001Good evening everyone and welcome to this month's regularly scheduled board meeting. At this time, would everybody please rise for the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you for always looking my way. >> Do I have a motion to approve tonight's agenda? >> I make a motion that we approve tonight's agenda. I second that motion. >> All in favor. All right. At this time, Smoky Mountain Elementary Schools Tar Hill of the Month program Condle is here to talk to us about that. >> Good evening, Dr. Ayers and school board. Thanks for having us. Uh we invited about eight or nine students to come tonight. Uh, one
002is here. Five said they would come, so we may have a few more coming in as we're explaining the program. U, but this is a program we're really excited about. Uh, Miss Tiffany Taylor, our media center specialist, uh, kind of heads this up and teachers nominate uh, students monthly um, based on certain characteristics. And I've asked Miss Agnu, one of our first grade teachers, to tell you more about that program and then to introduce our students and have them come up. So, Miss Agnu. >> Thank you, Mr. Condle. Hello. It is my honor to recognize our Smoky Mountain Elementary Tarhill of the Month recipients. Each month, our teachers thoughtfully recommend students who truly exemplify what it means to be a Tarhill. These students consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic, kindness toward others, responsibility in their
003actions, and a willingness to help wherever they are needed. They approach each day with a positive positive attitude and model outstanding character in their classrooms and throughout our school community. Being selected as a Tarhill of the Month is truly an honor. These students are not chosen for a single moment, but for consistently putting their best selves forward each day. They lead by example, make thoughtful choices, and contribute to the positive culture we are so proud of at Smoky Mountain Elementary. All Tarhill of the Month recipients are recognized in special ways. Each student receives a Tarhill of the Month lanyard and has their picture displayed on our Tar Hill wall of fame. In addition, they earn a VIP package that includes front of the lunch line privileges, a hat pass, and two Tarhill tickets, which they
004can use on our cart that comes around on Fridays. Recognition is also tailored by grade level. Our kindergarten through fifth grade students select a 3D printed animal of their choice as part of their celebration. Students in grades six through eight are rewarded with two special lunches in the library with four friends where they enjoy time playing the Wii. We are incredibly proud of these students and the example they set for others. Their leadership, character, and dedication reflect the very best of Smoky Mountain Elementary. And tonight we celebrate their achievements and the pride they bring to our school community. And it sounds like we have the Tarhill of the Tarhill of the month here. And that is Sam Lis. Yes. >> Come on up, Sam. AND SAM >> and look at all them. Congrat. >> Sam
005is in sixth grade, right? >> Okay. I'm gonna read to you about Sam. Sam Lis has a great personality, a positive attitude, and is hardworking. He completes his classwork on time and maintains good grades, asking questions when he needs clarification. He is very polite to students and teachers and strives to do his best in every class. Sam does not engage in misbehavior and will often remove himself when his peers are not following the rules. He leads by example and is compassionate to all. He works to be the best version of himself daily. Okay. >> So, we we had hoped to have more to celebrate. We have their writeups here which we can uh just share with you later. And if they do come in, we can maybe just take a moment and recognize them as
006they come in. Um but we had a second grader, a third grader, a fourth, and a seventh grader that were going to be here tonight. So, uh I again I can share with you their writeups because they're really special. and uh just wanted to thank you for the the opportunity to put them in front of the board. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next, we have special recognitions. Um hostile state qualifiers for swim team, wrestling team, and indoor track. At least one state champion I know of. So, >> yes, >> congratulations for that. K. >> I think we're sitting amongst greatness. So, we're trending toward um being able to Can I lay this here? Sure. Being able to recognize our student athletes across our district because our student athletes represent more than just
007the school, but the hard work that they put in beyond the academic piece. So, we're going to start with our swim team. And so, I'm going to ask all of the swim team members that are here to come on up and stand before the audience. And then I am going to read a little bit about them. coaches. >> Oh, that's great. >> Smoky Mountains swim team has enjoyed several years of strong growth with great participation from both Smoky Mountain High School and Jackson County Early College. This year, the team reached more than 30 swimmers after having 18 two years ago and 26 last year. While the team has grown in size, the level of competition has increased every year as well. Fantastic timing. Very good. This season, there were nine swimmers who qualified for 12
008individual events for regionals and all six relay teams. Due to the changing of logistics due to weather, we had 10 of these individual events move forward to states as well as four of our relay teams. A massive help for the Smoky Mountain High School swim team has been access to the Jackson County Rec Center new competition pool. We've also been able to host meets for the first time, including our conference meet, which left the team feeling proud and accomplished as the men's team secured conference runnerup. Head coach Paul Schnorenberg >> joined the Smoky Mountain High School swim team three years ago as an assistant coach. Assistant coach Fabian Horton brings a lot of experience around aquatics and a strong focus on longterm season planning. We are extremely proud of the incredible student athletes and their
009accomplishments. The following are state qualifiers. So there is a long list of state qualifiers and this is good. I will say this, it is a robust and growing program. And so we recognize that it's something that um still needs more attention and something that we're continuing to work toward and focus on how we can grow the program because swimming is a little known sport, especially when you're in an area that hasn't had a a pool or great access. So I think that burgeoning of the program is because now we have a pool in our backyard basically. So proud of what they've done. So I'm just going to read out the whole list of names. Obviously they're not all here in the 200 freestyle. Olivia Holt. Wave everybody. Olivia um 25th overall. Boys Liam Shy was
