001Everybody here? >> All right. Welcome. It's uh uh welcome to the uh whole county board of education monthly meeting. It is now Tuesday, June uh the 9, 2026. It is now uh 6 pm. Um Catherine, can you please? >> I wish. Yes. Let us bow our heads. Father, we thank you for this day. We thank you for our life, health, and strength. I ask, Lord, that you come into this room, God, and have your way. Be with us, God, as we make decisions for the students, staff in of Hope County. God, we ask that you just keep us, guide us, and direct us into making good decisions. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Thank you. >> Can we go ahead and get a motion to approve agenda? >> Chairman, I make a motion to
002approve agenda and second. >> All right. Those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those against? Okay. Pass this. Okay. Um, chair report. I really don't have anything other than nothing but positive news. I want to thank again the uh Dr. spells and uh his staff uh for all the great work that they do uh behind the scenes. Uh I don't think anybody realizes how much pressure the board puts on the superintendent. I can just imagine the pressure that he puts on his staff to make sure that they uh meet the uh the needs of the uh of the board. So, I just want to say thank you and thank you to uh your great staff for continuing to uh support the board's uh uh mission. Um, we've had a lot since the last meeting.
003Uh, would any of my colleagues like to have uh anything that I know we all don't attend to the same events, but anybody like to uh tell us anything? >> No. >> Just proud of the students that graduated. >> That was a major event. >> Very proud of them. Like Dr. Bill says last night at a meeting that he felt like a proud papa of all the students that graduated. So, I was impressed. >> Yeah, man. Was good. I I want to say um that I I thank Mr. Heath um Miss Math for really taking an opportunity and time to appreciate um his staff and the bus drivers. They they put up with a lot and you know we don't know behind the scenes and the things that that go on and what you know
004you know these children will be saying and doing and the bus drivers got to put up with that. >> That's a fact. >> Yeah. Bus drivers got to put up with that. So um I I thank you Mr. Heat. So appreciate the bus drivers. >> All right. And uh superintendent report. >> Thank you Mr. cast. Uh, just want to say I was very happy with graduation. The 400 over close to 500 students that graduated. It's always a great night. I consider it Super Bowl of the year for educators. >> And just like the Super Bowl, it's always in a warm weather place. >> It's just a great night. Just wanted to mention too to the board, I mentioned it last night at another meeting about our free summer meals and I gave everybody a flyer
005and I've given it to some of the churches to put up. We're also going to put up on the website and this is free to um students 3 to 18 of Hope County. You don't necessarily have to be Hope County students, but students that live in Hope County, we'll have it at Don Steve from Monday through Thursday and Hope County High from Monday through Thursday. And breakfast is 8 to 9. Lunch is 11 to 12 and meals are served no cost to all students. And you have a copy of the flyer to hang up or share. been very important in these difficult times um to make sure our students still get meals. And the dates too, this is June 8th to July 31st. Also, our summer reading camp started Monday. >> Excuse me. Yesterday was
006the first day of summer reading camp for second and third graders. Um, I was at Don Ste where it's being hosted for all the kids across the county. Uh, and they were so excited. It was like the first day of school. They're walking in with their backpacks. Some of them had new backpacks ready to go. Um, and so we're excited about that. Um, on the 18th we're doing a mystery read and we're inviting people to come in and read to the students and so we're excited about that and the kids are enjoying it so far. >> So we're happy about that. I'm going to miss the mystery read. >> Yeah, I catch you guys. We did our budget appeal today. So, uh, made our presentation. So, I'll wait for confirmation or any updates and I'll
007make sure that I share those. Rising stars out. >> Yes. So, Rising Stars um is our upcoming kindergarten summer program that begins in July. July 8th is the first day of that program and it'll run until July 30th. Um, we're excited about that because our numbers have increased for this year. >> Um, that's something to celebrate. um you know parents have to provide trans transportation and so that's a hindrance sometime and as we are collecting data we noticed that that is still a problem for some parents but the numbers have increased um and we're excited about that. We're going to be hosting at four schools as our host schools and combining schools. Uh so Sandy Grove Elementary School, West Oak Elementary School, Dawn Steve and UP Church will be our host schools for the Rising
008Stars program. So that'll begin in July. That's awesome. Had we thought about um done any research about the the transportation or what we could do or how we can sort of make way? >> Yes, we've had several conversations about it. Um the legal standpoint of it also because they're upcoming kindergarteners. They're not enrolled yet. And so that has been a conversation and we're still having those conversations just to see uh what we can do. But of course a cost is associated with that also. So we're trying to work those things out. uh possibly have that conversation for next school year. >> Any more questions? >> We're closing out our budgets for 2526. >> Okay. We got to June 30th to do that. And we're working on a district-wide handbook cuz there was discrepancies from building
009to building. We think we can uh we do a district-wide handbook. we won't have, you know, one set of rules at Don Steve and another at another school. >> And then the high school ribbon ceremony is hoping to get that planned, but I want to make sure that it's, you know, the furnishes in there and that we can do some tours when it happen. I don't want to just do it from the outside. I want to make sure the building is ready to to rock and roll before we do it. But I don't want it too late either. I want to do it before the teachers get in there. So, we're looking at all this, but we still got to wait on that letter um letter of occupancy. >> Well, we should be able to
010fix that moving forward after today. So, hope that will be anything else. Thank you. All right. And now the public comment. >> Um, so we have one and Miss has signed up for public comment. Miss Adler, you are welcome to speak public comment or you're welcome to request. >> Oh my god. Welcome back. >> Lieutenant Davis told me to sign up. >> Okay. Well, we told >> I don't Were you watching my face for like >> Oh my gosh. >> It was just a joke. >> Okay. Well, >> I was going to have to make a new policy. >> I was ready. I was ready. But um All right. >> Well, then there are no public comments, Stephen. >> All right. accept the agenda. Um, everybody got a chance to look at the >> Okay.
011>> Did you make a motion? >> Oh, you make Okay. I make a motion that we approve of the minutes for May 14th, 2026. >> Second. >> Okay. Those in favor say I. I >> those against. Okay, passes. >> School board policy second read. >> I make a motion that we approve the school board policy second read as well. >> Second. >> Okay. Those in favor say I. >> I. It passes. I I just want to make a little note. Um so the public is made aware especially those that are probably listening to us on uh YouTube. Okay. uh just because the board approved something doesn't mean that the uh uh policy committee cannot bring something back. uh uh it's a simple process. Contact the superintendent. Then the superintendent directs somebody and then the policy
012chair uh uh committee which is uh Miss Katherine uh uh blue uh she would u most likely put it on the agenda for the uh uh committee and then uh the committee uh members will look into whatever suggestion is. So while we do approve things unless it's an action item and it happens immediately after it it's an action item policies are subject to uh uh review based on recommendation from a board member or staff teachers the public parents whomever. Okay. So all right. Okay. And um administration uh part information high school project update. >> Good evening. >> It's getting closer. As Dr. Spell said, getting real close and we're already looking at a ribbon cutting in August here. So before you know it, you all be sitting in that building conducting your meetings. I know
013everyone's anxious for that. >> So um as done for the past uh uh couple years, the format's the same. We'll talk about some about the building, what's uh been done to date. Um so there we'll review the schedule and things and then the financial report. So to start with uh on the exterior photo, um next slide, please. Um, so you can see at the entrance they're getting everything cleaned up across the front and on the building there. Finishing out some of the detailing on the lower canopy. Uh, the canopy connecting the built two campsides of the campus is uh, installed and the lighting is complete in there. So, it's starting to really really come together when you drive by. You've seen that many days I know to date. Next slide, please. This is a view
014from along the front where the classroom wing is. They got the sod down and uh you see the surface mounted irrigation to make sure in this nice hot sunny weather doesn't burn up and stay brown that it has a chance to root in. Uh you do not have a permanent irrigation system in there. So what's on top will be removed once it's fully rooted and established. Uh the planting and uh the bed of mulch against the building is done. You can see kind of at the bottom part of it. As you know with anything, those plants will eventually grow larger. Next slide, please. Inside the building, this is uh once you get passing the lobby, you're looking at the uh large opens area. Uh to the back, far back is the uh cafeteria. To the
015right, you see the doors to the gym. Looks a lot different from a long time ago with all the ceiling panel grids in, all the paint finishes applied and everything. Uh they got some floor protection down uh just to make it easier. so people don't make a mess of things. Next slide, please. This is that same area looking back uh towards the entry. Uh you can see the little stage platform in the middle where the board meetings will be conducted in the future. The final graphics are up on the wall with big bucks uh right there next to the gym and the glass. You can see right into the gym there. Next slide. This is looking over towards the cafeteria area. And again, the final graphic up on the wall in there. Uh you see
