001No, go ahead. >> Are you sure? >> Yeah. >> All right, Mr. Gret, Mr. um Frank, fellow board members and community, thank you so much. Um it's an honor to get to speak to you about something near and dear to my heart as as well as should probably be for all of us as we have one of our very own fighting this battle right now. um Miss Anna Helms. And I called her today to ask her if it was okay to mention her name. And she said, "Sure, perfect. Go ahead. Tell them my story." So, what she did want us to know is or you guys to know is that um early detection is key and that's what saved her. So, get your mammograms. Um this will I'm going to go quickly because I know
002we got a lot to talk about tonight. Go ahead. Yeah. So cancer these are estimates for women from 225 um new invasive cases 316,950 new non-invasive was 59,080 deaths per year for women is 42,170 so a lifetime risk of one in eight so that I mean if you look just around the room that's a number of us um who are at risk for developing breast cancer um median age of diagnosis is 62 years, although we know it happens with the really young as well. Uh, and death rates had declined about 44% up until 2022 and then they're on the rise again at present. And men, you're in this talk as well, but I think when most people think about breast cancer, they think about women, but men can and do get breast cancer. Um, although
003the incidents are much lower. uh around 2,800 men in the United States in 2025 with 510 deaths per year and that's a lifetime risk of of one in 726. Um and again it accounts for less than 1% of the breast cancer diagnosis in males. However, when males do get breast cancer, it's usually the more lethal um form of cancer. uh global statistics 2.3 million new uh diagnoses each year worldwide with a um global death rate of 670,000 per year. Um and then it's the most common cancer in women across 157 different countries and then male breast cancer 0.5 to 1% of global cases. Uh risk factors. So these are the ones we're born with, the ones we really can't change of course being female, age and genetics and genetics for a particular um gene. The
004ones we can modify obesity, alcohol use, inactivity, hormone therapy and then reproductive history. For men, um the risk is high again for those more lethal mutations, uh hormonal imbalances or radiation exposure over time. Um so prevention we encourage screening as Miss Helm said um that means monthly screening. Um and that's breast self- exam and then for men chest self- exam um especially if you're over the age of 40. Um, and then kind of the way I tell even talking to teenagers and getting them used to to doing this monthly early on is if you if you do this every month and you know what a normal what normal breast tissue feels like the first month that you do it and you feel something different, you're going to know it needs to be checked immediately. So
005symptoms are would be changes um in the breast shape, skin texture, or discharge. Um, and of course if you feel a lump, men should report unusual breast cancer changes, of course, promptly, but it's even more significant for men that that it's detected early. Um, and then what we can do is support access to screening and research funding. And the key takeaway is check your pumpkins for lumpkins. Um going along with the um October breast um cancer awareness month u we have or I'm put together these little bags so the women and the men if you've got a sweetheart a significant other a wife an a sister anybody pick one of these out on the way home and take take it to them tonight. Thank you. [Applause] >> Thank you so much. and and I know
006everybody in the room has got uh hit with uh somebody you know that's been through breast cancer and and I I do as well and so I'm I'm I ask uh Miss Helms to do this and she was very honored to do it. And right now we will now have an invocation at this time. I invite you all to join with us or engage in a moment of silent reflection. And let's pray. Lord, we come before you in humbleness to ask your blessings on this meeting. We ask that you give us discernment as well as guidance on the decisions we're about to make for our students, teachers, and complete staff of the McDow County School System. Let all our discussions and decisions be the best for our top priority, our children. Help us to be
007a positive influence and provide a safe environment for them. Lead, guide, and direct. And we ask in thy name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Mr. Baker, at this time I want you to introduce the uh NJOTC color guard. >> Let's all let's all stand. Attention. Salute. Pledge. I pledge algiance 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. color march. Maybe Okay, item number six on the agenda is the superintendent remarks and I'll turn it over to Dr. Tracy Grit. >> Good evening, folks, and thank everyone for being out there with us tonight. Uh we've got quite a few things to go over here with you. Um it's hard to believe that the first quarter of the school
008year is already come and gone. Um this time of the year always seems to move fast, but what's incredible start it's been so far. Our students are showing tremendous growth in the classroom and they're also showing out on the school uh on our on our football field and on our soccer field, uh volleyball and all those other sports that we've got going on right now, cross country as well. Uh just this past weekend, the McDow High School band took first place in the 2A division at AC Reynolds competition. We're very proud of them. The as as those seasons begin to wind down, we're also gearing up for our winter sports and those will start in November 1st. So, by the next time we have a board meeting, we will already be into our winter seasons.
