Board of Education Meeting - November 10th 2025

0016:00 and we want to call this meeting back to order. Uh at this time I'd like to ask you to remember members of our staff who have lost relatives or loved ones. And of course, Jonathan Haynes, he's uh lost his father and Miss Hamby lost her mother. So, if you would remember those folks. And uh tomorrow being Veterans Day, I I want to say that I attended a Veterans Day program today at West Middle uh School and and it was very very uh good. And the guest speaker was our own Chad Marsh. And Chad reminded me of a few things and I want to just kind of touch base with a couple of these things concerning veterans. And uh one one thing that uh I guess everybody knows but North Carolina is one of the

002uh uh most populated states for veterans there there is. And you know in North Carolina only 7% of the population is a veteran. So, so veterans are a small minority and didn't realize that, but we really have a good uh crowd here in our school system with with a lot of accolades and a lot of accomplishments by being a veteran. I u I'm a veteran, of course. Uh Paul Baker's a veteran and Greg's a veteran. And uh and Chad, one one thing I want to say is you can still accomplish a lot even if you go in enlisted into the military. And of course, first sergeant Miley, we we appreciate you and and the NJRTC, but Mr. Marsh uh well, Lieutenant Commander Marsh, he uh he went in and listed and became an officer and

003look where he is now. and and he owes he owes he admitted he owed a lot of that to his uh service uh connections and and I'm going to tell you I look I look around the room and I don't know if Mr. Wheeler's here or not but he was a veteran and and I'm telling you enlisted and I look back and I see Mr. Carson, a veteran, and they're principles, and the the military instills sings on you and in you that uh you want to be a leader. And uh you know, I'm going to be honest, if there's anybody here I I want to follow, it's a it's a veteran because, you know, they pass a test and can do the job and they're not going to they're not going to back up on

004you. they're going to keep going forward. And not only that, uh, Mr. Carson, Miss Carson was also a veteran. And look, you know, it's it's just so great that you folks have just come to where you are today and set such a shining example. And with that being said, happy Veterans Day to everybody. And u, of course, it brings on a vacation day for tomorrow. But uh at this time we're going to have an invocation and I invite you all to join with us or engage in a moment of silence and I'm going to ask Mr. Abernathy to return thanks for us. >> Thank you Mr. Chairman. Let us pray. Lord, we give you thanks and praise and we do want to remember our veterans and all of those that fought and defended. This is

005not Memorial Day but and died uh for for the freedoms that that we enjoy and we we thank you for that. We thank you for the gifts and the blessings that you have bestowed on us. We ask that you guide and lead the decision making of this board. We ask that you be with this board and faculty and employees and students. Keep them safe and help them to be successful in their academic endeavors. Lord, most of all, grant us peace. And we pray in your most holy name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Okay. At this time, uh, Mr. McGinness, I would ask that you introduce our color guard. >> Ladies and gentlemen, we're going to have the presentation of colors by the McDall High School NJC color guard. If you'all please stand for presentation of colors.

006Color guard color. Ready. colors. Hulk. Right. Face reset pose. >> Pledge 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. colors. Ready, cut, post. Right face. Boom. Whoa. March. Item number six on the agenda is superintendent remarks. And Dr. Gre, I'll turn it over to you. >> All right. Good evening, folks. Chairman Frank, Vice Chairman Abernathy, ladies and gentlemen of the board, folks out there with us tonight and especially our veterans. We just kind of jump right into it. Tonight, we're on the cusp of the Veterans Day holiday. I want to recognize any veterans that we have with us this evening. Veterans, if you are able and willing, please stand. Thank you. November the 11th marks

007the day when we honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The sacrifices and challenge that accompany your service should be consistently recognized and remembered, especially on Veterans Day. Those sacrifices that protect our freedoms and rights so that we can have meetings such as this board of education meeting should never be taken for granted and therefore be treated with integrity and respect. Tonight, we thank you for your service ensuring that our freedoms in this great nation remain intact. Folks, please join me in giving our members veterans a round of applause this evening. Thank you. Last week marked the end of the fall seasons for sports. I'm happy to announce that we reached some significant milestones this this uh fall on the field and the court. Our ladies volleyball and men's soccer as

008well as our football teams all earned the opportunity to participate in the state playoffs. We are proud of our team and I look forward to watching our winter sports seasons take shape in the coming weeks. Sir, I'm not sure that we've had that happen in quite some time. I'm very proud of our folks. Tonight, I also want to take a moment to thank our teachers and administrator for helping us to work to be compliant with state law uh and House Bill 805, cataloging cat classroom books and publishing them online. This law took shape early this year, leaving our teachers and staff very little time to become compliant. Thanks to Miss Crystal Ham's research into defining a scanning tool that a aided our teachers and saved valuable classroom time. I also want to thank our principles

009for their creativity in providing time for scanning and even working with students from MEC and MAI to earn volunteer hours. We are nearing the completion of this project. We must comply with the law and offer parents the opportunity to review our materials. Although the timing was not ideal, I'm proud of our work and stand behind how the Mcdow County Schools attacked this issue and made short work of a task, allowing our teachers to stay focused on teaching. And again, thank our teachers and administrators for your hard work. Tonight, I'm happy to report that we have met with DOT and they are studying the traffic flows at Eastfield Global Magnet and Marian Elementary School. They will soon be evaluating traffic around the new school site on Highway 70. Keep in mind that we are awaiting the

010results of the grant that we submitted for a new school. Our fingers are certainly crossed and we hope to hear back from the state before Christmas. We're also in the final stages of architecture and engineering the West McDow Middle School Field Project, which is part of the rec Helen Recovery Grant Fund to elevate the field and divert water off the high school hill. uh board. We've asked the architects from Hollander and Ham to provide you with an overview of the project in December. I think you all will will be pleased with what you see and I certainly appreciate the work the building and grounds has put into that project. Finally, tonight I want to recognize Miss Ashley MacArthur. Her work to secure a 145,000 grant dollar grant to maintain the leader in me program for

011another year. We're very proud of Miss MacArthur. Miss McCarthy also represented us at represented North Carolina at McDow County Schools in Dallas, Texas last week. Uh she was doing work uh and then giving a pres presentation uh on working with uh students that would fall into McKente Vento services. Thank you, Mr. MacArthur. We're very proud of you. And thank you, Mr. Frank, and the board. Uh that concludes my report. >> Go ahead. Staff recommendations. >> Yes, sir. At this time, we'll be doing our staff recognitions. Mr. D. Good evening, Mr. Frank, Mr. Abernathy, members of the board, Dr. Grit, and our esteemed guests. I'm excited for our first recognition tonight to recognize our 2526 McDow County Schools Principal of the Year, Miss Aaron Rayfield. Miss Rayfield, if you'll come up front. She loves the attention

012on her. I would like to read the press release about Miss Rayfield so we can truly appreciate her accomplishments. Aaron Rayfield, principal of McDow Early College, was named the 2026 Mcdow County Schools Principal of the Year. Miss Rayfield was surprised by the announcement in front of McDow Early College student and staff um Superintendent Tracy Grid and other district leaders. The process for choosing the principal of the year begins with nominations from the McDow County Schools leadership team. Directors and principles have the opportunity to nominate a principal who fosters a culture of collaboration, encourages academic innovation, and leads with integrity and compassion. Principles across a district then vote on the nominee they believe best exemplifies these qualities. So in other words, to be elected from your by your peers is a huge honor. Miss Rayfield was

013deeply honored by the recognition. Sharing receiving this award is truly humbling, but it's a reflection of the extraordinary people I've been fortunate enough to work with throughout my career. I'm surrounded by a team of dedicated teachers and staff who pour their hearts into our school community. And I've been lucky to have the guidance and encouragement of our superintendent, assistant superintendent, and district leaders. Leadership is a collaborative effort, and I'm proud to contribute to a system where teamwork drives meaningful outcomes for students. Miss Rayfield began her teaching career in 2008 at Old Fort Elementary. She then joined West uh Marian Elementary School where she taught from August 1st, 2009 to June 30th, 2021. In August 2021, she advanced into administration as assistant principal at West McDow Middle School, even though I fought for her to be

014at West Marian, serving there until June 30th, 2023. From July 2023 through June 2025, Miss Rayfield served as principal at Pleasant Gardens Elementary School before assuming her current role as principal of McDow Early College on July 1st, 2025. A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Aaron Rayfield holds a bachelor's of science and sociology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Go Niners. A degree in elementary education from Saw Shaw University in 2008 and a master of arts and educational leadership from Queens University in 2020. Superintendent Tracy Grit shared words of praise for Miss Rafield, stating, "Aaron Rayfield is an exceptional leader who monitors professionalism, empathy, and dedication every single day. Her vision and leadership have helped make McDow Early College a place where students are challenged to achieve and supported to succeed. She embodies what

015it means to lead with both heart and purpose. Miss Rayfield will go on to represent McDow County Schools in the region 7 uh which is the Northwest Reason Resa uh principal of the year competition in November where she will compete against 15 other district leaders for a chance to become the regional principal of the year. So please join me in congratulating Miss Aaron Raian. Congratulations. Next up, we have our certified and classified employee of the month. So, 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 stu

