001If I could have your attention, please. Uh, we need to get started back. And at this time, I'm going to ask, uh, Mr. McGinness to introduce our color guard from the NJOTC unit at McD High School. >> Ladies and gentlemen, it's our honor to have the McDow High School NJOTC Titan Navy present the colors. If you all join me for the presentation of the flag followed by the prayers of allegiance. Everybody please stand. >> Hold on just one second. >> Uh that. >> Yeah. Hold on one second. >> Invocation. >> Oh, invocation. >> Hold on just a sec. >> Everybody have a seat. >> We jumped the gun a little bit there. We'll do the We'll do the prayer. >> Hold on one second. >> Whoops. >> I jumped the gun again. >> We will
002now have an invocation. And at this time, I invite you all to join with us or engage in a moment of silent reflection. And at this time, I'm going to ask uh our vice chair, Mr. Abernathy, to return our invocation. Thank you. Let us let us pray. Lord, we rejoice in your presence and we ask that you bless this community and that you bless the the school system and the students and the teachers. Help the students to be successful. um and give the teachers the wisdom and the ability to teach. Administrators, we also pray for you. Um let us we ask this in in your name. In the name of the father, the son, and the holy ghost. Amen. >> Amen. >> Okay, Derek. I apologize. >> You're fine. Okay. We'll now have the presentation
003of the colors. Everybody please stand. Okay. Ready. Cut. Oh, heart guard. Hulk. 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. Hey Show Hey, P. Right. Taste fur parch. >> Thank you. Okay. Item number six on the agenda is superintendent remarks. At this time, I'll turn it over to Dr. Grit. All right. Thank you, Mr. Frank. Ladies and gentlemen, members of the board, uh, welcome everybody and good evening. Anyone who's been praying for snow from the from the school's perspective, I believe we're good for a bit. As much as I love a snow day, I have to say I'm ready for a regular week of school. That said, I want to thank our
004partners. These are our partners who we've been dealing with for the past couple of weeks. North Carolina Department of Transportation, the City of Marion, the Town of Old for, Mcdow County Emergency Services, North Carolina Highway Patrol, the McDow County Sheriff's Office, and our McDow County Auxiliary Services Team for their hard work over the last two weeks in helping us get back in school. We're fortunate to work and live in a place where our organizations come together to keep us safe and our children in school. Speaking of safety, the last couple of weeks have also been tough on our bus drivers and transportation department as they've had to locate and navigate around roadways that were still icy and adjust schedules for delays. Our drivers do an awesome job every week, but the past couple of weeks
005deserve recognition for sure in their hard work. And the timing of the recognition is perfect because February is the love your bus month. This month, I encourage you to remember your drivers and give them a pat on the back. While we're on recognitions, tonight we have several of our students here receiving recognition as well as individuals uh students and staff awards. The recognition portion of our meetings is always my favorite part. Nothing tells our story and the positive things going on in Mcdow County schools like these recognitions and you can see tonight we've got quite a few of them in front of us. This week, we also learned of another recognition that didn't make the agenda, and it will not make the agenda until they receive their recognition in the fall at the state school
006board meeting. Mr. Carson, I know you're back there. Uh, these folks at FCS, Foothills Community School will earn a STEM honor school of distinction. That is a that is an honor that they have had in the past, but it's a reapplication that they have to do each each three years. um and they have uh been able to go through that. It's it's it's quite an arduous procedure. They've done a good job uh making it through that. Uh we will invite them back in October. I know that seems like a long ways away, but it'll be here before we can blink. We'll invite them back in October and and recognize them outright, but it is something uh just tonight to let you know I'm proud of their accomplishments. Finally tonight, I want to share a few
007thoughts with you and what's going on with our uh the new school. Uh we're working very hard with the executive team as well as with our architects on coming up with a timeline for the new school and happy to say that we will report that timeline uh in in March. So, next month at this meeting, uh we will unveil the timeline and talk to you about all the different meetings and opportunities for staff to be involved in the community to be involved in the very exciting next phases of getting that new school together. And sir, that concludes my report tonight. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. What about student recognition? >> Yes, sir. >> At this time, we'll go ahead with our student recognitions invite Miss Whitman. Good evening board. Good evening families. I'm really
008excited to be here tonight. I'm going to tell you about an amazing student. He's here in our presence. So, I'm going to talk to you tonight a little bit about Brady and how Brady kept our goats alive during the winter Armageddon storm. But I also need you to know that Brady is an exceptional representative of Midell High School and our community. As a member of Midell High School, he constantly demonstrates leadership responsibility and he has a servant's heart. He will do anything that is needed to support his school. He always has a positive attitude and a smile. He has played an important role in welcoming families when we had uh rising freshman parent tours this summer. He provided valuable input during the A teacher interview process at East McDall Middle School, demonstrating maturity, insight, and
009a genuine commitment to our A program. Brady is part of the Chick-fil-A academy and McDow our high school's FFA. He has shown outstanding dedication through the continued development of his supervised agricultural experience, which is known as an SAE. And while every FFA student competes completes an SAE, Brady has gone above and beyond by building his own a business, raising and marketing goats, and managing egg production. Through his SAE, he has purchased his own tractor and farm equipment. He's gained hands-on skills that have prepared him to be career ready. He's always eager to lend a helping hand, whether it's at the high school, through the local food advisory, or with the youth a foundation. And when the snowstorm was a common, Brady took home eight of our goats. Eight goats using his own vehicle. Eight goats,
010five of them pregnant, and kept them all alive. I thought we were gonna have goat popsicles. Nope. Nope. He took care of them all. Um, Brady's success is supported by a highly involved and dedicated family who's here this evening. His parents regularly chaperon FFA trips, including trips as far away as Indianapolis. They help secure goat feed, and Lord knows we need a lot of it. And they actively support farm our Farm Bureau partnership. We are so thankful for Brady. Our goats are also thankful they did not turn into goat popsicles. And we are proud of his leadership, work ethic, and commitment. Thank you, Brady. Good evening, Mr. Frank, Mr. Abernathy, Dr. Grit, members of the board, and distinguished guests. We are proud to recognize tonight Mr. Wes Carpenter for being honored as a 2026 Morehead
