001Mhm. >> your attention, please. We're going to come back to order here. It's 6:00. And this is our uh May 11th regular session board meeting. And at this time, we're going to have the invocation, and we will now have an invocation. I invite you all to join with us or engage in a moment of silent reflection if you so uh desire. Let us pray. Lord, we come before you in humbleness to ask your blessings on this meeting. We ask that you give us discernment as well as guidance on the decisions we're about to make for our students, teachers, and complete staff of the McDowell County school system. Let our discussions and decisions be the best for our top priority, our children. Help us to be a positive influence and provide a safe environment for for
002Lead, guide, direct. Amen. And before we get started on the NJROTC and of course uh Mr. Derek McGinnis is going to introduce them. I have a gentleman here that I'd like to introduce. And Jayden Carson, if you'd stand up, sir. And Ms. Wideman, if you would share uh how he's tuned in to all our sessions and he wanted to come visit us in person and what a good gentleman this this gentleman is. Well, very seldom do I feel short. Let me just go ahead and say that. >> [laughter] >> But Jayden does that to me. So, I've been Jayden's principal for 3 years, 2 years in middle school, 1 year in high school. And as long as I've known Jayden, he has tuned in to the board meetings and watched them and then comes to
003school on Tuesday and has a conversation with me about the board So, Jayden recently got his own wheel and asked that I send him a calendar invite to attend this evening's event. He is a wonderful young man. He's in the firefighter firefighting program at Medulla High School. He was a young wonderful young man when he was in middle school and he's joined us sitting in the back row with his mother. >> [applause] >> Jayden, I guess I'll see you in the morning. Mr. McGinnis, if you would, please, sir. If you'd introduce our NJROTC folks. If you'll join us for the uh present presentation of the colors by the Medulla High School Navy Titan ROTC program. Everybody, please stand. Color attention, shut. Carry colors. Ready, cut. Forward, march. Mark time, march. Color guard, halt. Right, face.
004Present colors. Mr. Will, if you'd lead us, please. Attention. Salute. Pledge. 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. Carry colors. Halt. >> [clears throat] >> Right, face. Forward, march. Thank you, everybody. >> Thank you, Mr. Wheeler. Okay, item number six on the agenda is superintendent remarks and Dr. Britt, I'll turn it over to you, sir. Absolutely. Thank you, Chairman Frank. Ladies and gentlemen of the board and folks out there with us tonight, I'm really excited about being here and if you'll if you'll notice the the the board room's pretty full tonight. It's always good to see our students here and our staff we're going to recognize. Uh tonight's a special night
005as we recognize both our students and staff. It's always an honor to celebrate their accomplishments. Chairman, I think it's safe to say that if our students and staff continue earning state, national, and international recognition, we may soon need a larger board room. Before I continue tonight, I want to take a little privilege here. I'd like to recognize the mothers who are with us tonight. If you are a mother in the audience or on our board, if you would, please stand. >> [applause] >> Thank you. Mothers are often our biggest advocates and our strongest supporters. I spent Mother's Day with my mother this weekend and it reminded me of the many sacrifices mothers make that often go unnoticed until later in life when we are old enough to truly appreciate them. Last year at the Summit
006Academy, uh at the graduation, a young teenage mother walked across the stage carrying her infant son. I become emotional because it reminded me of my own mother graduating from high school when I was about a year old. This weekend gave me a chance to reflect on that and tell my mother how much I appreciate and love her. Now that my own children are grown, I also see the special bond they share with their mother and how much they appreciate her. So tonight, to all the mothers who stand behind our students, staff, the class of 2026, thank you for your love, support, and sacrifice. I also want to share some news that would make any mother proud. Folks, we just got our latest uh My Future NC reports in, and you can go online to My
007Future NC and look at these reports. Uh they show tremendous growth among among our students. I'm going to share some data, and I know some of you may have heard me share this before, and I'm going to be a broken record on it cuz I'm very proud of the work our students and our staff have shown. Uh last year, 61% of our graduates earned college credits while still in high school. Folks, that's 10 percentage points higher than the North Carolina state's average. And North Carolina is leading the nation in that measure. Just think about that. I'm very proud of our kids and the work that they're doing. I believe this year's graduating class will raise that number even higher. And you'll see that number continue to raise because for the first time, we've made options
008for our ninth grade students with a pilot program to be able to take CTE career technical education classes, and I know we've got some FFA folks here in the front and some other folks that would are taking those classes uh that that will now be eligible to for those to be college classes. So, we're very excited about that. I think you're going only see that number increase. Before I close tonight, I also want to say that we're making tremendous progress on the improvements at West McDowell Middle School ball fields on Highway 70. You may have driven by and seen what looks like a pond on the ball field. There's There's a reason for that. By this fall, our community will see major upgrades including including improved fields, parking, pickleball courts, lighting. That'll be the lighting
009that's going up the road, not on the fields. I wish we could have done that, but we didn't. Signage and new pavement from the bottom to the top of the hill. Uh folks, we're excited about that. And I want to remind everyone that that is uh funds from the state. It's Hurricane Helene funds to be able to elevate the baseball field. And as part of that, uh we're able to divert that water that's coming off the hill. So, there will be new sidewalks, the additional parking, as well as a number of new drainage Drainages aren't really something that you get excited about normally, but when you got a hill like high school hill, you know it runs off there pretty fast. So, getting speed tables, getting uh sidewalks that help curb the water to a
010drain actually will help us tremendously. Having a surface down there, too, Mr. Marsh, I know you've been instrumental on that. Having a surface down there that will then be uh paved area actually helps us to have the pickleball courts and the uh parking area that will now be on that field, as well as the girl's softball field will be moved down there. So, I think uh this fall uh when you see that, as well as the the uh new signs going into the entry of the high school and the middle school, and there'll be a new sign at the softball field, along with new fencing all the way down, and that's uh black iron fence with uh brick. Uh that's something we're all going to be proud of. It's truly a great time to be
011a student McDowell County Schools, and I look forward to watching our school system continue to grow and thrive. Mr. Frank. Chairman, that concludes my superintendent remarks tonight. Thank you. Sir, if you'd carry on with item number seven on the agenda, student recognition. Yes, sir. We're going to do our student recognition. I would call to the podium Miss Tittle and Miss Finley. So, good evening members of the board, Dr. Grier, and our other guests. It is always one of my favorite times to come and talk about the outstanding accomplishments of our students. I'm going to start tonight with our amazing Shake program. This year's Amazing Shake competition was held on Friday, February the 20th, featuring a full day of real-world challenges. Students compete competed in the gauntlet round, rotating through 32 stations, followed by work the
