001Four board members are present. Mrs. Gallow is on her way stuck in traffic. It is the practice of our board of education to begin our meeting with prayer and the pledge of allegiance. We b invite you to bow your heads for prayer and stand to join us in the pledge if you so choose. >> Please bow your heads. Let you guys get settled there. Sorry. 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 allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands.
002One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Dr. Stallings, do we have any adjustments or uh amendments to the agenda? >> In fact, Miss Garvin, we do not. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Uh the superintendent respectfully requests approval of the agenda as presented. So move >> Mr. Taylor moves. Mr. Dowy seconds. All those in favor? >> I. >> Motion passes. We are going to start uh this evening with our second public hearing regarding the calendar for the 2026 2027 school year. Um at we are as previously advertised we had given that half an hour block. We are going to take that full half hour. Um, and then we will move forward with some delegations in the remainder of the 1000 series. So, at this point, I'd like to invite
003Miss McCarthy and Miss Roberts to the four to tell us what we know. We're good. All right. Good evening. How are you guys tonight? Great. So, um, as previously discussed, we do have to take some time for public comment if there's anybody in the audience, which this is by far the largest calendar hearing we have ever had. [laughter] So, if there's anybody who would like to come forward and share some of their information with us or any of their concerns um, for the calendar moving forward, that would be fabulous. I do want to draw your attention, though, to a couple of things that I've placed at your seats for you to have. Since our last time that we've been together, this calendar hearing has been rescheduled a couple of times and we've had some time
004to um gather further input. So, we did put out an employee survey and I have shared those results with you at your seats. There are two different packets. The first one that you'll see has the actual questions with responses that were asked with the information that was gathered. And then you will see a packet that gives all of the individual responses and any comments that they were a able to um share while they were completing the survey. So you will see those two different pieces. We had 171 responses from employees across the county. So I thought that was a pretty good turnout. We had 127 professionals and 44 service personnel. So there was a variety across um all schools and all areas uh and departments within our county. Um the other thing that I've also
005shared with you at your seats is what you asked for at the last calendar hearing and that is a simple familyfriendly calendar that shows all of the state approved holidays as well as holidays that you as a board have previously approved in the past. So it looks very simple but it it gives you that outline that you had asked for. As noted previously, this is public comment. So, if y'all have anything to say, I know I turned it on on purpose. Beautiful [clears throat] day. >> It is beautiful day today. It's not a snow day. Good enough. Yes, it was Valentine's Day is coming up. We, you know, >> at least we hope that was him. [laughter] It's interesting to me that for the number of we shouldn't start until after Labor Day, the resounding
006uh or rather the overwhelming majority said mid to late August to early June is a better choice. So yeah, that's why we kind of wanted to put those two options out there because it has been said in the past that people would appreciate starting after Labor Day, but that's not what the survey results tend to show, >> right? >> Let me add that was put mostly on the employee survey. Correct. >> This was the employee survey. Yes, >> that's what I mean. Mhm. >> So parents might have a totally different They could >> Yeah. opinion on when to start. It's a possibility. >> [clears throat] >> when we move into u the Christmas break or winter break um a number of these holidays are or days are actually protected and then some of them aren't
007and where's >> the the idea of protect expected days doesn't really exist any longer. >> Okay? >> Outside of state approved holidays, they are just considered non-instructional days. So, when it comes time to start making days up, things aren't protected unless it's a holiday. So, if it were to be the worst winter ever, they could make us take all of those non-instructional days and convert them to instructional days. So the days or the idea of having a protected day doesn't really exist anymore outside of a state approved holiday. >> Can you have days outside the calendar? >> Those outside of calendar days are still considered non-instructional days. And when it's time to make up, any non-instructional day is able to be used if needed. I'm not sure I want that in the universe. So, if
008we had a wretched October, >> sure, >> we could pull Christmas break and make that instructional days with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's. >> Yes, ma'am. >> It is at the discretion of the superintendent and the board to make those days up. So you don't there's nothing in code that says they have to be made up in this order. You have to take them from here before you take them from there. There is not anything in code that says that. So you still have the discretion to decide where those makeup days are taken from. >> Okay. >> But they are all on the table. Yes. >> Okay. Um while we're talking about just some discrepancies, some comments that I saw in the um survey from employees and that I I
009met with principles and asked them to meet with their faculties, gave them an email to share. There are some things that I think maybe we don't as a whole understand sometimes and that is one of them. What could be protected versus what is not. There was also some comments about wishing we could have more NT days than what we have. That's state code. That's not anything that we get to decide. Five days is the max that you're allowed. There was a discussion about um converting PL days. So, there are five PL days within our calendar and I believe there were some comments on the survey about why aren't we converting those instead of taking from somewhere else. PL days already count as instructional days. They're already part of our 180. So, bringing the students in
010on a PL day doesn't make up for a snow day. you're already getting counted for instruction on that day. That's part of the NT packet deal that the state allows us to have. I'm trying to remember if there was anything else in that survey that we said there was. So, Miss McCarthy, I I noticed that a couple of these um options had the dates um for professional learning faculty senate and it looks like um both of those were on Mondays. I know we had kind of talked a little bit about that about having a very >> right. So, the ones that are discussed here on Mondays are because of the way they fall around that holiday break. Oh, the other comment, there was one other comment in the um survey that I wanted to address
011that I addressed with the principles and it was about people asking why we couldn't start earlier in August. And remember, we've discussed that that the with our pay schedule, the way it is currently set, that we would have to change our pay schedule if we wanted to start any earlier than August 21st for our employees. So that answers the question of why can't we why don't we see anything with an earlier option. I don't know what you're saying. [laughter] You want these? I just wanted to comment. I'm happy to see the amount of responses because I know that was a really big concern for us >> uh in the past and I'm looking at this and looks >> like a good mix of service personnel and professionals. So, I'm really glad that they um did
012the survey and took the time and gave us some feedback. >> Yeah, I agree. Um the day that the survey was put out, we sent a phone call, a text message, and an email to every employee in the county. And then the day that it was going to close, I sent another phone call, text message, and email to everybody to remind them that it was closing that day. I want to also say that I also as Mrs. Gallow has just stated feel it's very important for us to always consider what staff believe um they want the calendar to look like. Um I firmly feel that when it comes to schedules, work schedules, work shifts, calendars and the case when we look at it here is the board of education >> is important um because everybody
013knows what impacts their own lives individually but also the staff, the teachers, they also know what impacts children and their learning. Um, so for us to take a look at what their recommendations are, I think it's very important because they're look they're looking at what impacts them >> personally and you know what might impact their life and their lifestyle when it comes to the schedule, but they're also looking and trying to balance that learning with the kids and what impacts them >> being off over Christmas break. you know, how many days do we need for, you know, teacher planning to be able to improve scores, whatever. So, I think it's a balance that they do. And I think it's important that this board considers that. >> But then on the flip side, parents know a
014lot, too, right? And we've heard some of the concerns about spring break and um custody issues and that sort of thing. So, I think it's important that the board continues to listen to the community and listen to the staff um and then try to make a a calendar. I think in previous years, the last few years, it seemed like this was an issue we couldn't get past because we cared so much about it and we try to do our best. Sometimes we might make mistakes along the way, but we really try to do our best and >> working together with you all is going to help us do our best to get a good calendar for this county. So that's just my two cents. >> So your family friendly the the shortcut calendar here um
015and just to refresh my memory this indicates that we have designated January 4th >> as an additionally approved holiday. be a mistake. Let's look at that real quick. >> Oh, hold on. >> I don't remember why we would have done that. >> Oh, it might be the way New Year's Day falls. >> New Year's Day is on a Friday before. >> It was a question in here, too, wasn't it? >> Well, >> so I think I think before you've done New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. That might be We might need to check that. >> Wasn't that a question on number three? >> Yeah, because there's >> Well, but it shouldn't be um marked as a on this calendar. The only thing that's marked is holidays. So that might be that mistake that happened.
016That might be a mistake. Yeah. >> So part of the calendar hearing as well is um if if anybody does want to come up and speak, we can listen for input, but we also need to consider our NID plan. So um I know Miss Roberts shared that with you last last time. So I don't know if there's anything additional that you want to share with them or >> So one of the things I do want to share with you um once again this is our second year that we've been fortunate we've been able to have some non-traditional instructional days. So it's given us an opportunity to look at our plan and see um what we need to tweak, what we need to make a little bit different. So one of the things that we received
017some feedback about um was could there be the option of staff not coming in if an NT day is called? And so we we looked into that. Um I reached out to our neighboring counties. Um all but one of our neighboring counties um do have their staff report. Um but we also spoke with um Mr. Kelly at the state department. He is the deputy um superintendent. And we asked, okay, could we put that into our plan? And he did say we could if we put in our plan that staff does not report, we can absolutely do that. We'll have to talk about, you know, what does that mean for feeding? um because part of our plan has to be that we have to offer food when there isn't school um or when we have an
018NID. So, we'd have to look at that. But one of the things that he did um caution and Dr. Decker um was a part of this conversation. He did caution that we want if we decide to go that route, we want to think about how will all staff members be working from home. So, our teachers, our secretaries, our bus drivers, our instructional aids, our nurses, everyone would have to have something to do while on that N day because if not, that would open the district up for possible grievances. >> You know, we talked about we do have some online professional learning platforms that we could use and we could um utilize those. One thing we'd have to keep in mind too if we require our staff to either one um you know meet on teams
019or whatever the the means would be to work with our students um and then we or the other staff members for instance maybe our um bus drivers would get on and do some type of online professional learning. we have to be careful because if we're going to require them to do something um using internet that um that might open us up to be responsible for making sure that they have that. So I think his exact words um when he wrapped it up it definitely is an option but think about all sides of it because it it can become a slippery slope. Can it be did he give any indication on if you had the remote work agreement with each employee on having things in place that they were required to have like internet and if
020those weren't in place >> then they were not they were not granted the ability they would have to come in. >> He did not say that. um we would have >> that way some you could and others would not be able to. >> The one thing that would cause is that would be a an accountability piece. Our administrators would have to attend. His exact words were if it's too bad to not have the staff come in then maybe we should be using a snow day, >> right? >> And not an NT day. Agree. We could and we can look into um if other districts, like I said, he said it has to be in our plan. if we um if we don't if we want to allow them to not come in. But we have
021to be sure that we think about all those pieces >> because even if you do have internet, there may be times where one part of the county or maybe teachers live in Marian County or Harrison County, >> they may have been hit extremely hard and maybe just their area doesn't have internet, >> but Taylor County does. So there could be times where, hey, they have to understand they may have to come in if everything isn't if they don't have everything that they need to do the job, they need to come in. >> Right. >> Um, and one thing to keep in mind, too, >> that's true. >> Um, you know, if someone chooses to not personally have internet at their home and now we're saying that they have to do X, Y, and Z on
022this day, then we could be required to looking at providing, you know, hotspot or something like that. So, you know, just some things to think about. Ultimately, um this plan is um what the you know, the board decides to I just submit the plan. I I submit it the way um you want it. But, that was one of the things that came out that we wanted to be sure to share with you because that was a question. We got a lot of questions about that. Um I know there were some neighboring counties, I think, that chose to have their staff not report, but it's not in their plan. um we kind of followed the rules and we did what was in our plan because that's what the state expects. So um just wanted to share
023all those pieces of information with you um as you make your decision if you want to to change that piece. >> So currently >> if we have an NT and our staff is to report but let's say Mr. Taylor cannot get out physically cannot get out of his driveway. Do we have >> that might likely be true, >> right? >> Yeah. >> All right. Um, in the land of his driveway is not particularly anomalous. There are other driveways like that in this county. Um, do our staff at that point is their only option to say, "Well, I guess I have to use a personal day." Mhm. >> Can we look at what it would take to offer them the grace and make sure that that's in a plan? Like if he can't get out, but
024he's got internet, can he run his classes from home? >> I mean, >> how do we work? >> Yeah, that would be something that we'd have to decide. But, you know, um I think we would have to be very careful because, you know, I might say I live on Route 50 and I can't get out of my driveway, so I'm going to say, so I guess it's a monitoring thing >> and it would have to be included. Currently, it's not included in our plan, right? You could moving forward, you could include something of that verbiage in your plan. >> Yeah. Yeah. I guess that's that's what I'm asking is can we look at >> we >> finding the way to build that sort of grace in I get that there's a monitoring piece and >>
025I mean we could ask um Mr. Kelly, what kind of length? Well, that was one of the things we wanted to see because initially the um it wasn't really made an option of not having your staff report. We have our staff report on a two-hour delay, whatever that delay looks like for them because obviously our cooks come in at a different time than our teachers do. So, they just report on a two-hour delay. Um but since that appears to be an option, we can ask him what language could be used to maybe provide that flexibility. So, I'll reach out to him and then I can give that information to Dr. to to share. Great. Thank you. Other questions? >> Somebody in the back. >> Yes. >> Is there any way [clears throat] >> even with
026my big mouth? [laughter] >> We can certainly adjust the way we interact with our technology to make this better. I probably wasn't talking close enough. >> Other questions? >> Is that better? All right. At this point, um, it is 3 minutes to 6. So, we are almost at our half hour. And if nobody's got any questions, we will go ahead and move forward with our delegation pieces. Um, I have three delegations this evening. Um, and I will just remind our delegate delegation friends here. You are allotted five minutes. You are being live streamed. We are not allowed to interact with you. This is you talking to us. I would ask that if you are going to name out any specific um faculty or staff uh that maybe we want to look at keeping that anonymous
