BOE Regular recurrent meeting

001That's good. >> Good morning. I'd like to welcome everyone to the regular meeting of the Casma County Board of Education spring forward. I don't know about your clock, but uh I was a little different this morning. At this time, I'll ask you for a moment of silence followed by the pledge of allegiance. Thank you. >> Thank you. I aliance 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. First item is approval of the minutes. uh special call meeting February 17th and 19th and February 23rd, 2026 and the joint meeting. Mr. Smith makes the motion a second Mr. Lil. Uh any discussion? If not, all in favor motion raise your hand. Opposed? Thank you. Approval of the

002agenda. Is there a motion to that effect? Miss Smith, Miss Blackwell makes the second. Is there any discussion? If not, all in favor approving the agenda, raise your hand opposed. Motion's carried. Thank you. Announcements, Mr. Stokes. Well, good morning everyone. Happy Monday to everyone and happy one hour less Monday. So, it's been a So, we're glad to have everyone here this morning. We are excited to have just a few announcements. Um, our first announcement I want to talk about is recognizing our Vans Senior High School indoor track team. And so they're gonna be coming in at this time. It's a pretty big crowd. So they're gonna come on in. So let's give them a round of applause as they come up. Good morning. Good morning. So standing before you today is the Balt Senior High

003School indoor track team. This um indoor track team has been part of our athletics program for probably the past two to three years. It was not we started back after co. But we are very excited um to have them here today and we have some recognitions for them. And so I want to recognize our coaches, Coach Lane and Coach um Williams and our principal, she's here somewhere, Mrs. Carter. Uh you're looking at a group of youngsters that went to the 3A state championship meet and overall um we have a state champion amongst this group. Caswood County has a state champion amongst So, I'm going to hold that for a second. But first, I would like to recognize our girl shop hut who placed seventh place with a girl shop. That was Mrs. uh Miss Henderson.

004Our boy shop place eighth, Mr. Robinson. >> Raise your hand. >> Raise your or step out so they can see so they can see. Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. Miss Henderson was seventh place in the state championship. Our boys shot put eighth place state championship. boys high jump. Second place, um, Dillion Johnson. >> And then second place, triple jump, Dillion Johnson. Then we have the boys long jump. Oh, we're not finished. Boys long jump, Mr. Xavon Hughes. Third place. Zavon, smile, Zavon, you. And then then we have a first place in the state, Mr. Deion Johnson is our 38 state champ. Raise your hand there again. And we have some family here with them. And we just want to recognize the great effort um because our indoor track practices without an indoor track

005and so we do a phenomenal job to go to places. Let's give them a big round of applause. Mr. Press there any comments to be >> yes >> come to the podium please. >> Good morning everyone. chat. Where's the coaches? >> Preston, >> coaches, come forward. Everyone forward. Come on. >> Um, it has been a great pleasure and we are on the map. So, when people see us, they already get scared. Um and like um superintendent said, yes, they have done a very good job considering we do not have a track or field or the right equipment for them to be successful, but they have beat the odds. And so I'm very very proud of them. They have I mean you can't ask for anything better um besides a track in a in a field.

006I am very proud of every last one of them. Um, with that being said, we wanted to present um, Miss Deleó. He knows I call him Deleó. Come here, Mr. Johnson. And give um, award him this plaque for being the long jump champion for 3A boys indoor track for Bart Leansy. He is getting one and then the other one will be put into the school in the gymnasium and page gym in the showcase area. Yeah, >> I'll say um with just the team in general, this group has shown us a lot as as a collective, as a coaching staff that shows us how perseverance works, how adver adversity works. Every single one of them from top to bottom, they show me every way how to be a better coach, how to be a better teacher,

007how to be a better person. This is the reason why I teach. This is the why the reason I coach. Every single one of every little face y'all see in here is the reason why I coach. And uh today Leon, thank you for for helping us get to where we want to be. We we strive for it every day. So I appreciate every single one of y'all. Thank you. Just a comment, Deleó. I think I think I got this correct. Uh, I've been here 59 years. I think you're the second state. I ain't talking about I ain't talking about picture is I'm talking about sister HC. If you go in the trophy case the guy uh I can't remember his name but his picture on the left and as far as the team sports is

008a little over 100 years old. That was a team. There's only been one state championship team in the history of Bas High School. So hats off to you. Got your camera, Mr. All right, we're going to snap a few pictures here. >> Good comment, son. >> Yeah. Come on, mama. Got a wide. >> All right, I think I got everybody. So, if you look at the camera here and smile, congratulations. every single one of you. Thank you. >> And then one more for the >> actually took like six. Congratulations. >> And women, >> you all represent Yeah. Okay. Well, the the congratulations continue to come. We're going to ask that uh the infamous James Fowler come up for as we want to ensure that we publicly give you your He's officially retired. You can tell

009by his dress officially retired. So we just cannot say enough and want to thank Mr. Fowler for his dedicated service over 30 years of service to casual county schools proud native cas county schools brought in broad brought in high school graduate I ain't going to say what year and so we have a token of appreciation from the board of education from casual county schools to you and no one can say this is in your chair because it has your name on it because there's a plaque on the back of it that dignifies that. Um, let's give you a round of applause, M. >> You put your hat. Put your cap on. >> I like that hat. Now I know what I want to do when I retire. >> A rocking chair. >> Now you can

010take your chair home. Hey, I just want to say thanks again once again. >> Thank you for all you do. >> Y'all have a good day. >> See you in six months. >> Yes, we also like to recognize our bus drivers of the bus drivers of the month. So, Mr. Bernard, >> thank you. Good morning, uh, board members. The, uh, February bus drivers of the month, uh, if you all come forward. Miss Bush and Moore is the secondary, uh, bus driver of the month, and Miss Kanda Swanson is the elementary bus driver of the month. Y'all say, "Hey, come around. We got to take a picture. And thanks for all that you do. Getting up early in the morning. >> Appreciate you all. >> I can see myself. >> All right. >> Thank you. Sorry,

011I actually celebrated them one time in the paper, but I hate them feel >> steps in this morning. Yes. >> And the final announcement we have and we are glad with our partnership with McDonald's. This year, McDonald's did their fries for supplies campaign. And so, we received a check from McDonald's in the amount of I think $128 and some change. Um, I left my I left my paper. It was 200 something. I left my paper somewhere. And so, um, this was our first time for the fries for >> 262. Thank you. Two fries for supplies campaign. And so, that will be coming through the school system to support our student needs. It's always great to have a partnership with businesses and industries to help us support the true V education. Those are all the announcements

012I have this morning. >> Thank you. I have one thank you card. It says, "Dear Cas School Board, thank you so very much for allowing me to present the arts uh unplug program to you. Caswell Arts looks forward to a a collaborative program as a success. Thank you again, Karen Wilson. I'd also like to congratulate Nicole Smith, Joel Lillard, as well as uh Benny Begley as being reelected on March 3rd for another four year term. That's all I have. Anybody else have anything? Thank you. Uh public comments, we have two speakers. Just to uh remind you, you have three minutes to present. Mr. Lillard, at the two and a half minute mark, he will give you a signal for you to wrap up. We ask that you state your name and your address and please

013come to the podium. The first one we have is Kelsey Bernett. >> Good morning. My name is Kelsey Bernett and >> please speak up a little bit. So >> Good morning. My name is Kelsey Bernett and uh I live on 275 Shady Grove Road in Providence. Um, I'm coming to you today to speak about the grievances I have with the EC department. >> Okay. >> Um, my child has been attending Oakwood since preK. And since preK, I have brought up issues about my son's behavior as well as his reading and writing ability. Um, it wasn't until the manifestation meeting last school year that the IEP team finally decided to conduct an FBA and BIP, which sadly per IDEA is required by that point. Um, the director admitted to me in an IEP meeting in October

014that an MBA and BIP should have been conducted when he transitioned out of kindergarten. He's in third grade now. Um, since August 2025, I have requested for ABA services from my son's ABA company. The director did not meet with the team until the third IEP meeting in October, where she came up with multiple excuses for denying services, such as seeing how the bib works out, which to this day is still not working. um my child's grades which have nothing to do with requesting services and finally uh putting in a request for a bid for ABA companies to which there is no guarantee that his company would be picked. Um, it wasn't until a parent advocate got involved in November that the request for the bid was finally put and brought to your attention on December

