02/24/26 Taylor County Schools BOE 2025-2026 Meeting #23

001Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It is 6 o'clock and I'm going to call this meeting to order. Mrs. Gallow, Mr. Taylor, Miss Garvin are present. Mr. Dowy is present by phone. It is the practice of our board of education to begin our meeting with prayer and the pledge of allegiance. We invite you to bow your heads in prayer and stand to join us in the pledge if you so choose. Let us bow our heads. Lord, we respectfully ask for your guidance and wisdom as we proceed with the business before us. Keep us mindful of our purpose of providing a quality education for the students attending Taylor County Schools. Amen. >> Please join me in honoring our country's flag and those who protect and defend it. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States

002of America and to theublic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Dr. Stallings, do we have any adjustments or addendums to the agenda? >> In fact, Miss Garvin, we do. We have one I'm going to pass out to distribute to you. I'm not going to pass out. I'm going to distribute something to you that is a replacement for item 5410 as a result of a lengthy investigation yesterday. >> Other than that, there are no others to be addressed tonight. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh, superintendent respectfully requests the approval as sorry of the agenda as amended. >> Moved. >> Mrs. Gallow moves. >> Mr. Taylor seconds. All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. Bringing us directly into the 1000 series information. Student recognition. We'll begin

003with the Taylor County Middle School 2026 spelling bee winners. All right. So, we are excited to recognize our spelling be B winners um tonight from the middle school. And I'm going to turn everything over to Mr. polling um and I will assist with the trophies. >> Good evening members of the board. I come to you tonight as a proud member of the TCMS faculty with tidings of good joy. Okay. Beginning in early se no of November, our teachers in our language arts department began holding classroom spelling bees for students in grades five through eight. And the winners of those competitions were then eligible to compete in our schoolwide spelling bee, which was held on January the 8th, 2026. At this event, we had 33 of TCS's best spellers come out and show off their abilities

004in front of a packed auditorium filled with family, friends, and school staff. Over the course of seven rounds, our students were asked to spell words ranging from abnormality to zenith and beyond. And those still standing at the end of this intense competition, I am honored to announce to you our 20 25 26 top three spellers. First in third place, Miss Glenna Skinner, sixth grade. [applause] In second place, Miss Brooklyn Kerman, seventh grade. [applause] And now I'm proud to introduce you to our 2526 TCM annual spelling bee champion, Miss Josie Mongold, 8th grade. [applause] Folks, these Noble Knights will be representing Taylor County at the regional spelling bee, which we held Saturday, March 14th at Fairmont State University. The winner of that event will compete at the National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC. Dr. Stallings and

005esteemed members of the board. I stand here before you this evening spilled with excitement about the accomplishments of these young students and the everinccreasing potential that we see among all of our members of our student body at TCMS. I cannot wait till 2027 to report back to you with results from our next B. Thank you. [applause] [laughter] >> Well, on behalf of the board, we just want to congratulate you um all the winners. Um that is a tremendous accomplishment. Um spelling is so important. Um, and so we just congratulate you. Congratulations to um the parents too because I'm sure that you all were helping them practice and uh you had to know how to say those words and uh spell them and such as well. So, and thank you to our teachers for your dedication

006to helping our children learn these valuable skills. Unlike the rest of us, you will not embarrass yourself with misspellings for the rest of your life. So, congratulations. That's a life skill that you've developed. And uh uh that's that's a good thing. >> Um I didn't go this year, but I'll tell you what, having seen this spelling be in the past, I know that it is intense. So, y'all are wicked awesome and u congratulations. Well done. Mr. Daddy, do you want to say anything or just ditto? >> Ditto. >> Mr. Dowy's got a ditto. Um, all right. That takes us uh to the Taylor County School 2026 Math Field Day winners. >> Nice. I'm going to ask Miss Polling to come up and she will um share a little bit about the Math Field Day this

007year. There were several contestants and um announce our winners. Well, as you can tell, I'm not as prepared as my husband was. But, um, with Taylor County Middle School, when we do our math field day, you can expect a snowstorm or an ice storm every year. It doesn't matter. Okay. So, um, what I did was we out an invitation to the fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade, seventh grade, and eighth grade. Send me your best math people. We sent them an invitation. And one early Saturday morning, they all came in at an hour hour, two hours out of their Saturday and everybody competed. And um we had a really big turnout this year. Um so without further ado, um put my glasses on. All right, for fourth grade. And it's harder for the elementary kids

008because we have to go to each individual school and get their winners and put them all together at our school. And it's their big first time to see Taylor County Middle School. And sometimes they walk in, they're like, "Wow." So it's a much bigger school. And so they have that whole new environment that they're actually in trying to take a test. So these guys are the bomb. All right, for our second alternate, Ellie McKenna from West Taylor. [applause] And she's been uh asked to be our third place person to go to Morgantown to compete. Our first alternate is Lucas Meade from West Taylor. Our [applause] third place is Jackenzie Goodwin from Flemington Elementary. [applause] Second place, Logan Rinker from Anna Jarvis Elementary. [applause] And our first place winner was Seth Wilfong from West Taylor Elementary.

009>> [applause] >> And before I let me go ahead and um back up a minute. Uh these students, they had to do a computation test where they could figure out the problems on paper. Then they had one where they went in and they saw the problem on the board and they weren't allowed to work it out. They had to do mental math with that. They had another test where they had to just listen to the problem. They couldn't even see it. They had to listen and remember then work the problem and they couldn't write it down. And then they had the physical estimation where they would see a rope. How long is this rope? How many dominoes would fit in this tissue box? So that was the four things that they had to do. And

010these were our stars. [applause] All right. [applause] Do you want to do pictures for the fourth grade? Is that how you want to do it? Any parents want to come take pictures? All right. Congratulations, fourth grade. [applause] All right, fifth grade. You're the ones that have to put up with me all year. I'm sorry. Um, second alternate was Carter Kurpatre. [applause] [laughter] First alternate was Elias. [applause] Third place was Owen Miller. [applause] Second place was Nolan Moore. [applause] And in our first place was Sarah Good. [applause] You want to do pictures real quick? >> [laughter] >> All right. Thank you, fifth grade. [applause and cheering] All right, my sixth graders. Second alternate was Lillian Therm Morton. Brock Morton, I'm sorry. [applause] First alternate Cameron Smith. [applause] Third place was Carrick Williams. [applause] Second place, Lena

011Bidd. [applause] And our first place was Colin Rousey. [applause] All right. Congratulations, guys. [applause] All right. Seventh grade. Our second alternate was Naomi Lewis. [applause] Our first alternate was Braden Stall. [applause] Our third place was Audrey Murray. [applause] Our second place was Kaylee Weaver. [applause] And in first was Eliza Guz. [applause] These are our awesome seventh graders. >> [applause] >> and our beloved eighth graders. All right, our second alternate was Liam Freriedman. [applause] Our first alternate was Riley Knight. [applause] And I just saw Riley. She was on top of a pyramid up at school. Our third place winner was Gwen Gwen Proctor. [applause] Our second place was Allison Kurpatre. [applause] And our first place winner was Maline Bowers [applause] [laughter] and our top three go on to compete um I think it's the third Saturday

012of March at um Morgantown High, not Morgantown High, University High, and they'll be there all day. They'll compete for from like 8 to three. So, they'll have a lot of math going on that day. So, congratulations you guys. You worked really hard. And like I said, if we need a snowstorm next year, math field day. [applause] math students. Boyo, is that a life skill or not? I mean, absolutely. Uh, and you guys are going to have a much easier time than the rest of us balancing your checkbooks in the future. So, congratulations on those math skills and uh uh keep up the good work. Wow, that was so intense just hearing some of the skills that they had to do. I mean, the brain power that you all have to be able to remember the