016the big curtain wall complete looking out over where the exterior dining area is going to be. Next slide, please. Looking into the academic wing. Uh this is the open two stories common space where your media center is going to be there on the floor and you get see a a perspective back towards the main entry in this uh angle. Uh so to the right you can see stairs. There's uh two sets of open stairs that connect to the second floor in this space. Next slide, please. >> The graphic for the buck uh came out incredible. Looks great on the wall there next to the seated learning stairs. Um this is looking at the second floor down the open area. You now you get a sense of the finish. You have the glass railing or glass
017panels and stainless steel railing system in uh and the luxury vinyl tile floor down. So, it's really getting closer to finish. Next slide, please. >> This is looking back that same direction to the learning stair. They're purposely leaving it last because uh they're trying to direct all their traffic in that direction on the stairs. So, the leaving the stairs is one of the last things they'll finish out to avoid any damage the contractors might do. Next slide, please. So this gives you a view back towards there to the learning stair and the front set of stairs. To the right is your student support services on the second floor and then to the left is the row of classrooms. Next slide please. This is in the very uh back of the building. Uh we have these
018learning common opportunities with the benches built in and there'll be a lot of furniture in here. It's going to be a very active and engaging space. Uh you can see some of the accent color changes in the walls and also in the floors. Next slide please. They started putting the wood uh paneling uh details up on the walls. This is on the first floor corridor where they started and then working their way around to the twotory area. Uh a lot of progress being made in that frosted in glass. That's the work room space and that's also done that way for privacy. Next slide please. down the athletic wing uh hallway that leads towards the uh health class rooms, the wrestling room, the uh training room, and the locker rooms. The graphic lettering is up on
019for hope. Uh uh I can't read it from this far. I know it's strong in the foreground, but but all the lettering is up down the hallways. The complete finish is down there. Next slide, please. Gymnasium floor is down. They were getting it ready to sand and stain next. Uh bleachers are in place as you can see. Uh the graphics are up on the walls. You see the banners in the background. Uh really starting to look like that high school gym that you saw from the initial computer renderings. Next slide, please. And this is just a perspective of looking from the floor level. Next slide, please. Classrooms. Uh this is a typical classroom. Uh they're going through their final punch items in there to get them ready for the architect and myself to go through
020and give it a final punch out. Uh so they are really getting them cleaned up ready all the little details attended to in them the mechanical system balancing getting the air distribution in every space correct. So a lot going on. Next slide please. Same thing to the science labs. uh they're getting all the finishing of setting all the uh sinks, making sure all the case work is installed as well as fume hoods etc going in there. So the uh progress of work across the building was from the other end of classrooms to the science labs being the last part of the flow of work. Next slide please. So as we've talked about in the past there's two phases. this first phase of occupying this building with the new dates that we've been talking with the
021design or the uh construction team about they're looking at substantial completion at the end of July uh pending the resolution of certain items that the board I understand is going to be talking about um the final completion by contract would be 30 days later uh and then at the end of summer once the new school year commences uh they're looking to start the tear down and abatement of the existing buildings, get it ready for the additional bio retention pond, tennis courts, bus drop off loop, and staff parking. And all that work we're looking at to be done in February with the final being in March. So the entire project is anticipated being done March of next year. That's when we would hope to close out the contract with everybody and then you move on to
022your next projects. So staff will begin moving in uh items and things at the uh in July. Usually at the around the last week it looks like by the schedule of July and be done with everything moving over the end of the first week of August. Next slide please. So on their contract uh the contractors about 86% of it uh being paid. That is consistent with the progress of the work to date. As far as the contingencies, the numbers are there. The contractor's use is just over 91%. The design contingency for a long time has gone well over it's 221%. Uh you still remain on the positive on the owner contingency uh of 20 just over 22%. So your starting contingency was just over 2.4 million. Uh right now remaining the contingency is just under
0231 million. However, in there there's a lot of uh potential impacts that we're are reviewing. One of the items you're talking about today is one of them. As long as as well as some other items, uh that's about $625,000. And if all those get approved for the value they were submitted in, uh that would leave $321,000 remaining in contingency. So, still good. That's important news. Um now for the financial report um the other good news to this next slide please is uh again the highlighted in the uh lighter color those are the values that changed since the last time we I presented this to you on the far right these are unencumbered funds that were budgeted that are remaining available they have not been used yet uh so that the unencumbered funds funds total about
024$1.9 million So, there's still funding in the project and as we've talked about in the past is we know there's additional work and items at that campus that need to be done and that uh staff is identifying many of those items. And once we get closer to knowing what that true final cost is going to be, if any contingency money is left, if any of these need to be used for other items to bring back to the board recommendations on what additional work can be done, and then let the board uh deliberate about it and decide which items it wishes to get done with the remaining funds. So that still remains the plan in place to do uh with this project. Uh again, financially it's fine. uh sitting well uh completion again we're all frustrated
025about that but it will be ready for students is the other good news >> with that I did a lot of talking I'll be quiet and if you have any questions that you have about this >> anybody have any questions >> uh yeah I do >> um do you know what the final seating capacity is for the cafeteria space >> I do not have that in my fingertips um but I can get that to Dr. the gym capacity. >> I don't have they're on the plans. I have to be in my computer to pull them up. >> If if I may, I think that the total areas for the seating capacity of the cafeteria is right at 300 students, a little bit more than that. Um I think it was close to 200 on both
026sides. >> Um and then if I'm not mistaken, the um bleacher area, the gym capacity was right at 1700. >> Okay. I also had another question. Can you go back to uh the slide that shows the learning stairs? >> The one that had the uh >> that one's the one I need to see. Can you zoom in on that? >> She cannot zoom. >> Okay. Um the top of the learning stairs. actually up here. >> Are they going to get a railing or is that part of what's not being completed? This right here. >> Oh, if you could go back one more slide. I think you can see it. >> I don't think you can see it on the other side. >> It might be on the corner. Let me see here. >> Yeah, that's
027the corner. >> Oh, no. You cut I cut that off in the view. Okay. To the right of that is open uh from the for the top because that's a seating platform up at the top floor. That needs to have this right there. >> That top is also like I said a seating spot in >> it needs to have it how this goes right here on the other side of these. It needs to be right there. >> We will uh get across. >> Yes. I had to ask about it when I toured it, but I worked at Hokkai for 12 years and there's no way that's going to work like that. He's saying are you saying um having a like a handrail where the buck silver buck uh is at? Is that what >> No,
028at the top of the stairs like so so say a fight broke out right there. >> God willing it doesn't but it may like let's be real. That's a that's the bath. Those are girls and boys bathrooms at the top right there. It's like I don't want to say it. It's not very far. It's like 10 It's like not that much space. A fight broke out right there. It only takes one person getting pushed >> for them to fall right down those stairs. >> So So you're saying the same way it is on the one at home? >> Yeah. Just kind Yes, exactly. >> Just right across the top of that the clear. >> It looks beautiful this way. I just think that that's >> Are you talking about Are you talking about this? >>
029No, I'm talking about >> the top seat. >> Yes, the top seat. So, so right here. So, like you see how this is exactly like this is >> right. >> This needs to be right here as well because this they're going to be walking right here. There's nothing to stop them from playing around pushing somebody down. >> So, which is the actual >> And that's a big drop right here also. >> Which is the actual walkth through area for them steps right there, John? Is it the whole thing or is it just the gray area? >> Uh the steps are to the right. >> Yeah, the gray part are the steps. Yes, those are those are the stairs. The everything to the left towards that wall >> are is the seated learning and that's where
030>> and her concern is at the very top they have that as also a seat space but the concern is that if something happens at the very top they someone could fall down there. So we'll get with the architect and design team and get a cost to add that railing there. >> Thank you. >> All right. Any more questions? >> I have another question. >> Oh, I'm just kidding. >> The SRO office. Are you aware? Do you know where the SR is >> down in the front administration area? >> Okay. Staff had asked me if we had considered that having some type of frosted glass because they have to conduct um searches that could be added. Absolutely. It's a application to the glass anyway. So we can do that. >> Absolutely. >> That's why say
031say that again. It said my question. So you're talking about searches. Is the searches only going to be done in allocation? >> LT. >> Huh? >> Ros. >> Yeah. So you know we have those files. Then if we have people to come in and give us confident confidential information, you know, everybody don't need to see who's in our office. >> And then if we got investigators that come out and they're investigating something or they got a student in there talking to that student, >> then people don't need to be able to see what's going on. >> Is if we go to the slide that showed a someone else's office that had frosted glass second floor that looks back towards the center stage. was one of the early slides. That one I believe. Nope. Go back.