012room and the ethics round with community leaders. The top four finalists then worked a shift at J. Hartman's restaurant, where the employees selected the winners. This year, Olivia Allison and Mary Ruth Blake were our two winners, earning the opportunity to compete at the 2026 2026 Global Amazing Shake in Atlanta, Georgia, March the 26th through the 29th. The Global Amazing Shake is a fast-paced survivor-themed leadership competition focused on communication, confidence, and professionalism. So, if these students will come forward. And Miss Mindy Hutchens is our Carp advisor and works with these students with Amazing Shake. And Foothills Community School also had students that attended the Global Amazing Shake in Atlanta. These participants include Mary Ruth Blake, Riley Barrier, C.J. Hughes, Landry Rose, and Taylor Out of 512 students, Riley placed 33rd in the gauntlet round and Landry
013placed 8th. And these advisors are Ms. Tasha Ramsey and Katie McFarland. Great job, students. We're proud of you. >> [applause] >> Next, I will share the outstanding accomplishments of our of our middle school FBLA programs at the recent state leadership conference in Greensboro. Our students competed against 968 middle school students across North Carolina and they represented our schools and McDowell County with excellence. At Foothills Community School, in first place, the FCS FBLA Club partnered with Rose Hill Retirement Home where the chapter volunteered in the arts and crafts department. They sang Christmas cards, delivered Valentine's Day cards, and volunteered at several parties and events. These first place winners in the community service project are Riley Barrier, Mary Ruth Flake, and Caylin McArthur. >> [applause] >> In third place at FCS with exploring business issues, this event
014focused on the benefits and challenges of AI in customer service and use critical thinking skills, research, and communication skills. These winners are Maddie Maddie Crissom, Paisley Cowart, and Jared Dozier. >> [applause] >> Our fourth place winners for annual chapter activities include uh the presentations showcasing the chapter's program of work for the entire school year. Students highlighted key projects, achievements, and the overall impact of the chapter's activities before a panel of judges. These winners are Olivia Darcy, C.J. Hughes, and Cooper Harris. >> [applause] >> And in fourth place with marketing strategies, scholars had to develop and present a marketing strategy for a new product or service. These students created a lost and found app for schools and hotels. These student winners are Mary Ruth Blake, Cross Yates, and Landry Rose. >> [applause] >> And the two
015FBLA advisors at FCS are Tasha Ramsey and Katie McFarland. >> [applause] >> Now for FBLA at West McDowell Middle School. In second place for the career exploration objective test, this is a test that demonstrates the knowledge of various career fields through an objective test. And the second place winner for the state is Miss Lilly Pittman. >> [applause] >> And third place in the state for a community service project, this is a year-long project that has raised money and awareness for pediatric cancer. The winners of this are Olivia Allison, Lilly Pittman, and Greenlee Strode. >> [applause] >> And their advisors are Miss Sarah Wills and Miss Mindy Hutchens. >> [applause] >> And with all of these FBLA winners, they will go to the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, June the 29th through July the
0162nd. So, thank you, students. Great job. Next, I will move on to FFA. This year, we have two regional FFA officers. To earn this honor, the students completed a multi-step application process, included an interview, a written application, an essay, and a final interview alongside 16 other applicants. These two that I will recognize are among the eight selected. Miss Gracie Davis, who is our FFA regional vice president for next school year. >> [applause] >> And Mr. Brady Keller, our regional FFA chaplain. And their advisor is Miss Sophie Forrest. >> [applause] >> This marks the sixth time that McDowell County has had a regional FFA officer and this is the first time that it's had two for a school year. So very proud of these students. And last but not certainly not least, we will recognize our
017DECA students. Bailey Moss, Kaylor Carpenter and Jean Cab Gonzalez for their outstanding effort at this year's DECA International Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. And Bailey and Kaylor are out at Rococo event. These three students competed in a state team simulation business challenge and finished third in the nation. And their advisors are Heather Martin and Todd Queen. It's a great job. Great [applause] job. And I did want to include Bailey is not here, but this is his fourth year as a top 10 finisher at the international level. So every year he has placed since ninth grade and we're proud of that. So we're proud of everyone's hard work and dedication and leadership. They have represented McDowell County schools very well in these competitions. Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Okay, Adam, number eight on the agenda
018staff recognitions. Good evening Mr. Frank, members of the Board of Education, Dr. Creed and distinguished guests. It is my honor to introduce an exceptional group of educators who represent the very best of our district, our teachers of the year from each school. These individuals were selected not only for their instructional excellence, but for their unwavering commitment to student success, their leadership among peers and their ability to inspire a love of learning in every classroom that they serve. They go above and beyond each day building relationships, creating meaningful learning experiences and shaping the future through the lives of their students. Each teacher of the year stands as a representative of the dedication, passion found across our entire district. While we recognize them individually tonight, they also symbolize the collective excellence of all of our educators. At
019this time, I'd like to recognize each of our teachers of the year. As I call your name, if you will please stand up to be acknowledged and come forward. From Eastfield Global Magnet School, Miss Courtney Luckadoo. >> [applause] >> From East McDowell Middle School, Miss Emma Shelton. >> [applause] >> From Pitt Hills Community School, Miss Jennifer Blake. >> [applause] >> From Glenwood Elementary, Miss Tracy Ramsey. >> [applause] >> From Marion Elementary, Miss Michelle Warsham. >> [applause] >> From McDowell Academy for Innovation, Mr. William Bill Taylor. >> [applause] >> From McDowell High School, Miss Sophie Voris. From McDowell Early College, Miss Candice Cochran. From Nebo Elementary, Miss Nikki Hutton. From North Cove Elementary School, Miss Holly Seals. >> [applause] >> From Old Fort Elementary, Miss Abby Gray. >> [applause] >> From Pleasant Gardens Elementary School, Miss
020Stephanie Rowland. >> [applause] >> From The Summit Academy, Miss Sherry Lovett. From West Marion Elementary, Miss Chelsea Mannix. >> [applause] >> And from West McDowell Middle School, Miss Emily Elkins. >> [applause] >> Thank you for your outstanding service, your commitment to excellence, and the difference you make every single day. We are incredibly proud to honor you tonight. So, please join me once again in recognizing these outstanding educators. >> [applause] >> At this time, I would like to recognize a very special group of staff members. Our TA or teacher assistants to teacher reimbursement recipients. This program, funded by the state of North Carolina, which McDowell County is a pilot in this program, provides financial support to the instructional assistants who are working to further their education and become licensed teacher. It is important investment in growing
021our own educators right here in McDowell County. Tonight, we recognize those instructional assistants who applied for and received the reimbursement. Their commitment to continuing their education while serving our students each day is truly commendable. We are especially proud to share that through this program, two of our former recipients have already completed this journey and are now employed as teachers with McDowell County Schools. This is a powerful example of how investing in our people strengthens our district and directly benefits our students. At this time, I'd like to recognize our current recipients. As your name is called, please come forward to be acknowledged. Miss Desiree Draper. >> [applause] >> Miss Cassandra Hill. >> [applause] >> Miss Jennifer Holman. >> [applause] >> Miss Bethany Hollifield. Mr. Tyler Lawson. >> [applause] >> Miss Renee Massengill. And Mr. Jonathan Miller.
