001Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> [clears throat] >> First item of business is the approval of the minutes from March 9, 2026. Is there a motion to that effect? Mr. Smith, is there a second? Any discussion? If not, all in favor, raise your hand. Opposed? Motion is carried. Thank you. Approval of the agenda. Mr. Smith. Mr. Blackwell makes the second. Any discussion? If not, all in I'm sorry. Mr. Chairman, can we add number 11, the naming of the softball field? Okay. This was a vote that we had already taken, but it needs to be on that >> [cough] >> record. Anything else? If
002not, all in favor, raise your hand. Opposed? Motion is carried. Thank you. Announcements. Mr. Stokes. Good afternoon, everyone. So, we are proud to have a few announcements. I just want to begin with Caswell County Schools was well represented this past Friday with the recognition and installation of Dr. Kevin Lee as the sixth president of Piedmont Community College. Several Bartlett Yancey High School students were in attendance. Uh Chairman Yarbrough of the County Commissioners made remarks on behalf of the County Commissioners, and I spoke on behalf of the school system. I do want to announce that uh update on some of our car arrival lines, traffic study update. The traffic study update, final update for Bartlett Yancey High School is scheduled this week for March 23rd. Once all data is proposed and the scope of the plan
003are finalized, we'll be bringing that to the board for uh Board of Education for discussion and approval. North Elementary's traffic study update is still on the way. We're waiting on the next follow-up meeting since they gathered data not too long ago. And Oakwood Elementary, um their follow-up three-team meetings with two potential options have been identified, and we're looking forward to that to help relieve and improve the safety of the arrival and dismissal of our schools. Do want to um for all of our educators, this year across the schools in North Carolina, we're participating in the Teacher Working Conditions Survey. This survey provides critical opportunity for educators to share feedback that directly informs the school and the district decisions as well as the state. I want to strongly encourage all certified staff to take the opportunity
004to complete this survey. The deadline is next Tuesday, March 31st. I ask all school leaders to continue um prompting participation so that we can have this information to improve the working conditions for our staff and learning conditions for our students. Do want to highlight and say that we have a special presentation today um from the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the Eta the Eta Eta Zeta chapter, um who has been um supporting our beginning teacher, and so I'll turn it over to those those who are going to present at this time. >> [clears throat] [clears throat] >> Good evening. It is my honor, on behalf of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Eta Eta Zeta chapter here in Yanceyville, North Carolina, to present these two grants on today. My name is Siswe Austin, and I'm the chapter
005president. I'm here today to present our Eta Eta Zeta Legacy of Excellence Grant and the Supporting Beginning Teachers Program Grant. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated was founded on January 16, 1920 at Howard University, and for over a century we have been dedicated to promoting scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood. Our scholarship emphasizes academic achievement, leadership, service, and reflecting our sorority's commitment to educational excellence and community impact. The Eta Eta Zeta Legacy of Excellence Scholarship was established to recognize and support exceptional beginning teachers in Caswell County Schools. This prestigious prestigious grant honors the legacy of our charter members and embodies their commitment to academic, personal, and professional excellence. This year's recipient is currently an exceptional needs teacher at North Elementary. As stated in her application, supporting students with diverse learning needs taught her the value of
006patience, creativity, and advocacy. It also showed how powerful it can be when students feel truly supported and understand and understood. Ms. Stewart has committed to continuing her educational journey at North Carolina Central University, and Eta Eta Zeta chapter is proud to support her efforts. We present this Legacy of Excellence Scholarship Grant in the amount of $500 to Ms. Jada Stewart. And just please come up here on behalf of Zeta Phi Beta >> [applause] >> And we also have another grant. It is the Eta Eta Zeta Supporting Beginning Teachers Program Grant. It was created in honor of Gladys Fowler, Gladys Fowler Graves, a charter member of our chapter and a resident of Caswell County, who was a pioneer in teaching and leading a teacher support and and the inaugural director of the North Carolina Teaching Fellows
