001continue. Thank you. Take There. >> [laughter] >> Okay. I have a couple things that we need to state for the record. First one is an epic statement. >> Can y'all hear me now? >> Okay. All right. Board members are reminded that only that this is our duty to avoid conflicts and interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest as we handle the work of this board tonight. Does any board member tonight know of any conflict of interest or appearance of conflict with respect to any matters coming before us at this meeting? If so, please notify me as soon as possible during this conflict. Um, we ask that you that in the course of the meeting you become aware of these actual comments that you bring them also to my attention too and conflict of interest.
002Please bring the matters to the attention of me and it will be your duty to abstain from participating in the discussion on the matter from voting on the ma um matters. Okay, we have Okay, this needs to be stated for the record. Um I had the minutes but um in the January meeting um we voted this board did that um we would accept um the fifth member who represents the U district and they would um come on based on the election. Okay, I'm going to read you something. Now, the election is taking place and Miss Jojo Le won the election, but it is not official until March the 25th of this month. There was some question as to whether March the 13th was today, but March the 25th is today. So, Miss Le wrote me
003a letter. I want to share an important update regarding my role on the board. This morning, I contacted the North Carolina Board of Elections to clarify the certification timeline for elected officials. I have been informed that the Gates County will certify the election results through Canvas on March the 13th, followed by a state certification on March the 25th. Official certification at state level is necessary step before I can formally assume my duties and take the oath of office. Out of the abundance of caution to ensure full compliance with all legal requirements, I have decided to defer assuming my official role until the state certification is completed. This approach allows me to uphold the high standards of integrity and proper procedure. However, I remain committed to this board's work. I plan to attend the upcoming work
004session so that I can thoroughly familiarize myself with ongoing initiatives and be fully prepared to contribute meaningful once my certification is official. Thank each of you for understanding and your support. I look forward to serving alongside you and contributing to our shared goal of success for Gates County Schools. Okay. So what it means is that under our policy um we have the right to appoint someone and um Miss Le asked her and she decided to defer it until the correct certification is done by the state. The state is the official one and the state will not be posted until March the 25th. That's why Miss Le is not up here. Okay. Okay. I'm going to ask our cheerleaders if they'll come forward. >> Y'all got enough room. >> Thank the board for allowing us to
005be here today. We're here to recognize our Central Middle School cheerleaders for the great seasons they've had this year. As you know, cheerleaders are two seasons, football and basketball. We have 17 girls on the team. And this year, we had our first mascot, our Viking cheer leader named Victor the Viking, who was BJ. Uh, and he's not here tonight, but that's Miss Shante's son that we're here to [laughter] fight in the new uniform that we have of our um high school team. We are a competing team. So, we participated in three competitions this year. Elizabeth City, the one we host at Gatesville, which is our conference cheer conf competition, and we invite non-conference teams. and we went to Newburn for the first time. So for our conference competition, we brought home gold again and overall
006cheer um uh we were the overall conference chair um team and we have been that since 19 since 2022. So give them a HAND [applause] at that conference cheer competition. We want gold with our stunt group. If you're stunt group, raise your hand. We [applause] have jump off. Raise your hand. [applause] Tumble off. We won gold with individual routine [applause] and we won gold for most spirited [applause] and we also won gold for the traditional routine and the game day routine [applause] which was about two weeks ago. We came home third place in game day. No, in traditional and second place in game day and Miss Reagan Walton won the jump off. [applause] So, I'm really proud of them. Um, I will be losing half of my team this year. Nine of them will be
007going to ninth grade. And so, we will be in a rebuilding again. [laughter] Um they are going I I also would like to let you know that our next cheer conference is February 6, 2027 at Central Middle School. Come out. It's a great day. Support our cheerleaders. And I also like to give special thanks to Central Middle School administration, Miss Rosa, and the uh athletic director and assistant director for all the support that they give us uh at the Central Middle School. So now I'm going to turn it over to them to give you one of their chores. [screaming] Wake up. [screaming] T [cheering] Monday for elementary and others grades. We have about 29 kids signed up. >> Thank you, ladies. >> Thank you. [applause] [laughter] Does anyone in the back like to come in
008and fill in the seats if y'all can sit down? There's some available. >> Miss Dory, did we have anybody sign up for public comment? >> Yes. Um, Lauren, I'm gonna call Lauren and I think >> Hello. >> All right, I'm going first. I'm Natalie's mom. Um, I'm not going to add and this makes more sense after her. So, let me just preface what I have written. Can you guys hear me? Okay. will start. >> Okay. Yes, ma'am. We probably don't even need to, but I'll take it. Okay. So, Natalie and another one of her classmates, Reese, are going to share with you guys about some concerns that they have in the lunchroom. So, I just wanted to follow up with it and um address it as well and say how proud I am of them
009for advocating for change when they notice a problem. Natalie first brought this concern to me a few weeks ago and we gave it some time to see how it panned out. I understand trial and error well. However, last week I reached out to school leadership and was directed to Dr. Simpson regarding the shortage of food. I did get to speak with Dr. Simpson today and she was very receptive and appreciative of the feedback and informed me that she has discussed this with the cafeteria manager and has asked them to increase the production of the main entree at school. I'm appreciative of her rapid communication and action. In regards to the split lunches for eighth grade students, my ask from the school board would be to simply follow up this week to make sure that students
010are getting the appropriate amount of time to eat their lunch. I understand that there are limitations placed on all school staff for implementing new lunch guidelines. Again, my purpose is simply to make sure that this is on your radar for followup and to support our young advocates here tonight. So, thank you for your time. [applause] Hi, my name is Natalie Heken. I'm in eighth grade. I'm here today to discuss lunch. Saying it doesn't feel like a big deal, but if you actually see the effects, you will feel different. Students have been feeling very stressed due to multiple lunch changes. First, it was just boys and girls separated. Then it was ABC order. Still ginger separated. And after much complaining, we got to sit out of ABC order, but eighth grade was split and we only
011got 15 minutes in total for lunch. It is only our true time to socialize during the day. Many students may not eat just so they can talk to their friends during this unreasonable time lunch break. Other students may eat too fast and have stomach pain. We are told we can stay in the lunchroom if we are not done. But that doesn't always feel true because the bell rings and we are late to class if we decide to stay. Now I'm going to compare it to our country versus another country. The USA the time usually 20 to 30 minutes but for 8th grade as I know of it's only 15 minutes. The structure is eat quickly in the cafeteria. The source is either packed lunch or school lunch. In Belgium for this one, uh the time
012is usually 60 to 90 minutes. The structure is eat, play, and social time. The source is packed packs lunch, school lunch, or you can even go home and eat lunch with your family. I felt I could not have my voice heard at school, so I came up a level. Please try and put yourself in our shoes. I have heard way too many times it's a part of life. Please try and understand how this is affecting us. Thank you both for speaking. >> Thank you. >> And we'll look into it. >> Next, >> Carol Ward. Thank you for allowing me to speak, Dave. It's only going to take a few minutes. Um, Friday, I attended my first ever school board meeting. about the elementary school consolidation. It was disheartening to me to see the options that
013were placed on the screen above before us. RIF was an acronym that was used numerous times during the presentation. And for those who weren't there, it means reduction in force. This happens by either not filling currently vacant positions or elimination of people that are currently employed in certain positions that need to be cut. 2023 was a budget shortfall, $300,000 supposedly because a grant didn't come through. At that point, we had to cut arts teachers jobs for for the funding to find the funding from somewhere. At no point ever should an administrator use grant funds for payroll. That's one time money. It should never be used for for payroll. [clears throat] In 2024, another budget shortfall, $820,000. 2025, we're on pace to be $451,000 short this year, according to the presentation Friday. 2026, additional 50 children
014short. Another $500,000 shortfall. That's a total of$ 1.579 million in three years that we've been short. We don't have a money problem. We have a management problem. Every year is the same song. Budget gets cut, budget short, workers positions are cut. not administration, not the people that cause the problem, only the people that are actually doing the work. While ADN sees no repercussions for overspending these budgets in the riff mentioned above, not one person who is responsible for the budget shortfalls was on the list for reduction. I find it appalling the people that cause it aren't part of the solution, but yet they put on the screen what the solution should be. So the people who suffer, our teachers, our students, they bear the brunt of the hardship, neither of whom had a hand in
015creating the situation for which they are suffering. What irritates me the most is we have the best teachers in the state here in Gates County. And they're being treated like secondass citizens and made to take larger class sizes for something they had no vote or choice in the matter. Teachers, we the citizens hear you. We are here now. And I personally I am sorry it's taken us this long to get here. But you have my attention now and I promise you things will get better. It will get worse before it gets better. The brighter days are ahead. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Joseph Johnson. >> Good evening. I [clears throat] got a few questions because I didn't make the February 9th meeting because being sick, [clears throat] but we approved $30,000 for the
