001Good evening everyone. Thank you for coming out to be with us on today. We are so grateful to have you with us on today's December the 9th um at our Hope County Board of Education monthly meeting. So, um, at [clears throat] this time, the time is now 6:00 p.m. December the 9th, and the meeting is called to order. At [clears throat] this time, I'm going to ask the board members if I could get amendment to move the spotlight on success to underneath the invocation. >> I make a motion that we move spotlight on success to the top of the agenda. >> Second. >> Okay, it's been the motion has been made. It's been second. All in favor of amending it? I >> I >> Okay. Any opposing? Okay. At this time, I'm going to pray
002and then we'll have our spotlight on success. Father God, we thank you for this day. We ask that you touch everyone that's in this building. Lord, we ask that you touch the children, keep us together, God, as we move forward, God, to do your will in Hope County. We ask that you just bless us and keep us in Jesus name we pray. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. So at this time um we all [clears throat] going to have spotlight on success and the first person on spotlight on success is Jasmine Emanuel. She >> I'm not sure if Jasmine is here but >> she's on her way. >> Okay. Well, you can do the track. >> Cross country. at next. >> So you >> okay? >> Good evening everyone. >> Good evening. >> It is my great
003pleasure to welcome our Sandy Grove Middle School cross country team. And before I start talking about them a little bit, I'm going to call in Coach Woodson and she's going to tell us about some of their accomplishments. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Tansa Woodson. I am the head um girls and boys cross country coach as well as girls and boys track coach at San Gro Middle School. Um our young ladies, it's interesting you call them the track team because that is indeed who they are. Most of these young ladies um started off as distance runners and then graduated to sprinters. So um as we finished our track season, we finished it on the Tuesday. when we're riding across country on Thursday. And I don't know if you all are familiar, but that's a
004whole different set of twitchy muscles >> that you have that you have to use. So, I am so extremely proud of them. Um, this year was their fourth year in a row as conference champs. [applause] I often tell them hard work and dedication, it pays off. um they're stellar in the classroom as well as on the track and as well as on the cross country course. So, I'm extremely proud of them. It's an honor for me um to be able to coach them is it's been phenomenal. Parents, I want to say thank you for allowing me to help your babies reach the potential and and help them build their confidence as they continue to move forward because what they do now sets up their character for what they do in the future. >> So, I
005thank you all for that. >> Um, so that's we won four years. It was phenomenal. Um, funny story. When we went to our first meet, um, one of the, um, uh, coaches from Cordova, we walked up, he said, "Oh, Lord." I said, "Yeah, we're here. We're here." Um, most of our girls finished in the top 15 out of about 60 contestants. >> So, they are they're extremely dedicated and they work hard and I'm so proud of them. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. [applause] >> We're also going to have um Mr. Bum to come up and say a few words. Your principal, >> Dr. B. >> Well, good. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Uh I just came to be supportive of my cross country team. Uh very proud of their achievements four years
006in a row. It'll be five years in a row next year. [clears throat] Uh, but I know they're going to do well. Um, we got a lot of great kids at Sandy Grove Middle School. Um, they're really working hard to produce, not just in athletics, but they're working hard to produce academically, too. So, I'm very proud of of those kids and what they're doing. And and if you if you look at them well, you can tell they're they're really fine kids, so they're going to be just fine. >> Thank you. [applause] Well, thank you, Dr. Bowen and students. I'm your superintendent and I I am so proud of you and I want you to make sure you continue to do the great work that you're doing out there on the field. Continue to um keep
007those academics up also. And we got a big plaque that's coming. Santa didn't bring it tonight, but it's coming. [clears throat] And we'll have that ready for you, too. So, thank you for all you do. Parents, um administrators, Coach Woodson, um again, thank you for all you do and congratulations on a great season. [applause] >> And if we could could we actually get uh somehow someway get them to stand in front of the tree that's in the foyer and take a picture of them. >> [clears throat] >> We want to highlight the good things that's happening to old county. Thank you boys and girls. >> And madam chair, I would like to say about my niece over here. Not to not to put any other kids down, but Leila Sling, that's my niece. She's been
008running since she was what about seven, eight years old. She's been running with the big girls and actually keeping up with them and beating them. So [laughter] I just want to say that I'm proud of her. I'm proud of all your kids. I just keep up the good work. And I said my my niece was going to break Kathy McMiller's record. How many any of you can beat her record? >> All right. >> So, I just want to say congratulations. [applause] >> So, if you would meet out at tree so we can spotlight It really is. >> Next on spotlight on success, we have Jasmine Emanuel. [clears throat] >> [applause] >> We're going to ask Miss Baker if it's something she want to say. >> Oh, absolutely. I have so much that I could say
009about Miss Emanuel. She is our lead EC teacher at Up Church. Um, but she is much more than that. She is a mentor to all of our new teachers. She is a steady rock for some of our other teachers and she is truly one that we can always count on that is going to be supportive and help in whatever way she can. >> Thank you, Miss >> and I just [applause] want to say as DC director, she's a jewel. She's an absolute jewel and she's a listener. She is a listener and I appreciate that. Um, Jasmine, all that you have done for Hope County Schools for AC [applause] and on behalf of the board of education, Dr. spells. Uh Jasmine, we want to give you this certificate in recognition of the achievement of being named
010educator excellent um at the 74th council exceptional children by North Carolina Department of Instruction. I think your name may be Miss here. >> Yeah, that's me. [laughter] So, we just want to say thank you so much and we appreciate [laughter] [applause] >> and I brought one of my students along. >> Oh, wow. He came to support me >> and I've had him since he was in kindergarten. [applause] Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Last but not least on spotlight on success is in Indian education. >> Good evening. While they're getting prepared, I would like to introduce Miss uh Christina Board, who all of you have met before, which is our parent leaison for Hope County Schools Indian Education Program. But we also have the students representing tonight with Miss Maya
011Jones, Miss Mayana Bour, and Miss Ma Oxendine. These students represent San Jose College as well as Hope County High School. >> All right. [applause] Hello. Good evening, everybody. My name is Zia Jones. I'm president of Hanasa Club at Hill County High School. >> Hi, my name is Maya Bard. I'm vice president of Han. >> Hi, my name is Micaia Oxendine. I'm a member of at San >> [laughter] >> Why Native American Heritage Month matters is because it honors the strength, resilience, and the wisdom of our ancestors. It brings knowledge of the native of the native sovereignty and culture. And it also helps remind everyone that Native Americans are important to history and reminds everyone that we're still here. The tribes of North Carolina are Lumbi, Cherokee, Cohairi, Halawasa, Saponyi, Saponyi, Wakamasuan, Maharin, and Okanichi. Here
012are some famous natives. Wum man killer, the first female she [laughter] [clears throat] held the the Lowry gang after the the Civil War. gym throw the first native to win an Olympic medal. Okay. >> Um there were multiple events within November of the past November. There was a ribbon skirt workshop which I attended and a picture of me up there sewing. Uh it was a lot of fun. A lot of girls got ribbon skirts. There were pine needle workshops, painting workshops, and even stations. There were multiple programs at multiple different schools which were West Hook Middle [clears throat] School, Sandy Grove Elementary School, and San Hook Early College. Um, which I was a part of planning the Sanhook Early College event. It was a lot of fun and there was even teachers coming up to
013me saying they were excited for next year's. Uh, there were multiple field trips. We went to a Hornets game and they had a halftime show where they brought a bunch of native dancers out and we they basically had like a mini pow. Um, and then there was Lumby Day, which uh I believe Hawkeye Elementary School children went to. And then there were multiple like food events. So they did like they made pepper jelly. [laughter] Okay. They made pepper jelly. They did a fried bread demonstration, collar greens, and they had like an indigenous indigenous lunch in where people came in and ate. Thank you. >> We want to thank you for um everything you do for our students. And as a token of our appreciation, we would like to present these uh gifts to the members
014of the board. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Um the gift was actually something that the students created in one of their culture workshops. So this is a handmade gift from our students. And again, thank you for all that you do for [applause] Thank you. That is awesome. Good evening. I'm Katherine, current chairperson of the Hope County Board of Education. Momentarily, the board will begin its organization meeting to determine its next board chair and vice chair. I would like to note that the quorum has been established and that there's five members are present. I will now turn it over to board attorney uh Pender to conduct the election for the board chair and vice chair. >> Thank you. Uh the Ho County Board of Education policy 2200 election of officers and organization of the board states
015that the board will hold an organizational meeting for the election and qualification of officers and it will be held at the regularly scheduled December meeting of the board. Today, December 9th is the Hope County Board of Education's regularly scheduled board meeting for December. With that said, I now open the floor for nominations for the office of chair. I would like to nominate Rosa Mallister McCrae as chair. >> I would like to nominate Ruben Castalon as board chair. Are there any other nominations for the position of board chair? Okay, we have multiple nominations on the floor. Would either of you like to state a position as to your bid for the chair position on the board? Okay. If not, we will move to a vote. We [snorts] will start with Miss Mallister or excuse me, Dr.
