001Thank you. I pledge algiance 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. Okay. First item is the approval of the minutes of July 14, 2025. There motion, please. Miss Smith, there second night. Any discussion? Motion is to approve the minutes of July 14, 2025. All in favor of that motion, please raise your hand. Both motion's carried. So, thank you. Approval of the agenda. I have uh an item to add. It's at your place. It's the two transfers. It will be item number five. And you just label it transfer. You have it at your place. Is there a motion to that effect? Mr. Lilith, second, Miss Becker. Any discussion? The motion is to approve the agenda
002with the addition of number five transfer. All in favor of that raise your hand. Opposed motion carried. Thank you. Announcements special recognitions. Only announcement I have that Castle County schools is partnered with community outreach program on the 23rd which is this Saturday. We will be participating and that event is held at the rec center. We C County will have a booth there and we're looking forward to supporting our community. That time frame is from 8:30 to I'm sorry 10:30 to >> and those flyers already made available. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Turn it back over to you, Mr. Chair. >> Thank you. Public comments, Mr. Came. >> Yes, sir. >> Thank you. Uh budget update. As Miss Underwood come to the podium, just want to remind the board that last meeting we shared some of
003the expenditures and the overall summary align summary of proposal with the budget. We have received the information from our county commissioners and this report today just shows how we have allocated what has been um awarded to us from the county commissioners and so Miss Brook turn. >> Yes. So as Mr. Shake said this is just what we are proposing that how we allocate the funds from the county. Um we are meeting with the county soon to figure out how to allocate the monies that they are holding for capital projects that we were rewarded $888,000 in addition to our capital outlay for um some HVAC and roofing needs and things along that nature. But it's we're thinking it's going to funnel similar to the high school project. >> Okay. >> So which budget would you like
004me to start with? I think capital outlay is first. >> Yes. >> So, capital outlay, we did see a small decrease in our county aotment, but again, that's a very small price to pay because we're receiving an additional $888,000. Um, so with the 400 and the rest of it, we're having a total budget of 46 $467,500. And then below it, you'll see the expenditures of where we put those funds. And then the back pages in the line by line. >> When you got miscellaneous revenue, what actually does that mean? >> It's just any revenue that comes out throughout the year and it doesn't fit in one of those categories. >> Okay. Now, let me say this and you correct me if I'm wrong. Yes, sir. >> Is the way I look at the budget, any
005budget, personal budget or school budget, you got a certain pot of money. You're going to allocate certain amount. You may spend it all, you may not. >> If you need more money, you need to come back somewhere else, do a budget amendment so everything clears out at the end. And once it's all gone, it's all gone. >> All right. So, with that being said, let me give you an example something because you learn from budgets from past. like on the first page. Uh, okay. Admin furniture equipment. >> We budgeted $5,000. >> We only spent640. >> All right. Now, I see we're putting 5,000 again. >> Now, since I've been here, there aren't many people that request furniture unless a new person come in and say, "I want all new furniture." >> Correct. So I I
006guess what I'm asking you why would you do 5,000 again? >> So the year before we spent all of our burn money >> and it's better to have it in there to for me personally I think it's better to have it in there but if the board chooses to ask it out >> I'm just asking the rationale behind it. But yes, so the year before we did spend a lot and since we do have some newer people coming in and we have some principles and things and some of our furniture at schools are older. >> All right, I'm gonna go and I'm sorry >> I got something on that too. Um I'm not trying to be ugly or nothing, but you know, we kind of a crunch on about money. >> So if your furniture
007is okay, it's just because you want some more. I just don't see that to be a reality. Why you want just want some new furniture? If it's broke, I can see it. >> So, these two lines has to be approved by the superintendent before they're spent out of >> still. As I say, if the furniture is not broke and not ripped or worn one, >> I just can't see just letting somebody have any furniture. >> But like, as I mentioned, these two lines are superintendent approved. >> So, um, do you have any way of letting us know who all what furniture was actually called? Yes, I can let you in. I'll let you have a minute, please. >> Okay, now let's go pay page by page in case you got Oh, sorry, Mith. >> I
008got a question on this page. I may just not understand on the other pages, but what is 4910 FB appropriated on the first page >> account? 4910. >> What an attend balance appropriation fund balance. Yes. Sorry, I was Yes, that's fun balance appropriated. We appropriated 260 or actually, so we originally appropriated 266,000 because we were buying the chillers for two of the schools and then we ended up adding money for um some work that was done at the civic center. >> Okay, thank you. >> All right, I'm sorry. Go ahead. Well, my it's about the same thing on floor covering and painting. >> That's a lot of money for painting. >> They contracted out. >> So, I would like to know what we painted. >> And then I would like to know what floor covering
009because I thought we used that out. What? Who got floor covered? >> I think floor covering was the superintendent the old superintendent office where they put the carpet down. >> Did it really need to be replaced? >> Yeah. Was that for you? >> That's definitely for me. I mean, >> it was done last summer. >> I just >> Okay. >> I know it ain't cheap, but I didn't think to see anything wrong with the last time I was in there. >> All right. >> I'm sorry. >> I guess one thing is to me I'd like to know also about doors. What doors did we fix? >> Sure. And then playground replacement. I want to know what playground of what school. >> Okay. So now we're on page one. >> Yes, I'm on page one. No,
010line by >> line this one. I'm sorry. Okay, >> you just got one. >> Well, I went on this one because I got this one marked. >> Anything on anything else that you have on page one? >> No, that's all I have. >> Joel, >> I had a couple things. One, the the board had voted on an activity bus and our capital outlay and it got removed. >> I can answer that one. >> Okay. the since we have a total of $467,000 $500 in capital outlay um I did not feel it would be good to appropriate 45% of our allotted budget to an activity bus as we know that is a need but we also have additional needs if it is the board's pleasure to use 44% of the allotted funds for the bus taking
011that away from us having to eat air secure those things we can do so but I felt that the most pressing need was havoc, water, plumbing, and safety of schools. Do understand the need of activity buses. Um not not mitigating that one, but um to go ahead off top before the school year is started to take 44% off of that was a big ask. >> Okay. Well, >> that's that's that's the rational behind that. >> Go ahead and finish up. >> Well, I got some more on this page, but sure speak on >> I just want to speak on action. Go >> ahead. I know that's one thing we've been talking about to always put it in there. I know last year we had so much problems with these buses breaking down. >> We did.
012>> So I understand what you're saying too, but you know, we can't have our kids sitting on the side of the road. >> I understand, but I also want to be sure that we're not a position to where we can't have school at a particular facility because we don't have water, heat, have and I will discuss more of that um in a later session. >> Okay. >> Continue, Joe. Well, just things I'm with them. I think there's some things that we could take out of the budget if we're going to be tight. Like I just don't think we need the furniture line items at all. Both of them could be removed. That's $10,000. Somebody needs furniture, it can be brought back to the board because I think we buy a lot of unnecessary furniture just
013because the money's there. The $1,000 for band instruments, I don't remember spending it since I've been on this board. >> So, >> we didn't spend it. Oh, excuse me. >> Well, we didn't spend any last year, but we have in years past. It's just to replace um instruments that are old at the high school that the kids use. Um but like I said, we didn't replace it. We didn't do that last year. It's just an as needed. >> And last year, the instrument that needed replacing cost more than $1,000. >> Well, I'd like to see that line item removed out of capital. That funding could come from the school or I thought she just bought her own instruments. >> If we get down to maintenance equipment, >> we got 14,500 budgeted. They only used $8,300
014last year. >> I would suggest remove move that to $10,000. That's another $4,500 savings. If you come down to the next line under nutrition services, we've got $10,000 budgeted. They have their own fund that can come out of. And if they drain what is in their >> fund that is over budgeted, then we can always bring a budget amendment back to us. That's another $10,000 that comes off of the budget. And then contingency. I'm not for contingency anymore because I saw the way the money was handled this year. Um it's just there. It's like a open check to do what we want to do. It's not used the way it should. On the next page, there's some money in emergency. So my recommendation is to remove the $12,000 in contingency um and and put it
015back toward the budget. So if we take those things just on page one, that's a lot of savings we have on the budget. And I think a lot of those things are just being spent because they're sitting there. If there's a need, it can come to the board in the form of a budget amendment and we can approve the money, but when it's set there, you know, just like the carpet in that office that probably wasn't needed, desks that we bought that wasn't needed, the money just gets spent. So that's my recommendation on page one. >> Okay, Trude. I saw your hand. Yes, on page one, >> I did I was going to ask a question about the furniture. Um, I thought I heard you say something about some schools may need furniture. I know
016in past when I went to some elementary schools, there were some chairs that needed replacing. And you're saying that that type of thing would then come to the superintendent and the superintendent would approve it. Yes. >> And uh so because I know I went to some schools and I could see some things that needed to be replaced. So uh they would have to then put in um a request from the superintendent. Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So, if that is taken out, then you would bring that back to us as a budget amendment. >> Yes, ma'am. Because it would have to come out of fund balance at that point. >> So, then >> or it would have to be shifted in between the lines. >> Okay. So, if we don't have anything budgeted for that, every
017time a purchase needs to be made, even if it's a $1,000 or whatever, we have to bring it back. Yes. >> Okay. Anything else on paid wood? >> $12,000 contingency. What has that been used in the past? >> Usually it's used for emergency items. >> Um I think Alan used it a little bit last year for some electrical stuff that happened without me looking at what those expenditures are, but I can be more than happy to share that with y'all. >> Okay. I like to know what exactly is useful before we take it out. >> All right, page two. >> Okay. >> The only thing I would say on that, Miss Black, is that's the problem with contingency. It can be used for anything. There's no stipulations around it. That's why I would rather come
018back to us in the form of a budget amendment so we can control the money versus it being used for whatever superintendent can allocate that money for anything they want to. >> Yeah. But however, you do want your, you know, we only meet twice a month. And however, we do want them to be able to purchase some things as, as she said, Alan may have used it for electrical. Then if it was a $1,000 or $2,000 before he could purchase it, he would have to come back to the board. So, we do need to have some money at discretionary for to be used without having the board to have to meet. That's my But on page two is $10,000 in emergency repairs, which is the exact same thing as contingency. That that takes care of
019that. If we leave it like it is, then we're allowing to spend $22,000 without board approval. >> Okay. Is better. >> And and I think it's a big difference between wanting a chair for something and needing a chair. Just because I may want a blue chair, it doesn't mean I might want a massage chair. To me, that's not a need. >> So, a chair is a chair. >> Okay. Anything else on page uh one? All right. Not move to page two. I'll start y'all >> on the first line item. Contractor Mo. I thought the bid was 163. It was, but I had a question about that and I was going to get clarification on it because I if there was anything outside of the contract, he would still bill us for it. >> Okay. >>
020And that's why I put that amount in there. >> Okay. >> But I can do with the 163. And if he brings anything up, we >> He just jumped at me when I saw that figure, didn't he? >> Yes, sir. Because that's where the um $8,890 came from is it was outside of the contracted >> items that they have. Okay. I have just a couple more then I'll turn it back to the board. Down where it says civic center contracted repairs. >> Yes, sir. >> What was that? >> That was to fix the bleachers for last fiscal year. Okay. That was when we brought it back as a budget amendment because we had to take it out of fund balance. >> Okay. That cleared that up a minute. >> Uh okay, that's all I had.