022>> [applause] >> I would like to point out specifically that Miss Renee Massengill and Mr. Jonathan Miller has graduated from Western Carolina University and Appalachian State University this past weekend and we could not be more proud of them. >> [applause] >> At this time, I'm pleased to recognize two outstanding students as the first recipients of our homegrown program reimbursement program. These individuals are proud graduates of McDowell High School and have successfully completed their first year at Appalachian State University, which I can't imagine anywhere better to go. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the field of education are truly commendable. The homegrown program is designed to invest in our own students, supporting them as they pursue degrees in education with the goal of returning to serve right here in McDowell County Schools. As part of
023this program, these students will complete their student teaching within our district and ultimately seek employment with McDowell County Schools. Tonight, we're proud to present them with their reimbursement checks in recognition of their successful first year. When I call your name, please come forward. Miss Anna Corpening and Miss Anna Hicks. >> [applause] [applause] >> We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to welcome you back as future educators in our district. Thank you for your commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape you. Please join me one more time in giving these ladies a big round of applause. >> [applause] >> Each month, we take the opportunity to recognize the outstanding individuals who go above and beyond in their roles to make a difference in our school community. Our certified and classified employees
024of the month exemplify dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. These honorees consistently demonstrate our core values, showing leadership, teamwork, and a genuine passion for supporting students, staff, and the overall mission of our district. Their hard work not only helps our schools run smoothly, but also creates a positive and inspiring environment for everyone around them. Today, we're proud to celebrate and extend our heartfelt congratulations to our certified employee of the month and classified employee of the month for their exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication. I'd like to call Ms. Michelle Baker to recognize our certified employee of the month. Good evening and thank you. Uh I see all of the work that goes on behind the scenes, and tonight I am here to recognize Jennifer Young. Jennifer serves all eight elementary schools and all three middle
025school sites as the advanced learning specialist. Jennifer provides services to over 150 identified students. She attends PLC meetings at all schools and also supports teachers with strategies for enrichment and acceleration. She has been a strong advocate for rigorous resources and has implemented Birdseed TV for middle school advanced learning and Beast Academy for elementary advanced learning. However, Ms. Young has been recognized tonight not just for the many things that she does for the advanced learners, but also because she exemplifies the spirit of a true team player. She does not work in a silo, and she values all teachers and all students across McDowell County Schools. She is passionate about being hands extended and working shoulder-to-shoulder with colleagues, regardless of content or grade level. Teachers email Ms. Young at any time after they give a common assessment,
026and they ask her to help support students that are at 90% or higher um on their common assessments. They seek her support for providing enrichment activities to use in win time for students at the highest levels of mastery. Mrs. Young builds standards-based lesson plans. She provides student projects that empower students to go deeper into the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Ms. Young maintains a Google Classroom that she updates every single week. And she provides resources that teachers can access and assign to students as differentiation support anytime it is needed. And although these highlights alone evidence the full plate and the busy schedule that she carries, I would be remiss if I did not emphasize the work that Ms. Young has done this year with our reading adoption, Wonders. At convocation, Ms. Young presented a
027session titled Taking the Wonder out of Wonders, and she has worked very diligently alongside our ELI specialist, Ms. Carrie Franklin. And they have been collaborating all year with our elementary teachers and PLCs. They took the letters, um, science of reading planning checklist, and they helped teachers uh, marry that to the Wonders curriculum. They have been in classrooms modeling lessons, uh, for teachers across our elementary schools. Jennifer Young adds value behind the scenes every day. She is powerfully supporting teachers and students across McDowell County Schools, and her work deserves to be recognized. Although, she does none of these duties to be in the spotlight. Congratulations, Jennifer Young. >> [applause] [applause] >> At this time, I'm honored to recognize our classified employee of the month, Ms. Vicky White. Come up, Ms. White. Ms. Vicky White serves as
028our messenger specialist for McDowell County Schools, and her impact on our district is truly invaluable. She consistently goes above and beyond to support our teachers and principals, not only ensuring that all staff credentials are accurate and up-to-date, but also guiding them through every step of the licensure process. From assisting with applications and renewals to supporting educators through licensure programs and practices requirements, Ms. White is a consistent source of knowledge, encouragement, and support. Her work often happens behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in the success of our schools and the strength of our workforce. She does far more than what is required, demonstrating a strong work ethic, deep dedication, and genuine compassion for educators she serves. Quite simply, the work we do in McDowell County Schools would not be possible without her commitment
029and expertise, and I speak from that from experience. Ms. White, I'm personally grateful for you and all that you do for McDowell County Schools, and it is a better place because of you. Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and the difference you make every single day. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Vicky White as our classified employee of the month. >> [applause] >> Ms. Dana, did you get her picture? Okay. Okay, item number nine on the agenda is our teacher representative is Amber Loving. At least I didn't have to follow good old Mr. Marsh. That wasn't so bad to fix. This one's going to be a little tough for me. Um it's my last starfish recognition. Um I didn't realize that I would be as in I knew I would be in as
030invested, but I didn't realize that it was going to be so emotional for me doing this. Um I really did try to get out of it several several times, um but I am glad uh that Ms. Daddle I don't want to say anything else that Ms. Daddle did not let me um slide by and not present. So, thanks to Dr. Britt and Ms. Daddle for still holding on strong and always saying no. So, um standing here each month, I see how lucky I am to share this space with people who care so much about our schools and our kids. From every board member beside of me to the faces I see at every single meeting, it truly has been a privilege to do this alongside all of you and to recognize the kind of people
031who make Midlothian schools what it is. Before I say anything else, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for letting me make these presentations my own. I know I strayed from what these normally look like, but instead of telling me what I needed to present on, you allowed me to share the relationship side of our schools, the foundation of everything that we do. Because the lives being changed were never waiting on someone to stand at a podium to talk about them. They were already happening in classrooms and hallways and cafeterias, on bus rides, and on playgrounds, and everywhere else. It's the teachers who stay, the custodians who know kids by name, the cafeteria workers checking on students, and it doesn't stop there. It is the collective heart of our counselors, bus drivers, administration,