027and or moving it into an executive session depending on where you're going with what you're saying. I'm gonna ask that you be mindful of what that is and make your choices as we approach. Our first the first paper that I have here is Lori Mathne >> Matheni. Apologies. >> Yes, please. >> You're good. >> Is it good? >> Okay. Good evening. I'm speaking tonight um not only as an employee impacted by proposed staffing reductions, but as a licensed professional school counselor who cares deeply about this district, our students, and the long-term health of our schools. I'm here to advocate for students, for responsible stewardship of public funds, and for sustainable systems that do not sacrifice children in the name of short-term fixes. From my understanding of the proposed reductions, positions impacted include, but are not
028limited, counselors, nurses, social workers, special education teachers, aids, school secretaries, cooks, interventionists, title one teachers, general education teachers, and janitors. These are not excess positions. These are the people who greet our students in the morning, notice when something is wrong, respond in emergencies, teach, feed, um, support, clean, and protect them throughout the day. When these positions are cut, the impact is not abstract. It is felt by children immediately. It affects student safety, access to care, nutrition, learning, mental health, sanitation, compliance, and the long-term stability of this of this D district. I recognize the pressures you are facing. Enrollment is declining. Budgets are tight. Staffing formulas exist for a reason. But low enrollment does not mean low need. Trauma does not decrease when enrollment drops. Mental health crisis do not slow down. Poverty, medical needs and
029learning gaps do not disappear because a building has fewer students. When students when student facing positions are reduced, the weight of those needs does not go away. It shifts onto fewer adults. Increased burnout elevates risk and ultimately costs more through disciplinary incidents, loss instructional time and legal exposure. It has been stated that similar reductions are occurring across the state. While enrollment challenges do exist statewide, the state is not directing districts to eliminate counselors, nurses, or other essential student support roles. In fact, the state has acknowledged that Medicaid eligibility services have historically been under um underutilized and has taken steps to expand reimbursement opportunities to help districts sustain these positions. The challenge was not feasibility but process and oversight. Cutting studentf facing positions before those solutions are fully implemented shifts the burden directly onto students and
030staff. I would also like to respectfully ask whether we have truly exhausted every preventative option available to us before removing the very people who protect and support students daily. One of those options is Medicaid reimbursement. I have been speaking directly from uh with Karen Finn Finny, the Medicaid coordinator from the office of special education in Charleston. She shared that counselors have historically been hesitant to participate in Medicaid billing, not out of resistance, but because the process has been complex and difficult to navigate. That is changing. We now have an opportunity in the very near future to receive reimbursement for treatment based counseling services. I am hopeful that we can shift this mindset and bring more reimbursement into West Virginia schools. Beginning July 1st, 2026, a new state plan amendment will allow school counselors, social workers,
031and BCBAS to participate in the Medicaid program. Their services and salaries can be included in Medicaid allowable cost in the random moment time study staff pool. In the past, billing was largely limited to students with IEPs. Under this new plan, nurses will be able to bill for health care plans for 504 students and counselors and social workers will be able to bill for mental health and behavioral support plans. This has the potential to bring significant revenue back into our schools if we are prepared. The transition may be challenging for a year or two, but the potential impact is substantial. Medicaid billing is not just a financial strategy. It is a sustainable strategy. It also requires coordination, oversight, and accuracy. in many districts ensuring appropriate documentation billing itself a role before permanently removing counselors, nurses, aids
032and other essential staff. I am asking whether we can be confident that billing has been maximized, accurate and fully supported and that we are not addressing a capacity issue by cutting services instead of strengthening systems. Each school requires a dedicated nurse to ensure immediate response to health needs, management of chronical, I'm sorry, chronic medical conditions, medication administration, 504 compliance, and emergency care. Removing nurses compromises student safety and increases district liability. School secretaries provide essential daily operational support through communication, attendance, and recordkeeping that directlyffect affect learning and safety. School cooks ensure students receive consistent nutritious meals which may rely on for both physical well-being and academic focus. Interventionists and title one teachers provide targeted academic support to students who are struggling or at risk helping close gaps before they widen general. Thank you. >> Sorry. >>
033No. Oh, that's okay. You know what? I want to give a round of applause to Fmentina Elementary School for all that they've done. So, please share with me right now in a ROUND OF APPLAUSE [applause] FOR US. NEXT, the next delegation is Miss Andrea Mayo. Hello, my name is Andre Male and I am a speech therapist Anna Jarvis, but I'm here speaking on behalf of Anna Jarvis Elementary staff and faculty. I'm here to express our serious concern regarding the possibility of staff reductions that would impact classroom teachers for the upcoming school year. Teachers are the individuals who work most directly with students every single day. And any reduction in sta teaching staff would have an immediate and lasting ne negative effect on student learning, class sizes, and overall school climate. At a time when students
034are still recovering academically, socially, and emotionally, cutting teachers would undermine the very mission of our district to provide highquality education and meaningful support for every student. Larger class sizes reduce individual attention, limit instructional effectiveness, and place additional strain on the remaining staff, ultimately harming students. While fiscal responsibility is an important duty of our board of education, transparency, transparency, and collaboration with individual schools are essential when decisions directly affect students and staff. Anna Jarvis is rumored to lose eight positions. Without open communication, personal reductions risk under trust, morale, and educational quality. If budget reductions are necessary, we strongly urge the board to consider alternatives that minimize harm to students. One such option would be reducing positions within the central office or other roles that do not work directly with students in comparison with our neighboring counties.
035Barber County has 1,900 students with three secretaries, 15 staff at the board office, and one technology staff. Taylor County has 2000 2013, seven secretaries, central office secretaries, 26 staff members at the board, and four technology staff. Harrison has 8,900 students, 16 central office secretaries, 52 staff at the board office, 11 technology staff. Marian County has 8,900 with 12 secretaries, 39 staff at the board office, and three technology staff. The data reveals a stark contrast and support with levels between neighboring counties. For instance, a technology staff member in Marian County is responsible for nearly six times as many students as her counterpart in Taylor County. Similarly, the administrative footprint at the board office is significantly denser in Taylor County compared to the others listed, especially Barber, who has closest the closest numbers in student population to
036us. If budget reductions are mandatory, why would we protect a central office that is staffed at three times the rate of our neighbors while risking positions that work directly with students? Why are secretaries at the central office consider payra G a higher pay grade than school secretaries and receive yearly supple salary supplements of $2,800? Schools are dynamic environments. School secretaries must multitask in an advanced level, often handling five or more concurrent priorities. Their ability to make calm, accurate decisions directly affect student safety and the overall functioning of the building. The level of complexity mirrors and the frequency surpasses the workload of executive secretaries at the county office who typically support predictable schedules in controlled office environments. While we have heard rumors that the central office will lose six positions, we feel that more could be
037made. Have we looked into reducing the number of contracted days for many of those positions? Those positions may serve important functions. They do not have the same daily direct impact on student learning and well-being as a classroom teacher. Furthermore, the middle school currently has three administrators, and based on state policy, with their current numbers at least 600, they only need two. Flemington has a full day administrator, and again, according to policy, they have less than 170 students enrolled, only requiring a half-day administrator. Personnel decisions are not merely budgetary adjustments. They shape the daily experiences of students and determine the effectiveness of schools. teachers, counselors, instructional aids, support staff play vital roles that extend far beyond numbers of a spreadsheet. Thank you for your time and consideration and continued commitment to our students and community. >>
038Thank you very much. The third delegation we have this evening is Christina Peters. Hello. >> Can you hear me? >> Everybody hear me? Okay. I'm here today to speak on behalf of the staff of Anna Jarvis. We urge the board to reconsider the proposal to abolish the vice principal position at AJ. Our current students needs simply do not support such a reduction. For example, at the start of 2526 school year, we had seven second graders and seven third graders alone um who are either on a behavior sat or have behavior minutes written into their IEPs. That's a total of 14 students in only two grade levels that data is being collected on a daily basis to try and track and monitor behavior issues and concerns. These students are no or not on behavior plans for
039simple reasons. They're on there because they are their behaviors are ranging from throwing items, putting their hands on staff members and other students to frequent shoutouts and running around the room. They are on these behavior plans because their behaviors regularly disrupt disrupt the flow of class. And this number does not include the additional students who just need daily frequent reminders on how to behave. Um again, think about that. 14 students in two grade levels. Now imagine adding all of the other grade levels and imagine the behaviors that we're dealing with in the 2000 in the 2425 school year. Just last year, Anna Jarvis was approved for a leadership and support team consisting of a principal, a vice principal, Adena students, and two counselors. Under the proposed 2627 staffing, we would be reduced to one principal
040and one counselor. This is not a minor adjustment. It is a dramatic contraction of the very personnel who keep our school safe, functional, and focused on learning. In 2024, AJ housed approximately 470 students while currently we have approximately 430. When looking at those numbers, you can see that we have lost approximately 30 students. So, please ask yourselves this question. How do you justify going from five proposed support staff members with 470 students now down to two with 440 staff students? We've only lost approximately 30 students. So why does that mean we're losing three of our support staff members? We still have all the same students and that we had previously. Nothing has changed other than the loss of those 30 students. The only changing factor is the financial concerns. And we are sorry, but that
041should not be the driving force to determine the needs of our students. When the principal is called away for mandatory meetings at the board of education, who is left to manage these crisis, support the teachers, and ensure the building runs safely? Our county behavior interventionist is only approved to be at Anna Jarvis on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings, leaving the majority of the week without specialized behavior support. Unfortunately, our students have behaviors behaviors and needs every day of the week, not just on Tuesdays and Thursdays. When our CPI team is called to respond to a crisis, we are forced to interrupt two classrooms. The classroom experience the behavior and the classroom from which the teacher or the aid must be pulled to assist. And sometimes it's even more than that depending on how many people are
042needed to respond to the crisis. This is not sustainable and it directly impacts instructional time, teacher morale, and student safety. Eliminating the vice principal position will leave our staff without capacity to meet the needs of our most vulnerable students and it will place teachers in impossible situations. One example of this happened just this last week. Um a fellow teacher needed assistance in her classroom. She tried to reach the office but the staff members were out dealing with other issues and couldn't be reached. So she had to call another classroom and have a teacher come down and assist. That teacher being me. And while I don't mind assisting um my fellow teachers. I had to leave my class with the other second grade uh teacher monitoring them to go and assist. Our students deserve a school
043environment where their needs can be met consistently, safely, and proactively. Reducing leadership and behavior support staff will move us in the opposite direction. Decisions made now will shape the educational experience of our students for years to come. We respectfully ask the board to prioritize student centered centered solutions and protect the educators who are essential to their success. We respectfully ask the board to commit to open communication and collaboration with schools as those difficult decisions are made so that together we can protect the quality of education that our students at Anjarvis deserve. In closing, we would like to invite board members or members of the board to spend a day with us at Anna Jarvis to observe firsthand what we encounter on a daily basis and then maybe an informed decision could be made. Thanks for
044listening and for your consideration. Thank you. Mrs. Garvin. >> Yes, Mrs. Knox. >> I before we move on, I'd like to say the agenda that we've talked about so frequently and so often and we could ne we could never seem to get it right, too. I think this is perfect. >> Okay. So, I'd like to say thank you to whoever really tried hard to do this because this is this is better. I think this is a lot better. So, fantastic. Okay. And thank you for the individuals that that thank the three of you for coming up and speaking. >> We can't interact with you all and what you've stated, but thank you. >> [clears throat] >> All right, we are going to continue in our 1000 series this evening um with some presentations from our
045host school, the fantastic Flemington Elementary. So, uh Mrs. Dolan, I'm going to ask you to come up and then let you introduce your folks after you. Okay. >> Sure. Thanks. I thought Dr. Solings was going to go first, so I was not prepared. [laughter] I thought I had at least 10 minutes. Um, so welcome to Flemington. We're excited to welcome our board members and the community as we share many great things that are happening at the school. You're going to hear from Madison Green representing our LSIC, Jennifer Stewart and Melissa Angelusi along with um some of our parent leaders for the PTO, Mindy Miller from our faculty senate, Lori that you already talked to or heard from already um about her school counseling plan and um some of the social emotional learning here at Flemington.
046And our last presenter will be Danielle Kidd with some very good news that Flemington has received lately um in regards to capturing kids hearts. Um I'm going to go ahead and let them let them share and then I'll come back. >> Good evening. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> My name is Madison Green. I'm a first grade teacher here at Flemington Elementary School and a member of the LSIC. I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to share an update on our school's progress and accomplishments this year. I'll begin with the facility improvements which have been a major focus in supporting safety and learning conditions. This year, we installed a new intercom system, replaced all exterior doors and the roof, completed brick and mortar repairs, and added safety film to our windows. In addition, the
047entire school will be receiving new heating and air conditioning system. These upgrades significantly improve both security and the overall learning environment for students and staff. Academically, we are pleased to share our GSA growth results. Our students achieved 39% growth in math and 42% growth in reading, meeting target growth goals in both content areas. This reflects consistent instructional focus and strong collaboration among teachers, interventionists, and support staff. Family engagement has remained a priority. at our school. Throughout the year, we have hosted multiple opportunities for parent involvement, including bingo for books, having classroom readers, a math game night, having donuts with dad, muffins with mom, grade level showcases where parents come in, and having a school dance. Additionally, our third and fourth grade students have also participated in career awareness activities, supporting college and career readiness skills.