016daycare. The daycare closed the end of the year and is now a private organization. So why are we still approving money for the daycare from the school system? We approved a3 to4,000 transportation study to figure out how long it's going to take somebody to get to and from uh the school. If we consolidate a school, we don't have anybody in this county already that's part of the school system that can figure this out and put that three or $4,000 in our pocket. We've hired a new football coach, which I think is a great thing. Although I was not a fan at all, but historically at every school, our AD has been a head coach. Now have a ad at the high school, an assistant AD at the high school, and a head coach. So, how
017are we cutting budget when we're adding people? Before 25, the 2425 school year, we lost four teachers in the elementary school system between retirement and resignations. From what I have gathered, two have been released this year. Two have put in their resignation. Lola Rancher has retired and the part-time Jonath Buckland, excuse me, has resigned. That's 10 people. In the consolidation talks, we were talking about possibly having to reduce force by 10 people. And we've reduced force by 10 people in two years. So why are we still talking about reducing force? Because the teachers are already too strapped for what they have. [clears throat] In the Buckingham consolidation meeting, talking to some of the patrons of Gates County, it was very discouraging that part of our central staff left before public comments. That makes the public
018feel like you really didn't care what the public had to say. This week you come out $3.6 million to keep one school open versus $330 $330,000 keep another school open. Why wasn't that not presented during the consolidation meetings? Where do those numbers come from? Because they were not presented during the consolidation meetings. What are we going to do with the old school when we close it? What are we going to do with that building? Because if we're gonna keep it open, we still got to spend the money, keep it open, we're using it for other stuff. If you don't know why people live in Gates County, which is kind of disheartening because five years ago, Gates County people come in front of the counties like crazy to go to school in Gates County. Now, every
019year we're losing numbers, students. If you don't know why we're losing students, then you are not active between the central office and the school board in the school system. There's protocol and procedures that are not being followed. We have sporting events where we've got people playing music at these sporting events that have vulgar and discerning language and stuff in the music. Nothing's done about it. I feel that being we have one of the highest paid central offices in eastern North Carolina, it's time for some accountability and it's time for some action to be had. [applause] Thank you, >> Lori and Reese Kane. Hold on. I need to reset. Hold on. I gotta reset it. [laughter] >> Good evening, members of the board. My name is Lauren Kaine, and I am here as a concerned parent
020who wants every student in this district to feel cared for, respected, and valued. I want to address three issues that have been repeatedly affecting our children as of lately. Central Middle School running out of food. Students have had assigned seats and now split lunches because of the actions from a particular group of students. The entire grade is now getting punished instead of this select group. Reports of disrespectful or an unequal treatment of students by the principal. First, our students are frequently facing situations where the cafeterias run out of food before all students are served. Some children are receiving incomplete meals or in some cases no balanced meal at all. My daughter has stated only sides are available when she goes through the line on several occasions. She is an athlete. She I'm sorry, she is
021a student athlete, so she needs to eat a full meal with protein. For many students, especially those relying on school nutrition programs, this is their primary meal of the day. Federal and state guidelines require schools to offer complete nutritious meals to every child. Running out of food is not a small inconvenience. It is a basic failure of student care. The split lunch schedules are also a growing concern. The students, [clears throat] sorry, the students are being sent to lunch depending on which grade they are in. Group A has 12:15 to 12:35, then sent back to the classroom to finish their lunch. There have been several reports the students have to go back to instructional time instead of finishing their lunch. Group B, who goes to the cafeteria from 12:35 to 12:55, does not have the
022option to finish their lunch in the classroom because at 12:55, the bell rings for their fifth block. These children only have five minutes to get from the cafeteria back to their fourth block class, grab their belongings, get to their locker, and then get to their fifth block class. either they do not have enough time to eat in the cafeteria to their I'm sorry, either they do not have enough time to get from the cafeteria to their next class or they're having to leave the cafeteria before their mandate time is up. So, they are not late for the next class. These students were told not to socialize in class and to wait until lunch. With this schedule, they can't socialize at lunch because they are rushing to eat their food. Lunch should be a mental break
023and social time for our students. It is good for them to sit with their friends and talk about their day. The mental break is greatly needed to prepare for the rest of their day. That is instructional time. Our kids cannot learn if they are hungry and or overwhelmed and they certainly should not have to wonder if there will be enough food for them that day. The second issue is more sensitive, but is equally important. Multiple families, including my own, have witnessed or heard from students that the principal has spoken to certain students in a manner that feels rude, dismissive, or even particularly toward some of the white females. Our goal should always be to build a school environment where every student feels safe, welcomed, and valued. When children feel singled out or treated unfairly, that
024is a problem we must address openly and professionally. I want to be clear. This is not about blaming, accusing, or creating division. It is about ensuring every student, regardless of background, receives respectful and equal treatment from their school leadership. Tonight, I'm asking the board for three things. An immediate review of cafeteria operations to ensure adequate food supply for every child every day. A plan to create a functional, healthy lunch schedule that does not compromise instructional time for student wellness. a fair and neutral investigation into concerns about staff professionalism and equity with the goal of improving police. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Good evening, members of the board. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with you tonight. I would like to address two concerns that have been affecting students at my
025school, Central Middle. The ongoing lack of food in the cafeteria and the challenges created by the new split lunch schedule. First, regarding the lack of food, on many days, the last group of students in the lunch line does not receive a full meal. By the time they reach the front, essential sides such as fruits, fruits, and vegetables have already run out. Staff members are then forced to either prepare additional food on the spot or offer whatever limited alternatives remain. There have even been days when milk cartons run out entirely. While I understand that ser self serving can sometimes lead to uneven proportions, milk is a prepackaged item with a one per student limit and even those run out. It suggests a deeper issue with how food quantities are being predicted and allocated for each grade
026level. Each student, regardless of where they fall in the lunch, deserves access to a complete and nutritious meal. Secondly, I would like to address the new split lunch schedule. The eighth grade has recently been divided into two groups based on fourth period classes. Group A eats from 12:15 to 12:35 and group B eats from 12:35 to 12:55. Administration has explained that this change is to intended to reduce noise, improve behavior, limit crowding, and maintain a safe environment. While I appreciate the intention behind these goals, the new schedule has created significant challenges for students. After waiting in line, many of us are left with only about 15 minutes to actually eat. This does not include time needed to clean up before leaving the cafeteria. Additionally, the bell for fifth period rings immediately at 12:55. Students in
027group B must rush back to their fourth period classrooms to gather their belongings, stop at their lockers, and still make it to their next class on time. This creates unnecessary stress and increases the likelihood of tardiness. Another concern is the transition between groups. As one group is exiting the cafeteria, the other is entering. Both sets of students are moving through the same space at the same time. Instead of reducing commotion, this overlap o often creates a more congested and more confusious more confused space. In closing, my goal is not to criticize, but to advocate for solutions that support student well-being. Ensuring that every student receives a full meal and has adequate time to eat is essential. Likewise, a new lunch schedule should promote safety and order without sacrificing students ability to enjoy a reasonable break
028in the middle of the day. I respectfully ask the board to review these issues and consider adjustments that will better meet the needs of all students. Thank you for your time and attention. >> Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Mr. >> That's it. Okay, I'm going to turn it over to Dr. Williams to start our consolidation process. [clears throat] My daughter Williams is going forward. There is one thing I'd like to bring to your attention. Um, Gatesville School is the only deed that it reads as Gates County School Board owner. TS Cooper, Buckland, Central, and the High School are deeded to the commissioners. General statute 115C-40 states that they are supposed to deed back the um buildings to the school system, but we cannot force them to do that. It is up to them. Just wanted
029to let you know that. >> Good evening, Mr. Chair, members of the board. For the consolidation study, we have a small presentation. hear you. You got to have [laughter] >> Good afternoon. [laughter] >> Good evening. >> For the um consolidation study, we've had a presentation from Dr. Jim Watson in November. We had a presentation study in December. We had a presentation on consolidation study at all elementary schools. and we've had two at the mill pond. Lots of information have been shared, several options, but just for a review right here, we'll give a small presentation to as well. And if Dr. Jordan would come up and speak about, we'll go straight into personnel at the very beginning. [clears throat] If I can move to this side of the room so you can see the smile better.