01515, 2025. Um, we were told in an IEP meeting at the end of January that there were going to be 10 bids that closed out on January 23rd and that they would be presented to you all on February 9th. Uh after that meeting came and went uh come to find out there are 15 bids and they would not be presented to you all until today March 9th. The current FBA and BIP is not working and is not effective. We have requested for the data collection prior to creating the FBA and BIP and we still have not received it. Um the only thing that we have received is data that has been collected after the fourth IEP meeting. Um, we are currently in the process of getting an IE from an unbiased company where they will

016collect data and they will do a new FBA and BIP. >> My issue is that as a result of the failure of the director and the IEP team, my son is still not getting the services that he needs. Um it's currently three months before school lets out and um as of this moment I don't have a timeline for when the FBA or the BIP will be finished. Uh nor do I have a timeline for the decision for when the bid will be decided. Um, I ask that the director be held accountable for the way that the situation has played out because it seems like more should have been done but hasn't been done and also that the director be held accountable for her attitude because she has been rude to not only me, she's been

017rude to my advocate and the ABA company. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Next is Megan and Bridges. My name is Megan Bridges. I live on 2945 Cherry Grove Road in Yansville. I have a master's in science and a certificate in education. I'm from Caswell and I work as a sub. My littlest first grader attends the EC program. As a parent of special needs child, I fully understand what it takes to care for high needs children. In the past, we've had exceptional children and staff working with our son. As a parent of a non-verbal child is imperative for daily communication, for consistency between school and home. The school year, this school year, there is no longer a certified teacher in his classroom instead of a long-term sub. As parents, we come through with

018high hopes for the same education as care as last year. Within two weeks, we noticed that there was no communication between the teacher and ourselves. No daily work was sent home to show what educational material was be done during the day. Within weeks, our son was showing regression both educationally and with his ADLs. As the school year progressed, I was formed by other staff members that this teacher was being physically aggressive with my son and other students. I brought this concern to the principal and was told that she and the EC director were aware of the concerns and working on things. As a substitute teacher in the same school myself, I have witnessed this teacher's behavior. Between her screaming at the students behind closed doors, her yanking students in the hallways, and being aggressive with

019them in the car rider line, all to which is visible to the staff and parents, I expected the issues to be addressed quickly. Yet, weeks went by with no resolution. I took my concerns to the board members and the superintendent. In the meantime, my son and his classmates continue to be exposed to this teacher on her daily with her daily abrupt behavior. my husband and myself on multiple occasions and me emailed and met with administrators and we were consistently told that a solution was being worked on because the safety of these students were top priority. I was further informed that this substitute teacher was removed from this exact classroom when she was an aid in the year prior due to aggression not only to the students but with the other staff members. She was then

020moved to another classroom where the issues continued. I was told that there would be some staffing changes in the near future. On February 12th, I was informed by the EC director that instead of removing the teacher from the classroom that my first grade son would be moved into the second third grade classroom. Why? There are many other issues that were brought up with regards to this teacher. Things like making my son take a nap on a dirty carpet without a blanket or sleeping mat which he had available all last year. Denying my child ranch which we as parents provided to help encourage our son who was once a feeding tube once once on a feeding tube to eat. We then got a doctor's note and required the school to make sure there was available. The

021teacher then got petty and would dump ranch all over every inch of his food. Then we heard she put hot sauce on his tray and gave him a spoon to eat. After my child was removed from the class, I was informed with the meeting that the teacher was giving kudos for amazing job she was doing and told them that the train towards curriculum would be provided. In that meeting, staff were instructed that if any board member walked into the classroom that they were not to speak with them or answer any questions. The p purpose of the board of education is to be the hands and feet of the community to ensure that the teachers in the schools are provided an excellent academic learning environment. Why would staff not be allowed to answer questions or even

022speak with the board members? >> Thank you. I got some questions. We're going to ask question. >> So, you're saying that the staff in that classroom were told not to speak to board members. Do you know who gave that direction? >> Um, I was not aware of who gave that direction within that small meeting, but it's all over Oakwood. >> Go ahead. >> Your child has now been moved to a different classroom. Correct. >> Correct. >> But the same teachers are in place in the classroom he was moved from. >> Correct. The same exact teachers. This is the We've had this previous teacher last year before she was moved out. >> Are we dusting things underneath the rug so that us as parents aren't being heard? >> How much are we doing? >> Are we

023waiting for a legal action to take place? >> I have a question, Mr. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um, >> what did you say about the hot sauce? Um, hot sauce and ketchup were provided in the cafeteria on the table. They're both red. My son is developmentally delayed. He picks it up, she rips it open, and puts it on his trip and given us. >> Okay. >> I mean, he's nonverbal. >> All right. Thank you, baby. You said that um staff was told not to speak to board members. How do you know that? >> Uh it's all I mean that's hearsay. It's all around. >> You don't I mean I personally do because I'm friends with someone that was in that meeting. >> Okay. Was that a confidential meeting? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Supposedly, but

024it's all removed. I've heard it now three times. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Uh reports. Next item. >> No. All right. Unfinished bids. Uh proposed procedures for CDL license fee license reimbursement. >> Good morning. >> Morning. There is one change um that the where it says eligible employees may it should be it should be well or will not well will um the uh from the last board meeting the amended version employee eligible employees will receive reimbursement of up to $250 for approved CDL related expenses. Any employee seeking reimbursement for obtaining a CDL class B license with a PNS endorsement must meet all the following requirements. Complete two months of employment driving a bus, having no driving incidents during the uh probationary period and have driven a minimum of five regular yellow bus routes. Activity

025bus drivers that do not qualify. Activity bus drivers do not qualify toward the five route minimum requirement. Employees who do not meet the minimum yellow route driving requirements will not be eligible for transportation state funds reimbursement. Additional requirements. All CDL holders including staff and coaches who drive ex um exclusively for non- route purposes, athletics trips or extracurricular activities. shall participate in the mandatory random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with requirements established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and all applicable state and federal regulations. >> Any questions? >> Questions? >> Mr. Sts, if we do this, will the schools have money to take care of this this time for the year? >> So, this these reimbursements are through transportation funds. So this would not be any cost to our schools. >> Well, he's

026not going to be able to pay them if they don't drive a yellow bus. So therefore, the school will have to pay. >> So if we have the funding, >> so the employee So it would have come out the school's general fund account. >> Yes. Do they have the funding this time of year? >> The high school's in a better position than the middle school. >> Okay. So, I mean, I don't want it to fall down that middle school can't get paid because they don't have the funding and the high school can. >> Well, if >> they will find funding, >> they'll have to fund raise to do so. They can. But I I guess I guess it comes down to is it going to be more of a case by case as if the

027employee chooses not to do the criteria to be reimbursed. If the employee chooses not to do those things being reimbursed, then either the employee can not seek reimbursement or the school could choose to reimburse if they have the funds or the school could choose not to reimburse the school could have the position please follow this procedure so that they can be a reimburse for that. So some of that power lies within the actual employee. So we provided an option where we can use the transportation funds to do so. um it's going to be contingent upon that particular employee. >> Well, not every employee wants to drive a school bus. So, it takes it off of him, puts it back onto the school. >> So, you saying just because I won't drive a bus, therefore the

028school, nobody's going to pick up anything from me. Pretty much what we're saying cuz we're taking him out of the equation. He's out now. It's fall back on the school now. So, to me, that's that's not fair. >> I'm done. >> You up. Let's finish that up. >> So each school, the school principal has the autonomy to decide they use that school funds if the funds are allowable to make that reimbursement. It's no different than a reimbursement if a teacher buys materials and they get it pre-approved. So the employee will have to talk with the building principal and for them to work through that. So if if they if they hire someone they will understand that they're looking to be reimbursed and we can explain both options but it will be contingent upon the school

029to do so. As I said there are funds to do so but you may have to take from one fund to the person can be reimbursed. That decision would lie with the school building principal >> as I understand that that'll be an upfront thing. You just don't jump out and say I'm going to do ABCD. >> Correct. That understanding will be done first before it's done. Like M. Everybody may not want to drive a bus, but if I know I'm going to get reimbursed, that's going to kind of make my decision whether I'm going to do it or not. Is that correct? >> Correct. >> Okay, Miss L. >> I guess you know it says up to 250. Does that automatic guarantee that they will get 250? They might get 125. So when it says