016Mallister McCra. Is that right? >> Dr. Mallister McCrae. >> Uh, all of those in favor of Dr. Mallister McCrae as board chair, indicate by saying I. Those opposed, indicate by saying no. >> No. >> Okay. So, how many eyes were there? Sorry, we could count. One, two. [clears throat] All right. That motion does not carry. Uh all of those in favor of uh Mr. Castelon as board chair say I. >> I. >> That three. >> And all those opposed say nay. >> Nay. >> All right. Uh the motion for Mr. Castellon carries. Congratulations, Mr. Pastel. You are now the board chair. [applause] All right. [sighs] What a way to start. You got to start reading things. Which one is this one here? Um, [clears throat] I appreciate the board's confidence in me and this uh
017important role. I will turn it back over to our board attorney for vice chair nominations. >> All right. Now we will move on to the vice chair. The floor is open for nominations for the position of vice chair. [clears throat] Any nominations? >> I nominate Angela Som vice chair. Are there any other nominations for the position of vice chair? >> Okay. Hearing none, we will now vote on the nomination uh for Angela Sutherland for the position of vice chair. All those in favor of Angela Sutherland as vice chair, indicate by saying I. >> I. >> All those opposed indicate by saying no. >> No. >> All right. There are three votes in favor and two votes against. The motion carries. All right. Now selected, the newly elected board uh will follow the agenda for the
018duration of the meeting. >> Let's see. >> Yeah. Let's do this. Are you ready? Let me [laughter] get my jacket real quick. Is this yours? >> Yeah. Thank you. My sister is not. >> Okay. [clears throat] right here. >> Uh, can I get a motion to approve the agenda? >> Second. >> Okay, that's been u moved by Miss Dr. Rosa and second by Angela. >> Move forward. Can I get the whoever's going to vote for it? [laughter] >> Say I. >> All in favor say I. >> I. No. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. Uh passes. All right. So um what's next? >> Chair support. All right. Okay. Uh first I'm going to start my chair report by just uh praying. I want to thank God for today. I want to thank
019God for still being alive. Many people can't uh say the same. There's a lot of stuff going on in America today. [clears throat] We all know it. I want to thank all of you. I want to thank God. I give you uh blessings for everything that we do. And I truly hope that the next uh 11 months uh I truly hope that we can move forward and do everything that we got to do uh for the uh students first and uh the staff, the faculty, uh the uh teachers, everybody and uh the parents as they are a vital uh role to uh continue educating our students. Um and we did the spotlight on success already. >> [clears throat] >> public comments where >> my bad. Okay, now the superintendent's report. >> Thank you, Mr. Castelon.
020Um, just want to welcome aware of everybody here and wish everyone a happy holidays. First thing I want to talk about just a couple cleanup items that we've been working on at at the district. We did I know we had talked about it with the board. The board asked me to look into it. We looked into u making some adjustments and some repairs to the bus garage. Um very expensive to get that done because there's a lot of issues over there. But, uh, right now it's looking like it would cost us around $10 million to get that done. So, we got the report. U So, money is the issue, but we all know that something needs to be done about that. We also working on our um cuz April is right around the corner. We're
021working on our capital uh needs projects with principles. We sent that out. We're also looking um as administrators just looking at what we need to get done. So, a lot of things are going on with that. And to piggyback that, we are working on our five-year facility plan as outlined by the state. So, a lot of things going on in the U facility arena right now. Next thing I wanted to talk talk to you guys about uh the Christmas lunchon will be Tuesday at 12:00 >> 16th >> where at the right center annual Christmas lunch. Also very excited to announce on the 20th we were able to give out 99 turkeys. Well, we gave out a 100, but one didn't exactly make it where it was supposed to make it to and it's full, but
022um we were able to give out 99 turkeys out in the um right in front of the building. So, we're happy that we were able to um support our families during this difficult time. On Saturday, I'm very excited that we're going to have 25 kids for our shop with the superintendent. We're going to meet at Walmart at 9:00. We have some saffrons out there that's going to help us. Families know where to meet us at. These [clears throat] folks were picked by the principles and some staff members that I assigned to find us some kids. So, right now we're looking at about 25 kids that are going to be coming out. So, I'm very excited to get that done. I don't know how long it takes kids to shop. So, I'm thinking it's about an
023hour, but it could be could be a lot longer. Yes, >> I will have my Santa hat for that event and just want to see the smiles on the kids' faces and making sure that we're we're good community partners and we're good neighbors for the community. So, very excited about that festival. >> I'm too excited. [clears throat] >> That's it. >> Okay. Uh, next uh item on the agenda is the uh uh public comment. >> Anybody? >> Yes, we have three people. Uh, as a reminder, members of the public are invited to speak during the public comment portion of the board's regularly scheduled monthly board meeting. A signup sheet is made available prior to the start of the meeting. Only individuals or groups who have signed up are permitted to speak and comments will be
024limited to three minutes. Board members will not respond to or address speakers comments. Comments regarding particular individual employees, student records or other matters which are required to be kept confidential may not be discussed in this open form setting. All comments must be respectful and civil per ordinary rules of order and decorum. First we have Robin R. Hammonds. >> Robin check. He's coming. >> Thank you. >> Hey, how y'all doing tonight? >> Uh my name is Robin Hammonds. Um I'm here to speak on behalf of Coach Small tonight. Um many of y'all have seen me on the sidelines. I've been with him the whole entire time that he's been um coach over here at Hope County and it's been a a great journey with with Coach Small. um met him at the meet and greet and
025for some reason or another I was the person that was caught on the pray that day and I prayed and um didn't think much about it. I didn't think I'd ever get back on the field. At my age, the closest you can get to the field is a sideline. Okay. But um he called me up and asked me would I consider, you know, being chaplain. I said, "Yeah, I' I'd like to do that. It's outside of my realm of being a pastor, but I'd like to consider that. Had to go through FCA and they do rigorous background check and I said, man, they doing that. I got to get you dig deep enough. You can find dirt on anybody. But I come out clean enough. Let me say that. But um you know, I love
026Hope County athletics. Been following them for a long time. My daughter played volleyball. Volleyball had a great season. Wrestling's doing good. But, you know, it'd be nice if all of our u athletics was trended upward and um that would be awesome tonight. But as you consider, you know, the decisions y'all have to make and we appreciate the work that y'all do in the community. Y'all have a tough job. You have to deal with a lot of different issues in the community with with children and all that and busing. And again, we appreciate everything you do. But as you consider, you know, uh Coach Small's family just come into town. um you know that's given them some stability as he you know soos to move forward and we all know in here that there's always going
027to be a changing of the guard you know 10 years from now some of y'all won't be sitting at this table um where I pastor at now 10 years from now I might not be at that church and there's always going to be a a change in the guard but um you know I feel personally like this it may be a little bit premature um you know if we look at wins and losses and we judge every program by that and we'd be getting rid of coaches every single year. But um John Maxwell said something that makes a lot of sense to me and something that I try to share with the players. We win some and we grow some. Losses are not to be taken negative. When we have a loss, we learn from
028it. We try to improve. And that's been some of the values that he he um has tried to, you know, push forward with these young men. One of the blessings of being where I'm being at, being in the locker room, is always been able to see former players come by and and have [clears throat] a pep talk with the players that are there now. And and the group he's got coming up now through freshman, sophomores, and juniors. We're going to have some exceptional athletes as as far as the football program goes. And I would love to see coach have the opportunity to um to finish at least with these guys that are there. We have freshman that made all conference. That's an awesome thing, >> Mr. H. >> Okay. All right. Well, I appreciate it