048In terms of school culture, our implementation of capturing kids hearts has been very impactful. Students lead daily affirmations during morning announcements, reinforcing positive relationships and accountability. Finally, we continue to address the needs of our students and families through targeted support programs. This year, we were able to provide Thanksgiving boxes to 52 of our students and Christmas food boxes to 42 of our students. We also have 19 students who were picked in the Angel Tree program and 48 students who are currently enrolled in our backpack food program. In closing, these outcomes reflect a strong commitment to student achievement, family engagement, and whole child support. We appre we appreciate your continued support and investment which makes this work possible. Thank you. [applause] >> Good evening everyone. Thank you so much for being here tonight and for taking
049the time to support Flemington Elementary. When we look back on the past year, one thing is incredibly clear. Our PTO has had an amazing impact, and it's all because of the incredible families, staff, and community that support our school. Over the last year, the Flemington Elementary PTO has worked hard to create meaningful experiences for our students and to support our teachers in ways that truly matter. Through numerous fundraisers and events, we've been able to give back in big ways while keeping everything free of charge for our students. Because of our outstanding parent and family support, we were able to fund multiple field trips, including a special trip to Muriel Muriel's in Fairmont for Fancy Manners, which gave our students a fun and memorable learning experience outside the classroom. We hosted cherished events like cookies with
050Santa, donuts with grown-ups, and our fall school dance. Events that brought families together and created lasting memories. We also found small but meaningful ways to support our school community like providing drop offline coffee bar for families, refreshments during parent teacher conferences, and snacks and special treats during teacher appreciation week to show our staff just how valued they are. This year, instead of Santa's workshop, we chose to host a family craft event where parents and students could create something together, a decision that truly reflected our focus on family connection. We're also proud to support schoolwide celebrations like our end of the year field day, ensuring every student gets to participate and enjoy the fun. What makes all of this so special is that every single one of these activities was provided at no cost to our
051students. That's not something every school can say, and it's a direct result of our families generosity, time, and support. On behalf of the PTO, thank you to every parent, family member, teacher, staff member, and volunteer who donated, attended events, helped plan, or simply showed up. Your involvement makes Flemington Elementary a place where students feel supported, celebrated, and cared for. We are so proud of what we've accomplished together this year, and we're excited to continue building on that success in the year ahead. Thank you for believing in our school and our students and each other. >> Good evening. I want to turn around and thank my community for showing up this evening as well. So, thank you. Thank all the people that are here tonight. Um I am speaking for faculty senate and I'm excited to
052be up here this year. Um we've been asking for a couple years for some improvements to our school and you guys got it done this year. Um we have the brick and mortar repairs. We have a new roof. We have sidewalks that have been repairs. Windows that have been tinted, heating, awning, and doors. Our doors function the way they should. So thank you. You guys kept saying it was gonna get done and you got it done. So, like I said, I am excited to be up here tonight. Number two, I'm gonna turn to our faculty and our leadership. We are no longer a school of improvement. We have stepped up from that with the state and the work that was done and our leadership had a lot to do with that. So, thank you Miss
053Doling for supporting us so that we could move out of that area. Um, a couple of new things this year. Um, our SRO officer, we have also for I'll talk right in a minute. We have Officer Dobbins out here this year. He's in our classrooms. Our kids know him not just as, "Oh, you're here when I'm in trouble." He's a face in my classroom. He shows up. He joins reading lessons. We do 99 math on the board. He pulls out his phone and joins and does challenges with the kids. He is an amazing part of our building. So, thank you, Officer Dobbins, um, for not just that, but for those moments, those hard moments where we do have kids with behaviors. We have kids that have hard times sometimes. This week, I was in the
054hallway. I got on the walk and said, "Mr. Dobbins, can you come up?" He was able to help that student deescalate really quickly. We were back in the class within 10 minutes. Um, something I could not have done on my own. And Mrs. Dolan was out of the building at that point. So, he was right there to help. So, thank you again. We really appreciate the support. Um, our committees um that we have through faculty senate have organized staff outings to build us as a family because if you walk into Flemington, that's something we hope you feel. Our staff aren't just friends. We're not just colleagues. We're family. And that's how we hope our kids feel, too. Do I have any kids in the audience tonight? Just a few. Wildats, are you out there? >>
055Two. I see two. >> Another one. Oh, they're hiding. I see them back there. There's Jackson. So, um they've also organized things with the PTO such as bingo for books. Um they've already talked about um muffins with mom, donuts with dad. Um we discuss curriculum and any needs for materials for our school. Mrs. Dolan has wonderfully provided those. We don't have anything that I can come to you right now and say, "Hey, we need this." So, for the first time since I've started presenting to you three years ago, I'm not asking for something. I am here just to say thank you. Thank you for being here. Thank you to our community for coming out to support us. And thank you to my colleagues for another wonderful year at Flemington. Questions? All right. [applause] Maybe I
056can slow down this time. I don't have to rush. but it's still a little lengthy. But anyway, um as a school counselor, I'm responsible for providing comprehensive counseling services, strategies, interventions, and support to both students and staff while also identifying student and schoolwide needs, challenges, and areas for growth. In addition to these responsibilities, I serve as a school student assistant team coordinator. Currently we have 24 students um that are receiving support through the SAT process. Um so between August 25th through today, I've delivered a total of over 85 developmental guidance lessons across all grade areas. These lessons address topics including welcoming others to school, the role of the counselor, listening skills, friendship, preparedness, cooperation and sharing, conflict resolution, maintaining a positive attitude, expressing gratitude, generosity, cultivating self compassion, emotion awareness, school emergency codes, bullying prevention,
057problem solving skills, and career readiness. Future developmental guidance lessons include safe and unsafe touch, feelings, career research, goal setting, valuing differences, perception and mindset, handling negative feelings and self-reflection. During this same period, I have provided over 62 individual counseling sessions and facilitated 57 small groupoup counseling sessions. In my experience, having those group sessions every week has really diminished the need for individual counseling because we're being very proactive here at the school. Whether it's small or not, we're still being proactive. And even if we had a larger school, our team would still be very proactive. Um, with that being said, each group consisted of two to four students from the same grade level and focus on targeted social and emotional learning needs. Current topics include preK showing expressing kindness, kindergarten, following rules and supporting peers, first
058grade, receiving correction without becoming overly reactive, second grade, conflict resolution, third grade, anxiety management and conflict resolution. Fourth grade, developing self-awareness. To date, there has been over 40 counselor referrals from teachers. And I'll also want to say part of my job too is that I do a plethora of check-ins and checkouts. Breakfast, lunch, believe it or not, is a very crucial time to spend with with the students. And it's a and it's also a way to deescalate behaviors that are maybe potentially going to trigger evoke, you know, a response or a feeling that leads into the classroom. So again, myself and the other team were very proactive with that. Students have responded positively to the developmental guidance lessons, particularly due to the hands-on and interactive approach that I take rather than just digitally or lecture-based
059activities have included creating coloring mini books. We actually make these making the stress balls that I do each year with the flower and balloons. And yes, it gets very messy. Um, caller sticks align with um, capturing kids hearts program, practicing school emergency codes using colorcoded index cards, role playing scenarios, interactive games, videos, and sensory based activities. Lessons incorporate evidence-based resources including step second step and capturing kids hearts. This month, the art teacher, Miss Sarah Worther, is collaborating with me because again, we're a school that tries to collaborate with our specialist. It's not individualized. We work together as a collect this group to ensure that the student is first. So with that being said, I did ask her permission to mention her name and she gave me that permission. Um, so she's actually collaborating with me
060to help students in grades kindergarten through four sew their own pillows as a healthy coping strategy for grief and emotional expression. I'm really big on also bringing in life skills. They need to learn this. Recognition is extended to Mrs. Mindy Miller and Mrs. um Howdy Shell's mother, Joyce Boyard, for her generous donation of quilting fabric for this project. I also lead an afterchool program that we just implemented and I was very grateful that Mrs. Dolan and I um you know, we talked about it and she actually got this started for me. So, I'm very grateful for that. Um and it's Monday through Wednesday called the Wildcat Connection where I teach social emotional lessons to right now four students. The program's goal is to help students develop developmental literacy, self-awareness, and social emotional skills while also
061learning basic sign language to express emotions and communicate effectively. Going to Red Ribbon Week was highly successful and included interactive activities focused on drug prevention and anti-bullying awareness. Students painted and created red ribbons and anti-bullying signs and kindness hand displays were placed throughout the school hallways to reinforce these messages. I also collaborate closely with Mrs. Birmingham. I did not ask her permission to do this. I'm just putting it out there. So, forgive me. I don't want to embarrass you, but I also want to recognize that you are such a wonderful individual. She's our special education teacher. We're very grateful to have her here. And we have a club together. It's called the Golden Rule Club. Together, we support students in developing compassion, empathy, and a commitment to service. Projects completed this year include in October,
062students created fall wreaths for school staff. November, students and staff colored Mandela cards for residents at Genesis Nursing Home in Fairmont, West Virginia. December, students assembled and decorated 25 care bags for children receiving treatment at the Children's Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. Items included coloring books, Play-Doh, paint sets, slime, pencils, colored markers and crayons, bubbles, board games, books, and socks. January, students assembled 50 care bags for individuals experiencing homelessness, including hygiene items, snacks, activity materials, and positive affirmations. These will be delivered to um I think it's called the the Baptist church in Clarksburg um in West Virginia and then the mission in Fairmont, West Virginia once weather conditions improve. So I want to let you know that I'm holding myself accountable that they will be dropped off. Additional service initiatives have included appreciation projects for
063the Cooks and Taylor County schools with completed projects already sent to West Taylor and Grafton High School. students are going to continue to work include additional schools and cafeteria staff. I don't want to say what it is because our two cooks don't know what it is. Okay. Um so several additional projects are planned for the remainder of the school year. In May, students will repaint memorial rocks in the honor of Erin Emerson and add planners with flowers near the student drop off and pickup areas to promote school pride and beautifification. Lastly, since September, at least two guest speakers per month have been brought in to speak with third and fourth grade students about various careers. This is something that Miss Stolen, I Mrs. Kid who's in the who is a third grade teacher and Miss
064Angelusi who's a fourth grade teacher have collabor collaborated to ensure that kids are being exposed to various careers professionally and of course bluecollar careers. So these presentations support career awareness and preparation for the second annual fees career career wax museum which was very successful last year. Career speakers have included a school superintendent, board of education treasurer, nurse practitioner, pediatrician, minor, and bus driver. efforts are going to schedule additional presenters in the fields of technology, cosmetology, veterinarian services, carpentry, and small equipment operation, automotive, mechanic, and agriculture. In closing, I would like to thank the board of education, administration, faculty, and staff for their continued support of our students and school community. Flemington [clears throat] Elementary School takes pride in upholding our war's expectation and standards. respect, ownership, accountability, and safety. These values guide our daily work
065and reflect the collective commitment of everyone in this building. At this time again, I would like to recognize all who contribute to ensuring the success and well-being of our students and invite everyone to join me join me in giving them a welldeserved wildcat roar of applause. And just know no matter what you are seen and you are loved. [applause] [clears throat] >> Good evening. testing. >> Okay. Thank you. Good evening. I'm Danielle Kidd, the third grade teacher here at FES. Um, I want to thank you so much for the opportunity to share the work happening at Flemington Elementary School through our implementation of capturing kids hearts, CKH and PBIS, and the impact that it is having on our students, staff, and families. So at Flemington Elementary, capturing kids hearts is not simply a program that
066we are implementing. It is the foundation of our school culture. We believe that strong relationships create the conditions for academic success, positive behavior, and consistent attendance. And our data reflects that belief. Each morning, students are intentionally welcomed and launched into their day with positive affirmations, classroom greetings, and clear expectations. Teachers greet students by name, creating emotional safety and ensuring students feel seen, valued, and ready to learn. These daily practices set the tone for learning and connection across our campus. To support this work, we established a leadership committee known as the responsibility rangers. This committee meets monthly to review data related to academics, behavior, attendance, and school and community engagement in order to further strengthen our PBIS and capturing kids hearts implementation. The responsibility rangers analyze trends, plan incentives for both students and staff and ensure
067that progress and expectations are clearly communicated with students and their families. This structured data-driven approach allows us to respond intentionally while maintaining a strong relational focus. Our students are held to clear roars behaviors. Um, as previously stated by Lori, we have respect, ownership, achievement, responsibility, and safety. And each morning whenever uh the students are doing their announcements, they say it's remember it's always a great day to be a Wildcat. and they go roar, which I just love so much. I love hearing that every morning. [laughter] Um, our staff worked collaboratively to develop a behavior matrix and flowchart that clearly outlines responses to behaviors across classrooms. This consistency protects instructional time and allows us to collect accurate behavior data to better support the students. Um, as a result of these systems, we have seen improvements in
068academics, attendance, and behavior. While behavior referrals have increased slightly, we are viewing this as progress. This increase reflects improved documentation, consistent expectations, and mediation efforts by Mrs. Dolan and staff rather than an increase in the negative behavior. These systems allow us to respond proactively, preserve relationships, and keep students engaged in learning. Attendance is one area we have seen clear, measurable growth. Our attendance rate increased from 92% to 94% which we attribute to intentional relationship building, consistent communication with families, and incentives designed for both students and families. Strengthening our school community has been a key factor in this improvement. Student recognition and empowerment remain central to our c to our culture. Students are recognized every nine weeks for academic achievement, positive behavior, attendance, and emotional growth. Through our RORS ticket system, students earn recognition for demonstrating
069positive behaviors aligned with our expectations, reinforcing accountability, pride, and consistency across our campus. Beyond the classroom, students participate in monthly clubs that promote leadership, service, and connection. These opportunities help students develop empathy, responsibility, and a sense of belonging, strengthening both our school culture and community engagement. Our capturing kids heart survey data reflects the success of this work. Our CKH leader implementation scored 3.9, just below the 4.0 baseline. Our leader culture and climate scored 4.8, exceeding the 4.5 baseline. Teacher implementation scored 4.0, O just below the 4.1 baseline. Campus culture and climate scored 4.6 exceeding the 4.5 baseline. Student survey results scored 4.6 exceeding the 4.0 baseline. And one more family survey results scored 4.5 exceeding that 4.0 baseline. And so we're seeing more in the student and family surveys which we really really love to
070see. These results demonstrate strong gains in school culture, student experience, and family perception with nearly all areas meeting or exceeding those baseline expectations. Because of this progress, Flemington Elementary School has been nominated, this is the good news that Mrs. Dolan was referring to, nominated by our CKH uh strategist as a capturing kids hearts rising star campus in t in Taylor County. So this recognition highlights strong firstear implementation and signals that our campus is on track for future recognition as a CKH National Showcase School. So in closing, Flemington Elementary may be small, but we are mighty with our roars. Through intentional systems, strong relationships, and a commitment to supporting the whole child, we are trying to create a school environment where students feel safe, connected, and prepared to succeed. Thank you so much for your time
071and your continued support. [applause] All right, I'm back. Um, so fees has a lasting impact on our students, families, and community by building strong relationships, meaningful support systems, and programs that meet both academic and social emotional needs. The voices that you heard tonight reflect the collaboration, dedication, and pride that make FES a place where students are supported, families are engaged, and the community is connected. FES is more than a building. It is the heart of this community. So questions. [laughter] >> As you can see, we're all very passionate about our school. [laughter] >> I don't have any questions uh right at this moment, but I just want to say congratulations. And um I just know personally what that capturing kids hearts uh program is has done. And I just think it's wonderful. I think it's
072probably one of the best things that we've brought to Taylor County because it's not just Flemington, it's it's the middle school, it's the high school. everywhere uh in a Jarvis and West Taylor. I'm hearing such wonderful things about that program and um just congratulations on your success and also for >> getting out of the improvement of schools. That's wonderful and your your scores have improved. That's just phenomenal. So, >> and all of that information is in your packets that we provided for you tonight. >> Anybody else? >> I mirror the comments that Mrs. Gallow just said. I want to say congratulations, but more I want to say thank you for what you do for this community. >> I know this staff is a close-knit staff. >> We are. >> But you also are intertwined into
073your community and you're a very close-knit >> Yes. >> community here, too. >> Yes. Um, so I want to say thank you for being for choosing to be at Flemington because I know in the last few years, we all know across the state, there have been um probably the last five to six years, there have been a lot of openings across the state, especially in neighboring counties, you know, openings for teachers and staff. But that shows that you've chose to stay here and provide the services and the um knowledge and the caring that you do for this community and the kids that are in this school. And that that shows dedication and um this community appreciates that and we thank you for everything that you do. >> We appreciate our community as well. >> Yes.
