001our board of education to begin our meeting with prayer in the pledge of allegiance. We invite you to bow your heads for prayer and stand to join us in the pledge if you so choose. Mr. Dowy, please bow your head. 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. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Dr. Stallings, do we have any um adjustments or addendums to our agenda this evening? Yes, Mrs. Galla, we have two. I would ask that you remove the on your second page, the list
002of the Grafton High School girls basketball team from tonight's agenda. They are going to be with with us on April 15th and we will move them to that agenda. Okay. The second item that I will ask that the board address is on is item number one of the 8000 series that is being pulled as a result of an update of information that indicates that that's not needed this evening. Thank you. That's all I have. Okay. Thank you. The superintendent respectfully requests approval of the agenda as presented and adjusted. Mrs. Knots moves. Second. Mr. Taylor seconds. All those in favor? I eyes have it. 4 Z. So that brings us down to information. So I see we have some nice young folks here to recognize. So first up is our FBLA. Hi, I'm I'm Brenda Boyard
003and I just want to say every Every year I come and every year it gets a little easier for me. But I'll tell you, I am so proud of these these kids. They do amazing work and they always step up when I ask them to. So um this year um we had a lot of success at the state leadership conference which is their milestone stepping stone to get to nationals. Um, we had 24 qualify. Unfortunately, with the time constraints and the pressure that was put on us by the state FPLA office, um, we they had to make a really fast decision without any community input or support. So, only 11 are attending nationals this year, which is fine. Um, I'm happy to take the 11 that are able to go. So, um, and I also
004really want to stress the um excitement that I have this year. We have two West Virginia FAA state officers. One is Sophia Austin. She's our current president at Grafton High School and Caroline Stat is our West Virginia FPLA historian and she's our current vice president at Grafton High School. So, I'd like to invite the kids up and let them introduce themselves to you. And if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer those. Come on, guys. Thank you. Make a parade. Can I take this off? Maybe. All right. Hi. Hey, as you guys know, I am Caroline Ste and this is Natalie Cartwright. So, we went to state leadership conference and competed in the public service announcement and got fourth place. I'm Braxton Polling and I competed in broadcast journalism. My partner is not
005here today, but I competed with Aubrey Roy. Hello, I'm Ally Wolfong and I competed in client service and I placed second. Hello, I'm McKenna Wilson and I went to state leadership conference and I did impromptu speaking and I placed third. Hi, I'm Sophia Austin and I went to state leadership conference and placed first in the future business leader competition which is like an interview, a resume and that type of thing. and I got second in organizational leadership as well. [Applause] Hi, I'm Cole San and I competed in computer problem solving and placed third. Hi, I'm Parker Biller. Uh there were two teams that we had for sports and entertainment management. Uh my team, which was me, Cam Foley, and Jonathan Mayor, we got first in the state. And then the other team, which was Owen
006Nester and Grace Amazon, they got third in sports and entertainment management. Um, hi. I'm Bryce Eisner. I took a business law test and placed first in the state of West [Applause] Virginia. I'm Addison Nethkin and I placed second in business communications. I'm Dean Peek and I took a test on Intro to Business Procedures. And of course, you know, there's always the ones that are super busy and could not be with us tonight, but we'll be thinking about them. Anybody have any questions? No, I think if if you all will stand, uh, Mrs. Knots has some comments for the board that we'd like to share. And I'm sure Dr. Stallings may want a picture of you all. Well, first off, I want to throw out a huge congratulations because I know all of the preparation work
007that you've had to do prior to going to the convention and conference and competing, but we we love having students come up to congratulate them. This is like one of our our best times during any of our meetings throughout the year. But I like when the FBI FBLA kids come because one of the things that I think I feel really gets me excited are the topics that you guys compete in. I mean all of your schoolwork, your math, your English, I mean all your core subjects are important obviously, but this actually gives you a taste of the real world and things that you can actually do when you graduate high school. Um, for example, we had the business concepts, we had broadcast journalism, we had business law, which is great. I mean, it gives you
008a taste of, hey, would you think I'd enjoy doing that when I get out of high school? and gives you maybe if you do do this for three or four years in high school, you can kind of switch it up and say, "Hey, I'm going to see, you know, impromptu speaking. You know, maybe I want to be a motivational speaker or um I know in college if some of you are going to college, I know there's opportunities to go out and speak to high schools and and try to talk to them about what college life is like. So, there's so much that you can actually do with the work that you do with FBLA. So, I'm just super proud of you for actually jumping in, experimenting with all of the topics, um, experimenting and and
009keeping your mind open to new things. And you guys are off to a great start in life. And I'm very proud of your parents for supporting you throughout this. They probably had to pick you up late from school, right, during practice and preparation days. And I'm proud of your um teacher for supporting you and following you along and encouraging you because I'm sure there were some days that you were like, I'm just not so sure about this. And she encouraged you all the way and you were successful. So big congratulations from the board and hopefully we'll see you back here soon. And good luck to those of you that are going on to nationals. Let us know how that goes. Oh. Oh, I have one more thing. I wonder I I said this last year,
010but did any of you get stuck in an elevator? Do you remember that year? Oh, yes. But it's I think the these kids are too young for No, no, I know. I was wondering if it was an annual thing. Yeah. That that year my daughter was in FBLA and they piled what like 30 or 40 of all of you from the high school onto one elevator in the hotel and guess what? It got halfway up and it stuck and they were stuck in there. I'll never forget that. But yeah, so I was wondering if that was an annual like thing that you try to do. Get stuck in the elevator at the hotel. Yeah, that type of thing. But good luck for nationals and we'll see you back. Let keep us updated on how you
011all do. Thank you. If you all kind of come up here, we can in the middle. [Applause] Don't even think strange. Next uh I think we have our swimmers. Good evening. So, coach um not Upton, Coach England is um still at work this evening and unfortunately, as Miss Ward said, we have such busy kids that. But with us tonight, we have Miss Julia Shay. If she would come up and Miss Caroline's dead from our swim team that qualified for states, I'm going to ask them to share with you what they qualified for. But while they're make, come on over here, Julia. But while they're making their way here, I want to tell you something about FBALA really quick. Um Mrs. Byard mentioned to me that Sophia Austin is the best president that she has worked
012with in the sense that she really owns that it's a studentled organization from creating agendas to organizing activities like sometimes over the years we've got away from student led it's sometimes it's a student in charge and a lot of adult leadership um that puts a lot of the background work in and I just wanted to acknowledge Sophia that it's wonderful to hear that when you have somebody that's not just in a role but they are completing that role um more than having that name. So, I wanted to acknowledge that. But now, let's talk about these ladies and I'm going to ask them, Caroline, will you tell them what you did for State Swim? Yeah. So, along with the two of us, we also had Bella Lemon and Savannah Pays. And we competed in the 200
013medley relay and the 200 freestyle relay. And this is um I I don't the fifth year in a row that we qualified swimmers for state swim. So, we are consistently We are and the board is gracious to support us going to the bridge after we lost opportunity to swim at AB due to the closure there. Um and recognizing these two ladies along with the four that are not with us because it for this sport as you know they only get in the pool a couple times a week. They dry and practice a lot. Um so it is more than just stay not to put down any other sport but they're not just staying after school for a couple hours. They're they got to get there. They got to put the work in. and a lot
014of them are swimming independently to get extra time in the water. So, um, congratulations. And both of them are underassman, so we get to watch them do it again next year. Really proud of them. [Applause] So, ladies, uh, Mr. Taylor has some comments for the board. First thing I'd like to say is I'd like to apologize to you young young ladies for us not having a community pool yet. And I I hope that at some time our community can get together and develop a pool for us. You deserve that or our future students deserve that. Uh as as for your swimming, uh congratulations to get to the states. That's big medicine. Uh not everybody gets to do that and you certainly accomplished a a very good goal and and uh thank you for representing us
015so well. Pictures. Yeah. You all are free to go if you don't want to stay for the rest of this business business. Good luck. Do this next. Is that okay? So, next we do have a delegation. So, Mr. Sterm, if you want to come up and I just need to let you know that um we really are only able to hear the information that you want to share with us for for about five minutes and um we can't make any decisions or anything like that at this time. So, we can just hear what you have for us to hear. I knew that coming in. Thank you. So, I think it's working. It's a principal height. I can bend over, Lori. Now, I'm here uh as representative of the Taylor County Development Authority. I didn't know
016a lot of people don't know that there is a development authority in in Taylor County and I am one of the members and at our last meeting we recognized the explosion of mountain biking in the state of West Virginia and the surrounding states and uh Taylor County does have a mountain bike team which Miss Shoemaker knows you many of those. She's actually been to a few of the meets. So uh there's really Taylor County. Uh the only place that has a trail that's not really long is uh the school bus trail up at the campground at Tiger Lake State Park. In the area kids, they'll practice there some. They'll go down to camp to some, but they just kind of just go up and you know, they kind of do safety training and how to
017in that big bottom there where softball field used to be. And um then they go over to Marian County to uh Valley Falls. There's a a trail there, but it's rather steep. And we kicked around as a development authority Camp to and we understand, we know that Camp Tles is owned by the school board. And what we would like you to consider is the development authority maybe doing a feasibility study to um maybe develop a actual course there. you know, um, of course wouldn't cost cost the schoolboard anything. We we would the county commission and the development authority would would bear the cost of that. I did some research. There's about 85 acres there total. When you go to the bottom all the way to the top, uh, there is no known survey currently. You
018know, I can get on uh, you know, the clerk's website and, you know, they'll do that outline, but that's not an exact, you know, You know, if you ever go out and looked at your own property, it's it's not an exact science. It's close, but it's not exact. But if you decide to give us permission just to do the feasibility and then we would approach the expense of getting it surveyed, you know, so we'd actually have it a survey of it. And if it decide not not to go through or whatever, we would just turn that survey over to you guys so you would have a hard copy or an electronic copy of an actual survey of it. I would probably talk to Tim Break who was the county's surveyor. I know him very well.