009Most some of those uh fall seasons won't even be over and we're still going to be starting those other ones. October gives us plenty of reason to celebrate and reflect. It's National Principles Appreciation Month. And I want to take a moment to thank each of our principles for the incredible work they do every single day. Principles, if you are here with us tonight, if you will please stand. [Applause] They set the tone in their schools. They support their staff. They pour their hearts into students. They do. This is what they do every day in their schools. But today, we also have a special announcement. Uh today's special for us because we named our 2025 2026 principal of the year, Miss Aaron Rayfield. If you will please stand. [Applause] Thank you. Now, I told Miss Rayfield
010that she could have a little bit of a break tonight. We weren't going to do the formal recognition, but we were definitely going to have her stand and clap. um she will be representing us in the regional competition and I know she's going to do a great job board. We will bring her back to formally uh recognize her. Uh we wanted to give her a little bit of chance to know about that before she showed up to a board meeting. We're also honored to have Dr. Wambble with us. Dr. Wamble is the executive director of INAT with us tonight. He's here to present a state level award, a very deserving CTE teacher from Dowo High School, a recognition that truly makes us proud. I'd also like to take a minute to recognize our board of
011education who we will honor tonight with the Silver Bell Award. We also have a nomination resolution for our McDow County Commissioners. Their partnership, leadership, and support makes uh the many successes possible. Tonight's agenda is also very full with several exciting updates. Miss Rampy will present the first quarter budget resolution and share a look at the grants awarded by McDow County Schools over the past two years. These grants reflection the hard work happening across every department. Mr. Marsh will update us on the new school project and the recent grant submission. He'll also share the details about our latest safety grant award which will make uh which will make a real difference in keeping our school secure. And finally, Miss Crystal Hamby will share our school performance report highlighting both areas of growth and where we need
012to continue to focus our work. One thing I'm especially proud to share is the progress we're making in our graduation rate. We are on track this year to have the highest rate in our district's history in the 2025 2026 school year. We'll be talking a little bit about that tonight and board will be setting the table for us uh with our board work session for what's coming up in October. It's an exciting time for Mcdow County Schools. We have so much to be proud of and even more to look forward to. Thank you all for the continued support you give to our students, our staff, and our schools. Together, we're building something truly special here in Mcdow County. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. If you could continue on. >> Yes, sir. >> And
013I mentioned to you earlier, we have a special guest presenter tonight, and that's Dr. Brock Wamble. He's the executive director for the North Carolina Center for Advancement of Teaching. Prior to joining INAT in 2016, he served as a superintendent for Hyde, Mitchell, Alexander, and and Caswell counties. Dr. Wombell was here with us this evening for a special recognition. He's going to share with you on behalf of the McDow of the Board of Education and McDow County Schools. We welcome Dr. Brock Womble to the podium. [Applause] Good evening, U board education and and Dr. Grit. Thank you for for the opportunity to be here. Would Stacy Shaw please come forward at this time along with uh Tommy Leford, the principal of the school, and Miss Karen Barnes and the CTE director. Y'all, y'all can stand right
014there. So, on behalf of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, it is my privilege to announce that Stacy Shaw, a family consumer science teacher at McDow High School, has been selected as a finalist for the INCAT 2026 Buroughs Welcome Fund North Carolina Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year Award. This rec this This recognition highlights Miss Shaw's exceptional contribution to CC instruction and her remarkable impact on students in the community here in McDow County. I'd like to recognize Tracy uh Widman, principal of McDow High School, Mary Finley, McDow County School CTE director for their support of Miss Shaw. I'd also like to thank the development foundation of INCAT Incorporated board of director Tommy Leford and Karen BS from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Office of CTE for being here
015to honor Miss Shaw. The Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year or award was established to celebrate the innovation, leadership, and dedication of CTE teachers across North Carolina. This award honors teachers who exemplify the highest standards of excellence in preparing students for both college and career pathways and supporting workforce development. Miss Shaw will be attending a week of professional development with her fellow finalists in December where interviews and a portfolio review will be conducted by an expert panel of judges from across the state to determine the next CTE teacher of the year. On December 4th, uh, INCAT will celebrate all finalists and announce the winner to at a recognition event at the Corey Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. At ENCAT, we are committed to advancing teaching as a art and a profession, and
016we are thrilled to celebrate Miss Shaw as a shining example of this mission. Please join me in congratulating Stacy Shaw on this outstanding achievement. We are pleased to provide you with this certificate recognizing you as a INCAT 2026 Burroughs Welcome Fund North Carolina career and technical education teacher of the year finalist. Thank you very much. I don't know. Okay. At this time, we're going to move forward with our staff recognitions. So, if we could have Miss Dattle, if you will come forward. I'm right. >> Oh, you're already up there. >> I like a get around quick, >> man. >> I'm quick. I'm like a ninja. >> You were quick. I'm going to show up. >> Smoke. Good evening, uh, Mr. Frank, Mr. Abnathy, members of the board, and our esteemed, um, guests in the audience.
