion? So moved. Mr. Summers moves. Do I have a second? Second. Mr. Taylor seconds. Questions, comments, concerns? Uh yes, Ms. Garvin, is this the meeting minutes I think that we were looking at in the 8000 series that it was you that mentioned our discussion point for tonight in the 8000 series. Yes. >> that it needs um the the meeting of April 7th and the item in the 8000 series um it just currently noted as attributed to Mr. Doughty for asking for the investigation and we double-checked amongst ourselves and we believe it is I. It is I. It was I. I did it, not him. Um so, if we could note that. Which one was that? April 7th. April 7th in the 8000 series. Any other corrections? Okay, we have a
031motion on the floor with corrections. All those in favor? I. Opposed? Abstains. Moving us into continuing in the 2000 series and contracts, item 2270. Uh superintendent respectfully requests approval of the Blue and Gold Development as the successful bidder pertaining to the phase two, including all site prep, existing tank removal, possible possible hazardous materials mitigation, and purchase of three new fuel tanks of the continued construction/renovation project for the new transportation building in the amount of $1,747,670. Funding source, capital improvements. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of item 2270 in the 2000 series. So moved. Mr. Taylor moves. Do I have a second? I will second. Questions, comments, concerns? Yes, I have a comment. Sorry. Uh I figured list. May I? Uh This the tank that is going to be removed is 30 years old. It has a life
032expectancy of 20 years. That means 10 years ago something should have been done. If that tank leaks into the Tiger River, we're in real trouble. This is a big expense, but it's an absolute necessity. Uh it we are beyond beyond negligent if we don't do this. So, uh again, it's a big expense, but it's an absolute necessity. You're the president. So, I have some concerns about this. So, I jotted them down because I want to make sure that I uh cover all the things that I have been thinking about. So, I have lots of questions then and we have not met with our architect since what I was looking at in my notes since June of 2025. We got an email inquiry from Dr. Decker to them at the beginning of the year asking for
033an update on phase two. And this is the first that we're seeing it here on the agenda. I have questions on this. This is 1.7 million dollars for phase two. I have questions. How many phases are there? Is this the last one? Is there three, four, 10? And what are the costs projected of all these phases? I think it would also be wise I think to uh postpone this to give Mr. Summers time to be up to speed so he has enough information history to make an informed decision. You know, last week we had to make some difficult decisions and talked about decrease in student enrollment and this equated to less money provided to us in our budget by the state. Therefore, we need to look at cost in our facilities and maintenance projects that
034we have just the same. I know it's two different funds and personnel is about 80% and the our maintenance and other projects are about 20%, but I still think we need to look at this. If we have less students, then do we need all of these features that we have in this plan? And personally, I we need to revisit it to know exactly what all's in the plan. Is it still um sufficient uh that we have Do we need three tanks? Do we need two or is one enough? Uh what are there areas do we need to tighten the belt on this project? And I'm not saying I don't understand that there's a need for it as it is an environmental risk. I totally get that. And those underground tanks are long overdue to be
035exhumed and I know that you know, we've been exploring this and discussing this and it's been part of our agenda since the fall of 2024. This has been a long process. Dr. Stallings, you were preparing us in December for personnel cuts and we just had that meeting last week. We have spent about 4 months discussing those options. You were meeting with building administrators, getting recommendations, looking over the needs and talking with staff and so forth. Now we have this big project and this is the first time we've really talked about it very much in 10 months. I am not ready to move forward on this tonight. I understand that it is a need and it needs to happen, but I think we need to re-evaluate this plan and look at it. Um and I cannot
036in good conscience uh carry on out that at this time this evening. May I speak? Thank you. Um with respect to what Mrs. Gallo said with the thoughts that she had thought and wrote down, um these are thoughts that I am writing down from the constituents, um the people that voted for us to speak for them. Um along the lines of a conversation that Dr. Stallings pulled me aside for it last week and said, "I know that you really wanted to see that um not pass last week." I said, "No, that wasn't about me. That was about our voters." Um and those are also the voters that vote for our levy. Um these are also the voters that see this 1.7 million line item agenda the next week. I'm going to be completely frank with
037you guys. That's a slap in the face. Yes, it needs to be done. The timing could not have been more poor of a choice. Yes, I understand it comes from different budgets, um different things. Yes, I know you want to get it done. Not the right time. Not the right place. Think about what you're doing. You're asking for 1.7. We've already spent right at one. We're close to three. When will it stop? Just as Ms. Gallo said, when are we going to put a band-aid on this bullet hole that has become an expense that we were not told was going to be this much? This is getting out of control. We have not had any information about this in almost a year and now it's being dropped in front of us at one of the
038most expensive line items that I have ever seen in the last 2 and 1/2 years. This does not align with supporting our staff in maintaining public trust. I I'm not ready to move forward with this and I can't be convinced otherwise at this point. Yes, those tanks need to come out of the ground. Yes, we test them. Yes, we know what those tanks are capable of right now. Yes, we pay more insurance for them, but not at 1.7 million do they need to come out of the ground tomorrow. That doesn't make sense. We are not being good stewards of our money right now if we approve this. Mr. Summers. Th- Thank you. Um and and I appreciate the comments everybody made uh here and and so it kind of echoes and falls in line with
039me. I I'm coming across here as as uh not fully understanding where we are. Like as as been iterated, this is for the the project was ongoing. I knew the the you know, the building and and and the site had been acquired, uh but that's about as much as I even might have basically just from I don't want to say hearsay, but just what you see on social media, talking to friends, family, working in the school system. So, anyway, uh I would like a lot more information uh to see uh what's there. I would like to see a a full project plan. Um you know, sort of like do we have an end date? Do we have a budget aside uh set aside for this? How much is it and are we sure it's good?