01024th overall. Boys Miles Parks was 28th overall. Hundred Butterfly girls Mey Monteth 26th overall. Boys Sawyer Jameson 24th overall. Y'all can wave your hands so we can recognize you. Uh, 24th overall boys, uh, Abram Tyson, 16th overall, and the 100 back, excuse me, breaststroke, Joseph Fredell, eighth overall. 400 freestyle relay girls were 23rd overall. The boys were 16th overall. The boys relay team members include Andrew Moore, Joseph Fredell, Liam Shy, Miles Park, Sawyer Jameson, Abram Tyson, and Jack Park. And the hundred freestyle for girls, Olivia Holt, 24th overall. Girls relay team members include Jasmine Wade, Mey Monteth, Ren Doppkkey, Elizabeth Holt. The 200 individual medley relay, boys were 12th overall. In the 200 freestyle relay, boys were 23rd overall. And in the 500 freestyle, Joseph Riddle was eighth overall. So, that's pretty amazing accomplishments for
011a team that has been um small and now is growing in numbers and so we're really proud of what they've done. Um I haven't had the pleasure to see a swim meet, but I have heard all about it and I love that our social media is always featuring them. So, congratulations athletes. And I'm going to ask if Adam or Jake or someone would get a picture because Chenica is not here. So, if they could huddle up a little closer, I think that would be great. You can make two rows if you want. >> I love the direction. Keep going. >> That's awesome. >> That is so great. Um, can I ask y'all a question? Um, how many of you were on the team before we had the rec department pool use? >> So, you've seen
012a big change with that. Well, um, we just I just want you to know that that was a very difficult decision for the board of commissioners to decide whether when we the the community voted to have a pool, but whether to have two pools or one and that was a lot more expensive. But the thing that really swayed us was knowing that young people like you would have a chance to have a pool where you could practice and that it was designated for competition and that kind of thing. So, um, we're just so proud of you and thank you so much for all your efforts. >> All right, next we have our state qualifiers for wrestling. So, if they would all come up. I know. I've seen at least three. Oh, one, two, three, four.
013I think we're just missing one, right? That's great. >> The Smoky Mountain High School wrestling teams just completed a monumental season. The team racked up win after win and sent seven individuals to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association wrestling team. Here's more about our state qualifiers. For the women's team, senior Tiffany Lynn is a two-time state qualifier and placed third at this year's state tournament. Tiffany was selected as an allconerence wrestler for the Mountain 8. And correct me if I'm wrong, Tiffany Lynn is also the homecoming queen. Is that correct? Very good. Sophomore Ariana Alvarez Bruno placed third in states. She was also a regional champion, making her only the second female in program history to earn it. Isabella Choa is the first freshman to qualify for states for the Smoky Mountain women's program.
014A great accomplishment for a firstear wrestler. Isabella was also selected as allconerence for the Mountain 8. Gabriella Roman Bruno placed second. This is the highest placement in the program's history. She is a two-time placer getting fourth last year. Gabriella reached the 100 win milestone and set the all-time win mark this season for the Smoky Mountain women's team with 127 career wins. Gabby was this year's Mountaine conference champion which automatically makes her an allconerence wrestler. For the men's team, senior Landon Mance qualified for the state tournament after getting second at regionals, making him a two-time qualifier. Landon was selected as allconerence and he also reached theund win mark this season. Senior Kaden Vic qualified for the state tournament this year as a regional runner up. Kaden is an allconerence selection and he earned his 100th career
015win this season. And senior Caven Wilson became North Carolina High School Athletic Association state champion at this year's tournament on Saturday. He is the first Smoky Mountain wrestler to win a state title since 1989. >> Wow, >> that's a long time. 1989. >> Caven is a four-time qualifier and a two-time placer, getting second last year. Caven hit the 150 win mark and set a new school record of 166 career wins. He is also this year's regional and conference champion. So, congratulations to these wrestlers. >> I am going to do a little shout out and and Mr. Wilson might not be pleased with this, but um I had the pleasure of seeing Caven win on Saturday in Greensboro and got to drive up there and I had even more pleasure that I got to give him
016his gold medal. But what's most exciting is not about what I got to do. It is the anniversary of his coach and dad's 35th year anniversary of his state title in Colorado. >> Wow. So >> pretty amazing stuff together. >> Absolutely. So, Coach Wilson, you want to come on up? >> That's great. That's awesome. >> It might have been a Saturday night where there were a lot of tears and they were real happy tears. So, hop in the middle of there and let's get Absolutely. I'm going to give you the mic. >> Michael, your voice is still >> Okay, got it. I'm surprised you're not horse. You were pretty quiet Saturday night. >> Um, but I'd like to just thank first of all administration Dr. showing up. She was Matt side is really great experience
017and not a lot of people know wrestling, but when they get there and see it, they're like, whoa. You know, they're taken a back and then they call me and say, I need some explanation. This is a little crazy. It is. It's crazy. We had athletic directors, we had our administration on the phone and everything. That support is huge. It really allows these kids to go out and just be themselves. Um, but I would like to say something special about I have five seniors up here and I'm going to miss them bad. I will say this. I say this to everybody I meet. This group of seniors are probably the most prepared young people I've seen to go out in the world and take what the world can give them, but also give to the