017Um, I'm excited to introduce to you our certified and classified employees 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 supporting students, staff, and the overall mission of our district. Their hard work not only helps our schools run smoothly, but also creates a positive and inspiring environment for everyone around them. Today, we're proud to celebrate and extend our heartfelt congratulations to our certified employee of the month and classified employee of the month for their exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication. Tonight, we're going to
018do something a little different. Um, in the past I have read and spoken about these employees, but we felt like that it would be a great opportunity for those who nominated um, these folks to be able to speak about them. I personally have been able to work with both of these individuals and have been blessed um, to work alongside them shouldertoshoulder doing great things for kids each and every day. So, first up for our certified employee of the month is Miss Shannon Sharon Airwood. And I'd like to ask Dr. Whis to step up here and speak a few words about her. So, come on up, Miss Sharon. Good evening, everybody. So, it's my honor and pleasure to introduce Miss Sharon Arowwood, first grade teacher at West Marian Elementary School. Uh, Miss Arowwood started working initially
019uh as an instructional assistant at our school and thereafter uh swiftly uh pursued her teaching license and degree at uh Appalachin State and also getting her master's degree thankfully. Uh so, she did in my opinion make the correct decision there. She's married, been married, her husband's here. Uh been married for 41 years. Uh having only been in this position as a principal at West Marion and really new to the district, I can honestly say it did not take me long to realize how incredible of an educator Miss Awood is. Uh she is always teaching uh constantly uh very passionate about her students learning. It's nothing for her to catch me in the hallway and brag about uh their performance, her data, how they're doing uh which speaks volumes to me. Uh and it is evident
020that she loves each and every one of her students. Her commitment to them is matched only by her passion for teaching and I'm very proud to have had the the brief privilege of working with her. It's my understanding that she might be retiring at the end of this year uh despite my best efforts to talk her out of it. Uh, but Miss Arrow would know this. Uh, even if whether you decide to or not, um, I can replace the position. I can hire a teacher anytime. Uh, I'll never be able to replace you. You'll always be a West Marian Panther. And, uh, thank you for your continued dedication to our students, uh, school, and community. and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. [Applause] >> For our classified employee of the month, we have Miss Francine Dylan.
021And we're going to ask Miss Francine to come up front. She does not like attention. And so this is definitely out of her comfort zone, but Miss Francine, you come on up right in the center. And I'm going to ask Mr. Greg Hughes um to speak about Miss Francine. I do want to share something, Miss Francine, from back in the day. Um prior to becoming principal, uh my first principal ship um I served as the interim director of testing and accountability. And let me tell you what that looked like. that looked like starting on uh November the 29th and we had EOC testing at McDow Early College um starting that next week and so I had absolutely no idea and so Miss Francine said we've got this. So um that's the way Miss Francine is
022she's always got it. So um Miss Francine, Mr. >> Lord, Dr. grit. Members of the audience, uh it's my pleasure to recognize Miss Dillingham for this award. Um don't know if you know it or not, but we've got a new student information system this year. Uh yeah, and uh we actually when I first met Francine, it was with the old SIM system and I was still teaching at East Middle and she was filling in for Joyce Pool and I was doing some internship stuff there with Sims and met her there. And then when we flipped to NC Wise, got to work with her on that one. And when we flipped to Power School, I got to work with her on that one. And when we flipped Infinite Campus, I got to work with her on
023this one. And uh this one at on my end of things, just seeing things on my side of the world was a lot more complex than the previous couple have been. Uh, I can tell you without a doubt, hundreds and hundreds and hundreds, probably approaching thousands of hours extra that she has put in since about this time of last year. uh working her full-time job and then working at night on weekends, Saturdays and Sundays trying to learn Infinite Campus so that it could come out uh with our data managers, repeated sessions with them trying to make sure that our data was correct and just a ton of front-end work to make things successful for us this year. It is my privilege to recognize the person right beside of me, Miss Francine Dunham. [Applause] Next, we
024get to do something fun that we don't don't get to do very often, and that's recognize our board for hard work and dedication that they put in. Uh just this past month we attended a meeting up in Asheville and our board was presented with the Silver Bell Award. I'm going to tell you a little bit about what that is. The North Carolina School Boards Assoc Association printed presented an award at the recent lead training in Asheville on Friday, September 19th. Our board of education received the silver bell award for the 20 24 2025 school year. The silver belt award is given to local school boards when each board member has actively worked towards meeting their 12 hours required during the time frame of July 1st through June 30. 12 hours really doesn't touch it, folks.