040So, uh delaying till we can get some more information would be a great thing for me. Thank you. Um the consensus clearly is to postpone this. I agree with Mr. Taylor, the environmental impact um feels like a doomsday clock to me. However, we are short update. So, how soon could we get our architect friend in here to represent um where we're at and just sort of bring everybody up to speed um [clears throat] so that we can without compromising the what I assume is a previously established timeline timeline because I know that we had been moving at pace. Um without I mean, I'm assuming that because I don't have the calendar in front of me, uh that we were planning to do this so that we were done sometime midsummer so that we started next
041school year in the new facility. That is an option at this point. Could we get a presentation again so that we say see where we're at and we can make publicly well-informed choices. Mrs. Gartman, I I personally don't need to see a presentation of what they're going to do. I need to see cost. I I was originally told a 1.1 million total cost and now I'm seeing 1.7 just on a phase two. So, where did all of these numbers change? So, I mean, they can show me what it's going to look like and everything. That building is in a a lot of trouble already and I know that they're going to have to do things to it. But, I would rather I would like to know the nut nuts and bolts of it. Yes, I'm
042sorry. That budget piece is absolutely part of the presentation of this magnitude. I'm not looking for a picture. I don't care if it's green or if it's purple. I just I want something better than what we got the last time cuz that was not useful. Right. Um and just I know that before we did any of this, like we specifically entered into the contract based on did it pass an inspection and could we get in there and look at everything and were those things was it a place to start structurally. Um So, I'd like to answer a couple of the questions that were posed. One from Ms. Gallo and those and then of course we can get whoever you'd like to show you anything. So, this has nothing to do with the building. So, all
043of the building renovation is done. You've already approved all that. So, all of this is just getting the site work ready which as explained when the architect was here before that our current site will not hold above ground tanks that we are purchasing. So, we have to buy a gasoline, a diesel, and a propane tank. So, that's three different tanks. Our current site cannot house that. And the current tanks, they're two underground tanks, gasoline and diesel. So, those will have to be removed. And again, just as a preparation of anything that could have have been seeping due to the age of the tanks, there is a contingency built in there which is on the budget page that was shared to you in your packet that shows that there's contingency in case we have to have
044do hazardous material removal. So, this is nothing to do with the building that we bought. That's done. So, this is about concrete pads. It is about excavation of the property there to get the pads ready to have enough space from the building to where the tanks are required to be placed. So, this is going to be in the back side of the building so that buses can circle both sides. There'll be a fueling station that gets added to this. There'll be an a gas oil water separator so that if there is any seepage on the ground that gets collected appropriately and drained correctly. And then these will be above ground tanks that we own that then we can bid out our fuelage which we cannot do right now because a lot of that is uh
045something that we rent for the propane. Mr. Dolan can get into more detail of that if you want. So, this this is nothing to do with the building itself. So, this is all just tanks preparation of the site for tanks, removal of the tanks. The building itself we are not investing any more funding into. It's already what's been done is done and that So, just so you know that's this is not about the building itself. So, all of that's ready. It will be doing a little bit of excavation of the ground to get the drainage running appropriately uh in case there is drainage that needs to go from the tank fueling station. So, there'll be a separate fueling station that the buses can fuel on both sides and they can fuel any of the any
046of those gasoline, diesel, or propane cuz we have all three types of buses. So, that fueling station will be so any bus can be filled there. So, that's what this is for. It's not I just want to clarify that cuz I think there's some confusion. It is not about the building itself. >> Refresh me on the phase one cost. I don't Mr. Dolan may have that. >> I've looked. I couldn't find it either. It was it [clears throat] was like $350,000. >> Yeah, I I I don't have that. So, I'm sorry. I can't answer that. But, just know that this has nothing to do with the >> So, we're already at 2.1 million. I believe you were at approximately the it was a $700,000 purchase of the building originally. The 300,000 would make that about
047one one one. As I recall, I'm doing quick quick math. >> is what we Yeah, 785 is what we paid. >> Something of that, right. And so, you're talking between 7 and 800,000 dollars. I know at some point one of our board members expressed for us a concern that it was that it was going to be more money than that initial purchase. We did not buy a turnkey facility. We walked through that together or if different members of walked through that initially to see what it was. What we found was speaking I'm I'm going to jump into the initial piece to help with that. To access the building we were told we learned when it was a when was reviewed is the ADA uh compliant restrooms. So, that's part of the renovation took place in
048there. The rest of it has just been uh adjusting it to accommodate three different buses in at the same time by that we added three garage doors, sizeable garage doors so the three buses could access the facility and be worked on simultaneously. We we have not created a Taj Mahal building, I can assure you, but it is now fitting the need basic need. I will use the word basic need to accommodate two different programs. One is the bus garage and then the other part of the conversation way early included the possibility of moving our our warehousing there. So, the building is ready to accept both programs. Now, when we get to the phase two which to answer your question, Mr. Doughty, isn't it is our understanding phase two is it. It is simply a and
049phase two addresses two sites. One, the current site so it can be receiving of the appropriateness and the placement with the experts we've spoken with about how far away the building has to be from this site from the tanks. Those kinds of uh points of of requirement are being addressed. Now, we're moving to the other site that caused this whole conversation to start. We discovered at some point as Mr. Taylor has pointed out that we are 10 years hence past the I'll call it shelf life of uh tanks that are in the ground. That caused us all some significant concern. I I hold that concern as we speak because the things are still in the ground. We don't know if there is going to be leaching that we will discover. However, this money also includes