030up to is it done incrementally dependent on >> it depends on the amount of their receipts. the initial CDL can cost up to $250 depending on where they go and what they get um as far as the physical and that kind of um stuff once they get when they go to be reertified that it's it's less than that typically. Um and that's why we say up to $250 does mean everybody's going to get $250. They're going to get reimbured for the receipts that they turn in to be reimbursed up to the $250. >> Thanks. >> Okay. Anyone else? >> I have a quick question. Should we remove the part? We've re We've changed the DOT physical part. They can get them over there or they can get up to 80 bucks. Correct. Right. It wasn't

031right like that when the original memo was written. So, should we specify that in this memo to say up to $250, but we put in there DOT physicals up to the amount? Because you're kind of contradicting what we're saying. This is saying one thing, but we got another procedure that says another. Here's what I'm saying. And here, I would think I could go get if my license only cost me $100, I could go to my doctor and get a DT physical, but it cost $125 based on what this is saying. But we've got another procedure that says only 80 $80. I mean, I'm good with approving this today, but I think we probably ought to specify that in here as well because it's kind of >> So, your suggestion is to merge the two policies

032into one document so that it's all clear >> maybe. So, because we say we will pay up to is it 80? Is that right, John? >> $80 if I want to go get my physical on my own and not use this service at the school. However, this the way this looks, I can go anywhere I want to as long as I don't exceed that $250 amount. So, I just think we need to add a line in there saying DOT physicalist Cat $80 or use our provider. >> Okay. >> So, I'll make a motion to approve this based on that language being added. Is there a second to that motion? Smith, any discussion? Everybody understand that what the motion says? Okay. Any discussion at all? Okay. If not, all that motion raise your hand. Opposed? Motion's

033carried. >> I got I got another question. What about activity bus drivers in the physical? Do we still pay for that? >> We have been. Yes. >> Can we still pay for that? >> Yeah. Got money. >> If they drive a yellow bus, it can come out of state funds. If it's an activity bus, that's a locally funded position. So, it would have to come out of local. Is is that a big number >> for us? Yes. There there there are a lot of just activity by >> start >> um is something that we could look into >> if we can pay for that state funds rule and I would like us to get some numbers so we can add to the budget >> because I think we got to pay for those >> services

034or they have the option where they could go to the service that we provide them >> but we would still need to pay for that at a local rate. >> Okay. >> Can we we can do that right? We can pay the service out of >> Okay. >> But if they're strictly an activity bus driver, because that is a locally funded position, it would have to come out of local. >> Okay. All right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Miss Bam. >> Thank you. >> New business item number one, consent agenda, request for transfers, fundraiser addition for NL D Miller. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? Miss Smith. Second, Mr. Lillard. Any discussion? If not, all in favor of that motion, please raise your hand. Opposed? Motion's carried. Thank you. Item

035number two, CTE middle high school courses. You want to make any comments? >> Yeah. So, just wanted to make the board and the public aware the rising eighth grade class for the 26 27 school year will have a graduation requirement where they must take one computer science course. Um, and so we have the staff, we have the means to we'll be adding the computer science course to build for the upcoming school year so that those students, our eighth graders will have that requirement going into high school. If if you look at the various pathways at the high school, the adding that course to them after they hit ninth grade is challenging for some of our students particularly in the associates pathway and um using college career promise. So, we wanted to make sure that we

036started early with that. So, this is a legislative requirement from the state of North Carolina that um this rising next year's eighth graders, their graduating class must have this computer science requirement. So, there's no board action required of that. We just want you to be awarded. So, it is a high school credit class. So very much like math one um it will be offered at the middle school starting next year for our um eighth graders. Okay. >> If a student moves into the district or transfers back to us in ninth grade, the course is also available to be offered at the high school. So they sure that it is going to be both offer at the middle and the high school. But as we transition this new course in, we felt the best to put

037it in the eighth grade. So to make it simpler for students to um stay on track for graduation. In addition to the other high school courses, we're recommending to add uh foundations of English class to our curriculum to contrast. Sometime we do foundations of math one, foundation English class help our students who may need additional time to be successful with the curriculum and we're asking to add that. So that would require board approval because that is a new course where we more of a local course. Um but it is a new course. So we can have that on the registration docket for students upcoming. >> You want that second piece actually today? >> Yes. The second piece actually registration is on. >> Let's back up to the first part. Anybody question about that? Yes. >>

038Mr. S, when are we going to get this out to parents? >> So the CTE course we can have that out. I wanted to make sure that the board was aware to before we see that parents, but we'll be highlighting that coming out this week. But I I didn't want that to come out and the board was not appraised of it. Okay. >> Yes. >> I think you want to approve them both since they're both curriculum changes. >> So the CTE one is a state legislative that one does not require approval. I mean you can prove it but it's already we have to do it. >> We have to do it because it's legislative department. >> But the second >> the second piece of adding the foundations of English course would require board approval. >>

039All right. Hearing that is there a motion to approve Miss Blackwell? >> I make the motion. >> Is there a second? Miss Knight, any discussion further? If not, all in favor of that motion, please raise your hand. Opposed? Motion's carried. Thank you. All right. Item three, contingency funds. Just want to keep everyone updated regarding two additional quotes that we have to use contingency funds for. Prior to the water um crisis with um city of town of Yansville, we had a power outage issue at Builder. And so um that was some power outages and power surges. And once we got back online, these two particular items came up as a as a concern. Of course, they are the original pieces um that we built with the school. Um one is for a a motor for the

040uh a one is a computer control that helps with the boiler and which is computer driven and then we have the other one which is a a uh engine a fan for help us control the water item that must be completed for it to be work. So that was char contingency. So you see those totals there. Um and there still these are remaining balance in contingency fund. >> Any question about that? Ma, >> is this part of the money that we got from the commissioners? >> No, ma'am. This this >> doesn't qualify for us to use the county commission 888 capital. >> Okay. Any other questions? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Mr. Hatchet's name probably needs to be taken off, >> right? So, I think we've been in the business for so long that we update

041elevators. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Uh, item number four, knees base grant Oakwood Elementary. >> Yes. As you know, we received some exciting news earlier this year where Castle County Schools received the $18.8 million needs based grant for the renovation of Oakwood uh in particular. So, we have some individuals here today. that's going to be presenting some information to our public and the board to help give a understanding of the scope of the work, an overview of where we are. And so I would like to uh welcome Brady to our um to the podium and I'll let him introduce himself and his stand. >> Good morning everyone. >> Good morning commissioners. My name >> Speak up just speak up this little >> All right. My name is Kevin Lynn. I'm with Brady.

042Um, the last time I was here, I believe was 2021 because Brady has been working with the district for many, many years, but at the time we were doing indoor air quality assessments, ventilation assessments of all the schools. Um, so it's very exciting for me to be back here several years later to talk about the Oakwood Elementary School project. So, I'm going to spend a little time going backwards to give you some of the history about how we got here today. I will speak to the grant itself. uh the scope of work and the needs at Oakwood Elementary School and then we will take a moment to look ahead looking for the rest of the year and out on into construction. Okay. So, no, whenever you're ready, we'll go ahead and move forward. You can

043go ahead and go through this and the next slide. Okay. A little bit of history. So, back in 2023, the district released a request for qualifications for a design builder to help support the district in evaluating Oakwood Elementary School to develop a scope of work and to develop a budget to be able to apply for the grant. This work was then done um at risk by the design builder. There was no expectation that money would be exchanged unless the grant was successful. the Brady was was fortunate enough to be selected for that thanks largely to our experience with other school districts with Caswell County schools and another needsbased grant project that we're doing with Ashboro City Schools. So since then we applied three times for a grant. The first time in that first grant cycle

044in 2023, then in the 2024 cycle and then in 2025 we were finally successful. So our role was to walk the school to understand a scope the scope and the needs to put budgets to it and support the district as it as you put in the application for this grant. We also got some great feedback from DPI about what would make the grant application successful. I'll go into a little more detail that as we begin to speak to the specifics of the grant. Um but we were quite excited to see that that news came through that that the district was indeed selected. So we were Brady was selected based on qualifications back in 2023 to be the design builder. Once we learned that the grant was indeed successful, we performed our own qualifications based selection

045to to select an architect to team up with us to support the areas of work that we would need the architectural support for. So after that conclusion of that process, we selected the Becker Morgan group um who are here today. And before I bring them up here to introduce themselves and speak for a moment about them, I wanted to say part of what helped them rise to the top was that Brady and Becker Morgan Group are working together on another design build project down at Guilford County Schools. So we already have relationships between our firms. We already know each other because the most important thing about a design build process is that it's collaborative. there's chances for staff and for the prime contractor, prime design builder, the architects, and everybody to be able to weigh

046in early on how the project is going to work. And so having those relationships are really important for us. So with that, I'll uh turn it over to Chris and Doug. >> Good morning. >> I'm Doug Burns. I'm the principal with the Becca Martin Group. And >> I'm Chris Coleman. I'm architect and office director of office. Uh just very quickly um been doing um K12 in state of North Carolina personally for over five decades. So I'm not giving away my age there, but I'm just letting you know that the firm's been practicing uh in K12 with special dedicated studios for about 43 years. We have 150 employees. We're out of the Charlotte office. We also have an office in Clayton, North Carolina, which we call our Raleigh office. Uh and Wilmington. We also have that.