021Anybody else on page? Miss Black, I saw you first. >> Um, the $8,990 you said was outside of some of the things. Can you give me an Can you recall an example of what was outside of that? >> Like I I don't want to rattle something off, but I'll be more than happy to share that with you. >> I would like to know what that was. >> Which line item you reference? >> Um, up to the landscaping. >> Landscaping. Okay. >> Yes, sir. and it was an additional 8,000 almost $9,000 that was outside of the contract. So, I wanted to know what that was >> because I know sometimes we use them to help us get some clearance of um items that's falling if we need a storm damage. We also um use them for
022example if there's been some raintorm damage and we need some motion to back and the previous contract and this contract we currently in are different. So, these might have been expenses that were not covered in the previous contract with the landscape company that may not be included in the contract of this current school year. >> Okay. >> And I do believe they also fixed a spot that was getting washed out at the high school as well, like the driveway area. Okay. >> Yo, >> so yeah, I think with the new contract, we would be safe to budget to 163800. That's another 11,200 in savings. And if something comes up like that, it could come out of that emergency money. The $10,000 just sitting there. >> Under the field chemicals, we only use $1941. >> So,
023can we knock that back down to 2,000? That's another $1,800 in savings. >> I suggest we not >> I don't like the open checkbook. If we need it, we can come back in the form of a budget amendment. >> I understand. But in Let me just just back a little bit. Um this line by line item was a but was a request of the board >> and we are being very transparent on the line by line item and so we're not asking any board action tonight with but we just reporting where we kind of allocate and so we want to be sure that you understand um my leadership will be transparent. We'll be speaking the truth and also let you know where things come. I hear you. We want to say we want to cut
024the spending. Since I have been here, you have seen I am not a big spender when it come to things. Now, you cannot um arbitrarily just say we don't want anything spent with certain things until we have a board meeting. Um I can tell you with the storms that we've been having every day with the changing weather, the heat, we're are maintenance department being as small as they are, we're going to need some um gray area wiggle room. And so the purpose of this line by line item is to simply be transparent because that was your request. And so I I I applaud the feedback. I'm appreciative of it. But I just want to make it clear that the only thing about policy that needs to be covered is is how much they in each
025account and revolution. And so I just want to share that to the public as well as to the board so you understand. We're doing a line by line to kind of get a feel. This is a new school year and we've got some new unique lead new and unique leads needs in our district that must be dealt with. And if we have if everything requires us to have a 24-hour 48 hour notice for a board meeting, we're going to slow down some of the services to our students. And I I'm just I'm just stating it. I'm being cautious. But when I went through this line by line with um the CFO about what was there and what is not, I asked the very same questions you are asking today. Um why is this? I'll give
026you a prime example. If you walk into any deal front office, that furniture that they have there is worn. It's unhealthy because the fabric is peeling and you can't clean without absorbing things. So Mrs. Gull asked about furniture. I stated I do not have not have not approved the budget yet. But what I would do is I would find some furniture that's better than what you currently have. And if you go to NL Dillard today, you will see the front office has some different furniture, but that is still not the need because some of that furniture in that building has been there for almost 26 years. So if it's not broken, doesn't mean it doesn't need to be replaced. I understand office furniture, but if we're serving our students, our offices, and our schools, we
027have aging needs and some of the things cannot be repaired. And so, I'm just again sharing this information because this was requested of the board. I can understand why some people wouldn't want to do a line by line item because we hear those pieces, but we're being transparent. I'm speaking in truth and just letting you know that these are this is just the the detail of our purpose. We provide we we we gave the board a line by line on what was spent out of each budget line item at the previous meeting. So there was a question what was spent how much spent that's there. We provided it to you earlier being transparent and speaking the truth. And so um we also if you notice the there are less line items as we've consolidated because
028we looked at some of the line items that were never ever used. money was they haven't put in them and so they kind of amen so that we can pull our pots of money because we are dealing with less and truthfully our need will be more. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> I think as a steward of the taxpayers it is our responsibility to go line by line item over this. We have to approve the final budget and put our stamp on it. You recommend CFO recommends and then we decide what we're going to do. And I would say a new activity bus trumps better looking furniture in NL Dillers lobby because those kids have to drive on that bus and sit on the side of the road when it breaks down. And I think
029we got a lot of savings in here that we can do that. It's a lot of fluff in here in both budgets that we can cut. And that's going to be my motion. I'm one vote, but I mean we have to decide tonight what we want Brooke to bring us back so that we can approve the budget at the next meeting so that we can operate. We can't operate forever off of um the budget resolution that we approved. We need a budget adopted as soon as possible. >> Okay. >> And so again, if you go down to athletic facilities, we had $3,000 budget last year. 2700 was used and now we've budgeted 10,000. >> I mean, I don't understand that. I don't understand why the additional $7,000. Well, we spent $8,000 out of local money
030last year to buy a match for wrestling for Dillard. Um, the high school I know some of the gym equipment needs to be replaced and so is does Dillard and I have heard y'all talk about the bleachers at Dillard as well, >> but this is contracted repairs. A mat wouldn't come out of contracted repairs. >> No, the mat came out of local money. I was just saying that it was a $8,000 mat that we were using. And then I've also heard the board say um about the bleachers at both high school and middle school. >> Right. Well, what we're doing now, we're just going line item by line item. Then if motions come up, then they come up. But that's what we're doing now. M I saw your hand. >> Um I kind of went
031off. I'm just going to say what Mr. Lick said being a taxpayer. And like I have no problem with uh replacing furniture that is worn, but I got problem with replacing furniture. like you go to elementary, there's no need to have that fancy furniture up in there for them to throw up all over the cloth. But I have a problem with that cuz in the past, I know you're new here, but I'm not. And I know how some of the money's been spent just because it's there, we spend it, and that should not be the case. >> Well, I may be new in this role, Miss Le, but this is my 25th year in education, and I have always been frugal with state taxpayer dollars. >> I'm not saying you're not, Mr. states, but I'm
032saying I'm sitting here and it comes back to us as a school board members. Why did you do this and why did you buy that? We have to answer for it. You don't have to. >> Okay. >> Anything else on page two? >> Yes, sir. The last thing I had was the playground. >> Can we move that back to the last one? >> The 9022. We never spend this money. >> It is budgeted every year and it gets moved for something else. So, >> I think we need to move that back to 5,000. We've never spent more than that. >> All right. Anything else on page two? Page three. >> I'll just ask what is safety upgrades? >> It is the upgrades that are used for the software and for like the gates and the
033key cards. And >> question Joel. >> So, how do we use $45,000 out of that? Well, we had two lightning strikes at the high school that fried two gates, fried >> three gates. >> Did I miss a budget amendment that we went from 14,000 to 14,000? >> It came at the last one. >> Okay, >> do we not have insurance for any of that? I mean, is Lightning not covered for insurance? >> It depends because two, if you file a claim, your insurance is going to go up. So, you're almost gonna pay it either way. And our deductible for our lightning strike, I think, is at least $3,000. >> This is 45,000. So, >> but that couldn't all be just lightning strikes. It was other things, too, like say sure. >> Thank you. >> Anything
034else on the three pages here? Anybody else have anything else? Anything you missed? Okay, >> Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion on the things I asked for. Do we need to go back through them? >> Do you have that? >> Yes, sir. >> You have all the things we talked about? >> Yes, sir. >> Can you go back through >> for the sake of >> I make a motion that we remove um both furniture lines and the van lines that we remove maintenance down to 10,000 instead of 145 for maintenance equipment. >> Can you tell me what numbers you are dealing with? It's on the first page. We're going straight down the line. >> Can you Is it 5500 B? >> 6580 is where I'm at right now. >> Okay. You said something
035about B. What? >> Uh 5502. >> Hey 6300. >> Are you going to >> start at the very first line? 5110. >> Okay. >> Then 5502. Then 6,300. And then in line 6580, make that a $10,000 line item instead of 145. And line 7200, remove the contracted repairs for food nutrition. They can use their own budget until they run out. 8,500 remove the 12,000 in contingency because we already have it in the emergency fund. On page two, line 96, make the landscaping exactly what the contract says, 163800. That's these 11,200 to the good in that line. Mr. Stro like to leave the field chemicals. I'm okay with that. The athletic facilities contracted repairs, we got it at 10,000. I'd like to take it back to 3,000. I got a question about that. >> Which number
036is that? >> 9 to 10. >> I see 3,000. We >> had 3,000. Last year we spent 2754. This year we budgeted 10,000 for it. >> Hold right there. You had a question about that. >> Would those repairs like would it it be like the fieldhouse to um football stadium, any of that stuff? >> Score boards. I mean, I think you need to leave that at 10,000 >> cuz the scoreboard, it's a lot of stuff that's broke, >> but that's just my thought. >> Now, stay on track. Now, you you're getting a motion presented to you and there may be an item that you want to pull out. You know, you can always amend the motion, but you're going through a motion, right? A motion right now. >> I'd like to pull out them. >>