030All right. So, as Dr. W mentioned, um, in consideration of consolidation, closing one school. Um, whether that happens or not, the district will still have to consider a risk a reduction in force. Um, so I'll be talking about possible personnel reductions. um looking at be possibly um two elementary teachers, um a middle school teacher, high school teacher, two um district positions, and one central office, and two, I'm sorry, central office classified positions. When you look at savings for elementary teachers, um possibly 160,000, 80 for middle school, 80 for high school, um for a total in all positions, um being eight positions for a total of $520,000 and possible savings or reduction in um if you consolidate to two elementary schools, that is a rift without consolidation. If you consolidate to two elementary schools, the possible
031reductions would be as follows. um four elementary teaching positions, one middle school teaching position, one high school position, um two other certified positions, five classified positions, two central office positions for a saving of certified positions being $640,000, classified positions being $200,000 for a total savings of $840,000. So we have three options that we have uh illustrated. Number one, keep all elementary schools open and uh just make personnel cuts to the reduction in force. Number two, close one elementary school or at least wait one year for the transition. And this right here would also occur for the 2728 school year. repurpose the closed school uh building and ensure space for enrollment if enrollment does increase. And option number three, close one elementary school for the upcoming 2627 school year. Uh of course, you'll have your reduction
032in force for the 26 27 school year. Repurpose the closed school building uh to ensure space if enrollment does increase. Now for our option one, I think it's George >> [snorts] >> Option one again is keep all three elementary schools open and make personnel cuts. Um details of option one would be keep all three elementary schools open and make personnel cuts through or with um for the 26 27 school year and that would be um positions whether we have retirements resignation and using those positions to account for some of those cuts that will have to be made. Savings would occur with the 2627 school year. The consolidation conversation could continue while the status of student enrollment is monitored and hidden costs of any enrollment increases will impact the overall savings. [clears throat] Um this is
033just a summary again of that option one. Again um keeping all three elementary schools open with a rift. Um that would be classroom teachers, two elementary, one middle, one high. Additional staff reductions, one classified, one certified. Um additional staff, two central office staff for total savings again. So option one, keeping all three elementary schools with our reduction in for savings of $520,000. So uh option number two is to close one elementary school and consolidate two to two elementary schools uh but on a different time frame. So due to time constraints and the needed facility work, the consolidation would be delayed until a minimum 2728 school year. Uh the riff would still occur in 2627 with positions eliminated countywide with savings for the 2627 school year. A further riff would occur in 2728 to eliminate positions
034needed due to having two elementary schools instead of three um to for additional savings. So it would look like at the beginning that first year would be the rift. So you would save uh that the funding listed above can then in 2728 with the consolidation of school you would save the additional funding from your rent and positions that would not be needed. Option option three would be to close one elementary school beginning at 26 26 27 payments would occur for the 2627 school year position positions eliminated through your reduction force districtwide was saved from 2627 school year cost and enrollment increases will impact overall savings the sav summary would be as um Mr. Right. It said we had four elementary, one middle, and a high school position of $4880,000. Additional reductions would be the classified
035staff of $280,000 [clears throat] and two central office at 80,000 $840,000. You have option one, option two, and option three before you. This first option again is to not close any schools have reduction of force at $520,000. Option two is have a reduction in force partly um and close the school the following year 2017. Option three is have your schools closed. One elementary school closed this year but for next year and you have $840,000 savings a year. [clears throat] Conducting the reduction of force and the possibility of consolidation will result in savings to the school district. However, hidden costs may occur and the need for additional staff due to larger classes may occur. All savings are estimates and realization of extra savings may not be done until two or three years out. This slide here
036is showing what our state funding is this year. SL see the number 15,84,231 is our state funding this year. The state has us slated to lose 50 more students at $10,000 roughly a student. Our funding next year is $451,287 less plus three teaching positions which is $80,000 a piece. So we're over half a million dollars short in state funding for the next year as well. And this here is a breakdown official numbers and you can slide forward with that more. That is the total for part of the state funding lost $48,757. One more dollar. Then you can see one more uh you see three teaching positions as well added to that for a total of 451287. That is dollars. Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to think about that number because that is real. [clears
037throat] However you look at it, that is a real number. We have to act accordingly to whatever the state funds us. >> That it. >> So that's just a brief synopsis of what you've heard over the past three or four months. If you have any questions, I've also got some some slides up here if you want to hear a little bit more about the attendance zones or if you want to hear a little bit about maintenance. Totally up to you. >> I have a question, Dr. Williams. >> Yes. >> Um Dr. Williams, um you and your team have given us three um work sessions where you presented um what TS couple would be, what Buckland would be, what Gateswood costs, and of that really you talk about $520,000. Is there anything that maybe we have
038left out that could have saved us that money and not caused rift? Do you know of that anything that we could have done? Have you done everything to look at that? >> I think everything that we've presented with all the options that we had look at things is personnel or finance. Are there anything that you all see that maybe >> we need to stop losing gifts here? Mr. Mayor, uh we have lost almost 150 kids in three years, >> right? >> That's uh it seemed see seems like a simple simple formula, but when you're looking at a spreadsheet, you're looking at $1.5 million and in a small district. >> That's a big number. Regardless, it's a $23 million budget, but the state funding is 75% of our funding. You have your federal grants and you
039have your local, but the bulk of all of our funding is state. And when you lose kids, the formula is based on your student population. So, however we do it, we need to get kids back in public school. >> Okay. So, um in essence, DPI is projected that we will lose 50 um students and enrollment. Is that correct? >> Yes, sir. That is the >> All right. Are you gonna do the maintenance slide now? >> Mr. Green is Mr. Green. >> I've recapped it if you want me to. >> Okay. >> Mr. Green, you go. You go. You go. >> Mr. Green can correct me if I'm wrong. >> Okay. If we were to keep Buckland School open, we would have to spend $45,000. 330,000 of that money would be to convert the old bore
040room in the cafeteria and enlarge the um cafeteria as well as some construction walls too. $75,000 would be needed to make adjustments to the parking lot. Is that not correct? >> That's correct. >> Okay. Um if we were to um keep Gatesville school it would cost us $4,320,800 $2,485,900 would be used to replace the geothermal unit that is in this is this building now and I know that there are some problems that normally has about a 50-year life and then the piping to replace that would be 854,7 700. The platforms um would be 50,000 and to replace the ceiling grids would be 135,400. Plus, Gatesville school would need an additional dishwasher which would be $75,000. Light replacement in every corridor would be $84,800. And then the um areas like office, classrooms, and restrooms, those light
041replacements have have to take place and that would be $560,000. And then we would have the parking lot cost and that changes would be $75,000. And that's how I came up with $4,320,800. Pretty much right. >> Mentioned the other day the last figure you gave on the [clears throat] ceilings and the lighting for the classrooms. is the 500 what was that figure 560 >> that wouldn't be a a requirement right now >> would not >> no sir I mean it's it's something that it's we want to upgrade the LED in all the classrooms but what would be critical right now would be the corridor area the hallway area where the work would occur to replace the geothermal system down the hallway >> okay all right thank you Mr. I I have a question. Could Could
042you explain what we would need to do immediately if we left Gatesville open? >> Well, as mentioned before, the concern is at any time uh we deal leak. Uh but it's something we we deal with on a dayto-day. Um the U equipment at this point is 27 will be 28 uh 28 next school year. So we we definitely need to go ahead and and if if we were just weren't going to replace everything at one time. We have to try to address as much of the equipment as possible ahead. Uh but the main the biggest concern is the 27 28 year old piping in the ceiling that feeds everything. That's what we keep having issues with and I get calls on them. Um it doesn't really to go into the ceiling. I've talked to train
043and quite a few contractors over when we go in just replace equipment, we're not resolving or addressing the immediate need. Um there are situations that we've discussed where you can do certain sections of the building. you could do. So for as you all are aware of the know the building well a pod which is when you come up to the library to your right I think 10 units that way approximately 10 units on what we call the pod back this way and the remainder of the units start at the c at the library and work back towards the cafeteria so I mean it's possible that could be staged and done in sections but it would cost a little additional because it had be additional mobilization they come in and do work and leave come in
044do work and leave um so it would have to occur our over a period of time. Um, but the immediate concern right now is the piping at age. We've been very fortunate. What we've had issues with so far has been 3/4 one in inch and a quarter size piping. There's 6 in lines in the ceiling above the cafeteria coming back this way. We have had some leaks. We've been very fortunate to leak. The larger leak pipes that leak have been hit in the mechanical room. So, it had affected the school. So um but that's the major concern right now is is that potential for a major major water leak and you know issues that associated with that >> and and if Gatesville is not open you will still have to maintain I'm sorry if Gatesville
045is a school that we were to close you would Christ you would still have to maintain that Hback and do the work because this would be the school that we were going to be sending different central office COA alternative school maintenance and all things too. Correct. >> You're you're correct in that if we were to walk out today and cut the Hback office in anywhere quality would be in pretty bad shape over a short period of time. So right um to make for the county to keep the building heating and air conditioning system. >> Okay. And one more thing if I remember [clears throat] this is so loud. One more thing if I remember correctly uh there is a list that you give to the state every year with what needs to be done in
046terms of asking them for funding. Correct. Could you explain that? >> What we uh our guide for the school system is our 10ear facility study which we send update every five years. So what we do in that study is we we identify the critical needs need to be addressed in in within two years and then three to five and then six to 10. So that's our way of keeping a track of of what's most you know biggest critical need and throughout the district. So we update that every five years. Um so that's what we use and we apply for grants and things that sent to the department of public construction. So if we apply for grants, they see that what we're requesting is is what we identified as our critical needs. >> We could not