029and I just ask y'all to consider that. God bless you. >> Next is George M. Small. Good evening everyone. [clears throat] >> I'm gonna be brief. I know I only have three minutes. So, uh I just want to speak honestly about uh who we were and what we faced and what we accomplished throughout the season. We finished the year with a two and seven record and [clears throat] we're a young team and that time our team we had limited skill players but what we lack in experience or depth or more we made up with heart grit and willingness to keep fighting no matter the circumstances. Every week these athletes showed up ready to work, ready to learn, and ready to give everything they had. This season brought challenges. Many of them, some were on the
030field in the form of opponents, injuries, and difficult breaks. Others came off the field. Things we couldn't control with personal and family crisis that were far outweighed the importance of playing football a football game or showing up for practice. And of course, we continue to recover from unprecedented disruption caused by the co pandemic which affected our numbers over the last two seasons. Nevertheless, we slowly climb back towards the strength we had during our playoff years and we we see promising young talent emergency on the horizon. That disruption impacted our development, our routine, and even the way our players learn, grow together as a team. But still, we pressed forward. Yes, the scoreboard reflected wins and losses, but it didn't tell the full story. Because in many of the areas that truly matter, character, integrity, accountability,
031and life skill, this team won every single week. We watch young athletes evolve into responsible teammates, into leaders, and into individuals who understand what perseverance really looks like. We had the privilege of welcoming five new coaches this season. These men stepped in during a time of rebuilding, bringing integrity, vision, and religious focus on doing things the right way. Even they continue to grow and learn themselves as young coaches. They challenged our players, supported them, and helped lay the foundation for what this program will become, their commitment, especially in a year of transition cannot be overstated. And while our efforts may not place us at the top of any standing, our progress place us on the path to something far more meaningful. This season we had three seniors, one junior, three freshman earned spots on the
032all uh mids south conference team. Five others made honorable mention. Two freshman made all state. These are the most players we have placed in three years. >> Mr. Small, thank you for your time. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. And we have Avonte Norwood. >> Good evening everybody. Good evening board members. Good evening. Um, I've been on this podium quite a few times as a parent, um, as a substitute, um, and now I have the honor of working for Hope County Schools. And I choose to speak every month because I want to encourage other people to speak, other people to show up. You know, we talk about change, but change requires, you know, people. It requires the community. And um so I recently um became a teacher at in Hope County schools. Uh
033prior to teaching, I was in the military for 20 years. And I would tell you this is the hardest job I've ever worked in my life. Um and that's not a bad thing. It just means that there's a lot to it. And when you're on the other side, you really don't realize how hard it really is. And it's a lot. Um and most of the teachers, they don't do it for the money. They do it because they love the children. Um, I do want to give some special shout outs tonight to um, Miss Watenburgger, who is my son's second grade teacher, because as a teacher, I realize how hard it is, and it is truly um, it's hard. Um, and I also want to give a special shout out to Mr. Kings Mill, who is
034um, the assistant principal at East Hope Middle. um every day I'm trying to figure it out and figure life out. And uh I would definitely say that is probably um the most consistent help um on effortless help on his part that that I've had. Um because there are days that I go home and I am exhausted. I am tired. Um my brain hurts. And I don't say that in a bad way. I say that because I think it's really important for people to understand how hard the job is for not just the teachers but the staff members um even down to the janitorial service that you know we have at the school. Um, and I just want to encourage the board to encourage those staff members to to speak about how they can be helped,
035how can how they can be encouraged to stick around. Uh, I have friends who are teachers at most of the schools here in Rafford. We moved to uh North Carolina in 2020 with the military and I've met teachers from most elementary schools to um um the high school. When I talk to them just about how challenging it is, they look at me and they say, "Welcome." Um although challenging, it is fulfilling. Um but I think when I look overall just at our school and our district uh and the people that I talk to, uh they need help. It's it's hard. So, I would just encourage the board members. I I listen to Miss uh Dr. Fontberry every month talk about this vacancy report and the positions and I will tell you it it's it's hard
036and it's going to take more than just her. Um so, I just would encourage the board to get out, talk to the teachers and listen to their experiences. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That's all I have comment. Um before I uh address the next item, I would like to know what what is the wishes of the board as it relates to to the consent agenda. Do we want to just approve the consent agenda or do we want to approve each individual item? We don't vote. I just want to be consistent. I don't care which way we go. I just I just want to know how we want to do it as a as a board. You said Madame Chair, but chairman [laughter] um I would suggest that we stop putting policy changes, you know,
037like a 100 policy changes on a consent agenda at all and always have them presented by whoever the new um policy chairperson, committee chairperson is going to be so that you can at least give a rundown to the public and to the board who's not on the committee of what the major changes are that you'd like for the rest of the board to be aware you know, past looking at them for three days or >> All right, let me I'm gonna think about it, but let me address my uh the same question I just had. Uh my question is, do we want to vote on each individual item on the consent agenda or do we want to uh vote on the consent agenda title itself? >> That's that's my question. Sharon um cast along. I
038prefer that we do each item because um from previous experience it was like I was skipping over everything. So I my recommendation is to do each item. >> Two things, right? >> Huh? >> It's only two things. >> Yeah. I just I keep going. So each individual item. Okay. All right. So uh it's the wishes of the board that we go ahead and do each individual item. Okay. So the first uh item on the consent agenda is uh the minutes from November the 6. Can I get a motion to approve the November 6 to >> I make a motion to approve the minutes for November 6, 2025. Motion second. U those in favor say I. those against. Okay. All right. The second item is the uh school board policies. I know there's um quite a
039few in there. Um does anybody have any questions about any of the policies? >> I have a question. What um as the chair of that committee, what are the major changes you'd like for us to be aware of? That's a very good question. Um the one of the major issues I can't remember uh lawyer maybe you can assist assist assist me with it. One of the biggest issue one of the biggest uh um changes on one of the policies which I don't remember the number is uh was the for lack of words the chain of command. uh uh we made some changes as far as making sure that board members do not uh take it upon themselves to uh go and address issues that we received by people that have a complaint or whatever uh
040to go to a specific principle as an example. Instead, the board uh the policy addresses the fact that the board member needs to address the concern of that person that email, call, text uh to the superintendent. Uh unless obviously is involving an issue uh with the CEO, it will be addressed uh you know accordingly with the uh with the lawyer. That's that's the one uh that uh that brings to mind that that's the biggest uh that's the biggest issue. Um yeah. Um really that's the only one that uh I think that really affects uh uh the board members. Um >> I'm really concerned on how they affect our students and staff. My recommendation may be um whenever we put the schoolboard policies up um whenever they're put here, maybe we can have it highlighted for