018world what they have to offer. I've never seen a group >> this prepared for what's coming their way for what they're ready to go do. >> Thank you all for your support. I really do appreciate >> good leadership, Coach Wilson. Good leadership. All right, hop in there. And I think Jake is gonna get a photo. All right. One, two, three. One more. One, two, three. >> Congratulations. >> Can you get one of you and your dad >> that um >> Mr. McCannon, would you get one of those two, please? >> One of you two, Eric. >> Amazing story. >> Two state champions. >> We got some pictures Matt's side, too. So, it's pretty awesome. Very good. Thank you. >> Congratulations. That's great. >> We're coming next. We're coming to basketball next. >> Thank you. >>
019All right. And next, uh, let me have Ellie Miller up here. Where's Ellie? There's Ellie. Ellie's been up here before a couple times if I recall for also the future city maybe robotics. She's been here with that team before. >> I knew it was a familiar face. Ellie Miller, a Smoky Mountain High School freshman, has dedicated considerable time and effort over the last five years to excellence in cross country and track and field. As a Smoky Mountain Elementary Middle School student athlete, she qualified for the Blue Ridge Conference meet each of her three years. At Smoky High, she has qualified for the state meet in both cross country and indoor track for the 2526 season. In track, Ellie excels in events such as the 1000 meter,600 meter, 3200 meter, and 4x800 meter relay. That exhausts
020me just to say that, right? During the 2026 indoor season, Ellie focused on the thousand meter event, setting a personal best and school record time. Whoa. 3 minutes 20 seconds. 20.92 seconds. That's incredibly fast. So, what we want to do is make sure that Ellie is recognized. She's a dual sport athlete. So, she's running cross country in the fall, track in the spring, but then really three sports because she's running indoor t track in the winter. So, Ellie represents her sport, her school, and Jackson County Public Schools very well. And we're really proud of you, Ellie. And her dad is also her coach. Mr. Co, Mr. Coach Scott Miller, come on up here and let's get a photo of the two of you. >> Congratulations. >> Great. >> Congratulations. All right. So, moving on to
021the consent action agenda. Uh, do I have a a motion to approve the open session minutes of the regular meeting on January 20th? >> I make a motion that we approve the open session minutes from our January meeting. >> I'll second that motion. >> All in favor? All right. And then also, do I have a motion to approve the open session minutes from the special called joint meeting with the county commissioners on January 22nd? >> I make a motion that we approve the minutes from the specially called joint meeting with the county commissioners in January. >> I second that motion. >> All in favor? All right. Information. Dr. Ays with the superintendent report. >> Good evening, chair and board members. February has flown by and we are well on our way to spring. Or at
022least we hope we're on our way to spring. Though we've had some beautiful days of spring weather, we've also faced snow again. I want to offer a huge word of thanks to transportation director Josh Francis and his team along with others sitting here from the central office who are responsible for the early morning road checks. These staff members are out on the road as early as 3:30 a.m. to ensure the safety of our bus drivers and students. I would recognize Josh Francis, but he was on the road at 3:30 a.m. So, I excused him from the meeting this evening. Also, this month, we've seen our high school basketball teams, Blue Ridge Early College boys and girls, as well as Smoky Mountain High School boys and girls advance to playoff competitions. All are playing this evening.
023Good luck to the four teams that represent Jackson County Public Schools so well. Our district middle and school-based basketball teams also performed extremely well this season. Our Scots Creek boys and the Koi Valley girl team girls teams won the championships for our school-based teams. In a few weeks, our 11th grade students across the district will be taking the ACT. The ACT is a curriculum based education and career planning tool for high school students that assesses the mastery of college readiness. The ACT also makes up a portion of each high school's North Carolina school report card and attributes to their school performance grade. Good luck to our students as they show what they know on these exams. Historically, Jackson County Public Schools has done very well on ACT performance. In the coming weeks, we'll be announcing
024each school's teacher of the year. Every school nominates and votes for their own teacher of the year. We have an incredibly strong teaching staff, and it's going to be extremely hard to select just one at each school. Just last week, Jackson County Public Schools current district teacher of the year, Anna Woods, presented to the Silva Rotary Club. Her love for teaching and her kindergart teaching her kindergarten students, her passion for special needs students, and her inclusive classroom environment was apparent in her presentation. I will say I've gotten lots of positive compliments from the Rotary Club members about having Anna. She did a fine job. Finally, our progress toward building projects is continuing. We held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, February 9th for the Smoky Mountain High School track and field complex. Next up will be
025a ceremony for the Fair View Kitchen and Cafeteria. We'll be discussing each of those projects individually in just a few moments. As always, I'm grateful for our comm grateful for our community, our commissioners, and our families of Jackson County for supporting JCPS. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Harrison. And up next we have Jake with the capital projects update. >> Mr. Chairman, Dr. members of the board. As Dr. just um pointed out um do want to review and and really from this presentation, this is all information that was shared at the joint meeting. So there's really no information um that's new from this other than just a couple of updates. One of the things we we we wanted to start off with just like we did at the joint meeting um is what our current
026budget is for these projects. Um and these are funds uh allocated um and actually voted on by the county commissioners. So currently there's $4 million allocated for Smoky Mountain High School. There's $4 million allocated for the lunchroom and kitchen at Fair View. There's $15 million allocated for Blige School and Blueridge Early College and $2 million um that was allocated for the bus garage. Um and then of course this uh we're we have the budget for the middle school $60 million total, eight of which is local funds and 52 of course from the NCDPI grant utilizing um lottery money. So just as a couple of updates on where we're at with each one of these projects. So for Smoky Mountain High School, as Dr. Ays indicated before, we have have the groundbreaking, which is a lot