032One, two. Go back two. >> Okay. So, the close of it just to the right there. Uh next to the word administration on the white column down there's the SRO and it is an all glass facade like most of them. But it's very easy. We can take care of that. >> Go to the other there's like a closeup of a room that's got all the glass. Yeah, the teacher >> upstairs. >> It's right there. >> There it is. >> Is that sufficient? >> It is sufficient >> except for the door. >> How much this going to cost? >> The door will get finished. >> We got to do it though. Check our shoes. >> All right. And Chad happy with that. >> All right. Sounds good. Is this the Is this >> No, that that
033is a room. >> That's a teacher work. >> Oh, >> where they're also going to do PLC and they might have student information on there. So that all got >> So does anybody have any more questions? >> All right. So before we go in and to try to uninstall everything, uh uh I would like to get some additional options like maybe tin paper or something. Uh because if those windows are already there, that's not going to be cheap. >> It's just a film that they put up. That's a Is that a film? >> It's just a film. >> Okay. >> Just want to make sure we're not talking about >> uninstallment. We're not talking about >> Okay. It's a 3M product. >> Anything else? Any more questions? >> Thank you, John. >> Thank you. >>
034Uh, next item is the RFP needsbased grant. I'm sorry, Dr. Han. Before we go on, um, let's not wait until next meeting for that information that is due to us regarding what uh, Miss Brown has. >> Oh, yes. No, >> let's get that. >> I'll get accurate numbers to Dr. Hunt so he can share that >> as soon as possible. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Go ahead, doctor. All right. So, good evening. This uh presentation is going to be about the needsbased grant and the RFP process for that needsbased grant. So, next slide, please. And just a little background information about the needsbased grant which would lead up to the purpose of the RFP process is that um the needsbased grant or also referred to as the NDP SCF. Kind
035of a tongue twister and a long acronym there. Um but it is a lottery based grant and um each year it could vary depending on legislation and what they vote on but as of the 2526 school year those are the maximum awards to eleas who apply to and possibly receive that grant. Um and also during the grant process public school units or PSUs must also um number one be eligible county schools is eligible as a tier one district. Um, it also requires a local match of at least 5% as a minimum for hope county and it is also an annual application. Usually time frame that that's due is in October of each year and um so it requires a narrative and some other information that we can gain from architects um or from an architectural
036firm and it also has to be voted on and approved by the board members or Hope County Board of Education members as well as the county commissioners. Next slide, please. Um, there are several key components that go into the grant. Um, those components are listed up there. Um but the budget estimate includes the amount of grant funds that's being requested, the dollar amount, um which is the required local match and the source from where those local funds would come from and also project or projected expenditures during the fiscal years of the timeline of the grants. Um the application also requires a proposed timeline including estimated bid dates, start of construction as well as predicted completion date. And then also in addition, the application requires a proposed floor plan and a school capacity worksheet. Next slide,
037please. As part of the review, as part of the review process, once that information is gathered, the grant is completed or the narrative is complete and submitted to DPI. The drawings and specs are prepared by a registered architect and or andor registered engineer as applicable. Um, and it states that legislation up there that follows that policy or procedure, the school planning design at DC NCDPI also is required to review it. And um also in there there are different phases of the construction process in which DPI must also review that information such as the schematic design, design development, construction documents. Um and then we are not eligible or we are not supposed to provide any funding towards the construction cost etc until that information has been approved by DPA. So next slide please. All right. Now,
038leading into the purpose of the RFP process. Um, the purpose of the RFP process would be to work on this grant and help design a proposed K8 school building. Um, this allows the district to identify qualified architectural and design firms that have experience and capacity to support the project. It also provides the board members with professional information needed to make future decisions regarding the scope, the cost, the timeline, the design, and feasibility. It may include information such as firm qualifications, relevant experience, project approach, and company resumes or profiles for review. And the process supports transparency, responsible use of public funds, and alignment with board policy and state procurement requirements. It's also important to note that this step does not approve construction or obligate the district to build the school. Rather, it positions the district to
039make informed decisions and better prepare for the needsbased grant application process. Next slide, please. Now, the first step is to develop a clear scope of services for the um request for price and for the design phase process. The district would issue the appropriate procurement documents such as an RFQ, RFQ which is a request for quote or an RFP essentially the same thing which is a request for price depending on legal and policy requirements. Once responses have been received, we would review submissions from qualified firms. Um they would be evaluated based on their experience or qualifications um capacity, school design experience, references, so their overall portfolio. If a firm is selected, the district may then negotiate the cost and contract terms if applicable and before entering into any contract, the recommendation will be presented to the
040board for consideration. And any proposed contract would also be reviewed by the board attorney before final approval. And one consideration for the board is that once the district enters into a contract with an architect or design firm, the district may be connected to that firm through the design and the construction process. Even if the grant is not formatally awarded this time around. And next slide, please. >> Thank you. >> Anyone have any questions? >> Yeah, I have questions. >> Go ahead. >> Sorry. um this K8. So when we say we're we're going to do a K8, we are formally making the statement that we're doing a elementary, middle school, combined school. >> Well, we're not necessarily saying that we're we're trying to go into a uh in the future, foreseeable future, trying to go into
041a contract with a qualified architect. uh because that is one of the uh one of the steps necessary for us to even apply for the uh for the grant. We have to be able to have in place um as you know everybody involved in the high school project we used to use someone else uh which the name I'm not going to mention but all of you all know what uh company we're talking about. they're not obliged to give us guidance, information, do the work that is required for us to get this done. And so it puts us in this situation that that this is the first step to be able uh to move uh the application process uh forward. Uh because we can't do anything unless we have a uh what's the per return? qualified
042licensed uh architect. >> Are we No, I don't I'm not sure exactly what you were saying, but that that said that we were going to get quotes for a K8 school. Is that correct? So it depends on um when the application is submitted to DPI. You have to um the worksheets that the architect firm would use to design up the classrooms, classroom size, number of students, that worksheet being submitted with the floor plans and then also identify within the grant itself what type of school or what size school it would be. So, what grade levels is it going to serve? Or is it going to be a magnet school? Or is it going to be um a STEM school or whatnot? Now, does it have to be a K8 school? It does not. It's whatever
043the board members would agree upon in order for us to move forward, >> whatever the needs is. >> Yeah. >> Right. But how much would it but we would be paying an architect to design a KA school? We're asking we're asking them to tell me how that's working for the attorney. >> So, um the >> as Chad outlined with the the needsbased grant, we do have to provide certain information. I don't think the board has made a decision on what type of school it wants to submit an application to. So, I think the purpose of this is to give you information about this is the way we'd like to run the process so that we have all of our ducks in a row. Whenever the board decides what type of facility it wants to pursue
044construction of and in support of its grant application, once the board decides, it would then move forward with with securing plans from a licensed architect, but it couldn't select a licensed architect without going through the RFQ process. That makes sense. So you're saying that we could we're going to apply for the grant saying we want a K8 school. >> I I just you not been that is not my proposal. So, first we have to get the architect, right? You have to bid on him first, right? >> You don't have you need to decide what kind of school >> and I think the conversation has been a K8 school, but it's up to the board to decide what do we want? What do we think would best serve our population and then you would move forward,
045>> right? So, we should be voting on what type of school we're going to build before we move forward with the grant process. >> Yes. because to answer the question, Chad. >> Yes, ma'am. To answer your question, um you would need to know what type of school it is in order to move forward with the architect because the architect would then take that information. Let's say if it's a K8, a 68, a preK5 or traditional 612, whatever the grade levels are, the architect would use that information to calculate the worksheet and then be able to use that with the gra. So we don't we don't do the RFP for architect. We just say okay tonight we build on I mean we vote on a K8 what I'm just saying. So then so we agree to
046that. Then we just going to put out there the RFP. Okay. We wanted K8 school build um just to see who's going to take the bid. >> Yes. That information would be included with with the RFP. um so that the design services or the architect firm would know what type of school it would be. Have they had experience with constructing or designing a school like that and then be able to submit for this? >> Okay. So now >> but I see what you asking as a board we haven't voted on >> what type of school. So I guess this is just forformational. >> Yeah. informationational for future so we know what the board needs to do because there's a lot of >> uh elements involved in this. It's not just an application. We have to
047be able to have a an architect under contract. Uh obviously we have to be able to have uh we haven't really narrowed down to what school we want. >> We have to have a contract with them to to provide the the drawings. you have to you would have to to do it the drawings, but >> the drawings help support your your grant application to the state. So, it's kind of a >> but you guys first need to decide >> what we're doing, what what's the capacity look like and then you can move forward with that. >> Any more questions? >> Thank you. >> Great questions. All right. Next item is the uh transportation record. >> So, I'm super excited to bring to you all um a process that has come to us from DPI um