011Kain Impact Educator F semifinalist. A distinction bestowed upon exceptional educators who shape, inspire, and elevate the next generation of leaders. This recognition is especially meaningful because Mr. Carpenter was nominated by student Bailey Moss, whose appreciation reflects the powerful and lasting impact that outstanding educators make on the lives of their students. The Morehead Kane Foundation's impact educator initiative launched in 2023 celebrates K12 educators around the world who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to student growth and leadership development. This year's class of 503 honored educators represent North Carolina, 38 other states in the District of Columbia and 14 countries across across the globe. Morehead Kane President Chris Bradford shared, "We are honored to celebrate this year's impact educators whose dedication to their students exemplifies the transformative power of great teaching and mentorship. These educators inspire curiosity, nurture potential, and
012help young people discover their capacity to lead and serve with purpose. West Carpenter embodies these ideals each day through meaningful relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to helping students recognize their own strengths and possibilities. We are grateful for the profound influence they have within our school system um and community and beyond. Please join us in congratulating Wes Carpenter on his outstanding and welldeserved recognition. So each month each Oh, good. Let me start again. 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 of the month exemplify dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. These honores consistently demonstrate our core values, showing leadership, teamwork, and a genuine passion for supporting students, staff, and the
013overall 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 and their exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication. I'd like to call up Mr. Greg Hughes to recognize our certified employee of the month, Mr. Hughes. >> Thank you, Miss D. Uh, I have the privilege of recognizing Miss Cheryl Mulby tonight. Before I get into the words of the kind of person she is. Um, many of you know I'm uh covering over at East for a little while. We just had this pesky eyes spot, lots of them. But one in particular where our kids come in the door
014every day and I just sent an email out the first day the kids came back and said, "Hey, if you don't have a home room and you're not covering somebody, can you come out and and help us get these kids into school making sure they don't trip on the ice, fall on the ice. So, we just have a little path. And sure enough, there was Miss Moldy. First thing in the morning, we were out there on a two-hour delay. It's freezing cold, ice all over the place, but there she was helping us get the kids into school. That's the type of person she is. Uh, I had some help with this. And so, I I will from staff members at East. So, I'm going to read what they what they said about you. She takes
015every student's success personally, approaching teaching with genuine conviction to meet all their needs. She wills them to be their best by setting a clear expectation and goals, yet drives herself exponentially harder than she pushes them. Failure isn't in her vocabulary, but hard is. And that heart fuels her unwavering commitment to ensure no student is left behind. And that is Miss Cheryl Maldi. Congratulations. Next up, please welcome um Miss Melissa Elliot to recognize the classified employee of the month. Mr. Ann, you'll step up front. It's an honor to congratulate an Eastfield family member who embodies what it truly means to be an educator and a wonderful human being. I cannot think of anyone more deserving to be selected for this award. If you want to know the real impact of a teacher, you don't look at
016a spreadsheet. You ask the students. In the words of our students, he is amazing and he teaches us good stuff. He's energetic, he's sweet, and he's kind. He makes me love music. I never thought I'd be able to play an instrument, but Mr. Ian let me know I could. Start crying like you. >> I try really hard not to. >> I know, right? And perhaps most importantly, he's the best music teacher ever. Mr. Ian has worked for Mcdow County Schools since 2013 and has been at Eastfield for 11 of those years. He began as a classroom instructional assistant and then became a music instructor. For the past two years, Mr. Ian has also served as literacy support for a second grade classroom. Miss Davis is here tonight. She's his cooperating teacher. But his influence stretches
017far beyond the classroom walls. He's the kind of educator who doesn't just teach notes, melodies, and rhythms. He teaches confidence, discipline, and joy. He has a unique gift for turning practice into progress and making music come alive. He has a way of making every student feel special and talented. But what truly sets Mr. Ian apart is what he does when the school bell isn't ringing. from offering before or after school band practices, a variety of music lessons, planning and directing the county talent show, and he sometimes is the first one in the building and the last one to leave. He strives to provide opportunities for students to have an authentic audience and foster a love of music and performing. Mr. Ian is a selfless person who gives his time to visit students in the hospital.
018He serves as an interpreter for families during doctor's visits or other meetings as needed with no compensation, but just because it's the right thing to do. And he has given his planning time on numerous occasions to sit with a student who just needed a friend. Sorry, playing Legos. He does it without any desire for recognition. Mr. Ian is quick to notice when something needs to be done and does it without hesitation. He stepped up to help with trash pickup almost every single day for our custodian who couldn't lift because of his back. Mr. Ian, you're an advocate for all people. You make every student feel capable of more than they ever thought possible. You are kind and uplifting to families and staff in our Eastville community. And on behalf of the staff, the families, and
019especially the students who love you, we thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your heart. Congratulations. Tonight is an it is an honor to recognize several of our schools that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to student learning and academic excellence. Each of these schools met or exceeded growth this past year. A milestone that reflects not only strong instruction, but deep dedication from teachers, staff, students, administrators, and families. Achieving growth requires consistency and a belief that every student can progress no matter their starting point. These schools embody that spirit. We are proud to celebrate these schools tonight. Their success strengthens our entire district and refle reflects the very best of North Carolina public education. Please join me in recognizing the following. Eastville Global Magnet School 2425 Academic Growth Award. East Mcdow Middle School 2425 academic growth
020award. Foothills Community School 2425 academic growth award. McDall Academy for Innovation 2425 Exceeded Growth Award and the 2425 Certificate of Achievement. And while Miss Rayfield is up here accepting that on MAI's behalf, she's going to accept McDell Early College 2425 exceeded growth award and 2425 outstanding graduation rate of 98.5%. Next up is Nebo Elementary School, the 2425 exceeded growth award. North Cove Elementary 2425 academic growth award. Ulford Elementary School, the 2425 academic growth award. Pleasant Gardens Elementary School 2425 academic growth award. the Summit Academy 2425 Certificate of Achievement and West McDow Middle School 2425 academic growth award. Let's give these folks, their teachers, their families, and their community a big round of applause. Item number 10 on the agenda is report from our teacher representative, Miss Amber Law. Turn it over to you, ma'am. Can
021you can we just like stick keep this like this so I don't have to move it because it's weird when I have to get up here and try to fix it and I'm awkward enough. Okay. So, good evening Mr. Frank. How are you this evening, sir? >> I'm great. >> Good. I would ask if you've truly searched your pure heart and decided to cut me a little break. But I already know your answer. And because of that decision, my definition of betrayal will not change. Even though I didn't get my way, instead of being stubborn, I'm letting it go. So, thank you again for making sure the moments that matter don't just happen, they're remembered. Now, I need to fix two mistakes from January's meeting. I was told it would be weird to point them