019I used to coach him senior league baseball a lifetime ago. But um that's basically all I'm here just to put a you know bug in your guys ears for you to have a conversation to see and then you know I understand you know liability standpoint of insuranceances and stuff like that. I would approach the county commission about maybe getting an umbrella policy for the whole park if we decide to do that. So um it's just something we're kicking around and you know we're in the tire kicking stage of it. But before we go to the next stage, we just want to know if you guys would be on board with that. So that's basically it. You have any questions for me? Oh, that's right. I've made a note of that request. Okay. And can Well,
020maybe I should wait till we get to the end of the meeting, but is there a way to put this on an agenda for the board to discuss something? That was what my note says to throw that on the next agenda for consideration. Well, look how good you're being. I'm trying really hard. My wife says I'm trying too all the time. Trying her patience. Okay. But but would somebody notify me if I'm on that agenda so I can come next? Yeah. Dr. Stallings. Yeah. You still have my phone number. Is that on your form? It's on the form. I'll catch it from there. Thank you. All right. Thank you for your consideration. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Storm. Okay, that brings us to superintendent updates. This Mrs. Gallow, uh, all of you should have a copy,
021hard copy this evening and something I sent you electronically earlier in the weekend, as I try to do every time. Um, rather I will not bore you with I'm hoping that you took the time to read that. That one section seems to be a little bit longer, but was an update regarding uh the status uh of the uh previously discussed and requested information about the Flemington Elementary School concession stand. I know that the board had previously provided them some funding and uh we met with them, Mr. Dolan, Dr. Decker and myself uh met with Mr. Shawl and uh Mr. Fowler and their uh a representative they had of their construct the contractor that they have in mind his name is Mr. Brian. We did talk about the expectations of what they had in mind and
022the uh potential cost for that and as I indicated they the only caution that I had with them is that as the board had indicated that the monies that they were contributing were were to be uh that which would be applied to that and I did pose a question about what happens if it goes beyond that and the commitment from them what Mr. um Shaw indicated that they would cover any expenses beyond that. Uh I do know that uh since that time based on our discussion um there was a contact with or they spoke with the health department and the fire marshall as they uh move forward on their project. Uh, and I understand there were some requirements that were introduced when they were looking at that project. Um, that included uh connecting to I
023believe it's the sewer line and the water line. I'm just looking for an acknowledgement or thank you Mr. Mr. Shaw. He is here and acknowledging at least for the people that are hearing this. Um and so the the only concern is that in order to comply with those particular criteria um we're waiting for them to there was a I believe that what Mr. Shaw indicated they were at this point in the time spring-wise they knew the current spring baseball season has caused them to put a pause on that while they continue to address the preparation of the Anna Jarvis site and then it's my understand they're going to continue to work they'll return to the Flemington site to continue the work that is planned there. Um uh we also know that more recently uh some
024of the progress that's being made is that they were order had ordered the metal that was originally discussed as a part of the building wrapping you might come forward and I'll post that so you can confirm that or not. I hate to speak for you. Uh as long as whatever you say is yes indeed what Dr. Stalling says is accurate. Okay. I will do my best to confirm. So there you did you have indeed touched base with the uh fire marshall and the health department. Yes. And our understanding is that the response you got from them after they investigated the site or reviewed the site or discussed it with you etc. was that there was some additional expectations regarding connecting to water and sewer lines. Yes. Is that correct? Yes. So um and then we
025had ordered some I believe the metal that's expected to be part of the project has been delivered ordered. Ordered or delivered ordered. I think it's being delivered Friday. Okay. And so it is true then Anna Jarvis is in the proc excuse me we're building a new building in front of that but near we're not touching the baseball field. So to be accurate, the information that you're speaking to is actually getting the baseball field prepared at Anna Jarvis for the season. I think that was actually happening when we had our groundbreaking or cornerstone laying ceremony last Saturday. That is true. We were trying to keep the noise down. We appreciate that. Um so that's part of the process that you already received in your narrative. uh and at some point we'll get back together I'm assuming
026with a more of an update from these gentlemen to say okay what is going to be happening and where are we with that both from a funding standpoint as well as uh arrangements and agreements that will need to be happening if in fact some kind of connectivity to existing sewer lines, water lines etc uh need to occur in order to be approved by those entities to move forward as we were hoping this could happen based on your your initial request. Yes. All right. Thank you for your time. That's all I needed. All right. So, good. I got a yes, a yes, and a yes. That's exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Thank you. Likewise, the the group did get together when we were talking about some additional plans for the
027weapons detection utilization in the two buildings, middle and high school, and they are working out that arrangement. So, that is uh in progress or process. Um, I did also, as you saw, to congratulate you. You are now the proud owners of a new facility, um, just west of us. Uh, that's great. We're so excited. And so, we actually have the keys to those properties and we are starting to, uh, make progress and decisions. One of those is uh that I'm going to that the you know one of our purposes is to consider relocating the bus garage there which first needed to have tanks for fuel. Those are being in we're investigating in the process of making those purchases and so those could be above ground is what prompted this entire investigation for additional location of
028a property that is in the offing. Uh we've had both departments transportation and maintenance present on the on the property to see how that can fit. Um Dr. Decker and the uh Mr. Mr. Ballard and Mr. other Mr. Ber there are two and the um Mr. Regger is were there as well working with that with Mr. Pototts and that is happening. Uh we are making an additional purchase of a second uh forklift so that the location both a maintenance and that location that we just purchased can have one for those needs. Um and more on more at 11 when we have more progress. We have done an initial sketch of the floor plan of that building. Uh and that is uh something that Mr. Martin, the architect, had asked that we at least consider as
029a as a start of his recommendations for what to do at that location. I have a question on it. Yes, sir. Go ahead. I have a question on how long do you think it'll take to get to the point to where we can begin using it? Like, is next school year a little bit too soon? I believe the proc once we get the tanks on on scene, we should be able to start that process and the bus garage representatives are ready to move in. I believe they plan to move in over. That's why I was wondering. Yeah. Is is there room in that building to move our ALC to there? That had not been considered. I We'd have to think about that. Yeah, it's it's a thought because there's at this point I'm not sure
030that would accommodate it as needed, but we can certainly that's there has been a discussion of a different location that would be closer to Graphic High School depending on who else moves there. Right. Some of that shifting around of locations and utilization of properties we already own are on the table as considerations that we'll be presenting to you at some point. None of that's finalized yet, of course. We are thinking we're glad to hear you're thinking along those lines. Yeah, we agree that all of the people that have been talking about that are in agreement that we need a site for that as well. Um, also the uh we, as I mentioned in your updates, we received a a phone call requesting the possibility of purchasing the property that was formerly West the Westside School
031location where the board of education and the kindergarten site existed for a long time on Beach Street. Um, quite honestly, my response was, I didn't know we still own the property. I thought that that had been sold to the owners and operators of the PUR, former PER fac, if do you remember PER was the people united for rescue and re rehabilitation of cats. So, uh I was surprised by that, but and we're looking into the status of do you own that and are you interested in selling it? All those questions are needing to be asked. Um more on that at 11 as well. It's odd. Odd. That's very odd that we own that property. Well, it's very odd that we didn't own this property when I know that we had had discussions years ago of
032owning it, but now we own that property and I've never even been told. That's true. And see see my one of my plans was ask those that have been on the board a while, do you own that property still? I did not know that. I've been I was away when that shift happened. Uh that building has been raised already. So that lot is sitting there and that may have went what piqu that person's interest. I don't know. We'll we'll look into that further. Um also the update um the cornerstone laying ceremony we had last Saturday which seems like it was a month ago but it was just a week ago. I I wanted you to know and I think I mentioned it in your updates that I was I received a phone call from one