013things that you saw and be able to visualize um just totally superb. So, congratulations, best wishes on your next u competition there. uh for those of you that are going and um just great job. So I have said this before, but 2468 y'all are what make Taylor County great. So um well done. This is not easy stuff and it will carry you everywhere. So yay. We got a double dowy ditto there. >> All right, we have one more student recognition. I will ask that our spelling be and math field day winners. If you'll just stay for just a moment and when we go out in the hallway, we'll get a picture of everyone. All right, so I'm going to have Mr. um Robert Lewis come up and help uh or Robert Skidmore come and help

014um with our students for our seventh regional science and engineering fair winners. It's a mouthful. Okay, Dr. Stallings, members of the board, thank you very much for having me here uh to announce the uh the science fair winners. We do the science fair as part of the curriculum for ninth graders. It's part of uh the mandatory thing that all the ninth graders do for uh Mrs. Robinson and I. And so out of the projects that we get, we then open the floor to uh other teachers judging them and uh then we judge the projects. And out of all of the projects we got, 10 actually qualified to go on to the regional science fair at Fairmont State. uh ranging in things from biochemistry to plant sciences uh to a project that involved uh making uh

015making plastic out of bananas, which uh I thought was was neat and and kind of a a project that definitely needed to to go. And unfortunately uh at the regionals uh nobody won first place which then means that they go on to the state competition but we did have several that placed. So that means uh third place or higher and um so we don't really they don't really do it in order like all the third places and all the second places. Uh so it's done by division and then by category. So we actually this was the first year we had uh two different divisions. We actually had uh students at the middle school uh qualify for uh placement there. Actually um you can have grade school, middle school and high school meet at the regional

016fair. So this time we had from the middle school and so that's division two. And for division two in second place uh was Genevieve Mahon. What type of oil works best to remove microlastics from water using ferrofluids? So I'm impressed that a middle schooler even knew how to put down ferrofluid and microlastic which I I and and then actually have a project on it. So I thought that was that was really nice. Um so that that went to Genevieve Mahon [applause] and unfortunately due to schedules uh not very many people actually were able to make it here. So I'm going to give them their certificates on behalf of of uh the board meeting. So sorry about that. But you know we'll go from there. So anyway, then in division three, which is the high school,

017uh we had Tyson Lowry and Jordan Watson Waters, how to make plastic naturally with bananas. [applause] And then also in third place, uh how does temperature of a tennis ball affect the height of its bounce? Uh that would be uh Sylvia Frier, Michaela White, and Reagan Taylor. [applause] And then uh in plant sciences uh we had Ava Leard and Julie Hall. How compost affects plant growth. [applause] and that was it. But um there were so there were a a few withdrawals. So I'd say out of the 10 projects, seven made it to uh the regional competition. So I I think that's good. We almost had half of the entrance place. Uh my goal is eventually to have multiple people go to states or have everybody place. So hopefully we get there [applause] >> and thank

018you. [applause] >> Well, congratulations to our winners. And um I do have a question though. Reagan, do you play tennis or does anyone that did the project with you? That would be really interesting for you to share that information with your tennis friends or coach DPiano. I'm sure would be intrigued to hear that. Yeah. Well, congratulations. Um, super super. Um, thank you, Mr. Skidmore, for your dedication to um, the sciences and and helping these kids get to this level. So, we really appreciate that. >> And I'd like to congratulate the uh, science fair folks. I mean you you guys have had to organize your thoughts and present them to others in a way that made you winners and that is another life skill that will carry you on in goodstead the rest of your life.

019So congratulations and keep up the good work. It is phenomenal to me to watch our students again and again reach outside their own experiences. We all play softball. Let's do something with tennis instead. What is a microlastic? I mean, our kids are smarter than us and it's awesome. So, well done y'all. And to the grown-ups who helped in every fashion because I'm sure that you all learned just as much as they did. Um, thank you for your patience and support and your continued love and affection for your kids. And that is the end of the exciting stuff for this evening. So, anybody who wants to peace out, you're welcome to. [applause] Oh, okay. >> Yeah. I want to All right. Um, that brings us into the rest of the 1000 series, the superintendent updates. Dr.

020Stallings, tell us some delightful things, please. >> I will, Miss Garvin. Thank you for your time. And I'm passing out a couple documents for you to review. Uh, first and foremost, the packet you're getting right this minute has two documents in it. one from the Taylor County Middle School's monthly updates and you can see that they are continuing to make positive progress. Attached to it behind it actually I wanted to focus on the charts that are called lunch tolearn initiative trend FY26 it's immediately staple to that that represents what's happening at our high school and I wanted to draw your attention as did Mr. Kn when he shared this with me that uh they if you'll remember their lunch tolearn program offers students an opportunity uh obviously during the lunch period during the middle of

021the day to get some additional support and have opportunities to continue to work on assignments etc and to make progress because those individuals are typically identified for having the need to do that. I will draw your attention to uh the total students to the far right of your chart which represents 2022 23 24 25 and 26 the last I'll draw your attention primarily to 2022 that total number of students in that program were 120 and if you'll notice as we've moved to the right each year that number has continuously gone down such that this particular year it is only 40. That's a significant successful indication. On one side chart indicates the number on the other side of the chart represents those same students and actually the percentages. So as you'll see they started out with

02219.4% of those students all the way down to 6.5. And I am here to share that with you and congratulate the works that have been going forth with both the former uh principal Mrs. uh Shoemaker and the current principal Mr. Knop who have been working with our staff to make that opportunity available to our students. Not only does it help them improve their grades but it also provides them uh re an acknowledgement of the success that they are actually making. I also have some additional information that is uh great news I believe and Dr. Decker and I were recently invited to the Grafton High School campus to uh survey the softball uh complex on the east, excuse me, the west end of that campus. And we were introduced to some great news and that is

023we have been the recipients of a contribution uh that is significant enough to help fund the project of adding uh a building that will accommodate an indoor batting practice building. We've also able to speak to that design so that it will include uh storage of the tennis information. So all of those those two sports areas on the west end of the campus will be able to take advantage of a building that these people who have insurance andor the money to gift the board of education and our students that building. Uh it will also be uh an immediate um emergency shelter should that particular end of the campus be caught off guard with a a storm. uh something that we've been concerned about for a while, but now that gift has come to our attention and

024uh that is in the very near future becoming part of our campus. Um and we are very appreciative of that contribution. Um so that's a good piece, another piece of positive information. We certainly want to provide that to you this evening. Some other updates regarding progress. We have Anna Jarvis's building. As everyone knows by this time, we are building a new facility in the front yard of the current Anajeris Elementary School and it is well underway. I have been assured that it is on schedule and it seems to be on occasion right now. Uh the results of a lot of snow, a lot of rain and a lot of dirt or mud that happens when you build a facility of that size. not to worry. It's going to be great. It's going to be beautiful

025and we will have grass growing there at some point in the future. We just ask for our patience, everyone's patience for that. Flemington Elementary School, as you know, has a new HVAC system being installed very, very soon. We are on this side of the many instructional or constructional or capital improvements at that facility as well. Many good things have been happening there. If you go by that campus and walk through the building, you'll see a lot of improvements for that. Grafton High School, I just talked about that addition and I believe um I'll maybe defer to Dr. Decker just I don't want to put her on the spot, but I believe that gift uh is an approximate $40,000 building. And so um that or the whole process will include that much. So um a round

026number she said. So that's exactly what we're looking for. Um, another very positive thing that you had asked about and I believe we should look forward to, um, as a part of the memorial, this is going to sound, it's going to connect in just one moment. as a part of the memorial day ceremonies and celebration in May. Uh formerly we have been the Memorial Day parade committee has hosted uh such characters as the uh Batman and the gentleman dresses up in that character and comes and makes some very positive contributions and encouraging statements to our students along the along the parade route. This year they have also invited uh a program called Op Optimus Prime. Optimus Prime I believe you all will know better than me but um that is apparently a program like a