022out and that no one noticed. I won't say who told me, but Mary Basnney did. My brain will not let this go. So, first, when I was talking about my kids, I completely skipped over my oldest son, Jacob, and only mentioned Gray and Ava. So, I will not be winning mom of the year this year. I don't think it's ever going to happen, really. Second, I said Miss Helen's recognition was in November when it was actually in October. What makes this even sadder is that it was right there on my screen. Jacob and October. I saw it. I knew it. I still said it wrong. Anyway, that's been bothering me since January's meeting. Now I have Oh my gosh, I really do feel so much better. So, now I have what has become a traumatic
023core memory for me that goes along with tonight's recognition because this god-awful experience gave me an entirely new respect for these people, the work they do every single day, and the responsibility they carry for our students. But first, I need to ask, well, that's not true. I'm telling it's kind of one of those volunttold moments. Mr. Schuford, Mr. Abernathy, and Mr. Baker, I need you to keep your serious faces on as I relive a very traumatic moment. That means no smiling, no laughing, nothing at all. A tear or two of compassion is allowed. It's actually encouraged. I hate to break it to you three, but you are my ride or dies for the next few minutes. So, I need you to promise you'll be completely supportive because this this is going to be y'all's time
024to shine. Oh gosh. Years ago in my mid20s, I need support just having to say that. I took the bus driver clean training class. Mr. Louderdermilk was the instructor. When it came time for the driving portion, we were given a newer bus. Oh, thank goodness Mr. Marsh wasn't over it then. It was just me, another girl, and Mr. Louderdermilk. I was nervous at first, but then I thought, it can't be that hard. I could not have been more wrong. For some unknown reason, I was completely confident confident in my ability to drive that dang bus. We came up to a red light and I had to make a right turn. As I was turning, I took out the street sign. All you could hear was this awful high-pitched scratching sound, the sign, the metal pole,
025maybe both, going down the side of the bus, the newer bus, the newer one. And then the tears started. And I don't mean one or two tiers. I mean, instant camp breathing, full sobbing. As the scraping continued down the side of the bus, Mr. Louderdermilk went running, well, as much as you can, to the back of the bus. Apparently, I was about a centimeter or two away from taking out a fire hydrant. I didn't even know there was one so close to the sign. You could physically see the stress leave his body when he realized I wasn't going to run it over. So, there I am sobbing. Great. It's not that funny. So there I am sobbing, grateful the scrap, the scraping sound finally stopped. And then I drive straight over the railroad tracks. See
026right there. It's traumatic still. Didn't slow down. Didn't stop. He yelled, arms like this, "What are you doing?" Well, I should say raised his voice, not out of anger, but out of pure confusion and disbelief at what was happening. And between me trying to breathe, I said, "I don't know." which to be fair wasn't the answer he was hoping for. He must have felt he must have felt sorry for me because a few seconds later he handed me his handkerchief. I said sobbing, "No thank you. I don't want to get my snot and mascara on it." He just shook his head at me and honestly I was trying to look out for him because there was a lot of both. This was an awful dramatic can't breathe into the world kind of sobbing. I did
027ask if I could pull over and let the other girl drive. And just like Dr. Anytime I asked him a question, no matter what it is, I was told no. And I had to drive. It's true. And I had to drive all the way back to the high school. Looking back, I don't think he felt that bad for me. As soon as we parked, he got off that bus so fast and went to look at the side of it. I couldn't bring myself to look. I was too traumatized. I started walking away. I think he knew he was never going to see me again. He was right. He wasn't because he said, "You better come back tomorrow." I didn't even know how I could have cried harder, but in that moment, I did. I went
028back the next day. I didn't finish the class when everyone else did. I had an additional day of driving, but I will tell you on that additional day, we stayed on the main roads. And bless the girl who was with me said she could use the extra day, too. I don't know if she really needed it. I think she just said it to make me feel better because she only drove for a few minutes on that extra day. The good news, well, I guess I should say the scary news is I passed and got my bus license. For a long time after that, whenever he taught the class, he told that story. Thankfully, he never said my name. And just like that, thank you you three, your emotional support responsibilities are now complete. Listen, driving
029a bus is a lot harder than it looks. So, tonight I want to recognize our bus drivers. Bus drivers see students at their most unfiltered before the day has gone right or wrong. And after it's taken everything out of them, they see the tired faces, silent struggles, and the kids who don't say a word. They see they see who students are when no one is looking. And they see the good days, too. The smiles, the laughter, the small winds that matter more than they seem. And sometimes just being there, steady, familiar, safe is exactly what a student needs. And that matters more than we realize. Because for some students, that bus ride is where the day begins and ends with steadiness and care. Those study moments help students carry both the good days and the
030hard ones. The person we are recognizing consistently meet students with see it's gonna be like with patience, warmth, and genuine love and care. She is a daughter. She is a mom. She is a friend. She is a teacher. She is one of the lead teachers of our county. She somehow manages game duty because of course she does. She makes all of us look bad. And she is a bus driver in every role. My gosh, in every role she takes on, she shows up with dedication, kindness, and a commitment to our students in our school community. But with all that said, tonight we recognize Miss Lisa Robinson for her role as a bus driver. You're going to kill me. I mean, like, haven't even started. Lisa, you are truly a jewel in our school community. You
031have one of the biggest hearts and you bring that heart into everything you do. You have a quiet way of noticing students, of seeing when someone needs encouragement, patience, and just a little extra care. And you give that freely without ever expecting anything in return. Not for recognition, not for praise, but simply because that's who you are. Because you show up for students the way you would want someone to show up for your own kids. And because you believe every student deserves that kind of care. And you're right, they do. Starfish story reminds us of the kind of difference one person can make. It's a simple story, but it reflects the quiet everyday way one person can change a moment for someone else the same way you do for so many students. I've asked Miss
032Helms to share that story with you. One morning, a man was walking along a beach covered with thousands of starfish that had washed ashore during the night. up ahead. Someone was gently picking them up one by one and tossing each starfish back in 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 glanced 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." I'd also like to