033of the representatives of the Masonic Lodge, not from the local one but from the state who indicated his membership had been in excess of 50 years of as a Mason. And during that time he indic he indicated that during that time he has attended countless uh ceremonies of that nature. the ground the keep calling it groundbreaking the cornerstone laying ceremony and uh he wanted me to know that uh the one we exper he experienced on Saturday was one of the nicest he's ever attended to our credit but also I want to do a shout out for um Mike Drainer who is the superintendent serving us on that construction site who took his own time on Saturday after the rain had happened the night before and muddied the area. Uh he took the time of his
034private time and came in early and did a lot of spreading of gravel and leveling things and placing things appropriately to make it really nicer for us. And I met with him earlier today during construction meeting and also shared with him our thanks for that effort. um he didn't need to do that, but he he both prepared it for us and then was kind enough to store the stone because of course we placed it ceremonially. Uh but it needed to be moved so we could actually continue the preparation of the property so that we could then start laying the footer so that the stone can actually start being laid. So that it's in good hands, I've been assured as well. Um, also I hope it's a positive. Uh we've talked with uh Chief Coleman Durret
035who has jurisdiction over the city police and we are uh we will I believe um we have enter we will be entering a recommendation to enter a memorandum of understanding because we believe we have two officers that one will continue to serve as an SRO at the half high school and we have a second individual to serve at Anna Jarvis. those two schools are within his jurisdiction. We continue to move forward as we can to identify we you know the goal is all five uh police department and the sheriff's department although they're both we appreciate both of them one has jurisdiction over certain schools the other has jurisdictions over the other so those other conversations will continue where we are so far but that's a positive step forward um also just as a reminder u
036miss Garvin's not here but I know she want me to remind you once again this is the week where we do the theater production of Legally Blonde at Grafton High School happening Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of this the end of this week. Thank you for your time. Thank you. That brings us to board member updates. Hearing none board committee reports. Okay, that takes us to the 2000 series. Um, superintendent respectfully requests approval of the minutes for the levy and the regular meetings on March 25th, 2025 and the special meeting uh minutes for April 3rd, 2025. And I know we had some um adjustments to those left here at our seats. So have a motion to approve those. I move we approve those as adjusted. Second. So Mr. Taylor moves. Um and Mrs. Knots seconds for
037those meeting minutes as they were adjusted. Any discussion? All those in favor? I. Any oppose? 4 Z. So then that moves us uh further down to some policies which are first and second readings. Uh I'd like to ask a question about uh uh item number 2220 which is the lactating employees thing is uh I notice on that that uh it says that it would be uh unpaid time and I appreciate that but uh there isn't any direct method in here other than if they can perform duties while they're uh undergoing this process uh uh that that it would the time would be excused. But there's no provision in here for them to make up that time as as they could and and I I think that policy needs to be uh needs to reflect an
038ability for them to make up the time. I'd hate to see some lactating mother have to have their pay docked because it's unpaid time. So, is that the specific portion you want to have edited? Yes, I I I you I I think it would warrant looking through that and possibly coming up with an edit that would make it uh less likely that we would dock somebody's pay for for that. I I'd also like to maybe add to that if they choose. I mean, maybe some wouldn't mind being docked the pay because most people might have to stay after, you know what I mean? Maybe do some extra planning or stay after school day to make up that time and maybe they don't want to do that. So, you're suggesting provide some options. Yes. Okay. that
039would be acceptable to me. But I I just think the unpaid time for that and and and no option built in to uh replace that unpaid time would doesn't please me. I agree up to our administrators because I it's my understanding that most of them do that during a planning time or or lunchtime and so they are not we are not docking their pay but we to make sure everyone's following them we can bring that up and clear that language up there might be a time where that doesn't happen like there may be a time that they have to do it during a school, you know what I mean? Right. They're playing. Yeah. So, we'll bring that up. She was like our service personnel is that was a new a newly introduced policy and uh
040your your questions are duly noted. Thank you. Do we have, sorry, this is kind of maybe related, maybe not, but do we have facilities for them to use that are clean and private and they can be behind a locked door for that? Again, I'd have to defer to our building principles because I I would assume we we did our situation and therefore they're able to secure Okay. Like likewise, we provided the privacy at the central office in the past. It was a struggle when I did it personally. I taugh my rest time and it's cold during rest time. It was taken care of, you know, but that was that was my situation, but we've kind of changed that since that time. We can also discuss that further at like administrative council. So, we have all
041the administrative presence they can help with that. Sure. I know it's something that we're looking at at my place of employment provide making sure that we have adequate spacing and privacy and and cleanliness of those types of facilities so that we can meet those needs of our lactating mothers. So, okay. Any other additional concerns or comments regarding the first and second readings of the policies? Okay. Then um that brings us to uh item 2229. So there was a a correction there of a wording. So the superintendent respectfully requests the approval of the item 2229 in the 2000 series. That information was previously approved. It's just a wording error that we had in there. Moved. Mrs. Knots moves second. Mr. Taylor seconds. All those in favor? I ns [Music] 4. That moves us uh down to
042the 3000 series. So we have our travel school calendar. Yeah. Chaperrons request of facilities. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items 3174 through 3179 in the 3000 series. Moved. Mrs. Knots moves. I'll second. Any discussion or questions? Is there a second? I did. I'm sorry. Okay. All those in favor? I I Do we officially have a calendar now. Yay. Yes, ma'am. And may I say amen? I do, too. All right, that moves us down to the 4,000 series financial. So, Mr. Dolan, do you have anything additional for us on your or at your seats this evening? I provided uh each of you a copy of our completed audit. Um, as Steuart and Campbell uh conducted our countywide audit uh for FY24, um they provided a letter for each of you uh for an overview of um
043what they did, their procedures they used and uh everything came out good. It'll be some nice bedtime reading. Yeah, I was gonna say I'm not a speed reader, but so that'll um in addition, I also provided um just as an update. Um at your desk, I paper clipped together our two um two savings accounts. Um the first page is is our general savings uh with the dollar amount and our current balance. And the second one are the proceeds from the um the bond sales. Um and it shows the interest and withdrawal for the first you know for the first payout that we um encountered for the construction of the new school. other items in your packet. Uh we had a few budget supplements um to transfer some money for some um repairs at Grafton High
044School. Uh we also received one grant award uh since the last time we met. I believe that was a grant for the middle school for some travel. And then the additional items in your packet are the schedule of checks that have been written and will be written upon their approval. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items in the 4,000 series. Moved. Mrs. Knots moves. Mr. Taylor seconds. Any discussion, questions for the next. All right, that's okay. Hearing none, uh, we'll take for a vote. Um, all those in favor. I I have it. 4 Z. So, that moves us uh down to our 5,000 series student matters personnel. I have a question. Uh item number 54.99 is a resignation. Do I have to recuse myself from a resignation as well as a application? I would I would
045I would say yes. Yeah. Okay. I'd like a separate vote on item 54.99. So, we have a motion to uh vote separately on item 54.99. Do I have a second? Second. Mrs. Not seconds. Mr. Taylor u moves that. So, we'll do that first. That's okay with you. Yeah, we'll vote on that first if you want to. You want to vote on it being a separate? Oh, sorry. Yes. All those in favor? I I 4 Z. Okay. Sorry. All right. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of item 5499 in the 5000 series. moved. Mrs. Knots moves. I will second. All those in favor? I so three. Can let Mr. Taylor back in. It's always better to air on the side of caution. Mr. Taylor, why I asked the question? Thank you. Okay. Superintendent respectfully requests approval of items
0465497 through 550 with the exception of 54.99 in the 5000 series. Moved. Mrs. Knots moves. Second. Mr. Taylor seconds. Any discussion? Where is 5500? Why are we losing her? She's She's pretty good coach for those girls. I thought I had a typo. Yours, huh? I thought I had a typo and you you were talking about the person. My apologies. You didn't know what you're asking. That's why I was like, what? I'm just wondering. Right. So, we have a motion. We have a second by Mr. Taylor. All those in favor? I I have it. 4 Z. So it takes us down to the 8000 series. So board member comments and discussions. So we do have the first item that is pulled. Um so we'll look at discussion regarding personnel. All right. Well, we this is not