027transforming truck that gets the attention of our young people real quickly. And so we've invited been working with the organization of Optimus Prime that comes from the Philadelphia area. uh we're working with that organization and the Memorial Day parade committee and us. You will see one of that our component is on your agenda. But the good news, the additional part of that good news is that that indivi that program will be coming to all of our elementary schools and our middle school to provide their focus is anti-bullying messaging to our students and that they will give that grades one through six and their presentations are age appropriate based on the programmatic level that they'll be speaking to. Uh this is my it's not my favorite part but certainly a positive part in the Memorial Day

028parade is taking care of the expense to get them from Philadelphia to Grafton and we're jumping on and taking advantage of just the cost for the presentation and that is scheduled at our schools on right now Thursday May 21st with a rain date possibly the very next day. So all of that will happen on our campuses before the Memorial Day parade festivities begin. But it's a win-win. And also, like we just mentioned, it's about uh anti-bully messaging. So, I'm excited to bring that to our attention. Last, but certainly not least, I'm going to pass out this these purple folders, and I know you are going to be looking forward to what's inside because it speaks to the recent results of the hard work and effort that Mrs. McCarthy has been spearheading for us and that

029is the the survey regarding our forthcoming FY27 school calendar decision. And I'm bringing that to your attention tonight, not for you to vote on it, but for you to be able to review that information and be able to see a little better than just last minute look at and make a decision. Uh as you'll see the two options that were floated out with the information that was contributed from all the other previous surveys of our faculty and staff those are indicica indicated with those stamped words option one and option two. Uh and on the very front of that is a one-page chart that reflects the differences between the two. So, as you are analyzing that in the next week or two, I would encourage you to look at that chart so that you can see

030it's a little easier to translate. Uh, I love color coding. So, don't forget those color-coded maps that show the different breaks and or uh other holidays for state and the things that we've recognized um such things as Thanksgiving, Christmas, andor spring. uh that information is delineated in that chart so that you can see how's this different than the other. Uh I think you'll see that they're uh they both have some great promise. And interestingly enough, you'll see in the initial survey that's on top the results from um oops the recent survey that was just taken by our faculty and staff. And those are the pages immediately following those two color-coded options. Significant difference in the preference for one or the other. And I think it's again to Mrs. McCarthy's credit and all the faculty that

031actually voted on those because it was a significant number. Uh I thank them for helping us with that. Um, it's always difficult when you're trying to figure out what your favorite time of the year is to have a break, but both of those calendar options provide what seemed to be the more popular of the things that were being requested of our faculty and staff. So, rather than delving into those details, I'll maybe give that to you as your homework assignment. And in anticipation of our vote, I'll put that recommendation on the calendar for the next board meeting on the 10th. Yes, we'll get that to him as well. Thank you. Likewise, we will um I believe that's all the things I have for my updates, but I do also have information for us to discuss

032when we get to the 8000 series. Uh I believe double check. Yes, Mrs. Garvin, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Deli, and Miss Galla, we are finished with the updates. Thank you. Great. Um, do we have any board member updates or committee meeting reports? All right. Moving into the 2000 series. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of the minutes from the regular meeting of February 10th, 2026. >> Mr. Taylor moves. Mr. Dowy seconds. Questions? All those in favor? I >> opposed. Motion passes 40. Um, we have some policies and codes on the first reading. They are on the first reading. No action is required on those at this point. Does anybody have any questions that we need to investigate? All right, moving on. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 2253 and 2254 in the 2000 series. I'll move Mrs. Gallow

033seconds questions. >> I just have a question just regarding the uh 2253. >> I I think we've talked about this before. That seems like a lot of money. [laughter] >> It has. It's gone up a little bit each year. Um however, this was our >> our loan bidder uh for this. So, of the new bus transportation building. So, it did add an additional location >> and then >> for this summer, >> whenever we finish with that, that'll take off. >> Yes, that. >> But for right now, we have both to manage at this time. [clears throat] >> Okay. All right. Any additional questions? We have an open motion on the floor. All those in favor? I opposed. Motion passes. moves us into the 3000 series consent calendars with some purchase orders, facility requests, out of

034county travel and professional travel, some chaperones. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 3123 through 3132 in the 3000 series. >> Mr. Taylor moves >> second. >> Mrs. Gallow seconds. Questions? >> Yes, I have a question. I I probably should have asked it when you gave your superintendent updates, Dr. Stallings, I apologize, but since 3124 relates to to my question, um, you know, several months ago, this board approved to give I think it was $9,500 >> for concession stand. And where are we at with that? We unfortunately have no additional information about that. Miss Galla, that's an excellent question. Uh they the last we have observed with activity there was the delivery of the materials that were intended to be used for those repairs. >> We spoken to him. They have a they had a contractor

035change and it was supposed to be happening but it still has not happened. So we can circle back around to them. Are those I mean so those materials have already been purchased with money that we awarded. Correct. >> So are they in a shelter type environment or are they exposed to the elements? >> They're outside covered. The little league has already been told and they have already agreed that if there's any damage that they will cover that damage and they will not be asking for those to be replaced. >> Okay. Thank you. As you'll recall, the the commitment made was that that agreement was that there would be no additional expenses requested from the board. >> Um, I have a question on 3123. Talk to me about subscription AI tools and how that actually affects

036what we do not only educationally but environmentally. >> Yes, if you will, please. Mrs. Mrs. Roberts was is here to help us with that clarification. She's been >> like >> leading the charge. >> I've been working with Mrs. Vander and we explored different AI tools. Um what drew us to this particular one is we want it to be twofold. We want number one um to show our teachers how they can use a tool to help them in the classroom to help them come up with lesson plans, differentiate instruction, things of that nature. Um and two, we want it to be a learning tool for our students because AI is not going away. So we need to use it to support what we're doing. And so this particular um platform actually allows that. There's resources for

037our teachers and then there's also things that our teachers can use. Um one of the other things that really attracted us to it was there's a tool that will assist with um assessing student writing. So the teachers can have the students do a writing prompt in there. It'll kind of be like a little coach kind of give them pointers. So, I mean, obviously that doesn't take place of the teacher giving feedback to the student, but it gives them that immediate feedback while they're waiting for the the teacher. Um, our plan is trusting that this is approved. Um, our next uh district provided professional learning day is scheduled for March um 16th and at that point we will make um sessions available for our teachers on how to use um this particular platform. >> Do you

038have something to add to it? Yeah, I also wanted to so we had the opportunity to sample this. One of the most important pieces though is it's data protected. So our student data is protected. So it's not like an AI that you are thinking about like chat GPT let's just say that for example where anyone can get on and get information. This is protected data. So our student information is protected. It's a platform. It's not like an open AI as what people sometimes think about this. This is a school platform that students won't be able to just go do anything. Um, and it's very um centered on schools and students and making sure that data is protected if if students enter that in. But also, if students enter something in that could be worrisome, there

039is a flag that gets sent to the the teacher as well and the teacher will be able to review that. So, it really is a platform piece that shows how AI can work appropriately and and use help you um enhance what you're already doing. >> We explored different platforms. Um Dr. Decker was a part of that. Um Mrs. Vandergrift and this was the one that we felt had um all the pieces that we were looking for while the protection for our students. We there are some other neighboring districts that use this particular one. That's how we were first introduced to it was at a meeting. Um so, question and does use of this AI become a requisite part of the curriculum um or is it an additional tool available? >> So um ultimately our teachers

040their standards is what drives their instruction but this is just a tool to help them with that. Okay. >> To make sure that their um their instruction aligns with the needs of the students and address the um standards. >> Is that what are you asking on the student end of it? >> I'm asking on both ends. Like if my child comes home and says, "I have this AI project." And I say as the parent, >> "No, you don't. >> Who am I going to toe with?" Or is this a tool? >> It's a It's a tool. an instructional tool that will be used in the classroom. Okay. The students have a login. Um there are specific login that they'll use. >> Um in the land of uh I want my child to learn to write.