047put that on the critical needs list if we did not have students in the building, could we? >> Um I'm not sure about that. >> Okay. >> Mr. Green, I have a question. Um you mentioned about the piping in certain areas. Is that why some areas had heat and some don't? Like in a pod that had the heat in it? Well, every every classroom in this building has its own unit. So, right, >> um if there if there's not heat in a particular classroom, it's an issue with the unit itself in that area. Um but the water system feeds the whole building. It comes in, circulates throughout the building, goes back back out to the counter room, this playground, you see in the backyard, it's all pretty much polyethylene piping, geothermal wells and water goes
048down, makes a heat transfer with dirt and comes back in the building and it's continuous loop. So everything in this building runs on that one loop that 125 horsepower pump actually there's two there but uh if that system goes down everything in the building goes down with it other than some of the airto air equipment that's in the building all the everything associated with the geothermal system which I believe is 41 units is tied to that geothermal well system >> and if um we were to keep Gatesville open is um that $4 million can it be done in stages like some this year or some next year. >> It it could be but it would there would probably most likely be additional cost to that. And as mentioned earlier, mobilizing multiple times. That's contractors coming
049up, setting out, setting up, doing demo, um doing doing work, you know, having to put finished ceilings and things back. And then, you know, you had to do that three probably most likely three summers in three different summers because that work most likely couldn't occur with kids in school without some um pretty major planning on on how to safely get, you know, for them to work and be isolated from kids. >> Okay. Anybody else have any questions? >> I do, Mr. Green. Hold my voice while I'm out here. Uh then is if Buckle was chose and to convert the old boiler room and extend the cafeteria about how long would that take? >> It should should be u be able to be accomplished in the summer. What that amounts to is removing old old boiler
050systems that are currently in there. They would [clears throat] fill that area in um with sand more or less and u finish grade that area so that the cafeteria would the existing cafeteria would extend into that space. outside doors replaced, new ceilings. Um, small. I think it look mechanical. I mean, I'm splitting going in there with heat and air conditioning systems. [clears throat] Excuse me. But, um, that should be accomplished in the summer. Okay. I have one other question. Uh, out of the three elementary schools, say if we got another influx of houses being built or at the end of the day, more students come in. uh out of the three uh campuses, which ones you think that have room, but we need to build to be able to accommodate the influx of students. Which
051one? >> I I would probably u refer that more to an architect that could, you know, could identify because we have geothermal wells out here. whether or not they can be built on top of. Um I think as far as the um I believe the field is owned by other sort of our property line here and comes around by the woods. Um if we were to go away from a geothermal well system, I'm not sure exactly far as foundations and things. What can be built over the top the geothermal system on that side? Um there is land there as well as additional land there. um that as far as what could be extended here and how it could be done, how it would be done, I would refer that to an architect and I won't
052I won't say tell you that you could when it didn't happen. So not not not to not answer you question but I would I would you know I'd certainly want to consult an architect engineer on that >> both campuses or >> now now there's no geothermal system at Buckland Buckland the land that you see around the school other than the behind the school directly behind the school there is 10,000galon semi tank and piping associated with um the wastewater systems there there's a pump station going in there supposedly this summer this all. So directly behind the school, behind Buckland School, between the picnic shelter and the school, you couldn't you couldn't build it in that area. But without without I'm not saying you couldn't build, but there' have to be work done to the existing draining
053system to build over top of it or the second system to build over top of it. The land out to the side of the school, um, you know, where we build a full classroom, additional, there's nothing out there in that area that I'm aware of. All that space will be available for whatever was needed. >> As far as TSM as far as TS Cooper goes, there's not a lot of things that would have to be done. >> No sir. Uh TS Cooper um it uh there's nothing I can think of right off the top immediate need. Um the one difference in the other two schools is they only geothermal system in the county. So each unit is its own independent unit. So as it goes out, one unit goes out, it can be replaced, you
054know, just relocated that one classroom where here, you know, loss of the geothermal system consists of a lot more units associated with it. Um, so that's one of the bigger concerns, you know, as mentioned now is that the geothermal system, the wellfield and associated piping with it here. >> Thank you, sir. You know, I have one. Um, [clears throat] if we were to decide tonight that we're not going to close the school and we're going to keep all three of them open, how are you going to handle what's going on here at Gatesville? If we if we were to go that direction, excuse me, I would um what I would need to do is um look at ways I just mentioned earlier if we're going to keep it open for the long haul, we would
055look have to look at it in stages. Um depending on on funding as well, in a perfect world, we would do it all at one time, one summer. Um so you know if we were to go the route of I think it's option two where we consolidate the 2728 school year and the money was available you know that 26 that 20 [clears throat] 26 or 20 summer 27 you know that would have plans you know started pretty pretty quickly but if funds were available I believe Jr. says it could be accomplished in the summer but it would be a major project. If funding was not available for that then we would have to as mentioned earlier break it off in sections as money was available to try to work it work on it in sections
056and hope that overped. So it would probably be as much as maybe 10 units at a time if we could uh and work working towards replacing all the piping and replacing all 41 eventually replacing all 41 pieces of equipment. >> So if we we go that route, we're not going to close the school and we're going to keep this one open. You said if funding was available, where are you going to get the funding from? How do we get it? That's question one. That's part A. Part B is where is the the HVAC system or geothermal system whatever you call it for Gatesville where is it on the facility use plan is it under a critical >> so is that top of the list >> um but it will be it would be as far
057as funding itself you know that's something I have to collaborate Mr. Harold and Dr. Williams on work towards you know securing funding in that direction. The tough part in working in house is you never know. We've been very fortunate to get off the chiller at the high school which was I believe 34 years old 35 Michael about 25 years. So we really pushed that down the road. We're very fortunate to get changed out bull system at the high school 1960s. As we get the reason I mention those things is we get away from some of that older equipment that concern where that breaks down and you have to spend emergency monies on things like that. you kind of hoping that you push that off a little bit. So what we you know in trying to
058we do what we always do. We try to conserve as much as possible and work towards replacing as much as that of that equipment as we could and try to maintain the rest of it until you know we either additional funding was found way money or um over a period of three or four years we got you know all. Okay. Thank you. >> Any more questions for Mr. Green? If not, I'm going to ask Mr. White if he'll come up and just give us a brief synopsis of what the Tim's report would be [laughter] and that's the transportation. All right. So, I made this brief as possible because there was a lot of information in this. Again, I want to thank Mr. Jordan and Kevin Hart with the Transportation Institute at Raleigh to help us
059put this report together. As you can see up here on the screen, this is our three current boundaries. Um, you can see that tealish color up there is Buckland. You've got the green yellowish color down which is Gainesville. And then all the way on the right there, you have that purple which is TS Cooper. You can see the schools located by the stars. All right. Now, here here's a whole lot of information, but what happens is we we put all these little kitties up. Um, we learned the other day [laughter] that uh our red kids are nine riders right now and then our blue kids are our riders. So, we currently have 206 students at Buckland Elementary School. We have nine of those that are coming from out of the county. We have so we
060have 167 in that zone and then we have 21 who are from the Gatesville zone that go to Buckland. We have nine from the Cooper zone that go to B. With Gatesville, you have 223 students. Nine of those are out of county. 183 inbounds. Uh 14 are from the Mucklin zone and 17 are from the Cooper zone. And of course, we know that if you're out of boundary or you're out of the district, you do not ride the bus. You have to provide your own transportation. [cough] Cooper is at 154. There's zero out of county students. 143 inbounds. We've got one from the Buckham Zone and 10 from the Gates zone, which gives us a total of 583. This does not include preK. Uh 72 total that are um in county but out of their
061out of their zone, out of their boundary. Down the bottom, you can see the breakup of where we're at right now with grade levels. So if we were to look at uh where we're serving, we are we were tasked with looking at an east to west zone. Um so that is and I'll show you the line better in a minute, but that is the line which we've talked about many times already of where you're going to split into two schools. So students living on off of or west of Patriic Medical Center Road, Mil Pond and Horse Carter Road would be on the west side. Okay, which would be either Gatesville or Buffin depending on decision in the everybody else would be on the east side. down in the bottom. It gets a little a little
062little hazy there, but in the south, the east west split occurs at the intersection of Carter Road and Katherine Creek Road. So, students living on Carter Road, but west of Katherine Creek Road would be assigned to the Western Elementary School. Students living on Carter Creek but east of Katherine Creek Road would be assigned to TS Cooper Elementary School. Here you will see a picture of what the routes would look like for TS Cooper. So, um, in this report, we found out we would not need any more buses. We would not need any more drivers, which is a good thing because we don't have them. There are three routes or three buses that would uh take our TS Cooper students to school. Um, that's a that's a total of 340 daily miles. Um, about 11 daily
063driving hours. Uh, on average about 49 minutes AM. Now, again, that's average. A lot of people are going to say, "My kid rides the bus a lot longer than that." But you have may have some kids that only ride for five minutes, and you may have some kids that run ride for an hour and a half longer. So, it's a 45 minute 49 minute average amm um and then there's like a 7.3 miles average school distance for the children. All right, this is if we were going to close Gatesville. These are going to look very similar. the numbers are going to be just a little bit different. So this side on the west side would actually have four buses, 347 daily miles. That's about 11 daily driving hours, 38 minute AM, 37 minute PM average.