047going to take long. That's the good news. So regarding next board meeting, this is when we'll do our personnel actions during the riff and transfer season. So last year we cleaned up most of those areas that where we had er funding and double funding of certain positions. So we cleaned most of that up and so we are going to remain pretty much the same as we are this year. There are only going to be three people that will be impacted by a movement letter. So we will have um a couple of those just due due to the size of enrollment in the schools where we have to shift grade levels which you'll get all the specific information next week but and then um we also have two other ones just d just based on enrollment
048that we will have to um reduce and that will happen by uh their probationary as they're the least senior but I have no worries that they will not return back once we repost different positions that we will have due to movement. We would have had a few others, but because of people leaving or shifting, we that took care of some of those naturally. So, we did not have to impact anyone else in those buildings. So, it's really going to be a light um a riff and transfer season for us because you all did a great job last year with with cleaning a lot of that up. So, I'm blessed and I've talked to some of my other colleagues and that's not the the case, but we are blessed here. We will uh carry about the
049same. We have about 30 people that we carry over. So that's pretty much split down the middle with professional and service. So some of those numbers come from the generosity that you give for providing each school a nurse which it puts us over formula because our numbers we don't get reimbursed for a nurse at every school. But obviously we feel that that's important. Also some positions like Mr. Dolan um Mrs. McCarthy, some of these things that are very important to us, but we do not get funded for count in that that number that puts us over. And then of course, our service personnel are are most of the time our special education aids that put us over that number. So, but again, those are all things that we need and thanks to the levy and
050that support, we're able to fund that, but it's not really changing from where we ended up last year for this year. Any questions? You'll get more specifics next on the next week's agenda, but I really can't give you that until it's in front of you on an agenda. But this is just a big picture of of personnel overall. But you'll see it on the 15. While you're giving kudos, pat yourself on the back. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We're trying. I will also say that um if there's one thing that I would I would give recognition and into and to the personnel office and I I'm not taking credit for that. I really give that credit to Jeie and to Danielle who's we've added on is that and I hope these ladies in the
051back will help support that. But we have had fewer days with large numbers not covered with substitutes. So our average is way down from last year that Shelly especially. Yeah. So we are we have our average is is really ranging between two and three. Um whereas last year we had double digits a lot of days that we weren't we had jobs unfilled. And so I will give credit to to Miss Jeannie Connor who does a lot of that in in my office of of contacting people when we notice that people are not taking positions. She's she's reaching out to them and asking them if they are still interested in doing that. And then we also test more for the service personnel. And of course we are encou we are going places and trying to get
052people to become substitute teachers. So that is um something that we've really tried hard to focus on and has been improved upon this year. So I give them credit for that. So that's a great great news to share for every that's good especially. So then the other item that we have was the Flemington Elementary concession stand. So I'm not sure if there's any other additional things you wanted to add there. No, I I included that as a part of the updates uh intentionally so that in case you had some and also in the agenda in case there was additional information that you had in mind with regard to discussion of it. Um it's right now in a holding pattern. Uh, but I do have a the reservation that I continue to have the reservation about
053the costs in case it continues to go higher. Um, as as we've been told by the gentlemen that are trying to repair and fix it, uh, it is your property and those kind of decisions need to be brought to the attention of of the Taylor County Board of Education. So, um, that's all I have at this point, but I do have a question. I I understand the reason for it to be on hold because we are we're in opening little league baseball season. Um but I just wanted to inquire do we have um a projected timeline or you know due dates or things like that for certain phases of this to because I just don't want this to be carrying on for like 10 months down the road and we still don't have this done.
054Indeed when it was presented initially there was an urgency to do that. I was surprised or taken back when they put one on hold by preparing the other. Um I appreciate the fact that we need to have preparing Anna Jarvis. That makes sense to me as well. I don't have a timeline from them. Uh I think what is way back when we started the conversation when my caution was making sure we talk to the health department if they're going to be serving any kind of food from there. That's essential. as well as the the fire marshal if in fact they're going to renovate to uh and whatever renovations I'm not a contractor but the information I shared with you that the photograph I shared with you caused me pause uh they have reassured me that
055that's really more topical but I believe as they started separating the wall boards from within it it looked a lot more involved Um, again, I'm not a contractor. I've been assured that's incidental that that'll be addressed by them. Uh, and I just the reason I keep mentioning that is I the two things. One, the additional cost because I believe it looks a little bit more severe than was originally was suggested um as they discover and get into the layers of the building. The other is now having heard from the water department and the health department there if we're expected to be connecting that facility to our school facility. Remember it sits across the parking lot. It may if in fact they move forward on that. I would like to think that the board will be
056approving those steps that say we that's there's more expense than just the building. That's my concern. And again, I'm not a contractor, but connecting whatever is going to be required of them to continue and be approved by those entities. Uh, does that mean we there's cutting of the parking lot to access the building? I understand that the sewer line from the building goes across the back field, the playground of the school from the center, meaning where the ladies room is located. And that means the boys's restroom on the east end of the building closer to the facility, the concession stand. Somehow from that point of the building, it goes west to the girls restroom which was the original and other end of the building which is now the beginning the center of the building. And
057so it then goes from there out across the play the playyard. So, does is a separate line expected to go across the ball field to connect to that sewer line that's out in the field somewhere? All those things aren't firmed up. And I've talked to Mr. Mr. Pototts a little bit about that as well. We just have those questions before anything is done that starts tearing something up to make an improvement, which seems to always happen. Those questions need to there's a mud field in front of Anna Jervis, but there's going to be a great beautiful school there soon. But there's an example. You have to tear it up to make it nice. I just don't want to make I don't want to ignore the fact that having requested make sure we confirm with those
058entities so that you don't have someone knocking on your door from those entities to say to the board now this is your property. This is your facility. Why are didn't you get a permit to do that? Or you see, there's a lot more pieces to this puzzle. I'm not disparaging the fact that we've you've approved the concession stand. I just want it to be done correctly, safely so that you don't end up having to revisit and with egg on your face as the board that said, "Gee, we hadn't thought about that." That is not to disparrage the gentlemen that are coming forward, Mr. Shaw, Mr. Fowler, Mr. Brian, any of those individuals to help make this better. I'm just there's some questions to be answered. I don't have those answers. That's why I put it
059on there in case you want I to make sure that part of your discussion was ongoing. Yeah, that was that was my concern, you know, seeing some of the issues that are now coming to light. just thinking, you know, I know school will be out for the summer, but is this potentially a project that will be going on when we start the new school year. So, just want to keep your point and the questions regarding timeline, they're well taken. Hence the reason to once they finish up getting rid of Ana Jarvis my expectation would be they need to come back and tell us what so what's the yeah where are we and what's the next step such as what have you heard from these entities and what how are what brainstorming needs to happen to
060figure out how to move forward with that. I'm sure you'll keep us we'll try up to date. Any other comments, concerns in the 8,000 series? All right, that takes us to the 9,000 series uh future meetings. So, when we have one following this, right, for our budget, um April 15th uh for the levy at 6, April 15th at 605. both of those here at the board office, April 29th at 6 at the board office, May 13th at the board office, and then May 20th at the board office. You don't have any other things we need to I'm happy to tell you no, I do not. All right, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn this meeting. Mr. Taylor makes the motion. I'll second to adjourn the board meeting at 7 o'clock. Can we back on that?