027of fun, but the actual rubber hitting the road is bids coming in and all the mounts being lined up and all that. And so as the board is aware, um those mounts came in. Uh Pinnacle produces then their GMP, which is basically what they're saying, this is the cost. do you want it at this this price? And that was received by the county commissioners and um fit inside of the the budget allocated for Smoky Mountain High School. And so um the county commissioners voted to accept that. And so we are getting some feedback. We meet of course um every week with the with the team and I don't think we really have a firm like when will they be there to work but it is uh imminent. the Cherokee Enterprises, which got the um the
028largest portion of the the contract to do the work. They are ready and eager and ready to get going. So, um we hope to see action taking place there um soon. For Fair View, the uh the GMP presentation is actually this week. So, we did Dr. and I did go up to the to the um bid openings for all of the different trades that put in bids for that project. Um and then uh Benoi has an opportunity to review those to talk with those contractors to firm up, make sure and then again they will make their GMP presentation which is them saying this is what it's going to cost. And so that we will be receiving on Thursday of this week. And then um for our for our our third um school project is Blue
029Ridge School. And so I think there was quite a bit of uh conversation with uh both boards at the joint session. the second page that the board has in their packet. Again, this is the information that you got previously. Um, and looks at what based on the community feedback and the requests of the architects and the and the contractor to give us prices on these were the prices that were given to the or shared with us for that project. And just as a reminder going back um and a topic of conversation that night is that the $15 million was what was allocated and right now my glasses are on top of my head. That's very small letters for very big numbers. Um $38,835,000 for all of the things that um that were requested um by
030community and staff. And so I think um Pinnacle is honestly Pinnacle is waiting for some direction for what to spend time on of these items. So what will we be asking Pinnacle to design um now that we have these estimates for those for those items? >> So the projects that um are most imminent. Um definitely the track is the the first one that as a board you all need to really decide and they're waiting they Pinnacle is waiting on direction from you all to say yay or nay we should move forward with plans for this. Now again it still has to go to the county commissioners because obviously none of these pro all of these projects aren't going to fit in the budget and so you know I I would say that we talk about
031them in that order and and have discussion about what you think is the most I've been talking about needs versus wants and we need to prioritize our need versus our wants. So, I'm going to let you all >> as far as the track goes, the only thing that's really up for discussion is the restroom building, right? >> That's correct. The architects did it as a value ad. Um, and so that means it was itemized out as you see. Um, and I think it was uh Kevin King or maybe Chairman Leson that talked about if that building was held off for now that there's a possibility that the county could build it outside of the architects in the future. They've done a lot of bathroom work in Jackson County of late whether it be Bridge Park
032and Main Street and in Casher. So um that's one thing that they think they can create, build, construct in a number much less than what Benoi and Pinnacle are providing. Um just to um clarify one thing, the the costs that we're seeing these increases. Is it true, Mr. Canon that when we initially looked into these things, the cost came within the the purview of what the commissioners wanted to spend. And then now that we're in the midst of this and there have been lots of incidences, things that have happened, the costs have gone that much higher. Is that correct or not? I don't know that I would I I understand what you're I mean I don't know that I would phrase it that way. I understand the nature of your question. I I'm really not
033sure how to answer that >> honestly because when we when we were first talking with architects um you know we were talking in general concepts. >> Okay. And we were we were the numbers that they were kind of feeding us were um just general square footage kind of kind of prices >> which I think were good enough at that time to kind of lead us down the direction of if this is even feasible >> and I would say for the most part those are probably within >> I don't know I'm not sure that I would say that but I think those were just kind of are these feasible kind of prices, okay, to begin with. But honestly, even the architect, you know, when they did their all the different architects when they did their presentations,
034they all said, "You really don't know until you open the bids." >> Yes. That's because you don't know what the >> That's right. And so, you know, the market fluctuation, you know, we were very fortunate on the Fairview project. There were a lot of biders on some of these um the bigger ticket items. There were three and four companies that were putting in bids that came to pre-bid conf uh uh conferences. Yeah. So that they saw that there were other people putting in bids which helps drive the price down. Um so timing has a lot to do with it. But uh I understand the nature of your question, but I don't I don't know that I would necessarily say that that's the case. >> Well, because 15 million was budgeted for Blige and then now
035we're looking at 36 or something. Well, the the num what was what was presented at the very beginning was um a kitchen >> and a gymnasium for Blue Ridge and over the course of the >> auditorium >> and over the well that's not what was presented to the commissioners initially. >> Okay. >> And that's where the commissioners came up with the $15 million amount. >> Thank you. That that >> but then yes auditorium was brought up, classrooms were brought up. So, a lot of things were brought up which the architect and the contractor is given those prices, but I think I think the board will remember that >> at the the the joint meeting, uh, Pinnacle and Venoi indicated, and again, they're not going to give you a price, but they kind of indicated that