037Well, not to be finished. Okay. Okay. But we can always do a budget amendment tax. >> Last one you had was and the last one is 90 22 playground equipment because at 20,000 we've never spent that. Take it to 5,000 for $15,000 in savings. Then I'm good with the safety word. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Second that motion. >> I second that. >> Any discussion? >> Now about like playground equipment when you said that I guess they never spent it but that like an oak I personally would say they could use to upgrade some of that equipment. Look like been there since as my friend say since the north arc era >> and it's probably not some somebody some like south and north you know they're new schools. I know the equipment is old, but it's
038newer than what's at open. And it could be maybe they just never asked is the reason it wasn't used. >> That's what the case is, >> right? >> They don't ask or don't get it. >> I don't think so because since I've been on the board, every school has asked for playground equipment and we always holding that money to move it somewhere else >> and the playground equipment never gets replaced. >> Why would that be? >> I just give you an example. North PTA or PTO bought all theirs >> and I and I can say they bought it for the um prek when I was over there >> because a lot of times the principles may not know, hey, I've got this money to match or whatever. Can you give me this money? >> That's
039what that line item is there for. >> But when the fence went up at North, >> yeah, >> we did a budget amendment and moved that money to match it to put it up. >> Then we assured it was done, >> right? >> Miss >> Question Nicole. So if we do make the decision to move money or dissolve lines or whatever the case, I may not be using a correct term. It would still be the discretion that the person in need, director, principal, whomever could still come to the board to request to the superintendent. >> Correct. >> Yes. Yes. >> It's just a budget amendment. That's all. >> I'm coming a budget amendment. I'm just trying to make >> after the budget resolution is approved, >> right? You have to approve it first. >> Yes,
040you have to approve the budget resolution and the budget amendments run off of the budget resolution. >> Okay. >> Any other discussion? >> Another question. >> Go ahead. >> So, I guess if we decide to move zero out some of the accounts that Joel has mentioned and reduce the others, >> where is that money? My next motion is going to be we take that money and take the rest out and not activity bus. >> I have question. >> Okay. >> Did we buy that activity bus last year >> before? >> We did buy an activity bus. >> But we did. How much did the activity cost? >> It was $176,000 but that was two years ago. So it could potentially go up. I can get up. that it was 176 years ago. >> Yeah. Any
041other question on that? Now, back to Unico. Uh there's two ways to do this. You can amend his motion about what you're saying about that one and then we vote on that, then vote on his main motion. >> Okay. I'd like to amend the motion by keeping the athletic facilities contracted repairs at 10,000. >> At 10,000. Okay. Is there a second to her? Motion. All right. Motion dies for lack of a second. Now we're back to the main motion. >> Yes. >> I have a question. Mayor K, what she's saying? So each one of these things that he said, can we pull that out and vote on it separately? Is that what she was trying? Can we pull out each one that he gave, for instance, the band instrument for $1,000? Can we pull that
042out and vote on that separately? Can we pull each one that he gave and we vote on it separately? >> You can. You have to amend anyone you want to do. Now, be clear, board members, the money is not flying away. >> The money is still there. You can always come back. Hey, if B needs $1,000, you can do a budget amendment for that. But if you follow what I'm saying, >> but if they already have it here and I would like for it to stay there, can I have each one of these items pulled and we vote on it individually? And if so, what do I need to do to do that? >> You need you need to amend his motion to what you want it to be, like you just said. >> Okay.
043Do I do that now? >> Yes. >> Okay. I would like to amend that motion that we vote on each one of the items that Mr. Lard said individually. >> No, no, no. You do one. You're not doing a lump thing. For example, you want to amend the budget. I mean, not budget. You want to amend it to keep the bad money there. >> Okay. But it may be some other ones. >> Well, we do one by one. >> Okay. So, that's what I'm saying. Can we vote on them one by one? >> You can amend each one. You do one at a time. >> Okay. >> That's what that is. That's what the code just did. >> That's what I did because nobody voted with me. >> Okay. So, that's what that's why I'm
044trying to get the classification, right? Okay. Because I didn't have a classification when you made the motion. Is that So, each time like she did the athletic, she wanted that to be voted on separately. Van, I want that to be voted on separately. So, each time we have to say each one. >> Yeah. >> Is that correct? >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. Keep it clean. >> Can we hear why she wanted to? Cuz I mean, >> that's gone now. >> Okay. I mean, we could we didn't get to Well, we didn't get to the discussion. So, >> I did it. Nobody said anything. >> Back to you, M. >> Okay. So, I would like to make a uh motion. >> No. You want to mend his motion? >> I want to amend his motion. And
045do I say the different things or not? Just one thing at a time. >> One at a time. One at a time. >> Okay. I make a motion to amend the band instruments >> to do what? Stay as it is. >> To stay as it is at the $1,000 stays there because things do come up and students may not be able to afford um a instrument. All right. Is there a second to that motion? Motion dies. >> Can I ask a quick question? >> Yeah. >> Why are band instruments even considered capital outlay? >> That should be a local thing. That shouldn't even be a capital. >> Put it into local. It's It's almost the same. It's all local spending money. >> It's in capital. It's in capital lake because it's been there for some
046time. >> The capital building and projects that you're doing. I >> mean, we can take it out and I can put it in, >> but it's been there ever since I've been here. >> I mean, it don't matter. not saying it's right. >> I think at one point in time they were thinking of it as similar to an investment because you keep an instrument for so long. I think that's why it was in capital outlay. Um I mean but like I said either way we could put it in local we could put leave it in capital outlay. >> Gotcha. >> All right. Back I'm sorry. >> I'm guess I'm still kind of confused with this whole process here. So based on what you all can I ask a question? >> Yeah. >> So based on
047what is being said, based on what Miss Smith is asking and what we pack. So if something were to come up and we need to spend $550 for a band piece of band equipment, >> we would that request would come to the superintendent, back to the board, and we could recruit it. >> Yeah. Do a budget. any um repairs that need to be made with athletic >> equipment for the school boards, football field, basketball, whatever the case might be. Just because we're moving, it does not mean that if the need is there, it will not happen. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, I'm okay with that. As long as we're going, let me say this, board members, I've been here 17 years. It's a way of handling your money. The money is not going anywhere. >>
048It's a matter of how you've been doing it. >> It's always been this way. Some money is spent, some money is not spent. Damn, if you need to do a budget amendment, you need to do that. Hey, there's a need for this cap out. We only get X number of dollars from the county commission. Uh, and everything has to come out in that pot. If you don't have it in that pot, it comes where? Lower. >> Sorry. Go ahead. You want to follow up? >> Yeah. Follow up. Now Jo said to move the money for a bus. I don't look at a bus as being a piece that's being capital outlay. So why would you move that money to put it for the I'm saying I'm pretty sure we need a bus but a bus
049is not a capital outlay either. So how could you move stuff around in this capital outlay budget to go towards the cost of the bus? >> Yeah, bus is considered bus out. >> I mean I'm not a school bus about the school bus because I'm going to look at the bus and then cap it out >> because we hold on to it. But I think the ones we got now been here since 98 99. Then we bought a new one year before last. And the plan was supposed to be to budget for another one as soon as we could because of the aging of those. >> And that's the only way we can get one >> other than take it out of fund balance. >> That's the only way we'll get one. >> We're going
050to take some out of fun balance no matter what to get it. But >> okay, I saw your hand again. >> Yeah. with the contingency, the $12,000 that you had there with the contingency, >> what what was the purpose of putting that there? >> So, when Dr. Barker and I looked at the budget several years ago, he recommended us having a small contingency fund and that's when that contingency started because prior to about two years ago, we did not have a contingency. And it's basically another emergency pot of money. And if you take it away, it would just be the same thing. We would just have to come back to the board because then it would fall in one of those other line items as a budget amendment, which is fine. >> We got emergency
051money here. We got it in there twice. We got emergency money and contingency. I don't ever remember having both. >> Okay. Wow. >> So the emergency money is number 90. 19 9013. >> Okay. So that's the $10,000 for and that's for the repairs. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So we're not taking that out. >> Okay. So that's staying there. >> Okay. >> Anything else? All right. If not, we're back to the main motion. Any more further discussion on that? If not, all in favor of the main motion, which is the recommendation that Mr. Little made, uh, signify by raising your hand. >> I'm on the fence, I guess. I'm sorry. >> Okay. Make sure I got that right. We had four, Smith, myself, and Lil Black. You voted no. No. >> All right. You did
052not vote >> and >> you got to vote. >> Well, policy says they have >> No, you have to vote because a a no a no vote is not a yes vote. Our policy says that >> You have to vote. The only way you can not vote is say you recuse yourself from voting for XYZ. You know, remember we discussed that at the last meeting. So, you're on the fence, but I need you to get off the fence. >> I'll vote. Yes. >> Okay. Nice. >> No. >> You got that? >> Okay. All right. That's cap on that side. >> That'll come back. This is the final. got to come back >> when we vote on the >> vote on. Yeah. Be a clean thing. >> So then can we find out what the savings
053was and then we can make the recommendation on the bus? >> Yeah. >> It will have fund balance appropriated because with the activity bus added in that. >> Yeah. I just want to know what will. >> All right. Now we're now going to fund. Okay. I'm sorry. >> They have a question. Um what approximately will an activity bus cost? Two years ago it cost 176,000. I would have to get another quote to give you an exact. >> I spoke with John Berdine about that. You're looking at probably at least 185. >> So it be about 185. >> If we buy one the same size of the last bus now, you could get a small. >> Okay. >> But you're looking at least 150 plus, >> right? Okay. >> Depending. All right. On the local funds.