050the contingency funds to address that because if there is some leakage at all, at very minimally we'll have to remove additional soil and and the round surrounding earth to to address that and that'll have to be treated differently than just dirt. And then we get into the reclaiming of that property so that it can be used for the discussion we had was we will eventually sell the property. We we if you'll allow me just a minute, please. So, so the phase two is not the phase two is not just the building we drive by when we go out by the fairgrounds. It is a combination and in order to get to meet those requirements with regard to distance from the building. That was the issue that we discovered when the grounds were actually then surveyed
051that we have you do have ample property to comply with those regulations that say you just can't put a tank next to your building because it's nice and flat right there. You have to do be able to do that and the pads have to be significant enough to sustain the uh the weight of a full tank. And all those kinds of conditions and pieces of the puzzle are are there and I will own the concern that has been raised tonight about not telling you every week about a little bit more about that. I will own it. But, I have been trusting the architect with whom we have contracted for many projects and continually trusted their expertise to get us to where we need to be to address the issue that prompted this very project. We
052then according to required legal timelines had to put things in the newspaper to advertise even moving in the direction of phase two. And then you have to have another window of opportunity for people to come to what they call a pre-bid meeting so that anybody interested uh being hiring being hired for that job has to have ample time to understand what the scope of the project would be. And then we have to afford them yet another window of time to be able to craft their proposal. And then we schedule yet another time where we open those bids. And we look at that and there are certain criteria that have to be met. Otherwise, we throw that bid out because we have to have that uh transparent fair process that's a part of the the legal
053steps that have to be taken. All of those things have been done. We have there were 18 companies that attended the pre-bid. We've received bids on a couple. Not 18. Because some of those indicated that they saw the size of the scope of their that project. We are at the mercy of being able to identify and locate someone that's willing to help us get there. This is the in spite of what the number is, it is indeed the low bid. And it includes the contingency as Dr. Decker has already mentioned that dependent on the condition of the ground we find when we lift those those tanks. There may or may not be some of that funding. And if it is not spent it's not like you're that's what you have to spend at the end
054of the day. All of those things are in that proposal. Uh uh If you if you are inclined to delay and postpone your your services tonight, that is your call. But I just want you to know if and as you do that, you're just delaying the project yet further. The current timeline based on what we have presented to you this evening will look is intended to accomplish that by August. This will not happen even if you even it were if it were free, it would not be done next month. It takes the time for them once it's approved, the company has provided us the low bid. They are not awarded that yet until such time that you approve this proposal. And then they have to have the time to say, "Okay, now we start working
055on getting all this stuff ready." And then they put the schedule together for when they can order the parts, prepare the property, start arranging the lifting things. On both ends, something is going to be happening. Both ends when I say that I mean both I'll call them campuses. The the new transportation campus and the one we hoping to abandon or sell. So, you know, I can only apologize that I have not seemingly given you as much information as you feel that you needed, but the description captures all the different things that happened. Uh and we I have trusted as you have you've you've charged me with trusting the architectural firm to know what they're doing. I don't. I don't know that all of us on the board, you on the board, have the expertise that
056that's why we hired them. And they have proven themselves very very capable, very very very specific, very very thorough on all the information they put into the process. So, if you need to be upset with someone, it should be me. But not because I'm negligent, but because I was diligently working on the charge you gave me. I just think it's important for me to say that on my behalf. If you are not happy with that, I can I will apologize. But I can't move it faster. And whether or not I gave you an update specific of each movement, whether they did this door or whether they fix this this restroom or whether they have all those kinds of details, they're they're it doesn't move us any slower or faster. And so, I just want to
057remind you of that. In the best interest of the county school system and the potential, I hate to say this on the live feed, but the liability is waiting to happen. So, if you're angry with me, Yeah. so be it. But please understand I will get credit I will give myself credit for staying diligently on this project. Can Can we >> No, no, no. >> [laughter] >> Hold on. I've been waiting for 10 minutes here. Hold on. Well, with all due respect, the 10 minutes I deserve to take is what I just did. >> There's five aspects of this that we should have taken. The timing, 10 months. We should have had something going on in the 10 months. It's been happening for more than 10 months, Mr. Dowdy. All right. This is my time
058to talk. 10 10 months. The timing of when this got put on the agenda. Poor timing. Poor management. As soon as it was received, it was put on the agenda. As soon as it was received, it was put on the agenda. >> The dollar amount. We were told it was three phases. It ended up being two. The dollar amount ended up being six times the amount of phase one. I have no control over that. I'm just doing the best to protect the county system. >> into one and made phase one and phase two. There were originally three. Do you want to divide that out yet further? Is that what you're asking? I I can We can pull the We can't move the tanks You're asking >> until we're ready to move. Okay, the I'm telling