041I want my child to learn to write better. I want my child to interact. I do not want my child to learn to rely on a piece of technology that's not there. >> Right? So, for instance, oh sorry, if they would put in there um >> they can't just put in um like you would in chat GPT or something like that, write an essay about da da da and it spits it out for it. This platform does not allow that. What happens is the students will actually put their thoughts in and they can ask it um is there a better word that I can use for good or things of that nature or if there's um some grammatical errors, it might prompt them to look for that. But it's it's a tool to help students

042um produce better writing, not just >> not do the writing the writing piece. >> Yeah. Not do the writing for them. >> Okay. >> There's a prompt for example that like so we we did some samples that um you you looked at a picture and then you could it wanted you to write a story. So you would start writing different characters of your story and then it would prompt you to say well have you thought about this or have you thought about this to help you think about what it didn't do the work for you it just helped prompt you along based off of what your teacher put in as the parameters of that activity. So the teacher still builds all of the parameters around the lesson and the activity. This is just it's helpful

043feedback for the kids more immediate and it's not it will not create the work for it like what that you're used to AI that hey write me a letter that says this right and it boom and boom it does it they have to still do the work it this isn't going to do the work for them this is just a friendly little I think dot is that the name >> I believe so I think it's >> yeah so the friendly little AI person's name is dot so it's it's a dot helps them focus on what they need to do and you know you could do a debate. There was all kinds of different things that you could do but the students still had to do the work. >> So would they be utilizing their iPads

044for this? >> Yes. >> So that I mean that's I I have some of the similar concerns that Mrs. Garvin does. And I also, you know, how much are we relying on all their work being iPad and not paper and learning to handwrite things that that's another concern I have too. Um, I mean, I know that computers are are here and it's the wave and that's where we're at, but I also hear concerns from parents about too much on the iPad and the iPads are small and things like that. And so, I'm just concerned about that as well. >> I don't know that um I'm speaking from a teacher's experience. um they I don't think a teacher would have their students draft their writing piece on the laptop. I mean, they're still going to do

045the, you know, brainstorming, pre-writing, their rough draft um and then maybe publish it on the iPad or input it into um the iPad into um the AI tool to make it a little bit stronger. So, the actual writing the entire piece, I I don't foresee a teacher um I know coming from a fourth grade teacher, that was not even something I would want to do because like you said, you still want students to go through that process and they they do um need to be able to write legibly and so forth. Yeah, I think the the purpose is to we already see kids using AI inappropriately in the school setting is to help educate them and teach them the proper way to use the tool when they get to it. That's really the purpose of

046the of the tool is so that they are learning the appropriate ways to use AI to assist them, not to do their work for them. I I will share with you um we did have a concern um actually from Mrs. Vanderg's daughter who is college classes and a little nervous because um you know she's taking a college uh class and AI usage um inappropriate is not allowed and there are high consequences for that and that was a little you know that can be overwhelming for the students because she didn't use it but not knowing the appropriate way to use it to develop your thoughts. So that is one of the things that we're trying to teach the students um you know whether they go on to college or not um need in that sense, but

047just to help them to use it um in everyday life and to enhance what they're doing. >> And then they would have access to that in their homes as well, just like with their Ready. Okay. >> Yeah, I believe it's through class link as well. I think I believe it's going to be a single sign on through class link. >> Okay, that answers a lot of questions. Thank you very much. Uh, do we have any other questions for anything else in the 3000 series? All right, we have an open motion on the floor. And at this point, all those in favor? I >> I >> and opposed. Motion pass. Bringing us to the 4,000 series financial budget budget supplements, financial updates, and vouchers payable. Mr. Dolan, tell us things. >> All right, I have some

048good things. Um [clears throat] inside your packet uh you you should have received um a copy of the budget uh [clears throat] budget supplements for tonight's meeting. Uh we received uh three different grants um between the last meeting and this meeting. Uh one for um a letters grant uh to help support uh classroom teachers uh some training for that. Uh we received the uh school improvement grant for Anna Jarvis and the school improvement grant for Flemington Elementary School. In addition [clears throat] to those three grants, there were some budget supplements for uh various accounts that um needed to have some some funds increased um as part of part of just keeping keeping accounts balanced and everything throughout the year. Um next part of your packet uh is a financial update. You should have received a

049copy of the excuse [clears throat] me um the savings account statement um here for the month of January. As you can see there's $10,380,000 in there. Uh we booked uh $36,431 in interest uh for reinvestment in that account for the month of January. Uh the next statement you'll see is the bond statement. Um it is at 10,720,81 and that's for the uh Anna Jar project Anna Jarvis project and uh safety improvements throughout the county. So may have questions on either of those. Okay. Uh the next uh packet of paper is your uh is the bank statement for the month of January. Um, we ended the end of the month with one $11,618,752 uh in the bank account. We have a few outstanding checks at that point in time just because of the timing of um

050payroll and things of that nature. Next packet is your schedule of checks that have already been written. Um those are checks that have went out since the last meeting uh for either payroll payroll or other contracts that uh we we received invoices for. Um so that information is in there. And then the next set of packet is to schedule checks to be written upon your approval uh for items like travel uh various maintenance supplies uh transportation uh repairs um and supplies uh for uh educational needs throughout the county. Does anybody have any questions on those? There was additional couple pieces of paper in the packet uh that I believe were for the uh discussion in the 8000 series. So if you come across those, it was uh unrestricted fund balance as a percentage and a

051few other pieces of uh information. Like I said, that was for that discussion in the 8,000 series. So >> okay, thank you for that. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items in the 4,000 series. >> Mr. Dowy moves. All Mr. Taylor seconds. Uh any additional questions? All those in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes. Bringing us to the 5000 series uh student matters personnel and legal matters. Um it occurs to me that I forgot to read this name out loud earlier. So, uh, in item 5410, the name Diane Kenny should be inserted for the assistant principal at Anna Jarvis Elementary effective March 9th. And that is a change from the original post which says March 2nd. >> The reason for that, Miss Garin, was to afford her an opportunity to let her current employers be aware

052of that twoe window. All good. Miss Garvin, I would like to move that we move to executive session for a personnel matter. All right, we have a motion on the floor. Do we have a second? >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Okay, motion passes. We are in executive session at 6:55. Uh All right, friends. We are back in regular session at uh we excuse our executive session at 7:23 and we are in the 5000 series and I do not believe we have any motions on the floor. We have read the name of the blank out loud. And that should bring us to the superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 5410 through 5423 in the 5000 series. >> Mr. Taylor moves >> second and questions. Um yes, I have a couple questions in regards

053to uh 5415 just um the impact in the timing um before the season starts. Will that position be able to be filled for the coaching for that? >> It's set to post tomorrow. So hopefully they'll have a quick turnaround and be able to get it on the next board agenda. >> Yeah, because when does track starts? Soon. >> Soon, right? Soon. But hopefully in the next agenda they'll be able to get that recommendation. >> There is still an assistant so that assistant could get started while we have >> Okay. The other question I have is also regarding um coaches. I I have questions about their ability or lack thereof, I guess, to access the buildings and the facilities. help me understand why they do not have access because there have been some extraordinary extenduating circumstances

054and they haven't been able to get in. I just I just don't understand when they go and they get their WVSSAC, they get their CPR, and they're here and they're volunteering their time and they're not getting paid and they're getting approved by us why they wouldn't have access to the facilities to help coach the children. So I'm just is there some reason that they don't have access to the buildings? >> So I talked to Miss I talked to uh Mrs. McCarthy initially about that and the decision was just made. The recommendation was that they they would be there typically with their coach but not at separate times um and during the regular practice sessions etc. Um that's why that was recommended. Okay. I I just know that there's there's probably potentially times if the head

055coach who has access, right? Is that the only one that has access is the head coach? >> That's my understanding. Oh, there are more. All three coaches have >> allaid coaches. >> All paid coaches, excuse me. >> I I still I'm sorry. I I know I'm one one board member, but I just do not agree with that. If if that head coach is tied up at work or whatever and that assistant is the one that can get there and even though they're a volunteer, they've done all the things to be approved by the county to be helping our students, but they're not able to access the building. >> What's that? >> I say I'd have to agree with Mrs. Galla. I think that's a definite point. Or could they at least have limited access? Like