016supporting 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. First up, I'd like to ask um Dr. Jennifer Kyman's to come recognize our certified employee of the month, Dr. Croyman's. Good evening, U members of the board. Dr. Grip, it's my um great pleasure tonight to introduce you to the McDow County School Certified Staff Member of the month, Miss Ellen Almond. Miss Almond serves as one of our incredible EC program specialist. I attempted to write Miss Almond 67 reasons why you deserve this honor six

017but I decided that it may take a while. So um when I tried to come up with a message that I felt like truly um explained who you are um the words that came to mind were humble and detail oriented. The goal my my goal was to try to surprise Miss Almond and I really did try. um she's not really easy to try to get a surprise over on. Um even though my text message said everyone needs to come to this meeting, she still said, "Does that mean me?" Um so yes, so I had to let the cat out of the bag and let her know that yes, she still had to come. Um but so my attempts to trying to pull a fast one on Miss Almond did not work. Um I do want

018to say that her hard work in serving at multiple schools is very um appreciated. She Sorry, I lost my place. If Ellen looks slightly uncomfortable up here, it's because the spotlight is on her and that's her least favorite place to be. She would much rather be out in one of her schools um quietly changing lives. We had to practically practice practically promise for for her to do extra paperwork to get her to stand up here, but this recognition is absolutely deserved. Ellen, please forgive us for this moment of attention, but your dedication simply must be celebrated. Miss Almond joined our Mcdow County Schools EC uh department team just last year, but she has already made an impact that feels like decades worth of service. She is without a doubt a small yet mighty leader. Her

019responsibilities span a massive scope. As an EC program specialist, she provides critical support to East McDow Middle School, West Marian Elementary School, and the extended content and occupational course of study programs at McDall High School. Beyond her school assignments, she leads her expertise as a key member of our autism team and our assisted technology team. She is everywhere quietly helping others. Miss Almond's colleagues describe her as with the terms visible, knowledgeable, helpful, and always willing to jump in and help out anytime she is needed. She embodies a hands-on approach to leadership driven by a servant's heart. She doesn't wait for permission. She sees a need and she feels it. That quiet competence and willingness to do the work, not just direct it, is what sets her apart. It is a true testament to her effectiveness

020that she is so deeply valued by the teachers and students she supports. Ellen, today and every day, we say thank you. Thank you for making an impact with your quiet strength. I personally feel incredibly blessed to know you and be able to work alongside a leader of your integrity and compassion. McDow County Schools is genuinely lucky to have you. Next up, another man who loves to be um have the microphone, Mr. Jeff Vaughn, is going to be recognizing our classified employee of the month, Mr. Vaughn. This is recognize Miss Diane McCra. I got to do it. You got to do it, too. Diane joined the Mcdow County maintenance team in June of 2008. Diane has been an essential member of the maintenance department, serving as both as receptionist and administrative assistant assistant. Her commitment and

021professionalism and attention to detail have made her truly the backbone of the department. Diane's daily responsibilities include processing countless receipts, paying thousands of dollars in monthly invoices, and assisting maintenance personnel with their daily operational needs, all of which she handles with accuracy and efficiency. Beyond her regular duties, she also assists in coordinating ma regular maintenance activities. Since March, Diane has played a critical role in with the p prioritization of and assist assignment tracking and document completion of more than 2600 work orders through the sherpa desk. Her dedication, organization, and willingness to go above and beyond ensures the maintenance department can more effectively support the success of every school facility in our district. I messed that up. We are grateful for Diana's hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence. Thank you, Diana, and congratulations on

022his well-deserved recognition. Can Dr. Grit, can you get a picture of Mr. B? All right. Thank you. Item number eight on the agenda is a request to address board public comment. And we do have someone wanting to speak and it's our own Beth Silver. And Miss Silver, if you'd come up to the podium. I uh got to read you the ground rules, even though I know you know them as good as I do. Public comment is a time for the board to hear from folks regarding issues related to the McDow County School District. We ask that folks be mindful that we encourage families of small children to attend our meetings and watch our meetings online. We resp we respect the right of speakers to give us their viewpoints on any issues related to the schools.

023However, we do balance those rights with the rights of families of young children when it comes to public comment. We ask that speakers make their points without making explicit comments. It is not appropriate or permissible for teachers in our schools to read explicit material to young children and doing so in public comment is not appropriate either. In addition to public comment, the public is welcome to send the board emails through the superintendent. And at this time, I'll entertain a motion to allow Miss Silver to speak to the board. >> I'll make that motion. >> Second. Okay, we have a motion by Mr. Subtles and a second by Mr. Shuford to allow Miss Silver to speak at the uh meeting. Is there any further discussion on it? All those in favor signify by raising your right

024hand, which is unanimous a vote. And of course, you got the timekeeper there that you know. So, Miss Silver, it >> won't be the first time. >> Well, we're your pleasure, ma'am. >> Okay. Uh, good evening. Before I start, I do wish to state for the record that this is not related to the school that I work at. Miss Wilkerson, I absolutely adore working at Marion Elementary. Um, that has been the pleasure of the last year of my life to be able to be back there. This is also um not a reflection on my daughter's opinion who is an employee in the McDow County School System. Unfortunately, she has been unfairly blamed before for my opinion. And so I want to make it p perfectly clear that I have a rather large uh circle of

025friends and associates within the school system. But tonight this is my opinion and mine alone. Recently the attempts by the general assembly of North Carolina to continue to erode the morale as well as well as the integrity of our public school educators has reached an all-time low. Uh ironically, Dr. Grit started his uh remarks with House Bill 805. Our classroom teachers were told due to that bill that they would need to catalog their personal classroom libraries onto a public database so that parents could prevent their children from borrowing specific books. While I know that this is a state law and I know that more than than most that this board consists of all members of the same party that dominates the North Carolina General Assembly, that you are not going to go against this state

026law. It is absolutely mind-boggling to me that these very teachers that you trust actually that you expect to take a bullet for a child in their care, the general assembly is not going to trust them to pick books out to read to the children in their classrooms. What a slap in the face to their professionalism as well as their integrity. Um perhaps you know, perhaps you don't. These libraries are not provided by the school system. They're purchased by those teachers out of their own classroom, their pockets, or by people that have donated to them. If you were in the schools on a daily basis, you would find that the challenges that these educators these educators face every day are much more serious than a book that someone might put on an arbitrary list. As a

027society, the level of disrespect by students and sadly by their parents has reached an all-time high. It's been eight years since I retired and it is so different now. These issues that we should be concerned about are how to restore the the ability to discipline classrooms and how to effectively allow teachers and administrators to give consequences that are going to change behaviors. We have celebrated so many things here tonight. There's so much good in this school system, but as Dr. Grit said, "We can't look and ignore the fact that our teaching staff is drowning." Sometimes in the overwhelming amount of paperwork that now there's a concern that a cherished book that they've used to teach their kids for years could be questioned at a moment's notice and pulled because of a very small but a

028very loud minority. Your job as a board, in my opinion, should be there to support all of your people. You took an oath to do just that. Our school school system is not just our students. It's our staff as well. I thank you for your time and I thank you for your service. >> Thank you very much, ma'am. >> Dr. Grit at this time, uh, the YMCA presentation by Mr. Bramblelet and his staff. You would take care of this. >> Absolutely. Mr. Bramblelet, if you will join us. I think Mr. Barry Hill, we have Mr. Braramlet's uh presentation in the board packet. >> Do you guys have a hard copy of that? Possibly. >> We we should have. Yes, sir. >> Mr. Frank, um Mr. Aati, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be

029able to present. Uh board as well, Dr. regret uh staff and the public. Um we were chatting um as we were sitting there listening and seeing the prep uh preparation in the junior ROC present the colors and u we've been here um in as a YMCA organization for 22 years and it was very shortly after we uh started in 2003 that the Splash program where we send uh the school system and the YMCA partners together uh to send second graders through safety around water at the YMCA. And so we have 22 years worth of students. Um, now those students are are much older now, but that just shows uh that we are extremely proud of our partnership. It's gotten much richer, much broader, much deeper uh since then. Um, after our after school program that

030used to be in the YMCA is now in the school system starting in 2017. Uh, the YMCA is nimble. Uh, we showed that through COVID through Helen and we love working with you. Um we are uh and I I believe you believe this um I see this I read this I believe others uh um will find this true is that we're at an inflection point uh in our society one metric is the speed of technology speed of information and as an adult it's hard to keep up with much less our teens. We're focused on the next generation of teens. I believe the middle schoolers today who will be on the workforce floor in 10 to 15 years are going to we want to be able to turn around and look in the rearview mirror and

031say we did everything that we possibly could do and I believe that we are doing that together. Tonight I'm going to uh I'm introducing Jesse Massie. She is our teen program director. Uh she's going to share with you uh what we are doing together uh to make sure our teens are strong uh in spirit, mind, and body uh for our uh community. Um and again gener generationally in 10 years. Um uh um and before I I bring her up, I have two notes. Uh one is we have a uh a legislative uh tour on Friday the 14th. Uh lots going on with the Y on Friday the 14th. A breakfast in the morning. Thank you for uh for sending a rep uh representative. And also in the afternoon uh we will have uh representatives from