059you the things that that needed to be there that weren't. Yes, we understand we can talk until we're blue in the face that the tanks have been there too long. That's before all of our time here on the board. We understand that. They should be doing testing of that every year to know if that soil is good or bad or if anything's going on. You know what? They do it every day. He tests every day. >> That's That's good. I know. >> That's a good thing. That's a good thing. Has he had any problems with it? He hasn't detected anything, Mr. Dowdy. >> good. That's good. Thank you for acknowledging that. That's good. Timing, communication, dollar amount. Those three things were not taken into account when 2270 was put on the agenda. I received the
060information. It went immediately on the agenda. I'm not asking about the when it got put on the agenda. I think there's a disconnect. You're not understanding. The dollar amount after you just [clears throat] told 40 employees, that's not a good look for Taylor County schools. Are you understanding what I'm saying? Mr. Dowdy, please don't offend me. I am clearly understanding what you're saying to me and you said that to me multiple times. With all due respect. The communication has been 10 months since we've heard anything about this. >> I addressed that and apologized for that just this evening. Okay. You told me that four times tonight. That's what we're talking about. We need more communication from this to move forward. And so be it. That will be your vote. And I've said to you if
061you do that and you It sounds like you will. Okay, but telling us that it's going to go slower >> is going to only delay and delay and delay >> is not our fault. That's not our fault because we weren't told that it's going to be delayed. We've got to be told more to know what to vote on. Mr. Garvin, thank you. I have I've said enough. Can we delay this vote without delaying the project? I am doubtful. But you can try. The best we can do is the best we can do. I don't I don't want to delay the vote or the project. Uh I think this is absolutely vital uh as was pointed out earlier by Mrs. Gallo, uh this has been going on a long time. Uh the board has been aware
062of it for a long time. Uh obviously, you couldn't give us a dollar number until you got a bid in and that process has been going through going on. You've got the bid now. We've got the number. It It's a lot of money, but it's necessary money. I I think we need to absolutely do this and do this tonight and get this on board and undergoing and get it done. That tank is a disaster waiting to happen that this school board cannot afford. Tha- Thank you. Um So So, yes, we all want to move forward and and and I appreciate the information you all provided. Uh I think I think the question is uh you know, is maybe just a step back, take a breath, and let's just if I could just get a little
063bit of information. I don't want to delay it 2 weeks if I don't have to. And I understand the importance of getting it done on on time. But But there are questions, especially by me, um that I would just like to It wouldn't take a lot of information. I I would like to, you know, uh I've got a long history of contract management. And uh so So, is the WSR, are they the the architect? Are they like operating as the project manager? So, we've hired them as the project manager and then we've got a bid in from numerous people, but they're ready to award a bid and need our approval for that. That's correct. And so, certain things come into play here because uh just from my history of managing contracts, the risk is there.
064I understand the environmental concern. And that could probably be It's a significant cost if it's there to to take the dirt, have it remediated, then you got to get backfill, either some kind of gravel, sand, dirt, and all that. And that's all expensive. Um I I get that. Is So So, my you know, I have questions like and I don't know if you know the answer today. We don't have to know the answer today, but I would like to know it before we vote. It's things like uh let's just say, you know, they said they've been testing every day, every week, whatever, and and so far it looks pretty good, no environmental concern. So, what about uh if there is no environmental and they put a half million dollars in here for remediation, is it
065a cost-plus contract? Is it a fixed fee contract? Um And And And by that, I mean uh if if let's just say it takes $1.7 million just to remediate it. Is the contractor still going to put the concrete pad in and do the tanks at, you know, a a fixed fight fixed firm fixed price contract? They would eat all the risk. If it's a cost plus, it's incumbent on the school board to eat the risk and to deal with that. And there's there's questions like that just from, you know, as a certified project manager for many years, get certifications every year. And so, you know, what's what's, you know, what I'd like to know there because of the August 8th, what is the critical path and and what are the concerns and risks that are
066available? And and to some degree, we have to we have to rely on the the architect to provide that. Uh but I think just some kind of information just showing, you know, what what are the biggest risks? Uh what are the risk remediation? Does this fully go I mean, what if it takes a million dollars to remediate the the the hazard if it's there? Uh can can the project still be done? Are we going to need more money? And it's those kind of things that just you know, from a management point of view, I'd like to know um what's in the contract? Maybe the architect has it covered and can explain it, you know, very quickly. Maybe an email would even do it. Uh I I I'm I'm like Mr. Taylor, I don't want to
067delay it, but on the other hand, uh you know, the being on the board for just a few weeks, I received numerous calls and I was at the coffee shop and someone Hey, what's up with you? You're on the school board. What's happening here? We laid off 40 teachers and spend 1.7 million dollars and and and I get it. Uh they're valid questions, but there's valid answers to all of it and you know, we been through that. I And and it's it's two pots of money, two colors of money and and all that. Uh but but I I just feel better if I had some solid information I could provide for that. Answers like that to the public. I think a good article in the newspaper explained to it would be a good thing. I'm
068all for transparency and freedom of information. And so, uh so anything we can do to be positive and move this forward, we need to bus garage, we need a good place to repair our buses, we need a good solid environmentally friendly uh you know, fueling station for the truck. We can get, you know, we don't want to buy with a credit card every time we want to fuel a bus up. That gets to be rather uh difficult to manage and costly and so we want the best for it. We want the best for our drivers and our school buses and you know, good maintenance garage. So, we're all in this for that. I mean, that's the goal. We're going to get there and we will get there. Uh we just we just want to know