033share what a former student had to say about the impact you made during those afternoon bus rides. Because the most meaningful words aren't mine. They belong to students whose lives have been changed. This one's going to get me, too. First impressions are always a crazy thing. My first impression of Miss Robinson was definitely an interesting one. She was the bus driver who made you follow the rules, and I was the first time rider who absolutely hated rules. I remember sitting on that bus thinking, "This lady is crazy. She's right." And counting down the minutes until I could get off and tell my dad I never wanted to ride again. Sometimes God sends you exactly what you need, wrapped in something you don't understand yet. In an instant, I looked up and I was the only
034one left. The whole bus was empty. The last stop, just me and her. I had no choice but to tell her where I lived. It was awkward. It was unexpected. And it was so simple. But that moment right there, that was the beginning of everything. The beginning of a bond I didn't even know I needed. As time went on, I realized Miss Robinson wasn't just a bus driver. She wasn't just the lady behind the wheel who made sure I stayed in my seat. She became someone who actually saw me, the real me, even when I didn't want anyone to. She became a mentor, a protector, a safe place, a voice I could trust, and the person who showed up when life got heavy and I didn't know how to carry it. If you told me
035years ago that a single bus ride would lead me to one of the most important people in my life, I would have laughed. But God knew what he was doing. I had no idea that the same woman I was plotting my escape from, would one day become one of the strongest, most loving forces in my life. The lessons she taught me, those were the kind of lessons you cannot find in any book, any classroom, any curriculum, no matter how hard you study. She taught me what resilience really looks like. Not by preaching it, but by living it right in front of me. She taught me how to stand up for myself, how to carry myself with dignity, and how to recognize the difference between the people who use you and the people who truly love
036you. She taught me about strength, not the loud kind, but the quiet, steady strength that keeps showing up even on the days when everything feels impossible. She taught me how to listen to my own voice. Even when the world around me tried to drown it out. She taught me that my worth was never tied to what I did, who I pleased, or how perfect I tried to be. It was tied to who I truly was, even when I couldn't see it myself. And she taught me that love doesn't always have to be spoken loudly. Sometimes it's in showing up again and again and again. Growing up without many mother figures left quite an emptiness in me. One I didn't always talk about, but one I definitely carried. My dad did everything he possibly could, and
037he did it well. But God knew there were parts of me only a woman's love could reach. So instead of sending me a mother in the usual way, he sent me Miss Robinson. Softly, unexpectedly, on a school bus I swore I'd never ride again. She stepped into my life without being asked. She stayed without being expected. And she loved me without ever being obligated. She helped me learn. She helped me learn the things no classroom could ever teach. The things you learn with your heart, not your head. She supported me through moments I didn't think I would survive. Moments I didn't even want to admit I was going through. Helping me see my worth in myself when I felt like I barely had any. and staying when she didn't have to. Mostly, she loved me
038on the days I didn't think I deserved love. Through every up, every down, every mistake, every heartbreak, every lesson, she was there. Sometimes guiding me, sometimes holding me up, sometimes pushing me forward. When I didn't have the strength, and sometimes standing in front of me to protect me when I was defenseless. Through every high and every low, she was the one who stayed. She showed up when I needed her, even when I swore I didn't. I thank God every day that I got on that bus. The same bus I swore would never see me again. And if God were to ask me to relive every hard moment, sorry, this one. And if God asked me to relive every hard moment of my life just to find her again at the end of that bus route,
039I would do it every single time. S. Lavender McDow High School freshman year 2019 to 2020. Lisa, here is your small starfish keychain. I'm a crier. She proves me to be. >> Let this keychain be a reminder of the difference you make every day. Not because a keychain could ever match what you give our students without them heaving even having to ask. The small conversations, the patient voice, the extra time in the simple decision to keep showing up even on the hardest days. The difference you make isn't just felt by students. It's felt by the people who know and love you most. You show up every day for your parents in ways that truly matter. They raise someone who leads with heart, loyalty, and strength. And that shows in every role you take on in
040every life you touch. I've seen you as an incredible mom, the kind who puts her kids first without hesitation. You love big. You sacrifice quietly. You are a safe place, a steady place, a constant source of strength, and the biggest supporter anyone could have. The love, loyalty, and protection you have for others are the foundation of everything you do. And it's why the care you give to everyone feels so genuine. You are also one of the teachers who helped shape my son, Jake. See, I know I have a son named Jacob. And that will always mean more to me than I can put into words. I am lucky to call you my friend, just as your parents are lucky to call you their daughter. And just as Riley and Isaac are so lucky to call
041you their mom. And thank you for trusting me with a small piece of Isaac's story. No matter how old he is, when I look at him, I will always see my sweet eighth grader sitting in my classroom. Nike socks pulled up as far as they could possibly go, driving me crazy because he moved slower than Sid the sloth. Almost every day I asked him how it was even possible that he was able to play sports. But gosh, Lisa, I love him so much. Tonight isn't about a job well done. Tonight is about love that wasn't required but was given anyway. The kind that changes lives. Friend, you change lives. When I ask someone to share how a person influenced their life and changed it for the better, I never tell them what to say. I
042don't send past presentations or impact statements to guide them. In fact, no one has ever asked. And still, so much of what is shared goes back to what's been said at every meeting so far this school year. And it's amazing how it all comes together. Each story reminds us how real this work truly is. You know what? These aren't just stories. They're they are lives changed. They are futures set on a new path filled with hope and confidence that they matter. that someone believes in them because it only takes one person to change the rest of your story. To help you see what's possible and who you can become, who you are meant to be. Lisa, you have been that person for so many. And the difference you've made is found in the students you've
043helped feel seen because you noticed you noticed them, listened without rushing, and treated every single one of them like they mattered. Because to you, they do. You may not be able to change everything a student is carrying, but you change how heavy it feels. Thank you for loving our students so well, for strengthening our school system, our community, and for reminding all of us what showing up with heart truly looks like. We appreciate all you do, and it's a and it's a privilege to celebrate you, friend. Thank you. Thank you so much. Everybody awesome. Dad, you are in big Good to see you. Any questions? >> Unfinished business. Item number 12 on the agenda and first one will be facilities update with Mr. Chad Marsh. >> Yes. And the answer is no. We cannot leave