074they they always step up and do anything that we need for our students. >> The enthusiasm that each of you brought tonight, just every single word that came out of your mouth, just the heart and it's all because of the kids. >> Yes. And >> then you can [laughter] you can see it in the words that come out of everybody that came up tonight. And I can't thank you guys enough for everything that you do. >> Thank you. Um, this is a great packet and I I'm just sort of thumbming through it. It is clear that you all are taking this data and and putting their adorable little faces with it to make it real. >> Yes. >> Pull from this your two biggest pieces of data for me. Your two like >> um Okay.
075So it would be on the first page. Um we were the only school in Taylor County that met the um annual targeted growth in English language arts and math on the um balance scorecard from the state. So the target that they set for us, we met it in both reading and math. >> Um, >> awesome. And then I would say I mean it's all important but I think um our implementation of capturing kids hearts because we were the only school also in Taylor County that received the nomination for the award um because Allison was so um impressed when she came in um with everything that we were already doing here. We had everything already implemented in all of the classrooms and it has changed [clears throat] it. It has changed our school. It really has.
076Um it there there are things that everybody already was doing. It was just so much more. It it went a step beyond. Thank you all for everything you do. Thank you to the community for trusting these fantastic staff and faculty here at Flemington. And thank you for hosting us this evening. Um, anybody else? All right, breathe. Your hard part's over. Um, we will move into the superintendent's updates, data reveals, shout outs, and in case you haven't heard, I thought I'd come up here so I could use my playground voice to speak to the microphone, to the community, to those of you that are present, and to our board, of course. I want to start by thanking everybody that came tonight and to express the importance that's been shared with us tonight that these things can
077become extremely difficult experiences. The task before us all all of us is very difficult. It is also important for me to say and I think Lori would probably affirm that that emotion and speculation can lead to fear and misinformation. So I want to provide you a few clarifications to everyone so you know where we are in the process because the process ladies and gentlemen is more than just making a list. It is certainly more than valuing one location over another. It has nothing to do with that. Although I'm proud to be the superintendent of a school system that's very involved with the communications with their families and doing the things that Anna Jarvis is doing very strongly. They are engaged, if I might say, at this point in uh the results of a recent um
078diagnostic review and they are stepping up to that and they're working with the members of the central office as well to look into those kinds of things where change may be needed. But I want to focus as well as this school's just successfully getting through their project with that as has been alleged tonight. And I want to tell you this is this has got to be a goal for everybody. We have to focus on how will this decision whatever decision it is. How will this decision be in the best interest of our students? Not me as the superintendent, not our board members as members of the board and hear this the right way. Not you as the faculty of a of the schools but how are any of the recommendations all of the recommendations any
079question we have or every want or need we need to address it through the lens of how will this decision be in the best interest of our students sounds very easy just remind yourself it isn't emotion gets involved as I mentioned a second ago speculation gets that's involved. But I'm here to dispel some of those concerns to reassure that right now, at this moment, we are merely in the starting process of looking into our school system such that we make very difficult decisions based on that question. How will this decision be in the best interest of our students? I want to reassure you that Taylor County has financial stability. In case you've heard we're in a deficit, we are not. At the same time, we have a significant over b overage based on staffing. That
080is not something we want to tell you. We don't want to get rid of the effectiveness part of our county. I'm not suggesting anyone who may not stay with us would ineffective. It's not about people. It's about positions. But importantly, that is one piece puzzle. One. Unfortunately, and it's been mentioned before, our enrollment continues to drop. It seems to be an inherited double whammy to our county and any other counties. And it's important for you to hear [snorts] this. We have some other colleague, let me call them colleague counties who are suffering and in trouble because I want to show you that it can happen that quickly if we don't focus on two areas of responsibility. One, again I'm going to say it, how will the decisions we make affect our students? And the other
081is and facilities in our county just like this one that will continue to ask for help. We are sitting in a beautiful facility. A lot of good things. I think you've heard multiple people mentioned a lot of the great decisions our board has made based on recommendations to do good things for this building but really for the students. It sounds cliche but I just want to say that out loud because It's important to remember that this building has had many res renovations. Each of our campuses had has experienced a very a variety of renovations. When our children go from here and from Anna Jarvis and from West Taylor to the middle school, they'll notice a lot of renovations and improvements. It's becoming another one of those showplaces because of the decisions made by the board.
082They have taken it very seriously. Our recommendations are based on need, not just want. And so I just want you to know that to dispel I want to address something really important. Other counties have not taken that responsibility seriously and now they're in trouble. We in Taylor County, where I'm proud to serve as your superintendent, do not want to be that county. And the time is now. >> So sorry. We in Taylor County do not want to be one of those counties that's in trouble. We can do that. And the personnel season seems to be the sticking point that causes some relationship destruction. We just heard a number of things that we've been talking about how we're a team and we're a family. I want to remind you of the importance of being that for
083our kids. It's not about John Stallings the superintendent. It's not about and hear this the right way. It's not about any of us thinking from a me standpoint. Here's the important question of the hour. There have been rumors, I want to say, repeat, rumors of one faction suggesting we're closing Flemington Elementary School. I want to reassure you and I want you to reassure the others you talk with tonight and tomorrow. Our board has never introduced that as a possibility. Dr. Stallings has never recommended that as a possibility. We are merely merely in the earliest stages of the difficult personnel season because our job is to do whatever we can to keep our county from getting in trouble. Not so I can proudly say, "Gee, I did that. I'm a good guy." It's because of the
084very questions I just mentioned. How can any of these decisions or how are any of these decisions going to be positively impacting our children? This statement I'm making to you tonight is not to be please do not go out of here and say I was disparaging other counties in the c in our state. I'm just pointing out that some have made the decisions to go in that direction and others have chosen not to make the important hard decisions and they are suffering the consequence. As God is my judge, I do not want Taylor County to suffer those same circumstances. Not just why I'm here serving as a superintendent, but at all. I I I married a girl from Taylor County. We raised our kids in Taylor County. I'm very proud to be here as part
085of Taylor County. And so I want you to be mindful of any kind of I think we should make the other person suffer, not me. That's kind of the message that is received when those rumors are continued. I don't think we want to be that person. And so I just implore you, you know, fa Facebook, oh Lord, what is that all about? I'm old. Facebook can eat you up and it can fester and create all kinds of dissension among the among the team. So I'm just imploring all the people that are here to share that just be focusing on that. I want to talk with you just about one other thing if I may. Indeed I mentioned we are over formula. That is the incentive for this difficult season. How do we protect the county
086from being in trouble? It is not about anyone individually. It's not that we're attacking anyone. But there are sometimes we have to absorb rather than spread. It's just like any one of us running a household. At some point, you get to the point where you have to at least revisit how you operate, whether or not you can afford where you might absorb. I hope I've helped with that. I wasn't planning on make making a speech. I usually sit over there and talk. I felt inclined to make sure the community heard that as well. Um, for what it's worth, I congratulate the schools we have here. I'm proud to talk about the five schools we have. And even a suggestion that was made tonight, I heard you. I can assure you every campus in this county
087where children are, our transportation department, our central office. Dr. Decker and I started there. To the to your credit for the suggestion, don't forget central office. Please know we haven't. We are in the process of finding ways to absorb so the spread doesn't get us into trouble. Thank you. Okay. Well, I think I expected a little more out of your playground voice if you're going to play it up like that. So, [clears throat] all right. Uh that moves us into board member updates or board me board committee meeting reports. Anybody hearing? None. We will move into the 2000 series minutes, policies, contracts, and agreements. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on January 27th, 2026. Which >> second? >> Motion is moved and second. Any questions? All those in favor? I.