047We we share resources uh throughout our enterprise and our based uh base office is in Salsbury, Maryland, which has nothing to do with what we're doing today, do Delaware and Newark, Delaware. Um we've done well over a billion dollars worth of K12 projects. I believe it shows you over 400 projects. So we are delighted to be here. This is really an opportunity. We've enjoyed our relationship. Chris works directly with with the Brady Services folks. So I'll let you >> um excuse me again. My my name is Chris Coleman, architect project manager for the Charlotte office. Um, similar to what Doug was saying, sentiments. Um, I have been working in the K12 realm for almost 20 years now. Um, renovation projects have almost become of of one of our our specialties in terms of understanding what

048the level of detail, the research and the steps that'll take forward um to bring that project to a success, coordinate with you all and all the stakeholders at the school as well as coordination at the state level with DPI. Thank you. >> Okay, I'm gonna sp spend a few minutes talking about Oakwood Elementary itself uh and some of the needs we identified and then the grant application scope. So, you all have been in Oakwood, so none of this is going to be all that new to you, but I'd like to just spend a moment make sure to go through it. So, part of the unique challenge of Oakwood is that it's really multiple buildings in one. So, as the original building opened in 1967, uh, additions to the building have then opened over time. And

049what that's meant is that for one, the heating and cooling system is almost like several independent systems. And that's been a real maintenance challenge for the maintenance staff here is that we've got each individual one is serving its own individual. We also have a lot of aging old equipment in this space. Everything from electrical systems that are overloaded. Uh we have seen um some small controlled but um risk of um electrical fires and but we also got a lot of just aging things. And the challenge is that each one of those individual pieces might not be very expensive to replace a single tank. But once you start looking systemically holistically it becomes a particular financial challenge to go replace and modernize the systems that's there. The other major need that we've identified there is that

050there's some ADA challenges um places where there there are upgrades required for ADA um access and that's part of where Becker Morgan Group will be helping us is to really determine that need. But an example right is is one of the restrooms. You can see the picture of that. Not a wide enough doorway, not in a wide enough space to to rotate a wheelchair. So that's high on the list of the needs at Oakwood. So, as we started looking into the grant, when we when we first started applying, we were primarily looking at the big need that was brought to us, which was the heating, cooling, and electrical systems. Uh, but as I mentioned, DPI gave us some feedback. And I want to give a particular shout out to Dr. Medina Jones. She was directly

051asking DPI, how can Caswell County Schools change this application to increase the likelihood of the district being selected? And one of the pieces of feedback they gave was make it a little more comprehensive. Don't just tackle one need. We need you to go look at all of the needs in the school. So a few of the system few of the scopes of work that that we've identified. One is a complete redesign of the mechanical and electrical systems. May maybe a better way to put it is that we're taking the newest mechanical system that's there where there's a chiller and a boiler and and air handlers and VAB boxes and we're going to take that system type, we're going to expand it to the rest of the school. Rather than having each individual area on its

052own, we're going to be connected back into the most modern system. Okay, the electrical system, we're going to increase the capacity of the system. One, so that we are avoiding the risks of fires. Um, but it also so that we can have better technology access in the classrooms, more receptacles in the classrooms to be able to just we plug in more devices than it was originally designed to be able to do. On the ADA side, we will do a full ADA survey to determine both the the needs and the potential resolutions to those. Uh but our particular focus there is is our understanding that this is an EC school or this is the primary home for the EC elementary school age students and we need to be really thoughtful in how we make sure that

053this school is inclusive and that it has u that all students are able to thrive in this space. Also the building has um an outdated fire alarm system. I do want to make a a minor change to this. You do not have zero fire protection. you have a functioning fire alarm system in this school. It's just outdated. It's expensive to find replacement parts, right? Sometimes you're chasing down on eBay for replacement parts. Um, so we're going to upgrade that fire alarm system, but we are also going to add in a sprinkler system. Now, technically speaking, code doesn't require us to put in a new sprinkler system on a uh school that say we'd be grandfathered in. But from our experience on our other needs-based grant project down in Nashville City Schools, DPI and the Department

054of Insurance, who in this case hold some hold the major purse strings required it on a project that by code wasn't required because the intent is to say if we're going to go in and go make a major renovation to a school, let's go add a sprinkler system in. What better time than the time when we're going through the hallways, tearing down the ceilings, running duct work, running piping, go put in a sprinkler base system as well. So, from the start, we added that in here at for this adding a new sprinkler system, updating the firework. The other thing I want to mention about for the heating and cooling system is that we're going to be adding in uh ventilation and fresh air. So today most of the ventilation is provided by not not exclusively

055but primarily excuse me is provided by um uh recirculating air and that's how buildings used to be built is you you open the windows that's how you brought in ventilation into a school but codes have changed uh and so there we will be meeting modern code requirements to bring in ventilation uh likely directly into the classroom through the units that'll be there but we will be providing more fresh air. Uh, and this is one of the things we noted back in 2021 when we did our um indoor air quality and ventilation assessment. Uh, and we're also going to upgrade the security system. So, this would be upgraded cameras where needed. Uh, we will be working both with Brady has an in-house security team. We're experts in this, working with Mr. J and his team to

056determine what's what are the the upgrades that are needed here, but we will also be looking for intrusion detection and other security upgrades where we can. So, as you can see by this list, this is a lot of behindthe-walls stuff. That's how I think of it. And that is the primary driver of this project is bringing this system up to modern standards. But we also want to find ways where we can help elevate the learning environment. So that's simple things like new carpet tile in areas, new ceilings, new lights, um some painting in the right areas. And so I want to emphasize that this is not going to completely rebuild Oakwood Elementary School. On the whole, Oakwood Elementary School is going to look and feel like the similar school when you walk into it, except

057it's going to it's going to feel fresher. it's going to feel newer and our goal is to find ways to do do that cost effectively where we're not rebuilding the school, tearing down walls, adjusting the structure because that's the shift between a $20 million project to double that once we start having to really change around the building. So the primary driver is get this school all the systems in the school modern operational that serve the learning environment and then find ways where we can have really good targeted directed investments in this the learning environment itself to make it feel fresher newer and just like a beautiful place to learn. Okay. So before I continue, I want to pause here and see what kind of questions you have about the the proposed scope of work. The

058high and I I want to emphasize one thing before I open up is this is the this is the direction we've set, right? This is the direction we set with DPI through the grant. This is the direction that kind of lines up with the budget. Uh but we will we have a big vision here and then as we work through the process, we get deeper and deeper into the specifics. And so you will continue to have many many updates from us along the way of hearing what those are. But I want to hear your comments now about questions. >> Anybody have any questions at this point? >> Go ahead, Joe. >> That's my question. So you're saying we signed an agreement with you in 2023 when we did the very first grant. And that agreement

059is good however many times we apply. It does not have to be put back out every time we do the application. >> That's correct. the procurement was for to support the district in its pro in its pursuit of the grant. Uh and that it was open written in an open-ended way knowing that there was a pos sincere possibility that it would be multiple sessions down the line before we would actually be able to be successful. >> So you're saying we have a signed contract with Brady? >> We do do not have a signed contract with Brady. You have a legal procurement in in hand with Brady. We have not signed an agreement together uh other than being procured. We may have signed a a letter of intent to show that what Brady would do in