044the microphone. We're not we're not all at the same geographic level there, ma'am. Um it it's and I'm going to do what Dr. Grit often does, take a point of privilege just to say how nice it is that we do that segment, ma'am. But more importantly, that we that we take time to give flowers because that's really what we're talking about. Take time to give flowers while we're able to enjoy them all together as opposed to lay them on top of us. So, God bless you and thank you for doing that. >> Well, it's not hard to apparently. So, if I did, I wouldn't think much of it. I promise. Uh, but no, you you had this old commander crying, too. So, trust me, it's uh it was well earned. Um, Mr. Chairman, it's always
045a pleasure to come before the board, members of the board. Thank you for the opportunity, Dr. Grit. Uh, we have much to celebrate. Uh, and and I'm not going to take a long time because I know Suzanne's already want me to sit down. But Garrett, can you show this slide? I want to talk about this really briefly. When I sent it to Garrett, it was just a little while ago. What's really what I want everybody to take from this is this was taken as as you can see, McDall High School at 3:30 Sunday, February the 1. Anybody remember when we got snow? all day Saturday, the last day of the month of January. So, I'm showing you this because of the herculean effort that was put forth by the auxiliaries directorate, uh, North Carolina Department
046of Transportation, and not just them, but if you'd have gone back a couple days before, how many people, Miss Whitman, were back there? nearly two dozen or so people standing back there in that parking lot to help redirect traffic so that student drivers wouldn't get in any slick areas. So, the amount of coordination, collaboration, and as I stated last month when I came up here about people being willing to do whatever they're asked, that's what happened over this two storm period. Um people I had one day I drove up there to go check in on my folks and there was my electrician and my plumber driving a truck with a scraper on the front. Electrician and plumber driving a truck. So that's what's happening. So I just wanted to start with that Dr. Grit and
047say how proud uh I am of our district and the effort that went on and um and again having talked with Mr. Chad Young at NC DOT they don't get a lot of flowers and so they were incredibly appreciative of Dr. regret mentioning multiple times how much work they had done but it was a total collaboration. So I really appreciate all of you in our transportation department as was mentioned u this is the love the bus and there are so many a month and there are so many people who go out every single day and do that but while we most of us get a couple hours to kind of get our feet up under us, those buses are getting warm at 5:00 every morning. Every single morning those buses are getting warm to go
048get babies. And so, uh, regardless of the hour of delay, the point is is that those buses are out way ahead of everybody else. And so, I just appreciate them. We really can't say enough about them and their efforts. I am happy to report that uh, through wonderful effort, Mr. Will Thomas and his staff have finished the inspections that were required on the new activity bus that the board purchased, and it is now in their fleet. Mr. Chairman, I know it's important to us all. They continue to do the work on the four yellow buses, but as I'll remind you, we were set back a little bit. So going to ask for a little grace there as they continue to get ready to get those back in. Mr. Garrett Barry Hill, who stands quietly here
049every week or every month, has been working diligently with the Department of Justice to be able to get the dispersement of the $475,000 grant um that we have been waiting on. And just today was able to get a quote uh for something that's long overdue and that is to provide Mrs. Whitman a security system at McDell High School. It doesn't have one. has never had one. So, we're thrilled about the opportunity to be able to continue to look search for those quotes to get competitive bids, but we're going we're going to get you security system there, Mrs. Whitman. So, I'm happy about Mr. Barry Hills on that. Um, and Mr. Haynes and his staff, unsung heroes, every day out there making thousands of meals. Want me to remind you about their national breakfast uh week
050in the in month of March coming up the 2nd through the 6th. certainly like to invite anybody out who'd love to come out and sit with a baby and have breakfast that they would certainly enjoy that I'm sure. Uh athletic side, our winter sports for our middle schools and high schools are coming to an end and our regular season basketball games at McDow High School will end this week on Friday against Freedom. So they have a large week. They played, as many of you may know, Friday and Saturday this past week traveled. They have a game tomorrow night. They have a game Wednesday night and then they have a game on Friday night against Freedom. So, I know they would really appreciate you coming on out and supporting them if you can. And what's always
051been a challenging rivalry there. Tryyouts for our other spring sports have begun. And North Carolina High School Athletic Association has announced that the 16th of February is our first day for spring practices, and I know there's there's many folks who are looking forward to getting out on those diamonds and on the track and and getting ready. Uh we've already talked a little bit about Mr. on. But one of the things he's been working diligently on behind the scenes is continue to work to get the repairs from our um the devastation that Helen Helen left uh completed. And so I'm happy to report that the fencing up at North Cove Elementary School, Mr. Alison, uh is being repaired. And so those folks, you see him up there, they're working to get that done. So very happy
052about that. Uh we talked a little bit about the grant project and and Dr. grit. Um, last week we hosted a legislative appreciation breakfast and was just a great honor to sit down with some of our partners from Raleigh who came up to talk to us about that and just really appreciate the collaboration. I think sometimes they they have so many constituents to consider. They don't think about the fact that McDow County um has been given almost $50 million in the last year alone uh to go towards facilities. And so we just what an honor and a privilege it is to be able to to spearhead that. Um the capital projects your HVC project one-25 there there's a great picture. Thank you Garrett. Um that was approved by the board uh middle of last year
053has all been allocated now and the last remaining piece of that project is the work at Mrs. Bagwell School. They're finishing up the buttoning up the connections for the rooftop unit there and that will be the last piece of that project. However, um to TAC 25, the HVC project that you approved after that, we're still working on. There's many pieces of that that are ongoing. Um certainly none of them at least uh mentioned, but certainly from Pleasant Gardens, there's a boiler there that we've got to get online, and we're working diligently to get there. Um there is a board that we have requested and been able to put on order that we hope to be able to get that board back online as well. the drainage project 1-25 that we approved. Uh the we talked
054about the work that went on at Old Fort Glennwood and Nebo and we have uh gathered quotes just this last week uh for a new ramp to be installed at FCS and that's being scheduled. So we're really proud about that getting done. uh our West Middle project uh we met with the architect uh just I think it was last week and the contractor's DDI of Hickory and had our pre-construction meeting. Everything has been uh set into motion. I've authorized mobilization at both um the the waist site which is the board's property on Ridge Road and at West Middle and then begin work on those projects on the 16th of March is when those projects will kick off. Um and so tonight I come before the board requesting uh some action on two new capital projects.