069I just think just a few questions like that. Uh nothing nothing earth-shattering, uh but but just a little bit of information would really help me, you know, move this forward. I want to move forward. I'm behind it 100%. I drive by there quite often. I look there, man, I hope we can get it open soon. I hope we can get it open soon. And so, I I'm all for it. So, I'm behind it. I just would like to know some more information. Thank you. Would it please the board to receive that information? We can invite the architect here to provide that those details. It's not going to cost any different. However, I can arrange that as well. He I can get him here. He's the expert. He'll provide that. I do not propose myself to
070or suggest that I have the expertise. Uh but either way, that can be provided. Yet that price is not going to change. I I think I personally would feel better if we did have them. We did have them come, I believe, in phase one. We talked about the septic tank. I mean, I went back over and looked at the meeting minutes and reviewed them. I would feel better to revisit that, see if I have any other additional questions since then with this price tag now. I am in agreement with Mr. Summers and Mr. Taylor. I am behind this. I I'm just not ready tonight. Mr. Dolan, what is the um advantage to us buying those tanks versus renting them? Is there a Is there a tax [clears throat] implication? >> it's your your you're fixed
071with who you get. So, whoever we like currently we're uh Parco Propane is our is our vendor for that. And uh because they provide the tank, they provide the fuel. They don't >> multiple vendors in the area? There are multiple vendors. Like 10 or two or what like >> There there are there there's at least four. >> Oh, okay. I mean, historically, you know, when we put this out to bid, we we get multiple, you know, multiple vendors for, you know, all three fuel types. Um you know, some some are able to provide all three, some are able to provide, you know, a combination of them. So, they bring their own tanks if they if they were to come? If if we and and then we're yes, we're subject to their prices because they will
072not they will not allow What what type of terms are those normally? Like a year or Yeah, we usually >> do cuz just because of state purchasing policies, um you know, with anything that we purchase, uh it's always on a yearly contract with the caveat of uh extending it out two years upon your all's approval. Have we seen other counties purchase tanks before? Is that something that's standard across the Yes, many many counties have have their own own fueling stations for their transportation department. That they that they own? Correct. Um Mr. Dolan, do you happen to have any of those contract answers that Mr. Summers was looking for? I I would defer to the to the architect in this matter. >> That's totally fine. I just wasn't sure since I know you're Yep. in that
073mix heavily. Um Capital improvement projects always hurt. But we have to remember that if we do this and we do it right, we don't have to do it again for 35 years. Or or at least 20. Um I think a revisit to answer the contract questions if we can get now. That being said, I'd like a timely revisit. You know, I I don't know if we can get him on the phone right now and see if he can be here at the next meeting. Um We'll have to check availability. Right. I just I'm behind this and I get that this price tag I think we all are, but I think that dollar amount is just I sends us a slap. I mean, it was we've had a couple emotional weeks. We have. the short of
074it. And that was a slap right after a slap. You got slapped on the left and you got slapped on the right and that's a 1.7 million slap. I I need to speak to that, please. Okay. I do not think it's right or appropriate to refer to us doing our due diligence and providing you information that you charge us with as a slap. We are not negligent. We are providing the information based on the charge that we were given and we take that seriously. The timing of this meeting versus the last two we've had indeed is not my choice. So, please don't credit me with insulting people who are on Facebook and making allegations about stuff they don't know clearly about. I know I'm being eaten alive in this count in this town on Facebook.
075But you know why? Because I'm doing my job and some people don't like it. But I can't deny my job and my obligation to you as your superintendent to make the decisions and recommendations to the best of my ability and the best of the information I have. And that included separating and reminding you we were separating a way to survive financially. Knowing full well, as I said to you multiple times since December and before, facilities do not wait. This is an additional expense. I totally get it. It is not the best timing. But guess who didn't get to choose? This guy. Because I was doing my job, Mr. Dowdy. Please don't accredit that with a slap in the face. Please. Just Give a guy the credit he's earned. Just a second, please. Just a second,
076please. Well, don't don't attribute me because we're all we're all asking the exact same thing. >> The only one who has mentioned it's a slap in the face multiple times would be you, Mr. Dowdy. >> it once. Multiple times. Check the record. I said it once. All right, gentlemen. I apologize if I am out of line, but I'm deserving of it. We're all going to take a breath. I want the community >> You have used the word slap more than once. We're going to tone it down. all >> the exact same question. >> And nobody's denying that. info. That's all we're asking. So, let's >> We've had an emotional couple of agendas. >> And ask for the information. And that's what we asked for. Okay. There's no need to have offense about the agendas that
077were presented to us. This We would like more information. It's obvious that we're going to ask for that. The 1.7, while not the number we initially thought, is not all new. So, if we could And at this point, we will entertain a motion to postpone this till we have more and and updated information directly from the architecture firm so that we can have our questions answered. Would anyone like to make that motion? I would like to make that motion that we postpone item 2270 to a future date till we have established uh additional information from the architect to answer our questions sufficiently to move forward. Do we have a second? I second the motion. Mrs. Gallo makes a motion, Mr. Summers seconds. Do we have any additional comments or questions on that? All those in
078favor? I. I. Opposed? >> No. Abstain. Motion passes. Kindly get the architect here. 4-1. Yes. Yes. Should we run into any issues where the architect can either come next week or not until the end of May, please let us know so that we can call a special meeting because I do not want to put this off any longer than we absolutely have to. I I appreciate that comment about his expediency on getting the meeting. I appreciate that very much and I respect the fact that it does need to happen soon. So, I I'm sorry to interrupt and to talk out, but um Mr. Martin just replied back to me that he could come to present on the 28th. He would like to know specifically your questions. So, if you could maybe email those to Dr.