007Program. This year's recipient of the Supporting Beginning Teachers Grant wanted to create a workshop where beginning teachers could glean strategies and insights from veteran educators. Principal Artist stated in her application that this could be a powerful opportunity to build relationships, support teacher growth, and foster a culture where communication is valued and everyone feels heard. The scholarship committee agreed that this is exactly what the grant was created for and supports the vision of helping foster teacher development. So, on behalf of Eta Eta Zeta chapter, we would like to present this grant in the amount of $1,000 to North Elementary um school and Ms. Principal Artist. >> [applause] [laughter] >> Thank you. Thank you. That's it. Turn over to Mr. Chairman. All right. Next item on the agenda is public comments. I'd like to read a few
008statements regarding public comments. Each speaker will speak from the podium and begin their remarks by giving their name and stating whether or not they are residents of the county. The list I have has your name and your address. If you're not a resident of the county, please indicate that. Comments will be directed to the full board, not to an individual board member, staff member, or the audience. Speaker comments are limited to a maximum 3 minutes during the public comment period. At the conclusion of 3 minutes, each speaker shall leave the podium. A spokesperson representing a group of five or more people will be given 5 minutes, but that needs to be determined if you're doing that. Speakers may not yield his or her time to another speaker. Speakers must be courteous in their language and
009presentation. >> [clears throat] >> Personal attacks will not be tolerated. Speakers may leave written comments and all supporting documents, if any, with the clerk to the board. The Board of Education or the administration will not provide responses during public comment period or in the same meeting. Is there anyone who wanted to have public comments that has not signed up? All right, first speaker I have is Steve Jones. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you, Board. Uh Steve Jones, I live in Cherry Grove. I think I know many of you. Um I've been there for a long time. Anyways, I'm a fireman, a father, children that went to Stony Creek. Um it's a special place. Uh I'm not speaking on behalf of the fire department, but I will tell you the fire department is very much engaged
010with with our school like many fire departments are engaged with our schools often. Um Stony Creek, in many ways, is an institution. It's a family friendly place. It's community that supports and loves each other. I kind of think of it as our little small Mayberry, if you will. I've seen how these kids engage our educators. I've seen how they love on them. I've seen how they they give them high quality education. Um and I just think about the disruption if we were to go down this road of thinking about what to do in the future. So, this would disrupt a lot of families in our community. Um but also think about how wonderfully it is to see these kids grow up in a tight-knit community and experience that small town feeling. Um I don't know
011if there's things out there like grants that we can look at. I know the fire departments and fire services we do that sometimes. We try that. Um the Cherry Grove is growing. Let's face the facts. It's growing. So, it's growing in a way where we need to make sure we have infrastructure in place um down the road whether it's fire service, schools, or whatever. Um so, I just hope you have a clear prayerful vision as you look forward and forward think. Um and I pray you have wisdom and guidance. You read James 1:5. Um you know, seek wisdom. And this is a huge issue for our community and we feel passionately about it. So, thank you for your time. Thank you. ALLISON BOWES >> [applause and cheering] >> HI. ALLISON BOWES, I AM A CASWELL
012County resident. Um good evening. My name is Allison Bowes and I'm a parent at Stony Creek Elementary as well as the current PTO vice president. My stepson Mason has attended Stony Creek since kindergarten. His older sister also attended Stony Creek. She's now a freshman at Bartlett Yancey. And my husband um attended Caswell County schools since moving here in fifth grade. So, we have a lot of history with Caswell County schools. I'm here tonight to ask you to reconsider the proposed closure of Stony Creek Elementary. At Stony Creek, Mason has grown tremendously, not just academically, but socially and emotionally. He is excited to go to school each day. He feels safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. And as a parent, that means everything. In my role as PTO vice president, I'm in the school regularly. I
013see firsthand the environment that's been created there. I see students who are engaged and supported. I see teachers who go above and beyond every day. I see a principal, Dr. Moore, whose leadership fosters a culture where every child is known and valued. With a school of about 140 students, they don't slip through the cracks. Every child matters and every child is seen. Small schools like Stony Creek are not a weakness. They are a strength. They allow for meaningful relationships, early support when students struggle, and a true sense of belonging that is especially important in elementary education. Beyond the classroom, Stony Creek is a close-knit community. Families know each other. We support each other. The school is a place of connection and stability for many. This isn't just my perspective. Our community has come together to