032and our office staff. It's our social workers, our SROs, nurses, and teachers' assistants. It is every single person who chooses to show up for our students every day knowing that their role is a vital piece of a child's success. That is the heart of what we do. And it's why I've brought so much of my own world into this room. I hope the teasing laughter and moments over the last 10 months gave everyone a small glimpse into what it feels like to be inside of my classroom, too. But from the very beginning, my biggest hope was that I could show you the life-changing difference these relationships make. If I could go back to my very first presentation in August, there are two things I would definitely change. The first, Mr. Suttle's thinking I was a
033man. Um I'm still recovering from that one. But more importantly, I said this has always been my belief. When what I should have said was that it has always been our belief. That one life can be changed by someone who simply chooses to care and keep showing up every single day. Before all of this started, Dr. Grid and I had a conversation. Part of it was me trying to get out of out of presenting, but another part was about relationships. During that August meeting, he started talking about the relationships in our schools, and I remember sitting there thinking, Grid, please shut up and stop talking. And thank God he did after a couple of seconds because that's exactly what I wanted to spend this school year talking about. The people behind our schools. The relationships
034behind the learning and the quiet way lives are changed every single day. At this point, I'm pretty sure none of you will ever look at a starfish the same again. And honestly, I hope And honestly, I kind of hope you don't because every time you see one, I hope you think about our students and our staff. The most im- The most important work we do is in those quiet moments. Is in those quiet everyday moments, the ones that may not seem like much at the time, but end up meaning everything to someone who needed it the most. Before I share tonight's final starfish recognition, I want to go back to why I started this. Not because it's a good story, but because it reflects the kind of teacher I try to be and the kind
035of teaching I believe in. Tonight, that story feels especially fitting because people like Ms. Becky are exactly why I began doing this in the first place. To make sure the people who give so much of themselves are seen and appreciated. Dr. [clears throat] Britt, do you care to go ahead and read the story one last time? >> Yes. The starfish story. One morning, a man was walking along a beach covered with thousands of starfish that washed ashore during the night. Up ahead, someone was gently picking them up one by one and tossing each starfish back into the ocean. "Why are you spending so much energy on this?" the man asked. "There are too many of them to make a difference." "They'll die if they're left in the sun." the person replied without pausing. The man
036glanced up and down the endless shoreline. "But there are miles of beach and thousands of starfish. You can't possibly save them all." "What difference could you make?" Another starfish was lifted from the sand and sent back to the waves. Smiling, the person said, "I made a difference for that one." And Ms. Lowing, I almost had it memorized. She asked me today if I needed a copy and I said, "I think I've almost got it memorized, but maybe just double check me." >> Yeah. >> [snorts] [clears throat] >> Dr. Britt, I would say thank you like I have for all the others who have read the story, but I really don't want to. It's fine. >> [laughter] >> That story always means something, but tonight it feels especially clear. Making a difference doesn't require attention or
037recognition. It simply takes care, consistency, and willingness to show up for others. And if anyone has done that for all of us, it's you, Ms. Becky. You support all of us with a calm, steady presence that so many of us rely on. No matter how much you have going on, you always make people feel like they matter. When I thanked you for helping me, probably for the 10th time that week, you said, "My job is to provide and assistance. Therefore, I appreciate the thank you, but I would be disappointed in myself if I didn't otherwise." That one sentence says so much. She doesn't just help because it's her job. She helps because that's who she is. One person shared this about her. "Ms. Becky Smith is definitely an unsung hero. She works so diligently behind
038the scenes. To know Becky Smith is to love her. She always makes me feel welcome when I substitute at Central Office. She is kind and always seems to remember special days and occasions. She is a genuine friend to all. Thankful for the way she leads with grace and a heart of gold. As all our kids refer to her as Coach Taylor's wife." >> [laughter] >> Ms. Becky, [clears throat] you also shared that you had recently lost your mother, someone you described as always being there for you without judgment and with the biggest heart. You told me, "I took a leave of absence from my job to take care of her from beginning to end. I am so fortunate that Dr. Grigg and the board were so understanding and supportive." That moment says so much about
039you and this district. It reflects the kind of place McDowell is, a place where people truly show up for others when it matters the most. And I think of the things that makes this sport special is that same connection. People can see it here, too, because the tone of a district starts with the people leading it. The laughter matters. The support matters. And the unity matters. It shows our community that caring about people is just as important as everything else we do. Miss Becky, we are so fortunate to have you because of who you are. You keep everything and everyone moving forward, and I think it's fair to say we're all your starfish. Though Dr. Britt might be the one who washes ashore a little more often than the rest of us. No matter how
040many times you gently send him back on his way, he somehow finds his way right back. And you just smile with patience and help him again and keep taking care of the people who need you most. There's something really special about you. It's hard to put into words because it's not just what you do, it's the way you make people feel. This is for you, a small reminder of the difference you make every single day. >> [applause] [applause] >> I'm proud I'm proud to be part of a county that loves its students the way this one does. McDowell County's brought many of us together as co-workers, but the shared goal of making a difference for that one created something so much bigger. It created a village. So, please continue supporting each other. Keep that laughter
041again. Keep that unity. And at the end of the day, we're all working toward the same goal, doing what's best for our kids and our staff. Again, thank you, Ms. Becky, for taking care of all of us. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Ms. Smith, come up here. We all want to get a picture with you. Get your picture made, Ms. >> All right. Well, okay. I got that part. Okay. I just put my gun out. >> [laughter] >> Thank you. Thank you. Ms. Long, I just want to say we're going to miss you completely and these stories, uh, so much. You are the, uh, one of the most kindest, biggest-hearted woman that I have ever ever ever met in my life. And I do appreciate what you bring to these board meetings every day. Alec,