061All in favor? All in favor? I I Okay. So, we are adjourned. All right, it is 7:04. I'm going to call the meeting to order. All board members are present with the exception of Mrs. Garvin. Um, it is the practice of our board of education to begin our meeting with prayer and the pledge of allegiance. We invite you to bow your heads for prayer and stand to join us in the pledge if you so choose. Mr. Dowy, please bow your head. 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. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands nationy
062and justice for all. Dr. Stallings, is there any adjustments to this agenda? No, Mrs. Galla, there are or not or none? No. Superintendent respectfully requests the approval of the agenda as presented. Mr. Mr. Taylor moves second. But I am I permitted to ask question about the agenda? Yeah, we've had a first and a second. So I'm going to ask how we're numbering these meetings. 34 and 35. Shouldn't we have them as one meeting? Didn't we discuss that? Shouldn't everything have been part of a 34? They fall into two different categories. One's more of a special meeting, one's a regular meeting. But as we talked with Mr. Brown, he clarified that for I suggested the concept of if we, for lack of better words, if we pray and pledge, does that constitute a meeting? And then
063we pray and pledge, does that constitute another meeting? His response to me was no that that this evening would be once you come here for the meeting you that's one you receive for one meeting just like your training if you go for a two-day training at Stonewall that's one training not two dis but if you're numbering them 34 and 35 that's two meetings they should be numbered 34 except that one's categorized as a regular meeting one's categorized as se a special meeting. So what happens if we have 52 meetings this year? You'll be paid for the per that per the code you'll be paid for the 40 plus the five if you have your pardon. I said plus the two the trainings of course. Yes. Yeah. I feel like that's a little great because like
064if we had this meeting tomorrow night I don't like numbering the meetings. We can look into that as a non-paid meeting. If they're a non-paid meeting, I don't want them numbered that way. I want to be able to keep track on my own where we are. So, at this point, I feel that this is the 35th meeting and all board members should have been paid should be paid up to 35 meetings tonight. If we're not getting paid for this meeting, then I feel we should something different. Yeah. Or make it part of the other agenda. We can look into that and we don't pray. We don't you know what I mean, right? Because Yeah. That's just because I thought we had discussed we we talked to the state and that we could have counted them
065as one meeting and not not get paid for two. But because we numbered them separate meetings, we should go ahead and do it and then change our process. But I I just think it's confusing. I think it's a gray area and I think it's hard to keep track of if we were numbering them and not getting paid. You know what I mean? It's they're not on the payroll. Is the budget meeting something? So then that should be a paying required meeting. Should be a paid meeting. I'm just telling you what Mr. Brown clarified. He said once you gather this you tonight you're having one meeting. You may be having two different based on that special or regular. He indicated that would be considered one payment. I think required meetings statutoily required meetings should be paid
066meetings. That's how I I'm not Mr. Brown. I just I just relied on his response. We can look into it, but I we've asked him that now three times and all three times for the same response. He's saying it can be could could be doesn't have to be. I mean, that should be then a board the board's call, right? I mean, there's no state code that says how that should be done. He's just says you'll be paid for the four. Exactly. So, why does it matter? The five number them. Let's number them. Clear out. get paid for them clear out and then if we have four extra meetings at the end of the year that we don't get paid for which was that's easier to take to to that's easier to for me to for
067I think all of us to um follow. So if we go clear up to if we get go clear up to 52 we know we're not getting paid for 12 right or seven. But at this point I'm going back and I'm looking at well I don't know if I got paid for 35. I don't If I got paid for 29 and 30, but if we start at meeting one and go clear out to wherein it ends, then I know I got paid for meeting one clear up to wherever how many ever we're allowed to get paid for. Does that make sense? 34A and 34B as Dr. Decker just suggested. We can that's whatever you that's not the practice that we I inherited and you know that term it was on fire when I laid down
068on it that concept but this is just a continuation of what's been done in the past and in the past we got paid for every single meeting we had whether they were on one night or not until we met that statutoily stat that cap that law by that number that cap then we didn't get paid so there were maybe two meetings in May and two meetings in June that you didn't get paid for, which is fine, but we were over that cap. I think we should go from one to whatever that cap number is and stop throughout the year. It's just confusing to skip then and you're numbering them and it it's just I think we should number one clear to the end cap and then when we're done, we're done. Well, I agree that
069I think we need some clarification on this. I think we don't want to veer too far um so that we're within what our agenda is stating here. So I have a motion and I have a second. We had discussion. Are we ready to vote? I'm ready to vote, but I'd like to see that on another agenda for discussion. All those in favor? I. Any nays? You guys have it four to zero. So that moves us to uh the 4,000 series financial for our budget workshop. Historically we've gone to the table. Is that where you all would like to conduct business or would you like to stay at your seats? Whatever you guys want to do. Oh, let's let's just stay here then so people can hear. Do you want a mic? Oh, you got one.