032uh Congressman Edwards. um other local uh and and city officials as well coming in to look at our watch our afterchool program at the YMCA that Jesse's about to uh to share. So, if you'd like to make that note, um I would love to uh uh follow up on that to make sure that everybody gets that that official invitation. I think that's everything. Oh, one last thing. We um in October uh began uh we announced uh we're officially kick this off uh every uh public school 13year-old when they turn 13 will get a membership at the YMCA. We're calling this a health and wellness team membership and uh we had a a donor um present us with an opportunity to be able to make this happen. We announced this. We're working with the middle school

033principles. I see uh Mr. Carson and Mr. Ror here and Mr. Spidey and we're excited about that. We know that strong teens are going to make strong adults and so thank you for the partnership. >> Mr. Brown, what time is that? Friday. >> Uh 3:00 in >> the afternoon. 3:00. >> 3:00. >> 3:30. 3:30. >> I believe the presentation begins at 3:30. >> 3:30. Okay. >> We come mixing at 3 >> and we'd love to have you. >> Yeah. Some of us are in Greensboro that day and we'll be pressed to be here, but we might be >> so make sure you know that the the extension is there. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Miss Jesse Massie. >> Thank you so much for having me. Um, do you mind to

034move it back a slide, please? >> To the the very beginning. Yeah, perfect. Okay. Um, so before I get started, I want to let you know this is a recap of our program up through the end of October. Um, so I am the teen program director for the YMCA here in Mcdow County. That means I am in charge of running programs for middle school and high school age students of Mcdow County and focusing specifically on um, East McDow, West McDow, Foothills Community School, and McDow High School. Um, and I just want to say that this picture here came from our summer program. So a lot of people don't know we also do summer programming as well. And this is our students and staff volunteering at Central Unito's um food pantry packing food boxes. So just

035one of the things that we offer. Um a little bit of background information. Last year we were able to participate in a partnership with McDow County Schools under the Ellis grant. That stood for extended learning and integrative school day supports. Um that is how we were able to begin our middle school afterchool program. This year we are continuing that partnership under a different grant, the 21st century community learning center grant um that enabled us to extend to the high school and include the middle schools as well. It was created in 1994 and was reinstated again in 2015 under the Every Student Succeeds Act and its mission is to provide student achievement and prepare them to compete on a global scale. So why is that important for Mcdow County schools to receive that opportunity? our children

036in this community. We're experiencing compounding trauma. We have COVID. We have Helen. Now, we have extenduating food food insecurity. Um we're a tier one poverty scale rating in our community. And our teens are in a mental health crisis right now. It connects directly with our YMCA mission of social responsibility, youth development, and healthy living. And it provides us an opportunity. It's a three-year grant cycle to really pour into the kids in the moment that they need it the most. Um, so a little bit of our basic program information. Oh, sorry. A little bit of our basic program information is we operate at East McDow and West McDow Middle Schools. We also have a um high school program that operates at the YMCA. So it is um from school end until 6:30 Monday through Friday. We

037were able to add Fridays on this year. And we also provide transportation home. So, that's a communication from families that we heard was a significant barrier to their children participating in our program, especially at the middle school level. They're not quite old enough to drive, but still, you know, a little too young to want to be shuttled by their parents where parents have something to do. So, we're providing bus transportation home for a significant number of kids. Um, we have two buses that run right now. We have a third option if we need to add that on. We also offer power hour daily for academics. Some days that looks like certified teachers from the schools that they attend, tutoring in small groups, targeting individual student needs. Sometimes that looks like them doing group projects or

038getting homework help. And we also have weekly interest clubs that the students lead themselves um just as a way to help them build relationships with each other. And like I mentioned before, this is a little heavy of a slide, so if you want to take a breath, that's okay. Um, we are in a mental health crisis with our teens right now. If you'd like to read the full report from the Jed Foundation that was released in 2023, the QR code should link to that. Um, essentially, we have a significant number of factors that are affecting the trends in teen mental health. They are feeling persistent worry and isolation. They are concerned about their future. They have ex increased exposure to harmful content and um loneliness but constant states of digital connection. Lots of their families

039are experiencing financial insecurity in the moment of middle school and high school age. And I don't know if you remember your time as a middle schooler or high schooler, but it's kind of uncomfortable just on its own. Um so in adding those things to it just creates a heavier weight. Our nation's youth are in the a crisis. their suicide was the second leading cause of death in young people ages 12 to 24 when this report was released in 2023. And 36% of teens reported feeling little to no purpose or meaning in their life. Um on the previous slide, I believe I forgot to mention that there the rural community teens are two times as likely to attempt suicide than their urban peers. And um of Mcdow County families, if this were not a free program

040that was grant-f funded, 34.4% 4% of them would qualify for financial assistance or state vouchers because of their income levels. So, we have been able to receive this grant in um two separate cohorts. We're also providing community learning centers up in Bunkham County. This is the second year for their program, the first year for us here in cohort 18. And we've been able to partner with Mcdow County Schools to provide this opportunity. Um we prioritize connections. That's our number one um priority here in our program is relationship building. Um so much data shows that having one solid consistent positive relationship with an adult in a child's life can change the trajectory of their future outcomes. And we want to be able to provide that positive relationship even if it's not our um directly our staff.

041If it's a certified teacher that they get to build a relationship with, if it's a community partner that comes in that they get to build that relationship with, we want them to know that that they are seen and heard and supported by the adults in their lives. Um, behavior, relationships, and academics are the main things that we're focusing on every day. And we've been able to um extend some community partnerships to work together to meet these goals. So, we worked with the McDow County Animal Shelter for a student service project, walking shelter dogs. Of the five shelter dogs we walked, four of them were adopted. Um, Center Unito Latina Americana are working right now with our youth youth and government program at the high school, which is a student interest club that we are extremely

042proud of starting. Um, they will be presenting, I believe, this weekend for their youth summit. I think this is the second year for their youth summit. and it's like a um trial run for their um full presentation that's happening in February. So, if you don't know about Youth and Government, which I didn't when I started, it's an initiative that was created by the YMCA where students in 9th grade and above come together to participate in mock trials, draft their own bills, and take over the Senate floor, basically. So, they will take over Raleigh in February. They get to meet one-on-one with um some of our representatives and they get to participate in everything legislative. So, they're learning hands-on what the government is and how the government works and if they might be interested in doing

043something in the future. Um the city of Marian provided a job shadowing opportunity for us over the summer as well and we were able to show the participants all of the options that they had right here in Mcdow County for their future. So things that they could look forward to and make a plan of attack for their academics saying, "Okay, I want to do this. How do I get there?" And that's where we come in. And that's where our community partnerships come in is that we provide that opportunity for them. And then we've also been able to provide um this year for our high school, Pivot Point of Western North Carolina is a therapeutic adventure group. They're currently in the middle of their 10-week leadership cohort with our high school program. They take them out

044on trails. They do mountain biking, hiking, and they work on developing self-regulation and leadership skills and everyone participating gets a certificate at the end. And we're hoping to be able to continue that as well. And I want to end with a story. Um, so again, I spoke about relationships and that is the priority of our program. This kiddo returned to us, we'll call him John. John returned to us again this year. He started with us um when he was in sixth grade last year with the Ellis program. and about halfway through the year last year had some challenges and some struggles and because of extenduating circumstances from a few different different angles, he had to leave the program in the middle of the year. Um, because of the relationship that he was able to develop

045with our program staff with the things that were happening outside of school, outside of program, we were able to communicate with that family and say, "Hey, we've noticed this is just not his typical behavior. like something's going on. Family communicates with us. Yeah, we've had these challenges come up. We were able to identify what was going on, provide him with the support that he needed, and now he has returned and is thriving. Um, one of the things that he speaks on when um you ask him what's your favorite part about after school is just relationships, but not relationships with only the staff or his um family, but his peers. So, in middle school, you know, you're going from class to class. you don't really get a chance to see people that might be in a

046grade away from you. That's something that he and the other kids are really excited about is they get that time together just unstructured building relationships with their peers and that supports them once they move into high school. They have friends and they have people that they know. So yeah, just a um doing the work and appreciate all of your support. We are so thankful for Mcdow County School's partnership. It's allowing us to be in the schools and with the kids every day. And I mean, what better way to build those relationships than to be present in their lives. Thank you. And if you have any questions, I think we're going to open it up for questions. >> Does anybody have any questions from the board? I I have a comment. >> I especially like the

047transportation benefit. Everything we do, uh, we have trouble with transportation and and that's definitely a plus. Thank you. We're grateful to be able to provide it. Yeah. >> How how long has the Y been in location >> specific? Oh, at Corpony. >> Do you remember the year that it was >> 2003? >> 2000. >> Yeah. So, we used to c we celebrated 22 years this year. The people may not remember, but the site that the YMCA is on was designated for West Marian Elementary. And there was a decision made to put the Y on that property and move West Marian a little further west when when that was done. and the excitement that having a YMCA come to Mcdow County generated because we felt like it would be a transformative thing for the community and