036if it was a cafetery, then that would be more in line with what has been budgeted. >> Okay. >> We have lots of lots we have lots of needs too, but >> but some of those Yeah. >> But back to Dr. Ay's point about the track and I I think because we do have bathrooms in the gym, it's a little ways to walk. I've been to many many and most of us here have been to many different schools in different conferences for games. Sometimes you walk a long way to get to a bathroom. That's just life and the way things are. I think >> I think we can definitely I would like to see that put on hold. >> I agree. We did talk about the last time with Randy though. We want to make
037sure we have a sidewalk for accessibility. from the parking. So, that's definitely going to be a piece of that that gets us from >> the um handicap parking all the way around to the bottom of the the gym. So, there will be a sidewalk so there'll be accessibility to that. So, I agree. I think that's the right thing to do. >> And then I think Mr. um Jameson brought up about there's a mobile snack or >> concessions. So that that could help meet that need >> for the interim. >> I think it would help us to know what we were working with. You know, are we being held to those numbers that the county commissioners initially applied towards each school? >> I would say yes. >> That's the indications that Dr. Eris and I have
038perceived. >> Okay. I mean, I think if you look at a project and um it's $400,000 over, I think they're going to find that if it's that's part of the need, but I do not anticipate them allocating another $6 million to a single project. >> Okay. >> Well, what we're seeing is quite different from what we had originally talked about a couple of months ago. Um, as much as I love Smoky Mountain High School, the track and field complex, were not on there. The bus garage was not on there because you had said, "Well, we need to put that bus garage off." And now we're coming back and we're seeing those things put on back on. So, we've said that they would be part of a second phase of that and not the the first
039phase. So, that's why you still see them on here because the county has already allocated that money. But as we said at the joint meeting, George Francis is not here to hear this, but I mean, although I believe that uh we need a bus garage desperately, if you've ever been in there, it's not the most forwardf facing piece of that. Although all of our kids need to get on a bus. Um so we're really trying to prioritize those things at school sites that would be most needed. But you're right, the county has already allocated some money for that bus garage. But as these projects come in over, I wouldn't be surprised if they have to move that allocation to complete a project. >> So we can say that the restrooms are a no-go at track.
040>> That would be something we would drop off. >> Yes. >> Okay. And Fairview needs everything that we have given to it plus some >> I agree. >> Yeah, the cafeteria. >> Yeah, >> the only real like value ad item is the stage um in that cafeteria and that's almost a million bucks >> and I think we should cut that. >> Yes, >> I do too. We have a stage in the gym. >> Yeah. Right. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> You're talking about Fairview. >> Fair view. Fair view. They have a stage in the gym. Is that going to be in the cafeteria >> that stage? >> It was going to be. It's been >> that one school we visited was set up like that. I didn't really >> I didn't really like that either.
041>> That is correct. >> Well, there you go. >> That's just my opinion, though. >> I didn't get to see that, was it? >> That was that was link to middle school. >> So, it u wasn't necessarily used as a performance space to be honest. >> Okay. um not for the whole school because it could not adequately adequately fit everybody. So >> so extra stage >> like we need to do the ADA renovations >> for the stadium. >> I do agree. I think that even if that's beyond the allocated cost, I think that it's important and the commissioners recognize that. Um What was the number, Jake? Between 500,000 and 700,000 maybe for that. >> That was like their off the hip kind of price without actually going out and soliciting. >> I think we need
042>> That's long overdue. >> Yes, >> absolutely. >> Okay. What was being bid at Fair View right now? Just the kitchen. >> Kitchen and cafeteria. Yes, sir. And we don't know what that cost is yet. >> We find out on Thursday. >> Thursday. >> And Mr. Buchanan, is that just those two pieces is what they're going to tell you Thursday. >> It's just the Fair View Cafeteria project. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Well, it'll help to know that because that's >> Yeah. >> I mean, >> that would >> you got your $2 million site development and $5.6 million. All that'll be wrapped up into that bid. So >> that's right. >> Be helpful to see what that is. >> That's right. >> I think going back to Smoky Mountain High School, the fieldhouse. I think
043that's one that can definitely wait. When we have a fieldhouse, is it ideal? Is it exactly what we want? Does it have concessions for the visitor side? No. But >> the biggest thing to me is that no bathrooms on the visitors side and that is a long way to go. >> I think I think one of the things that that Dr. And I've talked about and talked about with the county managers, like she had said with the bathrooms for the track, >> okay, >> is to to have that again be once we know kind of what the total costs are down the road, then to have the the county help us with that. And that honestly is something that the county has built that capacity just recently. So, this is not something that's been available
044to the county >> like two years ago, but it's something they've >> really been able to do recently. And we do keep those portagons down there, but every time somebody asks me about those bathrooms and I say, "Well, you got the portagons here." It's a Yeah, I'm not using that. >> Yes. >> Right. >> Well, the the ADA access will be helpful. And I know that's a long way, but they will at least have accessibility to the restrooms up near the press box. >> Um, but I think Jake's right in his comment, and Kevin feels really strongly that they could, if you've been in the ones in Silva, um, it's a four stall very large adequate for ADA accessibility I don't think that that's a tremendous cost and I think they would definitely be looking
045at that >> and they just built the one at the Koala Park >> that is correct >> and nice I haven't been in it but I saw the outside >> this is a little bit off the beaten path but where are the ones in Cers I've never seen any construction of bathrooms >> that that was approved what last fall maybe >> where are they not built yet >> I was going to say been approved um over toward the village green area. >> They have some really nice bathrooms over there. >> All right. >> Yeah. >> So, I really think that the largest project that you all need to have conversation about is the Blue Ridge project since it's it's more than double of the allocated funds. >> Um what you what we need and what