042thank you so much. You've been a breath of fresh air. We appreciate you. Item number 11 on the Excuse me, item number 10 is request to address the board public comment. And we do have a request from Mr. Owens. So, you want to come in, I'll Okay, Mr. Owens, uh uh We'll go through the same thing we went through last time and I'll ask the board sir wait up there, please, if you could. Uh we got to make sure board votes to let you speak. Uh I'll entertain a motion to allow Mr. Owens to speak to the board. I'll make a motion. I'll second. Okay, we have a motion by Mr. Baker, a second by Mr. Abernathy. Is there any further discussion on allowing Mr. Owens to speak? With no further discussion, all those in
043favor signify by raising your right hand. Which is unanimous, nine vote. Now, again, Mr. Owens, I have to read you the same thing I did last time. We welcome you to this meeting of the McDowell County Board of Education. Pursuant to General Statute 115C-51 and Board Policy 2310, you're invited to address the board through public comment. Citizen public comment is a time for you to address the board. It's not a time for debate or direct question and answer period. Board members will not respond to you except to request clarifications of your points. However, incorrect or misleading information may be responded to at the direction of the board chairperson. Except as provided herein, you are allowed to address the board concerning any topic that is within the board's jurisdiction. Pursuant to confidentiality, concerns and matters related
044to the due process, the board will not hear issues or concerns, either positive or negative, regarding specific employees or students. If you have a concern about an employee or student matter, please contact see the superintendent after the meeting. Please be respectful when you address the board. Disruptions by any person or persons of a public meeting are unlawful and can result in removal from the meeting. You are allowed to speak for no more than 3 minutes and may only speak once during the public comment period. Multiple speakers presenting for the same topic may choose one speaker for the group who shall allocate no more than 5 minutes. If you're speaking on behalf of a group, all the group members must be identified on the sign-up sheet. And according to your sign-up sheet, you are the only
045person, Mr. Owens, and the topic is guilt merit. And at this time, if you'd like to pass something out, go ahead and then you can start your time will start with your speech. Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir. >> Mr. Frank, the last time I was here, I asked you a very specific question. I asked, "How do I get a private meeting with the board?" Your response was, "Through Dr. Britt." Dr. Britt has gotten a verbal conversation with it. And if you'll look at the top email, a written request to speak with you guys. So, I ask you again, no response from Dr. Britt, how do I speak to the board in private? Sir, I I can tell you that if you will specify what you want, and it's, you know, what you already Yeah,
046the specifics that I'm aware of, they've already been Okay. taken care of. So, again, you have one opinion, and that is the man sitting right there on your right. That's the only opinion you have. So, number two, if you don't think that there's a way that I can have a private conversation with this board, which all of y'all are elected, here's pushing a thousand signatures. If you'll read the first thing, this is every email communication between myself and Dr. Britt. If you'll look at the very back page, I went to the Board of Elections. They did a hundred signatures. I went there on Tuesday to get a write-in vote to be on your board, so that not only do I get just one conversation with y'all, I can have several a month. So, here's a
047thousand signatures in six days, and I've been going out of town from Wednesday until let's just be real honest until last night about 3:26 p.m. when I finally got back. It took 6 days to get 1,000 signatures. Because there's something going on and what you think you know is not what you know. And law enforcement is definitely unaware of any of what reading you through these emails that is there. So I'm requesting from you because this man's not going to allow it to happen. I'm requesting for you a chance to have a conversation with y'all. We did the investigation with law enforcement. If there was anything illegal that was done, then there would have been something that came out of that. But that was That wasn't the case. The money was not moved. To my
048knowledge, no, sir. Then then somebody's lied to you. Mr. Roy come to me specifically and said the money was moved. She has admitted to it. A student turned her in. Any of y'all that want to hear the whole conversation back and forth between him as well as Mr. Roy's messages Please, sir. Is that his request that he needs to leave? That's his request. We need your request to leave. >> And on behalf of myself, the board chair, I apologize. Um We'll go into unfinished business, item number 11 on the agenda, and Mr. Marsh. >> [clears throat] >> Adjust microphone back where it's supposed to be. >> That's okay. I'll leave it no more. People like to touch the Good Mr. Chairman, members of the board, Dr. Greer, thanks for the opportunity to come before you.
049Um as was presented in your pack I come before the board tonight requesting two new capital projects be opened. Uh these were part of the discussion um that we had recently in uh the most recent building and grounds um committee meeting. Mr. Chairman, uh I come making a request for a capital project in the amount of $250,000 be opened for [snorts] concrete capital projects throughout the district. Uh two of those that we believe will take the lion's share are projects at McDowell High School and West McDowell Middle School. Uh this information that I'm presenting now has been confirmed uh with Mrs. Rampy and and other members of the building and grounds, sir. Is there any questions on this? And if uh you'd like to make the motion [clears throat] >> Yes, Mr. Chairman, I'd like
050to make a motion. I request new capital project concrete work be opened in the amount of $250,000. These uh funds will support the concrete projects throughout the district. I'll second the motion. Okay, we have a motion by Mr. Barksdale and a second by Mr. Baker on the capital project request for $250,000 for concrete projects. Is there any further discussion? Just for clarification, I mean you've got dozens of fixes that you're doing across all of the schools dealing with concrete. That's correct, sir. >> So that's what we're That's right. And when I when I say various, sir, I I didn't feel it was necessary to point out every crack in every sidewalk throughout the district. And so yes, sir, what that does also it gives me a little bit of leeway, sir, to be able to
051go out and get the number of quotes that Mrs. Rampley likes me to have. Um and so again, that's typically three competitive quotes, apples to apples, and then be able to proceed with the work. Thank you. Yes, sir. Any further discussion? With no further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is a unanimous nine vote. Continue, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Sir, one of the things when I took the seat, Dr. Greer told me was that the board had already taken um some action in response and said that there are a couple things needed to do, Mr. Morrison. Two of those were were items that I needed to address in my capacity. One being a new softball facility at McDowell High School. And so with that being said, sir, it's
052my request tonight to come forward requesting board action that the board allow me to open a new capital project for the construction of a softball facility at McDowell High School in the amount not to exceed $500,000. Are there any questions for it? Chad, when you're saying the facility, are you changing the orientation of the fields or are you talking about just the press box, locker rooms? Primarily, uh what I'm talking about, um Mr. Suttles, is the construction of a new facility on the same property without or reorienting the softball field that would allow uh for a locker room, uh umpire changing room, uh restroom facilities for the players, a um a therapy room for the be taped the kids to be taped, and an indoor hitting and fielding area. Uh that's what I'm requesting, sir.