048outlining us potentially receiving a new record. All right. So, as I said, um the reason for this request is just simply due to um NCPI reaching out to us. Dr. Hunt started this uh initiative prior to me coming on board. He sparked that again with me when I came on board um really pushing for the need for us to uh purchase a new tow truck. So, I did some uh due diligence, reached out to DPI. DPI place on a waiting list. Um, and actually about a couple weeks ago, I received a phone call and a follow-up email from Brandon Smith at DPI um, giving us that opportunity to uh, see. >> So, um, here I do want to go over our current record. Our current record that we have is a 1993 international record. It
049is a single axle. >> Um, it's a what? >> A single axle record. So, if you see back there at that last wheel, there's only one axle back there. Um, this record does not currently meet standards to tow our uh current school buses. Um, I did place here just some information as far as uh school buses that this tow truck was built to pull. Um, those were 1990s model school buses to the early 2000s model school buses. Those uh weighed anywhere from 21,000 lb to 26,000 lb. Um, our new newer modern day school buses are ranging anywhere between 36,000 pounds to 42,000 pounds. So, just to give you all an idea of what that looks like, and I've watched it a few times this school year, when we go to place our buses on this
050record, um, we have to tow them from the rear axle. So, we have got a bar that backs up to the bumper. Um, that tow truck then lifts that school bus up. the front end of that tow truck starts to lift itself off the ground because it does not have enough weight to support the school bus. Wow. >> Um so of course I detailed out here um some uh dangers uh that this uh causes are posed to uh personnel and general public. Um our personnel that's driving it does not have the ability to stop in time enough to get that tow truck stop with that wreck or that school bus on the back end just because of the weight. Um we also run the risk of detachment. Um since we are towing that bus from
051the rear end that that it it causes a lot more risk from that end. The school bus can come detached and then of course from there you know u what can happen from there. >> Um and then there's a lack of control from the bus. So with us towing it from the rear axle the bus is being pulled along its steer axle. So what what it does is it feathers itself down the road. That steer axle is able to guide itself anywhere that it wants to go as it's being pulled. Next slide, please. All right. So, we'll talk about some benefits to the new record and then we'll get to the cost. >> Benefits of a new record. Of course, we've got reduced towing costs. So, here I've listed out um towing all the way
052back from the uh 2018 2019 school year to this current year 2526. Um, we are currently using um, a tow company, Brownies Towing, to go out and tow our school buses in, whether that be to the garage or up to uh, Greensboro for repairing costs. Um, here, as you can see, starting out in 2018 2019 school year, we were at $8,50. Um, 2526 school year, we were at a cost of $16,145. And just our previous school years, as y'all see, we were at $44,300. If you look on the far right side, you can see that we have our invoices and events and that fluctuates. Um 2425 school year was at 61 events and this past school year we're at 21 events. So just to give some detail and some information in regard to that, um
053our 61 events don't just encompass breakdowns. Our 61 events can encompass um accidents or wrecks um breakdowns and things of that sort. Um this school year, uh we were lucky to only have one accident, um that was reportable that was a driver issue. However, um none of those accidents cause the school bus to have to be towed in. We did, however, have um four engine uh failures that we had to tow those buses up to Greensboro and other instances where we had to bring the school bus back into the garage. So that uh led up to our 21 events and our lower cost this year of $16,145. I will say this. Um I can't predict what the future looks like, right? We're going to make sure that our buses are safe and sound and that
054our drivers are doing the things they need to be do behind the wheel, but of course we can't um predict what drivers are going to do behind the uh wheel of their vehicles. Nor can we predict if the school bus is going to have a malfunction while it's out on the road. So this 21 events could go up next school year and we could see a higher cost from that as well. >> Next slide. Do we do we have all of the um employees that really like fit on the buses? >> So, we are currently still lacking two mechanic positions. Um we do have uh now two certified mechanics that are able to go out and do our 30-day inspections on our school buses. Um so, those guys are showing some uh extreme strength while
055they're going out there and doing things. Are >> we wearing them out? >> No, we're not. Um from what I hear, they enjoy working at the garage, so it's a good thing. Um and it shows our inspection scores have also dropped. um this past school year um dramatically from what they were when I first came on board. So continuing with our benefits um of course we are going to increase our operational efficiency. So that's going to be having a more capable or reliable wrecker is going to give us the opportunity to go out and assist our buses when they do have breakdown. Um decrease weight times. This is something big. So in the past month or so we uh sat out in McDougal Downs waiting for about 60 to 90 minutes for a uh tow
056truck to get to our bus. Um and then again once they got there that was another 30 to 45 minutes for that bus to make it back here to the garage. Wow. >> So our wait times are are solely um contingent upon when they can get a serviceable record out to our school bus and that can be from anywhere in the county. So that that may not be down 401 that may be out in the Hawkeye side or the Sandy side or the west side as well too. Um we also have a multi-ep departmental benefit as well too. So, our wreck is not only going to be used for transportation, but this wrecker will be utilized for maintenance and child nutrition. Child nutrition has their commodity trucks and maintenance also has some bigger vehicles that
057may need to be towed in. Um, with this wrecker having a boom and we'll talk about that once we get to the new slide, but record um it gives us the ability to be multif multifaceted in those areas. Next slide, please. Okay, so the cost. So, our record um is going to come at a local cost to us of $150,855.15. >> Um NCDPI is going to cover half of that. And the way that looks is that NCDPI is going to cover the cost of the truck and the chassis, and Hope County Schools is going to be on the hook for the boom and the body package. Um and of course, as time goes on, when that tow truck becomes eligible for state replacement, the state will replace that. Um, >> something to note is that
058transportation transportation fund 056 is not able to support that. So that's our budget that we utilize for yellow school buses, our salaries and the uh maintenance of our yellow school buses. This is going to have to come from a local fund. Um, we did speak to uh Mrs. Wolina. Mrs. Selena did uh let us know that um fund uh 8 is going to cover that and that's going to be reserve fund that we collect monies in from our activity buses and the cost that um is associated with those and those trips as well too. Um next slide please. Thank you. Okay, so the new record the 2027 international record with a tandem axle. So tandem means two. We've got two axles on the rear um which gives us more stability as we are towing. As
059you all can look here from the rear of the tow truck. Um, instead of this tow truck having a metal bar that's positioned to situate itself on the rear bumper, this tow truck's got a boom that will come down, giving us the ability to tow our buses from the front. That boom will come down. It'll wrap around those front tires, and they'll be able to lift it and tow it from the front of the uh the the vehicle. Um, which is, of course, less strain on our drivers as they're driving. Um, this again will meet the standards for our new school buses. um new school buses down the line. Um we have less operational upkeep of course with our tow truck right now. We're we're constantly spending money or putting money into it to keep
060it up. And actually right now it's uh not functional. Um it's starting to slip gears which of course causes great risk as it's towing things down the road. >> Um next slide please. >> Uh >> yes sir. >> This uh record is already being used in other districts. So, yes, sir. That that actually there was a photo from Robinson County. Got one of those there. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, before I get into my recommendation, I do want to go over the um procurement process of a record and what that looks like. So, as I discussed, Dr. Hunt um had this conversation prior to me coming on board and then sparked it again with me. Um this could take up to three years if we pass up on this opportunity to get this
061record. three years for them to send us the information back out and then we go back down to the bottom of that waiting list. So that could be anytime. Um we are currently in a little uh war with Herford County um to get their record um which is a brand new record. They're allowing us the opportunity to take that that spot from them to give it over. So, um, my recommendation for us, of course, would be to move on, um, approving the $150,000, um, $150,855.15 for a new, uh, record for Hope County schools. Um, the investment will provide long-term benefits to Hope County schools, not just transportation department, but all departments. One thing that I will also note is that we currently do receive assistance um, if our activity buses broke down in another county
062at sporting events from other um, LEAs. um this will give us the opportunity and the ability to also uh extend that favor to them. This school year we've had about four or five eleas that have broken down here. Um so the only thing that we've been able to provide for them is a bus with myself on it driving it back to that. But this would be a nice opportunity for us. >> What what are we going to do with our 1993? So, um, talking about it, we'd probably keep keep it for a while, um, and use it just to tow smaller vehicles around the yard or anything over to the to the junkyard side. >> To be clear, the 150 is our 50% local >> responsibility because I think it is the >> So, what's
063the total? >> So, the total is going to be for us $150,855. >> That's half of it. >> That's right. What was the total like >> 300? >> Wow. >> Yes, ma'am. And they what what they've also let us know as well is that the uh records are continuously going up in cost. This cost wasn't $150,000 three or four years ago. >> Significantly um lower. >> We should be detrimental if we wait until the next meeting to approve this purchase >> because this information >> we could um that that's a that's a good question. lose our spot. We could lose our spot um for getting this record. I did have an opportunity to speak to Brandon Smith um face to face a few days ago. Um and there are counties that that that want our
064spot >> and we're trying to get someone else's spot also. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And we got the money >> and we do we have >> uh chairman, >> I'm all yours. Okay. >> I'll make I'll make a motion that we move the transportation record to our action items. A second. >> Those in favor say I. I. >> I. >> Twoth3s vote. It's been moved to action item. >> Do we need to vote on that now or wait until we come to? >> We'll put it on the action item. >> Put it on the action item. Take a vote on it. >> Thank you, Mr. Heath, for um presentation. Of course, you got that item. >> All right. Next. Any more questions? >> Okay. The next item is the I uh ready code of renewal.