055Um one of the things that we have identified throughout the district is a heavy load that has to be carried by a number of people in in throughout the year but in particular in the summer a program where we have gone in and we have worked on waxing and cleaning our floors. Um, but one of the things that can really help lessen that burden from a financial and a manpower aspect is to continue to put luxury vinyl tile or LVT in our schools. This is an example of LVT in front of you. Um, two of the places that are I consider to be somewhat lowhanging fruit are West Marin Elementary School and Pleasant Gardens. Several years ago, Mrs. his handsaw fit to secure some money to be able to replace some of the old, dirty,
056awful carpet that was at West Marian with LVT that got replaced, but it wasn't being able to do it schoolwide. There was enough money to make it through. So, as the old saying goes, there wasn't enough money at the end of the month, right? So, uh, when we got to looking at it, we've gotten a couple quotes now and Pleasant Gardens, as you all know, with the grant that we went through, we installed LVT as a way to remedy some of the uh, the extra load that was put there when we consolidated the schools with old. And um I'm coming before the board tonight to request money to be able to uh finish West Marion, to finish Pleasant Gardens, and to go uh see Miss Whitman again here and uh work in her media center
057as the as that flooring is torn, faded, and otherwise is generally in sight. Um and I'm requesting an amount of $250,000. The second capital request that I have tonight is something I've been speaking about for over a year now and it is related to our heating and cooling systems. But this one is uh more designed around our actual components of the systems specifically our mixing valve some of the valves that I've explained to you that have caused problems in their systems as well as insulation piping and some labeling that has to occur. So, uh, West Middle, East Middle, Eastfield Global Magnet School, Glennwood and Evo Elementary Schools are all in need of mixing valves and the boiler rooms all need to be brought up to speed with, uh, painting and labeling. Um, the at the
058high school, uh, need a new mixing valve there. And we have gotten a quote come in working on a second one now for replacing the nearly 50-year-old insulation that is wrapped around the piping um because the hangers have pulled through the piping and it's caused condensation to drip into the overhead and tiles and it's beginning to cause damage throughout the school. Um and then any other areas that we identify as we go through the project and I'm requesting that amount in uh uh in the form of $250,000. of both those capital projects of a quarter of a million dollars. >> Mr. Mars, I have one quick question. Can you tell us the life expectancy of >> flooring 20 to 25? >> Oh, yes, sir. Yes, sir. I expect that this new LBT floor out west
059most of our schools, sir. >> Thank you. I'd like to make a motion, Mr. Chair. I can make a motion to approve the request for a new floor covering. This will be out of capital funs at 250 as presented. >> Okay. I'll Mr. uh Barkstdale has made a motion to uh approve the capital project request and this is the floor covering request that that portion of it and uh so I'll entertain a second. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Barkstdale. We have a second by Mr. Abernathy for the floor covering request request $250,000. Is there any further discussion? No further discussion. All those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is an eight vote. Okay. We also have a request for another $250,000 for the heating cooling system valves
060and piping request. >> I'd like to make a motion for that. >> Like to make a motion to approve the request for new heating and cooling system valves, piping. This will also be out of capital project $250,000. >> Okay. >> We have a motion by Mr. Barkstdale the second by Mr. Baker on the heating and cooling system valves and piping request at a total cost of $250,000. Is there any further discussion on the motion? All those in favor signify by raising your right hand which is unanimous eight here tonight. Uh Mr. Marsh. Uh, is there anything further for either one of those projects? >> Uh, no, sir. Nothing further. And bar any questions? That completes my presentation, sir. >> Does anybody have any questions for Mr. Marsh? >> Thank you, sir. >> All right. Up
061next, we've got Miss Rampy. Uh, she's will be giving us an update on our audit report. I did put a hard copy of the audit um at each of your chairs. You're welcome to take that home for lot reading if you want. Um but if you want to leave it obviously I can take those back as well, but that is your copy if you'd like to keep one. There's also one on the financial transparency page as well, but I'll go back that in a second. Just a quick update before I start on the audit is this is the information that's on the financial transparency page every month. This is updated through January 31st. Basically just shows that we are on track. You can see our total budget as of now is a little over 84
062million. We've spent a little over 43 million with about 2.8 in incumbrances. That gets us to have $ 38 million left or a little over 54%. So that's basically right on track. Um our certified teachers have received 50% of their But our uh hourly staff have only received 40%. So the way it works is they've received six of their checks for certified staff and the other staff will have six more or five more checks. So we are right on track with where we have budgeted. Okay. All right. I'm going to review this pretty quickly, but if there's anything that you guys want to stop and talk about, we can. I feel like we've talked about the audit for six months now because we've talked about this audit for six months. Um the audit deadline did
063get moved. It got pushed out from October 31st to December 31st. That was due to some federal uh compliance guidelines that were delayed in getting that out. And so the auditors had to wait until those were finalized before we could finalize our audit. We did get approval on from the LGC on February 3rd. So we got with the finance committee three days later to get that approved so we could get it in this this board meeting. So we did meet on February 6 in your packet but also online. Page one is the audit report on financial audit. The audit is broken into two parts. The one is the financial audit basically says did we report the numbers financially uh sound? Did we report the numbers accurately? So the first part of the audit we did
064receive no findings and that is page one that's the letter there on page 16 that talks about the results of operations basically. So for uh fiscal year 2025 we did have a reduction of fund balance of $287,000. That leaves us with a fund balance of $8.8 million. And on page 74 is the second part of the financial audit and that is the compliance section that say of the audits uh that we've got for uh federal programs or state programs where it has uh restrictions because they're coming from other sources. They audit those to make sure we did spend those in compliance of the way the audit or the grant was written. And so we received no findings on that part of the audit as well. That is a quick summary, but um we can go
065over any of these 88 86 or 88 pages that you'd like to. Sorry, I'm out of breath. I checked right when Mr. Marsh was talking and the PowerPoint was not was last month. Somehow I'd saved over it and so there was a little panic for about 30 seconds, but we're we're good now. It's fine. It's all fine. >> Okay. With that being said, ma'am, you are requesting action on this. Uh >> yes, the action is just to accept the audit report as presented to the finance committee. >> Mr. Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make that motion that we accept the financial aid as presented. If if I may, >> what a privilege it is to work with with Miss Rampy and the auditors that we've had been consistent for the past few years and they're
066always we've we've been through some challenging times with the pandemic and Elaine and losing But our finances are in fine order and thank you so much for the hard work you do and I put that in for a motion that we we do accept that audit as presented. >> Yes, sir. >> I'll second it. Mr. Pri, >> just add to that that those auditors, they really brag on her. We should brag on her. >> Well, it it's definitely a team effort. Um, uh, the compliance part relies on a lot of different, uh, moving parts with the federal programs. Uh, we have there's a lot of restrictions on that and a lot of people are helping manage that. So, we have a really good team and I'm I'm really proud of the team that we have