053Will you be going by the um plans that were approved by the previous board when we did this to as what was it? I think that was phase three that we did with the stadium? I have those, sir. What What these were presented What What these were done with was um as you well know, we're part of the project we did for the the tennis court. We just My friend got to ran out of money at that point. Uh these are These are incomplete. Uh but I have worked with the board's attorney Okay. uh to get permission to go back to the same architect. And I've met with the architect to discuss the plans. And so, it's my promise to the board, and I've already talked with the the AD if the if the board
054approved this, that I will be sitting down personally with the AD and the McDowell High School softball coach to talk about very specific needs and what it is that I propose to ensure that we are being as as all connected and transparent through this process as we can as an organization, sir. So, I'm I'm going to be honest with you, I'm stoked about it. I think we I got a great plan ahead and uh and the architect's excited. I think it's it's great for I mean, we've been trying to do this for a long time now. If you need any of the other plans, I have them here because what we originally said was that it won't be just softball, the indoor area that you're talking about, we also could have a donation of a
055golf simulator in there, some soccer nets where they retract, soccer would be able to go inside and football if they had a lightning or anything else could go to that area. So, I'm not taking away from softball cuz they definitely need the dressing rooms and press box and stuff, but we could make sure we utilize this for multiple sports and that's what we had planned earlier. Yes, sir. And then so I I think a couple things have changed, Mr. Sellers. One, I'd love to see the plans. So, happy to take whatever you got. But I obviously I think we're the original discussion for the board direct where I'm at now, as you know, sir, probably as good as anybody, process have gotten out of control. So, I do not think, sir, $500,000 will allow me
056to do that. However, that's why I've come to a not to exceed the number. So, with working with building and grounds, sir, and those are the two individuals I mentioned before, it is my absolute commitment to the board to provide a quality product that can be used for as many things as possible. However, the the primary goal will be to give those young ladies something that goodness knows they have deserved and desperately need, sir. So, that that's my intention. Absolutely and I and I agree with you and I'm I'm going to prove this, too. Just it in our process sometimes we try to go too fast. Make sure you allow for donations that will help you on that 500,000 cuz there's some people that want to see things done for golf and some other things,
057too. Absolutely. What definitely something that I'll work with Mrs. Whitman and Coach Cash and Dr. Greathouse about making sure that we get the right angles there, but definitely appreciate that and and as you know, one of the things that I'm committed to doing is making sure that within legal confines, I work with the board's attorney to ensure that everything that we do for this is done the right way and it's sustainable. So, yes, sir, we'll do that. I'd like to make a motion, please, chair. I'd like to request a new capital project for the construction of softball facility at the McDowell High School be open opened in the amount not to exceed $500,000. Second. We have a motion by Mr. Barksdale and a second by Mr. Abernathy to approve the capital project request from McDowell
058High School softball facility not to exceed $500,000. Is there any further discussion? Okay. No further discussion. All those in favor signify by raising your right hand. Which is unanimous nine vote. Okay. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, before I take my seat, I just want to say on behalf of everyone that these two projects will impact and the other projects that this board has supported, thank you very much for the support of this board. Appreciate it. Dr. Green, thank you, sir. Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Marshall. Ms. Rampi, finance update. Good evening. I don't have a lot to update, unfortunately. Um I'll start first with what's on the transparency page every month anyway, just showing you kind of where we're at year to date. We're about 80% into the year, uh but we do have uh the
059final payouts for teachers this month and uh our hourly staff get their last check in June. So, we are right on track. You can see the funds there. State uh is the first one and total is about 77%. So, we are on track uh where we had budgeted. Budget update, 25 26. Crickets. No budget. Uh so, there's not a lot to budget to talk about there other than we don't have a budget. Uh we do not have any salary increases for staff this year. Uh hopefully, we will find out some information on on what they're going to do if they're going to do anything this year or not or if it's all going to be next year, but hopefully we will find that out soon as they are going to be in session. For 26-27,
060like we talked about last month, we did submit the 4.5% request to the county commissioners and we do hope to hear back from them as soon as possible so we can start making the staffing changes. Um hopefully um the sooner the better. So, that's all we have for 26-27 until we get that final number and then obviously if we get some information from the state for next year's budget, that will help us make decisions as well. One thing I want to talk about is capital funds since uh we just had two large projects approved to kind of show you where we're at. This is where we're at before uh the approval of those two projects uh today. So, you can see in fiscal 26, this is with us having a reserve for the future capital
061projects of 3 million and for this year's projects at 2 million, that still leaves us at a 15 million-dollar balance. Obviously, we have some large capital projects coming up. We have the uh the school that we received a large grant for uh and any other projects uh that we're going to have for uh facilities. We are still in good financial shape because we are projecting to have 2 million in in projected projects, but then that reserve future projects is what we'll need for either our share of that uh school portion uh or if we have to have any kind of debt later. So, uh as you can see going all the way to 2041 uh assuming a 3 million-dollar reduction every year, we would still be at 18 million dollars and that's it that's with
062that reduction every year. So, obviously there's going to be a little bit of change when we have the new school and our share of that, but we still seem to be in pretty uh good financial situation there. And you can see our debt payments there for the high school pay off in 2028 and for the old four uh our share of that loan will pay off in 2034. That's the capital Mr. Rampi, if I if I can add just to that a little bit, um just as a reminder board, the uh 2028 debt payoff that uh will have there for the high school, there is a possibility Well, it's not a possibility. We know that there's going to be some uh money left over in addition to the $42 million that we received from the
063state uh that will need to uh be looked at as potential debt. Uh it'll also need to come to the board to make a determination if we want to pay any of that uh down out of this amount, as well as uh in that consolidation, uh as you all are well aware, um what we might do with uh with a number of buildings. And if that means if there's any remodel to be done there. So, uh to Mr. Marsh's point uh about trying to uh you know, really do something there on that and and and answer your question, Mr. Settles, about really being able to do something there on softball, uh certainly wanted to be able to do something, but I'm not sure we would be able to tackle the entire amount. So, uh we
064are going to have to look at at the baby bites, but I just uh I want to first of all recognize Ms. Rampi and her work because what you're looking at is is uh really a masterpiece when it comes to making sure that we are taking care of our facilities. And um it's something that you're not seeing um in in other districts necessarily. Um often you're seeing that they're um having to continually go back to the county to ask for money. Uh we certainly do our fair share of asking for money from the county. Um but we also can uh show through this that we can indeed stand on our own, especially you know, um both the capital and the general fund, but tonight we're specifically talking about capital. So, I think it's just a
065good opportunity to highlight that work. And and once again, Ms. Rampi, say thank you to you. And and and again, Mr. Marsh, thank you to you for uh coming up with a project that would work and would still stay within within the bounds. And I will say the finance committee, you know, this year without a budget, we've not had a lot that we've had to talk about, but with these projects, there will be a lot of decisions that the finance committee will need to establish for as you know, what we want to do there is on our share of the difference and with the buildings and several things. So, we will have a lot to do in the next 12 to 18 20 months or so. >> [clears throat] >> Item number 12 on the
066agenda is new business and Panorama contract renewal from Ms. Rappy, I mean Ms. Happy, Hamby, excuse me. Good evening, Chairman Frank, Dr. Grant, and members of the board. I'm excited to stand before you tonight to request action for the 26-27 Panorama contract renewal. Panorama is currently utilized across district-wide to warehouse our multi-tiered system of support better known as MTSS documentation, track interventions, and manage individual reading plans for our elementary school students. Staff are trained in its use and it is embedded in our instruction and our intervention process. The platform provides consistent documentation practices and ensures accessibility of student data across schools and department. Panorama is used across our district K-12. Since the implementation of Panorama, it has supported in our district to improve consistency and fidelity of the MTSS process, enhanced data-driven decisions, streamline documentation,
067and reduce and reduce duplicated efforts, and increase collaboration among teachers. Renewing the Panorama contract ensures continuity of services, avoids disruption to established systems and practices, and Panorama continues to meet our district needs for efficiency, compliance, and student support. So, tonight, the CNI team would come to you to to request board approval to renew the district's contract with Panorama, our established online platform management system for our multi-tiered system of support and our individual reading plans. And I would be glad to answer any questions. That's 43,000 and a little more. That's correct. Yes, sir. 43,000 and some change. I'll make a motion that we renew the contract for Panorama as discussed by Ms. Hamby. And thank you, Ms. Hamby, for that information. I'll second that. Okay, we have a motion by Mr. Shefford and the second by
068Mr. Suttles to approve the Panorama [clears throat] contract renewal. Is there any further discussion at this time? With no further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand. Which is a unanimous nine vote. Thank you so much, Ms. Thank you. We greatly appreciate your support. >> And I apologize for getting tongue twisted. That's okay. The next item on new business is the North Carolina School Board Association advocacy. And we have a member of our board, fortunately, that is on the school board uh associations uh administrative board, Mr. Paul Baker. And Mr. Baker, the uh North Carolina School Boards Association has requested us to uh contribute roughly $3,000 for this project. And if you could, would you enlighten the board on what they use this money for? Well, I'd be happy to, Mr.