054>> Yes. So >> I've got I've got a few exes here and I guess they can be cleaned up, but we'll do the same thing. We'll go page by page. >> Okay. So again, the revenue piece is we get majority of our local funding from the county. We did get $240,500 for supplements this year. And um we did have to appropriate fund balance, but it was not as much as we had to appropriate last year, which is good. >> Okay. On the first page, revenue, explain the fines and forfeites, >> the increase. So the jump was because when they did their audit of the several years before um the 24 25 fiscal year, we did not get all of our appropriation from fines. So they gave us another check for it. >> Okay, that's >>
055and that's also the miscellaneous revenue as well. Okay. I I just thought that was a big figure that >> it's all it's to on your revenue side, especially stuff like fines and forfeitures where you know you're not getting an exact amount of money. It is better to go a little lower. Then if you do get an increase, you don't have to take as much out of loan balance like we did last year. We only took 519 out. >> Okay. I had one more thing on that page. 6800 expenditures student support services. >> Explain that line item to me. So that is student support services. It has the contract for the um the software that we use to for the employees to go on and take their um yearly qualifications and that's what that amount is
056>> now. It was 48,000 this year >> but you're back to 2500. >> So the 45 48,000 was when the board went in halves on a metal detector. >> Okay. I got you. Okay. That's one. >> And I put it in student services that way because it was around school safety. >> It's in the beginning of the year that we did that. >> And I think the metal detector was about 40 something. >> I just want to be sure. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Page one. Other questions? Anybody? Jo. >> 4450 interest earned. >> So, we budgeted 45, but we only earned $2,500. >> Interest went down this year. So that's one of those swing things too, like you never know how much interest you're actually going to get. >> So why are we budgeting
057that high again? >> I can go lower. It's just going to come out of fund balance. It's going to look like more fund balance is appropriated. Whereas halfway through the year, if we're still not getting the interest revenue, I can come back and say we're going to appropriate $40,000 more dollars in fund balance. But it's just one of those things where it's easier to see as you go throughout the year versus do it at one time. But I can do it over the >> But you're hoping you're going to get that? >> Yes. Okay. >> It's always your hope that you get it. >> I got you. I understand. Okay. I'm sorry, Lisa. >> Another one. I guess been the right spot. Yeah. I'm with Jo. I think that amount needs to be reduced because
058you earn any interest on any money you have in the bank nowadays. >> So to um overstate it by $4,200, $500 to me is kind of on. >> Okay. Like we can bring it all the way down to zero and then whatever we receive just doesn't come out of fund balance. But your fund balance is going to have to go up that $45,000 because that aligns the >> it looks good on paper >> but it's it's not a reality >> kind of like that I think. >> Right. Okay. >> Okay. >> As far as that goes I mean I thought this past year if you got money in a money market or anything like that it's earning two points something. So how why did it go down? I mean CDs a 4.5%. So we remember
059we went away from American National or now Atlantic Union and we put it with the state. So we go off the state interest rates. >> Okay. >> Right. Okay. >> What is it? >> I couldn't I can let you know but >> it fluctuates like each month. >> Yeah. It's not a lot. Like a lot of things are not earning interest and a lot of the higher ones are quick turnovers and we cannot invest money in stuff like that. Oh, okay. >> We have to make sure that it's a safer bond or CV or anything like that because I think it was 20 17 18 we actually got deemed on that in our audit >> because it was a more lucrative um risky investment. We were earning a lot more interest, but it's you lose
060you could potentially lose money. >> Okay. All right. Bennett, >> what was the activity? $44.90 591,774. >> So that is the revenue that we receive from the schools when they get an activity bus. So that all goes into local um money. So when the activity bus is used from the bus garage, we build the schools for the driver, the mileage and everything and that goes in and that pays for activity bus drivers, but it's booked as a revenue and then the expenditures come out as a 6,500. >> Okay. All right. I'm glad you said that. So you if I work at the school and I drive a bus, >> am I getting paid because I'm already at school and then I'm going to turn around and get paid for driving the bus if I was
061a secretary or something? >> No. So like if a if a receptionist drives a bus, she has to clock out as her reception job and clock in as in >> if she's doing a regular route or >> they are doing that. >> Yes. All right. >> Because actually the system that the bus garage uses, if they import it into link and there's an overlap in time, it sends a red flag and it will not let them import their time. >> Okay. >> And that's for activity bus and regular yellow buses. >> Thank you. >> All right. True. >> Yes. You said something about the fund balance back up to the interest earned. >> How was that? How did you say that go into your fund balance? So, we would have to take more money out
062of fund balance if we did away with that $45,000 in the revenue side. >> So, we take more money out of >> because we would that would be needed to balance the expenditure part of the budget. >> Okay. Because if we didn't get the 45,000, why would you have to take more out from understanding? >> Because we would have to balance the budget. If we used all $3.8 $8 million >> and we did not put the $45,000 in there, we would have to add an additional $45,000 to the 569 that were taken out of fun balance because we would need it to balance the expenditures, >> right? To cover what you're going to spend that year >> because if we did not do that, our checkbook would basically go into the negative, >> right? Okay.
063Anyone else on page one? Page two. So, at the top you'll see an increase. Um, this is going to be where the supplements will come from this year. And that's where the 240 the 240 500 is at. And then it's also the re the um FICA and Social Security and retirement. We do not have retirement or hospitalization for 2526 yet. So there is a potential that the people that are paid out of local money, their salaries could go up because of the benefit piece. >> Okay. >> I've heard the states going to 25 again for retirement, but they have not given anything official out. And um the hospitalization was also going to about $9,000 where it was like $8,95 this year. >> I think I know this answer, but I'm gonna ask it anyway. Uh
0645340 down at the bottom. Is >> that us? >> No. 5340. Are you talking about where it's the 6,000 >> snacks? >> No, y'all is 6,900. >> Well, who is 5340? >> 5340 is NC PreK and that's money that we have to put up for NC preK program. Calm down, baby. >> But >> because they get a snack. >> I know, but is that normal? >> Okay. >> And food prices have gone up, too, because the child nutrition department bills the NC pre. >> I got you, >> Miss Bailey. >> Which one did you say was school? >> 6,900. >> We haven't got that yet. >> Yeah, it's on the very last page, I think. >> All right. I'll put you on that. >> Anybody else on that page? Anything else? Get your hand, Joe.
0655111 supplies. >> Yes. >> Can you tell me what that's going to be for since it hasn't been there in the past? >> So, that was actually something that was purchased and it was not able to come out of a state pot of money and then um it had to come out of a local pot of money and they were told not to ever do that again. That's $69 a year. >> That's already happened this year. >> No, that was last year. The middle column is what happened last fiscal year. >> 25. This is it's under the proposed 23785. >> No, it's the 2425 actual. >> All the supplies are over here on the proposed 2526 for 23,785 >> 55. >> It's being budgeted for this year. >> That's my apologies. That was supposed to
066go into contracted services. >> Okay. >> Can you tell me what that was? So, if you remember last year, we were supposed to get a bill from NCDPI for teachers that were not licensed. I put that in there because we have never received that bill, but I'm scared that they're all of a sudden going to go, "Oh, you need this." Because they had a lot of system changes last year and it was an absolute nightmare. And I'm worried that they're going to come back and say, "Y'all owe us this money." >> All right. Okay. So, can you go down to the line under EC Supplies? >> Yes. >> We budgeted $23,183. They only used $18,000 last year. >> Yes. That's we can't deviate from that $41,000 because for our with EC, we have to put
067up so much local funding. They don't have to necessarily use it all, but we have to show that we're at least budgeting that amount of money. >> Okay. Is that the same thing for supplies under special population services 5340? >> We've got they use 1,700 and we got 2500 budgeted. >> Yes, because that's empty. >> Yes. Anything else? >> Page three, >> two. >> I've got three things. >> Sure. >> The first one is telephone service. Mhm. We budgeted 50, we spent 73. >> Yes. So, I believe Mr. You saidi has gotten us into a phone service that is going to be cheaper this year. So, I wanted to see what that looked like before we budgeted $73,000 again. >> Okay. All right. Hold on. Now, >> was that correct? >> Explain to me 5501
068the culture supplements. >> Mhm. We budgeted 65, but it actually came up to 95. >> Yes, sir. So, the reason I did that is if you look at the coaching supplements plus the athletic director, they're basically the same budget code. >> Oh, okay. Now, that answers. >> So, what I did was I did not take the full-time athletic director out yet. >> Okay. So that line could potentially go down because we have two that are actually being able to be paid out of state aotment. >> But I wanted to leave that in there because we did spend so much last year in coaching supplements. >> Okay. >> Why? >> We had a lot of older coaches. Or why did I not take it out? >> No. Why do we spend so much extra? >> We
069had a lot of older coaches that were at the top of the pay scale. So, I think we discovered at the last meeting and I want to make sure it's on record now. We need to double verify those coaches that we're paying because coaches are getting paid. >> Uhhuh. >> They should be getting paid. >> Okay. I had one more, Brooke. Yes. >> The athletic supplies went What are the athletic supplies? >> So, that is what the board gives by. >> No, no, no. What what do they I guess I'll have to reach out. >> The athletic supplies is the boys a lotment to the actual school. So it's $10,000 that goes to Dillard, $25,000 goes to BC High School. Those funds are used to support all things athletics. >> Okay. >> Um as if
070if you reflect back to the expenditure reports we showed you brought in, so why they use the 25,000 for so that's what that money >> is. I guess the term supplies is what threw me off. Right. >> Well, it's it's pretty much the local supplement to the to the schools to support athletics, but the code has always been said athletics. >> I got you. Okay. No problem. All right, Miss Be. >> Oh, two things. I like the list of everybody that has cell phones that we're paying for. I think I've asked you that before. Um Okay. >> Okay. Anything else on page two? >> And since we went from 35 to 45 this year, we said 2510. So where did the rest of that money go? 45. >> You said 10 went to Diller, 25
071went to BY, that's 35. We end up spending 40. Is that 45? >> That was the mat for the >> That was the >> Okay. So that's 15. >> Anything else on page two? >> Page 02. >> So I know we talk about this every year, >> but like in nurse travel >> and staff development >> for nursing. So I see that we went over to that budget. We're under on travel >> and then cell phones. I mean, is six nurses really costing us 15,400 $62 for cell phones? And again, I had to ask the question, why does every nurse need a cell phone? I understand why Kim needs a cell phone. >> That's the decision of the board because it was already in place by the time I got here into this position. >>