048really really move us forward and I believe you've done that. I thank you for the presentation. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Yeah, we uh I believe we are a part of the health and well-being infrastructure of of McDow in Western North Carolina. So, we appreciate our our partnership together. >> Now, thank you also for offering that to the 13-year-old. That's tremendous. >> Well, they have to get in and get active. One one one student said his ADHD, he could he could tell a difference when he got on off of the treadmill. And uh when you can get a middle schooler who can settle down and just and have that kind of self-reflection, that's monumental. >> Mr. Mr. Bramble, I just want to take a point of privilege here and say thank you for

049the partnership. I've en enjoyed the opportunity to have many sitdown meetings with you along the way and um we had talked initially about, you know, something that we could do as a community and and you follow through on it and we certainly appreciate it. um to be able to partner on that initial Elise grant and then to carry it forward into the 21st century and like Miss Helm said um the being able to provide that membership for our 13-year-olds. That's big and it shows a level of commitment to our community and we we greatly appreciate the partnership. >> Well, I appreciate you sharing that the the sentiment. We feel the same and uh I and I believe maybe you as well, we get to be in a position where we get to bring others up

050uh for succession and I think that's something that our community and and we are doing it the Y also is succession planning. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Item number 10 on the agenda, Miss Lawren, I've just got a quick question for you. >> Okay. >> Do do we need to entertain the idea of uh maybe moving your location on the board to a different location? >> No. >> Okay. I I thought your person sitting beside of you was really annoying. >> No. Um I'll just That gives me a chance to just like, you know, >> she hates my >> Okay. Well, hey, as always, we are thrilled that it's your your time of the evening. We enjoy your uh presentation so much. And ma'am, the floor is yours. Thank you. >>

051Thank you. finally. Okay, so good evening. I have to say I'm not used to this many people in the room when I speak. I don't know whose idea this was, but it definitely was not mine. Um, by the time June rolls around, some of you will probably have the starfish story memorized. But honestly, that's okay because every month, the person behind it makes it worth hearing. It's not the story that changes. It's the person who reminds us why we tell it in the first place. And tonight, I want to recognize someone who has served in many roles over the years and deserves appreciation and recognition for every single one. But tonight we're recognizing the coach and that is coach Hughes. In education, we talk a lot about teaching content. But the real difference comes from

052those who teach character, confidence, and heart. Some of the most powerful things our students learn don't come from a lesson plan. They come from the people who coach, guide, and believe in them when it matters most. Coaches see students in moments the rest of us might miss. the doubts after a loss, the pride, I know he's such a dork, the pride after hard work, or the look that shows we did it after a win. You've been there for those moments and you've believed in kids before they believed in themselves. You built the kind of trust that changes how students see themselves and what they're capable of. You loved the game, but you loved your players more. You coached with heart, making every every player feel valued and believed in. And that's what made them give

053their best to you, to the team, and to themselves. You helped your players find confidence, create connection, and understand that heart makes the difference on and off the court. You can still hear the impact your former players talk when your former players talk about you. One of them shared this about her time playing for you. Through the years playing, refereeing, and coaching basketball, I have seen and experienced firsthand how a good coach can change someone's life. Athletes who come with some knowledge, some skill, some desire, and some confidence. A good coach can take that raw material and convert it to greatness. This is coach Hughes. I had the privilege of playing basketball for coach Hughes. Coach Hughes in AAOU. I had no idea what that meant. So I had to ask my students and they

054were like, "It's travel ball." Like I was stupid. I was like, "Well, okay." And at East Mcdow Middle School, also known as East Mcdow Junior High. Yes, I am that old. As a matter of fact, I had intentions of playing elsewhere, but Coach Hughes convinced me to come to come to East Mcdow Middle School to play basketball for him and Coach Spivey. Four little words were all it took. I believe in you. Coach Hughes believed in his players, so we learned to believe in ourselves. Unlike so many coaches today, Coach Hughes was not a screamer or a yeller. It was his unconditional love and investment in us that inspired us to do our best. His mild manner, while firm, was a model for how to act on and off the court. Coach Hughes took a

055bunch of silly, loud, stubborn girls and made them champions. Not just champions on the court, but champions in life. Many of us who played for Coach Hughes are now grown adults. Well, all of them are. I mean, he is older. Um, some with our own families giving back to our communities in different ways. Social workers, dentists, teachers, nurses, wley coaches, middle school coaches, and more. I think I can speak for all of them when I say Coach Hughes is a key reason why we chose the careers we did to serve others and hopefully make an impact on those we encounter. Coach Hughes, I am grateful for the skills you've instilled in me and the valuable lessons you've taught me. Thank you for being an exceptional mentor and a great leader. Your dedication has made a

056lasting impact on everyone you have invested in, especially me. With gratitude, Emily S. East McDow, Junior High 1999 through 2001. I have to admit it feels strange for me to say Coach Hughes because for me it's always been and always will be Mr. use. You might not know this, but you've actually been on my list for years. The I can't believe he left East the summer before I got there list. I was so excited hoping I'd get to work for you. Everyone always talked about how genuine you were, how fair you were, and how you made people feel hurt. That same coach's heart has always been there, just leading in a different way. But you didn't wait around. You hit the ground running, continuing to make the same kind of impact you always have. After

057all my years in education, I've learned we need strong coaches. But more than that, we need strong men in our schools. Men who show students what it looks like to lead with patience, integrity, and heart. Men who model respect, responsibility, and kindness in every interaction. You've been that kind of man coach use. The one who leads with consistency, and care. The one who makes kids believe that character matters just as much as talent. You've shown our students that strength and compassion can live in the same person. And that's the kind of lesson they've carried with them ever since. Your influence has been impossible to miss. It's in the players you coached, the students you taught, the colleagues you inspired, and the stories that people still share. Try not to cry. Still share about how much

058you cared. It's hard to find words big enough for the difference you've made. But there's one story that says it best. Mr. Subtle is going Mr. Subtles is going to share the starfish story as a reminder of how one person's heart can truly change everything. 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 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 you left them in the sun," the person replied without pausing. The man glanced up and down the endless shore. "But there are miles and miles of beach

059and 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 into the waves. Smiling, the person said, "I made a difference for that one." So, if I can join on that, too. on my talk show that I've got going on. I just spoke to the middle school, I mean, excuse me, the high school girls basketball coaches and boys coaches. And it's amazing that they said the reason they were so successful were because the junior high, middle school coaches were so good in those days. And I talked to Mike Silver and if you look at Emily played for Mike during a really good time, she played for you. And so that just shows that our building blocks from you, Mr. Hughes, Coach

060Hicks. I'm just talking about the Trojans right now since I was a Trojan once. >> Uh so, but um it's so much appreciated and this story right here does exemplify you from the time that I remember you. Sorry. >> Okay. Thank you. Mr. Hughes, you you got to come up. >> Hold on. I'm not done yet. >> Okay. So, the starfish keychain is a symbol that every that even one act of belief can change a life. You've done that again and again because your impact has never been about titles or wins. It's always been about the one right in front of you. The one who needed to hear I believe in you. And even the one who didn't know they needed to hear it until you said it. Thank you for everything you've given to

061your players, to this county, and to every student, colleague, and friend you've quietly lifted and every path you've made better along the way. Your greatest wins have never been on a scoreboard. They've been in the way you've shown up for your family, in your classroom, in the schools you've led, and in the gym where you poured your heart into every player. And these will always be amongst your greatest victories. Even though it's been years since the uniforms were packed away, the lights have been dimmed and the gym has grown quiet, your players still carry what you gave them. Confidence, belief, the drive to work with heart, and the strength to rise with resilience. I want to share something that makes this recognition even more special for me. Your sweet mom and my sweet nan were

062roommates for a time at Autumn Care, and I'll never forget the quiet compassion you showed her. The kind of kindness that shows up without needing attention. It's the same compassion you've shown to students, colleagues, and friends, and to my own family. Every time I've ever reached out with a question about Gray, testing accommodations, or anything else I needed to understand as a mom, you've been there. You've never made me feel like a bother. Never made me feel rushed. Never made me feel You never made me feel alone in it. You make the hard days feel a little lighter, the confusing moments feel a little clearer, and the world feels a little kinder. You have a way of making people feel seen, supported, and steady. And that's a gift. one I'll never forget and one all

063of us are so grateful for. And the truth is, you'll probably never fully know the gratitude I'll always have for you. For the kindness you showed my man and the support you've shown me. Gratitude that sits a little deeper than words can reach. You've shown us all what it truly means to lead to lead with heart. You didn't just build teams, coach Hughes. You built belief. You built character. You built heart. You built family. You may never realize how many lives you've changed, but those people who were there before you and who they became because of you, they know when they tell their story somewhere in it will be a coach who showed them they were valued valued, capable, seen, understood, supported, believed in, strong, and had no room for doubt that they truly mattered.