069Chairman. Let me give you a little background and uh having been on the McDowell County School Board for about a year and a half and newly placed on the North Carolina School Board Association Board, I want to tell you that I'm still in the learning mode. Uh I'm just about kindergarten. And the North Carolina School Board Association has only met and this is since uh about the last of January, February, when I guess I went on about February. They've only met 2 days in Raleigh. And uh the days were split. We had 5 hours one day and uh 3 hours the next day. And I didn't get to go because of the having to having had surgery and couldn't travel, but but uh I was able to attend via Zoom. Uh we will meet 1
070hour tomorrow uh via uh virtually. Um we the board has Chairman Frank said, we've been asked to contribute $3,000 to help with the uh it's mainly for lobbying. There's sometimes other things they use it for, but mostly for lobbying our legislators about our our needs. Uh I've spoken briefly with Bruce uh Mildor of the North Association about some of the accomplishments. Um and some of the the things that happened here. Uh um Bruce, as we've become decent friends now, although we've not got to be together much, but uh they're they're uh the many of the bigger and wealthier districts, you know, they have their own lobbyist. And uh but as as far as we are from Raleigh it's a pretty big deal to get somebody down there and for us uh spending $3,000 to help
071them you know, I feel like that it's a um a good deal. Um the uh uh although we might not see it directly every time of of what's going on uh I want to stay in contact with them. I mean, and and go and I'm I'm going to all their meetings. We've got a uh in-person meetings in in June. And uh but they're trying to get three lobbyists, keep three lobbyists instead of two. And you know how the uh um I'm not a big lobbyist fan, especially in DC and and Raleigh sometimes with the the things that go on, you know, behind the scenes, but this is we feel like this is essential or I do in bringing this to the board. Much of this money is spent to target the the our legislators. And
072we get from time to time opportunity to to talk to our legislators, you know, uh in meetings and stuff locally and to, you know, try to hammer them about our needs and and wouldn't it be grand to have a budget, you know, after 2 years. Um Ms. Raby's fighting this out and doing a great fight and and all the school boards all the school systems are doing it and and teachers need a raise and we want to get them raise. We want our our support staff to have raises. But uh we need to jerk their chain, you know. So, this hopefully is just another way to do it. Um This was especially important during the proposed bill regarding charter schools. Which would have impacted 90% of the districts. Uh it would have diverted funds away
073from public schools. But they were instrumental in working [clears throat] in that bill. Um one project I'm going to turn it over to Dr. Britt about uniform universal pre-K. Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Baker. Um I've had the pleasure speaking with Bruce. Uh it's been a couple years ago now, but uh I had the pleasure of speaking with him and he put us directly in contact with um at the time it was Senator Lee, um who was over the education committee and Miss Hamby and I and uh board member were able to uh have conversations directly with our Senator and that was and that's a Senator who is on the East Coast of North Carolina. So, it wasn't it wasn't it wasn't necessarily our representative. Um but um Bruce was able able to put us
074in contact with the with the folks who could uh potentially make uh leverage on uh universal pre-K. Um obviously it's not something that's came to fruition yet, but it was still one of those things that was a good opportunity. I'll give you another example that's a little bit more uh that's still one of those that that's hanging out there. We hope to to still be involved in and and Bruce still has her name on it, but I'll give you another one that's uh a situation that uh Miss Ramsey and I have are dealing with this week. Um and and that's one of those where uh the the legislators have asked um and we just heard this I just heard this actually on Sunday uh when I read my weekly uh review from uh the president
075of our association uh that they would like to do a survey with uh um finance officers and superintendents. Um, and what they're doing there with that survey is they want to see um how we're how we're allotted, whether we should just get lump sum or whether we should get position allotments. Um, Ms. Rampy and I both uh stand on the side of we we need to have position allotments. Um, when you have lump sums that uh that that changes the game a little bit for us um based on the way that we can uh manipulate and move uh move folks into different pots of money, and I know that's going deeply into the weeds. But I say that to say um in this situation uh we need representation. Um, they're going to hear from Ms.