025That's the that's the training that you end up doing. But 12 12 hours um when when we talk about all the other things that we do, you guys go way beyond that. Um, North Carolina School Board's members must complete a minimum of 12 hours training every two years and two hours of ethics training within 12 months of their initial election or appointment and again with 12 months of any subsequent reappointment or reelection to meet the state mandates. Folks, you guys have gone over and above that um many many years and we're very proud of you. If you will, board, if you will stand and let's give these folks a round of applause. [Applause] Everybody's going to Ready? Come on. I want to add one comment to what Dr. Grit said. It's it is truly a
026pleasure and an honor to see especially our new board members that are really doing everything they can toh reach their 12-hour goal and some of them are just about there. Well, one of them already is uh Derek McGinness for the year, but uh it we're we're shooting hard for the gold bill next year. I hope we get it. At this time, item number nine on the agenda, uh, Miss Smith, is there any request to address the board? Okay. And item number 10, we are so honored to have our teacher of the year, Mrs. Amber Loin, to give a presentation to Mrs. Lawin. The floor is yours. And we are very honored that you're our teacher of the year. Great. Okay, so good evening. Um, fair warning, I won't be the only one holding back tears
027tonight. It's already starting. But if they do fall, they'll be tears worth shedding. Tonight, we celebrate Miss Helen. Though to her grandkids, she's simply Nano. And if you know Nano, you know she's a crier, too, like me. And that big heart of hers always shows up in tears. Last month, I said it's often the people who avoid the spotlight that deserve it the most. This month, I want to remind us that it's the strongest people. I can't look at her. That is the strongest people aren't always the loudest. They are the ones whose hearts are big enough to carry others, even when their own battles are heavy. As you know, October is breast cancer awareness month, a time to wear pink, to share hope, and to remind us all that no one should ever have
028to walk alone. Miss Helen faced breast cancer with resilience and courage, and continues to live her life with the same compassion she has always shown to others. Miss Helen, you are known for your kind heart, your generosity, and the way you quietly changed lives simply by caring. You have been a safe space for children, an encourager for young people, and a steady source of light in our school community. You paid such close attention that you knew every single students. And when I say every student, I mean every single student's lunch number by heart. Nicole has shared many stories of your influence on students in our community. One that has stayed with me is when the two of you were out to eat and a man walked up, a former Old Fort Elementary student. He remembered
029the love and compassion you showed him all those years ago. By the end of that conversation, all three of you weren't just tearing up. You were full-on ugly crying together. And honestly, that says it all. That's the kind of influence you've had. The kind that lingers long after children have have grown. The kind that is never forgotten. Gosh, she's gonna kill me. Part of what makes your story so extraordinary is that out of difficult beginnings, you chose a life that gave children love, stability, and hope. You did it first for your own family. You and your husband raised three children who grew up active in church and grounded in a strong faith. All because of the foundation you built and the new path you created when you chose to break the cycle. Instead of passing
030down hardship, you passed down love and encouragement, faith and strength, compassion and courage, stability and grace. And then you extended that same devotion to the countless students you cared for. That is exactly what the starfish story is about. how one person's choice to care can change everything. Tonight, Miss Hamby is going to share that story. And tonight, it's meant Sorry, it's meant just for you. >> One morning, a man was walking along the beach with that. picking them up by each starfish. Why are you spending so much energy? There are too many of them. They'll die if they're left in the sun. The man glanced up and down. But there Another starfish was lifted from the sand and sent back into the smiling. And that brings me to this. I want to give you a