072No. and it was it's been brought up several times, but also the travel and the um staff development we cannot really touch because that messes with ourou that we have with the health department >> because it's kind of like the EC we have to put up at least a little bit of money for them. >> Good. You have a comment on that? >> And I think last year when I questioned not all nurses had cell phones because I questioned that wasn't fair. Can you tell me one nurse if you got four nur if you got six nurses only four had cell phones? So I found that out later too. So I mean is that really favor one? Four is going to get it and two's not. >> All should have y'all slow down. >> You
073done? >> I'm done. >> Okay. All right. All right. I think that if it comes down to nurses having cell phones and you have an emergency, I don't know what kind of emergency or how small the school is. I believe all of them have a cell phone. >> So you're saying >> all nurses, >> all of them don't have them now. >> I don't know. >> I'm not asking. >> That's what I was told last year. So I don't >> and I believe the conversation around that was the four original nurses because we had two that were esser funded >> and so I don't believe those two extra ones did receive a phone. >> Excuse me, Miss Jones. That comes under your private. Is that true? Does every nurse have a phone? >> I do
074believe that um they don't all have phones. >> Okay. All right. We'll confirm picking it up tomorrow. all should have. >> Okay. Good. >> We'll get a cell phone list to you tomorrow. >> All right. Anything else on that page? All right. Let's go ahead. Page three. >> Any concerns? Questions? All right. page four. I got a lot on this page just just for clarity. Uh still is telephone services. That's >> I don't understand. It's halfway half price. >> That still falls under the estimate you gave a few minutes ago. >> Yes, because that's the telephone services for the Whitley building and us. >> I got you. Okay. come down to which could you give us the number that you're referring >> 6510 I'm sorry my bad what used to be okay now another one
075is uh 6550 >> heating and gas >> budgeted 15 we only spent 25 >> for who I mean >> the bus garage >> and we did not have a very harsh winter for a very long period of time. So this year we could take it out. No, >> but this year >> I'm not saying that you don't like it's hot this >> this week. Yeah, it might be cool next week. But what I'm saying is that's a big drop. >> You know, you may not spend that again, >> right? >> That's the only reason I put that now. 6580. >> Mhm. >> The maintenance director. Mhm. >> Now, I don't understand the $6,000 increase. >> So, last year when the budget came out, the state had not released their budget yet. >> Okay. >> So,
076when I did the budget, that's his increase for last year. Yes. He did not receive an increase this year. >> I got you. Okay. I just want to be sure. Uh, a couple more small ones. Uh, maintenance workshops. Mhm. >> Does that mean they didn't didn't go nowhere >> or they were free? >> Okay. Cuz I mean I see you dropped it in half. >> Cuz I do know a lot of their workshops they were able to go to for free and they're also trying to go to a lot more workshops so they can get certified. And >> I got you. >> Okay. 6580 >> contract to pass. >> What is that? That is anything that we need a contract for to fix something that goes on at the schools. Like if we have a
077chiller that breaks or something like that, it has to be contracted out. >> But are we okay? You went from 159 to 93. We only spent 93. >> And that a lot of that is because our maintenance guys do have certification so that they are able to fix stuff on their own because contracts are expensive. >> Okay. You had a question on that. >> Why is it not capital? >> Because it's operational cost. Like it's something that is not So capital outlay is like a long-term big needs. Your operational cost is fix this so the school can stay running. >> Okay. And more of a reoccurring expense. >> Okay. That's all I had. >> Anybody? >> Mine was just on cell phone. if they could be added into the list. You'll have cell phones. >>
078Okay. >> Anybody that we pay for >> anybody else will paid for. Joel, >> so if you look at this 6550 line for transportation, >> what supplies are we buying that state their state funed budget isn't paying for? Anything for the local vehicles, anything for the activity buses, anything for any of our local fleeted vehicles because those are not able to come out of state money. >> Okay. And is that going to be the same for the gas/ diesel? >> Yes. So that's actually I put that in there because that is for the gas/ diesel, but it's also because diesel fuel is so expensive. If their state budget goes over, local has to pick it up. >> So Okay. So we don't have to pay any last year. We did not have to pay any
079last year. >> Okay. And >> and that's why I dropped it a little bit, but again, diesel fuel is still so expensive and it's still going up that >> All right. Then tell me about this where it says employee bonus or bonus just >> it is still under 6550. >> That is the um perfect attendance bonus >> because that cannot come out of state funds. >> Okay. >> And that was approved right >> before me. Okay. Sorry on mobile communication. What's the difference between mobile communication and cell phone? >> It's the same thing. >> So like or it's their phone that they have actually in their office like their actual black phone that >> wouldn't that include the Whitney building? I mean is that >> where are you talking about? >> This is 6550. It's
080middle way down the page right up under. Mhm. So those are for the Whitley building, a little bit of the Whitley building because their state funds could not support all of their cell phones because anything with transportation, they do get a state budget, but anything over has to be picked up by local. >> Okay. Anything on that page? All right. Page five. I guess this is a numbers game. Mhm. >> Uh the first one 6611. >> Mhm. >> That budget finance officer. >> Mhm. >> It was not paid last year. >> The 7,000. >> I was actually able to stick that in state money. >> Okay. >> Because if we have state O2 money left over, I take it out of one of the local funds. >> Okay. That answers that. >> Then I had
081one of finance software down to the bottom. >> Yes, sir. What what is that? Why >> we use that to buy computers and software equipment for our department? Okay. >> Um we just have not upgraded our equipment recently, but I would like to get on a schedule for us upgrading, especially with Windows 10 going away. >> I got you. Okay. Anybody else have anything on page five? Mr. Lillard, >> what is contracted services under that line item 66181? We paid out 632206 for contracted service. >> That was a service that where as AS400 went away, the state ended up picking up that and then they started charging us for it and by the time we got charged for it, it was we already were locked in for that system, but we will not have that
082charge this year. And it was also the um contract that the board approved for me to have two weeks with my mentor at the end of the fiscal year. >> Okay. >> How about if we go to 6621 >> under personnel contracts? >> We got $10,000 budgeted. >> Yes. So some of that is so me HR and finance split the AS400 bill because I think it was roughly around $7,000 and they also have a contract is called Ben Select to help with our benefits and they also have frontline and those all have to come out of local pots because HR really doesn't have a state pot of money. Anything else? All right, next page. Page six. I have one Brooke uh 684028 professional development >> for who? >> So that's actually that line item that
083we were talking about earlier. That's the software for all the employees. >> Okay. It actually so it last year was weird because it was actually we had to pay two years in a row because the year before did not get picked up. >> I got >> because I think there was some director change over and it probably is in somebody's email that left. >> I got you. Okay. All right. That answers that then. Anything else on that page? All right. Uh, thanks. I have a question. >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> The safety and security is that dealing with the metal detection? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Anything else on that page? Not page seven. Uh, I've got a something I think is missing here. I'm make sure I understand it. >> All right. Starting
084at the beginning 6910 board of education stipen >> that's what board members receive on a monthly basis. >> Okay. >> Then when you get down to board of education workshops >> that is like for paying the registration fees. >> So that's for the board members their little a lotments. And remember when I did this, I'm still working in two fiscal years. So I haven't done anything that's happened in June yet. >> Okay. That that's what I was >> I'm working in the 13th month right now. So I'm work I'm still working in 2425 and I'm still working in 2526. >> I got you. Okay. Well, that clear end of June stuff is end of June stuff. You have to post that clear. >> I wanted to make sure that was cleared up. Okay. All right.
085>> So we raising that number. We ra we proposed to raise >> You did propose to raise it. I did not put it in here because we did not receive our entire accounting appropriation. We can still raise it, but it would just be more out of fund balance because we did 3500. >> Hold. That's why I'm getting confused. >> All right. We were doing 1500 each. >> We did 1,500 and then last year we moved it up to 2500. And then we then we did fund balance last year and moved it to 3500. >> I put it back. >> Okay. >> Because we did not receive our entire county appropriation. >> But when we clean that athletic director >> I thought we >> stuff up and we move that money here and put our money
086back. Yes. >> Right. That's what I'm talking about. Call >> that back. >> What we've been doing it does not cover what we've been doing. >> Right. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. I want >> And a lot of that's hotel expenses because hotels expensive. Yes. >> Okay. You had a question back. I'm sure. >> Yes, I did. I mean, y'all know y'all keep getting angry at me, but I'm sorry. We went over. We need to really reduce if we going to reduce everything else, we need to be reducing these snacks and stuff that we're eating. >> Okay. >> So, I guess I'm going have to have that one. I want that drop back down to 2,000. It is. That's what we were told. And we did not go over that. >> We're ahead of you on
087that one. >> If we go over that because >> we'll take up some money for that. >> Yeah. We can take terms from this next. >> Okay. All right. Jo, >> what are the memberships? >> So, um, that's anything that the board chooses. That also is >> NCSBA PE. >> Those are expensive. PE I know is $16,000. >> Yeah. >> So >> that's the school boards. >> Are we getting enough out of PEK? >> Absolutely. >> They do that good staff development. >> All right. Then let's drop down to 6920. I know what we used it for, but why are we budgeting again? >> Are we budgeting? >> That's for the um CentOS settlement. >> Okay. >> Anything else? Anybody? All right. >> Sorry. Go ahead. Okay. >> The legal fees the we budgeted 50,000
088so we got we spent 2024 42,000 >> and you budgeted another 50,000 >> we do that every year. >> It still could be more coming from June, right? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> So that's we going to go over on that. >> Um I believe there's a about a $10,000 bill that I have not put back into the 13th month. >> Okay. that would go on top of that 42. >> All right. Anything on that page? >> All right. In the short run, page number eight. >> And this is just charter schools. >> Okay. But back up though, why is the civic center just all black? >> So, the civic center comes out of fundate because we do not want charter schools to have access to that revenue source. >> Well, that makes sense. I
089mean, I understand that, but >> because charter schools don't have access to your restricted funds, so we took it out of um local funds. That's why you don't see any revenue under the civic center as well. >> Okay. Now, your budget is $70,000 more. Do you expect that many more students? >> I actually took it back to the 300,000. We went over $70,000. Yes, sir. >> I got you. Okay. >> Okay. All right. >> I would prefer us not to spend the 300. >> Well, you got to. That's the law. Okay. Hey, that's where we are. >> Any other question about that? >> Now, >> you're welcome. Thank y'all. >> Your job now is to clean up. >> We did not have anything really on local, correct? >> It was all in capital outlay. Okay.