064And that coach is you. I want to remind you in front of everyone here, I'll never forget that you ditched me right before my first year at East. And trust me, I'll never let you forget it either. We are thankful for the example you've set and this entire school community is fortunate to have you leading and supporting us, not just in the big moments, but every day. Thank you for all you've done and continue to do. Thank you. >> Come up and run. >> We want Can we get a photo of you guys? Yeah. It run. >> Thank you, Miss Law. And that touching as always. Thank you so much. Thank you, >> Donna. You said you say something. >> Oh, no. I was just going to remark. Can you get the picture back up

065there? >> I mean, some people say that when you get older that your youngerelves look better. I think you look better now, to be honest. But >> I was thinking Magnapi, eat your heart out or >> do business, sir. >> All right. Next up, we've got new business. And Miss Lawing, I just want you to know as the executive cabinet, uh, we get together each week and draw straws on who has to follow your presentation because they're always so good. Nobody wants to follow you. And I guess it's my turn this week. I'm going to go over some new business on the universal screener contract. So, we go from something as important as that, as as heartwarming as that, to talking about how we're going to purchase a star reader program. So, not the starfish,

066but the star reader program. Um, I'll be standing in for Miss Hamby tonight. Um, this universal screener contract, we did have an opportunity to meet with the uh the u the curriculum committee chaired by Mr. Subtles. He's certainly aware of what we got to go over tonight. But I just want to say thank you to our curriculum team uh for coming together ahead of time and reviewing these documents um so that we can uh kind of move through them as we do each each uh evening. The universal screener as you know is is a screening tool that we're required to have in order to be able to conduct our MTSS process as well as our exceptional children's testing. So it is something that we are required to have. Um we have selected and brought before

067the committee the star reader program and uh board you should have the documentation in your board packet. Uh the grand total for that was $60,780.14. Um anytime we reach a threshold that that surpasses $50,000 uh we need to bring that to the board. So at this time I'm uh requesting uh action on the universal uh screener that we adopt the star reader uh program once again. >> Okay. U let me ask Mr. Subtles. Sir, is this your recommend recommendation as chairman of the curriculum committ? >> It is the curriculum committee met and listen to that and Miss Hammy did a wonderful job as always. Uh she reminded us too that this is the same screener we have used in the past. So, we're not moving away from someone that we're not familiar with. Uh, she

068did say it's a one-year contract, too, because we like to keep the doors open and it it helps us negotiate the price, which we're looking at at a good price for this program. So, being familiar with it and the price of the program, the curriculum committee said this was something that we would like to bring back. >> Sir, would you like to make that motion? >> I sure will. So, I'll make the motion that we adopt the STAR program uh with the uh from the curriculum committee and the school board um for the universal screener contract. >> I'll second that. Okay, we have a motion by Mr. Subtles and a second by Mr. Schuford to uh accept the universal screener contract. Is there any further discussion on it? With no further discussion, all those in

069favor signify by raising your right hand, which is unanimous. Okay, sir. >> All right. Next up, we have um each year uh we recommend uh several new course codes. And I want to uh again uh recognize that we did talk with the building and grounds extensively or not the building grounds of the curriculum committee extensively on these uh course codes. And um I want to go over them briefly with you. Uh so these are career and technical education programs and we have a need uh several of our students have advanced to greater levels. Uh so we have a need to offer them a higher level class. Uh that's fashion and textiles one and two. Uh that's family consumer sciences and marketing. That's part of our Moxy program. You guys are very familiar with that. Uh

070natural resources one and two and forestry. That's the agricultural uh pathway. Uh we also are looking at a sports and event marketing three. Uh so we already have that uh one and two. So it's an additional classroom there as well as a medical assisting. Uh this is a nonpractum healthcare professional pathway. So each of these are uh able to uh provide our students with more access uh through career and technical education. And I'm I'm I'm proud to be able to say that we uh we have that need. And um at this time I would uh offer the floor there, Miss Mr. Settles, if you've got anything to add to to those. >> Yeah, absolutely. Now, let me say this. We have the best CTE program that I've ever seen in my life. And uh William

071Keller was on the show and he was talking about just how many resources that these kids have that uh we never had growing up in the opportunities. So to be able to add more and more advanced classes in those areas is incredible and it makes their career even longer as they're doing that. So the curriculum committee did meet and Miss Finley did a great job presenting you know to us why we need these classes and you know I I don't think we can add enough you know to grow our future. So um it was the curriculum committee's u uh approval to to do this and to add these classes for right after Christmas. Is that correct? >> Yes sir. >> The Christmas 26 27 uh CTE course. >> Correct. So, I would like to uh

072to offer that recommendation and I'll make the motion that we accept these classes. >> Okay. And so, you're saying that this is uh the uh committee's recommendation to the board that we accept. >> That is correct. >> Okay. Thank you very much, sir. Do we have a second? >> I'll make a second. >> We have a motion by Mr. Suttles and a second by Mr. Schuford. to uh accept the new course codes. Is there any further discussion? With no further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is unanimous. And I appreciate Mr. Cells for making those recommendations and and doing your due diligence with that committee. >> Thank you, Chairman Frank. At this time, I do want to take just a point of privilege, if I may. Uh there are

073two other items uh in the consent agenda uh that are under federal programs. Um I will point those out. Those are would be also in Miss Hamy's lane. Uh those are routine uh federal program uh comparability report and the staffing equity plan. Uh those are routine uh uh things that we have to do each and every year. Uh there those are uh reports that are due to uh the state and then through the state to the federal government. So I did want to point those out. Uh if you have any questions about any of those, I'll be happy to take those questions uh now or if you have have during the consent agenda item as well. >> Does anybody have a question concerning? >> Okay. Thanks, sir. >> Thank you. At this time, uh we've

074got Mr. Chad Marsh. He'll be doing a facilities update. Mr. Marsh, the floor is yours. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Dr. Grit, and ladies and gentlemen of the board. Uh it's always a privilege to come before the board and talk about the many things that's going on inside of my directorate. Um in transportation, Mr. Thomas and staff have been performing inspections and repairs on our our many buses. Um and recently, we're happy to report we hired a new fuel truck driver. So, he's uh Mr. Williams has hit the ground running, as we say in the Navy, and is doing a wonderful job. Um they are working feverishly to uh finish the roll out for the remaining four buses and the new activity bus and DPI rep was in town last week helping them do some of

075that. Mr. Garrett Barry Hill and his staff have been working hard addressing the countless number of work orders and working with contractors to install our cameras and and we have gotten all the ones that we uh that the we've been given 42 uh from Hannes Electric and those have been put up and we're working to get some more up. uh child nutrition. Again, I just want to take a moment to just ask as the chairman mentioned earlier, please remember Mr. John Haynes and and his family um as they lay u a fixture and as Mr. Settles mentioned our CTE program, a fixture in McDow Countyy's uh but them vocational program, Mr. Stanley Haynes. So, appreciate your thoughts and prayers for them. Uh the head and staff have been working hard on preparing the thousands of

076meals, ladies and gentlemen, that go out every day here in Medall County Schools and then making preparations for the Thanksgiving feast. I think what you had a little bit tonight was a little taste of that. So, it's pretty great and we appreciate the work that they're doing. On a safety uh standpoint, I want to take a little bit of what Dr. Grip mentioned to you tonight and say how much I appreciate Mrs. Ashley MacArthur, but also um Gary Barry Hill for again working on another grant and this time a $1 million grant that we have filed and for pursuing that would be awarded over a three-year period called the Stop School Violence Grant. And again, this would be a total of a $1 million grant be a 3 million uh excuse me, a three-year payout.

077And so all that will be used if we are successful in purchasing hardware, software, and other critical safety upgrades. And so we're working very very hard to do that. And so here again, GR Garrett went from having done none to about a matter of about six weeks having done two. So we're we're working hard. We appreciate that. Athletics again, as Dr. Grit mentioned, you know, Mr. Settles, you and I have talked a little bit about ball over the years, but I and I can't I cannot find a time when we had three fall teams at the same time. It seemed like either, you know, uh, the volleyball team was great and the football team wasn't, or, you know, the soccer team was great and somebody was just missing, but have them all three make the

078first round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association playoffs was wonderful. And then take it a step further and we had a young lady make the regional golf uh, meet and we had uh, a a Carson fella, I believe, was doing a little cross country running there. So, you know, just it's a great time, as Mr. Frank says, to be a Titan. um and and a lot of wonderful things happen there. But we have transitioned into winter sports uh in middle and high school and we are wide open. So look forward to seeing some basketball played and some wrestling and some other events here really soon. Auxiliary services. You heard from Mr. Vaughn tonight, but I I really don't want it to be glossed over something that he talked about and and that we

079you know not just Mrs. McCra, but the entire team. Since March, more than 2,600 work orders have been not just opened, but closed by the maintenance staff in McDow County Schools. Uh I I can't find it anywhere, Mr. Baker. Uh that what they're doing is tremendous. What they're doing is just tremendous work. So proud of that organization. uh they're making great strides uh particularly in the area of safety and we're working very hard there to ensure that every man and woman who works for that organization goes home every day and they have that right. So we want to make sure that we do that and we'll continue to work safely. Dr. Grip mentioned H&TB who is going to be at our schools this week. So appreciate uh both Mrs. Elliot and Mrs. Wilkerson working to