041the changes that we did make at the policy meeting. So that that will stand out and that'll be something for you know I think uh not to uh not beat this force to death but I think a good idea uh Don maybe you can put some information on this. I think a good idea would be when uh so the way it works right now is we have the uh policy committee. The way it works right now is that we meet every other month. It so happens that we met today. We agreed on a total of 20 uh policies per per meeting. And the way it works is that the current three board members are in the policy committee, which is myself, uh Katherine Blue, and uh and uh Angela Sutherland. Um the policy specifically says
042uh a chair uh one member not to exceed a total of three. Okay. Uh, and so I think it I think it'd be appropriate um, and I don't see the issue with it, uh, will be that like next month when we meet on the regular monthly meeting, Don is going to give us all a hard copy. Um I think it'd be a good idea if uh the other two board members uh can get the same copy and if you have modifications because really what it is is really there ain't a lot of major changes on each policy unless it's forced by us by law or by DPI. Uh most of the stuff that really we've been doing is just uh grammar stuff, little insignificant stuff, but it's pretty much we've been basically focusing on dress
043right dress to make sure uh there's consistent across like as an example capitalizing the B for board, capitalizing the S for superintendent, stuff like that. We haven't really made major changes that is going to affect the students uh per se. So um now having said that if you if the two other board members uh wish that uh I am I am currently the the chair for the uh for the policy committee uh right now I I would not like for you to email me, call me or text me uh the day of um of the meeting because I've already read all my stuff. I know what I'm uh what uh what I'm going to recommend to the other board members for changes that they if we're accepted. And so we have basically 20 policies and
044you have basically 30 days and I time I basically pace myself uh to read them you know every other day or whatever and I end up reading all 20 policies. So if you all want that uh the only thing I ask is that in a very reasonable time um you can um provide I encourage you to provide uh input. The other thing that we can do is um >> chairman >> hold on let me finish. The other thing that we can't do is uh as soon as the changes are made uh with the recommended changes uh cuz that happens normally relatively quick um we can get an email with the changes um um you know but again directing any changes uh to the chair of the policy that way uh I'm the focal point for
045her we are the focal point for each other. And so what I don't want is I don't want to create something and it creates unnecessary work for I mean I see that as an option um uh but really if you decide to to read the policies at the last uh moment before you come on and I know it's unreasonable but there's no other way to do it because we meet uh a few days a week before the regular monthly meeting. So that stuff is not uploaded yet. And I can see it being unfair when you if you get to look at it. And there's a lot of policies. Uh there's first read, there's second read, there's third read, I think. What is it? >> First, second, and then and and then uh uh we uh
046vote on it. So you have two opportunities to look at the stuff. Uh I think I said this before. If you have changes, if you want changes, there's no reason why you cannot text or email call and say, "Hey, look at look at this." As an example, uh the vice chair uh call me and say, "Hey, we got an we're having issues with uh discipline. I like uh us to bring the the discipline uh policy." That's what we did. That's coming in ahead. So, uh, subject to your your questions, by all means, you can email me, call me, or or we can talk, um, afterwards about any good ideas. So, >> I'd like to make a motion that we make the, uh, policy committee a committee of the whole so that all board members who
047the state of North Carolina has a main responsibility of creating policy for the district um, are included in the conversation, are not told what we're going to be approving. I mean, when there's three board members on a committee, you're effectively that's a forum. You're effectively making the decision and presenting it to Rosa and I in the meetings. >> There's a motion on on the table to um make u the policy committee uh as a whole to include all the board members. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Okay. Those in favor say I. All right. >> Okay. Those against? >> Why are you against? >> We can we have a discussion? We should have had discussion before after the second. >> No, we can have a discussion on a later time, but not right
048now. I want to move the agenda. >> Yeah, but we were supposed to you we were supposed to have a discussion after after the second after someone on second then you asked for a discussion. That's only fair. But you go ahead. >> I I understand. Like I said, you have a first >> It's already been discussed. >> Like, you got something to say? Look, >> no, I was just wondering why everybody couldn't, you know, that that wasn't discussed, but it's okay. It wasn't, it was discussed that, you know, how the process goes. It wasn't discussed why we couldn't be privy, you know, because that's what boards, this board does. We make policy. So, but it wasn't discussed. But it's okay. >> But actually, Mr. Cast, I was kind of just using the correct term, a
049committee of the whole for what you suggested to begin with. So, I'm kind of confused where that went because you said that you want that we should all be at the >> um chair, excuse me, >> um Dr. Ram, how whenever we do the policies and corrections, do you send them out to everybody to review them? >> I don't. No, it's only done to us >> because we're in the committee. >> Okay. So, >> so they don't have an opportunity to read them. >> The only opportunity they have is when it's presented on the on the regular board meeting as a first read >> and then >> on a consent agenda >> on the consent agenda and >> discussion and no presentation >> and and then uh on the second read that's when they have
050uh they have the input. This is why uh if the board wishes, >> so do they ever have the opportunity to read them before coming to a meeting? It's my question. >> Well, uh well, this is my interpretation. Lawyer, if you can uh chime in in here, if I could be wrong, but this is my this is my interpretation of of uh committees. Okay, you have three board members. Okay, I'm just going to be blunt about this. Okay, there's three board members if they agreed if they agreed on set policy. Okay, that to me is translated that you have three votes already to pass that specific policy. Okay. So, if you have a first read and you have an issue, well, not an issue, if you have input, uh you still have a second read,
051why can't you not at that time uh pull that policy out, whatever it is, and then address it with the uh with the um uh chair of the policy uh to look to look into it. I mean, there's more than one way. I myself uh don't agree that we need to we need to include the entire board to this is why you have committees >> and I think our policy says this. >> Yes, it it does. >> Created that policy last year. >> Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Just hold on a second. >> What we're not going to do is we're not going to talk over each other. Okay. If you want the floor, we we will have more or less a call. So we if you want the floor, uh ask me for
052the floor for the table and I'll give it to you so you can talk. So we're not talking each other. So >> Jesse, >> I think Angel is >> Angel. >> Okay. What I'm trying to understand is she's saying that we have a quum, but at no time do we vote until we come to this meeting. >> That's right. even though she's she's saying that we have a poor but we don't vote ever everyone around this table can can u attest to that we don't vote until we come to this meeting so I just want to understand what you're what are you saying what are you implying >> I'm implying that Rose and I are never are never allowed to be part of the conversation about changes on policy which is presented at the last
053minute with the last minute 20 policies you have 30 days to to look at it but we had two or three Yesterday I had no time because I didn't even have access to it. I had to request access and I was granted access today to the policies that that could happen come to this meeting about these policies is happening that no one has time. >> Well, um it's [clears throat] my understanding that when you have the first read, it's just a recommendation by the policy committee. Okay. And then you have a whole month to to target any or all policies um on the first read and then if you have any questions you can bring it, email it, call and address um the the modifications to whatever policy that you're interested uh to me. and