056I mean 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or 9. I don't know. I just can that >> we can give that some thought, Mr. Gallo. >> I appreciate that. I This isn't the first that I'm hearing about it. So, I'm just bringing forward um that concern. I I know it happened to me the other night. I was at the middle school game and my husband forgot his wallet, so I ran out to get it and I couldn't get back in because it was 7:13. I couldn't get back in, which is fine. I don't I don't really need that, but I feel like our coaches do. So we can continue the discussion and we'll look into ways to make that situation more equitable. Yes, please. >> We'll do. >> Thank you, sir. >> Making a note. >>

057Very good. At this point, we have open motion in the 5000 series. Any additional questions? >> No, just a comment. Um 5419, Miss Kathy Noble. Um it's bittersweet to see that. Um I know both of my children were fortunate to have her as a teacher and um what a tremendous tremendous teacher she is. And um I know I teared up when I got the agenda and saw that. I knew I knew she said she would know when that time came. But um I really wish her well and um a lot of children in this county have really benefited from having her as their teacher. So thank you so much, Mrs. Noble. All right. All those in favor of items 5410 through 5423 in the 5,000 series. >> I. >> All opposed. Motion passes. 40. Bringing

058us to the 8000 series and additional discussions. So, um, we want to start with the legal requirements pertaining to the recently vacated board position. Um, I know there there's lots of options we have here, interviews and appointees, and then there are some hardcore [clears throat] timelines that we have to work within. Give it to us. >> Thank you. Uh, as you well know, members of the board, we have a fifth member to appoint. And these are the I apologize my I'm going to share with you verbally the some specifics and I'd like you to refer to your calendars at the same time because I I'm I'm some of this is going to need some direction and decision- making on the spot with you. uh as I've looked into the process and we've done this once

059before uh indeed remember that we have a 45minute window to appoint once the dec once the resignation is is uh in place that places us with Friday March 27th as our deadline that deadline is yours to address uh if the decision is not made by that date our state superintendent appoints on our behalf and uh as much I appreciate and respect Superintendent Blat. I think it should be a local decision. So keep that in mind. With that in mind, I'm going to ask that uh because and it's on the discussion component. I will ask uh for uh some decisions to be made this evening uh with regard to calendaring. Uh I am prepared to I've been working with the newspaper. As you know, the first thing we do is we put that in the newspaper

060and advertise. we will put on our websites as well. And I am prepared to work I started working with the newspaper, the local newspaper. And of course they have a more since they stopped printing locally, we must uh the Wednesday edition is already done. So the best we are able to do is I will work with her tomorrow pending the decisions made tonight to put together the advertisement that will go it'll start it'll show up on their electronic version. It'll be in the newspaper on Saturday and then subsequently uh the following Wednesday. So at that point at this point we're looking at March 25th. That's tomorrow. And the recommendation >> February, >> what did I say? March I s I'm so sorry. Let me clarify. Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 25th. That would be an announcement through

061those various entities through Wednesday of next week. That would afford us the opportunity then to be soliciting uh applications from those interested in being considered and for the appointment. they would be uh able to do that as soon as they're ready. That information will be point available to them on the site etc in the newspaper. Uh the link to get to that so that we can receive them all immediately as soon as they have if there's an interest out there. Then we can provide that deadline for my receiving the application by Monday the 9th. I'm offering then that I I would have that and make start making appointments, contacting those individuals and making appointments as part of the process so that we can then bring them in for interviews. My recommendation is that you consider

062Thursday the 12th, Friday the 13th, or andor Monday the 16th as interviews depending on the number of we'll try to keep them on one of those dates, not one a day. But if you can pick one of those three times, we can then schedule those and then we can have that available as uh the 17th of the recommendation uh for the board meeting that's scheduled for the 17th. Um and then at that point you can we I checked this this recently this this afternoon we can do two things. We can then have a private less formal swearing in opportunity for whoever is appointed and then follow based on his or her interest and then uh have that scheduled for an official swearing in with the judge. if they want to do that in front of

063a board meeting for the April 7th. The fact that the decision is made by the 27th, it makes the actual swearing in kind of a important component, but not, you know, we're not bound by having that done by the 27th. We can do the informal one before the 27th after you have approved it on the 17th. And I know I've thrown a lot of dates at you for I guess the most important thing is what date would you be interested in having the interview process take place? I need to put that in the article so that I can >> I can't do the 13th. I can do the 12th and the >> would you say the 14th >> 16th >> or 16th? >> It'd be either Thursday, Friday or Monday. that gets it on so

064I can put on have it this slate this spot put on the agenda for the 17 >> and we would still be able to put that on as an addendum even though the agenda >> I would just like we we tend to we just leave it blank for that >> Mr. I could do the 16th. Yeah. >> Do any of those dates conflict heavily for you? >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Do any of those dates conflict heavily for you? 12, 13, 16? >> No. >> Okay. U the 12th is them the most reasonable in my world, but I could make the 16th worst if necessary. Um, but 12 and 13 are actually much better for me and a 13th doesn't work for you. >> I also don't have any particular objection to doing the

06514th. I know it's a Saturday and that sucks a bunch, but >> Oh yeah, if that's what we need. >> I apologize. I didn't even think to float that out. It's an option, but if you're inclined to go that route, we can make the ad advertisement suggest. >> Yeah, 12th, 14th or 16th. >> Um, in the land of we what half an hour per interview. >> Previously, we had a 30-minute interview with a 15-minute break between them. All right. So, if we plan a 30 minute interview with a 10-minute break, >> one day, I think we did one. >> We did that in one day. >> Well, it would be pending how many people are actually applying, >> right? >> True. >> Yeah. >> What's your pleasure? >> Let's aim for the 12th and if

066we get more than we get more than five, then we'll add them on to Saturday. >> Is everybody good with that? Great. Work for you, Mr. Daddy? >> Yes, that work. >> Thank you, sir. >> All right. Thank you. So, um we will advertise that as I indicated. I'll ask for the deadline to be available and I'll make I'll handle the appointments and um I do have uh you had created the questions you wanted to use last time. My speculation is that you'll use a similar questioning to for your interviews. >> If by similar you mean you've already got those printed and we don't have to stress about it. I think that's a delightful idea. >> Yeah. The result of your thoughts before. >> Very good. >> All right. We'll use those and have them

067available that even for you. All right. Thank you. Um, could we get a copy of those just by email so that we can read them ahead just in case somebody decides they need to >> in case we have some burning desire to have a additional question or something? >> I think I can make those available to you. >> Thank you. >> Uh, they would express their interest to you. >> Yes, sir. There's an application in the advertisement. There will be a link to the application. It'll be online. >> Okay. they access that and uh we can have hard copies available here if someone wants to stop by and pick up an application. But either way, and I believe we did that last time, either way, then they simply are told to prov submit them to

068me. I double check that they live in the right districts because there are two that they could be living in based on the openings and I confirm that and then that helps determine who can be invited for interviews based on their eligibility. Okay, >> that was helpful. >> Yep. >> Does anybody else have any questions on the requirements pertaining to the board opening? I do. And I I just want it to be very clear. This seat in this appointment is from 3:18 through when >> the appointee would be serving on the board uh officially through November's uh election. Uh that's I I've run this by a couple different times by uh our county clerk >> and so that right so that individual would serve until that time at which time if they're interested in continuing

069they would put their name on the ballot for that since they are it's too late for anybody to add to the current uh contest uh for May. So they could be elected or someone else actually could run for that position in November >> and then they would >> they would >> just continue from November until the end of their >> unexpect 20 2030. It would be 26 it would be a four-year appointment from that point on. >> That puts us out of sync. that would that would it >> I'm looking >> it would just be the rest of uh >> the current term. >> I can confirm that but my notes specifically say November would serve till June 30, 2030 from my >> that would that would put us out of sync across the board

070because you would be replacing four people at a pop instead of three and two. >> Yeah, Mrs. Knai's term ends 28. >> All right, I will double check that. Okay. So, if we could >> that particular point is not as important as getting a date for when we're going to interview, >> right? But I also want people to understand what they're interviewing for. >> For sure. >> Um because if you there's a lot of things that play into that. >> Gotcha. >> And Okay. Everybody cool? All right, we're going to move on. Discussion of the budget related financial update information Mr. [clears throat] Dolan gave us some stuff. So, >> yeah. Um, yes. So, we did, like I said, I included some stuff in the uh the packet that was inside the 4,000 series there.