088Motion passes. >> A series of codes in the third reading. >> Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 2234 through 2246 in the 2000 series. >> Mr. Dowy moves. >> Second. >> Mrs. Gallow seconds. Questions? >> All those in favor? I. Motion passes. resolved that the bylaws policies printing and codified in the comprehensive document entitled bylaws policies of the Taylor County Board of Education are hereby adopted and that all bylaws policies hereto for adopted by the Taylor County Board are hereby rescended. Further be it resolved that in the event if any policy part of policy section of bylaws is judged to be inconsistent with law inoperative in a court of competent jurisdiction or invalidated by a policy or contract duly adopted by this board, the remaining bylaws, policies and parts of their policies shall remain in
089full effect. Thank you for letting me do that every time. It makes me really happy. Sorry. Um, it's goofy. It makes me happy. [laughter] [clears throat] Uh, we have a gas line easement grant and uh an extension. So, superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 2247 and 2248 in the 2000 series. Mr. Daddy moves. Mr. Taylor seconds. Questions, comments, concerns? All those in favor? >> I. Motion passes. [clears throat] >> Moving us into the 3000 series of our consent calendar. Got some purchase orders, facility usage, out of county and outofstate travel. Superintendent, sorry, the iPad and I are fighting. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 3112 through 3122 in the 3000 series. >> Moved. >> Mrs. Gallow moves. >> Second. >> Mr. Taylor seconds. Questions, comments, concerns? >> Yes, I do. >> Yep. >> I have
090one. >> Oh, you know, we think alike. So, it probably is the same, Mr. Dowy. But the um Where did it go? Three one. What kind of three 3112? Is that the same one you were going to ask about? So, I know we had to have an emergency approval on this one, but why wasn't this put on the previous agenda? >> Are we just catching up? >> Because usually when that happens, and we haven't had an emergency like that for quite a while, but it goes in the very next agenda. the the item that you're talking about was uh this is as soon as we're getting together to do that. >> We had a meeting after after we >> Yeah, we had an emergency. >> We had an meeting after we approved that emergency. So,
091I'm just asking >> why it wasn't on the very next one. >> So, there wasn't a gap. >> I think it was the timing of the that meeting that got rescheduled. Oh, okay. >> So, the you all had your >> I'm sorry. >> That was why. >> Okay. >> Oh, >> so it was a Jan It was a January meeting that got moved to >> I'm okay. >> February. Okay. >> Weird deadines. Okay. >> I'm all right. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't a gap, you know, between the time we had the emergency approval just so it was I guess transparent. CL if I might to clarify we that was the emergency contact I made with the board which we don't like to do unless it's an emergency of course. >> Exactly. >>
092And then and then that next meeting was >> right and I was just looking at transparency to the community but that's completely understandable with the cancellation and everything. >> Thank you. >> I'm good. I'm good. No problem. Thank you. >> Once he once Mr. Dolan said that I realized >> Okay. >> My apologies. >> Mr. Daddy, was that your question as well? >> It was my exact question and as soon as he said it I realized what happened. It was because of the snap. >> Okay. In that case, we have an open motion on the floor. All the questions have been answered. So, all those in favor? >> I. Motion passed. Bringing us to the 4,000 series financial budget supplements and vouchers payable. Mr. Dolan, tell us some delightful things. >> Absolutely. So, tonight uh
093in your package, you had we had two budget supplements. Uh we had uh a couple teachers throughout the county that applied for some grants and they received uh some funding to buy uh some math supplies for their classrooms. So that would be the first one that's there inside of your packet. Uh the second one was for reimbursement for uh a few employees that got their national board uh certification. So uh that that reimbursement was sent back to us for for those individuals. So, that's all the budget supplements I have for this evening. Um, [clears throat] your next items are your uh schedules or checks have already been written. Uh, there are some for some pre-approved items uh including um you know, some contracted services uh some payroll payroll item checks that were sent out uh
094for various uh various things. And then upon your approval this evening uh is checks that are scheduled checks to be written uh tomorrow morning and that'll be sent out for various items for travel uh auto parts supplies for our buses and other transportation needs uh repairs for uh some of the schools. So does anybody have any questions? >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you very much. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items in the 4,000 series. >> Move. >> Mrs. Mrs. Knots moves. Mr. Douty seconds. Any additional questions? >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Motion passes. Moving us into the 5000 series item. Uh, superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 5391. In the 5000 series, it is a student train or uh, my bad. Let me start that again. Item 5391, >>
095Tara. >> Mai. Okay. I was like, I'm gonna screw that up. Request permission for her son, a junior at Grafton High School, to drive to UTC for the remainder of the 2025 2026 school year. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of item 5391. >> Mr. Scallow moves. Mr. Taylor seconds. Questions? I'm assuming that we've already confirmed with UTC that there's parking available. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you. Any other questions? Okay. Open motion on the floor. All those in favor? >> I. Motion passes. >> Continuing into the 5000 series. >> Miss Garbin, I would like to um move that item 5396 be pulled as a separate vote. Second. >> Okay. The motion is 5396. Pulled for a separate vote. Moved by Mrs. Gallow, seconded by Mrs. Knots. All those in favor? I >> I >> Okay. Yes,
096sir. >> Okay. Uh there is a request for executive session based on extracurricular and extra duty contracts. Is that accurate, Mr. Daddy? Okay. So, Mr. Doy is making the motion. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Mr. Taylor seconds. All those in favor? >> I. Okay. >> Um, and if you will bear with us, friends, we are going to go into executive session at 7:06. Um, All right. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. Um, let it be known that Mr. Taylor moved us out of executive session and Mr. Daddy seconded that and we came out of executive session at 7:26. We're going to resume our discussion of the 5000 series. And at this point, we are going to uh Mrs. Gallow has recused herself uh from item 5396, and we're going to take
097advantage of her momentary absence to vote on that. So, the superintendent respectfully requests approval of item 5396 in the 5000 series. >> So, move second. >> Mr. Taylor moves. Mr. Dowy seconds. Questions? >> All those in favor? I motion passes. >> Congratulations. >> Okay. >> All right. We have additional things in the 5000 series. >> Mrs. Garvin. >> Oh, go ahead. >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> One or both of you? Yes. >> We're always on the same page. >> Um, I'd like to make a motion that we separate 5402 and 5403 for a separate vote, please. >> Second. a single separate vote or an >> two separate votes, please. >> Okay, so we have a motion and a second. Mr. Daddy moved Mrs. KN seconded. >> All those in favor? I >> motion passes. She
098Let's wait for her. >> 5402 and 5403. Wait for her to come. >> We didn't wait on her. >> We need to wait on her. >> We We needed to wait on her. She go >> We are currently four of She probably >> I think she had to go potty. Oh, >> correct. >> Did you run away? Uh, Mrs. Gallow, in your absence, uh, we the motion has been made and seconded to have 5402 and 5403 be voted on individually. Uh, and we are currently awaiting your confirmation. We are four to four in favor currently. Are you in favor? Oh, you're already Yeah, I got ahead of myself. I apologize. I didn't I didn't realize you >> Oh, yes. >> Okay, we are 50 on that motion. Okay, so we are into the 5000 series.
099Write these numbers down so I don't screw this up. All right. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 5292 through 549 with the exception of 5396, 5402, and 5403. >> Moved. Mrs. Mrs. KN moves. Mr. Dowy seconds. questions, comments, concerns on any of those? All those in favor? >> I >> Motion passes. All right, that brings us back to item 5402. Uh, superintendent respectfully requests the approval of item 5402, which is to abolish the assistant principal at Anna Jarvis Elementary. I move but I have a statement or a comment before >> Mrs. KN moves. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Mr. Taylor second. >> At this point we will questions, comments, concerns. >> I do. >> Yes, ma'am. Okay. So, um when we had our meeting last time on, um getting information from the
100superintendent and assistant superintendent, um as he discussed this evening quite well on moving forward because of budget cuts and staffing formula and all of that, um I think I remember saying on my for me and I think after we had a huge long discussion on it, um that we just needed my recommend recommendation was that we just reset until we can get through the season of staffing and having all of those discussions. Um, so I think I mentioned at that point if we had any resignations, let's unless it was imperative, 100% imperative that we fill them, let's just hold off for a few weeks, hold off for a little while until we could figure out what our needs were going into next school year. But it was not that I intended to abolish positions until
101we got there. And I know the last time we had discussions on um abolishing positions, I was not in favor of that. And um I just don't I this is the in the last year we've had this discussion one other time and I remember saying then it's the first time in the entire I think I've been here forever [laughter] on the board forever but it's the first time I've ever had to do that or even had that consideration. So, I don't like the practice. Um, I know there's been many times, I mean, how many times have we had positions um vacated and we've asked, "Hey, are we going to fill that position?" Oh, yeah. We're going to wait till closer to the school year. And that's been fine, but all of a sudden, it's not
102fine for certain times and certain situations. So, I'm not in favor of abolishing it. Um, I even asked last meeting if we could just maybe bring some substitutes in for some of these key positions until we could get through the staffing and make all of those answer all of those questions and kind of reset everything and get to where we need to be for next school year. Um, I think that's my desire. Um, but I'm only one board member, so that's how I feel. And that's probably based on what I just said on is how I'm going to probably vote here in a few minutes. I'd rather see subs put in until we can get there. >> Uh, Dr. Stings, if we abolish this position tonight, get into riffin transfer season and see where we
103are with personnel, can we recreate it again at >> at a later point? >> Whenever we feel that's appropriate. Yes, sir. Regardless of recreating that, the number that I keep seeing does not reflect that model of a principal standalone. And I can't be convinced any other way. I've spoke to so many people. I've had so many messages. I've had so much data that's come to me in the last month. It doesn't make sense. We can't operate the school. We're going to have problems. I It's not going to work. I'm only one board member. >> So, I also have some like questions and uh clarifications on the numbers. um because I know that 400 students um that we have here on this um code that you gave us. But then I'm hearing that there's I have
104in my notes um 430 plus, but then I have other data that says 347. So that it's really hard for me to make a decision when I have conflicting numbers and I I just need to know >> that is that data is without prek. So those numbers you have are the numbers that Anna Jarvis currently has in prek that then bumps to kindergarten, kindergarten that bumps to first, first that bumps to second, second that bumps to third. The same numbers we do every year. So those that number is the number without the prek classroom numbers as we do not have that data at at this time. >> Okay. >> Approximate that. >> Well, I mean on average they typically, you know, have four classrooms. So I can give you at the most, you know, 20
105times those four classrooms >> right here, right now. Where what's our what's our exact number as of today? Where like just within five where are we? >> I'm just going to pull that up right now. >> Just again just Yeah. >> And is that prek included in the formula >> included in that current in the number that they'll pull it right now. Is that >> just the prek in the building or does that because I thought I heard at one point that >> the collaborative peak prek off sites got included in that number. >> Some do, some do not. So then then I have questions about >> where does that responsibility lie? Um in terms of like if they're not on site, yeah, there are kids, but are they our kids? And I don't know
106if that question fully makes sense. >> I'm going down a slippery slope with with that question, but their data is housed at the at the home site. Correct. and their and their services are housed at the home site of Vana Jarvis Elementary. Correct. >> And that's the only thing I can really ask. >> I'm so sorry. >> their data, their services, everything that would happen with those off-site kids and I I'll just use the example of Lacricia or or something like that and using that >> but but we're not even reflecting those numbers. Correct. in that in that 400 number. >> They they typically at this point they can be distributed to go they are not necessarily guaranteed to go to Anna Jarvis or Flemington or West. So the numbers that we the lower number
107you're talking about is the number that actually crosses the threshold on a daily basis. >> Today's Today's December 441 >> 441K >> with all the cross the threshold. >> I can't answer that. >> Okay. >> I don't oversee prek. I can't answer how many numbers are in that. >> Okay. >> I'm not going to speak for that. >> One is what's enrolled in there. We >> we could estimate that those classrooms were no more than 13 to 15 at at off sites or or possibly if are you including off sites in that number or not? >> That's what we're not sure of. It sounds like >> Okay. But even if you were, we would say >> that number could include part walk. So not kids that are there every day all day long. >> Still
108a healthy 400 plus >> so also for clarification, we are going by projected numbers. So I think like Mr. Taylor had mentioned earlier, if it does get abolished and the numbers justify it, >> it would be added. >> We would we would ask to have it reinstated. >> Okay. And then if not then we're looking at then that would be filled and then potentially that would impact a teacher or an aid combination of those positions being removed >> as the chips fall with the other recommendations that could impact another employee. So, we could potentially be removing a teacher from in front of our students if we don't abolish. >> That is correct. And that's one of the reasons I was mentioning that question earlier today about making decisions based on the impact of children. >>
109Why would you be removing a teacher if we don't abolish? I don't understand. >> Well, it's going to impact some somebody position. Yeah, but who you can't that doesn't make sense >> at this point. >> You're you're talking about two different You're talking about an administrative professional versus a >> versus an instructional teacher. You can't you can't pull that you can't pull that position from the you can't pull a teacher from the classroom because you >> have an assistant principal. >> That's like saying that you have to take a janitor because you got an extra cook. >> I I'm for me. But you're saying >> and again I'm only one board member just do as we've done in previous years until we muddled muddied the waters with this abolishing positions which I know nobody's heard
110of until the last 12 months around here is if we don't want to fill it right now leave it vacant and then once we get through the staffing issues here in the you know staffing having discussions here in the next few months. Then we decide what to post out of the vacant positions. If it is a position that needs to be have a a a staff needs to be staffed, we put a we bring a substitute administr if it's just say assistant principal at Anna Jarvis. We need to have someone there now, but we don't want to post it because we don't know what's going to happen through the staffing discussions. We bring a sub in. We bring a sub in until we can get through everything we need to discuss. Leave it vacant or
111bringing a sub for everything that's becomes a resignation from here on out until we can get through. I just I I don't like the practice of abolishing positions. I didn't last time and But I'm just It's just me. That's just me. >> Didn't we just celebrate this school for moving forward? >> We have tough decisions to make in the next couple months >> and we do. >> This is not the decision. This is not the position to cut. >> And and it's it's I just don't want to abolish anything. I I don't want to I don't I don't like the practice. That's just me. And it it this it's not going to matter. It's not going to matter after this evening anyway. >> So I feel like the abolishment >> my opinion is not going
112to matter. My opinion >> is an unfortunate word choice but it is really just the formalization of what you're asking for Mrs. Knots. That's how it reads in my brain. um in the land of trying to see if it works without it and being able to reimplement because if we hire if that person thinks that they're going to they have the potential to be rifted, nobody's going to apply for that job, right? I mean, like that's the way my brain works. So, why would we post something if we thought we were going to turn around and riff it again or potentially because it's the newest hire? And I know that the seniority gets very strange and the matrix on that works in a way that is beyond the way my brain schedules. Um, >> I
113agree with you, Mrs. Garvin on that aspect of why you're right >> and you >> if you post it and and it's a fear that that's going to get rifted, no one will apply, which goes along with how I feel and believe, leave it vacant. Leave everything vacant that we can until we get through these discussions. >> But you have a sub in there. >> There's currently not a sub in that position. Okay. As there's not a sub available. We had a sub for all the time that she was able to do that and she is now no longer able to fill that position. We have two other substitute principles uh and those two are going have already committed to elsewhere. So they are not available to go to Anna Jarvis. So unfortunately we do
114not have an a subadministrator that we could put in the position. A as what Miss Garvin was mentioning, there are o there's only one time in the year that we can reduce positions following that timeline and following all the rules that we can add positions at any time. So that that's the formalization of leaving that position vacant. There there is that that shows the intent that you plan to refill it when personnel season has ended and that someone will be moving into that position. This is the formalization as Miss Garvin said of showing. Right now we do not plan to fill that position. At any time the board can make a motion to add any position they want, but there's not there's only one set timeline that you can reduce positions either during the personnel
115time or when they are open and vacant. then you can move to not fill those positions and no longer move to post those which is all that word abolish means is that we're not currently planning to post that position and but like you've all said and has been said at any time anytime positions can be added just like we have done when need arises so that we are locked locked in. You're right. So right now let's just uh for example if we if we filled this position and that person could get bumped out of their position with the reduction of other positions. I think that's what the question that >> I think that's what I was trying to clarify >> as well. >> Yes. >> My my thoughts on this matter. I mean this is