070If you're live streaming, it should say where the mics are. Historically, they've gone into executive session just because of discussion matters. Do we want That's not my call. Well, let's go. Let's move forward. if we start talking about something that we don't feel should be out in public, but this is budget, so I think the public is is entitled to hear about next year's or, you know, our budget situation and then if we feel there's confidential stuff, we'll take it in. Unless you guys overrule that, I don't care either way. I think we'll move forward and then if uh we come across um maybe personnel discussion that we need to uh revisit we can do that at that time. Okay. Or if you think there's something we need to go into. All right. I'm going
071to hand out some documents that please go to the mic. Sorry. You come to the podium if you'd like. I'll hand out these documents and then I'll sit back down here. Thank you. More than we got. More than we did. I'm not a psychiat. So the first page I provided um Dr. and I sat down and these are uh projects that are currently ongoing or we're getting ready to uh start here very very soon. Um so just to make you aware of you know the items that we have have going on currently uh and then items to think about you know for discussion uh when we include stuff to uh or items to include in the budget for the upcoming year. Uh the second set of papers are just the um some of the items
072for the principles for the uh supplements that we discussed last year. um for student council, the chess advisor, items like that, and the coaching supplements just for your all for your considerations if there's going to be any changes for those uh before the the budget presentation uh at the end of the month. So last week or at the last meeting uh at there in March, we set the levy rates um and those will you know those will be approved hopefully next week. Um given the dollar figures that the the current levy and excess levy will generate uh that are projected for FY26 the the there's a the money's down a little bit and I indicated that when we you know set the levy rates um some of the factors uh that surround that are just
073the way that the state now calculates um some of the personal property taxes So, the general levy is down about $650,000 and the excess levy is down um 392,000 because the the state changed the way that they calculate like the vehicle tax now. So, some some people um got that break on their taxes and stuff. So, they changed the way they calculated that. Plus, they also went back through they recognized last year that they had overvalued uh the wells um in in all in all counties. So, they had to do a reassessment of the values of wells. So, that brought that brought some of those those dollar figures down for the year. We're still we're still collecting over um over our excess levy amount. Um so, as in the past, Anything that's collected over and
074above is divided out um under that 50 30 20 split for the excess levy. Um I'm working still working through the budget. I will have um you know I will have that information finalized for you by the end of the month. Um, so it's just a matter, you know, a matter of working through working through those budget items to um to see to whittle. I say whittle, but uh, you know, bring things down to account uh, for all the dollars that we're going to spend for next year. We um, as you all know, uh, the state did not uh provide any salary increases for the year. Um however there is a 14% increase for PEIA and that's for both sides of it. That's for the employee and the employer employer share. So that is that's
075a 14% cost cost increase. Yes. And so um employees will bas will see that in addition to the 14% increase there was also an additional amount if your spouse uh was not um not insured by PEIA wasn't a schoolboard employee or state employee. So that costing that cost went from $150 a month for a person up to $400 a month. So that any any employee that has a spouse that doesn't fall in that category has to pay that sir charge on top of the 14%. So um through the month of March uh we do you know we are projected to have a carryover amount for next year. Um it's been in line it's in line with um carryovers that we've had in the past. Um so as it stands right now I'm I'm safe in
076saying that we will have uh we will have about a $4 million carryover for next year from this year to next year. Um 4 million that is correct sir. So, we'll have those dollars to to work with. Those aren't included in the budget because they're not finalized and we don't have them. So, but those will be carried forward, you know, once we finalize all the expenditures for FY25. Um, so we will have those have those numbers solid numbers for you by um September, October. Yes. Yes, I absolutely do. I just asked the question of our treasurer that this board has really dedicated a lot of funds to a lot of projects this year. We spent a good amount of money and wanted to make sure that he felt still felt really comfortable and solid on
077where we sit after those projects because I mean we're making improvements across the system but it costs a lot of money to make improvements across the system and it always scares me to spend funds but I think we feel pretty good about it especially after I asked him the question. the one of the reasons why I provided the information, you know, to you earlier or from the pre from the last meeting um uh that we just closed out uh with the savings account. So, you could see that those dollars are still, you know, we're still putting money away. We still have I I continue to carry our bank account. I try to keep it at least one and a half million dollars in our bank account at all times. Um, and that's where it's currently
078sitting. Um, when I checked it before we had our meetings this evening. So, like I said, I try to keep that going. Uh, we have, you know, money that goes out, money that comes in. You know, we're still we're still expecting money, you know, to collect money from the excess levy. Uh, those checks tend to come in, you know, midway through midway through the month. Uh, so everybody's everybody's probably finishing up paying their property taxes and stuff here in the month of in the month of April. Um, like I said, there's a few dollars that trickle in from the excess levy in in May and June uh if people were paying paying late. uh the state pays us, you know, for the other dollar figures as they uh you know, for our uh student aid
079uh throughout the year and those come in and then I continue to do draw downs on our spe our federal programs um that we get those uh le or grant funds for. So um at this time like I said the I'd like to hear, you know, what everybody's thoughts are on ideas or projects that um they'd like to see for the upcoming year. Um so I can try to get those included in the budget as I work through that. So I do see the CLAB renovations uh on there. More to come on that I guess on Friday. There's a meeting with that. Yes. Okay, we don't have Are we going Where are we? That's not a board meeting. It's just we're meeting with Mr. the architect meeting with the artic. I will say there already
080there are a few things not on here that are already in the works that I think um so I kind of went through what the principles submitted to Mr. Pot. So Mr. Pototts and I met with all building level administrators and then we met with Dr. Stallings and we prioritized the the list based on what they wanted. There are a couple things not on here. I want to make sure that some of them you've already approved. So, it's already happened. Like at Flemington, the the rest of the asbestous removal from that building and the flooring will be done this summer as well. You've already approved that expenditure. So, that's on there. We also have some uh retiling of some bathrooms that we're going to have to do. Again, that's not going to be a major
081expense, but it is on the capital improvement side of things. Uh also at Grafton High School, uh they're obviously the new bathrooms are I believe that's what the facility is building. New restrooms are on there, but also they're upgrading the lighting in Scotty Hamilton, which again is not going to be major expense, but it is going to be an expense. Also, um some replacement of some stage curtains that need to happen there. That was on the capital improvement list that um have had some rot and things that are we're kind of being it's going to be a necessity. we were not going to have an option. The one major uh capital improvement request that the middle school asked for that Dr. Stallings uh we went through and prioritized was they requested the bottom parking lot
082that's gravel to be to be black topped and so we we are exploring that that's getting ready to go out. Um and then just some little things there. There's nothing else. And then West Taylor the only other thing I would really say might be somewhat costly but we're looking at some options. It's not going to be hugely not like canopy expensive, but we're going to retile some bathrooms there as well just due to they power wash them. It's just time grout's coming up, different things as that. So, those are some other areas. That's not our summer crew. Those were on the capital improvement list. So, I wanted to make sure that you knew those were also approved by Dr. Stylings to move forward. So, we are investigating all those. I've said this for I don't
083know how many years that I've been on the board and I know you guys have listened to me, but I would again love to have auditorium seats done at the high school, but I know that's I just got to say it. I'm going to continue to but being able to determine how to do that. Indeed, Mrs. Knots, back on my former time here in Taylor County, uh that was broached back when even back with Diana Weaver, if you remember her working with us. Uh actually, that's when the initial recarpeting of it was done. And there was uh mixed reviews about that. Absolutely right. There are very many people who are just so connected to the the original seats and people will complain about them because they're not comfortable. Um it is a very costly venture
084if we proceed with that. I'm not weighing in one way or the other. I'm just telling you historically it's been each time that's been Yeah, I think you'll recall that too. You're very right. The last time we had it on an agenda at a meeting discussing it heavily then it was all over social media that people upset that we were going to get rid of their seats. But indeed, I'm going to be honest. What I think I think it would do to the look of that auditorium would improve tremendously. And I understand we have an emotional connection to those seats, but there's something we could do there, too, right? I mean, we could auction off those seats to people that want them or we can maybe leave a section. And I'm with Mrs. Knots. I
085think that is definitely something that interests me as well that I would like to see. I mean, we're making a lot of improvements to our athletic um facilities. Um we've made a lot of improvements to Taylor County Middle School. I think the auditorium at the high school I I totally agree with her and I we understand that the seats are going to be a little bigger and I think what did we say the last time we talked about it. How many seats would we lose? I believe I believe I think I was think 70 I think is what we're telling something of that nature but we could look into that because the but as large as that auditorium is we're still going to be probably the largest seated currently has seating for about a thousand
086I'm having a joke here that's okay I did that earlier I think we'll still be the largest auditorium in the state even with losing 70 seats wouldn't we the largest in the north central area as far as I know. So I mean I think we owe it to our music departments and our music students to have a you know we have the competitions for entertainers and we used to I don't know if we did we this year have the did we have an inount competition with entertainers? We have been in the last few years. The entertainers did the cavalcade type responses. Yeah. Did they have one this year? I don't know we've had one here this year yet. We did last year I think and we have in recent years but um we used to
087sponsor and those are all day long and having people sit plus our theater. I mean yeah exactly. I just think it would improve the look of that auditorium and I think I understand that we have emotional connections to those seats and the county. But I feel that once they see the the improvements that they will the county will be very pleased with what we do there and maybe we can with those seats somewhere along the way to I don't know. I have a question about the lighting that you mentioned at Scotty Hamilton. Is that going to be uh similar to what's at TCMS? It's going to be an LED upgrade. Okay. There's been many comments about the dimness of the building of the facility. We're trying to brighten everything up inside and out. And I