054then I look at it and then um we address it. The other thing is that the policy committee what people don't understand is that it's an open door. We're not closed. Uh nobody says that nobody can come to the policy committee but the only people that are going to have input during the meeting is three board members. That that's it. Okay. So, if y'all want to have any uh more questions about this later on, we can address this later on. We for now um we're going to go ahead and move on. >> Okay. I would like to request that our attorney look into that >> and because it's >> to look into what >> how two board members can not can be excluded from the conversation about the policy. because North Carolina Department of Public
055Instruction says that it's our number one job as a board member. >> Now, I agreed to move on, but I think it should be looked into because we should be doing the right thing. And it's not just about the board members being presented, the policy changes. The people here deserve to know what we're doing. >> Well, you know what? >> That's what we're here for. >> Isn't the policies your public? You know, you know what? >> It's not the public's job to do a whole bunch of research. It's our job to present it and discuss it to the public. >> They don't do any research. We present them, >> madam. >> But when do you present them >> chairman? Ma'am, >> we can't read all of it to um the public either. Sometimes you have
056to >> of course not like you've already said a lot of Can I have the floor, please? Go ahead. >> Thank you. >> Um I don't It'll take us forever to read all these policies to the public. That's why we put them out there for them to read as well. Sometime you have to take accountability of what you want to know. If we put it there, it's your responsibility. Some meet us halfway, you know. So, what I'm sensing is that u you all want to be on the uh policy committee. >> Yes. >> Rosa, do you want to be on the policy committee? >> I did. I said I made a motion that we change it to a committee of the whole so anyone has the opportunity to go and have input but they're not
057required to go. >> No. No. When these people uh these us three we we are required to go there because you need a minimum of two people to be able to move a policy forward for the board. Uh just to clarify to make sure that the audience is completely correct. We don't vote. We do not vote. Uh we recommend uh we read and we collaborate and when we agree on a specific word or a sentence to be changed, then it changes and then it goes forward for first read or uh or second uh second read. That's what we've been doing. But at no time have I don't ever remember voting until we make it to the make it to the board. Now just for the public so the public can know every policy that I
058know about is in the uh website because that's how I learn about some policies when I was uh running for a school board member. And so uh I understand it's our duty as board members but I am not going to sit here and read every policy that gets uh that gets move or move forward to the uh to the board. Uh what we can do if the board wishes is that um Don can go ahead and email everybody and say these are the next cuz I don't know cuz to me I'm getting into the weeds. The direction is the next uh uh policies is going to be a total 20 and the next board meeting we're going to are going to be given a copy of the next 20 that is that is the time
059that we find out um that those are the next uh uh 20 policies and at that time y'all can also be given a copy and if uh If if right now as it stands um I think we voted on it and if not we're going to vote on it. Uh the policy indicates a chair uh an additional board member not to exceed a total of three board members. It doesn't say the other board members can't attend but as it relates to providing input during that meeting is three. As a matter of fact, none of the staff provide input. >> Well, they weren't elected to. We were >> Yeah, I know that. And so um do you based on on the question because I'm not going to me it's unnecessary expenditure of money but uh if
060we were wrong when we were talking about the number of people on the on the on a committee uh we I'm sure that we would have been told by the lawyer you can't do that. You have to have all the minimum I know it's got to be two people two board members. So, the one thing I'd like to clarify is that today during policy committee meeting, it was discussed um amending the or revising the current um committee policy so that it's limited to three individuals. That has not been voted on by the board yet. So, that's not policy yet, but that is what's been proposed by the board is that it be limited to three individuals. But that's my only point of clarification. >> Why would we be limiting it to three individuals? Is that
061what that's what we agreed on? >> You agreed on it and when you come to the board and you vote on it, guess who's going to vote yes? >> Yeah, exactly. I mean, >> that's what I just said. >> Well, then we But we're not voting information >> for the whole board. >> Can you please can you please find out if the policy as currently proposed in the near future if it's legal? If it's not legal, then please uh provide us with the information in the next policy committee. That way if and that way if it is if it if it's unlawful what we're doing, we will address that policy accordingly. Okay. All right. But for now on on the next four uh uh meeting that we have the monthly meeting uh when you provide
062a copy to all of us I make sure that they also get a copy of it. The only thing I ask is to make sure at least two weeks until we sort this out. I like to have at least two weeks um call me whatever and address hey uh we need to change this. Literally, we've been just doing spell check 99% of the time. >> Do we not have to discuss policy and proposed changes in public? >> We we we do in the policy committee. That's when we do it. >> Okay. So, I'm not going to when I have a when my chance, I'm not going to discuss it with you. I'd like to discuss it in a board meeting. >> I just said what I what I I'm requesting. Uh okay. Any any other
063questions? No. Okay. All right. So, um can I get a motion to approve the um um the school board policy second rate? >> I make a motion to approve the school board policy second read. >> Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Okay. And first and second. Uh [clears throat] I'm all disconed right now. I apologize. Uh, [clears throat] all in favor say >> yes. >> Those against. >> Okay. All right. Uh, the next item is information. Yeah. Construction update. >> Let me know if you're going to introduce me. [laughter] >> I think I think we're all familiar. You're on too quick to go. [laughter] Dr. Stone, good evening. Board members, good evening. Dr. Bills, good evening. Uh, happy to be here before you today to give you the monthly update on the school
064project. Uh, I will start off by saying unfortunately you cannot attend previously when we're looking to schedule a tour of the facility with the board. I do hope you take a look at calendars moving forward and try to identify a time to see it. Uh, be good to come through there and that your next opportunity will probably be ribbon cutting. So, uh, you're welcome as always. So, uh, the project today going well, uh, getting dried in. That's a key you've heard me talk about before. Been very wet out there. Uh, you see it. It's in your backyard here. Most of you probably drive by it a lot. Uh, you see all the mud muck in the foreground here just after an evening of rain. Uh, but hopefully we're going to see that change quickly with
065paving going down and concrete going down. That'll make it a lot cleaner in the building, too. So, the exciting thing here, progress since last time is the front entry. You can see the metal panels going up. Uh, at that entry feature, you can see a glimpse of the red underneath. Next slide, please. And so there you get a real impact feel of it. A very exciting entry. It's taking shape right there. Behind that, you can see the entry glass wall from floor all the way up to it. So, it's going to be a very exciting space. Next slide, please. Inside once you get inside those doors, uh this is the lobby vestibule area. Uh you can see the trophy display cases uh being framed out on the wall opposite and again the glass wall that
066gets you into the school. Uh to the right of course is the reception. That is the process of entry for anybody. They cannot walk straight into the school. They must be let in the front door. They get into this space and then they're let into reception. Control, control, control for safety throughout the process. Next slide, please. Cafeteria, dining area. The glass is going in the system out the back to the outdoor dining space. Uh so you can see a lot of that taking shape there. The stairs on the left go up to the second floor as you may remember from the previous plan submissions. And to the right is the serving lights. Next slide, please. down the hallway. Uh you've seen me take these pictures many a time. You've seen it in very early rough,