031small keepsake. a starfish keychain. It represents all the times you made a difference for that one. And while each moment may have felt small for the child on the other side, it meant everything. The truth is, it hasn't just been one, it's been countless. And each of those differences added up to a legacy of love that still carries forward today. To show just how true that is, I'd like to share a message from someone who still carries your love and kindness with them. This is going to get me. In elementary school, Miss Helen was always a warm and welcoming presence. I would go through the lunch line and she would put my lunch number in before I even got to her because she had it memorized. Once I didn't have my reduced lunch paperwork in
032place, but she said, "I'll take care of it." And made sure I had lunch that day. I got bullied a lot in elementary school and one day I came through looking sad. As I was leaving the line, she put her arm around me and squeezed me to her side and told me, "I better not be paying attention to any of those kids." She would always say, "You're my girl." I felt so special because someone like her loved me and it made all the difference to my little kid mind. When I was in college, I worked three jobs at once. And I used to come home and work at McDonald's on the weekends. She would come through the line and see me at the back window, always staying to talk for a second and asking how
033I was doing. She paid for her food and then handed me 20 or $40. When I wouldn't take it, she told me, "This money is for you, and I'm not moving until you take it." She's a stubborn one, I'll tell you. She didn't know it then, but that money fed me the following week and put gas in my car to get me back to school. The fact that she even cared enough to want to help me like that meant the world to me. When my dad passed away eight years ago, she came to his visitation and gave me a big hug. Even with not getting to see her that often, I feel her love all the time and always have. I'm so happy you're giving her a well-deserved spotlight. Tabby P. Old Fort Elementary 2000
034to 2006. Miss Helen, your impact has been immeasurable. The difference made in schools is never limited to the four walls of a classroom. It's it happens in every space. In the hallways, on buses, in the front office, in the cafeteria, and more. For so many children, the lunch line was not just where they received food, but where they felt seen, cared for, and loved. You made sure no child went without, and you made a difference for that one again and again. The food may have been gone in minutes, but your steady presence and devotion have lasted a lifetime. Long after the lunch numbers fade, what remains is the encouragement you gave in the way you cared for every single one of those little hearts. You inspire us to remember what is good and true about
035public education. That it's the people inside our schools who quietly shape lives in ways that last forever. My hope is that I can be for my own children the kind of mother you have been for yours and make the make the kind of difference you've made for the children of our county. Then I will have followed the path you've laid before all of us. I know I've honored the example you've set and I'll have carried forward the love you've shown. Nano, tonight we honor you with grateful hearts. It's a privilege to celebrate you. Thank you. [Applause] Miss Loen, we could have the family come up and let's do it. Let's do it for you. >> Can her family? >> Yeah. Please. That's the family. >> Everybody. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Oh, I was >>
036You're part of the knew she could be that guy. Thank you. [Applause] >> Yes. Yes. Thank you, Miss Loen. Tough act to follow, Miss Rampy. Let's talk about some business now. >> Board resolutions. I'm sorry. >> Well, let me back up a minute. Mr. Frank, we're going to have a tough act to follow here. All joking aside, folks, Miss Miss Loen, if I may, Mr. Mr. Frank, take just a point of privilege here. >> That's incredible. I appreciate what you're doing as teacher of the year. rec recognizing our folks in our community and the folks that mean so much to you. Um it's hard to have a dry eye after a story like that. We we greatly appreciate it and uh we see you and if the regional folks don't see you, it's a shame.