064Um, and then the average mile school distance for the children is 5.6 miles. If you close Buckland, you see the route. Still four buses, 370 daily miles, 11.6 daily driving hours, 44 minute AM, 42 minute PM average, and then about 7.26 miles average distance from school for students. Then we get a little more complicated here. Scenario one, scenario two. It just looks at both schools and which one would have um less mileage and less average time riding time. So Buckland scenario average distance was 5 5.6 miles. Gates was 7.26 miles. So in general Buckland is much closer to current students within the proposed western boundary. Comparison of student ride times A and PM. You can see AM for Buckland was 38 minutes. Gatesville was 44 minutes. Buckland was 37 minutes PM and 42 minutes um
065I'm sorry 37 minutes AM 42 for Gatesville in PM average. So in general student ride times to and from Buckland are also quicker compared to Gatesville. Now again, this is only currently looking at students who ride the bus right now. These numbers could possibly change depending on what happens next year compared to what what school may be closed. Then you may of course probably have more riders, so it could change times. >> Any questions? [clears throat] Thank you, Mr. Wright. Okay, board members, based on the information presented and the information in the artifacts given us, do you feel comfortable enough tonight to make a decision? We have um three options. One is to um create a riff for next year's um funding, which would stay $520,000, but all three schools would stay open. The second
066option was to close one elementary school and consolidate two elementary school schools. And the funding would not savings would not take effect until 2027 28. It would be $840,000. The option three is to close one elementary school beginning in 2026 through 2027. and the savings with a rift would be $840,000 board members you've heard the options what is the pleasure of the board >> Mr. Um, before we before we make a decision on this, I do have something that I >> Okay. >> I'd like to say or >> Miss Rick would like to have something before we vote as far as discussion. >> Um, I'm one that I have to write my thoughts down. So, I've got them down and forgive me for reading. The question of whether Gates County Schools should consolidate from three
067elementary schools to two elementary schools is based fully on financial facts. We cannot afford to keep three elementary schools. This year, 2025 26, we have 1,373 students in kindergarten through 12. Next year, 2026 through 27, DPI, the Department of Public Instruction has allocated us funding for 1,323 students. This is a reduction in 50 students. This reduction in numbers means that we are receiving 4,000 I'm sorry 451,287 less than what we received this year. At the end of this year, we will have a reduction in force that would save us an approximately $520,000. If you consider the 451,287 that is being cut from our state aotment, that is only a savings of $68,713. This is not even a full teacher salary with benefits included. In my opinion, that's not much of a cost savings. By consolidating
068down to two elementary schools, it was projected that we would have a savings of $840,000 at our current budget. Take the res reduction from the state for next year and that reduces those savings even further to $388,713. That number is nowhere near what we had hoped for, but it is much larger than 68,713. Those savings would allow us to be able to provide better education services to all of our students. Consolidation is not just about financial resources, but it's also people resources. Consolidation will allow us to better utilize our elementary and district staff as well as curriculum resources. One of the biggest concerns from parents has been class sizes. With the current reductions in force for next year, if we were to keep all three elementary schools open, all three schools would have some grade
069levels that would have 19 and 20 students per class with one or two teachers per grade level. By consolidating the two schools, class sizes for first grade through fifth grade would range anywhere from 15 to 18 with three teachers per grade level. Kindergarten is always the unknown until right before we school starts. Change is hard, but sometimes change is necessary. Thank you, Miss Riddick. Everything that Miss Riddick stated is true facts and we have the evidence to back it up. So board members, do you feel comfortable enough tonight to make a decision between option one, option two, or option three? Do I have a motion? [snorts] >> I'm so do you just need us to make a motion of which option? Yes, we talked to them. >> I make a motion that we consolidate down
070to two elementary schools >> and two or three. >> Oh, option option three. Yes. >> Okay. Okay. You've um heard a motion um to take option three, which would close one elementary school and also create a riff for the 2026 2027 year, which be uh savings $840,000. Do I have a second to the motion? >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Board members, um based on the facts that you've been given, do you feel comfortable enough tonight to make a decision as to what school will uh be closed? That's a loaded question as far as do you feel comfortable? No, [laughter] >> this there is no comfort to this. [clears throat] >> But [laughter] it has to be done. >> That it
071is a decision that has to be made. It has to be nay. >> Yes. [clears throat] Can I read my statement on that? >> Yes, please. [laughter] >> I have to multiple part statements and I think it gives um Sally a minute to to brief that here. >> Which school building should we close? It was deemed that the most efficient way to divide the county into two districts was to do so east to west. This means TS Cooper on the east and either Buckland or Gatesville on the west. The dilemma is whether and this is my thoughts. These are nobody else's. I don't want anybody else thinking that I'm speaking for the board because I'm not. I'm speaking strictly for myself and how I came to how I processed it. my brain. [clears throat] The
072dilemma is whether all the students in the west will go to Buckland or Gatesville. And this is how I approached it. Square footage and capacity. Buckland is 44,354 square ft with a full capacity of 294 students. 90% is 264. Gatesville square footage 76,183 square ft. Full capacity 429 students 90% 386 common space size library gym cafeteria Buckland library computer lab cafeteria and gym were all small and had less capacity. Gatesville the library computer lab cafeteria and gym were larger and had greater capacity. Building age and layout. [snorts] Buckland is an older building. It has two main halls with an outside edition of four classrooms. Many classrooms have nonfunctioning bathrooms. The front office is separate from the principal's office. Bathrooms are outdated and needed updates. Workrooms for staff are spread throughout the building. mobile classrooms. They
073They have mobile classrooms, although they are not currently being used as classrooms. Buckland does have land for potential building expansion. Gatesville building is the newest elementary school of the three. The building has a pod setup. Each pod has a staff workroom. Front office area is near the entrance and the front office has the front desk, the principal's office and a couple of other offices and a copier area all in one space. The guidance office is also near the front entrance and the front office. There is potential there is limited space for potential building expansion. Other considerations that have not been spoken about tonight. There are currently three preK classes, approximately four students at Gatesville serving our entire county. From the proposed space utilizations for Buckland, preK was not included. These classrooms are required to meet
074different standards than our K through5 classrooms and must be inspected for approval prior to moving them and then reinspected for approval after setting them up. All of this is done by the state. This potentially could take multiple months if they have to be moved. Is there space, this is a question I had in my brain. Is there space at Buckland for them without using the 30-year-old mobile classrooms? Mobile classrooms are for temporary use, not long-term use. PreK is part of our school system. There are many benefits to having them to remain with the higher grades. If there is no room for them at Buckland, then how are we going to feed them with no cafeteria and no cafeteria staff? The cost of building updates. Buckland needs more cafeteria space. The cost for the cafeteria expansion
075is approximately $330,000. In every pre presentation, the cost of updating the HVAC system at Gatesville has been given as $3.6 million. In my opinion, this is not a cost of consolidation. This upgrade of the HVAC system is already part of the multi- of the multi-year facility use plan. This needs to be done whether we consolidate or not. This is not a cost that will be generated by consolidation. By this being on the facility use plan, it allows us to apply for grant funding to help with the cost. When inquiring about how this large large of a project would be handled when the funding was available, it was stated that it can be done over multiple summers or with strategic planning, there is the possibility of it being done in one summer, potentially 2027. One key
076thought for me about this issue. If we are going to utilize the building that we close for other purposes such as a central office, meeting space for the school board, parent conferences, for support programs such as maintenance, transportation, etc. supply storage and alter a place for alternative education, testing center, and even a college level skill training. The HVAC system still needs to be updated. The idea of grant funding to help with the cost of this is much greater if the building is being used as a school. The facility use plan that goes to DPI will not be of any help if we do not have this building as a school. Mr. Baron mentioned the names on the deeds of the school. The names on the deeds of the school don't have anything to do with
077our students and with the educating us of these students. I don't that is not something that plays into my decision. That is something that the school system needs to work with the county on and the county commissioners. That is not something that needs to be part of a consolidation consideration. >> Anybody else? M >> I concur with everything that Miss Rick said. I think we have to look like maybe some down the road to two or three, four years down the road and which facility is going to be better able to meet whatever needs we have. And I think we also have to be careful. I know that for me $330,000 versus 4.3 four two three. >> 4.3 you anyway. that that seems like such a crazy thing that you would keep something open that
078is going to cost you more, but that's not as m said, that's not a consolidation cost. That is something that we would have to do no matter what if this building is going to be used for anything. This [laughter] building has has more room. it has we there's not room for the prek and and that's a very important part of what I think all educators want to make sure happens that you've got those kids that are coming to kindergarten that are going to be getting the services that they need. So, as I said, I concur with everything that that one little last blur. With all the facts being considered, we should consolid should we consolidate our three elementary schools down to two? Yes. The next question for me is which building to close to which
079building would we close to students and then ultimately repurpose? My opinion and the key here is my opinion. Why would we close our newest and largest elementary school to send students to the smallest elementary school in our county? There seems to be some concerns about the possibility of there being an increase enrollment in coming years. This potential increase can better be accommodated by our two largest elementary schools, TS Cooper and Gatesville. and we still have our prek students intact. >> I have a question for Mr. Green. Mr. Green, is there um available area to add on to this school if so >> as far as land? >> Ask and answer. >> You know, um you got playground outside. You have you have playground in the back there. Playground space that could be modified necessary directly
080behind the building over on this side off the side. Well, we have bus parking in the back. I think that situation works well. I think that could be considered a building on top of geothermal system. I would certainly not recommend if we're going to stay with the geothermal system. Um could some be relocated potentially to other areas. Um so but that's that's as mentioned earlier I think that's engineer architect question but we do have some space around the school not as much as welcome but there is space for some space around the school. >> Okay this is just my opinion. Um I do feel like the deed is very important that we have ownership. Um to give you an example, if we were to give up Buckland school and no longer need it, we would
081have to declare it as being surplus. We as um school board have to offer that to the commissioners and the commissions could take it. If the commissioners don't want to sell it just like they did Sunbury Elementary School, we'd have the same problem that we had with Sunbury Elementary School. It is deteriorating fast. It could have been done into an apartment complex and it would have been restored the historical fact sale. Um I I just I know that it's smallest in square footage, but I also know that 15 years ago they accommodated all of those students um at Buckland School. They worked out fine. They didn't have any problems and the staff did a fantastic job and dealing with the square footage that they had and the cafeteria that they had. Okay. So, we um
082Miss Riddick has made a motion on the floor after our discussion that we do option three. And do I have a second? All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. >> Okay. Board members, based on the information that's been presented to you, do you feel comfortable tonight in deciding which school do you feel like is the best one to close as far as elementary? What is your opinion on Do I have a motion? >> I'd like to say something. Excuse me, [clears throat] Mr. Chair. You know, one of the things you said about we do have a de school. Am I correct with that school? >> Of course, all of us know all saying is a bird in the hand is better than a bird. You know, um the thing about it
083is um if we talking about putting the central having the central office here, Gatesville is the city of the county. And if we had this school and I'm well this is hard for me because I got history at all the schools Gatesville yards but if we own this school right the board owns the school and we make the decision what happens to this school. Am I correct on that? Now the other two schools we don't own the schools. Am I correct on that? So the county commissioners is the one who has control of that. So like I'm saying is this school we do own it. This is the city of the county. If we going to turn to a central office, a alternative school, early college, a conference center, whatever. Um that's just my thoughts
084on anybody else. Okay. So, do we have a motion on the floor to state which CL school will be closing next year? Board members, this is just I'm just hold [clears throat] I just want to make sure we're not trying to rush this. You know what I'm saying? We're trying to rush it tonight just to make it happen. So, we'll please appease certain people, whoever wants to pressure us into I'm very sorry, my voice is is really tough right now. I'm just I'm concerned that we're trying to hurry up and make a decision tonight to appease certain people versus because one thing I've learned most of the time when I'm have heard do something I made a mistake I wish I hadn't did. I think we'll have time to think about a little more forward.