046we want and what needs to happen there. >> Okay, let me put you in just a little bit there. In my opinion, it's more need than want simply because um when we've had all these other projects for years and years um for other schools and I not because I I dislike Smoky Mountain High School in any way, but you know, every time we have an allocation, they get something big like performing arts center or whatever and it comes around year after year after year and Blue Ridge School is out there in the sticks with no attention. It's filthy dirty. Um, and you know, I I said something to Jake Kelt with this. Um, we had the um, in the old high school wing, the the the ceiling was leaking everywhere. I mean, I'm not talking
047about just drops. I'm talking about flooding waters on computers and Prometheian boards and telephones and everything else. And, you know, I hate that we had to do it. It's like when I brought it to the to the board, Jake said, "Well, you're not on the agenda for changes for another year and a half." I said, "Excuse me, but you know what are we going to do in the next year and a half with all that water coming in on all the equipment?" So, very graciously, he said, "Well, we probably need to do something about that." And they did. But you see, that's that's the kind of thing that that happens when you let a school go down that far. Um, and you know, I'd be glad to take you on a tour. I think that
048Jake Wood and Nathan Wood, >> I don't think any of us would disagree that there's extreme needs at a lot of our schools. It's just trying to figure out what we have to prioritize because brand new. >> So, clean and brand new. >> Well, Scott Creek and when I say clean, Smoky Mountain Elementary School, they've done a terrific job of keeping that school clean and and nice and landscaped and everything. Um, I think clean. I don't know of another school in Jackson County that is as dirty as Blue Ridge. >> I I don't think Blue Ridge is dirty. I think that is a really detrimental thing to say to the custodians who do a lot of hard work there. >> Well, they do, but you know, the people who provide the chemicals for the schools
049also doing do training on how to keep the schools clean. And somewhere along the line we need to have training either by the janitors who are keeping the other schools really clean or by the people from the who represent the chemical companies. But you go and look what's happened is um we put the big machinery in the hands of the faculty and and and staff and they've done a beautiful job with what they had to work with. But in not knowing the power of those machines or or how to run them or what to use or whatever, all of the dirt and grime with those the brushes that clean the floors has been sloshed over to the sides. And then somebody apparently when they put polyurethane on the floors, put polyurethane over the grime and
050dirt that was sloshed over into the thresholds between the the um the rooms >> and over toward the baseboards. So it just it's a filthy look and I don't think it's healthy but you know I think you know for for Blue Ridge to keep it within near around that original budget. I think you got to focus on the the two things that were originally mentioned. >> Oh I agree. >> Cafeteria or I'm sorry kitchen. >> Kitchen. Yeah. and you know a new gymnasium and what they've priced here is a new kitchen and cafeteria by demolishing the old one. But what was mentioned at that meeting was potentially adding a kitchen on to the existing cafeteria. So maybe your price drops >> dramatically from that 5.6 million >> place from where the kitchen is now. >>
051Oh yes. >> Yeah. Like on the back side I think Yeah. So, I think, you know, again, initially they're looking for some feedback, but I think Randy has indicated to to Dr. Ers and and to myself that he feels that it's feasible to build a kitchen um onto the existing lunchroom. Um they just need to spend some some time working on that and still retain the um the new gym in the general location, but things might have to shift a little bit. But um once once you know Dr. gives him the thumbs up. This is the direction we want to go. Then I think they're ready to start putting together some plans and then letting the board provide feedback on those plans. >> Okay. Jake, the reason I I asked those questions is that that
052Randy said that he had never seen um a cafeteria serving line that blocked an eress. >> Yeah. >> So that's just something that needs to be However they change it. I know he's he's very aware. Yeah, 100%. >> That's the direction that we need to give Pinnacle, you know, as far as Blue Ridg's cafeteria goes. >> That's that. Yeah, that's exactly what we need. If you agree, then the plan would be for him to have drawings for us. >> That would have a new kitchen on the current cafeteria that does not impede the the serving line now because it'll have to continue to be functioning while this is being built, but also allow the current gym to be used and then construction of uh the new gym if that's if that's your desire. And that
053can all be done while kids are going to school without having to block off any portion of the building. >> Uh Randy K generally thinks and Benoy too that those items with maybe a little freshen up of the front entry of the building too um will be really close to that already allocated $15 million. >> And so that's you know we're not asking the board for action tonight you know at the joint meeting. it was just kind of generally from a um a a verbal consent that that was kind of the direction, but that it they you know the commissioners were putting the ball back in the school board's hands and then for Randy he just needs to know kind of what direction to go. But still the board would have to approve um those
054designs, the amounts the commissioner. So this is not we're not deciding this tonight. We're having a conversation and giving your superintendent some direction on how to work with the architect for the next, you know, little bit of time. >> Well, Jake, I feel very comfortable with Randy and I think he fully understands the needs of Blanchard School and he'll do what he can. So, I'm fine with that. The thing I'm not real fine with is we keep changing and changing and adding things from the outside and I think that's where the problem is. Not necessarily um blue ridge. >> Understand? So again, those will all these items will come back ultimately. It's in the board, this board and the commissioner's board to make those final decisions. So we're just looking for some direction on how