080allow that group there and we've asked that they come in and check in with you ladies before they get started so that you and your SRO's can continue to monitor those on your campuses. Playground grants got the information today that the final number from uh game time and Cunningham recreation for our grant is going to be just over $24,000 for those two playgrounds. So, I'll be working with the building and grounds chair uh over the next couple weeks to and bring that hope to bring that to the board uh for approval uh in December. Our capital HVAC project, I called it 1-25 because thankfully the board approved 2-25. 1-25 is is all being expended or accounted for as far as aotments go. Uh we have two jobs that are part of that project. One will

081be at Mrs. Elliot school to put in her new cooling tower and the other will be a Mrs. Bagwell school to put on a unit on a rooftop unit there. So, those are the last two pieces of that. As far as 2-25, we're working together those proposals now to ensure that we get good competitive pricing. Um, and Garrett, can we look at some of those pictures? So, this is your 1-25 concrete um and drainage capital project. This is Marion Elementary School, Mrs. Wilkerson can tell you, go back, uh what we had there before was a mat. She was rolling children with disabilities out of the gravel onto a mat and mud and everything else. And so we can do better than that, right? So we did. Uh our children deserve better and we have going

082next slide. Um this is some work that's done at Glenwood Elementary School. Replace some uh steps that come out of the curb. Next slide. Uh here again, the we're patching a broken piece there by one of the drainage. the cover had just kind of given away and become cracked and unsafe as the children walk through Glenwood there to go out to the playground. Next slide. This is showing you a ramp. One side of the ramp again just, you know, began to crack in some areas that really needed some work and so we got that poured and looking really good. Uh this is at Oldford Elementary School. So for those of you who were at the uh Helen commemoration, a gentleman got up there, retired teacher, Mr. Terry Wilson told about a um a huge rat.

083there. So, this is the rat man's yard. Um, if you don't know Terry, and what he had here was a a a ditch line it shared between the school and and Mr. Wilson, and it was kind of really repelling water as opposed to into his yard as opposed to taking it away. Uh, the contractor was on site. We just talked with him about it and they said, "We got you." And so, they cleaned that up and uh and he's very, very happy about that. So, we want to try to be a good neighbor and good steward as well. Next slide. Uh this is uh so during Helen um you you can ask the custodian, he'll talk to you about many things, but one of them is he lost his he's lost his custodial building. Uh

084and I think we did a little better than what we had before, didn't we, ma'am? So Mrs. Ward agrees. So really happy with the work there, but Steve's got him a good building there, and we know he's going to do some great things out of that. Next slide. Uh this shows uh so from the track up to the the school with Mil Creek at your right. This shows the area that had a new one of the concrete drain boxes dropped in and the contract did a wonderful job. You can see just uh really really happy with what Wilky did there. Next slide. And around the corner the same. You can see when they went across to tie in, they actually disturbed the asphalt and repaved it and then went back up as well and sewed

085grass on both sides. Next slide. Um, and this goes on around the edge of the school where we put in another drain box. And so what we want is we want allow Mrs. Ward and her kids to go out and the and the public who walks on the track to be able to walk without having to step, you know, if you step two feet off of the track, you're not going to mar up to your ankle. And so that's really what we were seeing was areas of of poor drainage. And so we've remediated that. Next slide. This is a Mrs. Bagwell school. Hard at it there. We had some cracking sidewalks, some broken steps, and some just really falling apart ramps. Um, and so thanks to the board, we were able to address some of

086those. Uh, this contractor really knew what they were doing here and took a look at the weather that we were having. So when I went and took this picture on, I think it was Thursday, uh, uh, they said, "We're going to pour, Mr. Marsh, because we know we got two or three good days of weather over the weekend, and sure enough, the cure time was perfect for this." And so we expect we're going to see some really good concrete there. Next slide. This is the ramp and this is one of the things that you know I hadn't been on board hardly any time at all. Mrs. Bagel walked me around and said, "Mr. Marsh, we have children who are using these or going to use these uh who have disabilities and surely we can do

087better." And I and there was no way I could disagree with her and so we want to do better for all of our children, but uh we we got this ramp set up and I'm really happy with the way it came out. Next slide. And this was another piece. So instead of just taking the concrete that they had and just doing away with it or dumping it in a in a bucket somewhere, they had a little area that had a little sharp step. So this wasn't even part of the project. They went and formed it out for us and poured it in place. So uh it made a really nice step off there. Next slide. And sir, this concludes my brief and I'll answer any questions from you the board. >> Does anybody have anything

088before I say something? >> Okay. Go ahead, sir. No, I was just going to say Chad, as always, thanks for great job on all that in the presentation. And I think you're exactly right. It's it's been probably since maybe the 80s since all three of them were made, maybe even before that. But, uh, let me encourage you guys. I know even if your your children are in are not in athletics or some of the other things, bring them to the high school. Bring them during basketball season and let them experience some of this. We have freedom back in our conference this year. And for all of you historians here, freedom was a big rival or as coach Gibson used to say, the Russians are coming to play us, which my world history teacher didn't uh

089prove that I said the Russians were from Morgan that time. So, but uh it is a big rival and the kids will have a great time. It it'll encourage them maybe not to play athletics, but to get involved in in other things like band and some of the other stuff. So, really come out and support them. It is a great time. I mean, we got some great coaches that at any time could get thrown out of the game. I hope they don't, but um it's part of it. Yeah. Knock knock, but come out and support them. I think it's going to be big. I would have liked to see McDow High School's gym for these basketball games get packed like it once was for these Russian uh Russians coming over. So, >> but thank you.

090Thank you, sir. >> U Mr. Marsh, I want to say one thing in particular. of those uh those corrections that needed opened and closed. I mean done. I haven't heard that since I've been on the board. And uh not only that, but the the great things that like with Garrett Barry Hill, $2 million. I'm sure he's shooting for five, right? >> Absolutely, sir. and and everybody else. I'm telling you, our our system is just on fire and it's a great time and I can't help but reiterate this. It's such a great time to be a a part of this great system and I know the board is especially proud of everything that's going on and I hope that that we will continue to support just like you said about these funds that that we continue

091to support everything that makes our system even more great. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> One quick question. Could you uh expand on um Mr. Garrett's project that he put forth that saved us so much money in our tracking programs? >> Oh, well, yes, sir. Yes, sir. Um so, thank you, sir. So, we actually talked about this, you know, and we we the board had spoken to me about it and Mr. Subtles had actually asked something earlier on. It was about, you know, where are we at with our internal monitoring? Um, and for years, I know Suzanne could talk about it, but um, for years we have had to have individuals come and literally check the, you know, the thermostat on the freezer, right? And I'll just use the example for Mr.

092Haynes and Mr. Mr. Barry Hill. Uh, but what they did, they got together and they identified a couple different vendors. They identified some other systems that they could go look at and check and see how they were working. And uh essentially what it led into was our purchase um um through board approval of um a a remote tracking system where now and Garrett's got me even tagged into it. I think I got a report over the weekend this morning I believe it was that showed me every single walk-in cooler andor freezer in the district. And I can even click on it and show trend analysis. So I can click on and say I can show when the the launch folks had done them breakouts when they opened the door to go in there and pull

093stuff out. Right. And and so that's the level that this is and and and and what Mr. Barry Hill uh has done not just in that area sir but I've challenged him with with taking security to the next level. Mr. Barcel he's done a wonderful job. I mean I I all of my directors I could go on and on and on about what Garrett's done and and what John have done and what you know Jeff has done you know and what will have done and what coach Cash have done and these directors have just taken every challenge that I've given them and they've met it and exceeded the expectations and so you know Mr. Chairman all day long it'd be easy to take credit for but it's just just a matter of challenging people and

094and then getting out of the way and letting them work. And so just very very proud, Mr. Barkstdale, of all their work and and I I we're going to continue to do this and so that we can remotely monitor all of our schools from a security standpoint, but also from a maintenance facility standpoint. So it's a it's a big deal, sir. Thank you for asking. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Carson. You can also start the wash machine with your cell phone now. We're good on laundry from now on. >> Donnie will be asking to borrow it. He's talking about the cost of laundrying up in Spruce Pine. >> All right. Next up, we've got Miss Suzanne Rampy. She's going to be giving us a finance update. >> Good evening. I'm going to give you an

095update on a few things that are happening in the finance world. Uh first is we have audit. It seems like we're continually being audited, but this is our annual audit. The federal OM is delayed this year for our compliance supplement. So, they have changed the date for when the audit is due. who is now December 31st this year. Uh but the auditors are still here. I told them about the extension but they still came uh this week. So we are working on the audit that seems to be going well. Um and we will be in compliance with that deadline. The really the only thing that that means is um we have our state uh compliance monitoring. We have those guidelines. We have our fiscal guidelines. It's just the federal guidelines that we're uh they're tweaking