076Rampy and and and myself as well in that survey, and she of course on the NASBO board and me on the NCASA board will uh be be advocating uh that we continue to keep those position allotments. But the reason we need an additional person in our uh support there is because that one may be one of those where the larger districts it could be a little more beneficial for them. So, you're going to have districts on opposing ends of of that one potentially. So, I mean there's a lot of reasons like that why you might consider um having an additional uh additional folks lobbying for you. Um, again uh I feel like our team uh with uh with how we're positioned um on numerous state boards, uh we we definitely have an in, um but
077this would just uh provide an additional amount of leverage. Thanks, sir. Uh at one point they lobbied to prevent the Department of Insurance from canceling the insurance of any school owned by the county. Uh that was they were able to get the insurance continued. And last but not least, uh we have insurance through the insurance school board trust with them that helps us in certain situations. So, we're thankful for that. You could uh it's it's a pretty big deal. You could get into some big stuff. And, uh that's we have that with them. So, I'm recommending, Chairman Frank, that uh we pay the 3,000 to them to hit for this purpose. They come up with that They came up with that price b- because of the number of students we have. We're a smaller smaller
078district, and they that's about the smallest amount that's given, you know, so uh I'd like to recommend that that we uh um spend this money to help in the the uh uh during this term of the legislation. Okay, there's a fact that we have to be made aware of, and the fact is that by Mr. Baker serving on this uh board, he has to recuse himself from this vote. So, Mr. Baker will not be allowed to vote on this uh proposal uh for this money. We have I'd like to say this, we have given this one time in the past that I'm aware of. Uh brought to my attention by Ms. Rampy. Ms. Rampy, I appreciate that. And, the one thing that I want to say that that makes me support it is the fact
079that we're not moving very well with legislature, especially on teacher raises, and our other staff raises. And, we we've tried everything we know to do, and we're going to, you know, hope this will help that somewhat uh in the near future the the the get get a budget approved, and the get those much-needed raises that uh that our teachers so justly deserve. So, with that with that being said, uh and we'll discuss it further as the voting process goes, but I'll entertain a motion to approve that project. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion to um approve the funding for the advocacy by the North Carolina School Boards Association as presented by Mr. Baker. Okay. Is there a second? Second. We have a motion by Mr. Sheffer. We have a second by Mr. Allison.
080Now, is there any discussion on the topic? Mr. Chairman, I'd like to say that I appreciate um Mr. Baker's participation at state level. I think it's very important um to have good minds like like him there in the working for us on that um in that group, and my experience over the uh my time on the board is that um there is a a really concerted uh effort by this group to advocate for us in the things that that it there's never been a time I don't think we could need that advocacy more. Um we uh we need to take care of this funding for our teachers and their staff raises, and and I'm not sure if it's uh it's getting high enough on the on the totem pole in the priorities for the short
081session. Anybody else? >> [snorts] >> Okay. With no further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand. Which is unanimous eight vote with uh Mr. Baker being recused from the vote. Thank you, Mr. Baker, for the presentation. And I want to say this, too. Uh Mr. Baker, I appreciate you serving on that. I know your values are McDowell values. And uh I know uh you've been accused of being as tight as Dick's hatband. And so uh I know that uh if you didn't support this, you would let us know. So, thank you very much. Okay. Our and our 2027 Board of Education meet uh education meeting schedule is in the board packet. And I'll entertain a motion to approve our meeting schedule. So moved. Second. We have a motion by Mr. Abernathy,
082and we have a second by Mr. Barksdale. Is there any further discussion on the Board of Education meeting schedule? With no further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand. Which is unanimous nine vote. On our board reports, uh starting with curriculum and instruction, Mr. Suttles, do you have anything, sir? Just a reminder that uh the curriculum committee is going to meet May 20th at 12:00, and I'll send you guys a reminder. I but I wanted to do it tonight. Thank you, sir. Mr. Barksdale, building and grounds. Just to let the building and ground know that uh we will be or I will be contacting them uh when we get additional information for them to go over. Mr. Shuford on finance. Nothing further on finance. Frank. Okay. What about anything for Head
083Start? Mrs. Helms policy. Um we have not received any further guidance from Kimble and Chatley, but once we do, we'll be moving forward with a a meeting. All right, Mr. Baker or Mr. McGinnis on NJROTC. They're just gearing up for their summer sessions. Um they've got the leadership camp coming up. I think they're going to send five to it. Um they got the cell academy coming up. And the cell academy is the one that they want to have five going to and then they've got their big leadership that's going to be down in uh uh Rutherford County down in Union Mills. They have that every year. Um I would like to mention one thing though. They recently on March 14th, they had their 52nd annual Little Miss McDowell. Um the winner of that was Anna
084Waycaster. Um and that's a fundraiser they've had going on since 1974. And so it's still going strong and just a shout-out to them for putting on a great job for doing that. Yeah, did you this the distinguished honor? Do you want to cover that? The distinguished honor that they were awarded. Oh, yeah. We actually did get an email on that. It's a unit citation. Um and I don't have the numbers right in front of me, but they're going to be a distinguished honor unit again this year, uh which is a very high honor for the ROTC program. Uh it's um like an average across the United States, uh they placed very high um to get that. So, just another outstanding year for them. It's uh one of the top programs in the country. But, it's
085a distinguished uh unit award, I believe, what they call it for ROTC. So, a big, huge accomplishment for them. That's actually the biggest award that they can get through the uh CNET and through the uh Department of the Navy. Mr. Baker. Okay. Any other uh updates board wants to bring to our attention? Okay. Item number 13 on the agenda is uh approval of consent agenda. And uh of course, you all know that any item may be pulled from the consent agenda with a majority vote of the board and discussed and voted on as a separate item. And if there's nothing to be pulled, to be separated, I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. I'd like to make the motion. I'll second. Let Mr. Allison have the second. Okay, we have a
086motion by Mr. Barksdale and a second by Mr. Allison to approve the consent agenda agenda. Is there any further discussion? All those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is unanimous nine vote. Okay, uh we're going to take action on our closed session items, both uh certified non-certified personnel considerations. And I have to accuse myself as my daughter is one whose contract is up for renewal. So, I've got to recuse myself in this situation. But, I will entertain a motion to approve both certified non-certified personnel considerations. I'll make a motion to approve certified and non-certified We have a motion by Mr. Shufert and a second by Ms. Allen Helms to approve the personnel considerations both certified non-certified. Is there any further discussion? All those in favor signify by raising your right hand. Which
087is a unanimous eight vote. Item number 16 on the agenda is announcements. The Board of Education regular session meeting Monday, June the 8th, 6:00 p.m. Board Room. Closed session begins at 5:00 p.m. McDowell County school graduation ceremonies. McDowell uh MAHS uh graduation is Thursday, May the 21st, East McDowell Middle School at 5:30. McDowell Early College graduation is Thursday, May the 21st, East McDowell Middle School Summit Academy, Thursday, June the 4th, East McDowell Middle School auditorium, 6:00 p.m. And McDowell High School graduation, Friday, June the 5th, at McDowell High School stadium at 7:00 p.m. This time I'll entertain a motion for adjournment. I'll make a motion to adjourn. I'll second. Okay. Uh Mr. Baker has made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Allison has seconded that uh motion. Is there any further discussion? With no further discussion,
088all those in favor signify by raising your