060support of the district, but there was not a contract because there were no fine of uh fund funding associated with that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Based on that statement you just made, where are we standing now? >> Where we stand today is that uh Brady has presented a design phase proposal to the district. Um and our ask would in order to allow us to proceed into the design phase, the board of education and Mr. Stokes would need to sign. >> All right. Any more questions on that point right there? >> All right. Please continue. >> Thank you. Next slide, please. >> Okay. Some specifics about the the money here. So, as Superintendent Stokes said, $18.8 million from the state. Caswell County uh put in the I should say this. The district agreed to a

0615% match from local funds. I'm just gonna emphasize the term local funds. >> Let me stop you right there. >> Yes, sir. >> When the CL County Board of Education ever agreed to put a 5% match in >> because I have to look back at all of my information and I see nowhere this board approved to move forward with putting a 5% match in. So my understanding is we were to apply and that was part of the criteria when we apply. So I know there was a lot of moving pieces because we got the wait a minute hold on that came back like a finish. So the great Brady and Council have been in business for some time and so we applied for the needs based program. we received the additional feedback from DPI to

062to do the criteria. And so that's what we did. And so my when we informed the board that we're going to do a need-based grant, that's how we that's how we got here. So the board was told we were putting in a need-based grant. The board didn't approve any of the criteria for the need-based grant. This board did not set aside any money. the county commissioners did not sit down and decide any money, but yet somebody's on the hook for $990,000 that we don't have. So, I don't understand how we submitted an application signed by our chairman and the chairman of the county commissioners without these boards approving this money because we don't have $990,000 and the county has not agreed to give us $990,000. And I don't know about anybody else, but I received

063calls from commissioners after the word got out. They're not happy because we're telling them they got to put up money. So, I just don't understand how we got here without these boards making any type of approval. I mean, I'm gracious that we have the money 18.5, but we shouldn't have applied for a grant putting up 5% when both boards did not agree for this. We even asked in a meeting what our part was and we were told it wasn't that type of grant. So my understanding I know at a joint meeting we shared that there was a match. Um I wasn't at that meeting. I know that we did share that information at that joint meeting. >> I don't see it in the minutes and I don't remember it being discussed in the commissioner. >>

064Let me ask you this. >> Yes sir. >> There are two kinds of money. Local money, state money. Well three really. And when I say state money, lottery funds are state money. Now, like Joel is speaking about that, that's the only source that I know Caswell County has as far as money as far as asking commissioners, hey, can you put up X number of dollars, local dollars as opposed to lottery funds? That's how we've done a lot of projects. That's how we did the high school. Uh but what he's saying is nothing has been said. Hey, we're going to use lottery funds apply to this grant. Uh that's the part that I know right now. Do you know something that I don't that we don't know? >> Well, I can't speak to what you do

065or don't know. Um >> uh and nor nor do I feel like it's appropriate for me to weigh on on exactly how this might go, but let me just speak to the facts of how this works. >> Okay. So the state has has authorized this grant value. Um the 5% match will be paid out over the course of a project. So this is progress payments which means it spreads three fiscal years if you count this one but it would be two fiscal year two primarily fiscal years. Um you can't take lottery one of the there are three real buckets for in your case. um uh well now four of lottery funds where that you can use for capital projects. You can't take one and put it into the other just count as your local match,

066but you can shift how you choose to allocate capital funds between them. So if if you wanted to use a capital use lottery funds in this bucket for this kind of repair that you would originally have used local funds for, you could redirect your local funds into a different source. So, I I can't speak to how you might choose to make that decision, but um I'll leave it at that that it's two fiscal year. This represents two fiscal years worth of of funding. >> Another question. >> So, what happens? We don't have this money and the commissioners are saying they don't have this money. So, what happens if we don't have the money to put up? We just thought >> Well, you have a couple of options. Um one is you can forfeit the grant.

067You could forfeit the $18.8 million from the state. That is an option. There's a process for that. DPI will likely ask for a conversation with everyone about that, but that is possible. You can forfeit the grant. There is also the possibility of making a smaller project. that project would not address as many of the needs in the building, but you could reduce the grant which would reduce the value of the match. >> So we saying I think everybody in this room except for Mr. folks up here was at the joint casual county commissioner meeting and I do not remember I just reread through my minutes any presentation on that money having to come from the commission and I'm very disappointed that we would apply for a grant and neither board be aware that that money

068was having to put up. That is that is just not good. It's dishonest. This board should have approved any spending at all to be put up. If we had to spend $1, this board should approve it. >> We don't even have that in our fund back. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Mr. M, if so, if the paperwork was signed for this, what was given to the commissioners, if you signed it and the chair signed it, was it just the one piece of paper or did the paperwork include this in it? Not for the uh >> 900. >> No. No. >> So it wasn't in there. >> No. >> So was it added up for your sign? >> I didn't add I'm saying this is the packet that has the signatures on the back. So did y'all

069just give this page to sign? You Mr. Yber was in there. It says nothing about it. >> Correct. That's what Mr. Yber signed. That's what I signed. But here's the packet that goes with it that has that information. >> So the packet does have it in it. >> The packet has it in it. But if both candidates never saw the packet, does sh >> My question says I guess he said he's been working with the school system for couple of years. I guess attempting to get this. >> Yes, ma'am. So initially was the 5% in the initial proposals going back two two or three years >> 5% has been included in every m every potential application to date. >> So in 2023 when we applied where did it say the money was going to come

070from because if I remember correctly we were going to use lottery funds at that point. Uh I can't speak to the decision the district made about how but the it is always listed as local funds. Local funds is the answer for where the match comes from. How the local fund gets distributed between the county and and the school district is >> well local funds can be lottery funds. I mean it's state funds but it comes to your local unit. They >> local funds in this case would mean not provide ultimately provided from the state. Yes sir. How much money? I >> can't hear you. >> I asked Brooke how much money we had in local funds. >> Okay. >> So, are you talking about capital outlay or you talking about local in general? >> Capital

071outlay. >> So, capital outlay, you have about $500,000 in your fund balance. Okay. >> So, when we did the um I know it's saying 18.8 million dollars and that's wonderful that we receive that. So, hopefully we can work out something. Uh but uh our finance officer did were you part of any of this grant information back in 2023? Were you part of any of this discussion >> or anything? >> Can you give us a little brief uh so that I can bring my memory up to par? I I can say that when we got it, I was excited about it. So, can you tell me what the process was? >> I was just involved in the conversation of getting the grant. I never was asked to present anything to the board because that should have

072came from the that should have came from me. >> Okay. Um, we talked about it. There was discussion about it with Dr. Barker when we did it. And then each time when the and application was done, it was signed by the board chair and the chair for the county commissioners. >> Okay. >> Every time it was presented, but I was not involved in any I was not asked to present anything to the board to speak on the money. >> Okay. Yes, sir. Mr. >> Chairman, if I remember correctly, and we can pull the paperwork, I remember Dr. Barker talking about the 3 to1 match using lottery fun. >> May I speak to that? >> Yes, sir. >> That is uh there that is the former ADM fund. So, I say former in that it is

073still active. It is a um but it's not a funded fund. It is no long funds are no longer going into the ADM fund of the lottery trenches. However, Kazwell County schools does have a pretty reasonably high amount of money in the ADM fund as compared to other districts and that fund does require a 3 to1 match one from the local three for it and and frankly local capital that you were provided today could qualify for using that as the match for the ADA fund, but the 3 to1 is not required for this. That's >> Let's be clear. I signed a lot of p pieces of paper, but it was never said if you were here at that time when it was done that the county commissioners will be on the hook for $900 some

074thousand. That was never said. Okay. I want y'all to understand that. All right. My understanding has always been what you just said. It's always been a three to one match. Uh that's how we've done projects in the past. Without that money, we we wouldn't be able to do projects. Simple as that. >> Right. >> So, I want to make sure that you understand that process. Now, the 18.8 to me was a a gift, a big gift >> that we would not have gotten otherwise. >> That's right. >> I want y'all to be clear on that. >> Exactly. >> Okay. >> Go ahead. So, I And of course, this is first process doing this. I've spoken with some other districts who've had this and some districts similar our size what the conversation has been because when