071um you know uh the uh topic of unrestrict fund balance as a percentage came up and I provided that information um to you. So that that shows the uh the percentage of what uh what we're at in FY25. How that's calculated is the unrestricted fund balance um and the expenses for that year. So we were at 12 12.7% in FY25. Um and then as of currently uh the unrestricted fund balance is 8.1 and then projected here for the end of the year it is uh 10.0 Z and the [clears throat] variation from FY25 to 26. Um when I gave the financial financial statement presentation again there were um you know factors that came into play. You were we did uh we did a lot of upgrades last year and a lot of construction projects. So

072that had an impact to that uh to that number. Uh and again you know FY26 you that was a as of numbers uh at the end of January and again projected for the end of the year and that could change you know as we move forward through the you know through the rest of the school year. Uh I would remind the board uh that the department of education asks for those balances to be at least 3 to 5% of total expenditures which they certainly are. Uh but government finance officers association recommends uh something like 16.7%. Uh so uh we are not within that but we're certainly well within the recommendation of the Department of Education. >> Correct. >> You're correct, Mr. Taylor. I also want to remind everybody that as we're getting into personnel season

073and we have the other uh capital improvements that continue to expect us to address that uh we are facing some very hard decisions. >> Yeah. And I as a you know just as as a discussion we you know a couple board meetings ago uh we provided the document that had the um the figures for either over the formula positions for uh service and professionals. Um you know, as we discussed at that board meeting, um you know, we're we're looking at an actual projected impact of you know, $4.8 million. Um if if you know those positions are kept and that is not again that is not going to be sustainable. Um you know, yes, we [clears throat] will have a carryover in funds. Yes, we do have a line item in our, you know, in our

074levy. However, that'll be all we'll be able to do. Uh, as Dr. Stalling stated, you know, the uh capital improvement projects that uh that we have to uh face here coming up will not be able to be addressed uh if if like I said, if those positions if we don't start, you know, looking at those positions and everything. It's just um the uh you know with the decline in enrollment, you know, that that has significant impact. You know, we lost 110 students and that's at a you know, that's at a cost of, you know, nearly $6,000 per student. So, I said, we're [clears throat] have to unfortunately, like I said, look at those look at those positions and and work through everything. So, um, you know, as as of in years past, 80 to 85%

075of our the total county's budget goes to salaries and benefits for employees. So, that leaves, you know, 15 to 20% of our budget for everything else. And I and I'd say probably around two to two to 4% of that that actually gets put towards capital improvement projects. I mean, we have costs, you know, keeping the lights on, the water, um, insuranceances, and those keep, unfortunately, those keep increasing as well. Like I said, we pay we pay a good amount every year, roughly 350 $400,000 for all the various insuranceances that we have to carry uh for, you know, the vehicles, the liability insuranceances, the property insuranceances, the tank insurance, the flood insurance, um and things like that that, you know, we have to carry carry through the county. Um so like I said it's just things

076that we we'll have to work through and we'll work through them. So but just to give you give you that update. Um you know part of the budget this year in addition you know not not only do we have to submit you know the financial part of things we also have to provide you know a list of our our personnel. So everybody that we have on our list has to be sent to uh WVDE to be approved with the budget. So that that list will have to go go along with all the dollar figures that uh that I have that have to provide every year this year. Uh they're also factoring in that we have to have a um reserve for contingencies this year um of at least 5% of our revenue. So that has

077to be factored in which is something that we haven't had to do in the past. >> Is that as a result of the bond or is that as a result of new legislation? >> That is a that is a result of new legislation. >> Thank you. >> And like I said, I think that's also a result of um things that have happened in other counties. So like I said, they they've kind of restructured how we have to submit it. You know, it used to be we just had to, you know, provide our our revenues and expenses for the year. uh that they provided and what we were provided, you know, from our levies and uh state funding and everything. And like I said, now they're they're they're scrutinizing a a little bit stronger. So, and

078like I said, the positions they want to, you know, they want to make sure that the positions are covered and that we're not using an an excessive amount of, you know, carryover funds to offset those costs because I believe that's, you know, again, that's what kind of other counties and and desire situations. So, >> okay, >> Mr. Garvin, may I >> I'm sorry. Are we finished with that topic? >> I believe so. Unless anybody else has specific questions for Mr. I apologize, but just for clarification purposes, if we can move back to those dates of the 12th and the and the 14th, were you indicating that should we have more than five, you wanted a few on the 12th and the others on the 14th or all of them for longer time on the 14th?

079That way, you would only have to give up one of the two days. I'm just trying to honor your time as well. Um, >> and with that in mind, if it's on the 12th, it would start at 6 like we normally did before. >> And if it's on the 14th, what is your pleasure about starting time? I'm not trying to get I'm trying to stay out of the weeds. I'm just trying to >> Yeah. No, that's a solid set of choices. um my brain processed it as fill up the 12th and then move to the 14th in I don't want to give up my Saturday if I don't absolutely have to. >> Okay. >> Um >> I was just trying to protect one or the other dates is what I was >> I don't know

080how anybody else feels about that. >> Agree. >> I took it that way as well. >> Okay. >> Start on the start on the 12th up to five. >> Yeah. Mr. D, does that sound solid to you? Yeah. >> Thank you, sir. So, up to five on Thursday the 12th. Should we get six? Let's revisit the discussion. Should we get 10? Obviously, let's split that. >> All righty. We'll have time on the 10th to clarify. >> Okay. >> But I'll have to make sure I schedule those appointments, too. >> And instead of giving us a 15minute window between, perhaps we work on something more like a nine and a half minute window. I think you might be able to do that. That's a challenge. Thank you. >> Yes. All right. Having moved through the weeds

081in what I believe are the first two topics on our discussion, are we ready to just move into personnel matters? >> I'm ready if you're ready. >> All right. So, uh, Mr. Dolan uh because kind of your precursor to this conversation. So uh in your packet you have the code that we referenced which is a second part of this conversation. The first part of the conversation is the difficult conversation that we've been having since December regarding our number of overage. And so I'm just going to talk you through the process to get you to where we are at this point. So from that December data share with you, we then shared it out with administrators who then uh got to see what that looked like. Um from that point of view, um we then moved

082to conversations individually with AD administrators with with Mrs. Roberts, Miss Fischer, myself, and the building level administrators to share more data with them based off of title funding, special ed funding, special ed numbers, student enrollment numbers to get them starting to think about their buildings and their positions, which then led to a follow-up conversation that we had with them where we they were asked to send us a list of personnel from their buildings that Dr. Stallings could consider for reduction uh with their input as we did not feel it was appropriate for us to just come in for example and say Mr. Taylor at your school this is what we think you can reduce. We wanted building level administration input. So the building level administrator sent that input to to me. Then I shared that

083information with Dr. stallings and we reviewed each one of the recommendations of the building level principal and discuss obviously his thoughts on that. We talked about that. After that we then brought the building level principles back in to have a conversation to say these were the recommendations you shared with us. This is the conversation that we had and this is um what we're thinking and we are going to look at that. No final decision has still been made but that has been part of the process to include everybody in as we did want to and get everyone's voice as a part of this as it's not an easy decision and of course no one if we could afford to keep all positions we wish we could do that we want to do that every principal

084wants to do that believe me and so what was recommended from Mr. Kelly at the State Department was that as I can't get into specifics with you as that would violate personnel law, I can give you some data that um I'm going to share with you right now. So this data is basically uh each school and not just school but each location within the county and it includes the total number of students and as you asked at the last board meeting. We looked at the prek that were actually not in the building daily and so that is that is subtracted off of there. So that's what that first section is total number as of that date 212 of 26. Then we also reviewed the total number number of positions currently in each of these locations.