067here. >> Well, we're really proud of you and we're we're proud of our financial committee as well. And Mr. Marsh, please don't pull your pen out and pop that balloon as she walks by. Okay. No, in all seriousness, uh, we do have a motion by Mr. Schuford, the chairman of the finance committee, and we have a second by Mr. Baker, who's also on the finance committee, to accept the audit report. Is there any further discussion on the audit report from the board? With no further discussion, all those in favor of approving the audit report signify by raising your right hand, which is a unanimous eight count. And uh Miss Rampy, there again, thank you so much. And uh Mr. Chairman of the finance committee, I appreciate you for the job that you're doing on that
068committee as well. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, they are a great committee. >> Thank you, >> Mr. I'm not going to quite let you sit down just yet. Um, I'll take just a moment of privilege here if I may. Um, folks, what she's doing there is is critically important for our district and it's it's one thing to do it for a year, but I mentioned this in cabinet this morning and I'm going to put you on the spot and ask you, how many years have you had an audit with no findings? >> This will be our 20th year. >> 20th year, folks. That's just unheard of. So, let's give Miss Rampy a round of applause. Thank you, Chairman Frank. >> Yes, sir. >> Under item number 13 on the agenda is new business. And
069Dr. Grid, if you'll talk to us about the 2025 2026 school calendar date adjustment on February the 13th. >> Yes, sir. Uh, one of the things folks got tired of hearing is this is Tracy Grit and I'm calling with an important announcement. Um, and I know that they got tired of hearing that because we did it a whole bunch in the past couple of weeks. Um, so with that said, uh, February the 13th was scheduled as a professional development day. Um, and once we recognized we were going to be missing quite a bit of school, one of the first calls I made was to Miss Crystal Hamby, who's over our curriculum, and I said, "Miss Hamby, what's it going to look like when we turn February 13th into a school day?" Um, because I think
070our parents need that. But I think our kids need that. We really need to have our kids in school. And Mr. Hughes reminded me too that um typically we don't necessarily love Valentine's Day at the school because that's a that's an a day and and I'm seeing my principal sit back there all with grins on their face. That is a day when they come in with all kinds of chocolates and balloons and everything else. Well, folks, that's exactly what I'm proposing tonight that we do. We go ahead and make uh not Valentine's Day. We're not talking about Saturday, but we are talking about February the 13th, which was a professional development day. My request is that we make that a a regular school day uh for our students. And at this time, Mr. Frank, that
071would be my recommendation to make that adjustment to the calendar. And I feel very good that we've been able to notify parents even though uh sir, we couldn't do that without uh official board action. Um, I did try to in each one of my uh call outs let parents know that February 14th that my intention was to be talking with the board about that and and with the strong likelihood that that would be the recommendation and the direction we would go. >> I'd like to make a motion that we address the calendar to second. Okay, Miss Helms, I asked her to step up and make that motion since she's on the curriculum committee and Mr. Subtles isn't here tonight. So, I appreciate that. But we do have a motion by Mrs. Helms to adjust the
072calendar. As such, we have a second by Mr. Schuford. Is there any further discussion on the February 13th adjustment of the calendar? Okay, with no further uh discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is an eight vote unanimous in the house tonight. Okay. Uh I know Mr. Subtles isn't here and with our new uh instructions and policies, Miss H, can you give us anything? >> Mr. uh Mr. Frank, I'm here if you need me. >> Okay. Yeah. Okay. Go ahead then. >> No, just a reminder to the curriculum committee that at some point we'll have to have a meeting and I will let you guys know as soon as I talk to Miss Hamby and Miss Baker about that. >> All right. Thank you, sir. I Yes, sir. >> Still
073there. Thank you very much. Okay. Uh Mr. Hughes, we also have you for the first read of the calendar. Good evening. Long time no see. Uh this is the first read of the 2627 calendar. No action uh will be asked for tonight. Just go through these uh real quick. Uh we'll start with the Eastville calendar just to make sure that that you can see all three of those. I think they're in your package as well, but they're going to be put up uh on the screens. I'll go back to a couple of the rules for the calendar once we get through the Eastfield and the MAI and MEC calendar. Uh don't forget our our Eastfield calendar is the nine weeks off or nine weeks off. That's a nice calendar. Nine weeks off, three weeks. Nine
074weeks on, three weeks off. Uh and so you can see that with how it's built. Uh their first teacher day is July the 6, first student day is July the 9th. You can see those days in August, the 18th and the 19th. That's when the traditional calendar starts back. And those are the district PD days. And so that's why those are are are hanging around in August. And you can see that their first break starts on September the 14th. Uh they have the three weeks that takes care of their first nine weeks. They come back uh on October the 6th. And they swing all the way to Christmas on on the 15th. That will be their last day. and that starts their 3-week break uh their second 3-week break uh at the end of December.
075Um come back on January the 5th, uh the holiday on the 18th, that's MLK. Uh you see in February, there's a couple of a PD day. There's that one. Uh hopefully we won't need to do what we just did for for this one last year. Uh you can see the PD day there and the work day. Uh and you can see that their uh third uh three-week break is starting on with a half day on March the 12th and they get into their three-week break that ends uh the 5th of April. And the traditional way going through there, there's a half day of PD there on the 7th, Memorial Day on the 31st, and then their last day of school is on uh June the 4th. And all of our calendars, they they converge around
076spring break. Uh even though this this one starts in July, the M MEC1 starts in August. Everything is back together around spring break with those calendars. So, I'll I'll jump to uh MEC and MAI real quick. Think I've got the right one. Uh and you and you can see where they start with their first teacher work day on August the 3rd. Back in the day, like 1995 when I first started, this was the school calendar that everybody went by. But this is the early college calendar now. And you can see that their first day is August the 6th. Uh everything converges. You got uh Labor Day on the 7th. Eastfield have that one as well. Uh the PD day on August the 18th. And they don't have the nine on and three off. Uh they
077just go right straight through. Their first semester ends on December the 18th. That's 89 days. Uh their first semester is done. Their week of testing is going to be right there the 14th through the 18th. They their first semester testing is done before Christmas. Wonderful, wonderful calendar. Uh they pick back up on January the 4th. Everybody's actually picking back up right there. You can see the MLK day. You can see the PD day in February. You can see a PD day in March. Got a few work days thrown in there with the 18th and the 19th. And you can see at the end of March, they're going to have the work day on that is Good Friday the 26th and then head into spring break the following week or they just have a shorter spring
078break. No, they have the full spring break. I was looking down one. My bad on that. Um they finish up on May the 25th, have a few work days and teachers are gone by the 28th. And so their testing time will be starting on about the 19th of May, those last five days there. And so that's that's how things work with the early college MAI and MEC. Couple of things I want to throw out to you uh since we're going to hit the traditional calendar next just so that everybody's on the same page with this. Um you got to adopt a calendar that's 215 days. That's the rule. Uh and I I'll show you a couple things when we get to this traditional calendar. Uh it's got to have 185 days or 1,025 hours. Those