075we met we talked about multi matching those leases we just stay kept the same process that was in place that was established back in 23 we didn't change it and so the concern comes in uh for example what we're given from the county commissioners each year for operation technically is local funds. Um, and since they're working to fix things, they could use the lottery money we have and give us that to do the repair work and still give us the local fund. So, it's not a I don't know how to say it. >> It's not a double dip. >> Correct. It's not a double dip and it doesn't necessarily cost an organization an additional $99,000 per se. And so, I know that some school districts have explored that option. That may be something that we

076continue looking into as well. But this why we wanted to bring this to you today. >> Wait, go ahead. >> That that sounds good and stuff, but I wish we would have kind of like budgeted at the beginning of the year kind of for something like this because every time we turn around, we're getting such a bad hit. This has broke down. This has broke down. So, I just don't even know where we even get half of it for this year. That's the sad part about it. Miss Brook's going to work some magic. >> Okay. Joel, saw your hand again. >> Well, kind of same thing. I just don't understand how we got here. I mean, now we're at a point where somebody's on the hook for this money that we don't have. We couldn't

077come up with this money if we had a budget. We couldn't come up with this money if we had a 10-year budget plan if we're taken out of what we get from the commissioners. And so, you know, the commissioners were aware the very first year we do it, but boards changed and chairman changed. And so, what they're willing to do in 23, they may not be willing to do in 25. And a 3 to1 match was not going to cost them very much money when we did it the first time. So, again, I mean, I'm gracious for the money, but this shouldn't have been put in until our ducks were in the road. >> All right. Anybody else comments? Yes, ma'am. >> Well, um I for one honestly for myself would like for us to

078I know you said that about the 3 to one. I need to understand that a little bit more. And you also said something about uh over three year process with the funds coming in that perhaps we can go back and take a look at it. I don't want us to be able to turn away $18.8 8 million when we know we have a school that's in need. So by us knowing that we have a school that's in need, even if we turn the money down, then we're still going to have to come up with billions of dollars to still fix that school. >> So we may have to reduce it or something like that. I like to see us keeping total amount and find a way uh and we'll have to go back to our

079finance officer and come up with different plans as this is what it's calling for is the $990,000. But I don't want us to panic and say we can't do something when we do have some time to maybe work it out. So there are some things that we have to and I'm speaking from my perspective that we have 18.8 $8 billion on the table and I and Oakwood does need some renovation. >> I let me address your question and and comment that was embedded in there. So the first is I'd like to just for clarifications perspective say the 3 to1 match is a separate is a separate bucket. It's separate pot of money. It's dealt with capital projects separately and uh I would recommend using that as another point of talk of discussion as the district

080starts evaluating the long-term capital plans is associated with the facility needs assessment. Okay. So that's in that different funding sources for different kinds of capital work outside of Oakland. >> To answer the the question um which actually if if it's all right I'd like to move into the schedule because I think that'll help um explain this a little bit. >> Okay. Um back before I do I I do wanted to go back if you could um one one note on this is that so this is a design build project and so what that means is that we are going to create a project for the budget that's provided right right now it's 19.8 And we recognize that there is no extra pot of money. There's no magic extra thing to cover unknowns, uncertainties, risks, change

081orders, that kind of thing. We are going to provide you a project that is within that budget. That is part of the strength of the design build model is that caps your risk and all. Now it may mean that some of the things within the project the scope changes a little bit here and there as we get deeper into it but the project will come in at the budget that's set. Okay. Um and notably too since we're talking about what's in and what's out of the scope FFN furniture fixtures and equipment that can't be part of grant that is by the state rules that can't be and so I couldn't come out of even the local match for it. So the if you wanted to add that into the building, right, if that or in

082your conversations with parents and teachers and staff, that would have to be an addition to the grant from from again from local funds. All right. Thank you, sir. Okay. So schedule, we are looking at a design schedule that's going to proceed through roughly through the end of the year. And part of the reason for this is that one, we need to do uh a couple more assessments. We're going to be assessing the envelope, going to be doing an ADA assessment, and then there are key points here for DPI review. You guys want to talk a little bit more about the DPI review process and some of our thinking? So, in in coordination with Kevin um and experience with other just DBI projects, uh once we learned that we were um awarded have the opportunity to

083work with you all, we started making immediate phone calls with DPI Department of Public Construction and just to understand what their current timelines are in a project of this size and what we're trying to accomplish. Um so, one of the things we did show up and confirm is that each step of the way as we get the scope identified clearly everybody has buy in on that that we're coordinating with DPI. So they understand what we're doing. So it's not necessarily a surprise. A lot of times what they're seeing now is design firms try to push large packages through and that's something that the department of public construction doesn't necessarily like. So they're trying to kind of have a reset and have everybody pretty much start to finish. So what this outlines is what Kevin was

084saying. Uh starting with the assessments and what we call the schematic design which is the high level target areas where we want to go. will take that information, package it up, submit it to DPI. Um, and then as as the project progresses, any comments that we get back from them, we will incorporate those. It doesn't necessarily mean you stop work, you keep going, but any comments that you get, you incorporate it. So, by the time that we get to construction, there's clarity. DPI has has bought in and signed off and everything. And as a team, we know what we're doing as we're going into construction. So, as what Kevin was saying, you will have pretty much a capp price. um to minimize any of the surprises. >> Thank you. >> Next slide. So we are

085looking at about high level. So this is before we really began the design phase really wrapped our hands around some of the elements of the scope. But we do right now our estimate is that we're looking at about 12 months of construction. Okay. So, if we follow this linearly, that's design through January, construction, I'm sorry, design through December, construction starting in January of 2027, lasting about 12 months for until what we'd hit what we call substantial completion. The idea of substantial completion is students back in the building. Final completion will take a few months longer. There's a lot of That's the cleanup. That's the warranty work. That's the making sure the systems are functioning right. That's going through commissioning. Uh it's just it's all to sever process before we say we're truly truly done. Uh

086so I we very much recognize the disruption that construction places on a school. So we are working hard now to find ways where we could move to start earlier and to end faster. But today until I really have my hands around my arms around the full scope the plans with DPI because DPI is also the purse strings. They won't release funding until they have gotten the sign off on the the plan reviews. So one example might be we would release an we would do an early release package for demolition of certain think of that as ripping the ceilings out pulling some of the old systems out. demo some mechanical install for some of the infrastructure in place ordering long lead equipment and do that earlier so that we could start to take advantage of of

087an earlier construction start. All of that information will be provided to you as we get farther into it. Those are just concepts today. Uh but we're starting from the place of an estimate of about 12 months of construction. questions on that >> question. Now, I know that's a 12 months could be 13, 14, 15 or whatever. Now, going back to that first bullet, you say uh start date January 2027. Of course, that puts it back on the school system, make preparation for the kids, etc., etc. Um, that's been everything legal from DPI to say, "Hey, you got to go." >> Correct. >> Okay. All right. That's all for right now. Anybody else on that? Uh, >> Okay. So, a few next steps. We the first one's more for staff about progress reports and um the

088paperwork directly with DPI, but I just wanted to emphasize that that this is not the first time you'll see me. My colleague Samantha Bailey um will also be another primary person. Um she unfortunately couldn't be here. She's out of town for a funeral. But um you'll see our two faces. You'll see our friends Chris and Doug often. You'll see more members from our team. You'll see us very consistently as we go through this process. So you can be getting a lot of updates and there will be opportunities to to weigh in as well to provide input. Uh we we we welcome that. We're excited for that and um so there's just going to be a lot more to come. So the today is the first step. Today's the chance to bring this to you, but

089we'll have more opportunities along the line to present more details as we come. >> And that is it for me. I'll stay up here without any until there's any other questions. >> Any other questions? >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So, with this agenda item, um you've heard about the design phase contract, those pieces. So, um I don't know if the board needs more time to digest, but um in order to make that January 27 timeline, the board will need to move to move to the negotiate and sign design phase for Oakwood Elementary with Brady. Um, Brady has been the only entity I can see we've dealt with regarding local needs basically. >> And so I don't know. >> I think well based upon the conversation we've had this morning,