085So you can see that uh the total number of positions at each location including central office transportation in all of our schools. And so that is just what we currently have. The next section is the number of positions that Dr. Stallings is proposing that we reduce the percentage that that would impact. Then there's a little bit of information about there are some that have vacancies which wouldn't impact our direct employees as we've talked about before. And then if we have to add any positions back due to just enrollment. So there are some schools that need like we might be reducing one grade level and we have to increase another grade level. So the reduction is in the proposed number that they will be losing but they will add positions back. So that would decrease really

086by that number. So for example on the top there was nine and a half positions but they're going to have to add a new teacher. So really it's only eight and a half positions that in the end they would come but nine and a half people will be impacted by the first set of reductions. We would then go back and post new positions to give fair equitable access to anybody that gets reduced the opportunity to apply for the positions. So that is uh there's also some data on the bottom that says that TCMS is seeing the largest drop in enrollment with Anna Jarvis the second largest drop in enrollment from 24 to 25 to 25 and 26 and Grafton High School is seeing the lowest drop of enrollment. And so that's just some data. The

087important thing to remember is that this becomes very very convoluted and complicated. So when we're talking about pro professional positions, so positions that get reduced, those people in those positions might not necessarily be the people that get that lose a position based off of seniority and certification. So I if that person has more seniority in the county than someone else that holds a certification, they hold they would bump somebody else out of a position. So there's going to be more people impacted because of the bumping process. So that that is something to keep in mind. So it's like a domino. So if we have a line of people and you pluck one out of there, it changes everybody's bumping order. So it's very important that we have a full picture to understand that these are

088the numbers and if we if we are not comfortable to do that, then we need to do have that understanding. prior to that because if we pull one person out of the line, it's going to impact everybody that's getting bumped or reduced. Service is a little bit different because in service personnel positions get reduced, then that service personnel bumps a least senior person, but they don't bump into that job. They just bump the person out of the job, then that job gets reposted, and then the most senior person gets the job. So, and and again, it's it's a little bit more complicated. So, your face. So, this is a very complicated process. I will say that um our attorney, Denise Bataphfor, came to my office last week and we sat through all of these proposed

089uh recommendations that Dr. Songs is considering. And we talked through every scenario and option so we could make sure we would know what could happen. And it's really important that you have that understanding when we get to that point because like I said, one change out of the line will change the impact it has on everybody. So if we if we take this person out and we put this person in and they have a different set of certifications, then they could bump somebody completely different because it's based off so every pos every person that's going to be reduced, they get an ordered by most senior. So the most senior goes to the top. They come then and bump the least senior person that they have a certification that could bump them out and it just

090goes down until we are we've finished moving everybody. So it is a very convoluted con complicated process and I want to make sure you have that understanding that that process will impact people. All of these people that will be impacted though go on what's called a preferred recall list. So that means that if they are bumped out of position or their position is just eliminated and they don't have anyone to bump, which could happen. Um that could very well happen based off of seniority or certifications, then they go on a preferred recall list and any position that we have posted, they become what's known as automatic applicants. So we would we could not hire anyone out that's not with from within Taylor County before giving it to one of those people. So all of our

091current people would have the first opportunities to get these jobs back, any jobs that we have back. So they would be preferred uh recall list automatic applicants. So that is a lot of information I know I just threw at you and it's very complicated and convoluted and so um I I wanted you to see this be as we uh are moving through this to say that it is really going to be a difficult time and uh I will plan to as we move forward and and make these recommendations. I will be going out personally and delivering this news to people face to face. they will be hearing it from me what that means and I will explain the process to them of how all of this it works and be able to ask any questions.

092Obviously everybody has a right to hearing in front of the board and like I'm saying those results then impact every other decision that we make and so we have to make sure that we have the understanding of what what that looks like before we get to that point. I'm sure you have questions. I do gonna start with the easiest one in my head. Okay. [laughter] >> Our friends on the preferred recall list. >> Yes. >> Automatic applicant. >> Yes. >> Okay. And then that hits by seniority. So for service, yes. Okay. So professional, they will still go through the interview process with that faculty, but it would they one of those people would get that job back. We would not give it to an outside person trying to apply within if that makes sense. Okay.

093So if I don't get that job that I interviewed for, I'm still on the preferred list. >> Yes. And >> until we have a place back for you again. Yes. >> Until we have a place back for you again, you're you remain on our preferred recall list. Or if you choose not, if you choose to go take a job somewhere else, then that that obviously is some someone that >> removes you from the list >> from the choice. But you they always remain on the preferred recall list until we have a spot to fill them back in. >> Okay. >> So for service, it's based in seniority, which is a professional. >> It's based on their certification. that position would come open with that specific certification or >> the same criteria of policy 5000 that

094currently is they they wait all those criteria obviously uh it goes with certification it goes with experience all those categories that they weigh out to to pick the most qualified person they they use those same category as the most qualified person. So yes, certification, seniority, um pass uh evaluations, grade point average, uh all those things that they weigh out. Um they would weigh those out the same way. So they go through the same exact process, but the most important part is to remember that we would not take applicants from outside until those people get positions back. So they would just be with the the people that um were already from Taylor County before until they we get them spots back. So that could be more than the next school year. That could be >> it

095could be. Well, yes, they could remain on the preferred recall list for more than a school year. >> Are we >> So go ahead. >> Are we carrying anybody on the preferred school recall list from last year? No, ma'am. Currently, we have we have not had to do that. Okay. I'm just Yes. >> Checking to see what's >> So we have 40.5 positions. Are all those professional or are they professional? And >> there is a mix of both professional and service. I did not break that down for you um as I was trying not to get too specific to bias any of your um voting, but that is a mix of both professional and service. Okay. Um >> I know you would. [laughter] I know you would. So, if there's currently a vacancy Yes, ma'am.

096And we're reducing I'm going to pick a number that's not on this list. >> Exactly. >> Okay. [laughter] So, we need to reduce by 12 and we have four vacancies. We're really reducing eight. Correct. So, that that is why I laid that out to you on that side. So there are um like for example uh we have this is not none of this is a secret. So you know we have a number of four one of those is a vacancy. So really only three people will be impacted in that that reduction number on on fees but only three people will be reduced potentially 14 people are impacted could yes you're correct yes positions. So let's talk about so there will be three positions reduced. Let's let's clarify that for that understanding. Yes. So currently there

097are as you see number of positions reduced. So it says we would have four positions reduced. One of those is a vacancy. So it would only be three positions that that we are reducing that will impact the people currently in those positions. But now those people could then go bump other people out. >> Okay. Based off of certification. Sorry. >> So then it would be across the county, not just that school. >> Absolutely. >> Yes. So there might be more people impacted in a school than the number that's listed on this page because of bumping. But this is what the school is actually losing positionwise. >> If that makes sense, >> to show the distribution of reduction is spread across all locations. That's what this was for to show you that this is how the

098the percentage of reduction is being spread across. >> So I have a question then on the one that says three vacancies included. >> Uhhuh. >> That's included in the 11 or >> Yes, that's included in the 11. >> Okay. So then it would be the eight. >> Yeah. No, no. He's saying just like the one that the example we gave. No, no, no, no, no. >> Yeah. So again, that's why when we were having these conversations earlier, vacancies, not that not that buildings want to lose those positions either, but they do not impact as many of our employees as these other positions. So that's why I highlighted that for you. So, I know we had u a couple positions that were already abolished. I know a lot of people don't like that word, but that's