116a tough call. >> Absolutely. this to me I really think they need an assistant principal but at the same time we've got we are overstaffed and we've got to cut somewhere and I think we need to look at the whole picture >> right >> before we make this decision >> I agree >> and if to me The only way to put that whole picture decision off is to abolish this position tonight. >> I don't agree >> and then look at it as part of the overall picture when we do the riff and transfer and put it back into position if we can afford it. Normally I'm on the same page as you, but I respectfully I will not throw darts at the five schools and say AJ, you're it tonight. I'm not doing it. >>
117So >> I'm sorry. I normally I agree with you, but >> Okay. So I I have a question [clears throat] with this abolishing and I and I understand what um our superintendent and assistant superintendent are explaining because we've we've had this discussion last year on a position as well and I completely understand but I would like to know in with their explanation how long has this supposed code been on the books? that you have to abolish a position or you have to fill it tomorrow or post it tomorrow. How long has that been a rule? >> I can't say the date that it came in, but there's always a rule of a timeline of when jobs have to be posted and filled, >> but I mean, how long has that been a rule? I mean,
118has it just is it >> years? A lot of other a lot of other counties do. This is just the formal on a board agenda to show that you are taking action by not filling that job right now. If not, then they could just sit there for extended periods of time and no one knows what's going on with that position. This is how to be transparent with what's happening with every position. If not, if I I can say I'm holding positions, but no one knows that. No one knows what positions are being held if we don't put it out there to be seen. >> Is it a code though? Is it in code that we have to abolish? >> That word is not in code. That's just the verbiage that has been adopted in counties
119around to show that that position is not going to be filled. We are not posting that position. >> So, it's not a state code. It's just what other counties do. >> Well, we can have I will have um our attorney bring up the code and and we can look at the way that the formalization of that if that >> But is it new? Has it been is it just something in the last year or is it something that's been on in supposed code for >> postings have been for years >> and and is it reasonable to say that >> we've never done this >> in the last and I know that y'all have not been here this long. I have not been here this long. Uh, in the last 10 to 15 years, we have
120been uniquely blessed where we have not had to abolish positions and we have not had to say we're not going to staff that anymore. I mean, maybe somebody who's been on the board longer, >> we we haven't, Mrs. Garvin, and that's what I'm confused on. I mean, I'm going to I'm not going I'm honestly no board's perfect. We're not perfect. I would say every board in the state has made, you know, that we're not perfect, but have we been making a mistake by leaving vacant positions open? Maybe. But it's been a practice of the board if we wanted to leave one vacant and then fill it closer to the school year, new school year coming in. Um, even coaches, I can remember many times there's been a coach resignation, maybe a spring sport and we
121and come November, we haven't had that posting for that spring sport and people are asking and we've asked as a board when are we going to post that position? Oh, when we get closer to January, February time frame. So, it's that way with coaches, it's that way with extracurricular positions. It's been that way with teachers. It's been that way with administrators. Um, we've just it's it's not been abolished. It's not been a practice that I've been used to as a board member. And I'm not saying that I want it posted tomorrow by I'm not saying that I want it posted tomorrow and be financially or fiscally irresponsible based on what we know we have to make decisions moving forward. That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying I don't want to vote. I don't like the
122practice of it to vote to abolish. I want to reset and have discussions moving forward. Either put a sub in something that needs to have a sub put in for now until we can get through these discussions or leave it vacant until we decide to post. >> I have two questions. I apologize for cutting you off. I have two questions. Number one, who has been handling this workload for them for the past seven to 10 days? It's open-ended question. Number two, are we truly doing this by the number? Is is this reflective of the number? Let's just call it let's just say that we're saying this at 399. Then why is our neighboring school, and I I'm just going to throw it out there, why are we lopsided with assistant principles at the other school?
123Why don't we bring one over them over? >> To get through the school year anyway, >> you could do personality sometime. I would I'd like to remind everyone that first and foremost the the uh this is one of these are the few extremely hard questions that we were mentioning once before that we are all concerned about. It just happens that at that particular this particular juncture those two those two positions you're considering or talking about both happen to be uh they are vacated and so the timing is never something we want to do but we're just entering into the personnel season and a question about what the other locations nothing is off the table. Uh we started the the one the second one 5403 is we started we heard the board and we started at
124the central office and we have uh we are making arrangements already to see the see if if and how things can be absorbed. We are not taking any of the campuses or programs off the table. >> I apprec I appreciate that Dr. That's not answering my question. >> Well I'm just trying to give you that precursor. I I appreciate that, but that's not that's not fixing the issue at hand. >> In answer to the question that was raised regarding um who's been covering that that Miss Dr. Decker just mentioned that there was some help with that a little while, but I mentioned in my my talk earlier this evening that the diagnostic review process that's in place, I'll give you just a little bit more information about that if I may. that that made recommendations
125that we the school working with uh the current principal and some of our directors and Dr. Decker working on ways to revisit and use their leadership team with the intent to come to consensus with regard to any changes that should be made at the building with regard to procedural such that if the whole count if the whole school eventually the expectation is that they become faithful to that process and decisions made by those people on that admin that leadership team. There will come a time sooner than later I hope so that they can be successfully getting uh out of the current status that they are that prompted the [clears throat] diagnostic review. That's not a disparaging statement. It is just reality. It has gotten to the point where the recommendation is that changes be made
126there with regard to philosoph philosophical views. That recommendation should if everyone is faithful to that process such as we've seen in other locations in the county, there will come a time when there is less need certainly not a need for filling this position. That that's how we got to the recommendation. We didn't target that because we didn't want to be supportive of the school. The process and we've I've talked with the building principal. I believe she'll confirm that we have said we need to trust the process. This happened to be the timing of this did not did not seem helpful but it seemingly is in the best interest of staying the fidelity that is going to be required for bring turning the school around and addressing the situation that brought them into the status as
127the uh CI the C CSI program. That is not a negative comment. It is simply a stat a stat with regard to where your school sits. uh to answer your questions. That's why the recommendation is being made. >> Dr. Stallings, with all due respect, there's never going to not be a time when we're not going to need an assistant principal at this school with right at 400 kids or a little over 400, >> that it's not going to be a good recipe to build. We just built this new school. We're building this new school and we're not even going to staff it. We are going to staff it, Mr. Dowy. Indeed, you are dead on correct with that. But like I just mentioned, the fidelity to this program that we are just engaging in, it
128has nothing to do with having two administrators or one. We have other counties that don't have any assistance in their buildings. Um, and that they are operating quite successfully as well. And it is not about the person, it is about the position. I can only give you that clarification. >> Unfortunately, I respectfully disagree. I don't think this is in the best interest of the kids. >> And you you have every right to have that, sir. Absolutely. >> I appreciate you explaining your position. Once again, I my my position is I just don't like the practice of abolishing positions. It's not something that I've ever done before. >> I would entertain this is not that one of the difficult parts is we have not been in this situation before. I um was not here. Um, >>
129oh, we've had many positions vacated that over the years that we've not posted immediately. >> I I'm suggesting that we're in a a crossroads with regard to your financial issues where we're solvent, but only because we are making the best recommendations that we know to make, >> right? But I'm not I'm not suggesting I'm not suggesting and it it could be any position here. It could be any position. It could be a teacher here at Flemington. It could be a fourth grade teacher. Let's just say a fourth grade teacher of Flemington resigned and you had abolish the position. >> We would only recommend those that we >> and and maybe that's because when I asked and we all agreed as the board last time to reset, try not to fill a lot of things until
130we got through discussion. >> Here we are. it. I meant put subs and and for me, if we had a fourth grade teacher resign, put a sub in that position until we could get through the discussions of our budget for the upcoming year. Not to abolish it because we didn't want to fill it right now. That's that's that's not what I'm asking. I'm not asking to abolish it. I'm asking to do other things until we can get through the discussions and other options. >> Other options. >> Um, if you have to have somebody in the fourth grade, which we would, you put a sub in there. Um, don't abolish it. Just And it's not it's not about these two positions for me. It's not It's just the practice of abolishing. I completely agree that we're
131in a situation where we have to be careful and we have a lot of hard decisions to make. It's about the practice of abolishing the position that I don't care for. And so I'm in agreement with you, Dr. Stallings, that you know, tomorrow there's things that we don't want to go post. And I understand that and I'm in agreement with you on that. I just don't >> it's just a way about >> it's just a way around it to do it. I don't like this the practice of it. I agree with you on every single thing you're saying. We don't want to post everything tomorrow. I get it. >> There was one statement that you made and I just wanted to make sure that that's perceived correctly. We are over formula. You made the statement
132that we had financial issues. Did you want to fix that statement or >> I believe I would indicate that we will have financial issues if we don't address it like other counties have not and that got them into their trouble. >> I just want to make sure that we aren't receding that thought >> into the public there. Well, I can I can try to clarify and what I was hoping that was [snorts] >> I indicated that we are currently not in a deficit. However, >> but we're over the state formula. >> We're at a crossroads because one's going to cost us a lot of money and the other is going to cost us a lot of money. Can we afford all of it? No. Our buildings, those things I mentioned about them being needing repair
133from time to time, they will not wait. Now's the time for us to make those hard decisions based on staffing that do not appear to be needed as opposed to wanted. >> Am I explaining myself well? Some of our I mentioned um >> in my earlier statement that some of our I used the word colleague counties >> have found themselves over almost overnight in trouble because they did not take the steps that we're recommending such steps that are recommended >> and then it became too late because their enrollment continued to drop. the funding stopped coming and they found themselves thinking they had all kinds of money, but they found that turned around almost overnight. I'm just making recommendations to keep the county in good standing. I I cannot I won't apologize for that. That's why
134you pay me. I I just I implore you to hear that for what it's worth. We're making the recommendations to do the best thing we can for the county as we know it now. >> I can't speak to previous years. >> I can only tell you what I'm doing now as your superintendent. >> You ask for the code. So, I can specify the code for you. So, in code 18A-4-7A, it says, let me get back down to it. Um, so positions as you're as you're talking about of no what what's called known vacancies, people that leave before March 1st, we do have to hold those. If we plan to re if we are not planning to fill them in this school year, we hold those as known vacancies. But if we have a position that's
135open, such as the assistant principal job that that we we say we still need to have, then we have to post those within 20 days of the of the position becoming vacant. When has >> unless we take an action on the board that says we are not filling that position. >> How long has >> that's in code? West Virginia code. >> And how long has that West Virginia code been on the books? >> It it doesn't say when it was taken action, but it it's been when I was a principal, it was in code. I do know that. So that's the the code of that. If you do not take an action, then you are required to post the opening within 20 days of the vacant of the position becoming vacant >> before March. >>
136That practice has not been on this board. >> The question I have then is if we don't abolish this tonight, then it has to be filled right away. >> Has Well, it's already so it it has been posted once at your discretion. So, um, if the board doesn't take action on it, we are going to take those that have applied and interview those and choose from those positions because that's what the code requires us to do. So if if before an interview happens, if the board says that due to enrollment, this position can be reduced, which is a different word of abolished, that's what how it refers, abolished or reduced, then you would you would we would notify those applicants saying due to the lack of enrollment, the board has made the taken action to
137reduce that position and it will not be filled at this time. So one we have to take some type of board action to show we are either filling the position or we are not filling the position to meet this code and that's where this action has been coming to place and that is 18 A-4-7A employment promotion transfer of per professional personnel and qualifications and the timeline once we once we post within 30 days we're either I I either have to set up the interview of those people or I will have to notify them that the position the board has taken action on that position due to lack of enrollment and that's the only reason that it's it's on it there's some kind of action that has to be made by the board based on the
138superintendent's recommendation. What what monitoring or safeguard if we were to abolish this this evening? What monitoring, safeguard, survey, data collection point do we have, are we using, will we implement to say three weeks from now, oops, put our foot in it, fix it, or six months from now, okay, we didn't put our foot in that, and here's how we can show that. What What is that? safeguard. Do we do we have that safeguard in place? How long would it take to create implement that safeguard? Actually, actually that's the current process I referenced a moment ago in response to the current classification of an Jarvis and we did which prompted the diagnostic review. >> Okay. And then we but we that it plays out but it's not I mean they're in they're in the stages right
139now of working with their their leadership team that will eventually start guiding that process change >> leadership team. You cut them down to one. >> No it's a leadership >> leadership leadership solo. You cut them down to one. >> Actually let's get this. >> That is not accurate. Can I pose Can I pose one more question? >> Do we have to call it abolish? >> Say reduce. >> We could say reduce. >> Can we say hold hold the positions >> or another word? >> I'm stuck on that. >> I want to clarify something here. We're spending all this discussion on the word abolish and we just all voted and approved to abolish a bus operator and a bus aid and we didn't get fixated on the word. Those individuals and those positions are just as
140important as the other two that we're currently talking about. >> You are absolutely right. >> Not necessarily. >> No, no, she's right. >> They don't have as much impact in the school. No, she's absolutely right. >> Important. >> They're important. I'm not saying they're not important. I'm saying they don't have the same impact >> or kids. >> Honestly, if I could change my vote on that, I would I would [snorts] do the same thing on that one. And that's that's on me. That's on me. I should have pulled those two as well. I would have done this. I would have been consistent on that as I am on this one. >> The thing about those two positions is that they're going to be right back on there here in about three or four weeks. as
141soon as we park a bus at the old right positions. >> And I'm I say I made mistakes. I make mistakes as a board member and that would [snorts] be my mistake tonight. I should have done the same thing on those two as I'm doing on this. >> No, no. Because what we'll do is we'll park a bus at the right aid and we'll say we need bus drivers and we'll create the position. >> That's not those aren't the apples to apples here. And some of them are and some of them aren't. Um I am literally trying to Google another word for abolish right now because I am not an English teacher. >> But you are right, Mrs. Gallow. You are correct. You're 100% correct. And I I'm not perfect and I you're right. I
142should have done the same thing on that one. Um, I do have a clarifying question while Miss Gorin's looking at that. So, I know that we this past year it was the behavior interventionist, right, that we created >> that happened in response >> in response to the So, and then I think um >> I forget which uh individual apologize I have it in my notes uh indicated that they're just there on Tuesday and Thursday morning. So I just wanted to have some >> further clarification on that. Is that accurate or >> that is that position being shared >> per the per the agreement from the board that position is being shared by all three. There was a clarification when that decision was made that that occur and that has been with regard to specific or
143specific assignment of a date or day of the week. That that's not a >> that was just a decision made by >> the individual that's going to all three buildings. >> That wasn't a dictator part of that. >> Okay. >> So, it's a bus that's just going to sit there now. And she's still as far as she's still also available for emergency calls, not just say hanging out one place or the other. >> So the bus isn't just going to sit there now. >> Come on. >> Exactly. We know that bus is going to be used. >> Um >> it's not apples to apples. >> So an alternate word for abolish would be nullify or repeal. Reduce is the word in the >> reduce is fine. Um >> nullify is the same as abolish. >>
144I left my myistus at home. >> I mean I'm ready to vote. I I don't think anybody's going to change my mind. I'm a hard head. >> Okay. Um >> I'm not going to leave these kids without what they need. >> Side note, going forward, could we find a an alternate word for abolish, please. Reduce is in code. That's fine. Um, and do we have any other discussion or questions specific to item 5302? >> 54. >> Sorry. 5402. >> Are we voting on them separately? >> Yes. >> Individually? Okay, at this point we have an open motion. All those in favor? All those opposed. Try it again. >> Okay. All those who wish to abstain. >> Oh, no. >> No. Um, okay. All those in favor of 5402 have one I. >> All those opposed?