065>> Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> So, as it's coming up tonight, I am here to provide an overview of our elementary K5 math curriculum. I view as already as we approach the renewal period uh for the program. All right. So I want to begin with why we continue to use um I already as a elementary curriculum. We started with it in 2122 um as a program um and it provides the instruction that our teachers need the assessment and also the progress monitoring that we need for our students. It provides everything that we need. Um it supports data driven instruction and student growth um monitoring. But most importantly, it provides lessons for our teachers, researchbased highquality lessons that they can pull, which eliminates time teachers are taking to plan and pull lessons. Next slide,
066please. It's aligned to our North Carolina standards. It provides reliable data and supports for early intervention. And it also gives the teachers, as I said, the high quality lessons and assessments and instructional resources that are needed. Next slide, please. So, as we continue to support this work, we know as we support teachers, we also have to support the leaders in our building. So, we spent a lot of time really coaching and training our school leaders to be able to go into classrooms and support the instructions that that is taking place. So, we provided ongoing support to our principles and we're going to continue to do that and their leadership team. Every school has participated uh in I already walkthroughs. The great thing about it, the representatives, they're willing to do anything we need in the
067district. If we call, they respond at no cost most of the time. Um and so they've come into the district and done walkthroughs with our teachers and even help uh train our leadership team. And then also our weekly planning meetings help strengthen the implementation and the instructional consistency across all of our schools. Next slide please. This year we every year we try to do something different. So this year we incorporate different things with the support of our ready representatives. And one of the things that we did this year was a level up competition at our schools. Um and they provided with us as you can see pli uh right there our mascot our math coordinator he wore that mascot to the school whenever they met that their goal but if 80% of the students were
068using I ready and 80% of the you users met at least their 30 minutes per week goal 10% or above that pass rate then they got a visit from Chlory at that school and that was the highlight of the school year I'm going to tell you as you can see even the principles enjoyed it they took put more pictures with Gloria and the kids I think. Um, and so that was one of the things we did to try to celebrate and promote so that we can get buy in from students, from parents, our teachers, and also our leadership team. Next slide, please. Another thing we um are doing and we're going to extend this to this school year coming up because uh it was a success uh but we develop already model teachers. uh the
069pride that a teacher feels when you tell them they're a model teacher for something. I think that went a long way this school year. We identified model teachers in every building because every building has great teachers across the district who demonstrated strong implementation. Those teachers had buyin. They helped with coaching. They helped with providing PD. We set up sessions where teachers from one school was able to go to another school and see them in action and actually plan and work with them. So, it was a great start this school year, but we really want to take this to the next level next school year to really uh identify additional model teachers throughout our our district. And our goal is to impact our math achievement across the district. And if we can get buy in, celebrate,
070and promote people, and they start to see small wins and success, then that's going to transfer to student success. Next slide, please. This slide just shows some data for you guys. It highlights the growth we saw from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. We increased the percentage of students performing on or above grade level. As you can see there, we had a great increase there. But what I'm I'm so proud of is we decreased uh the amount of students performing significantly below grade level. And this is the district data. Um and so while there is still work to do, as you can see, growth is occurring and we're so proud of that. Next slide, please. So as we talk about the benefits, IRA helps us to identify students needs early.
071Um not only does it identify those needs, it groups the students and it gives the teachers the lesson to help support the two students in those areas, it supports that targeted small group instruction. And teachers appreciate the consistency and ready to use instructional resources. There are a lot of benefits. One thing that we're working with our teachers on because sometimes when you give something and it's easy there we still have to dive into it plan internalize the lessons and make sure we understand the content before teaching and that is something that we're working on. But the fact that we have these ready to use lessons ready to go has been such a huge benefit to us and our teachers. Next slide please. So, as we talk about next steps, we're recommending that we continue to
072use I already math for the 2627 school year. Next year, our focus is going to be a deeper dive into data across the board, top down, and coaching support. Coaching is our goal for next year. Uh there's nothing like being in the uh in a classroom with teachers, working alongside them to coach. We did a survey to teachers and uh the highest comment was they want people in their classrooms modeling for them and showing them what to do. Um and so that is going to be our goal for next school year and I Ready just helps us move it to the next level as it provides the content and lessons and and and assessments and everything we need to take it to the next level. We want to continue building on the progress we've made
073across the district. Next slide, please. >> Any questions? Thank you. Any questions? How often do the um the uh the team come and do walkthroughs at school? So, it depends. We can get them um we've done them twice a year. Um and they're willing to come more. The issue is pulling principles um out of their building because what we like to do if we do a walkthrough at one school, we like to invite other principles because they benefit from that. But they're willing to come as often as we need them. Honestly, we've been doing it twice a year though, trying to touch all of our schools twice a year. >> So, what time of the year did they come? Like, >> we did one um the beginning of the year. I think it was October
074and then around March. >> What is the example of of them charging anything? Because you said, you know, they rarely charge. >> Yes, they they rarely do. Like even for the incentives, they gave us that free. They took donuts to the school at the end of the year for students. They they just they're excellent with that. um if they charge for anything, it's the PD package that comes along with it. Um most times we have two quarterly meetings with them a year where they sit with us as a district team and go over data and talk about supports and they always ask what do you guys need to make it successful and nine times out of 10 if we ask they they try their best to provide it for us and accommodate. They even try
075to bring us food whenever we're meeting. I was like you don't have to do all that which you guys know I love to eat but I'm like you don't have to. So, how much do they charge? Basically, how much if they >> if they're doing PD? >> I would have to fact check that. They gave us a PD budget of I think it was about $9,000 and that included I think eight visits um an entire day for us. Um but I would I can verify that number for you. >> Is that the professional learning on the court? >> Yes, >> it was $9,600. >> Yes. >> Oh, what? Next question. >> But they normally remove that for us. That's included in there. But once we go through the process, they'll take that part away from
076us also if it's not needed um on there. So that that is something that they will just working with the representatives, she'll remove for us off of there, that professional learning. Okay. Um the uh I model teachers, do each school have one teacher? >> Yes. Okay. >> Each school has one teacher and we're working to identify more at schools. um they're great teachers but they're so nervous when people come into their classrooms and observing them and they're like can the teacher just come in and you guys not come in with them and I understand that also right so we're working through those things but right now we have one identified at at every school >> can I >> yes Dr. for the your data. How often do you um >> right >> what >> that
077was that you're speaking in system >> okay quit distracting me so every how often do you do your diagnostic data >> three times a year we do a vi and ei um but the kids also use and that was the goal of the ploy visit the incentives they use the platform and um we check that data frequently in order to provide by the incentive for them. So our district math person, he checks, he follows up with the school and he'll send them an email, Gloria is coming to your school because you guys did amazing and that happens more than three times a year, but it's three times a year for the diagnostic. >> Okay. I I like how I ended up being. >> Any more questions? >> Yes, I have a question. Uh during the
078presentation, it said 80% of users were completing uh 30 minutes per week. By users mean we have 80% of our teachers are using it 30 minutes per week. the students, the time they spent on the program. Um, and they provided us a detailed report. They don't recommend, they give us a recommended time of that students are supposed to be on there. Some of our schools, you can tell that they're really pushing it because students are on there all the time. Hawkeye Elementary School is one of our schools. They push I Ready and you can see it in their in their scores. Um, uh, she she lives by I Ready. Um, but it's the student use, how much the time the student is spending on there. and it's just an incentive for them. >> Is she
079one of the people that's going to help other principles across the district? >> She has been already. >> Okay. >> So, I think she started last year or the year before last. They started gathering together and they will go to her school and meet with her. Um, and even she would show data reports and do different things, but she started that already. >> That's good. That's good. >> Thank you. >> All right. Any more questions? >> No more questions. >> Okay. The next item is the EC contracts. >> Um, and I don't think I spoke with Carish. She was not able to come, but these contracts were contracts that were not presented for information. They're renewal service agreements from last year. There are three that are being presented just for information because they came back