014show their support. We've gathered, as of about an hour ago, over 440 signatures from parents, families, and community members who believe in this school and want to see it remain open. I understand that difficult decisions have to be made and I respect the work that goes into them. But I urge you to consider what cannot be measured in numbers alone. The relationships, the sense of safety, and the impact on young children who thrive in this environment. Closing Stony Creek would just mean losing a building. It would mean disrupting a community and taking away a place where children are safe, known, and excited to learn. I respectfully ask that you pause this decision and fully consider the impact on the students, families, and community who depend on this school. For kids like Mason, Stony Creek is
015more than a school. It's where they belong and it's worth protecting. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Amy Howard >> [clears throat] >> Good evening. Uh my name is Amy Howard. I am the PTO president of Stony Creek. I'm a parent of two Caswell County students and a taxpayer, member uh invested in this community. I'm sharing my thoughts and those of many you see here tonight for two future decisions that have big consequences for our county. First, I urge you not to approve the proposed changes to the start times. Uh it may look simple on paper, but for working families in our county, it's anything but. Most working parents in Caswell County commute 20 minutes to an hour one way to work and many must be there by 8:00 in the morning. And unlike our larger
016counties, Caswell County does not have before school care available at every school. If start times shift earlier or later, you're placing parents in an impossible situation, choosing between risking their jobs or ensuring their children are safely supervised. That's not a choice any parent should have to make. We often talk about supporting families, but a start time change that ignores the realities of rural commuting, limited child care options, and strict employer schedules does the opposite. Second, I urge you to reject any plans to close Stony Creek Elementary. In a letter from the interim superintendent to the board on March 19th, 2026, he wrote that {quote} there have been ongoing discussions about the aging infrastructure at Stony Creek {end quote}. And that {quote} last year there was significant discussion regarding the possibility of repurposing the facility to
017better support community needs. I can read between the lines. And I ask, why repurpose a perfectly functioning, serviceable school and overstate what is included in the inspections with these issues? Yes, the location needs repairs in the next few years. No one's denying that. But that is nowhere near the condition of other schools in the county that has severe structural and electrical issues. This school deserves to be maintained, not abandoned. The school is the heart of Stony Creek, Cherry Grove, Milesville, Locust Hill, and the surrounding areas. Closing it would force our children to longer bus rides and it would likely segregate the community from the investment it has made in the children here today. Stony Creek also serves as the largest percentage for Hispanic families in the county. It's a place where those families feel welcomed
018and supported. Removing their school removes a vital anchor for these families. In this area, subdivisions are being built. Building permits continue to be submitted. Families are moving into this area, not out of it. Closing a school in a growing community is not planning for the future, it's turning your backs on it. Stony Creek is a place where our children are known by name, where generations of relationships run deep, where community pride is strong, and closing it would be a grievous mistake. In conclusion, I ask you to stand with our families. Say no to start time changes and no to closing Stony Creek Elementary. Our children and families deserve better and Caswell County deserves leaders who protect, not dismantle, the foundations that hold us together. Thank you for YOUR TIME. >> [applause] >> YES. I I
019JUST WANT TO RESPOND TO THAT. I know that it said last year there was significant discussion regarding the possibility of repurposing the facility to better support community needs. I'm only aware of one meeting in 2025 where this was mentioned. Madison Howard Hello, board members. My name is Madison Howard and I'm a dual enrolled student at Bartlett Yancey and Piedmont Community College. I'm here today because my little sister is a Stony is a student at Stony Creek Elementary. I've seen the letter written to the board about Stony Creek and I want to say that my family is against any discussion about closing this school. It's been best the best school for my sister. She thrives there with straight A's, has great relationships with her teachers and the staff, and so do we as parents and siblings.