145>> Nay. >> Motion fails. to >> four to one >> or one to four. >> Yeah. >> All right. That moves us to item 5403, the abolishment of the director of special services uh effective June 30th, 2026. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of item 5403 in the four in the 5,000 series. So move. >> Mr. Taylor moves. >> I'll second. >> Questions, comments, discussion. >> Yeah. >> Yes. Go ahead. >> Doc Dr. Songs, I'd like you to uh give us some flavor of how you're going to absorb this position. I mean, uh the services are needed whether you do it with this position or not. Uh what's your plan? the many different activities that are being handled by this individual or that position, excuse me, is being those pieces are being divided out and uh reassigned
146uh with the other directors in our central office. We're that's how we're absorbing it. >> Um >> could you be more specific than that? >> We need a little bit more. >> We're not totally fine finalizing all those details, Mr. Mr. Taylor. Um I don't have those specifics but we have had individual meetings with the directors who are absorbing a portion everybody will be impacted at the central office in some fashion. >> Mrs. Garvin um until we see that I I would ask that we put this on a separate agenda. I I can't I can't vote on that unless I see that for the for the lack of the central office personnel. If we're asking them to do something, we need to we need to see that before we would vote on that. >> I
147I I agree with Mr. I'm going to stand for the central office personnel. >> I I agree with Mr. Dian that I I just feel like we need a little bit better picture of where some of these, for lack of a better word, chips are falling. So that I mean because special education services that is >> huge and uh you know a lot of our scorecard um comes from that and I just I really I I need a better picture of how that's going to play out. And I feel the same on this position until we get through the discussions. I'm gonna do the same. >> So, for example, this this position could be held as an in vacancy because it doesn't need filled for the rest of the year. >> So, that this position
148is an example of a position that could be held for posting if if the plan is to keep it >> different. >> Uh but the direction for >> was that we are needing to reduce position. said this is an open position as a reduction that could be >> I would remind the board >> y'all want to pull it and pull it till next meeting but I mean I'm ready to vote I'm going to vote the same way I >> I want to remind the board that the direction that we were given was to make sure that we don't overlook central office that's exactly what we're doing and we did it first >> for for for complete transparency we did it first and so I I want to correct I want to I >> acknowledge the
149work that went into that one to reassure the board that we heard that and not to be uh suggesting that we were protecting them. We all as that team are stepping up first and that's not this is just the preliminary part of our recommendations for the potential rip and transfer personnel season. I I I can't I can't give you more blood than that. >> Dr. Shawings, I understand that and I I don't envy your job, but I'm not going to ask my attendance director to oversee IEPs. That doesn't make sense. And I am sure she probably thanks me for that. It doesn't make sense to separate that job among other central office personnel. >> If they have the certification, Mr. Dy, they are certainly eligible if they're being considered. We're looking at certification before we,
150you know, they have to have certification to be posting to be placed in positions. I >> I move we lay this on the table. >> Yeah. I think the board needs to have a full picture before we start looking at this just couple positions in a meeting. Again, hold them. Don't abolish them. Put subs in if you need to right now and take a look at the entire picture in here in a few weeks and decide what you're going to do moving forward in the next school year. peacemailing. This is not working because you're not getting what's you're not getting the moving parts over here. >> You're not getting the moving parts over here. You're getting little pieces and you have to look at the whole picture for the next school year. So, I would
151say we either vote on this now >> or we pull it for you all to decide what you're going to do next meeting. I have twice heard postpone. >> Does anybody want to make the official motion? >> I do. >> Okay. I apologize. I did not hear Mr. Taylor. He made the official motion to postpone >> item 5403 >> to the next regular meeting. >> Is that where you want to put it? >> Yes. where >> I I want it postponed until >> or tabled until such time as we have a better feel for what we're doing. I want to remind you if you table it must be finished addressed by the end of this meeting >> table postpone just yeah if you're wanting it outside of this meeting then it would be postponed if
152it's table it has to be done at this meeting >> okay >> pull the item postpone it till >> we have a full picture >> have you till a future meeting [clears throat and snorts] >> and Dr. Decker it was April 1th >> when we have to for notification of >> employees have to be notified by April 1st and all action has to be taken by the board by May 1st. >> Okay. >> But no sense >> since she she is retiring or I'm sorry this position is retiring >> right? We're not riffing her, so there's no notification >> specifically for that position. >> Correct. I'm just asking for just in general. >> Yeah, >> that's solid. >> Sorry. >> There's a lot going on. I got you. >> All right. At this point, I
153believe the motion is to postpone item 5403 until we can deal with it at the April 7th meeting, which is our budget and personnel meeting. >> Second. I believe Mr. Taylor made the motion and Mr. Dowy seconded it. >> Oh, sorry. >> Gentlemen, have I accurately represented what it was you were trying to say? >> Yep. >> Okay. Questions, comments, concerns. Hearing none, we have an open motion on the floor. All those in favor? I >> Okay, motion passes. I believe that moves us out of the 5000 series. >> I would ask um if I could I would like for some of you all to stay just for a few more minutes. Mrs. Garvin, before we before we discuss these last four items and we have we have some people that probably want to get
154home because it's already 8:30 and I have a couple things that I need to need to talk about before we discuss these last four items and I would like the audience to hear. May I >> the agenda? >> Um, how far off the agenda are we going? >> We're not because it's board member comments and discussion. >> Feel free. This is hard. Unfortunately, and not because I wish to do this, but as of tonight, I am resigning my seat on the Taylor County Board of Education, and this will be my last meeting. Let me stress this point that I do not want to resign this seat. The circumstances in which I am resigning are not satisfactory to me. So, please know this is something I do not want to do. As we all know, we
155do not serve on this board as a full-time job. [snorts] The compensation is minimal. We do not do this work for the pay or the money, [snorts] and it does not support and feed our families. I like every other person sitting at this desk and at this table, we choose to serve our communities so that we can help improve the lives of others. Those are the kids, [snorts] the staff, the families living here, and all others in our community. Four of the five of us have full-time positions. Those are our day jobs. Mr. Taylor, he's lucky to be retired. [snorts] that support us and support our families. My full-time job has permitted me to serve in a nonpartisan seat for the years I have served on this board. [snorts] At this time, the agency I
156work for has decided to change policy and guidelines, something we all here are too familiar with since we do that often sitting in this seat. [snorts] Those changes no longer permit me to serve on this board. [snorts] Initially, I was told I could serve through June 30th, 2026. But this week, I was instructed that I need to resign immediately. I am sure everyone will understand at this point in my life, I cannot afford to lose the career that feeds my family and pays my bills. I also understand the predicament that I am leaving my friends that are sitting here with me on this board at this time. It's not a good predicament [snorts] and for that I am extremely sorry. But some things are just out of our control. Again, the agency I work for
157has forced me to resign this position based on newly defined policies. [snorts] I've served this community since 2006 using common competencies of communication, listening, teamwork, research, planning, [snorts] working together with my team, with the team here that you see and many other teams before us and sometimes some tough love [snorts and laughter] as you probably saw tonight. I hope those that are sitting at the end of the table and some of the others that are sitting around me [snorts] understand that when it seemed I was strictly questioning you in meetings, [snorts] I wasn't really questioning you as a person, but rather gathering the information I needed to make a vote and reassure the voters and our constituents of transparency and that I was doing the job that you all elected me to do. I took
158[snorts] every meeting and every vote seriously and I promised myself that I'd do my due diligence on every issue so that I could lay my head down at night knowing I did the best job I could for this county. [snorts] It's unsettling to me to abandon this seat in county first because I'm having an internal struggle with the reasons I'm having to do so, but also because in 2018, you'll remember I thought I was done to [snorts] only realize how much I missed being here helping push our county and system forward. I [snorts] didn't know how much I'd miss it back in 2018, but now I definitely know how much I will. I didn't do this job for me. I did this job for my county and I did it for many of you that
159are sitting here. [snorts] But I'd be remiss if I didn't at least admit the impact all of you have had on me and on my life. To be a part of something bigger than yourself is so inspiring and I would recommend if you [snorts] ever get a chance to have that positive impact that you do it. I apologize having to leave in this manner. It is not my choice. [snorts] Thank you, Taylor County. And to all the people that put your trust in me. I hate saying goodbye, but as many of you that are probably Disney fans, you'll know Winnie Pooh's words. And they say, I think it's Winnie Pooh's words. I think it's a quote of Winnie Pooh. How lucky I am to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard. So, thank
160you. This is my last my last meeting and I wanted you all to know you spent all evening here. So now we can go on. Really always you with the tough act to follow. We will miss you. We'll move on with the 8000 series, the discussion of the hiring procedures. Um, what I was asking for with this was uh simply across the board. Um, can you just remind us like the cliffnote version of how does somebody get hired here? Like if the position is posted, you all are not in on every interview. What where does that just sort of what's that hierarchy chain of command? >> Sure. that's also outlined in 18A-4-7A is that it is required that so the personnel office verifies that applicants meet their requirements on certification. So for professionals in extracurriculars
161is sometimes a little bit different than that but there are requirements that uh get sent to the building level administrator. If those applicants meet those requirements, then they have um for professionals, they have policy 5000 that dictates hiring committee and that hiring committee then interviews. They determine questions. After that selection, it then is sent back as their recommendation that then the superintendent has to approve or not approve and have a conversation if they do not approve and then make a recommendation to the board. For coaching positions and extracurriculars, it's similar to that. They don't have to follow the hiring policy. So it could be depending on what that position looks like. There are different requirements, but for example, a an athletic is usually an athletic extracurricular is usually the principal, the athletic director. If it
162is an assistant coach, the head coach might be involved. If there if it's a head coach, then it could be another assistant principal. So that kind of looks a little bit different, but then ultimately it's still the principal's recommendation to the superintendent for the superintendent to then approve or not approve and then make the recommendation to the board. >> Okay, that's real fast clip. >> Yeah, but it it's it all is >> way more complicated, but that's real fast. you know, is done by committee and it is it is done outside of um any specific sorry any inprocess um oversight. No, that's not the right word. doesn't come to the central office for a yay or nay until it's been through this set and this set and this set and the recommendation comes from the
163building administrator. >> Correct. Unless it's an administrative then then the superintendent obviously always has the right to be a part of anything that's a school level administration. But when it's when it's teachers or extracurriculars it goes all through that process of the school and the principal gets to make that recommendation to the superintendent and come up. There is there is a rubric of of information they have to prove that this was the most qualified person for that position and they have to demonstrate that to the superintendent and that's how he can approve or not approve bas if he believes that a different criteria should have been held more important than another. He could say why is he could question that if if it came to it because there it is in code what they have
164to consider to be the most qualified applicant. >> Okay, great. Thank you for that. Um, anybody else have hiring procedure questions? >> I did have uh a question from a constituent about about that like you know they're on the agenda and so forth, but who notifies the individual that they were approved if they didn't come to a meeting of course? Um, how does what is that process? >> Well, typically a building level if it is a building level administrator, the building level administrator will say, uh, I'm making you you're my recommendation to the superintendent. But after the board action, then Jeannie Connor in my office reaches out to everyone to set up when they come sign a contract all those pieces of information. >> Okay. And that includes extracurriculars. Yes. And service personnel and everybody.