079Stallings so we could get those to him and he can have them ready for your So, just to make sure we don't miss any information that you need. He will I I'd like a point of clarification if I could. Please. Uh cuz I'd like to get the right questions. I don't want to go through you know, get there on the 28th and then oh, okay, now I've got seven more questions. So, I'd like to you know, like I want to put this to bed on the 28th. That should be the goal for all of us here. Um So, a- any information that that could be provided to us now like past special to me past budget spend. I was actually going to bring this up later just uh past uh items on the budget that's
080happened uh uh you know, I don't know if you know, I I I don't have the authority and I don't want the authority to walk on the grounds, but maybe a tour for me might be good. Uh you know, I'm free most times so I could go during the day if that's possible just you know, meet someone there and and walk the grounds of it. That would help me a lot. And uh and so, if that that would be helpful. And then just seeing the total budget what's been completed, you know, and how much left to be completed would help me as a lot as well. So, thank you. So, my questions also were uh in relation to what Mr. Summers was wondering. Like, I want to know is this a fixed cost? And then
081um as far as a timeline as well, if they're giving us a timeline and it extends past that, is that going to be an additional cost and so forth? Yeah, that that that I can give you that information. So, they have a timeline to meet and if they don't meet the timeline they presented to us, then we actually charge them money back. So, that piece, but I will I will get him to answer those all those types of questions for you. As as Dr. Decker indicated, would you please individually formulate the questions you have and send them to my attention so we can put them in one email to Mr. Martin. I'd appreciate that and I'll look forward for all five of you doing that. I I think to be fair to them, we should
082This is a Tuesday. We probably should set a deadline that all questions be to you, you know, by the end of the week cuz that would give him or her 10 minutes or 10 days then to be prepared to come here and and all that if that sounds fair. Thank you. That sounds very fair. Barring objections, questions will be delivered to Dr. Stallings via email by Friday. Hearing no objections, that's what we'll run with. Okay. That moves us into the 3000 series. Consent calendar. We have facility recruit request to use facilities, out-of-state travel, and some chaperones. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 3168 through 3170 in the 3000 series. Moved. Mrs. Gallo moves. Mr. Was that Mr. Dowdy? Okay. Mr. Dowdy seconds. All those uh questions? All those in favor? I. Opposed? Abstain. Motion passes
0835-0. Moving us into the financial 4000 series financial. Vouchers payable and it looks like an update from the audit. Mr. [clears throat] Nolan? I provided a private copy of the letter from the auditors um that so you all could look over. I highlighted some some parts uh you know, to note that there were no uh no transactions entered into the Terry County Board of Education during the year for which a lack of authoritative guidance or consensus, all significant transactions have been recognized in the financial statements in the proper period. Um all material mistat- misstatements detected as a result of audit procedures were corrected by management. Um there was no disagreement between us and the auditors, which is a good thing. Uh the financial statement disclosures are neutral, consistent, and clear. Um basically what the what
084the three pages says three or four pages here says is that uh we had a really good audit this year and it was clean. So, uh I'll leave that for you all to read over and read through. Uh I just wanted to provide a copy of that to you uh you know, so you could see how how last year went. So. I think it's important to acknowledge the work that went into that with Mr. Dolan and his department and I thank him for that. Audits are no small feat so well done, sir. Yeah, much appreciated. Um next part of the financial update um inside your package you should have received um uh few pages of checks that had already been written. Uh they were for a couple various vendors that uh we had written between
085the last meeting and this meeting. Um and then the other part of your packet are schedule of checks to be written upon your approval this evening. Um various vendors. Looks like we had some repairs at the high school for um a garage door and some stuff at the football building. We had several several items for transportation department um for vehicle parts and and repairs. Uh we have some uh employee travel travel checks that have to be sent out. Um and um some maintenance items for uh from State Electric. So, uh those are some of the items that are inside the vouchers payable this week. Does anybody have any questions on those? Okay. That's all I have for you this week. Thank you, sir. You're welcome. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items in the 4000 series.
086Moved. Mr. Dowdy moves. I will second. Any additional questions? All those in favor? I. Opposed? Motion passes. Uh sorry, abstains? Motion passes. Moving us into the 5000 series. Student matters, personnel, and legal matters. We have some extracurricular, extra duty, summer employment, and some retirements. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 5597 through 55 Should that be 5600? in the 5000 series? 5497. My bad. Okay, so 5497 through 5500 in the 5000 series. Moved. Mr. Dowdy moves. Mrs. Gallo seconds. Questions, comments, concerns? All those in favor? I. Opposed? Abstain. Motion passes. Moving us into the 8000 series. Board member comments and discussions. Uh and we'll start with the first one. Information regarding letters received by board members and superintendent. I'd like to speak to that if I may. Please. I want to let you know the allegations
087that are in that letter are inaccurate and I can assure you that uh the appropriate people in the myself included have uh were alerted to a possible situation that might exist and we started looking into that and gathering information. It was brought to the attention of the state police. The state police then have taken the uh their process and it is taking significantly longer than we anticipated. We are still at the mercy of that report from the uh forensic auditor at the state level. Uh and uh so the information that where there is uh has been met I won't mention the name of anyone involved. Uh but the information is uh being taken was taken ser- it's ta- seriously is continuing to be taken seriously, but at this juncture we are simply at the mercy
088of the the results of the forensic audit being done in Charleston. I beg your pardon? They take a long time. Oh. We are all standing in the ready to respond as soon as we get the report. And it's uh in as much as it may involve uh individuals about with whom you might have to make a decision with recommendation, it would be inappropriate for me to give you any more detail at this time. I'm not withholding anything information other than the appropriate processes in place. Thank you. Questions? Okay. Discussion of the 26-27 holiday schedule for 240 and 261-day employees. I'm passing around uh two things. Uh both of those are the lists uh for on the top page you'll see that the initial list on the top page that says proposed 26-27, that's the holiday