085I know everybody wants it to happen. I I know some people said we can't make up our mind, but I think we can. I just want to make sure we're making the right decision. Um going back over it and looking at this again and you honestly I'm saying it's quite natural. I mean, I'm only one only get one vote. So, >> Mr. ready. Um I [clears throat] would like for us as a school board, I won't be here after November 30th if I chose not to run, but um I would hope that the school board would create um at least a five-year plan that we consider building a brand new middle school which would be located in the middle of the county, I mean elementary school, and it would be located within the county. There
086is funding out there for that and I think in the past we have applied for that but it did not go through all the way. Is that not correct? >> We've applied and everything that we've applied for we have received. We have not I filled out an application to uh for $42 million for a brand new elementary school. >> But was it it wasn't turned in? >> Wasn't turned in. It's a question. Why was it not turned in? >> Miss Ryan, you want to answer that? >> I don't know the answer. >> Did it need additional document signature? >> Yes. >> But that was on October the 5th of 2025. >> Okay. So, it didn't um we didn't get the um required signatures to file it. So, but that's not too late. We can go
087forward and reapply for um A1 school. And with Ryan Construction going on um over 40ome homes, I think it's realistic that we create a five-year plan. We've already decided to close and have two elementary schools. I feel like it's in the best interest of this board to do all of their facts and research to do an application for funding to build a new elementary school, which we both have one elementary, one middle, and one high school. and based on the demographics and the population of Gates County, that is the most realistic and the best option and the most economical thing to be done and I would hope that they would do that. >> Mr. Bum, you asked about and Mr. Rick talked about um possibly delaying this and and talking about it anymore. I think
088we've talked about it for a very long time. Um, we've gotten all the information that we can get and at this point I feel like if we were delay a vote, it is unfair to our students, our parents, and our staff because they need to be able to move on with their lives and where THEY [applause] >> I'll agree with you, Miss Ren. And we owe it to our central office staff and our directors to put things in place so that we can move forward and so that the students and the staff and the parents and everybody knows what direction they're going in because it's not something that's just going to happen overnight. So there's a lot of planning that has to go into it and we're already at basically say mid mid-March and school
089year ends in May. So, I think we we need to we need to attempt to um make the decision and um so that we can move forward because right now I feel like we're all just sinking in quick sand. >> I'll agree with you. You know, if I made that statement, what is the pledge of the board? Which school would they like to make like to make a motion to close? I think we're hesitating on that >> and that's because it's such a hard decision >> that when you make that decision, [laughter] it's going [clears throat] to be painful. People are going to be angry, but we can't let that keep us from moving forward for our students. And so you just I guess we're just going to have to suck it up. um make
090a motion that we close. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> All those in favor signify by saying no. >> No. >> Okay. We have a tie here. Okay. Do um board members do we we have to renegotiate this till someone breaks the tie? Okay. So, it's a two two situation. Board members, all those in favor of closing um Buckland School, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> All those in favor, signify by saying no. >> No, it's still two. Okay. So, we'll do [clears throat] this process the third time. Do >> what? >> He doesn't have a vote. >> We have to continue to vote till the vote carries majority. >> We don't have to do it tonight. >> I
091don't think we do. Do we? >> You don't have to do it tonight. So, what is being it's a tie and we've done it twice. What is the pleasure of the board in just deferring this to another meeting? We're just adding to it where we're not giving our staff the information. What's the pleasure of the board? >> With the current information that I have, I am not going to change my vote. So, my vote will continue to be as it is now. My vote will remain the same, too. >> Well, I'm not ready. >> You're not ready. >> Which school's okay? >> I'm I'm standing on the hill. >> Okay. Still two. >> I mean, I think I think what this is just my thoughts that we It doesn't look like we're going to change
092this tonight. We're either going to have to have a special call session to go back over this, which would be an open session, or the only other alternative, as much as she hates it, is to wait until Jojo was certified. >> Okay? And that but that prolongs everything for the families, for the parents, for the students, for the um to for the staff. [clears throat] It's nobody's fault been sick. I wasn't thinking the last meeting that we had video and I'm just not personally ready to make decision. I know it can sound like a bushwatcher. I was sick and so I'm just not ready to decision. standing on. >> So, do you think do you think if >> we were to take a break and set another another special call session in another week or
093two? Do you would would that do you think that would give you more time and make you feel better or we'd be able to talk about or I don't know what direction we need to go in on this. We can always talk about it. >> Huh? >> We can always talk about it. >> Well, that's the purpose of having a special close session. We can't do a close. >> I mean, not open session. Excuse me. Open session. I made a mistake of saying close. We would have a special open session and each one of us would be o the board would be open to discuss their ideas and their ideas would convince the other per one more person so that we have a majority. So Miss Ryan, do you feel like we should do a
094special call meeting next week? I've heard it from Miss Rick. Yes. Mr. Rick. Yes. Miss Ryan. Okay. So, we will have a special open session meeting next week that we'll set up the time for. We'll also have to set up a close session time for the board members to do an interview I mean not interview um valuation. So, put that out for your dates too. And then we also need to get with um the commissioners and Dr. Williams has given us those dates, too. So, we can do that all in other. So, we made a decision that we're going to do this special close I mean special open session. I want I'm hung up on clothes. [clears throat and cough] Um next week and at the end of this meeting we will decide which is
095the best day, the best time and what location. Okay, moving along on our agenda. Board members, you have had the opportunity to look at the February 9th regular session and February 9th special close session minutes. What is the pledge of the board? >> Okay, Mr. Brown, go back again because my I just had a green or something. I I didn't hear what you said. Okay, >> board members, you've had the opportunity to read the minutes for the February 9th regular session and also the February 9th special um call session. What is the pleasure of the board as far as the minutes that have been written? >> Mr. Chair, I make a motion that we approve the minutes for the regular session February 9th meeting and the special call work session on February 9th. >> I
096have a motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Okay. Next, we have a budget summary. I'm going to ask Mr. Harold Good evening board members. Dr. Williams front running front of you. You have your monthly board summary reports. Uh we are sitting in our state funding 70% for the year. Local funding is 58.85. Federal grants are 57.14. Capital and local 69.3%. >> Okay. >> May I ask a question? >> Yes, ma'am. When when you look at fund one and you have all those numbers of like 92% 98% that's been spent do you just move around the money within that fund one to make everything >> I will starting next month I will start to transition some of those expenses to local you can
097see your local well under spent compared state >> okay to answer M Ryan's question. Um those expenses that represent 98 or 92% um actually they've over spent just a little bit in that budget fund. And so what Mr. Harold stated is that he will go back and readjust things so that um the expenses equal the budget. >> That's correct. We we're assaulted budgeted fund balance we had in local [snorts] >> and daycare. Will we continue to see the daycare lower here? >> Uh I think that will be off starting next year. Right now for all the reason >> that made me think of this this letter that we got about the audit. This is just a normal letter we're getting. Correct. [clears throat] >> It's about audit contract. >> Right. Oh, that that's for this
098262 for the current year. >> Okay. So, this is a normal request. I just wanted to make sure that was >> All right, Mr. Harold. >> Thank you, Mr. Harold. >> You know, I've got questions. >> What are the projections looking like as far as us getting to June 30th? That's question A. Question B, are you expecting us to have a shortfall? And if so, how much? >> Currently, I'm I'm right at zero. >> What do you mean at zero? >> I don't expect to go into the red. >> Okay. But so your projections are we're going to be we're going to be zeroed out. Are we going to have to dip into our general fund any more than expected? >> You only have $108,000 left, >> right? >> The plan is no. >> Okay.