020I would like to bring your attention to minutes from June 7th, 2022, Caswell County joint board meeting joint meeting with board commissioners and the board of education. In these minutes, the question was presented, why Stony Creek does not have pre-K pre-kindergarten. Sorry. in the discussion following that question, I would like to read the minutes for comments from Chairman and member at large, Mr. Batchelor. In the minutes, it states {quote} one of the comments that comes up when I first came in, we had like 20 schools. That was a long time ago. Now we're down to six. Is less better? At the same time, if you're in Stony Creek school district, live up by Williamsburg, that's a long run. If you close it, the ride will be even longer. {end quote} The minutes go on to
021say {quote} so, the answer to your question, those funds could be diverted, but if you ask me to look But if you have me look at the long haul of the student of what the children would be doing, they'd probably be on the bus for 2 and 1/2 hours to 3 hours for some of them depending on where they >> [cough] >> are at. {end quote} If it was that way if that was a problem then, closing the school will only make this worse. I hope you all take this into consideration when deciding closing this school and the community it would affect. Thank you for your time. THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> LAURA PATRICK STEEL GOOD EVENING. Um I had went to Stony Creek since I started kindergarten. My kids go there now and my
022youngest is getting ready to start there this next year, hopefully. But this is a strong staple in our community. This is something that we're we're going to have to adjust our drop-in times in the morning to get our kid our other kids to school to get to work. I just don't think that Caswell County that part of Caswell County would be Caswell County without Stony Creek. What are we going to do with the other kids that are moving in in these housing developments like other people have mentioned. Everything that I want to say everyone else has said, but Stony Creek is an important part of that district and that part of the county and we're just here because we want it to stay. It's a very close-knit community. We feel safe with our kids there.
023We don't have to travel extra which is a a good bonus, but that's part of our childhood, our roots, and we want it to continue to be there for our kids. I love their boys. And this is my husband Patrick. He also went to school there, but we're up here as a team because it's our family. All right. Thank you. Stony Creek is truly a pillar of our community. GO PANTHERS. >> [applause] >> UH ROBINSON SENIOR. GOOD EVENING to you all. I'm Paul Robinson, former teacher for 35 years at Bartlett Yancey High School. And a board member of County Outreach Ministry. To the board, one board to another. I'm here to just say that we are thankful for the partnership that you allowed us to have to allow us to give uh Gatorade and water
024to the track team. Uh we mentioned it sometime ago, but we finally got a chance to do it. And we thank uh the Stokes for for allowing us to and to follow in through to help us do this. Today we gave out 10 cases of uh water and 15 cases of Gatorade. I'm a former track coach, so I know how it is. I wish somebody would have given us something >> [laughter] >> at that time. But I would just want to say that uh a song that impressed If I can help somebody as I pass along, my living won't be in vain. And the other scripture is In all thy ways acknowledge him. And he shall direct your path. When you don't know what to do, when to do, ask him. >> [applause] >> Stephen
025Wilson. Hey, I'm not not a public speaker by no means, but all I want to add to what they said already Stony Creek is a great school. I was around when they shut down Call. I was the same age my son is now [clears throat] when they shut Call down. That's a sucky move for any kid that had to change schools. And furthermore, just outside the county lines there's four schools that are way closer than North and South to any side of this county. That's all I got to say. THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> DR. FRANKIE JONES. GOOD EVENING. AND BEFORE my the time starts, I want a point of clarification. First of all, congratulations interim Superintendent Stokes. We wish YOU THE BEST. >> [applause] >> I HOPE THAT I QUALIFY for the 5-minute block.
026Is that correct? Because I come to bring an expression on behalf of many. 5 minutes, thank you so very much. I greatly appreciate that. Let me say that I'm Reverend Dr. Frankie P. Jones senior. My mom was raised here. My granddaddy was raised here. My family hails from Caswell County. So, I'm a senior pastor of Branch Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. And I also represent the Progressive National Baptist Convention. I'm on the executive board. We have a host of churches in Caswell County as you know so well. So, when we talk about Cherry uh Cherry Grove and Stony Creek, I as a senior pastor, I claim those. Those are my communities. I'm the pastor. And I join other pastors as we serve as shepherds of souls, a guardian of families, and a witness to the lived
027realities of the children in our community. Now, I come with a burden today on behalf of the people, but also with clarity to say what we are discussing today is not just simply policy. It's not just about logistics. And it is just not even about education. That's [clears throat] only one element. Well, what we are here to discuss truly >> [clears throat] >> is the well-being of our children. That's the issue. They These are truly moral concerns that should weigh very heavily in this discussion tonight. The question tonight is, are we creating a pathway for children or are we placing obstacles in their way? When we close a neighborhood school and require children, some as young as four or five years old, to endure bus rides exceeding 1 hour and actually in this case nearly
0282 hours each way. It places burdens onto the children who are too small to carry this burden. Now, with that having been said, the reality is that long commutes impact severely on young minds and bodies. I possess a postgraduate and doctoral work in Europe, in Asia, and in the United States hailing from some of our great institutions of higher learning. What we already know and it is documented that and the research is not silent on this issue. It is clear, it's consistent, and it is concerning. Developmental challenges are heightened when young children are forced into extended commutes. Pre-K up through uh the fifth grade require 9 to 12 hours of sleep. That's a that's a known fact. It's quantitative. It's qualitative. It's anecdotal. Parents know it. The scientists know it. They experience fatigue and hunger.