089schedule. And the one below it is the holiday schedule we uh uh practiced this year based on your decision last. Uh and so I'll offer that as a review for you to make a decision whether or not you have those same ideas in mind. Those are the new updated dates, but same type of activities. And jumping ahead with the same thing not to be confusing, but they're both calendar related. The second sheet that you have addresses that third bullet on tonight's discussion. That is a proposal of the calendar of board meetings starting on July 1 when we would uh have the oath administered to any new members who are duly elected into the board or returning as a board member. That is a Wednesday, by the way. July 1 is a Wednesday. That one particular
090night date is a Wednesday. Very good. Um and it would be possible to note that and any other irregularities. I'm sorry. Would it be possible to note that that's a Wednesday and any other I believe all the others are the typical Tuesday night unless there's a change made at some subsequent time. Right. Does I thought the state code was it had to be the first Monday of July. It is. We can postpone that then till the following Monday. I was just trying to get the the oath of office administered. >> know if a holiday but I do know that it has to be the first Monday, but I don't know Does that if and or a conjunction in there that says otherwise? Yeah, cuz I think >> The holiday would probably be on the third
091since it's Yeah. This falls on Saturday. >> sixth, I believe, cuz Saturday's the fourth, right? Yeah. >> And these will be on the next agenda for confirmation. If that's your if that is if there are no edits to this, I can simply have this placed on the next agenda. Yeah. That tonight's discussion was just >> Yeah, give us all of data to look at it and Mhm. Okay. Any immediate questions for the holiday schedule or the board meeting schedule? Okay. We also you'll also note on that second sheet we we infuse or introduce the the rotation of school location uh meetings starting with the October at the middle school. Oh. And we just did that in that sequence. This they're first next. Very good. Sorry about that. I didn't mean to interrupt you. Um what
092about the what you ask every winter about if there's snow if we're having it at the high school? Is this the time to talk about that or Is is there You know, if if this this facility is up a hill, if there's a snow day, is that is it appropriate to move that or can it be treated well enough to I think the the our crew has done a great job doing that this year. We are under new supervision and they she's pretty diligent about that, pretty quick to respond. Uh but we could also uh have maybe a just a contingency idea that should it be impossible to get here, we could either postpone the meeting or we could um uh have a a standard else location in mind. That's kind of yeah. Yeah, that's
093kind of I apologize. I didn't I was kind of having a side conversation with him and I didn't fully say that out loud. At one point Mr. Taylor had had commented that he would like a secondary location if the roads were very bad and he had mentioned the Mary Battle Room if that was an option. I'm just bringing it back up for him. Um I it obviously does not affect me in one way, shape, or form. I I think that it could be an option. I think that's something that you need to include Mrs. Vandergrift in that conversation because if you're moving it from here, then a live stream setup has to be set up somewhere else. This is set up all the time. And if we're moving it to a different location, then someone
094from her staff has to physically go to that location and set up the equipment and run it. Um it can be it can they can run it remotely here, but if it's somewhere else, they have to actually physically be there to set it up and move it. So, changing it last minute would be difficult. I think if you have a set plan, that's something they could possibly do, but I would I would think we would we would want her to be in that conversation is all I'm saying. I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm just saying yeah. Yeah, I just mentioned it originally as a question as to whether or not it'd be feasible or or advisable. And you know, if it's if it's not really advisable and the road treatment can be done in an
095expeditious manner, then it might might not be necessary. I think we'll have to put that on Mrs. Shoemaker then. >> [laughter] >> All right. Um it feels like that moves us to the next discussion point unless anybody's got anything else. Okay, the discussion of possible meeting location change due to plans to recognize a large number of student accomplishments. Um there are a number of large student groups that uh we would like to invite to recognize not not limited to both the middle school and the high school bands who um just did some incredible things at ratings. And as much as we love recognizing our students, trying to get all of those kids and their support people in this room and this parking lot simultaneously feels foolish. So, um I had asked Dr. Stallings to please
096see if there was a way we could move the next meeting if that's okay with everybody else to the high school. We were able to clear the auditorium on that evening on uh the 28th still next meeting uh if that is the pleasure of the board. Uh I do also know the uh we also have a a home track meet. So, certainly there's more parking available there, but we will be competing with that. Just keep that in mind. Um Come early. I'm not sure what if you're inclined to do that. It would be the larger venue would be the auditorium with that number of people we're inviting. And that has been cleared in the schedule for us if you're interested. Um so, I would like to propose that we move the next meeting to the
097high school. And I will make that motion. I'll second that. Uh questions, comments, concerns, objections? All right, all those in favor? I. Opposed? Let's What is that word? Oh my, abstain. Wow. Coffee clearly just ran out. Um I don't know, it stopped. Um so, All right, that motion passes. Uh we have anything else to add to board member comment or discussion for the next meeting? Yeah, I just have one thing. Um I think I mentioned it to you. I just wanted to um remind again cuz I know you probably haven't had a chance to talk to Mr. Knott, but if he could get us the graduation festivities, like when senior sermon is and all those kind of things, so that you know, if we wanted to attend, we could do that. Why are you waiting
098until the next meeting? I noticed it was posted on our school website last night and the calendar. So, if I'm not that they can't get it, but if you don't want to wait, it was out last night. Okay. Thank you. I fig- I figured it was probably coming out soon. Yeah. All right. Anything else to add to future discussion? Yes, sir. Uh it's a general question about the way the the agenda and the and the board and all operate. So, um um So, I'm going to ask the question and and maybe it has to be put in a form now such that it be presented next board meeting or whatever. But, like if if I'd want to discuss you know, budget or request budget items or request like you know, couple things I'd like to
099do is someone asked me how big's the school budget? And is it 4 million? Is it 400 million? I don't know. And I think things like that I should know as a school board on the board of education. Uh someone asked me how many students are enrolled in Taylor County schools? I don't know and I don't know where to get it. Uh maybe it's with you, Mr. Stallings or Ms. Decker. Uh and and I haven't asked. I I don't know the proper channels to ask. Do I just walk in? Do I send an email? Do you know, I don't know how much we spend on uh salaries versus uh school bus tires? Um and and and I I get asked those questions and I mean, not only that, I wonder myself. So, in general, how