079are the rules and we go by them. And uh except for year- round schools, the opening date for students shall be no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26th. And the closing date for students shall be no later than Friday closest to June the 11th. So you can see the traditional calendar right here. Uh August the 17th, that is day one of 215. Same thing for all three calendars. That first work day is day one out of 215. The PD days are there. Those are the days that you saw that Eastville had off. There was one as well for early college and MAI. You see September the 7th is still there. That is the Labor Day. And we go through there's a work day on um the 23rd of October. That's going to be
080the end of the first nine weeks. And so we get a work day there where folks can get their grades in. And we continue on through November. November 11th that is uh Veterans Day. That's the only day that we're mandated to be out of school. Is a great trivia question for kids. When when are you out of school? Christmas? No. Easter? No. That's Veterans Day. That's the one day that's mandated that we're out of school. Uh you can see the Thanksgiving holidays, same three days for all all three calendars. And you can see where um we end with the 18th at 79 days. So the unfortunate part about this calendar is that we have to come back for about nine days or actually four days and we pick up the testing window on the 11th
081of January. So that's when fall testing will be for the traditional calendar at McDow High and Summit Academy the 11th through the 15th. Uh you can see MLK day and the work day. It's a big undertaking to flip around McDall High from semester 1 to semester 2. Back in the day there used to be two work days there and so it'll be MLK work day one work day two to get all that stuff done. It's a lot. It's a big big big undertaking and the people that have been there for some time know what kind of an undertaking that is. um February we go through there's that 12th there's the PD day that's going to be on all three calendars you can see the half PD day in March and again we hit Easter break
082spring break uh starting on the 26th of March and going through the 2nd of April uh and that's zipping through until we get to May. We have a half half a PDD there in May and then we hit the last 10 days we'll pick up the testing which is going to be offered on the 21st of May. That's that's day one of the 10-day window, I think. Yeah, it is day one of the 10-day window on the 21st of May. And then the five-day window for McDow High Summit start on the 28th of May. And so, a lot of the questions we had uh with the calendar committee were, well, can we have another workday thrown in there? Let's take the 11th of June, that work day, and put it somewhere in there. It sounds
083great, but it won't work because if you take the 11th away, that means you only got 214 days in your calendar and you got to have 215. Say, well, let's take away the seventh and put that there. Uh, that would be tough getting kids to come back for high school testing on Monday, June 7th. Uh, and so that was a conversation during during the calendar committee and then we started talking about that was like, uh, no, we don't we don't like that either. So, that's why everything's falling where it is. Uh, just wanted to make sure you had the ins and outs of the 215 days and how that worked. And, uh, we'll come back in March and get you to have action on this. I have to apologize. I'm a month behind with this.
084Uh, we're working on it with Miss Smith and then December happened. And I think y'all don't know what happened with me in December. And so, I apologize for doing this in February. I usually do it in January. Uh, won't make that mistake again. So, we'll get that to you uh as quick as we can next year when we start talking about this. So, it's all I have for that unless you have any questions for me. >> Well, sir, I do have something for you. Um I appreciate the extra work that you are doing uh at East Middle School and it doesn't go unnoticed. We we appreciate that. That's your your plate's full. You even got side boards on it, but we we appreciate it. >> It's all fun and all fun and enjoying. Well, I'll
085tell you not a better person could be doing the job. I say that. >> Uh, Mr. Allison, you're on the calendar committee. Is there anything you'd like to add or bring up? About everything I hear people wanting us to do is start school earlier where we can test before Christmas. And I believe that would that would help your test scores immensely because when I taught when you got them back, they'd forgot everything you ever taught. It's like just it wasn't there, sir. We've been fighting that battle for many years. Maybe it'll change. Maybe maybe it'll change. I hope so. Anything else? And I know you need to leave. So, I'm telling you, you can go ahead and go. >> Thank you, sir. >> Okay. Uh, back to our board reports. Uh, Mr. Barksdale, anything from
086buildings and grounds? >> I believe we've covered it. Thank you, >> Mr. Schuford. Anything further from finance? >> Uh, nothing else on finance, but while I've got a chance here, I'd like to say I was I had opportunity to be part of the um monthly meeting with the Head Start group and great staff we have there as well. And thank you uh Dr. Delaney and and your staff for the great job you continue to do there and it's great to be able to participate uh and support your group this year as well. >> Mr. subtles on on the head start. Are they going to have prom and all that stuff you're aware of? >> Yeah. >> Okay. You're going to keep us advised, right? >> Okay. >> All right. Miss Helm's on the policy committee.
087>> No, Miss D and I actually been reaching out to each other and should have a date shirt up midweek for our next meeting. should be reaching out to you guys. >> Yours is busy and Dr. Grit's got some things he's gonna add to it. >> Okay. Does anybody else have any updates uh for the board on board reports? Anything from NJO? >> I know they've got a national competition coming up in Missouri, I think next week, and then uh following that they've got a drill competition um in Knoxville. But that's just part of the course. Always something. >> Yeah, they're doing good. And if you would sometimes share the spotlight with Mr. Baker. Okay. >> Putting him on the spot. >> Okay. Item number 14 on the agenda is approval of the consent agenda.
088And as always, any item may be pulled from the consent agenda with the majority vote of the board and discussed and voted on as a separate item. And if we don't have anything that needs to be pulled and discussed, then I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as it's printed in the agenda. >> I'll make a motion. Yes. We have a second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Barkstdale and a second by Mr. Schuford to approve the consent agenda. Is there any further discussion? With no further discussion, all those in favor of the approval of consent agenda, uh, raise your right hand. >> Okay, that's an eight unanimous. >> Oh, yeah. Yes, sir. Okay, we don't need to go back in close session. However, I'll entertain a motion to u take
089action on the personnel considerations and that's both certified and non-certified. >> We have a motion by Mr. Baker. and a second by Miss Helms. Is there any further discussion on the personnel considerations? With no further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is unanimous seven vote. And item number 17 is uh announcements. Board work session Monday, February 23rd at 5:00 pm. Board of Education regular session meeting Monday, March the 9th at 5:00 pm. And if there's nothing else for the betterment of the school system, I'll entertain a motion. Okay. Go ahead, >> Mr. Frank. Just if I if I can, I wanted to remind uh board members if you're if you're able to join us for breakfast on February the 12th. We'll be doing our auxiliary services team and and
090love the bus. That'll be here at the central office for breakfast. It starts at Miss Smith. Is that at 8 o'clock? 8 a.m. You're welcome to join us on the 12th. Yes, sir. >> Okay. Uh I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. >> So move. >> We have a second. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Abernathy and a second by Mr. Barksdale to adjourn. Is there any further discussion? All those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is a unanimous seven vote. Uh, Miss Lawing, would would you would you give us a break so we can get through this meeting? >> She's she's asking me serious questions. >> Thank you so much.