080with vendor signatures. They'll come on for approval at the July board meeting. Um, but it's All American Interpreters, VIA Home Health, and Pediatric Services of America, which is called Aviana. But there are renewal agreements um for the district. >> Do we have any questions for Grace? >> No. >> All right. Next item is the Hope County Schools facility planning. >> Again, seems like I have multiple at every board meeting. All right. So, this is um more about facility fees and the process to request permission to rent a facility. Um this for the upcoming school year for 2627. Next slide, please. So just give you a background about um the way the process was conducted in the past and then we'll lead into the way the process would be in the future as well as with
081updated fees. Um historically the process has been paper pencil if you will. So there was a car carbon copy that the requester would complete. The requesttor would then meet with the administrator at the school and the administrator essentially would either wise approve or deny the um the request. If the request was approved then the administrator was also to assign the number of custodians um and the number of school resource officers to the event that the requesttor was um requesting. And on the application it also had a place for the person to put down the reason for the request, the date, time, the location. So, as an example, Oak County High School, McDonald's, you know, Oak County High School media center, the football field, whatever it may be. Um, and then, um, part of that process
082too, um, and it's covered in, I think, board policy 5030 is that we had the responsibility of ensuring that the person also had adequate, um, insurance coverage. Um, and that would be up to a million dollar for each plan made that requested in case there was damage or some type of incident that occurred to the facility or the patrons that were using it at the time. And then, um, one of the part of that also had to do with payment. Um, so if the request was approved, a lot of times what was happening was payment was being submitted to the school level and then there were some times when it was being submitted here at the central office. Um so that kind of led that process led into some issues because it wasn't streamlined. Um
083some of it that came up and issues that we encountered was that um we didn't receive information in a timely manner. So as as an example um somebody might have showed up on Friday wanted to rent the facility on Saturday but we didn't have time to get the coverage but it was still allowed to be done. Um and then by us when I say us meaning central office if central office didn't collect the um the amount that was owed by the requesttor um if we didn't have the ability to pay for the SRO or the custodians at that time frame from the funds that were to be collected then central office may have been in a situation where we had to pull those funds. Um and then also we ran into where certificates of insurance
084wasn't being submitted or the requesters or once it was approved they didn't have the adequate coverage and also two that fees were being waved for requesters. Um so we're trying to streamline some of this information. So I can go to next slide please. The new process is an electronic process. Um so available via website. the requester can go on there and it has a stepbystep guide for that requesttor to use um as well as pricing and we'll move into that here in a few minutes but essentially just to break down how that works the requester completes it electronically once they hit submit the requester receives an email with the application on it currently um or uh they would receive that application but also to the application of whatever school is being selected that person requested
085that administrator is notified as well. The requesttor can print out that PDF form that they receive a copy of, go to the school with it, meet with the principal to talk about it, and then the principal would go through and identify the number of custodians needed, the number of SR SRO's needed at the time. And with coordinating or collaborating with the sheriff's department, essentially it comes down to about one school resource officer per 100 participants. Um and somewhat similar for a custodian as well. Um so then the fees would be identified to those person. Um the requesttor would bring the form over to central office or it would be emailed over to central office. Finance department would get a copy of that. They would look at that, determine the fees. Is it adequate? Yes or
086no. Is it correct coverage for custodians? Correct coverage for um the school resource officer? What are the hours? and be able to calculate it up by an hourly basis for the fees that are due. Um, and then also the requester is responsible for submitting the certificate of insurance over to central office to the finance department before it is approved at the finance or at the central office development. Once we have that information, the finance office is able to check off on it. Then that information goes over to the superintendent for his approval or denial. Um, so it kind of streamlines everything and the process to do this correctly would be to have it submitted within a two week notice prior to so that we have time for planning for the custodians to be on staff
087as well as the school resource officers. >> And the the twoe notice that's going to be posted on the website so they know that I can get the gym tomorrow. >> Yes, sir. And it's also in a copy of the agreement that they received. >> Got it. So let let me let me ask you something. So you you gave an example um in your presentation earlier that for instance and I think it was an example what had happened before like someone came on a Friday um and they got um >> on a Saturday. >> Yeah. On a Saturday. Have you ever experienced that? >> I have experienced it again very short. >> But why would we do it? Yeah. And if I may, um, especially like for funerals, people will come and if they go
088to the school and then there it's not sent over here to us. >> We've had people come and go to, say, for example, Tarlington, the principal sign off on it. It never got to us in time. The funeral happened, we never got paid and we still had to pay. >> So, I think it just determines the different type of events that it may have been. Um, I hate to say it, but maybe a relationship piece or >> it just comes down to core logistics. >> So, so, so, so basically what the district is doing is that they're consolidating the application process at the district level. So therefore, there's no miscommunication. There's a uh Hawkeye Sand uh decided to rent a room and then it never got to us and then somebody got paid and los
089the superintendent sees it and reviews it and proves it and demise it. It should have the requesttor signature on it. It should have the principal signature on it as well as the finance signature. >> So that's three different signatures that we know that we need to look for before Dr. Spills could even before I would even present it to him for his review. >> And the person that's wanting to rent it, right? >> Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. they are responsible for signing. >> Oh, good. Go ahead. >> So, thank you. >> So, my question is uh I mean if you don't have electronic process that means it's going to be some late work. So, are we using docu sign to have these signatures done? >> Well, because if you have to walk or drive to
090say fish um >> so we so that was the process that I explained if we were using a Google forms. Now if we're using um droplet which is something similar to docu sign it becomes more streamlined so the requesttor can sign off on it electronically then boom it goes over to the principal so on and so forth. So, so it's it's an easy process and not a >> Yes, that's right. And then and then the turnaround on that is that once because everything is being signed electronically that once it gets over to the finance office and it lists an email address for the requesttor as well as a contact phone number, we're able to call them and inform that person, the requesttor, of the amount that's owed as well as we now have it. We're
091reviewing it. We need your certificate of insurance before we can move forward. Do we upload a certificate of insurance or will be everything is you know on >> I think after talking with uh Mr. French droplet does have that ability so that request can come back in and do that. So, have we have we ever got um how I want to ask this question? Yeah, somebody never paid and we had the district end up in >> I'm sure they >> do you know the ball >> since I've been since I've been helping it's been two times. >> Two times. Yeah. But we've also had people who have done things underhandedly or just went got the building and then slipped the custodian something but it wasn't the correct pay. So either Dr. Spell doesn't know they're
092in the building which is a liability to us. >> Doc Dr. Hunt, I just I'm thinking uh policy committee chair probably need to make sure that that's in black and white. I protect that the district and the schools too. So if there is a violation, we have it in black and white to where you know >> the last time you updated policy 5030 was in December of 2025. So this is our but this is more recent information. But the way this is in worked with Chad to draft what should go what do you what information do you need if someone's applying to use the facility and what does that agreement if they're using the facility look like which I think is what >> okay >> now you say December 2025 >> is when you updated
093your policy yes >> okay >> so the bottom line is we're going to have to bring it back up for revision >> okay got it thank you >> all right um and working through this process with Grayson and it's it's really been about a year now with all of this information. Um our previous process missed a lot of information in it, right? Um so with doing this and revamping it, making edits to it, uh we were able to include some of that important information on the notice that the requesttor receives. Um such as now it states or will state that users will be responsible for any damage caused by or resulting from the use of school facilities, property or equipment. And that's where that certificate of the insurance comes in for them, right? Um the
094school system reserves the rights to postpone or cancel. So, as an example, that if we can't because what we want to do and make sure that we're doing is using a custodian that's assigned to that building. And the reason for that is because that custodian is a key holder number one, but also they have access to the alarm. Um and they're familiar with the facility and know what things are in case they've got to clean something up, etc. Um so, you going back to that example that I mentioned earlier, somebody requested on a Friday, then they turn around and use it on Saturday. Well, if we can't reserve a custodian for that Saturday, you know, we have the right to post postpone that or not even approve it at all before it comes up to
095the central office. >> Well, that shouldn't happen anyway, right? >> Should not be. >> So, we not going to do that. >> Exactly. And I kind of um to be honest with you, I understand what you're saying about the custodian being at working at that school. I do understand that. But there may be some exceptions to the rule because it a person may really need that building and the custodian can't work. And most of the time they work together, they collaborate. So I don't see the fact that we should just have that in the stone that that custodian got to be that we're >> on those case by case scenarios we do try to work with those individuals. Um I can think of times when Mr. Pel has I can think of times when Mr.