099>> I need to hear >> um are we are you going to talk about these now or later? >> The budget resolutions are at the bottom of the agenda for a separate motion. >> Okay. >> Good. Thank you. >> Okay. Board members, would you like to um contribute anything um as far as any activities you been to? I went to um TS Cooper and judged [laughter] the um Dr. Seuss doors. Every one of those should have won. They were extremely good. And I truly like the fact that some of the doors included the students. So the students had some type of activity in it. In other words, there was one where it had hands and it was actually the hand of the student which I thought was really great. Um I attended the U girls
100basketball game in Roxboro and also I went to the one in Greenville. I know that Dr. Williams um went to the Roxboro. Miss Ryan went to um the Green Bull one. Our girls did a awesome job and I think they should have a [applause] didn't quite meet what we would have anticipated but they were awesome and Gates County got out of Gates County and they showed that we are still active and we're living. Um, I'll just end at that, Miss R. >> Okay. I attended in lie of my son who was out of town. I attended the high school's ninth grade parent meeting. I probably would have gone if he had done it. But Mr. Hayes did a very good job. The kids had been there that day from the eighth grade to the high
101school to visit. And so he just kind of went over everything that they had told them and shared with them. but he gave he he made sure that the parents knew the next day they were going to be choosing their um electives and gave some other dates. It was very very helpful. Um I do want to tell you all that on Saturday the girls softball team is going to be having a tournament that will be out of the high school. There will there [laughter] will be a food vendor there. So please come and buy some food and spend some money. And I think it's $10 to get for that. And I did go to Roxburg game and I yelled a lot. >> And what is the cost for? >> I think it's $10. >> At
102what time? >> The g first game is at 12 and Central Middle School will be playing and then I think it's fair grass. I don't know. I'll look it up. I don't know. I'm crazy. This consolidation stuff may in some way have pressure on the brain. >> Okay. Mr. already um had to leave. That's why we were kind of moving the consolidation along quickly. But um I apologize that we tithe. Um it is a very hard decision to make. We have to go back and analyze all the information that's given us. I feel like we have been very transparent. We have informed the public and Dr. Williams and his central office staff have given us the information. And I thank Dr. Williams, Mr. Green, Mr. Wright, um Mr. Harold, and Dr. Jordan. And also, I
103want to say thank you, Mr. um Daltry, too. And it's so good to see Mr. Smith here. [clears throat] And I will [applause] >> I will tell you that we will do our best for the meeting next week to have it stream. It's very important to be and transparent. So if you're not able to attend, you can go to it. If you go to YouTube now and put in Gates County School Board, you will see back YouTubes of any meeting that you would open meeting that you would like to see. And Mr. Smith has done an outstanding job along with his employees. Okay, Miss Ricky, did you want to say anything back one? >> I just want to give a shout out to um our girls basketball team from the high school and also we
104finally got started with baseball and softball from the high school. So, we're really excited um about that also. So, come on out. There's lots of lots of sports things going on um with um the middle school and the high school and um so it's it's exciting. So it's it's a good way to um breathe after having all the heavy weight hanging around your neck. So it's re it's really good um to to be able to go out to a sport event. So we're looking forward to it. We got what three games this week for at for the high school. So, >> and Central Middle School has their first game Wednesday, the fourth >> end of the course. Yes. >> Thank y'all very much. Moving along on the agenda, uh we have 10 items that were
105presented to us in close session as far as employment um from the they were recommendations by Dr. Williams. What is the pleasure of the board? I'll make a motion that we approve the um personnel recommendations from the superintendent. >> Second. >> I have a motion to second. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. Okay. Moving along. The consent agenda. Um you have been given the consent agenda. The items are 1 through 10. TS Koopa Elementary School would like to do a field trip. Oh, >> hold on. One through nine. Okay. One through nine. I'm sorry. Thank you, Miss Dalton. Okay. Um, TS Cup Elementary going back number one, a field trip. Buckle Elementary School, a field trip. Central Middle School has a field trip and a fundraiser. Gates County High School has
106a field trip and a fundraiser. And then we had some that were added tonight. Um, >> do you want to talk about calendar? >> Yeah, there here there's some things I want I want the school calendar, the high school. Okay, I'm just saying we need >> Okay, we have um Gatesville Elementary would like to do a fundraiser. um kindergarten class um at Gatesville Elementary would like to go to the aquarium in Virginia. And then we have um Gatesville Elementary would like to do Golden Lips Arena which is going to be an event for the students field trip. Okay. You have um next item is 5 2026 2027 the draft calendar. Mr. Right. I'm going ask you to come forward. >> All right. Good evening again. >> Hello. >> Uh before you you have a draft
107calendar of the 26 27 school year. Uh I want to first thank the committee uh all the parents and staff members uh that were part of the committee to put this calendar together. met several times. As you know, we we can't do too much. There's lots of things we would like to do with this calendar, but the state requires that we start at a certain time and end at a certain time. So, before you you have the calendar, which the students will start school on August the 24th, two weeks prior to that, we will have some work days. We are actually going to start convocation early this year on Wednesday the 12th. So that that following week uh the teachers will have uh their their schools all themselves, the principles will have them all to
108themselves. This calendar has 168 instructional days. There's 158 instructional hours. It gives us 33.78 bankked hours for weather. Each year we get five remote days from the state. It's 26 work days, 10 annual leave days, 11 holidays. First semester is 78 days which allows us to do testing before winter break. Second semester is 90 days. In a perfect world, state would let us start school earlier so we could even out these semesters. But it was very important to the committee that we most of the committee that we tested before winter break. >> So any questions regarding calendar? Board members, do you have any questions as far as the calendar? >> Thank you, Mr. Ryden. And are you going to put that on the website um tenatively or are you going to put it at a
109later date? >> Once you approve it tonight, it will be right on the >> Yeah. >> All right. So, please look at the website for that information, too. Give me just one second. Miss Brooks, it was okay to sign in as guest, right? I got it. It's just slow. Miss Ryan's wearing off on me. I love her. Everything I got is fingerprint. Okay. So, moving along, we have an EC transportation contract with Dr. Jordan. We also have Gates County High School Gymnation renaming. Is Mr. Haye still here? If you'll come forward and give us an insight on that. [snorts] >> Good evening. >> Hello. >> Good evening. >> So, I'm proposing that we rename a gym. It was something that was brought to us by member of the Bush Club. fish club has been talking
110about design on the outside of the gym and just different ways that we can do a little bit better with some of our signage. So, it was proposed that we rename the gym in honor of uh John Ethel Ramsey Perry Jr. who was principal at Gates County High School and later superintendent and also Willie F. Doc Williams who was an assistant football coach, head basketball coach at Gates County High School. So, we're seeking grilled that we be able to rename the gym in honor of these two individuals who were extremely instrumented at Gates County High School throughout their careers. >> You have the whole name or just Terry Williams? >> Um, so we were uh we were going to do um a variation of the name, but at the same time, we also wanted to
111make sure that the families were okay. Right. >> Mr. Barker was in touch with the families and had a little bit of trouble getting in touch with um Mr. K's um son in order to I would believe it was his son in order to figure out what exactly might need to be the most appropriate thing to go up there. So >> still a little bit up for debate out there. Um I'm fine with I think I I personally am fine with the whole thing being up there. That's always how I've known him when we do the sportsmanship awards and other awards and his honor. And then the same thing with Willie Doc Williams. I've always heard him referred to as Doc. So it would be a little bit u it would be more meaningful for
112the whole thing to be up there. >> So the renaming would be uh Mr. Perry who was a long-term principal at Gay County High School and also Willie Williams who was a coach. um at the high school. Do you have any questions, board members? >> Miss Tra, I think this is a wonderful idea. the two of them had an amazing impact on the athletics of >> of our school. And I think um it was brought to my attention that the other day um that they were also here when we segregated and how they were able to make it such a smooth transition when it was a segregation. So I think this is just a wonderful act a wonderful honor for them and I'm really excited to see that move forward. >> That's what it is.