029Their academic performances decline. Their emotional and mental health suffers as was spoken to earlier. They face increased exposure to bullying and unsafe conditions. It's all documented. Now, this is a justice issue, a social justice issue. Starts in the book of Genesis and works right through to Revelations. And it's not just an education issue, especially in rural and underserved communities, especially economically marginalized populations. Decisions like this carry tremendous influence and weight and be can become a paralysis in the LIFE OF A CHILD REGARDLESS AS TO CHRONOLOGICALLY HOW MANY YEARS they may live. The loss of community is more certain than ever. When we close schools, corporations will not come. I COACHED JACK SMITH AT GENERAL MOTORS, THOMASVILLE, AND TOKYO. I know the landscape. Don't come TO BE BRAGGADOCIOUS, BUT ONLY TO TELL THE STORY. The story
030is simply this. This should be a call to conscience. This is just not a policy decision. It's a moral decision. It's a spiritual decision. It's a community-defining decision. Be clear. History will remember how we treated our children in moments like this. So, my closing charge is simply this. And I'm like Rodney King. I love everybody. But the point is simply this. Let us not trade proximity for efficiency. Let us not sacrifice our children on the altar of convenience. And let us not call something necessary when it is clearly harmful. The bottom line and the truth of the matter is that an hour-long bus ride for a young child is not beneficial nor neutral. It is detrimental. It impacts their bodies, their minds, and their futures. Because in the end, we will not be judged by
031how efficiently we move students, but how faithfully we love. And we CARE FOR THEM. >> [applause] >> ROBERT BROWN. I'M NOT SURE HOW I CAN FOLLOW UP on that. >> [laughter] >> Um I was I was born and lived here my whole life. My daughter goes to Stony Creek and I have a son that's I'm truly hoping gets the honor to go there as well. I want to second what so many of these people have said. Um Stony Creek is a very special place. I've been to a lot of schools um professionally around this around this state and I can say that, you know, the sense of The in this school is something that a lot of schools don't have and have lost. And I hope that our kids don't lose that and I have
032a little something for you guys from my my daughter. Just to leave with y'all. Thank you. >> [clears throat] [applause] >> I have a few written comments that I'll read that people were not able to attend. Uh first one is from Sabre Kelly. Instead of closing the school and hurting the community you all supposed to support, take cuts in your own pay. You are a public servant and this is not serving your constituents. Patrick Vernon. When local schools were consolidated in the 1990s, leaders realized the value of keeping Stony Creek open, especially considering the geographic location of the other schools. The southwestern corner of Caswell County has a significant population that benefits from the school. The school has a long and strong ties to the community. Current leaders should make it a stand open a
033priority. Pam Tate. This is where my girls went and I don't want to see this school close. Thomas Stanfield. I was in this fight over 20 years ago. Same people want to bus little kids for long ways. Kids should not have to be a part of the solution. I have been in the school several times over the past few years and it seems to be a great school. I think it's great when the school is small enough for friendships to be formed. So proud of what Principal Hillary is doing there. Avery Cozart. Stony Creek is an amazing school and it's so fun. I've learned so many things from there with wonderful staff. This school has been in Caswell County for over 50 years. I will support upgrading or rebuilding. I also support increasing salary to
034encourage teachers to work and stay in Caswell. Start offering scholarships people who want to go to college if they agree to teach or work in Caswell County school system. Nikki from Elon. When North Elementary and South Elementary were built in our county, they tried to close Stony Creek. The community, parents, teachers, and staff rallied to keep it open then. And we will rally to keep it open now. Instead of spending $18 million on renovations at Oakwood, $900,000 which school system or county commissioner would have to pay, why wasn't Stony Creek considered to receive the grant? Oakwood has been renovated since North and South were built. Was closing Stony Creek in the plans all along? We have been asked to vote on new starting and ending times for our elementary, middle, and high school for next