096on some of those uh testing and how they want those tested. So really that's the only thing that will be delayed and they'll be doing that as soon as it comes out hopefully uh within the next 30 days. Another thing that's happening in the finance department is this month the local salary supplements were paid that was $500 to our non-certified staff and our certified staff uh were arranged between 3.5% to 5% uh on those certified salaries and those were paid in the October checks this month. M Miss Rampy, can can you talk a little bit about how we how we did that um those supplement increases over time >> uh from last year? >> Yes, ma'am. >> We originally well even before then we were a flat amount. We went to 3% and we had

097been 3% for years and so we did change that and change that to be longevity based for our certified staff. A lot of times the in recent years the increases for certified staff has been heavily weighted towards those younger uh zero to nine zero to 12 year uh veteran teachers and so we did look at at rewarding those teachers that have longevity with us. So we changed it where you get go from 3 to 3.5% for that zero to nine. So they still got an increase in their supplement but it did increase the supplement for those uh longer uh tenur teacher well not tenure anymore but longevity teachers. So 10 to 20 years uh for uh certified staff would be at 4% and then 21 plus years would be at 5% supplement and that way

098as we get state increases uh that uh increases their supplement also increases as they get an additional year. So when you go to 9 to 10 years, if you get a step increase in your salary, you also get an increase in your supplement as well, and it brings you up to 4%. >> So just to just to reiterate for the board, the uh supplement for our non-certified didn't exist before that. Uh there were a few opportunities during COVID when payouts were made, but ultimately the funding just wasn't there for the ser non-certified staff to be able to uh receive that. And that was something that we just put in place last year. Also, um just just to remind folks that our our veteran teachers, um you know, it's when we do get state budgets, often

099uh they're they're not included in this in the budget increases the same level as other folks are. Uh so that is one of the reasons that we wanted to do this graduated scale uh to be able to offer our veteran teachers a little bit more incentive for working in Mcdow County Schools. Uh before before I came down here today, I shared with the executive cabinet um some some research that just came out uh on our state uh level supplements and and folks, we're doing really really well with that and and and it's not something that that that we can take all the credit for, although the board can take credit for the numbers that are there because that didn't exist before that. Um however, uh being a lowwealth uh district also uh brings in another

100supplement from the state. So, when you couple our two supplements together, uh we're ahead of some folks over in a neighboring county. I won't say what we called them a few minutes ago, but we're ahead of those folks a little bit. And um and and closer uh to the marks that you might see, um just to our neighbors, uh in Bunkham County, uh which is a first for us. I'm very proud of that. um when you uh when you have an opportunity to look at that data and I'll share that report with the board um in the in the coming weeks so you guys can see that as well. But it was something that I'm really proud of to see that uh you know you can be fairly compensated in a rural area and more

101importantly here in Mcdow County. We're proud of it. >> Next item is the state of our state budget. Uh we still do not have a state budget. Uh, one of the issues with the state budget is it's hard to make a budget when you don't know how much money you have to spend. Uh, one of the points, uh, is the current North Carolina personal income tax is at 4.25%. They had a compromised uh, budget in 2023 that said they would leave that at 4.25% but then it would drop to 3.99% in 2026 and then 3.49% in 2027. If nothing happens to that, that is what will happen. But in uh this current budget, they are in disagreement with that. The House would propose to leave the current personal income tax at 3.99%, but the Senate

102wants to um to keep the agreed upon rates with the reductions coming. Um so because of that, uh that is one of the stalemate points for them and because it does make a significant uh difference in the budget. So until they um get that worked out in the budget, we do not have increases for staff uh and we do not have any uh increases in our budget other than our base budget. Uh we do have a continuing budget resolution. So we are able to pay staff and use state funds on those base allocations. Uh we just did not have any uh either new funds or any addition to funds with increases. Uh so until we have that really there's uh no change in salaries. >> Mr. Ramper, you're too kind. Can you go back one

103more slide, please? >> Yeah. >> So, as we back up um to that last to the slide before that one, back to this one. Uh so, when she says that we don't have a state budget, it's very challenging because as we as those percentages that we talked about, as those change, these numbers change for us as well because they're percentage based. So, it's one of those times where not having a not having a a state budget has us kind of guessing. Um, we have an idea of what they'll do based on what what historically they've done, but truly we really I mean, we really just don't know. I mean, it could be nothing and it could be as much as you know, you saw 5% on there. >> They did uh give us or have

104the authority for us to give step increases. Well, it wasn't really authority. They told us we had to give the step increases for experience for teachers, but they have not funded that. So, we are currently at our base uh budget, but no funding for increase. And so if it is a teacher that went from a different uh salary from 9 to 10 years or whatever that amount is whenever it changes it may be 12 now um then they are getting paid on that higher step but that is the only increase that we have no across the board and you know you know that there's a large uh gap where everybody's making the same where they have froze those salaries for years. >> You you also have the issue with the local uh dollars being paid

105to uh primarily to the certified folks. So when we do find out whatever that percentage is board historically we have always matched that percentage to make sure that we're consistent with all of our employees. So that will change the numbers up there as well. Thank you. >> M just does the percentage go back? >> It does >> to July one. >> Well since I have been here they have done that. Now, I will say that they were a couple times where they uh singled out u a couple like if it was based on uh school growth or something like that with certain positions, but generally they do that. Now, they could do anything they wanted to. If they don't approve it until January, they may say we're just going to make that effective January 1.

106We really don't know because it's their budget. They can do it. >> They do that typically. >> They do typically retro that back, >> but again, I don't want to say that and then it's January 1st. Uh, one thing to talk about about no state increases is there is a state increase in the health care uh, premiums for their health insurance. U, it is now wage banded. Uh, so there are a few uh, pots of money or where you're falling where it could have a reduction in how much you were paying, but for the most part, if you have the exact same coverage that you had last year, you're going to pay more for that. uh if so with no increase your December check you'll actually get less than you normally would because there's no

107state increase but you're paying more for health insurance. So this is just the summarized schedule. I have a lot more detail if anybody's interested in it but you can see for instance if someone made under $50,000 a year and they only cover themsel for that basic plan the basic 7030 plan they will pay $10 more per month. Uh the next uh section is uh $50,0001 to $65,000 per year. They will pay $25 more per month for the same coverage that they had uh this pre the year we're in right now. Uh you can see if you go jump down to 8020, same thing. Subscriber only is 16. If you're covering a family and you are under $50,000, you'll pay $26 more per um month and then $46 more per month if it's just you and

108your spouse. So for an employee that's makes less than $50,000 a year but they cover their spouse uh they and there's no state increase then in general they would pay they would have $46 less in their paycheck in December. So that is something that is um not going to be favorable if there's not a increase passed before the December payroll because the December check pays for the January's premiums. So that does come out the month before. Do >> you have the total of that? What they spouse just >> so uh if it was 8020 let's say and you're covering your spouse it's $746 a month for if you're under 50 if you're under $50,000. So 74 that's the highest premium is $746 a month and that is subscriber spouse or family if you're under 50,000

109if you are 50 to 65 it goes up to 774 and I can give you a copy. Oh, that's a lot. >> But, um, there's varying amounts there, but the 50 to $65,000 employee wage um is $590 per month for uh family coverage and $774 for uh the 8020 the plus coverage. And so, compared to what they had paid last year, that would be a $54 increase per month. Any questions on that? So that's one reason it, you know, every year we may have in small increases in health insurance, but a lot of times it coincides when we're going to have an increase in their salaries. But this year it does not look like that's going to be the case. And so they will actually see less in their paycheck in December. All right. State

110of the federal budget. Um I'm not going to say I'm an expert on the federal budget. Um, you know, we we hear that there may be some things moving now. I'm not sure. But, uh, we do know that grant year 26, which is what we're currently in. Most of those federal funds are being allotted. Uh, they are currently discussing u what we call GY 27 or grant year 27 funds. Um, and there are several pots of money that are education funds that are being looked at both with the president of the Senate and the House. So, there are some uh pots of money, some title pots that we are looking at to see if we'll get those funded next year. We don't know if we're going to get them funded or not. We also don't

111know that we're not going to get them funded. So, um we don't want to be doomsday now, but we also want to be realistic and be planning for that in case that does come to fruition. For the current shutdown, the biggest uh issue that we're having right now is school food service. They have been uh allocating those funds monthtomonth and they did give us enough funds to pay for our October reimbursements. Uh we're currently in November. I've not heard anything about November. Uh but we are paid through October 31st for any of those uh free and reduced students where we're doing the C funding now. So we are okay on school for food service through our October 31st um usage. And that is all I have for my update. Does >> anybody have anything for

112traffic? >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thank you. All right. Now, we'll move into our unfinished business and ask Miss Amy Dattle to come up and she's going to uh give us a final read of some policies. >> Good evening. Yes. Um so, tonight is the final read of the policies that were presented at last month's um board of education meeting. I believe in your packet was our reader digest version. Um all of these policies again um are state um legislation or general and general statutes um that updated our policy. So I just wanted to open it up for any questions that you may have. >> Mrs. Helms, is there anything that you can share the board or need to share of the board to consider policies? >> No, not at this time.