067messy construction. You can see now how everything is starting to take shape. You can see where the break for all the classrooms are by that accent red uh [clears throat] paint on the walls. Once all the systems are cleaned up and put in and they're done with the glass on the exterior, they will move to the interior and begin putting in the glass walls, separating the classrooms from the hallways. Next slide, please. Progress of a typical classroom. Lighting uh is going into the grid that's uh been laid in in probably about 20% and this is of as of last week of the classrooms. You can also see where the mechanical diffusers are being laid in as they're getting ready to trim out these rooms. Next slide, please. Gymnasium paint is uh getting wrapped up. Uh
068in this photo you can see that the walls are pretty much there. Getting the glass in uh to the left and the right is helping them uh focus on this space next. This is looking back towards where the stage platform is. And you can see the little purple drywall there. The bulkhead that's built over that that will be trimmed out in wood across there. And the board had previously approved a graphics package and graphics will be put on the wall above that on that end and on the wall behind where I was standing on this photo. Bleachers will be on the left and right. Next slide please. So when you come into the building, this is uh the main area where you can look this direction to the classroom wing. Behind me, standing here is
069the platform where the board will conduct its future board meetings from and then the gym is behind that. Uh so you can get a feel down as this is finishing. What's missing from this is the glass and door systems which will create the security separation between this common space and the classrooms at the first and second floor. So again, as they finish getting the glass in the exterior so they could start getting some heat in the building, they'll be moving to the interior glass systems. Next slide, please. Once you would go past the glass entry system into the classroom wing, this is where the students or anyone coming will see uh classes along the left, stairs in front go up and in the back way in the back. You can kind of see the learning
070stair glimpse of that to the right up on the second floor. Those openings are to the student services center in the building. Next slide, please. So, going past those first set of stairs, you're now in the open area. This is where kind of your media collection area is going to be for the building and the learning stairs in the back there. And you can see the classrooms at the first and second floor on the left and the right. Next slide, please. From the second floor looking back that direction, this is the landing for the first set of stairs that you encounter on the first. You can see the student services suite at that floor level across there. And you can see again the classrooms on the right moving down the hallway where the red accent
071pane is. Next slide, please. This is a look back at the entry where you came in and on the left is the platform stage area uh where you can it's a dual side. One side is over in the gymnasium. This sides out this common dining area. Again, that's kind of where the future board meetings will be held and you can see the entry glass system going in in the center there. Next slide, please. So, uh, again to remind everybody, you have a two-phase project. Build the building, occupy it, then tear down what's been abandoned, install the tennis courts, the bus parking, and the storm retention basin. So, th that's phase two. So, there's these two distinct phases. Uh, we've worked over the past with staff to identify the time they need to occupy the building,
072move everybody out. It's a little game of movement and show game out there for who's moving into this building, who's moving over to the remaining campus side. Maintenance to go in and strip out some buildings to be demolished, items that they want to keep and need such as your uh cores to your doors where the keys go in, keep those certain equipment pieces, technology to go in and take what they need. Then the buildings could be torn down. So that period has been defined to be from June 8th to July 20th. of next year. Next month when I see you, I'll be able to say this year. So, it's coming up before you all know it. Believe it or not, it's going to be here. Summer will be here. Students will be excited. Um, there
073has been an impact to the schedule. We've talked about this briefly, and we've been diligently working with the construction team to identify what this may be to it, what is going to happen, how can it be recovered. They've had some weather delays. You recall uh months ago when we talked about the issues with the water line having asbestous line pipe uh in it and the delay that caused. They've worked to recover as much schedule as they can. Right now they're targeting April May as their completion date for substantial legal terminology recognizing the attorney here. Substantial means for intended use. So that means substantial is you can go in and use the school for the use of instruction as intended. Final completion means all those little punch list things are completed and the contractor is done.
074Punch list items would be things fixing paint, adjusting doors, those little things. Nothing major like this room can't even be used. So that's when you see I don't think I defined that in my previous meetings with y'all but as that date's coming closer I wanted you to understand the difference between substantial and final. So we're still on track still on target. Again the target date really to be achieved is the facilitation of June 8th to July 20th to occupy. Um so next slide please. The budget very important. This is something every board is very concerned about budgets as they should be. Right now, the contractors at just over 66% paid on the contract. Timewise, it's further than that. You like the difference between those. You like the lag. You always want to have the contractor
075and the little lag. Keep the funding behind their progress so that there's always the incentive to keep plugging ahead and working quickly. the project contingencies report on these each month to let you know where you are. It has used almost 70% of the contractor contingency. Uh it has used over 200% of the design contingency, but you have gained money in the owner contingency of about 28%. In the end, all that money is the school district's money. it's in the contract. So, we look at it as a collective. You started with over 2.4 million. Uh remaining amount is over 1.1 million potential. These aren't finalized. They're just potential. 626,000, which means to this at this date of uh last week, the known remaining contingency amount is 538,000. That's a comfortable number. I've said before, you're in
076good condition. The building is drying in. The unknowns are pretty much out of the pocket until we start the demolition abatement and that work over there. At this stage of the project, having $538,000 available still is very good. Any questions on those numbers? >> Okay, next slide. So, so the 28 So, the 28% gain is basically 500,000. Is that what you're talking about? >> 28% gain. >> Uh, no. That's you. The >> the owner's contingency. >> All contingencies brought together, the contractor, the design contingency, and the owner contingency. You combine them all together, there's 538,000 remaining. >> Okay. >> Over half a million dollars remaining. So, that's good to have. And as I told the board, as we get to the demolition phase and everything coming down there, we'll have a real firm up on
077that money and working with staff, present some options that that [clears throat] money can go to to the betterment of the high school. So, we that'll be something we'll cross as we get closer here uh to the uh uh July date. Next slide. Again, this is the summary sheet of the budget of all the categories that the board had identified at the beginning of the project and in the guaranteed maximum price contract with uh the contractor. [clears throat] So all the categories are listed on the left. The budget amounts or the next column, how much is allocated in those, what has been encumbered, committed to, and how much has been expended. So in column E, the expended amount, anything that has a highlighted color in there are items that have changed since my last month's
078update to to the board. Most of them are just your uh regular monthly expenditures for payment on services. And then column F is remaining. That's a difference between the encumbered and the expenditure. And column G is funds that are not encumbered yet in the project. Uh so these are this is the column we talked about that any savings through the process of purchasing any technology items for the school. Anything remaining in certain line items like miscellaneous fees and such uh project uh assistance fee remaining money. Those funds can also be uh decided upon to determine how to allocate to the betterment of the high school. And those will be again known as we get further into the project uh towards completion. That's it for the monthly update. If there's any other questions that I can