090>> All right. Thank you a lot, bro. >> Thank you, brother. All right. Uh unfinished business. [Music] Well, I'll let you get there. >> All right. So, um, if you remember last board meeting, we were reviewing the Bian High School handbook, and there was some changes that was recommended or being entertained, but required us to go back to our board policy regarding student dressing appearance. And so, this is back to um the what's going to be acceptable headgear at the high school. And so I just wanted we had to bring the policy back because depending on the actions of the board the policy has to be amended change before we can do something in the handbook. So if you recall there were some concerns about hats um and wearing scarves in the building at the
091high school level. We solidified the middle school and elementary handbooks last time, but for the high school, the question was, are we going to allow hats and head scarves on heads in the high school? >> So, in order to do so, >> in order to do so, you will have to um amend the policy. So, I turn it over to the board. Okay. Okay. Hold it. Brooke, I had one more piece for you, but we'll come back to you. Come back to you. Okay, we're back here now. Uh about the policy, what you got before, you also got an email from the inter principal at the high school. So, I open that for discussion uh at this point, Miss Black. >> Okay. about the um I received some calls dealing with uh hats and um
092wanting to know uh hats versus hoodies. uh that some students uh wear hoodies to cover their head and a hat may not cover their head and so felt that uh what's the rationale between taking out hoodies and uh would like to keep would like to add hoodies to be a part of that. >> Anybody else? All right, I will give you my comment. I like policy 4316 as it is period that takes out all the gray. But I'll say this too, having been a principal especially at the high school is how you start out is the way you going to finish. If you allow them to do it, they will do it. They have test you every day. Now there aren't so many entrances that they can come through the school. If you on duty
093and they're not properly addressed, that needs to be handled right then. >> Not in third period or not in fourth period. Starts the first day of school. Now, as I told y'all last meeting, I'm old school. I don't have a problem with the uh kids expressing themselves, but just like Miss Black said, there's a difference between hats and hoodies. >> Okay? There's a difference in wearing uh flipflops or regular shoes. If you allow them to do it, they will do it. Period. They have pushed the limit. Just like I've seen kids come to school, roll out of bed in pajamas. If you allow them to do that, they will do it. So, that's my thought on that. That we keep what we have and uh not change anything. It's not >> because I was just
094reading through this part um I guess earlier today and then I was talking about the blankets and I'm not saying they need blankets but some parts of some schools like going to an art and I've been in schools where that portion of the school is extremely cold and I've seen where the teacher allows the kids to bring a blanket to and I've seen teachers put blankets across their legs so they won't sit in the house and freeze. So it's like they got a double-edged sword. So as long as you got HBAC problem where you know the schools aren't climate controlled properly or you know one room one section of the building you'll burn up one time the other side you'll freeze and all and some kid might have a blanket home they can bring a
095post proper coat. So I mean and I'm I'm old school also and the flip-flop thing. I know this here by the flip flops but I guess I'm that should cost the boy nobody should wear flip flops for whether you're a student or you employee. um as far as like the um some of the things and I guess in the new city but a lot of school systems is like you know they said a lot of the dress code policies are targeted towards females and a lot of this stuff is and I guess I have a young daughter and finished school a couple years ago and she was a chairman all the time she said you always adult sometimes and just put too much emphasis on the wrong thing and I mean all kids parents people
096pick and choose how they spend their money and they pick and choose does what they do for their kids and our kids can't afford the same nice clothes that other kids do and it's sometimes bad see some kids being picked at or targeted because of that. I'm not saying I agree with it because I'm old school too. I just feel like you know you should send your child to school dressed according to our dress code. So I guess it's it's a hard thing to decide on and what's the right thing, what's the wrong thing, you know. >> Okay. Anyone else? >> I was going to go say the same thing Miss Michael said and about the hoodies, but you got to remember too >> those hoodies you can also cover up your earbuds. So my
097I'm saying not to change >> any other discussion. Miss Smith, >> initially I was for changing the policy, but just like you saying you've been contacted about the hoodies. I just think we're opening it up on too many things. >> Okay. Anything else? >> All right. What is your pleasure on this? Black. >> I make a motion that we keep policy 4316 as is. >> Second by Miss Beckley. Any further discussion? If not, the motion you have before you is to keep for policy 4316 as is. It's been motioned and seconded and discussed. All in favor of that motion, raise your hand. Oppose. Motion's carried. Thank you, Brooke. I missed one thing. Uh >> I'm sorry. Yes, I'm >> Let's finish handbook first. >> Go ahead. >> So, I guess the exam exemption is one
098thing, but did things change in the handbook? Because before was on page 27, now it's on page four. So the handbook if you notice it has this big old um bar on the top which threw the page numbering off. >> So the page number will go back to what it was previously. Um something happened formatting that complement to the heading. So that's our apologies regarding that but this this is what um the schoolbased leadership team um did review um the exam exemption policy. I know that was uh board action on that last point in time and I had told them that the board made action on that exe exemption policy and that is the exemption policy for the 2526 school year. >> Okay. >> But it says 20%. That wasn't in there before when we
099approved what we wanted. >> Talk about the exam grade. >> Correct. Now it says students 9 through 12 non-state course exams count for 20% of their final grade. When we made the motion to approve the exam exemption, that was not part of it. So >> you can't just add it. >> So the grading policy 80% of the grade comes from the first from the two quarters and 20% of the grade comes from the exams. Now to make that clear that may have been added to so that you understand that the exam grade counts 20% of your grade but that is not anything new. That's been the exam um weight for the past five years. So if they exempt the exam then 20% becomes a zero. >> No sir. So if they exempt the exam the
100average of the two quarters is put in as the exam grade which will count for 20% to make it work. >> Then they'll become no students ever penalized for exemption of the exam because they have a in class. >> Fantastic. >> But they cannot but they cannot exempt a non but they cannot exempt the eco state process. >> Everybody clear on that? Anything else on the audience handbook? All right. >> We'll correct my name like this. I have Johnson post. >> All right. Switch you around. >> I know. >> M. >> I did. I had a question about the insurance being in the um handbooks. >> We have that information. We just haven't received the updated insurance flyer. We still have the past school year. The price hadn't changed last we checked, but we're waiting
101on the vendor to send us the uh new one. We we got it today. So this came today. So they will be putting the handbook as request the last four minutes. >> Mr. Chair, I make a motion to approve the um bar handbook. >> Second to that motion, Miss Beley. Any discussion of that motion? The motion is to approve Barney's handbook. Discuss. No discussion. All in favor of that motion, raise your hand. >> Correct. How you want it in the U dress code? Well, address mirror our policy. >> Yes. >> Yeah. 4316. >> Make sure it's in the page. >> Correct. >> It will be added to this book. Correct. >> Dress power will stay the same as it was last school year. >> Yes. >> There you go. Okay. Back to the motion. All
102in favor of motion to raise your hand. Oppos. Motion's current 70. Thank you. Look, here's what I forgot. the uh come on up here looking at the local supplement sheet now board members. >> So you have three options option A, B, and C in front of you about how we do the local supplements. Um the $240,500 is already in the local budget because I the board needs to approve one of these. I did not put the green in anywhere. >> So let me just >> paint the backstory here. We're very thankful for our county commissioners for appropriating money for a supplement. >> The total amount that was awarded to us is $240,500. Mhm. >> They wrote in the stipulations that teachers get $1,000. They also wrote in the stipulation that all employees receive supplements. >>
103So the thinking behind these options, these are not set in stone. the board can have discussion about. So I I asked um the CFO to one do one with the keep it closest to the 240,500 to see where we land with that. All right. Then I said let's do one because somewhere in the in the back story I was looking at some notes. I saw certain amounts for certain positions. Put that down. That's option that's that's the top option. Option A. Then I said, "Meet me somewhere in the middle. As a transparent, speaking truth superintendent, I'm going to always provide you options. These aren't the only options. You can go anywhere between C and A, and I leave that work for the board >> to um come to a consensus and understanding regard, but I
104didn't want to just say it's going to be A or B or C. We want to provide options because the stipulations were teachers, those on teacher teacher salary gets $1,000 and then you have everyone else and the concern was every person gets the supplement. So that's why these numbers reflect the work. So I turn it back over to our CFO for the explanation. Okay. >> And I would also like to keep in mind that the FICA and retire or not FICO the um retirement is still based on 2425. So that could potentially go up at least a percent. >> Right. >> Benefits are very expensive. >> So the greens could go up. >> Yes, the greens could go up or not depending on staffing in these various roles, >> right? Smith, >> I understand the
105green is local funded money. What's the LEA stand for? >> Um local >> education. That's just a brief >> y'all. I got a couple questions. >> I had been following it real close, but is the state potentially giving a raise this year? >> They said yes, but the House and the Senate bills are two totally different. One was five, one was three. They'll probably end up meeting somewhere in the middle and maybe do three and a half, four again. >> We don't have that information. >> Right. And then when do you think you will have the 13th month cleared up so we know how we >> at least by the middle of August because you have to have all your June stuff come in and then you have stuff that comes in July that is
106four June months. >> I know when we talked about doing this um we were going to pay out at least teachers at Christmas um I guess all employees. >> Um I guess Mr. Chairman, I would make a motion that we wait till about September and make a final decision on this because really we need to know what raises look like because that's going to come out of our budget and how we ended the year and how much we took out of fund balance before we can make a solid based decision on taking additional. I mean, we definitely need to do something >> but it's hard to it's like shooting in the dart not knowing what we got. >> Either way, you're going to spend some local money, >> right? just a matter of how much
107you want to spend >> and you want to be as fair to the employees because we've got all employees >> and uh not just teachers. We talking >> cafeteria workers, custodians, >> everybody. >> This is a good thing. It gives somebody something. >> Yes. >> Okay. And what Joel is saying, we won't know the like Brooke is saying, you won't know the final stuff, you know, probably till like our September meeting, >> but we know it's there. >> Correct. Yes, sir. >> All right, Miss Bear. >> So, when can we pay this in November instead of December? >> We could. It's up to the board whenever the board would like. >> We've done that. We've done that before. >> I think you know, you probably need a little bit more in November for Christmas shopping.