090we need to clear up a few facts first before we do that. >> But I just want to know that everything now >> is right right where we are. >> No, we got the information. >> Yes, sir. >> Any other questions about that? >> All right. I'm sorry. Go ahead. I would think we would need to see the contract before we agree to it. >> True. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. >> And I I think we've sent something to Ron, but we haven't sent that lady has sent something to Ron, but Ron has not responded. >> That's correct. The we we have submitted draft terms and conditions to the board attorney a few weeks ago. Um have not yet heard back any comments on that. We have submitted a design phase proposal to staff um and

091that's been reviewed. So we do not have confirmed terms and conditions but we are prepared to begin when you are. Um and I I just would emphasize time is the essence on this. >> Okay. Thank you sir. >> Thanks sir. >> Next item resolutions. We have two today. The first one would be uh I will read a resolution in memorial and appreciation of the life of Queen Esther Blackman. Whereas Queen Esther Blackman was born on January 1, 1924 and resided at 1515 Middle Springs Road, Pelum, North Carolina until the time of her death on February 14th, 2026. And whereas Queen Black was a faithful and loving daughter, aunt, cousin, and friend, and her family's welfare was her major and constant concern. And whereas Queen Blacker was educated in the Casville County Public School and graduated

092from the Casville County Training School in 1943. She later attended Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she received her BS degree in religion and social studies with a concentration in early childhood in 1949. She also attended North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina and Appalachin State University in Boone, North Carolina. She was employed with the general Baptist state convention in Ren, North Carolina in 1951 and the board of education in Wilsboro, North Carolina for over 16 years in Lincoln high school and later at Caswell County public schools at Jones and Duncan elementary schools until her retirement in June 1983. And whereas Queen Esther Black was involved in numerous religious, civic, and social organizations. She served on the board of directors of the women's auxiliary of the general board of Cedar Grove Missionary Baptist

093Association. She devoted time to the roots of love and maybe Judy Barber organization both in Wilsboro, North Carolina. The Caswell County Chapter Shaw University alumni NAACP Dylan Educational and Economic Development Service deeds and Caswell County senior citizens. And whereas Queen Blackwell formed many wonderful friendships throughout her life and her impact will continue to be felt for generations through the lives she touched, the policy she shaped, the young people she believed in, and the lives she got. And now therefore, it be resolved that the Kansas County Board of Education wishes to honor the members of Queen Blackwell and expresses this to her family by causing a copy of this resolution to be spread from the official minutes of the board of education and a copy forward to this family. This is the ninth day of March

0942026. We have one more and then we'll ask both for your motion. Mr. resolution and memorial and appreciation of the life of James Walker, Jimmy Kler, Senior. Whereas James Walker, Jimmy Kler, Senior, was born April 14th, 1948, resided in Burlington, North Carolina at the time of his death on February 20th, 2026. And whereas Jimmy Kler was faithful and loving individual, husband, father, and friend to many, and his family's welfare was his major and constant concern. And whereas Jimmy Kler was a graduate of Western Alamance High School in Elon, North Carolina. And whereas Jimmy Kler devoted many years to teaching and coaching girls basketball at Bartley Yansy Senior High School in Yansville, North Carolina. He also taught at NL Dillard Middle School and at school throughout Guilford County and most recently at Clover Garden Charter School

095in Brunswick, North Carolina. And whereas Jimmy Kler is most recent years work as a courtesy driver for Cox Dodge and tour director for Hallbrook field trips. Jimmy found his great greatest joy in working with the students he taught, coached, and guided on countless field trips, leaving a lasting impression on the many lives he touched. And whereas Jimmy Kler was a lifelong member of Stony Creek Presbyterian Church. Over the years, he faithfully served as deacon, elder, clerk of session, Sunday school teacher, lay reader, choir member, and member of the Destiny Quartet. And now therefore, let it be resolved that the Castle County Board of Education wishes to honor the memory of Jimmy Kisler and expresses its sympathy to his family by causing a copy of this resolution to be spread upon the official minutes of the

096board of education and a copy forwarded to his family this 9th day of March 2026. >> Is there a motion to approve Miss Bick Smith second? Any discussion? And not all in favor raise your hands. Post motion's carry. Thank you. Uh item number six, inter superintendent contract. Get a motion to approve. >> Miss Black. >> I need a verbal. >> I'll make a motion to approve the intro superintendence contract >> and that goes to this is March 9th. What's the date for next? from May. >> I understand >> April 8th to May. >> Okay. Gotcha. Okay. Thank you. >> Is there a second to that Dr. McGee? Any discussion? If not, all in favor raise your hand. Opposed. Motion's car 43. Did you get that comment? Okay. Next item. CTE student uh interest survey results.

097>> So, as far as some of my updates, each year we provide a survey to our middle school and high school students for CTE offerings. Um, this survey has been sent to you. Um, you can see the results. Um, it helps us kind of assess the quality of our program. Um, the only change we're recommending for this week is the legislative change, which is to the computer science requirement. Also under my updates, we just want to give you in your packet you have communication for guidance under measles. There just some communications we need to make sure is available for schools and parents in case there is a um concern regarding measles and we're just in line with our local health department. So you have that information as well. This will be information that is u

098made available to you. I do have um just want to share them some bit about the 888 capital outlay 888 report which would need some guidance. Um pretty much with the county commissioners we assigned $888,000 to use for capital projects and we now have two areas where we're down to 146,000 remaining to be spent for the A88. And so, um, there's either some work that can be done at Stony Creek, um, and or we could choose the east wing. And staff really couldn't really make this side. I want to get some guys from the board in regards to how to proceed with that last expenditure. Um, so we can make sure we get the quotes to bring at the next board meeting. >> You said that was coming from. >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> I

099can't hear what you said. Oh, I had I was wait Go ahead. >> So, are you saying that money is coming from where? >> This is the capital reserve. This is the last remaining portion of the capital reserve, the A80 that the county commission gave to this fiscal year. And so, we have approximately $146,000 remaining. Um, and this one project, so you can't do both. So, I wanted to get some guidance regarding that. And I have I'm not going to get hit you where you received some printouts previously about where the winner was, but we got a concern at Stoner Creek as well as concern at the east wing and did not know which direction the board would prefer us to go into. >> So is this on besides what we they already allocated for

100it? >> This is within what this is within was already allocated with. >> Okay. But I thought it was only designed for certain schools, but this is something this falls on some falls on a halfback. So have covered These most these one is a HBAC concern and one was also a concern regarding the war and so that's why we need some guidance mut so at the joint meeting they were presented with a paper it only showed $4,000 being left they actually agreed to let us do some water work at South so how do we go from 4,000 of approved projects now we got 100,000 Well, >> what did we take off for? >> So, we didn't take anything that offer the the list you received at the joint meeting was the outline of all the

101projects for the 888 that left for bouncing 4,000. >> All right. Some folks have come in higher, some folks have come in lower. And so, one of those projects on there, there was a discussion about um Stony Creek and I know there's been other discussions about Stony Creek. and but we've got some HBAC issues that can still be resolved in the older part of the east at the east wing at the older part of partners and needed some guidance. So, um >> So, are you saying quotes come in so much lower that we saved $100,000? >> So, there are the entire list of projects that were presented, everything that has been quotes coming in. We still have some more folks to bring you, but we're looking at about a hundred of that that we had

102initially almost 4,000 something left. There are some projects that may not be as advantageous for us to do depending on the site that where is at. >> So, I mean, I really wish Adam was here. I know he was with an emergency. He can explain that. >> The only problem that I have is we need to be transparent with the commissioners and we told them this is what we're going to do, >> right? and we need to do that. And if we're going to change that money around, then I think it needs to be talked about during our joint meeting so that they're in agreement and tell them what we're not going to do and what we're going to do. I don't like making those decisions when we've already told them this is what we're

103doing >> because yeah, they're already asking why all that money is still sitting there. We hadn't invoiced and spent any of it. And so there's already a lot of questions being asked about this 888. Um, I just don't I mean, we got to keep our relationship good. This this 900,000 is already going to put a strain on our relationship with the commissioner. So, I want everything to be transparent that we're doing. So, I say we talk about it during our joint meeting. >> Question on the list that we had for the 888. >> That that is going to be for I'm hearing you say that's going to have to be a revised list. So on the list that we provided to the county commissioners, there was a piece on it said Stony Creek Elementary water.