088know the um audio system at TCMS is better than the one at the Grafton High School um gym. So just from personal comments I've heard. I think the one at the middle school was recently replaced. Yeah. I don't know if that's or improved on. So maybe it was my understand that the sound and lighting system was to be re redone there. Yeah, I think in this auditorium. Yeah, because I think the one Well, I'm talking about the gym. Yeah, to do Scotty Hamilton. Talking gym, not auditorium. I apologize. We got off I got confused. Gym. You were correct. Um just curiosity, you know, I know we've done the baseball field and I know we're keeping a pulse on the um football field and I see we're getting lighting here for the tennis court. So, I
089just wanted to inquire about our softball field. Is there anything uh needed there? Um, I had two conversations. I'm sorry. So, we currently do not have anything for lighting at any of the fields. So, on Mrs. Shoemaker's request, we have a the tennis court resurfacing that's definitely planned that you're going to see on a future agenda because it came in at a reasonable price compared to past quotes that we've received. And then on Mrs. shoemakers future reminders to be thinking of is that and how this conversation started on there is she has McKenna field turf will more than likely need to be replaced in 2026 and when that happens the track will also need resurfaced at that time. So we did receive a quote from the same company for the tennis courts for the track
090resurfacing. Um and then also the request was since the this is the comment that has been made. I cannot uh give you the accurate date of this but it's been said to me that the football field lights were similarly placed as the baseball field lights. So this is a request on her capital improvements to replace the McKenna field lights. And so it would be my belief and I we spoke to this this past week that if we are getting a quote to replace McKenna field lights, we should also then get a quote to replace the softball softball lights and tennis because tennis does not have lighting. Well, softball lights, they don't have. So those would be those are going to be the softball lights. The last time there were any lights placed on that field,
091they were purchased North Marian softball old lights when they replaced theirs because they were better than what we had. and our coaches at the time, which our coaches at the time over at softball found that they were taking them down at North Marion and put them put them on our brought them to our field. That's when Kathy Green was here. She helped with that. So, yeah, I think softball deserves to have the lights. So, that's I know that when we we received the quote back for the tennis courts and we were like, what? Yes, this is great news. The price of that. Um and then that was the discussion that the three of us then moved on and said if we are going to be doing that we would want to do McKenna Field all
092as like a package. We don't want to ask the money to be spent on resurfacing the track and then have to replace the lighting because then you'd have to drive over the track. So we would want to look at how we could piece this all together in a timeline. And if we were getting a quote for that then we should also get a quote for those other Okay. In speaking with the gentleman from Musco Lighting, um he said they've worked with uh Astro Turf in the past and they they coordinate everything if that's how we how we wish to proceed with that project. So they're not stepping over each other uh during that project. So if they have to put in any new lines for, you know, for conduits or anything like that for the
093lighting, like I said, that way they work around work around not tearing stuff up or anything of that nature. So So I have a couple couple questions and comments. Um, one, well, okay, first one I want to mention, I want to make sure and I've asked this, I think I asked the same question last year. We have had money set aside since we had the friends of McKenna field built. We still have that and we're going to have enough right to cover the re That is correct. The re the track I mean the turf turf the surface of the little to replenish all of that. So we're good to go there. Correct. That is correct. So now I'm looking at the baseball field. Are we doing the same thing there to where we would have
094to replace that in 10 years and upkeep and making sure we're putting enough aside for that baseball resurface or re-upkeep of their that turf because I'm sure it's the same thing that you're going to have to do something with it later on too. Correct. Yes. They they say that it you can replace that in sections a little bit differently than you can the football field be because baselines will will have more you know um use and wear and tear. So you might have to replace that in different sections. So we have talked about that we are doing the service agreement with them to service to service that just like they have done the football field. Um as far as the money set aside that's Mr. Dolan question. Yeah. I just don't want to I don't
095want a future board, which in 10 years this will be all different, right? I don't want a future board sitting here and being stuck with, oh no, we got to replace that and why didn't the board previous to us think of putting money aside like that? So, and then my third question is, my goodness, how often do you know how many times we've resurfaced that tennis court that I can remember? I mean is that normal? I think this is the fourth time I can remember and in recent years it's not I mean how often does that normally need to be done? It's my understand we are not arguing but my understand the most recent time it's been a it's been a patching and or filling of cracks which is a a quick fix I remember
096it was resurfaced resurfacing right right right and that was c that was a while back but it needed redone so I'm wondering if because of that it wasn't done correctly. The contractor came in, basically messed it all up. Then they had to come back in and redo it and pass. That was back in Kathy Green's error. She had to take care of that issue. And I'm wondering if there's a problem with that surface because of that because of that how that was done wrong in the past. I'm just wondering if that's why we're having a lot of problems with it and have to keep going in. And I know upkeep's normal, but that seems abnormal to me, but I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong. He came on site. All I know is it's the gentleman
097from Astro Turf who did the baseball field and he he came in and gave us a quote for that. He he came looked at the the surface. He also came to the track and pointed out some places that he would need to do a little bit of work when he was redoing the track. He did not mention that there was any major okay problem. So, he did come on site with Mr. pots in Alvara and then send us back the information. So, we're hopeful that maybe it's just tennis. Maybe that's how it is. I don't know. Plus, it's outside. I mean, to the elements. We need to just monitor the shoes that are on the on the surface as well because I know that there was some issues a couple years ago with some cleats
098and some other things and um it was addressed and it was corrected. But when the damage is done, you know, you're already there and and and don't don't mistake that for me saying that there was damage done. It was just it was noticed, it was corrected, and it would move forward. But did that happen 10 times before it was ever noticed? You know, so I know nothing for about tennis for the record. I think I've ran my mouth enough. Oh, Dr. Stalling just saying you're not even up to par, Melissa. All good discussion. All good discussion. So, I know we may not know yet because we just acquired this property, but uh where our future bus garage is. Um I see some things that you all have here, but um that that whole area is
099either gravel or grass. Like are we expecting any projects there as far as that goes? They they have not indicated they have any desire to do anything with the changing that piece. Well, yeah. Or more gravel or more possibly need that once we get into that. But um like I said, we've they've only technically been on site one time and they're just starting to get um the layout. Mr. POTS has been there several times with people, but the transportation department's only been there technically. So before they before they move in, I would like them for you guys to go in and say, "What I mean, I know it's a bus garage, but I still want to be comfortable for people to work in. So, do we need painting done? Do we need any walls put
100up? Do we need those kind of conversations have started? It's already happening. The other thing I wanted to mention that with regard to Mrs. Galla's question is my understanding that when you pursue when you purchase the tanks the arrange the we've had people on site from the transportation department to figure out uh recommended placement so it can be accessed from both sides and that there will be and I'm going to speak as if I know what I'm talking about. I'm going to defer to Mr. Mr. Dolan and Dr. Decker. I believe there will need to be some electric underground connectivity to those pumps and things so that they can function. So some of that surfacing graveled or paved or whatever decision happens would be the result of trying to make sure that has been done
101to prepare those tanks to be operational. Luckily if you remember this site so there is electric on every exterior light pole there. So there are a lot of electric drops throughout there. So it will it should not be major there's close electricity everywhere you are around that building. So but there will have to be some work done for that as um they have looked at that and and have some ideas and Mr. Dolan of course is working with the company on the tanks and their requirements and then um a fueling spot today. So, our our mechanics have recommended some spots that they would would want the buses to be able to come in both ways to be able to fill and and so we are working with them as as they are the experts in
102that and and trying to arrange all that. I notice it says discovered roof leaks. How bad are those? Um, again, I asked I specifically asked if they felt like it needed a new roof and they said no. Um, we asked that when we were touring the Yeah. So, um, they they were exploring and Mr. Dolan and Mr. Pots, they were exploring a coating to put on it. Um, it's it's a metal roof. So, some typical just filling of things and some a coating that they have explored putting on that. So, but I I even said would the best route to just be put a new roof on it. So, and they were like we're not to that point. It wasn't anything like we're gushing water in the building. We asked that when we toured. Yeah.
103Unless something had drastically changed in the last couple years. If you're facing the building, it was the back portion back. Mostly in the garage. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And it was exactly what you're saying. Yeah. Yeah. Mostly in the garage areas where I mean we've had lots of rain. So Mr. Pots has got to go down and see everything that happens when it rains down there. So, um, that's going to be his, I believe, what he they're exploring as as an option to to fix some of that. And he's had the heating and cooling looked at. So, we're we're doing all those things of what we might need to upgrade for that. And and tomorrow, um, Miss Mrs. Vandergrift and myself are going down with our, uh, advantage technologies for what we need to do u
104when we're talking about internet, all that kind of wiring kind of things to get that planned out as well. It's exciting. Oh, the gentlemen are very excited. Yeah, I'm sure. And I'm sure um bus drivers that do park their buses um at the garage routinely will be pleased to have a bigger, larger, more accessible property. Yes. If you listen to the morning radio, it's like, can you can you hurry up so I can pull in? Can you move this? So there'll be a lot more room that they can maneuver around and be able to get gas multiple people at once. So that's the goal is to make it more convenient. And there may be bus drivers that now where that's located may not want or choose to take their buses right home. You don't know.