079assist with, >> does anybody have any questions? >> Thank you. >> So, uh John, I do have a question. Um last time the board uh made an intent to get a u a tour and uh we got preoccupied with the uh prior tag. So I was wondering uh was it the or wishes to see another tour before the furniture gets delivered? I already went to it one time, but I think it' be a good idea for the board to make an attempt to go making sure we don't have any task before then that we just meet specifically for for that event because I think it's a really good idea to see it as as it is right now. >> Be nice if all of us would have went when it was still wet inside uh
080because it was a really mess. Uh but uh looks like everything's dry now. So with the board like to get a tour of it before we get the furniture delivered because I think it'll be too late by then. >> Yes. >> Can we can we make an arrangement for a date? >> Absolutely. Before way before the furniture gets delivered. >> We'll work Dr. Spellson and work out some dates coming up. Um obviously with the holidays and everyone's commitment uh my recommendation would be at the earliest would be January. Of course, we accommodate the board anytime and uh the earliest would be sometime in January for to have that availability and if not we just continue finding the right date. >> All right. So, John, we are on task. >> I'm sorry. >> Delayed. We're on
081task. >> We are on right now task as I said for April May is where they're targeting right now. Originally, we were hoping to get them to that substantial completion at the end of February, beginning March, but they could not recover the time that was lost with some of those early issues like the waterline pipe with the weather delays. >> That slowed them down the most. This has been a very, very wet year for construction. And at that job site, it was slowing everything down. This wasn't high up uh ground in a mountain that that was rocky and everything just ran away from it. Water just sat there with all the muck and slowed all the progress down on the site. >> Okay, any more questions? Okay, thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right,
082the next item is uh the uh RFP high school restroom renovation. So, good evening, Mr. Castone, board members, Dr. Spills, and guests. Tonight, I'll go through the Hope County High School restroom renovation um in this presentation. >> [clears throat] >> Board members, these are probably familiar images that you've seen um earlier this year because this information was presented as part of the capital project request to the Hook County Commissioners. Um and it was approved for the 2526 list. There are two restrooms located in the guidance hallway at Hope County High School. They're currently nonfunctional and they're in need of full renovation. Um the goal is to get these restrooms upgraded to meet ADA [clears throat] requirements as well as to support daily use from our students on campus. Um so it will be necessary to
083renovate these in order to provide students with adequate access to the restrooms from the McDonald's site and the Mallister building as well. [clears throat] So uh we did two processes here. Uh we did post a request for price um on our Hope County Schools website and I did this in two separate um timelines. The first timeline was October 21 through November the 4th and the second one was November the 6th through November the 15th. Each of those running for at least I think it was 10 days. During the first posting period, no responders or no bids were received. Um [clears throat] although there was two vendors that did express interest in this project and that was Centrics and Thomas Plumbing. During the second posting, Thomas plumbing did reply and provide a response. So the highlights
084from Thomas Plumbing um did meet the identified scope of work that was outlined in the request for price. Um all work is scheduled to be completed by May 1, 2026 in this timeline. and Thomas Plumbing or the company is committed to working with Hope County Schools to supply or provide um this work and they are willing to work either wise after hours on weekends when school's not in session to accommodate the needs of the students and staff members. And if any work is to be done during the school hours, of course, they would coordinate with us to receive permission to do that. but also taking into consideration the type of work that would be done in order to eliminate something like a jackhammer going through the floor. Um, and then with the type of work
085that is being provided, there's the the company is also providing a 12-month warranty on their work. The capital project that was presented to the Ho County Commissioners was in the um estimated range at the time when we had um a a price for this project was $150,000. But of course since then we have experienced some inflation in materials. Um but 150,000 was what was allotted in Thomas's plumbing RFP response. the quoted price or the price that he provided was 149,000. Um, when we look at the RFP, the RFP did request for a mini split system. Um, if you're not familiar with mini splits, they're basically duckless air HVAC systems for heat that would go in be installed. Um, and the reason for that was to provide adequate air flow into those two restrooms. But in
086order to meet the cost that we had allocated at $150,000, it did not include the mini splits. So that's why it came in at $149,000. To include the mini splits would be an additional $16,000. Um, so with reviewing the budget and reviewing the information that we have, we do have two options if we wanted to consider installing those. The first option would be to um take it out of the maintenance and the district budget. [clears throat] Um but of course at $16,000 that is a pretty hefty um price tag. Option number two would be to present the information back to the whole county commissioners and informing them of the amount of money that we have saved throughout the projects over the timeline this year so far and request that we are allowed to reallocate the
087money into other projects and this being one of them. Um we did have a meeting with the Ho County well I would say Mr. James Leech last year. It was Miss Holmes, Miss Richardson and myself that met with him and at that during that meeting he did advise us that would be the more practical thing to do um especially if we have any remaining funds. And right now with the projects that we've completed this year, we are at approximately $97,15151 that we have saved in projects. Thank you. >> Any questions? >> I have a question. So, is Thomas the only one that um turn [clears throat] in the budget? >> Yes, ma'am. >> So, why come why we can't have a option three? Put it back out there and then get more bids. >> So,
088I guess from [clears throat] the legal standpoint, uh I'm not saying that couldn't be done. I think that that probably could be done, but from the legal standpoint now with knowing that the price that Thomas provided, I don't know how that would work out. >> So, we already voted on that information. >> Yeah. So why we can't um man attorney? >> So you want to put it back out? Has has the bid has it been awarded yet? >> No, it hasn't been awarded to anyone because now there's information come back for action next next month. >> Right. Right. I mean it is a possibility to to open it back up. >> How many times has it been? >> Twice. And >> I have a question. Would Thomas Plumbing be able to resubmit a bid when
089other people are allowed to resubmit a bid after knowing what their bid already was? >> Would Thomas Plumbing, who's already made the original bid, are they going to be able to respond to the request for a proposal? >> So, if we put it back out for bid, then it's just open starting the process over again, opening it up. >> So, they would Yes. >> So, I was just wondering if um so when we put do they how did they know that it was $180,000 you put that out there? You told them >> that was um when the responses came back and that was the only one that was submitted. We had that communication or that conversation with um Thomas >> and it's typical [clears throat] at that point for it to become public information. So
090the bids are usually not shared until after um the period is up and you open up the bids and then you know the price. >> I mean we didn't vote on the phone. >> So uh are we done? Go ahead. >> So my only question would be is this is uh it look pretty hazardous to me. Uh if we hazardous the nasty stuff. I thought I saw some stuff on one of the urinals. Oh, >> right. Okay. The hassle stuff. Um, so my only question will be is uh if we tabled it um to go out there for open bid all over again, are are we going to get any more businesses? Um, how long was this uh out there for open bid? And we only got a total of two and only one responded.