165>> Yes. So, there's a contract. Those have to be signed. Sometimes extracurriculars, those um will be sent back to the building level administrator because the building level administrator typically makes contact with extracurriculars because it's it's something that they usually oversee. But if you're a brand new employee, then you have to come in and do all kinds of things and so that gets set up through the personnel office. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh next item is the update regarding the board meeting numeration. So with our shuffle and our postpone and then the combination of a previously singular meeting and this evening, could you please tell us where we're at? What number are we? >> 22. >> I believe tonight's meeting I Excuse me. I don't believe I'm looking right at the agenda. The enum
166enumeration for that became 22. And the the previous agenda agenda for the calendar meeting which was also postponed till this evening was blended because we learned it was not a requirement to have them as two separate agenda. >> Outstanding. >> That was investigated with the state department for your clarification. And so your minutes next meeting will reflect uh a qualification or a note that indicates that it has been renumbered and the reason why. >> Very good. And did we get any clarification on whether that levy meeting uh >> it is my understand? Yes, we it is my understanding that we our understanding that that remains the March meeting is the first of it. So it stays as the five minutes prior to and it's followed by the regular meeting. Subsequently the next meeting as well
167would be uh when we address the >> so the levy meeting has to have its own number. >> Correct. >> Even though it's a backtoback. >> Correct. >> Okay. However, it's my understanding and this has always been a question that the two meetings that are levy specific, those two quick meetings that are on the they are considered one is not closed until the other occurs, >> right? >> But in in the land of how we were numbering things before, if the levy meeting A and B requires it, >> would be the only time I'd like to say you do that. >> We just want to make sure that we're all clear on that. Any other questions or comments regarding numeration? >> Yes. Uh there are uh 40 meetings of regular meetings and there are five
168reasons that we can have special meetings uh and be paid for as well. >> That is correct. Is there anything in the numeration that would delineate those meetings as different so that we can account for that? In other words, like a regular meeting would be R1 or R2 and then the special meetings, those five would be S1 and S2. Is there >> I believe as long as they don't go over the 45 total, Mr. D, Mr. Excuse me, Mr. Taylor that it that doesn't require a need to do any kind of special enumeration. >> Say again. >> She was asking what you had. >> No. Yeah. >> Yeah. Uh the special meetings could be up to five and then if you haven't gone over 40 total >> they can be included in that too, right?
169>> That is correct. >> Yes. >> So in theory those first 40 meetings are for whatever business needs to be businessed and then if there's additional business we can do up to 45. >> That's correct. Okay, everybody good? >> All right, moving forward. Update regarding the AED and the training of users. >> One second. [laughter] >> Yes, please. I'd ask Miss I'd ask Mrs. McCarthy to provide the information requested. There's a chart that reflects each of the schools and their multiple locations of the many uh >> AEDs. In fact, we have 35 AEDs across the county. And you can see in that the chart that we have provided you there's an indication of location whether it's wall-mounted or it's carried by a coach of any particular sport. So that's even broken down into whether it's
170a winter sport or a spring sport. Then we have the uh adult pads and pediatric pads distributed. In some cases, it says not applicable because it's really just an order group of students activity. We also have indicated that the the status of the batteries and they're checked with frequency and they're initialed and dated on that chart. We also have in the offing uh preparations for having two uh for lack of better ext ex outside places to house an AED. One is going to be on the end of the east end of the Grafton High School campus as well as the another on the west end of the campus. In other words, toward the baseball field and the girls softball fields. and that is available to uh anyone there that happens to be present for that.
171With regard to training and certification that was also requested, there is a uh should be a list in there that indicates that that second piece of paper you receive. Any employee with comp who completes the CPR certifications trained on the AED usage certific uh CPR certifications are effective for two years. Uh coaches must complete this online prior to board approval or recommendation and then board approval. Service personnel such as aids, cooks, custodians, and bus drivers are required to complete this on a rotating basis, not less than once per two years. Teachers are offered courses generally in the summer and fall, sometimes also spring if requested, but that is optional for that that area of personnel. And our nurses are required to have a healthc care provider certification and they are provided this course on a
172uh professional learning day in the spring. I hope that information is helpful. I know Mrs. Gallow, I think, as I recall you were the one that posed the question. >> Yeah, this is So, I noticed that they're at all of our >> we've at least 35 spread around the county >> boarding locations. And then I think on the last page, you do have one at the central office, right? >> Yes. >> And the bus garage, >> right? And there's it's on the back of the boardroom wall located above the coffee pot and help the Okay. Hospitality table, if you will, >> easily accessible. >> Okay. Awesome. >> Also, I wanted to mention that some the reason sports are mentioned, the coaches are required to carry this with them to their events, not just have them
173here in Taylor, but uh for instance, when they go to a meet someplace, all all of them are expected and required to take that with them per county. So, there might be more than one at an event. >> Yeah. I I was in the refurbished uh wait room at the high school. They did an awesome job and I I saw that um the AED mounted there on the wall. So that's good that we have on there as well because >> hope that's that information is helpful. >> Absolutely. You never know when those events could happen and it's nice to see that we're prepared for that. >> The other the other information I just want to add to that as I as I questioned about that too. Um those are very user friendly. That's not the
174word I'm looking for, but >> they're made for the lay rescuer. Yeah. >> Right. It's my understanding. As soon as you open it, it starts talking to the individual and walks you through the process. Yep. >> Okay. Any other questions regarding AEDs or training? All right. Last piece on the agenda at this point is an update regarding the WOI advertisements. >> Yeah, this is not asked for that. So, >> yes, I recall. She asked for that information. I asked for that to be on there, which I believe wholeheartedly it is a great decision to advertise our county on news stations, radio stations. Um, we want people to come to our county and be employed. We want college kids to look at our county, to come here and be employed. But I felt that we were
175I think all that's great and I I support it, but as you know, we've had discussions about having to make some tough decisions. So, we're paying money to advertise for teachers and then we're over here. You know, I just thought we could save that money on the advertisements for now. But again, that's just how I felt. That's just how I felt. I didn't know if it was >> the dollar amount that was spent on >> Yeah. What's What's the dollar amount? That's a good question on the ads. [clears throat] >> It was a contract for right around $10,000 for the whole entire year. How much >> we had? There are two there are two I mean jumps in one second. There are two companies with whom we've w worked Lamar Layar >> Lamar >> they're
176doing we have three uh static uh billboards and one electronic >> and those are uh from that company and then we have the other information that we uh work with the WOI and they did uh actually they did a commercial with the faculty in this very building and you see that on TV as well. a job fair tied to that. >> There there's a job fair tied to that. And then um it's my understanding that the sponsorship that we credited with on the TV when it says the snowboard report came as just for lack of better words a bonus because we were we were working with that group. Uh we continue to need positions, substitute positions in just about every category and that's bringing that's still bringing it to the table. >> Well, I mean
177in that if that's I mean that's something to consider if we need if we need subs that we advertise for that. >> I I get it. >> What was the charge for Lamont? >> I I cut Mr. Dan off. He has the >> It was $2,400 a month. >> $2,400 a month. That was for the digital that was for the unlimited digital board and then the three statics. >> Well, and I have to hand it to the administration though. They did not know the situation we were going to be sitting in now at the beginning of the year when they made those decisions to advertise. It's great that we're advertising. We want people to come here. We want new graduates to be able to choose Taylor County as their place of employment and their home.
178I was just concerned with, hey, we're we're having to make some tough decisions, but we're putting out money over here for advertising. I just I just wanted to talk about that, see if it was the right course of action. >> I believe I believe the Lamar ended ends this month. So, >> because that was going to be my question. Are these are we locked into the terms of these contracts? Do they have 30-day outs? Do they have >> I mean, we can >> when do they expire? >> We because of the because the documentation we provide to all of our vendors, we do have the option to provide them a 30-day written notice of terminating the contract, but we just have to do it in writing. In addition to >> in addition to looking and
179having these hard conversations, $40,000 is somewhere where we could definitely look at and that's 288 plus 10k over a yearly span. That is definitely somewhere where we could look at capturing money. Our schools aren't moving. They are stationary. They know where our schools are. We have the internet. We have job postings, which is where they were going to go anyway. They know where to apply. I think we could take the foot off the gas a little bit on that. In the words of Melissa No, I'm just one more board member. Did I hear you correctly? Uh, Mr. and the Lamar is up this month and we are at the end of that. >> That is correct. >> Okay. [clears throat] >> Again, I think you guys >> did the right thing. >> It's just we're
180at a different time now. Am I hearing a direction that we would like to give them? >> Do we know how close we are to the end of the BOI contract? >> Uh we're still a couple months out because I believe it that was a August. I can't remember off top of my head. >> Is would it be acceptable simply says not renew? I'm sorry. I mean, >> I didn't hear what he said. >> He asked if we wanted to do not renew. Um, my question before that was going to be, can they prorrate it? Like if if we out three months early, are we locked into that pricing? >> Yeah, we pay them monthly. I mean, they send us an invoice monthly and you know, it was to not exceed the $10,000 amount. So
181like I said, they can if we send them a written letter, you know, stating that we're wishing to, you know, cease those services, right? >> Like I said, we will it just has to be 30 days. >> Okay. >> Again, these are the conversations that we have in addition to cutting cost. >> Yeah, >> we cut that. That is a way to do so. >> Yeah. I'm [clears throat] I don't have any issue with it. We're at We're at the end of the one contract anyway, so we don't renew that. Are you making the motion, Mr. Daddy? >> I'm not I'm not I'm just I'm just pointing out the pointing out the obvious advert this that advertising of going by 50 and seeing that on the sign. That's you're just capturing the the bedroom community.
182That's not that's not doing you anything. It's it's your decision. [snorts] We can take it off the TV. Go Mark can pick up the next advertisement. I mean, it's >> like I said, Lamar Lamar isn't being renewed. >> I mean, I just since this topic was on the the board, like I said, it was >> the contract was up at the end of this month, so it wasn't going to be renewed. >> So, WBO is the one that's >> on there. I'll move, if the board will permit me, I'll move to cancel the advertising that can be cancelled, that is up for a renewal at this point in the school year and then revisit it at a later date if it needs to be something that the board considers to be picked up at a
183later today. >> Sounds like you're saying abolish. Are you saying abolish? >> Oh, I'm saying abolish. >> Are you saying abolish? >> Oh my god. [laughter] >> I think you're saying abolish. >> We're trying to stay hard to stay away from that word. >> You're in trouble. >> Stay in your lane, Dy. Stay in your lane. >> All right. I'm >> I I will I'm I'm retracting my motion. >> No, she's not. No, she's not. Just a little joke over here. >> It's been a long night. >> It's been very long. You all decide what you want to do. >> I'm retracting it. You guys decide. >> If this were to be renewed, would it be brought back to the board for discussion? >> Yeah. I mean, we could we >> if we just let
184things go and then uh finish those contracts and at a later date if we want to do something else, bring it back to the board. And >> that that's what I was suggesting, Mr. tail without actually putting those words to it, but just letting it finish out and then if if we think we would like to recommend it continue, then we bring that back to the board. [clears throat] That would be the my recommendation. >> I feel like we that was almost a motion. [laughter] >> I did. I retracted it because I just You guys can decide. All right. I'll make the motion that we um at the end of our contract that we do not renew with the WOI and the billboard. >> Second. >> Outstanding. We have a motion made and seconded. And
185I believe we have discussed as necessary unless anybody's got anything else. >> All those in favor? I >> opposed. All right, that brings us to the end of the planned 8000 series. Do we have anything that we would like to add for next time? >> Mr. Ch, >> we need to discuss what you're doing with this seat. All right. We do need to revisit, please, the uh code implications of what to do with the now vacant seat and figure out how that plays into the upcoming election, etc. >> We we need to revisit the code and the timing on the empty seat. I think there is some part of the code that indicates if it happens so many days before right and so forth. So, so all right, moving into >> Yes. >> Are we
186good? >> Noted. Okay. Moving into the 9,000 series. Future meetings. All of the following meetings will happen at the Taylor County Board of Education central office. February 24th, 6 o'clock. March 10th, 6:00. March 17th, 6 and 6:05. April 7th, six o'clock, that's a budget and personnel meeting. And April 14th, 6, and 605, that's a levy meeting and a regular meeting. At this point, I will entertain a motion to adjourn made by Mr. Dowy. >> Second. >> Mrs. KN. >> Let Mrs. Kn have that >> second. Um, all those in favor? I. And we are adjourned >> at 8:5.