055to spend your money with the architect moving forward because he's not doing this work for free. Um so we don't want to go down a path too terribly far that we that we know that we're not going to be able to get approval from the two boards to be perfect. >> Well, if we keep changing the prices are going to be extraordinary. >> Yeah. They're not going down. So, agree. >> Well, and I I do believe that if when I shouldn't say if, but when we present this to Mr. King and the commissioners, this is a good faith step on our part saying, "We heard you. There's not unlimited funds. We agree. we're we're gonna cut these things because and this also I think gives them direction and when uh we talked to Mr. King
056after the meeting he said specifically to me we want your direction the board of commissioners wants to hear what we think's important to base their decision on. >> So I think that's what we're doing right now. So, we're going to go forward with kitchen added to the dining room and and a gym. >> Yes. >> And get something for that. >> And the gym. That's important. >> Oh, yeah. Because a standard the lines aren't even. >> Yes. Bad. >> And they had such great basketball teams. >> Absolutely. >> All right. Thank you'all very >> up next. We have Christy Walker with a unodudited financial statement. >> Good evening, Mr. Chair, Dr. Ays, members of the board. In your packet is an updated unudited financial statement for the month of February. Is there any questions regarding
057that report? It still shows that we are within our 2026 budget resolution. >> Stay right there, Christie. We have no speakers tonight, sir. >> Yeah. uh on the action agenda and Christie, you're up with budget amendments. >> Okay. So, I am seeking the board's approval for budget amendment number four to our 2026 budget resolution. Um there is copies with some explanation for each of these amendments in your packets and it covers the state public school fund, the federal fund, and the other specific revenue fund. Is there any request any questions regarding these changes? Um I just for my information language acquisition what does that refer to? >> So language acquisition is a state aotment that is I'm going to look at curriculum. >> Oh that's what I learned that was good. Okay. Thank you. >>
058I just wanted to make sure that's what it was. >> Sorry. I make a motion that we approve budget amendment number four. >> I second that motion. >> All in favor? >> Thank you. >> Up next, we have >> Christie again with the Tyler Munis ERP contract. >> I am very needy tonight. Yes. I am asking for your approval for our Tyler Munis ERP contract. Uh this will allow our finance department to update our system to integrate with the North Carolina Department of Public Education's business division and their modernization. I have seen the demo for this product at least three times. U this has also been seen by my staff. It's been seen by um our administration here in the central office and everybody is uh had positive reviews about what it will be able
059to do for them and for their program. So, I bring it to the board tonight with a recommendation that we go through. We have also qualified with the state to receive $73,500 to help with the implementation cost. >> That's great. >> So, at that, I am asking for approval to proceed forward. >> I make a motion that we approve the Tyler Munice ERP contract. >> I second that motion. All in favor? >> When I first looked at that, I was like, who's Tyler Miz? >> Well, that's exactly what I thought. There's a person that we're going to do a contract with him. >> All right. Up next, we have Jake with the easement agreement for the driveway off Cliff side. >> Yeah. So, we we have talked about this um a little bit for about
060the last three years. So, just as a little bit of a reminder, Smoky Mountain High School is the only school that we do not actually own as the school system. We gave that property to the county 20ome years ago because uh so they could borrow money for us against that property. So, all the money we owe and all the money we're going to borrow to do all these projects, the leans are against that property. Um but uh Dr. Irvine, GS Irvine Property is the company. They own the building that the doctor's offices are in there. And then they also own that parking lot that's right next to it that is adjacent to Jones Street. And what they would like to do is have access from that parking lot onto Jones Street. And to do that,
061they'd have to get an easement from uh the county, but the county wants to also have our agreement since we really retain possession of it. Um and so in this packet you'll see the the terms of the agreement um particularly uh I want to point out on the on the map. So when Dr. Ays and I have been meeting with the the folks representing um this uh this company we had some concerns as others might about the traffic flow but also about uh foot traffic. And so what they've agreed to do uh is we worked with Michael Poston and some folks from NC DOT to design a uh a um foot uh foot traffic flow. Um and they have agreed to pay for the cost and have all that work done. Um, so it will
062give them uh an additional entrance onto that property, which is particularly appealing to them since there's a a red light on Jones Street. Um, but it also will benefit our school and our kiddos. One, it will be a safer intersection for pedestrian traffic because they will put in some sidewalks in the location where there are not currently. Um, and then the other thing that's not a small thing is this will actually give another exit in the case of an emergency. We would be able to leave Smoky Mountain High School. If something was wrong with the Jones Street um intersection, we'd be able to utilize that parking lot and then um get on out at the next road. So, this is to no cost to the to the district to do this. It will um bring
063about some upgrades and safety upgrades for that intersection. Um the commissioners have reviewed this and they are um in favor of it if you um agree to it as well. So Dr. S and I do um recommend to you to um accept this easement. >> Do I have a motion? >> I make a motion that we approve the easement agreement for the driveway offside drive. >> I second that motion. >> All in favor? Thank you. >> Up next, we have Dr. Ays with the calendar makeup days for 2025 2026. >> So, it's been an interesting winter, right? Um um I'm really grateful for our calendar committee that works every year to ensure that we have a good number of makeup days um in our calendar. So, just to let you know where we are after