099what we >> abolished. Reduced. Yes. >> Discontinued. So, those are >> then for that that's already been >> that's included in that >> already done. So, page. Okay. >> Yes. And again, those that was done by vacancy. so that someone wasn't impacted by that. Um, so I I will be honest, most of that transportation number is being done by open position. So we've already done two. We're we are expected to be having a retirement that that won't impact anybody else. So they might they will not be are we will probably not be impacting any driver with a letter of reduction or a letter of transfer because those are being done proactively by our transportation supervisor as positions open up. Right. We're still Yeah, we just are revamping. Yeah, you're math and I >> I know

100I look I'm not a math person, so this was a great exercise for me. I'm like, "Oh, I need to make sure I'm practicing math skills again. [laughter] I had someone check my math just so you know to be [laughter] sure. >> Is that Mr. Dolan? >> It actually was not. But it was Mrs. Shoemaker. She's also math >> centered. So she helped check my math. I said just check my math numbers here. >> I've tapped into her knowledge before. [laughter] Well, after being at the recent board of ed training this winter, um, you know, this is going to be tough for all of us, but there are other counties that are have significantly higher numbers that they're going to be facing. So, yeah. Okay. Any other questions on that? As we brought up the

101other part that I wanted to quickly discuss with you so I know how to move forward. [laughter] Any questions on that? So the other section was the code 18A-4-7A which was what was discussed at the last board meeting and I highlighted um page well mine didn't highlight but I highlighted Yeah. So, I was highlighting the information on I think it's page six um on the requirements, the question about posting positions that are left vacant and open in the timelines of what that looks like and what we have to do. And so, that starts on page six. Um so, it it starts with one. It talks about we're required to post at least once all of those conversations. And then it goes to uh B which was the first part that we talked about was yes

102that at least one notice shall be posted within 20 working days of the position openings and shall include the job description. And then also the uh number of three which if one or more applicants under all these we have 30 days to fill that position once it closes. But then five is the also the other part that nothing provided here within this policy will prevent the county board of education from eliminating a position due to lack of need. So that's the conversation that I feel like we need to have so I know how to move forward. I know we we the word abolish comes up but we have to take an action on a board agenda if we're not going to post the position where it looks like we're not following this code of 20

103days within the working um session. So I I do need the direction of how you would like me to delineate that so that it we are being open and transparent with all of our postings and positions. I understand that may not have been the practice previously, but if we do not delineate that, it looks like we're not posting a position within the timeline and it could be grieved. And so we need to be open and transparent with what that looks like. And so I just need to know what you want me to do. I I'm trying to um fall within the parameters of what you need, but also fall within the parameters of what we are required to do by code. >> And what's your recommendation? >> Um I have been doing what my recommendation

104is. I know that word is not favorable, but it is what other counties that I have worked with do. It is what our attorney stated. Mr. Kelly from the state department also stated the word abolished. But if we don't like that word, we can say reduce. We can say um here it says eliminate. I don't know that that's a better word, [laughter] but um so I think that we do need to delineate by a board action what we are doing with that position or or it could be stated that we are illegally holding holding jobs and not following this code. I >> I don't have a problem with the word abolish. >> I don't particularly either. Mr. Daddy had suggested the word discontin. Um those words all mean the same thing to me. So >>

105I just want to know how to move forward. I will do the pleasure of the board. I just I do uh want to know that that we are doing the proper procedure to show that we are just not holding jobs and not following the timeline. That's the only piece of it for me legalitywise in my mind. I want to make sure we're following the law. Okay. I'm not hearing anybody object to the continued word use of the word abolish at this point. So I make a motion we continue to use the word abolish as is allowed in code. >> Second >> Taylor seconds. Any additional questions or concerns about that? All those in favor? I opposed. I definitely heard three. Mr. Dowy, are you there? >> Did I lose you? >> Okay. You good with

106abolish still? >> Not really, but >> no. >> Okay, that sounds like a nay. So, 31 That that's okay. If you don't have any other personnel related matters, that was all that I had to share. >> Okay. which um I'm not sure I know I don't know that I understand the social media moment enough as the next discussion point to know are we >> the good news is the good news is we're not involved with the lawsuit information was provided to us as a result of the question u uh superintendent association and the recommendation that this is an available option to all of our counties and I received information uh actually from uh Mrs. Collins and uh the president of that organization Dr. Who's the flute? Uh, and so their recommendation is that we just

107consider that. But the reason I brought that to your attention tonight was there's a deadline for joining the class action suit. Um, it is not it is from what I understand from our quadrant leader. It is not costing the county to join. It is just providing them an opportunity to benefit from the expertise of this uh the um organization that's taking on that class national class action social media lawsuit. So I just want I didn't feel comfortable as a superintendent say yeah let's do that. I wanted to bring that to your attention and say what say you may I proceed with that process and I provided the information that came to us in your packet as well. Do we feel agrieved? >> Well, at some point I feel like the whole purpose of this is

108as you saw in that in the PowerPoint that is uh subjecting potentially harmful information that would be uh our goal is to protect our children. And so my recommendation is that we proceed with that and join the others of our county superintendent or or boards of education's directives. That's clear. That's all it is. But I need to have that done tonight because March sec March 1st happens before we get back together again. >> No cost to us. >> Just potential benefit of our children. >> I don't feel particularly one way about it, but >> just need a motion, I suppose. >> I move we proceed. >> Second. Anybody else have any questions or concerns about that? Okay. All those in favor? >> I. >> Mr. Dowy. >> Okay. Motion passes 3-1. Okay. Anything else for

109future discussion in the 8000 series or comments this evening that require no additional discussion? Superb. Oh, sorry y'all. Moving on to the 9,000 series future meetings. Um, I'm afraid I was in receipt of an expulsion recommendation uh just this afternoon. Uh, remember I didn't do it. I'm just a messenger here. And so I am seeking an opportunity to schedule something by no later than March 9th. uh keeping in mind that I respectfully request time to formulate the letter and inform the parents of said student. >> Would March 3rd work today? Give me one second, please, Mr. Taylor. >> I'll give you I'll give you three if it takes it. >> Thank you, sir. Yes, I can get the letter to if I have to. I'll call them as well. So if March 3 is the

110pleasure of the board, we can schedule that. But I >> it works for me. >> Say it works for me. Mr. Dowy, is March 3rd available to you for an expulsion hearing? >> It's next Tuesday. What time >> be a six o'clock standard evening meeting? >> No, I cannot do that. >> If we do 6:30, is that >> okay for me? Okay. Um, >> would the remaining three be available if if that's the only other option? >> Mr. Dudy, is there another day that week that potentially works for you? >> Monday, Wednesday, Thursday. I'm sorry. Um, Wednesday or Thursday? >> The fourth or fifth? Is that what you're saying? He's saying >> yes. >> I said the fifth is easier for me. >> Okay. 6:30 on the 5th. >> Y >> I will make sure

111that letter goes to the parents and I will inform them of that. Thank you. >> Okay, Mr. Daddy, did you hear that? >> I did not. >> 6:30 March 5th. That's a Thursday. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Now, let's hope I have my notes right here as we read future meetings. We have now have 6:30 March 5th for an expulsion hearing. We have March 10th 6 o'clock here at the board office. March 12th specifically for candidate interviews which is not necessarily a meeting but is on the timeline. Um time to be determined here at the board office. March 17th, uh, 6 and 605 for a levy meeting and a regular meeting here at the board office. April 7th for a review of budget and personnel here at the board office, 6 o'clock. April

11214th, uh, a levy meeting and a regular meeting. So, a 6 and 60 here at the board office. And April 28th, 6 o'clock here at the board office. Have I missed anything? Outstanding. At this point, I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Moved. >> Mrs. Gallow moves. Mr. Taylor seconds. All those in favor? >> I. And and we are adjourned at 8:21. Thank you all for your time, attention, and focus this evening. Go safely.