091So, are we going to get a different outcome by prolonging it another month? Because [clears throat] this is not coming back again. If we table it, it won't come back again until the next until January. >> You come back as the information item in January. Yes. >> And so, it'll be three months because then it won't go into an action item until February >> or or March if something else happens. And didn't you say that you, Miss Holmes, and Miss Richardson spoke with um Chairman Leech and he said that the you might want to come back to them. So, so what happens with that, excuse me, is that if we save money on other projects, we have to go back to them to reallocate to projects that we need to finish like um when we
092didn't do the middle schools and we needed more money, we had to reallocate that money to finish those middle schools. And the thing about it with the everything, [clears throat] if we don't get on it in June, we lose the whole $150,000. >> I mean, we can get on it before then. I mean, I just feel like we should put it back out there. That's I mean, the project is 150,000. I mean, they gave us 150 spend on it. So, they right at 149 plus this other stuff. So, we got to go over >> I mean, I'm against that. Dr. Hunt, um, do you believe that it's that you didn't receive other bids because it's outside of the scope of work capable of other plumbing companies? Because I believe Thomas Plumbing, I remember big article
093we just did about them. They are one of the only companies that can even do the [clears throat] digging. Is that right? I don't know if they're the only company. I didn't hear your question. >> They now specialize in some kind of uh extensive plumbing beyond the normal scope of uh typical plumbing. Is that right? >> They do. And does that impact that? Yes. because I when I interviewed them, they said they did other projects and and like tile work and stuff like that, remodel bathrooms and stuff. They did do that stuff, >> but they're not [clears throat] told me that they'll be working at they'll be working at night all night long. So, the project will probably take about three and a half months working at night. So, that's a long long time. So
094if you're looking at they got to be done though. When was it made? What >> they had made one in the >> Did we reach out to anybody and ask why they didn't bid or >> No. Um the one company that they [clears throat] represented myself, we had some kind of uh communication correspondence back and forth. Um they did ask questions about the project. They went to the site and viewed it. Um and then I don't know the reason why just at the end they did not submit a deal. So I I'm not sure that we should table this item. Um but if somebody wants to move a motion to table it >> I think it's if it's on information I think it just would come as an action item next month. Is that correct?
095Well, it's going to take longer because it's got to go out there for uh for bidding. How many days is it going to be out there? >> I think we'd have to make a motion to add that to the agenda and then vote on that. Is that right? >> Is it is it is it going to be a available as an action item for the next four meeting if uh if it goes out there for bidding? If I it depends on the process. Um if we the practice has been that you know month one comes as an information month two as [clears throat] an action item. There have been circumstances where the board have allowed us to present um an emergency situation that got voted on at that board meeting instead of coming as both.
096um with that would be at the direction of the conform. >> How how how long was this process? >> Like the Yeah, >> I began advertisement um I think it was October 21 for 10 days. Took it down, didn't receive a response, [clears throat] back up for another 10 days, got the one response in that 10day window. So that was a total of a little over 20 days for that entire process. and then the other contractor we had talked to >> me taking him to the site and then back and forth and giving the plans of the school and all that and then him getting back with us. It was probably three weeks [clears throat and cough] of getting everything and then he just >> he didn't he said it was just too >> too
097much too. So based on what I'm hearing, I think we should continue to move this uh item forward. Is it is that my understanding >> and that doesn't require any action at this point because it's on the board information, >> but if we table it, >> I don't think we should table it. >> Right. Is this an item? I mean, it's information, but you gave us two options, correct? >> Yes. If we were going to pursue the mini spits. >> So, which one do we want? Which option do we want? >> So, do I need to make a motion to add that as an action item to this agenda? >> Well, so right now it's just on for information. And correct me if I'm wrong, there's no action needed as far as the May split
098or no split at this point. and that would be before the board in the January meeting um for action. So right now it's just to inform you of what's going on and there's no action needed and then at the next board meeting you'd be able to take an action after having a month to >> So we just give him a directive. So, the superintendent has given him a directive to speak with the um county the commission >> because one of your one of your um options was >> right. >> Instead of a instead of voting, we just give you just give them a directive. Is that >> we don't need to vote for you to do that? >> No. >> Because they're saying directive. I'm not saying >> so. So, let me understand this cuz
099I think I think we're kind of confused here. I know I'm getting confused here. So, you're going to pursue both options or you're pursuing one option because you proposed two options. So, it it's implied that we might have to vote on or give directions on one of the options. So, >> he didn't ask chairman. He said his recommendation was option two. >> That's what he said. >> Yes, that's correct. >> Okay. >> Option two was >> Dr. spells. Is that what you want? >> Okay. >> Approval to be out there. >> Okay. >> Reason why we had many splits was because the [clears throat] the school doesn't have any in that area right doesn't have any air in there. It's only got more heat. That's how it was a long time ago. And all you
100been how it smells and it was a last minute decision. I said, "Let's put a mini split in there. That way it'll keep it a standard temperature in there. That way we don't it doesn't smell like >> so it doesn't do the same thing. It's already done >> smell bad all the time. >> Because I asked the same question [clears throat] about the mini splits. The mini splits is just going to make the project better. [clears throat] >> So I didn't want I didn't want to get because that bathroom be hot all the time you know in that confined area. I just wanted to update it put put some air in there and we are also putting a vent in each one of them to have it going on. >> Okay. So it's option two
101and we're moving forward. >> All right. Thank you. [clears throat] All right. U next item is the report. Chair, board [clears throat] members, superintendent spells. Good evening. Yes. Good evening. I'm just here to present the vacancy report. I'll be brief and quick. Uh at this time, we have a total of 44 vacancies. Of those vacancies, 27 are certified, 18 classified. Uh hopefully at um 10 will come off tonight to reduce 34 after tonight. >> All right. Um, next item is the class waiver request. Uh, good evening, chairman, board members, and um, everyone here this evening. Um, I would like to provide some information regarding a class size waiver for West Hulk Elementary School, specifically for kindergarten. I did provide you a hard copy of the waiver along with just some information on um class size
102expectations. Um North Carolina's class size requirements for grace kindergarten through third grade are established in the general statute set a maximum individual class sizes and outlines the limited circumstances in which the state board of education may grant a waiver. The law also allows waiverss under specific conditions, including classes organizes for solitary curricular areas such as our Spanish immersion programs. This applies to West Hulk Elementary School um because uh they are over in one of their classrooms, but there's really not another option to move kids because their Spanish immersion classes there. Um, so we are going to request a waiver which is going to require a signature of the board chair as long as the superintendent and we wanted to share that information with you this evening. Any questions? >> Okay. >> West Elementary School in
103their kindergarten classes. >> Any more questions? >> All right. Uh, next uh um area is the action items. [clears throat] First item is the learning contest. [clears throat] >> All right. Can I get a motion to approve the um um which title do I use? >> The first one learning.com tag quote 2526. Can I get a motion to approve it? >> I make a motion to approve it for you. Learning.com tech quote for 2526 will >> I second that. >> That's been first and second. Those in favor say yes. All right. >> I post those against. Okay. Uh, next item is the Sanhill's memorandum of understanding. Um, I I looked at this and I only have a question uh to make sure that we're uh if we go all the way to the bottom. Um,
104thank you for all the work about um about the 10 uh 10 students for class. Um, I'm currently now I don't have a problem so we can move it. This is where I'm going. The current saying here is the the previous madam chair um Katherine Blue and the day it gets approved is today. I'm the chair now. So, I myself don't have an issue if uh uh so we don't change the name, but I don't know is that can we do that? If not, it's going to have to change. >> I would recommend that we just strike out um Katherine Blue's name, put in your name, and you sign it. >> Okay. All right. >> Motion. >> Yeah. Um can I get a motion to approve the um Sand Hills memoranda understanding the P County?
105I'll go to approve the um stand memor of understanding um with the striking of um san signature. Thank >> yeah with the striking of Katherine Blue's name second. >> Okay then first and second. Those in favor say yes. >> I those against. Okay. And >> all right and then the EC contract uh equalized sensory services like make a motion that we approve the EC contract equalizer. >> A second and second. Those in favor? >> I Okay. And um can I get a motion for close session? >> Uh move to go into close session under North Carolina General Journal Statutes 143-318 from 111 to prevent the disclosure of confidential personnel and student matters to consider matters relating to initial employment of individual employees and to consult with our attorney to preserve their attorney client privilege. Second
106and second. Those in favor. >> Okay. Take five minutes.