096manifest. So there are times when >> um also going into some things that that was left out is that now it will move from a daily rate to an hourly rate. And one of the things that were happening in the past has been that um a person comes and uh they rent the facility. So, let's say they're going to have it from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., but they may show up at 7 a.m. and not leave until 1 1 p.m. because of set up and take down, right? Cleaning up. But on the application, they didn't put those time frames, those two extra hours. Custodians are getting calls early in the morning to come like, "Where are you at? You got to come open up." And then they end up having to stay over an
097extra hour in the afternoon as well. So, it's going into their time, but then the requesttor may not feel that it was their responsibility to pay for those two extra times. >> Um, situations that we ran into. Um, I mentioned earlier about the cancellation process. Um, we also mentioned in there specifically about the whole county schools board policy 5030 and of course the certificate of insurance that I mentioned earlier. >> Next slide, please. um and rate changes. Uh so you heard me mention earlier that it was X amount is a set a flat rate per day moving over to an hourly fee. Um and these you can see are those hourly fees and we did take into consideration the type of utilities that were being used when renting out these specific areas. Um so we
098tried to be considerate of everything that was being involved. And you can do the next slide, please. >> Hold on a second. >> When I first start, well, I never got to see this uh thing, but parking lot $50 for a day. >> I did have a question about that, too. Um, so if they rent the gym, do they ask also have to rent the parking lot? >> No. >> Okay, that's good. >> There are there have been specific requests where just the parking lot itself is being requested to be used. I can give you an example. Um the walk to Emmas used S Elementary School parking lot previously. Um but we still had to call a custodian to come and open and close the the parking lot because that one's gated. Um and then
099if there is a parking lot that has lights and the lights were being used. So we're taking in the utility fees in that as part of the consideration as well. >> So the playground I I often see um and I guess it's unless we all have do this with grounds. I often see um people playing like golf and things on like donate grounds, you know. >> You're talking about the field beside >> Yeah. which is So we not we're not charging for that. They can play. >> Yeah. We haven't charged for that. they they've um they've been allowed to to come out. Um I give you another example like um over at San Diego Middle School and San Diego Elementary School the track generally over the weekends or after school hours community members come and
100they walk around the track. >> Um however, so the difference would be like let's say somebody's going to rent out for a birthday party >> over at Rockfish Oak Elementary School because we've had this scenario come up. they wanted to rent the multi-purpose room and be able to take those those children out or those participants over to the playground. Also, in situations like that, that's where those um fees come. >> So, they they will rent the multi-purpose room and then they rent the playground to >> per hour. >> So, we went from day to per hour. >> Yes, ma'am. So we're charging more than the county. >> Whenever we get together to look at this policy, I think we need to look at the numbers again. >> When we get together and revise this policy,
101I think we need to look at the numbers per hour again. I think that's just a little too steep for the community in which we live. We say we uh want to actually um be partners with the community, but we charging them $75 an hour. I mean >> and a hundred dollar I understand things are going up but >> I think as a board we need to uh kind of come together and and look at the the the rate changes. I understand the cost because we're not getting enough funds, capital outlay funds to even maintain our buildings as is. And if we let the community, if we let people come in and tear up our if they're using it, they're not trying to tear it, but the more you use something, the more it's going
102to deteriorate. So, I think that's the reason these prices. >> I'm not trying to be funny or whatever, but we don't have the best facilities as it is. Most of the time when I see people I have been at events where people use the facilities and they need it and better than when they got there. So I me personally I think $75 an hour to use the auditorium in our community I just I feel the same way and I you know um I mean I do know we need to to charge something and I'm not ignorant to that but um the county the county charge a flat rate >> you know um we're in this county I think we you know do our told us I don't know where these prices came from. Did y'all
103do any research and look at those other uh schools? Which schools? >> Uh we looked at there was a list Robinson County. We looked at all the surrounding counties. >> Don't look at Robinson County. >> I have a problem with us. We always looking at other counties. >> Yeah. >> I got a problem with that. I mean at some things Yeah. But this >> it's just I just say uh chairman whenever we uh look at this I think we need to come up >> you all include us whenever this started asking and Rosa brought it to my attention. I'm like no it's not like that but it's like that. So I think things like this we should be aware. We should have been included cuz I mean cuz people are coming to us >> and
104we was like no that's not right. >> Well let's be clear about that. It work this was posted in the September odds and ends. >> Yeah. I think it need I don't think this this kind of stuff need to be in the odds and ends. I think this needs to be discussion. >> But the odds and ends are about discussion. >> No, no. I I think we need to come to the table like we are now. I don't think it need to be in um an email and the artisans. I think it needs to be discussed. >> I I do agree with all of you. Um there's a lot to unpack here. Odds and ends. Uh, I know that I read them and when I raise an eyebrow, I'll shoot an email or I even
105um um consult with uh Angela when we having the uh setting of the agenda and we put it on for an information item. Uh such was the case when it was brought to my attention and such was the case that according to the policy the board is supposed to uh uh approve this Okay. So, uh that's that's one thing. I also am in disagreement with the pricing, but not uh join the uh the majority here. I don't think we charge enough because uh uh I don't know if you all know, but uh the seven 7.5% uh we're going to get a 7.5 increase on the electricity alone. And uh when you renting as an example uh an auditorium for $75 and you got every light on. Um I can tell you that I feel the
106pain because I'm paying electricity myself too and I feel the pain. I can't even imagine how much money we're paying for all these lights right now. If you were to rent this room for an hour and if you did it really did the work to see how much this room uh this uh expanding electricity unfortunately not every room has a uh meter to determine but uh I'm pretty sure if we really wanted to uh do justice for both entities the district and the community uh a proper uh research in uh some survey something to really um um determine how much we really uh need to pay. You know, the here's the thing. You pay $150 to uh rent the auditorium for the whole day. We know that cuz we've had all of us have had
107events. We we want we want to ask to go in there early to set up if there's tables or whatever. And uh and so $150. So by the time you go there and start using the the room as an example to set up, you got power on electricity on. So I understand that uh that uh there's some some members of the community think that might be too much. But I tell you what, I have a solution. Uh and I don't mean to disrespect anybody in any kind of way, but uh we're all feeling the pinch. If you think this is uh uh bad, go to a hotel uh u uh building to to a business and ask to rent the conference room to see that. You're going to be shocked if you think $75 is
108a lot. That's a whole school. >> Not to disrespect each other. >> No, no, not at all. >> And I I understand what you're saying, but >> we are community. We hear >> I don't know anybody that probably will take Charleton Ortoriitorium and use it more than an hour or two hours at least when they have homegoing services. It's not that um and I mean we got to meet people. Some of these people don't really have nowhere to go. They pay taxes. We say we want to be partners with people. This is an opportunity. I don't think it's going to break the bank for us. $75 an hour. >> But if they're only using it for two hours, it's only a $25 increase based on what you just said. >> I just use that number.
109I just use that number hours. But I'm saying that $75 an hour. I I don't >> I do have one question. >> Like I said, let's not have all different conversations here. >> I just had one actual >> Go ahead. Uh >> does this hourly rate include and I'm sorry you already said this. >> Does it include the custodian fees or No. No. Okay. In addition to >> just keep in mind here uh we're not in the business of losing money. We should not be in the business of losing money. >> Um because if we don't if we do this incorrectly uh we we lose money because uh we're having to pay electric bills higher. It's going to get higher 7.5. We've already been warned about it. So that's just an example. But at the
110end of the day, you got to keep this in mind. what the majority, the board wants. That's what's going to be that that's the bottom line. So, uh, uh, does anybody have any more comments, uh, concerns, questions? >> I think making a motion. >> This is an information. When we get back, we'll talk about >> Yeah. This uh so uh does the board agree that we should bring this back to the policy committee to address uh so our next policy committee is in July. So if we can have some solid information uh to present to the policy committee uh uh group to uh you know and it might take one or two more feedbacks to uh get this uh the way it needs to be. I can share that information out. >> Okay. And meanwhile,
111my question is a uh resident of Hope County. How are we going to be charging people until this is fixed? That's that's my question >> because this uh this uh if if I'm not mistaken, this information had been in the website since uh January. We've been charging since January to >> that was without the board's consent. >> That is that is true. However, uh uh regardless whether the board approved it or not, >> uh we were charging this amount. >> Well, if it was there, then we got to do what was there. >> If a contract if a contract is already signed, I'm sorry, um Miss Blue, I'm sorry. >> If a contract was already signed and and all that stuff for the facilities, I guess we need to just so go forth with it.