035year so that we can run buses to allow shorter ride times. This is not going to help the situation if Stony Creek is closed. You would just be adding back longer ride times for elementary students from the southwestern part of the county to travel to South, North, and Oakwood. If the question that keeps recurring is how many students are enrolled in Stony Creek, consider redistricting by putting some students at Stony Creek and reduce the number of students at the three other elementary schools. There are so many other possibilities. Stop jumping to the option of closing Stony Creek. I could go on and on, but I'll stop here for now. Angela Wilson. Closing Stony Creek will negatively negatively impact students, families, and the surrounding community. The school serves as a safe, supportive environment and a cornerstone
036of long engagement. We urge decision makers to consider the long-term consequences and keep the school open. >> [clears throat] >> Good evening, Mr. Stokes, Chairman Boutte, and board members. My name is Tasha Miles. I am sorry that I was unable to attend this meeting. I felt I needed to express my concern in regards to closing down Stony Creek Elementary School. I believe that it would be a terrible decision to close it. The school plays an important part in the community and comes with a lot of history. The school has been beneficial and this will call for longer bus rides for them to be transported to another school. They have an awesome group of staff and they work so hard that the students can be successful. The leadership that has been there as things happen, which
037people thought otherwise. The community helps them when they need items for students and enjoy volunteering and supporting them anytime. I think you all need to really be mindful of who will be affected. Not think only about the adults, but the babies are the ones who will be hurting the most. I know the feeling of having my elementary school closed down, Anderson Elementary, and then being transported to South Elementary. I may have been young, but I was hard it was hard for me with the climate of society now. We need to think about our kids' mental health. >> [clears throat] >> I hope that you will pay attention to the community and not make this this decision based on what others may have not expressed. >> [clears throat] >> We have about uh 8 minutes left
038if anyone did not sign up wanted to. Yes. My name is Finch Holt. Um I'm the county commissioner for District 2, which Stony Creek falls in my district, so I'm most of y'all probably my constituents. Um I disagree with this strongly. 2 years ago, we had a board meeting between board commissioners and school board, and a a certain commissioner brought up closing Stony Creek. I guess I'm not supposed to pick out a certain person, but somebody on this board went into a long s- um explanation of why we shouldn't we can't close it. It was because the state goes by how many schools there is. And it was explained to the board of commissioners that doing this would actually cost us more than not closing. I don't know what's changed. So, I'm going to fight
039this, you know, best I can, but um >> [laughter] >> Caswell has tripled their building permits from last year. Tripled. You know, since that bypass has opened around Greensboro, that opens up the southwest part of the county. It is so easy to get to this part of the county. Everywhere you go, there's new houses. We're going to need this school. That's right. And I don't know how we can just shut it down and think of the hardship that these people going to have to do to drive to North, drive to Oakwood, drive to South, if they're working in Greensboro. I mean, it's going to be just about impossible. I remember taking my kids to North, it was tough. That's right. But anyhow, as county commissioner, I oppose this strongly. And I y'all will be seeing
040me when you get to us, so thank you. >> [laughter] >> ANYONE ELSE? YES. >> WE DO WE HAVE A COUPLE MORE MINUTES? You've had your you've had your talk. >> I didn't mind I was just letting everybody Y'all okay? Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much for allowing me to speak. My name is Jennifer Sparks. We are not in the Stony Creek district, but I want to advocate for Stony Creek and all of our schools. I prepared a speech and it's hard for me because hearing everybody's testimony, cuz it's testimony. These people are speaking from their hearts. It was it's hard for me to contain my emotions when I see so many people just trying to do right by their children. So, if you will forgive me as I stumble through. I'm so sorry. [laughter]
041In Caswell County, you will not find better people. People who have spent their whole lives working hard, barely getting by, and dreaming of a brighter future for their children. In this county, you will find teachers or who are here because they love these students. They don't show up out of desperation. They could work anywhere and make significantly more money. They're here because they love our children. They love this community. I will not let you blame our school staff. They're doing a great job with so very little that you have provided them with. I I am tired of our teachers, principals, and support staff taking the fall for the incompetence of this administration. Shame on you all for sitting quietly and taking the safe route of complacency. In this beautiful and great county, we have children