113Integration. >> Integration. That's right. Integrated. >> Thank you, Mr. Thank you. >> I was a senior. >> Oh god. >> Okay. Board members, you've had an opportunity to see the audit contract that uh Mr. Harold gave us for next year. What is the pledge of the board on all eight of these? >> Nine. >> Is there anything any different in this than what it >> is number nine? >> What is number nine? >> That's that was for Gates Fields field trip and funra. >> Oh, I already included those in another. Okay. >> Okay. So, it's one through nine and the three that I read to you in addition will be item nine. >> So, what's the pleasure of the board as far as the consent agenda? I make a motion that we approve the consent
114agenda. [snorts] >> I second. >> We got a motion and a second. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Motion carries. Okay. Mr. Harold, if you'll come forward >> for the budget resolution. >> You know, I didn't ask you a question about that. >> Budget amendment. >> Yes. The budget resolutions will be for local 8 amendment, state amendment number five, and federal amendment number five. >> All right. State fund. I just need you for each one of these to explain where this money is coming from and what we're doing. On the state side, we had DPI had a correction for the school previous school year. That's a one time correction where they gave a little bit of money to different parts. And you'll see that as a part of the total increase
115was 51,936 and the negative you see there was for the correctional summary PRC16 legis total 44 276. >> Okay. So this 51936 was the the correction from the state. Is that what you're saying? >> Right. that that that that was a short their their funds and they give all the districts from the state little bit money and then the PRC. >> Okay. >> And you said this the deficit or the 7649 was >> bringing PRC into action because it was unfunded until this past month. >> Oh, that was the Okay, I got you. That was that grant that the federal grant, right? >> Summer reading. >> Okay. Okay. Gotcha. Okay. What about on the federal? >> In the federal, they have the same thing going on. You see, they're all additions, right? PRC. >> And
116then the same thing on the federal side as well. >> Okay. So, these are just corrections that they they found and they're sending the money, >> right? [snorts] >> Okay. Yeah, we'll take whatever we can get. Okay. Now, over here on the special revenue fund budget amendment three, this 148 841, what are we? What is this? >> That was a donation. >> Okay. Any other questions for local, state, and federal budget resolutions? Okay. Do I have a motion to approve the local um amendment number three? the state amendment number five and the federal amendment number five. What's the pleasure of the board? >> I make a motion. >> I have a motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. I have a motion and a second to approve all three budget resolutions which
117is the local, state, and federal. What's the pleasure of the board? Have signified by saying I. >> I. Motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Charles. >> Okay, other business. We need to set a date for the special meeting next week, open session um to determine or try to um come up with the best where we have a majority. It's a very tough decision for us to make this decision because we're looking at teachers, principles, staff members and you know we've been with them so many years and we've grown to like each and every one of them and every one of them are doing an outstanding job and it's very difficult for us to make this decision but for economical purposes we don't have a choice. We really do not. And that's sad. That really is sad.
118I wish we could win the lottery and somebody donate this money and take care of it, but we don't have that luck. Okay. So, what dates would you like? >> We're looking at next week. >> Yes. >> I can do any day but Monday and Friday. And we're talking about doing this in the evening. So, >> yes, it would be at 6 o' >> Yes. Um, I could do >> except I don't want to start. Well, yeah, I can do anything. >> Where's Monday? Tuesday, March 17th. >> We can't do it on St. Patrick's Day. >> Of course we can. We'll just have green beer. >> Okay. >> March 16. >> No, Terry can't do it on 16. I can't do it on >> I can do it on 17. >> I can too. >>
119We need to check with >> Yeah, we do. >> Yeah, we need to check with >> and you know he he may very well say that doesn't give him enough time. I don't know. But that's all we need. So, okay. What time do you do you Dr. Williams? What about any other date that week other than the 17th? That's not doesn't work for Ronnie in the evening. >> 17. >> Okay. >> Now, the next week, uh, Monday or Tuesday? >> I can't do I can't do Tuesday. >> What day is Monday? >> Monday is the 23rd. >> Yeah. >> Well, I can't do Tuesday. Can you do the 24? >> You're right. You're going 24 through the 27th. >> All right. Well, let's shoot for the 17th and hope >> and and I will I
120will stay on if we need to do it. Not a problem. >> You can't stay on. Your voice in your opinion is valuable. >> No, I didn't need to stay home here. [cough] Oh, I got you. >> No, you should. >> Okay. The 17th at 6:00. Miss Brooks, can we have it at Gatesville? >> Okay. So, I will get with Ronnie tonight and make sure the 17th is correct. What? >> You said six at six o'clock. Okay, next we need to set up um our um meeting. I know um April the 6th is the week of Easter, not I'm not not correct there on break. Okay, so it would have to be the 13th. No, no, I'm not available that day. Why can't you do the six out of town that week on vacation? >>
121The sixth is going to be school for vacation, spring break. >> Is it Do you have anything available the 14th? [clears throat] >> M. >> I'm available on the 16th. Not before. >> Are you available the 16th? >> I'm out of town the 16th. [laughter] >> What about the 15th? >> I can do the 15th better than I can do the 13th or the 14th. I can't do 13. >> You can't do the 15. >> Okay. So, [clears throat] can you do the 17th? No, you're gonna be gone. >> All right. What about April the 20th? >> That one's fine for me. >> April the 20th. April the 20th. Okay. So, it's going to be April the 20th. Um, do we need to do 4:00 for close session and then 6:00 for open? And Miss
122Brooks, is it okay if we still here? Okay. She said that all. >> Yeah. Thank you, Miss Brook. Okay. >> All right. Board members, we need to do um have a special close meeting to um complete an evaluation. What do y'all have? >> What do you want to do? >> We have to do evaluation. >> I know. Um it's we need to do it probably um in March, end of March. >> Okay. >> Um are we talking I mean since it's going to be closed we can do it during the day. Correct. >> Correct. >> I I have a quick question. Brooks, the meeting that we had um close session in tonight, is that um an active classroom or is it a cla available classroom that you have? >> What day? Okay. >> Hold on,
123we'll let you know what day. >> Wait, [snorts] Dr. Williams, when you >> Dr. Williams will not need to be there. >> Okay, this is just for us. Okay. Okay. Well, then I can do anything during the day except for are we looking at like the last week? I can do anything except for middle of the day on 27 and as long as we do it before one on the 30th, I'm good. I mean, I got a dentist appointment. You can't change them. You make them six months and then back. Well, to be honest, we have already done a portion of the evaluation which was held at the meal pond after consolidation close session. >> Okay. So, what day >> is um >> when are you when are you here? >> You can't uh it
124has to be by 1:00 on the 30th, right? >> Yes. I have an appointment. >> Okay. >> And the 27th was what? >> I'm good. The 27th. What about the 24th? >> I can I mean I can do the I can if 27th I can do it if it's like um >> in the afternoon or the early morning. >> Let's do afternoon >> on the 27th >> 24th. >> Okay. 24 what time? >> Yeah, I got it. Also, um, Miss Le, >> are you available the 20th and the 24th? >> What time? >> Let's do um 3:00. Is that okay? >> On the 24th? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> As long as we're Are you available? >> Can we do it early? Can we do it before? If you're going to do it on 24,
125>> do it earlier. >> Yeah. >> Okay, fine. 11. >> I I I don't care. I just need to do a little bit earlier. So >> 11 o'clock. >> Okay. All right. 11 o'clock. >> 11. That works. >> Okay, that works. Okay. All right. Um Okay. I just would like the um public to know that Miss Le did attend the work session um March the 6 at the meal pond and um we have given her the information consolidation study. >> What? You haven't gotten it yet? Oh, I'm sorry. I'll make sure you get it. Okay. >> Who? Oh, I'm Okay. I'm sorry. I'll send it to you. Can I send it to you by email? Okay. >> Okay. Um it's an open session on March the 17th um at 6:00. So it will be open
126to the public. It will be a work session. There will be no public comment on the agenda. Um it'll just be um the board conversing as far as making a final decision um and coming up with a solution to see which school that we will close. So just want to let you know that April the 20th is our regular board meeting. April the 20th, Miss Le, um you will be sworn in. >> Yes. um at the six o'clock meeting, >> April 20th, um you can't um it's March the 25th is the legal date that you officially won. So, because of um Easter and um trying to coordinate everything, April 20th would be the night, the night. And please feel free to bring um Mr. Le, Miss Pauline if she's able and any other and your
127sons if they're able to come. That would be great. So, [snorts] and then of course um you know about the 11:00 on April the 24th here at Gatesville Elementary. Okay. And then we'll plan meetings after that. to the April 24th. >> April 24th, >> I mean March 24th. I read that. >> You can't be a part of that. >> You won't be a part of that one. >> And and really that is um really good because I don't feel like you would have um the information to make a determination in the evaluation. not trying to take it away from you, but um I'm just trying to be fair to you and also let the public know that, too. Um do we have any other dates? Any other things that need to come before the board?
128>> I make a motion to adjurnn. >> We have a motion to adjurnn. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> I have a motion and second. All those in favor signify by saying I. Uh meeting is ajourned. >> Thank you. [laughter] I'm speaking my