104>> I said it. >> The question is, do we want to do that? Because if not, there is other HVAC work we could do. The concern was you asked us to put the big priority things first. And so now there's been a shift in, you know, what we wanted to make the main thing. We had staff did not know which direction you want to go into. Okay. Have no problem going to the joint meeting, but I just want to give you I have an up you know we have an update regarding we want to give an update regarding the 888. >> Okay. Based upon that conversation, could we get a what I would say prior to our meeting a revised list of what we've got? We're going to meet again before we have the joint

105meeting. >> Sure. >> So we can look at the numbers. We uh we move AB to C or C to D or whatever. That'll give you a clear picture. >> Okay. >> All right. Any other conversation about that? Yes. I had one on the survey that we done. Can I go back to that? >> You had a question. >> When we give this, are we giving this like during class time or how are we serving or we just give it to kids and let them >> So the CTE survey is being administered during the school day by staff. And if I am correct, we surveyed over 95% of the students at both sites. So this um takes about everybody except maybe about 3 to 4% of students who may have been absent to give you

106real time data. So I I would say this has probably been one of the most successful years with the survey results. So you kind of know what's been up and it's very detailed if you would look at it. There's a lot of information in it regarding our offerings and things we could possibly do differently in the future. >> Yeah, I I agree. But I don't know. Sometimes I wonder if kids are really listening to understand because when I got down here to the computer program language part I was really shocked that we didn't have more kids because that's part of gaming and I was really shocked as many gamers as we have that no I just couldn't believe it 63 were nos on that program. Well, when you take gaming and make it a class,

107sometimes they're interpretation. >> Well, I know, but I'm just saying if I just read that right there, if I was a younger kid, didn't know anything about it, I wouldn't know that was part of gaming unless you actually looked up the definition of what that class meant. I guess that maybe I need to put it that way. >> Yeah. I mean, there's some feedback you would like us to go back and try to get a little bit more about. >> No, I just I'm just wondering if maybe um you know, we have career day in elementary schools. Maybe we need I mean I can't believe we don't have no kids want to go into architect. I mean or or electrician electricians part of your um heating in the air. I mean >> well we had

108the same thing last year with the masonry. I I I couldn't believe that. >> I couldn't believe that. I mean >> that's what they do. >> I don't know. I just >> I understand. >> Just it's just saying >> okay. >> I just don't know if there was a better way to get our kids more interested in something. I guess >> Miss Blackman. >> Yes. back to uh what we were discussing prior to her question. So, we're going to you're going to with the lust um what I'm I think I'm hearing being said is that there are some contracts that come in less, some comes in more and uh finance officer will be able to let us know those things that have already been spent um so that we will be able to when we

109when that's presented. Is that what you were saying? because you know we all as a board want want to be transparent so we don't want to uh send out that you know we all as a board want to be uh transparent and so when they're uh I think maybe in close session maybe we can get a little bit more discussion from our finance officer so that we can understand that that we're not trying to uh bring something before that we don't know the patient. >> Yes. >> So, two things. One, we can't discuss financing close session. That's open meeting law. And number two, Brooke, how much money has the county expended to us already? >> Expended to us >> from the 8.88. >> So, we have just started on the bigger pieces of it, the

110>> come to the podium. So the last time we spent we presented those contracts for the bigger I think it was like 200 and something thousand and it was three different contracts. So those have not been completed yet. We don't spend we don't send any invoices to them until it's been completed. They're still waiting for the $44,000 one to be completed. It's about $1,500 or $1,600 that hasn't been done. But as far as the list goes, that's something that I just I don't even present it to y'all. >> You're talking about the $44,000 for the computer at dealers, >> correct? There's still something that they need to do that I do not think has been done yet. It's a software or something and it's like it's a small amount of money. The overall project is

111done for that. >> Okay. I thought that had to be done by October. It was urgent. >> It was. Okay. Yeah. the that urgency piece of it has been completed, but it's like a small part of it that has not. And I won't don't quote me. I want to say it might be done over spring break because I think it has to be done while the students are not in the session >> and it was not able to be completed over Christmas break. >> Well, I know you can't send what's not done, right? I guess for me as a board member, >> they give us $888,000 in July. We could start spending July one. Mhm. >> And so if I was a commissioner sitting up there and I hadn't received one invoice >> for $888,000

112and we're in March, I would have strong concerns about giving any money the next time, but my money hasn't been spent because the the the case to the commissioners was all this stuff was so urgent we needed to fix it that in March we still haven't got any done. And I know that's not on you. You can't pay what's not done, but it just doesn't look good. >> I agree. I and but like you said, I can't I can't send what hasn't been >> and they can't pay off a quote. >> Well, that's common sense right there, >> right? They Yeah. Like you can't pay off a quote and I can't send what I don't have. >> But let me ask you this while you standing there. Sure. >> I'm sure by June 30th the

113$888,000 will be expended. >> If not all of it, a very very large portion of it because we're starting to get the bigger pieces of it because it wasn't like small things that were going to be done. It was $100,000 things. You saw those. I think it was last two or three quotes that totaled almost $300,000 and it was just for two pe two things. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. Yes. >> Not for >> Oh, not for Brooke. But anybody else for Brooke? >> Thank you, Brook. So, >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> So, uh Brooke, do you know the listing of things? Uh so, we can be transparent here. Do you know the listing of things that have been um the quotes are there and things that uh you may have paperwork on

114that's been spent? so that you know we can say that in open >> the only things that I have are what was presented last time and I wasn't prepared to speak on that so I don't have them in front of me um what was presented last time the $44,000 and at the joint meeting we asked them about the water system at south >> but you do have do you have knowledge of the quotes of the different quotes that we sent out for banks >> I don't I'm not involved in that process no ma'am Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Brooke. Yes. M >> states, can we not add like what our quotes are or what we're working on when we have our joint meetings with the commissioner so they can see what we are working on,

115but the work is not complete. >> Sure. Well, we're going to have that at the next meeting prior to the joint meeting. >> I just want to share. >> Yeah, that's what we're going to do. >> Okay. >> Our next meeting will be the 2. I just told you that it's going to be on the 23rd >> to have preparation for the joint meeting which will be the following week. Okay. All right. Next item. Uh, board member observation. Miss Begley, we'll start with you. >> All right. Miss Knight. >> Um, I guess I did take the time over the last last week. I visited Oakwood um a couple times. I um just went into some of the classrooms. I went in the cafeteria. I spoke with the kids club. They were having lunch and some

116of the teachers, you know, while they were there. I went over to um Stony Creek this past Friday and had re briefly spoke to Miss um Dr. Moore and I went to um went in the combo second third grade class with Miss May and she was her kids working on the project. So I kind of was like you know walking around the room helping kids with that and she directed me. I went to South um last Friday. Miss U Parker one day last week Miss Parker wasn't there. she had gone down to North I believe with one of her teachers. Um so I went in the cafeteria and I spoke to the students and the um teachers that were having lunch at that time. Then I also went over to Dillard and um had a

117good conversation with Miss Gullick and I roam the halls there and I went inside the classroom where the doors were open, you know, and watched the teachers no teaching that type thing. So >> thank you Smith. >> A few of us attended on the FFA at Dard's um quarter auction. I must not been I did. I did. I'm lucky like that. But that was um the community really came out to support that and it was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed it. So I appreciate Miss Chandler and all her hard work. >> Very good. >> Miss G. >> I did. Thank goodness. Thank good >> I just want to piggyback on what Miss Smith said that um we attended. It was really fun. I had never gone. didn't know what to expect, but I

118heard that they really did through the great time that they really did well as far as fundraisers. So, um kudos to them and um just a shout out to again to our track team and all the athletics looking forward to spring. All right, Miss Black, >> I did uh go and visit over at Oakwood and had an opportunity to walk through some classrooms and see that the students were engaged or you know stand on the outside of the door and uh had an opportunity to speak with the principal and um just want to encourage everyone. I know we're coming to the end of the year and the sun is shining. So, we want everyone to continue to do what they need to do to give their best uh when they're in the classroom and thank

119parents for all that they're doing to support Cas County schools. >> Thank you. At this time, I move that the Cas County Board of Public Education go into close session for the purpose of considering a personnel action that involves an officer or employee of this board NC general statute 143 through18.11 premises Athe 6 and for the purpose of discussing information that's privileged confidential or not a public record NC general statute 143 318 levels 8 princes one and to confer with fraternity motion to that Miss Smith, is there second? Miss Knight, any discussion?