042going hungry for love, food, and shelter, but you turn them away by failing to staff our schools, silencing health initiatives, and installing leadership which is more concerned with shirking responsibility than filling empty bellies, hearts, and minds which are seeking the warmth of curiosity fulfilled. I have many grievances, but I will start with the greatest stone in my heart, the installment of the acting superintendent. You may wonder why this issue pains me the most, so I will borrow an old idiom. Bull mess rolls down the hill. Here are my concerns about the acting superintendent. One, interactions with him are frustrating and accomplish nothing. He speaks evasively, dismissively, and loudly. Loudly enough not to hear parents, dismissively enough not to let us speak free of interruption, evasively enough to shift blame onto parents. We are not at
043fault here. We pay our taxes and we are begging you to take care of our students. Two, when he was told that Oakwood Elementary was overburdened and taxed by violent and disruptive students, he told parents we should buy the teachers nice gifts for Christmas. In his words, "Make sure they have a nice Christmas." That's right, y'all. The acting superintendent told us to buy gifts for our teachers so they would Feel better after a student hit them, by the way. Gifts do not buy children an education. Gifts do nothing. Meaningless and ineffectual words from an ineffectual individual. I am pleased we have a grant for Oakwood, and I am more than happy to see our county spend nearly 1 million to secure the grant. However, I am displeased with the acting superintendent for his dishonesty, for
044not disclosing the entirety of the contract with the rest of the board, for not allowing our county our county attorney So, you allowed that man to speak over? And if you allowed that gentleman to speak over? >> I'm not going to debate this with you. That was a group speech. You have 3 minutes to ask I missed his spot. >> He had five, and you let him speak over. Does anybody object to me continuing on? No. You want to hear it? Yes. Cuz I'm going to let you hear it. Call Sheriff's office if you want me gone. >> please. Lastly, he announced the closure of Stony Creek without public opinion. He has since retreated due to parental outrage. Perhaps, if he took the time to survey and speak with others, a solution would have been
045suggested, which I have one, and I will share it next. Stony Creek, although Stony Creek has a third of the student census of Oakwood, they have the same amount of support staff. Money-wise, it is reasonable to assume that it is not sustainable. However, since Stony Creek needs repairs, renovations can include arrangements for the special population of students which are overtaxing Oakwood. This would increase the census and allow more money for that school and for this district that we are fighting for today. The potential solution could not be suggested because the acting superintendent was quick to shut down the subcommittee developed by the School Health Advisory Committee. More on that now. Out of utter desperation, Oakwood approached the School Health Advisory Committee for a solution for disruptive and violent students. Teachers were assaulted and children were
046in fear. They were crying, having an anxiety attack in the classroom. They were watching their teacher be battered by a student that needed to be placed elsewhere for her own safety and for her own education, because even though she is violent, she deserves an education. She deserves the attention as well. The acting The acting superintendent did not want us to address this issue, stating that we were not qualified. Let me pose a rhetorical question to you. If we are not qualified, then who is? Our committee is comprised of various healthcare professionals, including all the school nurses, parents who are nurses, and myself. Mr. Stokes, you have You have passed the limit of 5 minutes. >> para- Y'all want to hear it? Yeah. Myself, a 20-year-old paramedic veteran with a master's degree in emergency medicine. All
047members, at this time we will take a recess. >> What medical credentials does the acting super- superintendent have? Without having medical credentials, we are still qualified to speak >> We are at recess. >> about this. Have you forgotten Have you forgotten you are accountable to us? Not the other way around. We owe you nothing, and you owe us everything. You have no problem accepting our tax dollars. I hope you all had a very nice Christmas with the tax dollars, since the acting superintendent thinks that the solution into inadequate resources and safety is a nice Christmas. You may wonder why health committee is qualified, and I'll tell you. Mental health is health. They have low educational attainment. Out of respect for everybody else here, I will discontinue what I'm saying, but how I do want to
048say Mr. Stokes has to go. Mr. Chair, on my chair here