113Does anyone have any questions? Would you like to make a motion to accept uh final read? >> Yeah, I'll make a motion that we accept the final read of this policy as presented. >> I'll second. >> Do you have a question? >> No, ma'am. No, thank you. >> We have a motion by Mrs. Helms and a second by Mr. McGinness on the uh board policy's final read. Is there any further discussion? With no further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand. And we certainly do appreciate the uh hard work of the u >> absolutely I appreciate >> the policy committee and you Mrs. Data. >> Thank you, sir. And I appreciate Miss Helms and the leadership of our policy committee. We have a great committee and um this happened just in

114time for our fall policy updates. Yay. Well, we'll be going right back through this. So, I appreciate it. >> I I can tell you're getting ready to getting busy. We got something coming up on the horizon that we won't look at and it'll go to y'all. So, >> thank you. >> Or I hope it does. >> Okay, sir. 20. >> Yes, sir. Um, next up on the on the agenda is the 2025 through the 2030 U Mcdow County School Strategic Plan. Uh tonight I did not have a finalized copy for you. Uh folks, I will be working on one uh cleaning this version up. We had just a very generic version that I dropped into a brochure. It's kind of hard to read. Um but this is the format that we'll do. I I will

115say first of all I want to give a lot of credit to our principles who are in the room and our leadership uh team for taking the time to help us develop uh a continuation of the strategic plan that we had in place. Um but to add to many many uh moving parts that we did uh as well as a meeting with the board uh when we had about a three-hour meeting really looking at all this stuff on the strategic plan and uh and dialing it in. Uh Mr. Frank, I'm happy to report that uh the updates that we talked about uh that evening uh are all listed here in the strategic plan and I was able to answer some questions. I know Mr. Subtles, you had some specific questions about athletics. We talked ne

116about how they fell into different categories within it. So, you might not see it in the actual goal, but they were certainly part of that. I mean, obviously, um I think everybody here would agree that our athletic program has a lot to do with our graduation rate. Uh so being able to tie those things and any kind of uh extracurricular activity and getting kids connected uh helps us with uh with with achieving higher graduation rates. God bless you. Um but at this time uh I would entertain uh a motion for this and I would I would recommend that we uh that we adopt the strategic plan as presented. >> I'll make that motion that we adopt the strategic plan for 2025 2030. Second. We have a motion by Mr. Subtles and a second by Mrs.

117Helms to uh adopt the strategic plan. Is there any further discussion on it? With no further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is a unanimous vote and thank you Dr. Grit and board for everything that you put into this. It's been a daunting task, but it pays off in the long run. >> Absolutely. Mr. Frank, I would just like to add that as we move forward, 5 years is a long time. Um, I hope we've can accomplish some of these goals and uh move forward and and present new new material with this as well. So, one thing I like about the the strategic plan that we have is it is a living breathing document. Uh, so as we improve, we can uh we can adapt. Thank you. Yes, sir.

118>> Yes, sir. Okay. Item number 13 on the agenda is board reports and Mr. Settles. Anything further for curriculum and instruction? >> No sir, we have covered it. Thank you. >> Well, I tell you what, you covered a lot tonight and I appreciate it. Uh, Mr. Barkstdale building and grounds. >> No sir, we'll have a lot to go over next. >> Okay, >> Mr. Schuford, uh, from what Miss Rampy says, looks like you guys are going to be having a meeting fairly soon, but do you have anything for now? No, I think Miss Ram Rampy did an awesome job covering our finance situation and yes, we when the time is right, we'll make that uh meeting happen. >> Mrs. Helms, you've been very busy. Anything you want to add to yours? >> Nothing at this

119time. >> Mr. Schuford, tell us about Head Start. >> I could uh I could go on for a while about Head Start. That's been a great uh experience for me to get to be involved with Dr. Delaney and her staff. Uh not a harder working group in in the system than they are. U just looking over the their financial statements and all the and attending their board policy um their meetings that they have each month and seeing how efficiently that that's run. U my hats off to Dr. Delaney and their staff, they continue to make the education of our some people call it the littles, but their earliest learners. Um, and I uh I appreciate all they do. Just wanted to give a shout out to them. >> Thank you very much, sir. Uh, Mr.

120Baker and Mr. McGinness, NJOTC. Mr. McInness, I know you're getting ready to take a trip and I know you want to talk about it. And Mr. Baker, I hope you have something to add as well. You want to go first? >> Okay. So, ROTC as always is active. They pack every day of their calendar with something. Um, they've got some field trips coming up to we got a drill meet coming up in just a couple of days. And matter of fact, I guess this weekend, Tennessee, and then they've got their Washington DC trip, which um used to be geared mostly toward freshmen, but however they do that, that's always a really great trip. It's a good time on a week to just go up and learn about the nation's capital. Um and then of course

121we got the lock in that we're going to be talking about approving this stuff tonight. But uh in particular uh coming up day after tomorrow we're going to be going up um they've invited me to go with the honor guard. Um Captain Hardy Rose who was a senior naval science instructor um from about I guess probably the early 80s all the way through to about 2000. Um I was in the program in 1995. Um 91 to95 and uh he was a senior naval science instructor and um he actually passed away. Um he was in Prescott, Arizona, but uh he's going to be interred in Arlington National Cemetery. And so the honor guard is going to have the privilege of going up there this Thursday. We're going to have a ceremony at 11 o'clock uh graveside

122rights when they do that. And uh Arty Rose is just an amazing individual. Anyway, but storied career. Um, he's actually got records in the uh uh Library of Congress um for his combat missions in Vietnam and different duty stations and man alive, he had like almost um seemed like it was about 800 carrier landings day and night and uh he commanded F4 Phantom Fighter Squadron in Vietnam. Um all kinds of things. Uh definitely a good read. Uh Mr. Carson knows a little bit about that. But anyway, if he was a cadet at any time and you knew him, you always learn something. It was never a dull moment, but uh we'll be going up there. So, I'm looking forward to that for sure. It's a great honor. >> I I just like to recap the

123about the drill meet that they are going on Oakidge in uh November 14 and 15. We had the we had the opportunity uh Mr. Settles to go to Russia a week ago this past Friday. >> The real Russian. >> Yeah. And and uh the communist and our drill team. I wish they could have been out there. Uh it was pretty bad on the field what the Russians did that night. I mean in their performance and the the drill team and uh we we just got a great team and I'd just like to say you know help them any way you can and pray for these their safety and these trips and everything. >> Is there anything further from the board? any reports? Okay. At this time at uh item number 14 on the uh the

124agenda is approval of the consent agenda. And uh as you know any item may be pulled from the consent agenda with majority vote of the board and discussed and voted on as a separate item as Mr. Correction Dr. uh Gre alluded to the items of the uh federal pro uh federal programs for Mrs. Hamby and you're not wanting to pull that, but uh he did make mention of that >> and so uh if there's no uh one wanting to pull anything, I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as it's printed. >> I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda. Mr. Chairman, >> I'll make a second, Mr. Chairman. Okay, we have uh a motion to approve the consent agenda by Mr. Schuford. We have a second by Mr. Baker. Is there any

125further discussion on the approval of the consent agenda? With no further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is unanimous vote. And at this time, uh we'll skip down to item number 16 on the agenda. and action on close session items. And I'll entertain a motion to approve the personnel considerations, both uh certified and non-certified. >> I move that be approved. >> Second. >> We have a motion by Mr. Abernathy and a second by Mrs. Helms on the close session personal considerations approval. Is there any further discussion on that? With no further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is a unanimous vote. And under item number 17, the announcements, uh the North Carolina School Board's annual conference will be leaving tomorrow to go to

126that. It'll be through some of us through Friday morning, some through Thursday. Uh we're very honored that our very own Mr. Baker is going to be uh sworn in to the uh North Carolina School Boards Association Board of Directors, that's quite an honor. And for somebody as young on the board as you, we your your your mission's cut out for you, sir. But we appreciate you. Uh there will be no work sessions in November, December. This is due to holidays and and you know sometimes those things are very welcomed and and I'm I hope nobody's going to complain about that. And the board regular session annual reorganization meetings Monday, December the 1st at 6:00 p. p.m. And with all that being said, item number 18 on the agenda is I will entertain a motion to

127adjourn. >> Before we do that, can we say this? because we want to see you guys. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, please tell all your teachers. We said happy Thanksgiving. Um principles, if you have a kid out there that you know may not have a happy Thanksgiving, has a little bit tough time or whatever, don't go out of your pocket to try to help. Email a board member. I think I can speak for all of us and let us do what we can, too, because you guys go out of your pocket. I know a ton. Uh but let us know if there's that kid that needs a little special loving this Thanksgiving. All right. >> Absolutely. Thank you. You have a motion. I'll do it. I'll make the motion we get out of here. >> Anybody

128want a second? >> I already had that. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Subtles, a second by Miss Helms to adjourn. Do we have any further discussion? Amen. >> All those in favor signify by raising your right hand, >> which is unanimous.