112But at this point, just don't do anymore until >> um until they come back. >> Understood. >> So again, my question is what is the district going to charge? >> What's on the website? >> Okay. >> I just want to make sure we're clear on that. >> It could be, but uh it could be, but not if we're going to bring it to the uh committee, the policy committee. If we bring that to the committee, it ain't going to be an action item. >> Or we could uh >> or we could address this policy specifically as soon as the u the district has all the pertinent information so we can make a decision. Uh because really this is one of these things that we need to get it approved so it can so we can
113be >> right. >> Uh so if uh I will say that since um learning that it should have came to the board for approval before it was posted prior to being posted. We have taken that down off the website. So it's no longer available. >> Okay. Okay. >> So we can we can put a hold on any facility rentals until this agreement come about. So, uh, it's my understanding that we're not renting any buildings until further notice. Is that what I just heard? We can put that out. >> Okay. >> We have two people who have who have two date, but those dates coming up. We will have to honor those. >> Okay, that's fine. >> Some people are not going to stop. Now, I will say that um Mana Church has been east school
114for a number of years now. Uh so I would even though we're putting a pause on this um they may not have anywhere to go to on s such short notice. >> No, we not talk. Don't they have a contract? >> So we can't we can't write the contract. They have to continue to come. >> So So again, there's a lot a lot to unpack here. So just so we so the board is in the same sheet of music here uh here. Okay. So we we all agreed to keep the uh the prices as they are until uh we meet again on this specific policy uh to make sure that uh um we all agreed on the prices and whatever is uh outstanding out there right now like the man church we will continue to
115do business with them so there's no interruption with their services. Does does does the board agree to to that? >> Say that say that again. We're going to go with these prices what that's been advertised right now until we have um until we meet again in July to change it >> so that we don't completely block people from using these facilities. I would also suggest we consider um special pricing for funerals because we know that that's a community need and it's uh an existing use at Charlie traditionally >> and that's something we can address >> if the board is going to do that or request that we move it to action and then vote on it when we get to the action items to have and I can we can work on the language that
116the the prices as posted or as we're posted will continue until the board issues issues new rates, but once the board issues new rates, these prices will change if that makes sense. So, we'd have to move it to to action and then you guys would have to take a vote and your motion would have to be as such that for the time being until >> I make a motion that we move this topic to an action item. >> Second. >> All right. So, just to be clear, there's a motion on the floor to move uh information item Hope County Schools Facilities Planning to an action item. Those in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. Move. That's going to be item number six. >> Okay. Um the next Do we have any more questions, comments?
117Okay. The next item is the uh Poke County Schools beginning uh teachers for 5-year plan 2026 2031. >> Good evening. >> I'm here to present the beginning teacher support plan for 2026 2031 the next 5 years. Our gift should be received in a blue folder that states it say BT plan 202631 as the presentation and the plan inside as we begin to talk about Poke County Schools beginning teachers and the purpose of that it is to support develop and retain build confidence and grow our beginning teachers when they take this critical critical transition into the education arena of the education professional. That is the purpose of the beginning teacher support plan. And we also want to make sure that we just don't want our BTS to begin their career at Hope County Schools. We want
118to make sure that they grow with us as a entire school community that we retain our beginning teacher. Pulk County Schools beginning teacher program which is BTSP uh provides a comprehensive induction and professional development program to support our beginning teachers. And through that we have three individuals who help our beginning teachers along with the schools to provide support. We have two full-time personnel support coordinators. Miss Amber Dow, Miss She's here. You stay there. Miss Delanda McDonald and also we have a fulltime licensed specialist, Miss Amy Godlin. >> They're here to support me. >> And so through HR, we do monitor our schools and our BTS. We have a total this past school year of 111 BTS. Of those BT1s we have 44 BT2s 32 and we graduated in May BTS3 35 graduated. >> All right.
119>> Okay. Next slide please. Under policy teacher ed 01 016 under the state board. The BT program is a three-year induction program for beginning teachers one two and three. uh again with three years less of exper less than three years of experience uh regardless of their lens or pathway. So regardless if they go through a um alternate pathway they're still a BT if they have less than three years of experience. Also with that they are required to have new teacher orientation which that would be August 10 through 11 of this school year. uh ongo professional development the ladies in the bat provide BT our professional development training for our BTS um throughout the school year they also assigned a trained mentor and we'll get talk about those mentors later in the presentation uh observation and
120feedback um support with their lure and so they can be profession for professional growth and also they're required to participate in our education preparation program which those surveys Next slide, please. The mentor selection and training. So for mentors, our schools do have mentors based on the number of BTS that's in their building. And in order to be a BT, you have to be rated at least proficient or higher on their summitive uh rated proficient proficient on their standards one and four. Also, they cannot be a BT themselves. And teachers um they would have to have some type of teachers without evaluation data for two or more consecutive years are not eligible meaning that they have to have some in-class ELC EG or EVOS data. Next slide. NICE's or North Carolina Educator Effectiveness System is the
121system that we have across the state that we use to evaluate all certified staff and there's a cycle for that which is step one uh training and orientation. The first 10 days of school, all certified staff have to have training and orient orientation for the um for training on the uh or the evaluation process which is needs. Step two, they have to complete their self assessment which is their goal setting and their pre-conference with their administrator or their supervisor. Step three, they have to go through the observation cycle. Uh meaning that they go through either they're going to have it with their principal or supervisor and or a peer and then the last step they're going to have their summitative uh and review their end of the year goal setting. Okay. Also with that observations
122must be due when they go through step three when they conduct or in the supervisor I'm talking about as a teacher do their observation it must be done for that post conference must be within 10 days of completion of that observation. Next slide please. So beginning teachers records and program evaluations in HR um we do maintain a file for them and it includes these um documentations for those individuals to ensure that they complete the three years of the program. Um and then that information is shared for them to get their license. In addition to that, our BT plan, our BT coordinators work with other districts and then we have a peerreview process that is conducted. And this year, the county that uh was assigned to us is Robinson public schools of Robinson County. Next slide,
123please. Again, like I stated at the beginning, they do have to do which is a recent gradu graduate survey. uh first year teachers who completed an educator uh preparation program or EP are requ are required to complete this particular survey. In addition to that, their principles complete it as well. And this survey is just asking them how did they perform or how did they feel about being a beginning teachers and it must be completed at the end of their first year and it is a requirement for them to complete the survey from DPI. Next slide. Any questions? >> How long we How long we been doing this? I know we've had teachers. I know how long we've been in this >> the beginning teacher program since they started the beginning teacher >> program. There any
124more questions? No. >> All right. The next item is the uh vacancy report. That's me again. >> Are you in competition? >> Again, I'm presenting you tonight the vacancy report. As of today, um we have well as of June the 5th, 2026, um certified vacancies 55. We still are working trying to reduce mainly of mainly the positions are our EC teachers um that we're still trying to hire for and then our classified vacancies we have a total of 31 which 31 which is a total of 86 vacancies for the entire district. >> Any questions? No questions. Okay. All right. Next uh area is the actions items. The uh first item is the alternative accountability model 2026 2027. >> Can I get a motion? >> Make a motion that we approve the alternative accountability model 2026
1252027. Second. >> Okay. Those in favor say I. I those begins. All right, it passes. Uh the next item is the EC contracts. >> Make a motion that we pass to approve the EC contract. >> Second. >> Okay. Those in favor say I. I. Was I the only one to say I? >> No again. Okay. >> I got my my my bag here on your side. That's why >> you All right. Uh, next item is the budget amendment number three. >> Chairman, I'd like to make a motion that we pass that we approve the budget amendment number three. >> Second. >> All right. Those in favor say I. >> I. >> Thank you. I heard that clearly. Those against. All right. I passes. Uh, um, number four, surplus property disposal. Chairman, I'd like to also
126approve making a motion that we approve the surplus property disposal. >> Second. >> Okay. Those in favor? Okay. >> I guess yes. Okay. It passes. And number five, transportation record. >> I don't know about this kid. >> Make a motion that we purchase the record. >> I second. >> Okay. Those in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. It goes again. Okay, it passes. And the last item, whole county schools facility planning for the uh current prices to stay on the website until um we meet again on it. >> I make a motion that we maintain our current facilities pricing until uh we meet in July. >> Second. >> Those in favor? >> I those against. All right, it passes. >> All right. and I'll get somebody to do the close session. Yeah. >> Um,
127chairman, I make a motion that we go into close session on the North Carolina generous statute 143 318 11 A13 and 6 to prevent the disclosure of confidential personnel and student matters to consider matters relating to initial employment of individual employees and to consult with the board's attorney to preserve the attorney. >> Second. >> All right. Those in favor? I >> I >> All right, we just take a 5m minute break.