064yesterday, that unexpected that we got. Um, so currently down the mountain for all the schools except Blige Early College and Blue Ridge uh school, we have two full days, 2.32 inclement weather days. And so what that means is we can be out another 2.32 days without having to start making up school days. Um, Blue Ridge is in a little better spot than us. They have 4.47. And I'm sure you're wondering how on earth that can be. About three years ago, when we were running really low on time, we extended the school day at Blue Ridge by about 10 minutes and we simply never changed it back. And so they've been acrewing more instructional time than we have down the mountain. So that's how even though they get more inclement weather, they have two more days
065than we do. So, I bring this to you because um time's running out as far as what days we could use as makeup days. And so, I ask Greg to please display the current calendar because I'm going to ask for you all to designate two days in March as makeup days. And those two days are March 12th and 13th, which right now are not student days. The 12th is a PD day, professional development. and the 13th is an optional work day. So, there are two reasons I'm asking for this. Now, it's legislated that you got to give families two week notice if you're going to take a day that wasn't already earmarked for a makeup day and we won't have another board meeting before then. Um, and number two is I don't anticipate us using
066those. I'm going to exhaust these 2.32 and the 44 4.47 first. But if we would happen to have inclement weather and exhaust that and not be able to use those, that would be either a eating into spring break, which you all know how much our staff love spring break and I'm really trying hard. I too love spring break. Trying hard to protect that spring break time or not extend into after the Memorial Day holiday. So what I'm asking for you to do is designate March 12th and 13th as possible makeup days um in case of inclement weather and then if we use them if we use these and we have to do that that's fine but if not we will continue with them as a PD and an optional workday so that's why I bring
067this to you in the hopes and lots of prayers that we don't have to use them but I really do honestly want to protect our spring break we have that whole week prior to Easter and then the Monday after which our folks love for travel purposes so I I'm trying to protect that spring break. So, I would ask for action to make those two makeup days if needed. >> What if something happens after late, >> meaning like if there was snow March the 19th and we had already been past that. So, we do have other options that we could try to protect spring break, extending the school day like we did Blue Ridge a few years ago. we would have to really work hard to calculate how much time that would give us um or
068coming back to school after Memorial Day, >> which is a a nightmare for our finance team and payroll and all the things. So, we would be creative and I you know, I've worked in school districts where we extended for 15 minutes every day for a whole month and we're able to to um get back a full day or a day and a half. So, Question for Wes. You would know this. How many days did the blizzard of 93 last? >> Why would I know that? >> I do not remember. >> It was over a week. It was over a week. >> Yeah. And it was in >> way That was way too long ago March. >> It was in March. I do remember. >> That's what I was thinking to be honest. >> So, we're
069trying to be proactive in planning if something like that happened that we could recoup those days. But that's a good question about what we would do. The last resort for me would be taking back, if I had to take a day, the Monday after Easter, so we would still protect the entire week. Um, and then the final resort is coming back after Memorial Day. And the looks on people's faces in the audience right now are like, um, but I do want to respect our teachers and pe excuse me, people who have plans for spring break already. Um, so I would ask for you to designate those two as possible makeup days. Have a motion. >> I make a motion that we select March or 12th and 13th as possible makeup days if needed due to
070inclement weather. >> I second that motion. >> All in favor? >> All right. Up next we have field trips. The last items, field trip. So I would um ask for your approval for the following field trips. Um number one is a joint field trip between Jackson County Early College and Blue Ridge Early College as they do some state tours. This is the first time they've ever traveled together. So Dr. Friselle has worked closely with Miss Granny and so they're taking some college tours um in a couple months. The next one is Scots Creek sixth grade to Ripley's Aquarium. Smoky Mountain Elementary Grade 4 to Seoia Birthplace. Smoky Mountain High JOTC to Camp Takcoa and that is an overnight. Smoky Mountain High grades 9 to 11 to the Bodies Human Exhibit in Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountain
071High School grade 12 uh the Dollywood. That's their senior trip. I ask for your approval for those six field trips. I make a motion that we approve field trips 136. >> I have a question about four. >> Okay. >> If I've been bribed to approve that, >> I still vote. >> Do you need to abstain? >> She needs to herself >> cuz I was told that, you know, something would be done if I didn't approve it. >> Well, just remember you approved it last year. >> That sounds more like threatened, not >> I think I was threatened. Yeah. a threat. Yeah. >> Is it okay? I'm sorry. I'd second that motion. >> Tell her it takes three. >> Okay. >> At least three votes. >> All in favor? >> All right. At this time, we
072find it necessary to go into close session pursuant to general statute 14318.11 for the following purposes under subsection A1 to prevent the disclosure of privilege or confidential personnel information pursuant to GS115C-319-321 and A3 to discuss matters protected by the attorney client privilege. Do I have a motion to go into close session? >> Make a motion that we go into close session. I second that motion. >> All in favor. >> Thank you all for coming. All right. There was no action taken during close session. Uh at this time, Dr. El present the personnel action items. >> I am asking for your approval for personnel action items as presented. I make a motion that we approve the person personnel action agenda as presented. >> I second that motion. >> All in favor? >> All right. Uh, next
073regularly scheduled board meeting will be here at this office on March 24th at 6 PM. Uh, do I have a motion to adjurnn? >> I make a motion that we adjourn. >> I second that motion. All >> in favor?