108>> Yes, that's what we we've done that before. >> See? >> Okay. Any more discuss? >> I just know before payroll. >> Can I just note that um we get fielded questions daily. How much is our supplement? >> I just want to make that clearly. And the reason we are not given an answer is because we as staff do not know. >> And so we have >> dealt with that daily. How much is supplement? When is it coming? Those pieces. So I understand the position of our board, but you may now start receiving calls about supplement. I just want to make clear but I wanted to get something to you as soon as we could once we had the appropriation from the county knowing not having all factors but I leave that to you >>
109just give you an example board members uh this is new for some of you in the past it was based upon years of experience >> and uh that was kind of like a nightmare per se because what people were saying if I've been working 30 years and you've been working two I should get more than you you That's just human nature. But I figure by September, the easiest thing I would say, you say, "We're going to make a decision in September. >> We can tell them what the county appropriated. We don't know how many teachers we're going to have." And that's the safest way out of that. Don't don't put yourself in a corner there, >> Joel. And then the code. >> I think I mean, we're pretty safe to say we're going to pay
110out the thousand miles to teachers. >> We understand that. >> That's cut and dry. So, I think we can tell teachers you go get $1,000 and we can decide when that's going to be. I think for the classified people, we're gonna have to hold tight to September till we see where the budgets are gonna land, >> right? Okay. >> To I mean, we're gonna give them something, but I think we gota find out what that's going to be. >> Um, I think if teachers are asking, that's cut and dry. >> If it's a urgency to do it, I mean, I'd be fine with proposing option Based upon the fact that we know a lot because the AD money was coming out of this and it's not coming out local funds, >> but we don't know
111exactly what it's going to be. But I like the way that looks. >> Okay. B, it looks good. But to have the exact figure, you need to clean up, like you say, your 13th month. >> And we could potentially, the state could get in here and pass the budget. And then we would actually know how much retirement's going to be and how much other things are going to be that would impact our local budget as well. >> Okay. >> Any more questions? Yes. >> So, can we go ahead and and vote to do another? >> We haven't had the motion yet. >> Okay. the motion first. >> Mr. Chairman, I make a motion that we hold this until the first meeting in September. We have all our final figures and and budgets coming in hope
112from the state. >> Is there a second that motion? >> Is there a secondary motion? >> Then could I make it? >> No, we got if we we on this motion first. >> Is there a second to this motion that we wait till September, get everything in? >> I'll make it. All right, you second it. Any discussion? >> Don't forget, if the state gives a three or 4% raise, that's got to come out of fund balance. >> And then we still got to figure this out. So, I mean, I'm with Nicole. I like option B. But we got to make sure we got it. Sure. >> If we get a huge increase from the state. >> Okay. So, the motion is to >> I got a question. first motion first is to come in September.
113Is there any more further discussion on that? >> Yes. >> So explain that to me Joel as far as with the state raise and come out of local. >> So she's done the budget for like maintenance and all the things that come out of local budget based on what we have right now. Right. >> But if retirement goes up or they give a 2 or 3% increase in raise, >> that's more money we got to take out of the local budget because we're not getting >> we're not getting any more from the county >> for the for the positions funded, right? >> Funded positions. >> Also, then we will have a clean version of the AD money taken out and we will have a clean version of what we had to take out of fund
114balance to clear up last year. If it's not as bad as we think, >> okay, >> then we have a lot to go on. I think it's a lot of unknown, but I think I think we definitely all agree we're going to do something. >> It's just what? >> Okay. Any more discussion? All right. The motion is to wait till we get uh September meeting to make a final decision based upon all the information comes in. That's the motion before you. All in favor that motion raise your hand. Oppos 70. >> Thank you. >> Let me You had some make that we pay that in November. Would that be a problem? The November payroll would be >> it's early. So it's the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. >> I would need to know by the end of
115October. >> Oh, okay. But if we approve in September, you have enough time. Yes. >> So you want to make that motion? >> Yes. >> Motion she's making is to pay it out in November payroll. Is there a second to her motion? Miss Smith. Any discussion on that? Jo. >> Well, can I amend that that we pay the other supplemental money at the same time. >> The low wealth. >> Yeah. That we I know we give half at Christmas and half at then, but let's go ahead and pay it out in November, too. If we >> the whole thing or do >> No, no, 50%. >> 50%. Okay. >> So, I'm not Let's pay both and get those >> if if you get if we get >> Yeah, if we get it. >> All right.
116So, hold that. Hold that. Jo has amended the motion that we pay u the low as well. uh along with the that okay you second that any discussion of that all right we're voting on the amendment now you clear on that vote what you're doing okay any more discussion all right the motion is to pay it in november all in favor of that motion raise your hand motion carried in I'm sorry no vote nobody 70 now we're back to the main motion of doing this in September uh se the first meeting in September. All right. First meeting in September. We'll make a decision. Okay. >> November. >> Pay out in November. Okay. Now >> that that's the motion for that. >> All in favor of that motion, raise your hand. Opposed. Motion car 70. Thanks
117a lot. >> Thank y'all. >> Got ahead of myself there. All right. Uh moving right along. Consent agenda. We have three items. Eureka math manipulative kits. I read teacher toolbox for ELA and mathematics and CWD Chromebook refreshments. Uh >> is there a motion for that agenda? M. Smith makes a motion to approve the consent agenda. Is there a second to that motion? >> Mr. Lily in discussion of that motion. If not, the motion is to approve the consent agenda. All in favor of that raise your hand. Post motion's carried. Thank you very much. resolution uh with Naomi Long. Miss Black, would you please read that >> resolution memor memorial and appreciation of the life of Naomi Elaine Smith Long. Whereas Naomi Elaine Smith Long was born on April the 4th, 1942 and resides at 1050
118Spruce Farms Drive, Royal Hall, North Carolina, and formerly lived at 733 John Long Road, Blanch, North Carolina, until the time of her death on July 7th, 2025. And whereas Naomi Long was a faithful and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, and her family's welfare was her major and constant concern. And whereas Naomi Long was educated at the Joe Tyler School and Murray Potter High School before continuing her education at Elizabeth City State University. She returned to Granville County upon graduation and began her career in education teaching at Mary Potter and in South Boston. And whereas Naomi Long worked for Kaiser County schools as a teacher at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and also served as an instructor and administrator at Punt Community College. And whereas Naomi Long was an active member
119of High Rock Baptist Church, Missionaries on the Move, the National Education Association, and the American Business Women's Association. She was active in the local and state Democratic Party, volunteering and voters participation efforts, and participating in advocacy groups such as NAACP and the North Carolina Black Legislative Caucus. She also served in leadership roles with several organizations including the voice of the High Rock Community Center, the Caswell Family Medical Center, the Renegade 4H Club, and the Castle County Credit Union. And now therefore be it resolved that the Castle County Board of Education wishes to honor the memory of Naomi Law and expresses it sympathy to her family by causing a copy of this resolution to be spreaded upon the official minutes of the board of education and a copy forwarded to the family. This the 28th day
120of July 2025. Is there a motion to it? There a second. Any discussion at all? If not, the motion is to I'm sorry. >> Nicole Smith. Motion is to approve the resolution for now. All in favor of that motion raise your hand. Opposed motion is carried 70. Thanks a lot. >> Yes, mass. All right. U proven models and practice education was something number three. >> Yes, as you know um Castle County Schools is on the move. We're trying to ensure that we provide high quality PD and supports and so some of the supports that we have identified will support both Dillard Middle School as well as some Bans High School. And so Miss Miss Jones is here. >> All right. >> Um to fit in the questions. uh speaking with both principles are in support
121of this resource to our students and to our teachers. This is to help us continue the momentum that we started last school year. I just want to tell you as a educator, you cannot um become complacent with your instructional practices and models in place. We have to continue to push forward and this is one of the tools we're helping to help um push particularly in an adult middle school um to the level excellent we know it can be as well continued successes at the high school. Dr. Jones, I turn it over to you. >> Thank you so much. Um both principles as Superintendent Stokes said are very excited to work with um this contractual service. So the two ladies providing the service, they are an veteran administrators with 30 and 30 plus years of experience
122and Miss Gulla worked with them in a previous district and she said that their strategies to support teachers which of course then supported students helped her school to achieve an exceed ed growth. So it initially started with um me and Miss Gull discussing um the strategies for support. And then Miss Carter said, "Oh, this is great. We could use it, too." And basically they're great strategies, classroom management, engagement, some of the things that you have mentioned as a board for support for teachers. And they will also provide walkthrough data to support teachers and giving them feedback, differentiation, and team teaching. So the total amount is 16,000 and Dillard would pay eight and BY would pay the other eight. So they would split the cost. >> Uh question I I I haven't found this. Maybe I
123overlooked it. It says through May of uh I think 2026, >> but it doesn't tell me how many sessions or what. How many sessions is it? >> Well, right now because they're they were waiting for approval to put in their dates, but it's one 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. >> Okay. because I see the 9750. >> Then up just above that in 2.1 it says $1,500 per session. >> And I just wanted to uh you know that's more than eight. Eight sessions is more than 9750. >> In addition to the sessions, they're also coming to the school. >> Yeah, I understand with the teachers. >> It just wasn't clear to me. I know what they're going to do, but didn't didn't say when they was going to do when they were going to
124do. >> That's what was on clearly. Okay, >> I understand. >> Now you say Dillard and by which fund they going to use? >> They're using title one. >> Title one. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Okay. Anybody else have questions? >> Yes. >> I don't have a question. I just want to say thank you for explaining to the public. We have the paperwork, but sometimes the public doesn't know what we're what we're actually voting on. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. >> Okay. Anyone else? >> I make a motion. >> Go ahead. Make >> I make a motion that we approve this contract for services. >> Second, Miss Backward. Any discussion? It's been moved and proper second. A motion four years to approve the consulting contract as presented. All in favor of that motion, raise your