100do I make a request for those kinds of information? Like I I would like an org chart. I don't want teachers' names on the org chart, but I'd like to know if we have seven history teachers or 70 history teachers. I don't know. I'd like to know that kind of information in general. And so, how do I go about getting that information just so I can understand cuz I think it would make me better prepared for some of these meetings and perhaps for some of these discussions. And uh and so, I don't know if I need to make a formal request. Is there some kind of a form to be put on the agenda? I don't know if I just send an email and say, "Please make this a part of the next meeting." I
101don't want to step outside my bounds, but at the same time, I don't want to just sit here and not do what you know, I'd like to see. So, if someone could help me with that, I'd appreciate it very much. Absolutely. Um so, we always have this 8000 series where we can request anything to be added to the next agenda or if there's specific information that you're like, "Hey, can I get a copy of the budget so that I know what we spent on tires?" Um our superintendent and assistant superintendent can email that to you or arrange for a hard copy if that's preferable. Um generally, it's sort of like, "Hey, does anybody know?" via email. Um we do avoid further discussion of that beyond, "Hey, yeah, we'll get that on the meeting." Um so
102that we don't have that um sunshine law problem. Um but you can always reach out to Dr. Stallings or Dr. Decker and be like, "I need some information on this." And generally, if they don't have it, they will redirect you or direct somebody else to get it to you. Um I know when I was uh new board member, I set up a meeting with Mr. Dolan and just to kind of go over finances and different budgets and um you know, what funds we had and sources and stuff like that just to help me get a little better you know, general knowledge. And he he very graciously like spoke in terms that um I could relate to. So, And I'm not looking for dollars and cents on wrenches. I just need to know you know, school
103bus operations. This much on fuel, this much on parts, this much on you know, whatever else like three categories and then we can move on in total budget. I I I I trust you all manage the budget and do well. I just don't know. And so, 1.7 million if we have a 2.6 billion dollar budget, 1.7 million dollars is not a lot of money. If our budget is our budget is 4 million dollars, 1.7 million dollars is a significant amount of Yeah, so so it just helps put in in perspective for me. Uh Mr. Summer, I can speak to that. Um I when I'm open and eager to have an opportunity if you I will call it board member 101 conversation with Mr. Mr. Dolan or myself or Dr. Decker. And if you would uh
104let us know when you might be available to do that. Uh That's good. If I don't want to slow down this meeting and interfere with what's going on here. So, I'd be glad to come out if you know, a time when you all have a hour or two. So, >> Sure. I what I would ask and I typically ask of this because different people's schedules are busy as well. Um but if you can send an email to me with a few dates and times when you could be available, well then we'll figure out which one works for all of us. One thing I can definitely say is all of the department heads are amazing um to reach out to. Um when I first started, I had met with Mr. Dolan, Dr. Stallings, um and emailed.
105I know if I email Dr. Decker like I mean, I could use the checking the mail um example. By the time I got to the mailbox and back, like she's already replied. Like they are they are good. They are quick and they they are good about um we we do have a good crew. I'm not doubting that one bit. I just would like to have the information also. And and knowing where to get it. Thank you. Of course. All right. Anything else for upcoming? All right. We'll move into the 9000 series future meetings. Uh Tuesday, April 28th, 6:00 now at Grafton High School. Tuesday, May 13th, 6:00 back here at the board office. Tuesday, May 19th. I'm sorry. Wednesday, May 13th. That's a note. It's the day after the election. Um we did move that.
106I get used to saying Tuesday. Then, Tuesday, May 19th, 6:00 here at the board office. Tuesday, June 9th and Tuesday, June 23rd, both here at the board office, both at 6:00. Yeah. Question and now if we can take this back to the 8000. If if if if well, I don't know what what they said at this point, but if if he comes that night and can talk to us, can he come to us and talk to us and we can get that on the agenda that night? Mhm. Can we get all of that? You know what I'm saying? Yeah. Like okay. Yeah. Yeah. Does that make sense? Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Sorry. I didn't No, I get you. I get what you're thinking. There's been a lot. It's all overlapping. It's okay. All right. I believe
107that covers all of our future meetings through the end of what I think is this fiscal year. So, we will entertain a motion to adjourn. What could Could I ask one question? One more question. Um this is just little I'm going to put it in the pet peeve department. Um we should do everything we can and and you all will agree with this. We should do everything we can to make the public feel good and like we're all doing our jobs. And we all agree we want that. So, and there's no question here, but last week uh I think we're off school all week. And I came by Anna Jarvis two different days at about 7:30 in the morning and the lights were flashing to 15 mph. And and there was no school and people
108were driving 40 mph. I slowed to 15 because I thought, "Well, maybe school is not closed." And I don't want to get a ticket for 40 in a 15 cuz they could might cancel my insurance. But, it's one of those things where the the public sees it as "Well, they don't even know what they're doing and how to figure the timing and lights." And it's just those little itty-bitty things that can ruin a reputation that can ruin perception that that that we could help the public hear hear our plight and and see where we're going if it looks like we're doing things well. And that's a very very small thing. I'm I I don't know who's responsible. I'm not picking on I don't want any I I just we just need to be more perceptive
109to those. I I think I drove by West Taylor and I can't remember if there was one or not. I got thinking back that, but anyway, it's just one of those things. It it was just a little annoyance, so I drove 15. It's no big deal. I'm used to driving if I go through there at 7:30, 15 mph and I have a time budget. But, if there was no schools, we just need to be a little more perceptive on those those items. Thank you. All right. We're going to return to that idea of motion to adjourn. Mr. Stotty moves. Do I have a second? Ms. Gallo seconds. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? Abstain. Thank you all for everything you do. We are adjourned at 7:44. There is nothing on here that matters to me.
110If there's something you see that you definitely want to change, let me know. Um but there's I don't see anything in that >> So, I I looked that up. It It does say that newly elected members officially take office