105Might be easier for them there. So we're excited. We're all excited. I mean to see that this board came together in that in a quick of a manner as we did and find you guys found options for us and that we moved that quickly on a piece of property and to see us now moving into the next school year. We did good you guys. We did really good. You are to be correct. Congratulate for that. That was quick and wise in my opinion. Yeah. I'm just anxious to have those tanks removed from the other site as soon as possible. I wanted to comment real quickly. Mrs. Knots mentioned a minute ago, you have been doing a lot of things and spending a lot of money, but you have been improving. I as you'll recall earlier
106in the spring or fall, I forget exactly. We had a list of all the accomplishments just from last year. Um it is my opinion opinion that you are been you've been one good custodians of your funds but also good custodians of your facilities. Uh both Dr. Decker, Mr. Mr. Dolan and Mr. pots. I was trying to stay very carefully on top of things and respond to things just like they talked about the difference of the turf on McKenna field turf versus the track making sequential decisions that are in the best interest of spending your money without having to respend it to do something that was out of sequence etc. But uh we are fortunate we have the funding that continues to come in. Also again as we've mentioned the levy and the county been supportive
107of that. Um, and there are always going to be ongoing repairs. That's never going to stop. Uh, the good news is we're in a place where it is expensive to run a school system, but you're doing it in a way that you're being frugal to make sure that you're spending those public funds for the benefit of the students in this county. um on at all campuses so that all the many accomplishments you've done and the continuous capital improvements and impro and such things as Dr. Decker and Mr. Dolan have already presented to you this evening um they're essential. Yeah, in my mind you could do without a lot of those things, but do you really want to have money sitting there and not spending on the kids that are Here's the philosophy we have to
108commen keep in mind. The money that's coming in really should be helping benefit the students that are here. If you can continue to save for the other things such as replacing McKenna Field, etc., and that's appropriate. Uh but I don't believe that you're you as a board uh should be criticized for expending money on the things that you have been doing so far, right? Because you're also making sure the current students benefit from those funds that are being contributed by the citizensry of Taylor County. This board has said yes to a lot of requests this year. Yeah, you have. and which I feel we've done like you said very well with managing the money and been very good said custodians to and watching what we're doing with our citizens taxpayer money we've done very well
109with that but I've sat on a boards where you remember because you sat there like right beside them right you you remember us having to say no to a lot a lot of things in the county because we just weren't in as good a place as where we should have been. And I feel blessed that this county has gotten to the point to where we can look at our students and we can look at people that walk in the door and request funds for things and we can actually take a look at our budget and say, "Yes, we can do that." And we put it right where the students can use it. And even that benefits the community, too. And I think like you said, we have spent a lot of money on a lot
110of things across the county. And we really focus on student academics, um, our facilities, make sure they're in the best shape they can be. And I think we have some work to do at Flemington. I think there's some issues out there on that maintenance of that building. Agreed. Um, but we also have looked across sports and we spent a lot of money on sports and I'm just going to say it again. It's time for us to look at our music programs and put it back to there, too. It's just sharing it across and being fair. You know, we've got three elementary schools. We need to be fair across them and give them, you know, we're doing a brand new elementary school at AJ. We we did West Taylor. You know, how many years ago doesn't
111seem long ago, but my kid was little, so it's been a while, but you know, we need to look at Yeah. And Flemington needs some attention. So, it's time to look there and just spread it across. Shouldn't And I think that's something that our teachers appreciate, our community appreciates that we're not just looking at one area. We're looking at the whole system and we're sharing it across. That probably is an update, too. So, just to speak on Flemington. So, uh, as you know, we were awarded the SBA, so they're getting ready to get a million dollar faceelift here, but we also then just submitted a major an MIP through the SBA again to hopefully we we if we get it or not, but finish out the replacement of all HBAC out there. So, they would
112have new all new doors, a new roof, all new HBAC if we would get that funding. We already have one that we are just waiting to get delivered as Mr. Dolan, don't even talk to him about that, but you might see his head blow off his off his shoulders on that one, but it's been ordered and we are literally just waiting for it. Um, so we do and and that's also in this SBA project for the the envelope. They're it's going to fix a lot of that basement window concern that's going to be blocked. We're going to brick that up. So to address that safety concern. So uh any uh tuck pointing that needs to be done in that brick to reduce any leaks that were happening, that's that's going to be done. So it
113it's going to it's going to definitely be getting some attention. And we also chose to um submit that as our request to SBA for this funding cycle of the it's the smaller funding cycle where you can't ask for as much money but that would then replace all HBAC units if we would we we won't know if we've received that but that's our request and we can keep asking for that to help cover I don't know if this is appropriate time but can you check all the plumbing and bathroom facilities at Flemington because I think there's been some issues with some overflows and flooding and water leaking. And I think recently the experience they had was interestingly enough the older plumbing there was a break in one of the lines that happened to be in the
114floor between the first and second floor. Right. So and that could damage a lot of stuff if no one's there. They were quick to act on that. They would spent the weekend uh capting up to that and repairing and preventing any further damage because I mean if we need to redo bathrooms. Yeah. Send a plumber out over the Christmas holiday to fix some of the concerns they had brought up um to us too that Mr. Pots. So they had sp spent some time out there with the plumber over the the Christmas holiday too. But Mr. Pots um did work on that. It was a like a 2 am alarm and he he got out there fast. So, bless him. But he was there. I just want to thank Mr. Pots and Mr. Dolan um just
115for keeping us um a breast of everything that's going on and your dedication um to your craft. We we appreciate you guys. Because we have a lot of questions and they can answer. They're always they're always ready and have the answers. So, really appreciate that. Can you imagine having to deal with five five of us personalities? It's a pleasure. Do we have a um superintendent evaluation coming up? [Laughter] I'm sure it's in the offing. Any other questions? Points of discussion. Now, Mr. Dolan, we have another meeting on this and then it gets submitted to the state, right? On on April 29th, I will present to you the the balance budget uh at which time it has to go out into the to the public um for the two weeks and then it would be May
11620th would be the date that So May 20th would be the date that you that it would be approved and then submitted to the state at that time. Anything else? I have I have nothing. Does the board have any other concerns, comments? So I see here on the 4,000 series that a motion but I don't to approve the budget to approve the I don't think we have we don't have a budget but to approve the conversation or anything. So we could entertain a motion to um close that part of the discussion for this meeting then. So I just I guess are you going to bring us back any another list at the next meeting on other things we talked about tonight to add to this? Right. Well, we're taking notes over here and we'll catch
117up with that because I thought maybe that's what we were going to approve tonight was the list for next. I believe Mr. Dona had that just as anformational piece for you to consider. Well, then we don't need an approval of anything. Not yet. So, we're just we're just like I said, it was just a discussion of any items that you know you all would like to address or any concerns that um anybody has brought to your attention. Um, so like I said the until until next Tuesday the 15th when that's approved, you know, once once the levy rates are approved and set, unless there's changes that come from the state between now and the the 29th of April, um, as far as funding funding amounts and stuff, then some of the numbers, most of the
118numbers that I've provided are what we have. So I I don't believe there's any action item for us to take for this. So So that moves us down to the 9,000 series um or future meetings. So uh just to review those again, April 15th we have the levy meeting at 6 and regular meeting at 6:05 at the board office. April 29th um at 6 at the board office, May 13th at the board office at 6, May 20th at 6 at the board office. Um no, no other additions to that. Yeah, just a reminder of graduation will be May 27th. Dr. Stallings will have an update for us and remind us of that. Right. If there's nothing else for the good of the order, I'll take a motion for adjournment. Move. Mrs. Knots moves. I'll second.
119All those in favor of adjourning. I 758. We are adjourned.