125hand. Opposed. Motion carry. Thank you, Dr. Jones. >> Thank you so much. >> Dr. Go >> is it are we going to look at getting the Urskin math back the Urskin math >> math >> when Mr. >> We there's been some discussion but we haven't we're not prepared recommendation yet. >> Okay I just want to >> thank you. >> All right uh innovative employer health solutions. So yes I overtake that one. As you know, Innovative Employee Health Solutions is a vendor that will help us provide Department of Transportation physicals for our faculty that has a um CDL license. Right now in Caswell County, no agency provides that service. We check with the um compassionate health. They don't have a DOT certified um trainer that that can do physicals that meet the DOT physicals. So most
126of our employees go outside of the county to their to a particular position and C County Schools is currently in a place where we reimburse them those fees. Okay. In the attachment you will see a chart somewhere that was a chart about some of the cost. Did you see that? That's your that's the page about school year. >> So um we were able to find a vendor that will come to Caswell County that will allow our bus drivers that are dual employees uh CDL that they could do it here on site. So we have to wait for them to go somewhere else which speeds up the process for us getting bus drivers. Some of the things we get a hiccup on that is they have to go get a DOT physical and that takes it's
127almost like going to the DMV right now. So getting that DOT physical and giving the experience level of our bus drivers some of them have to get them every two years or every every year. So this is an opportunity where our bus transportation department will monitor who has a physical come up then. We will schedule it. They will come to Caswell County and instead of them paying up to well we've been paying up to $215 for reimbursement. It's a flat rate of $80 for the um reimbur for the physical. I'm not aware the board knows we were paying the we were doing reimbursements for um DOT physicals but we are. And so when this was brought to us, this helps us one speed up the pipeline. It also helps our dual employees who may be
128a bus driver and a cafeteria worker. We don't have to take off work to go get a DT physical. We can do it on site. So therefore, we still the process. If you see, I had some key questions. Um drivers missed that appointment for val reason would not cost the district anything. Our drivers still have the option of using who they've been using, but we will only reimburse them up to the $80 since we provide that service. Now, >> all right. Uh questions so far regarding this proposal. Y >> well, two things. One, compassion health, that's where I get mine every time. So, they do um >> not our last update, but I won't argue with you. And then it says schedule 20 to 22 exams to be conducted at one time. We're never going
129to have that many. >> Well, you read this is just from them. Um, we've talked with them. I've been there with our transportation staff as we discussed. This is used around some of our surrounding counties. They've had great success with it and it speeds up the process. There's not necessarily a a contract that we're going into. So, we want to end it, we end it. Um, if it's not successful, we would do that. But it helps us speed up because at this current time we have some people who passed their examination but they they passed the driver's portion and the the DOT the CDL port to get their CDL license but they need the DOT physical >> and they're they're scheduled two or three months out. So we want to be able to get them
130this way allow us to get them in quicker and faster if do so. So I was just trying to find a avenue to help us be more efficient um to be a better service to our employees and um brought it to the board and I turn it over to you Mr. Chair. >> Yep. Back it. >> So they do not have to go with this. If they want to go with their own doctor stay with it, they can. And we just reimbured them $80. >> As stated before, they can still use their own their own provider, but we will only reimburse the $80 since we provide service. Okay, >> I think that being able to offer this service and to speed it up would be a a bust for our system to show that we
131are offering this as well. >> Okay. What else? >> So like if they have a history, health history, would this company like ask their doctor to submit any documents? So this company is only doing their department on the DOT phys. >> Okay. >> Anybody else? >> Where we going to set this up to be done that? I mean because sometime they have to take blood. >> Uh we have plenty of spaces. We could use the high school's clinic. We could do that in the We could do that in the wood building. No different than we do some of the um I mean we have plent one thing we have plenty C plenty of space um to hold it somewhere central. We can hold that with the building here if necessary. >> Okay. Hearing no other.
132Is there a motion to that effect? >> Motion that we approve the health initiative that Mr. Stokes recommend. >> Okay. Second. Miss Smith. Second. The motion is to approve the recommendation from the superintendent for the health services. All in favor that motion raise your hand. Opposed. Motion carries 70. Thanks a lot. Thank you for your board action. >> All right. Uh item number five, you have two uh new transfer requests. Uh and you can read what they say. U motion to approve the transfers. M Beley makes the motion. Is there a second? I'll make the second. Any discussion? If not, the motion is to approve the two transfers. All in favor of the motion raise your hand. opposed motion car 70. Thank you. All right. Uh any updates? Do you have any? >> Yes, sir.
133Go ahead. >> So, um just want to give the board and our public an update on some things that have come down our way through legislation. As of July 2025, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina Community College System has repealed what we used to know the CCRG. CCRG in its place is now going to be called the career college ready pathway has been established. The new CCR pathway no longer is a standalone requirement. Instead is an optional program allowing for students postsecary plans. It offers significant advantages by providing a clear on-ramp on both college transfer courses and workforce credentials. If you'll walk with me, in the past, if a student did not meet a certain GPA requirement and or ACT cut scores, they had to take an additional math and
134additional reading courses that is now no more, right? Um, this helps us with the new career college career. The CCR pathway targets rising juniors and seniors and it incorporates developmental math and English reading along with career exploration because we want to make sure our students are aware of the options they have coming. It is available to students with an unweighted GPA of 2.8 or lower and it emphasizes early mediation and students are college ready before graduation if that is their choice in that pathway. Um the community colleges will offer the program this school year with broad expansion expected 2627 school year. So um in the past few years we've had mandatory CCRG courses for um seniors in math and in math and English that is no longer a requirement and we are excited about that
135because we had to explain to students why they have to take this course um because the criteria wasn't very clear for them. All right. Now we also talk about the center for safe schools. As you know, in accordance with the state law, all students in grades 6 through 12 must view the North Carolina Center for Safer School training videos within the first five days of the 2526 school year. All Castle County Schools faculty and staff will be uh trained prior to the students and will be required to sign off on completion. School board members will make this an optional so you can see the video before because I think you need to be aware of what our faculty and staff are saying to host the expectations. All right. Next we have leadership and back to
136school planning. I'm excited that this past week we had the principles and directors participate in leadership training. Last week organized instructions and plans on for the school year. Our next one will be here August 4th where we will finalize back to school activities and procedures to ensure we have a strong start to the school year. I do want to commend our maintenance department for their tireless efforts. These storms and rain has given us a great bit of havoc due to limited resources and weather related challenges. their their dedication and preparation our buildings demonstrate they are committed to ensuring our schools are ready and welcome students and staff on the first day. Um C County schools will continue to partner with the local media. We're looking forward to reaching out to WXI and some other news
137outlets have reached out to one us to help celebrate and highlight what's right with our schools. So you should be seeing some things happening coming in regards to that because we want everyone to know that Caswell County schools is just a good vital choice for um school choices anywhere else. So we have been reached out reaching out to news WXI News12 as well as Fox and we will be sharing more information about that. We we are deeply grateful to the continued support from our families and our community and I want to thank all of our families for choosing Caswell counties as the best option for education for our children in Caswell County. As I stated earlier we are begin to start working on our district strategic plan and our facilities plan. um in order for
138us to decide what's going to happen next, we have to have a plan. Um so we're starting to work with um looking at the past uh parameters that we've had established. So you will be asked and we will be doing some questions about what what do council look like two years, three years, but right now we probably look at like in two months, six months, 12 months, but we'll work on those pieces. But I just want to say that to start our work I am planning on I my my goal is to work with work in transparency, truth and trust because as we empower, engage and excel we have to match those three E with the three T's transparency truth and trust and transparency builds trust. And so I have been uh very transparent on
139where I stand and because for children what I am and that is my wife. Uh, thank you, Mr. Chair. I turn it back over to you. >> Thank you very much. All right, board member uh comments. Uh, Miss Blackwell. >> Um, just to follow what Superintendent Sto said that we everyone to please come to Caswell County Schools, a place that excels. So, and also to thank the maintenance department and all the departments for all that they are doing during the summer and those that are teaching our students in summer school. >> All right. Thank you. >> Um I too say thank you to um in Superintendent Stokes to the staff of C County Schools. So, I'm excited to see that we're moving in a positive direction and that we are working everybody's working really hard
140to prepare for the upcoming school year. And I'm I I'm hoping to see even more success and see our and have some celebrations along the way. >> I just echo what they say. Appreciate what everybody's doing and look forward to a school year. I know they've been busy hiring a lot of great new talent. So, it's good to see the look at these openings that we got. They're swimming on down. We ain't got but a few. And so, >> that's great to know we starting the school year with that many positions field. >> Nicole, >> just thank you to everybody. >> Lisa, >> um I guess due to what everyone is saying, including Mr. So especially and I'm glad to hear that you reach the media is reaching out to Catherine County because you know
141it's you hear all these good things happen in other counties but you never hear anything about us. So I'm glad that that's going to be coming forward. >> Yeah. I want to let everybody else thank everybody. >> Just a recap. I always look at us being in the same boat. The water may be rough on this side and smooth on this side but you still in the same boat. And people ask you where are you from? be proud to say Cargo County. It's not perfect. It's not the worst. But what I've always found is do your very best wherever you are every day and the results going to come at that time. Then on that note, I will make a motion that the casual county board of public education to go into closed session for
142the purpose of considering a personnel action involves an officer employee of this board NC general statute 143 318.11 Prince Er 6 and for the purpose of discussing me privilege confidential or not of public record NC general statute 143 318.11 A1 and to confirm with that motion to that effect. Mr. Lillard makes that Smith. Any discussion? Not our favor. Raise your hand. All right. Now, in close session, please take a short break. Please ask Mr. I sent you something. Y'all want me to share it with y'all what I'm asking? Go >> ahead. >> This will set you on how many Chromebooks we have. >> And it says on here, kindergarten through 9th. Does kindergarters take their Chromebooks home? Nobody can't.