037>> That's okay. That's okay. They don't have to. >> They're I think they will. >> Okay. Uh, under new business, board resolution for the nomination of the McDow County uh, Board of County Commissioners for the 2025 North Carolina School Boards Association County Commissioners of the Year Award. And I'm going to read this and this is a re resolution of the McDow County Board of Education nomination of the McDow County Board of Commissioners, North Carolina School Boards Association 2025 County Commissioners of the Year Award. Whereas the Mcdow County Board of Education recognizes the vital role of the Mcdow County Board of Commissioners in ensuring the success of our public schools. And whereas the McDow County Board of Commissioners has demonstrated consistent and unwavering support for the students, educators, and families of McDow County through its leadership,
038partnership, and commitment to public education. And whereas the commissioners have provided essential resources and funding that sustain highquality educational programs, safe learning environments, and opportunities that prepare all students for future success. And whereas the commissioner's collaboration with the McDow County Board of Education reflects a shared vision of academic excellence and innovation. And now therefore, be it resolved that the McDow County Board of Education does hereby proudly nominate the Mcdow County Board of Commissioners for the North Carolina School Boards Association's 2025 County Commissioners of the Year Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions and dedication to public education. And be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Mcdow County Board of Commissioners as a token of gratitude and appreciation for their service to the students and citizens of Mcdow County
039adopted this 13th day of October 2025 by the McDow County Board of Education. And uh Dr. Grit, you probably have something to say, but I am really happy for what McDow County uh Board of Commissioners did for us this year in giving us the 6% uh additional money for our uh budget. And I'm going to tell you, uh, our finance department and their finance department sit down together and they came up with it. They found the money and and hey, they didn't have to let us come into their closed closet and we didn't have to disclose ours either. But that's a collaboration that we have between the two and I I hope for goodness sake they get the award because they surely deserve it. >> Thank you, Mr. Frank. it. I think it goes without
040saying when you talk about uh resources and what the county is doing for us, it's been incredible. And uh just to tell the story a little bit, uh we went to them this year uh with rough roughly a $976,000 uh decrease in lowwealth funding that was scheduled to come to us. And I and I'm looking at our principles in the room, you guys remember that. We had that conversation and we were looking at each other going, "Well, there's only one way that you can fix that." And that's one. we can ask the county for more money or we can make cuts. Um and the county stepped up and and took care of us and we're forever grateful for that. Uh so for two years running 3% uh one year and then uh 6% the following
041year uh for a total of 9% in two years. Uh folks, that's unheard of. If you pick up your paper and you're looking at what's going on in other counties, they can't even sit at the same table. So, the fact that we can sit, have conversations with our county commissioners, the board, um, put our finance uh, directors together, be able to have collaborative conversations is incredible. And I I wish that I could take credit and say that that's something that that that had had to do with me, but folks, it didn't. That's something that McDow County has been doing for many, many, many years. And it's something as a county we need to be very cognitive of and be very protective of those relationships because when when push comes to shove, that's how we take
042care of our school system and that's how we take care of the community and and we're very fortunate here to have that. >> Thank you very much, sir. And of course, with that being said, we need action on this request and I'll entertain a motion to accept the resolution. >> I'll make the motion and want to thank Chairman Frank and Superintendent Grit for taking the initiative on this. It's deserved. I hope they receive it and I am confident they'll be highly proud of being nominated if they don't, but hopefully they'll receive it. I really thank you two for for leading on this and taking the initiative. So, I make that motion. Second. Okay, we have a U motion by Mr. Abernathy. We have a second by Mrs. Helms. Is there any further discussion? With no
043further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is an eight vote, Mr. Barksdale. >> Thank you very much, sir. And as we go to the next subject is the board delegates. We need four delegates to the North Carolina School Boards Association conference and an alternate. And uh right now I want to ask if there's anybody that will volunteer to be a delegate at the conference. >> I'll volunteer. >> Okay. Greg volunteers. >> Uh >> Mr. Bark. >> Okay. >> What was that? Paul >> Derek won't be going. to the state. >> Okay. Is that Chuck? A >> Are you going, Miss H? Okay. >> And I'll be the >> Okay. >> Yeah, he might be. Okay, our slate will be Mrs. Helms, uh, Mr. Abernathy, Mr. Shuford, Mr. Barksdale, and
044I'll be the alternate. And I need a motion to accept those uh, nominees for that. >> I'll make a motion. >> Okay, >> I'll second. >> Okay. Okay, we have a mer we have a motion by Mr. McGinness and we have a second by Mr. Allison. Is there any further discussion on the uh representatives for the North Carolina School Boards Association conference? No discussion. All those in favor by signify by raising your right hand, which is an 8 count. And thank you so much. And uh Mr. McGinness was planning to go, but uh he's got invited to a better deal with an NJOTC uh program, and so he spent all week last week in Asheville getting his 12 hours. >> All right, Mr. Frank. Uh this time we we'll really let Miss Rampy go. I
045got a little carried away after presentation by our teacher of the year. She did such a good job. I just decided to skip down the agenda. So, thank you, Miss Rampage, just like always, for keeping me straight and getting us back on track. >> Well, this is much easier to follow. I just >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> All right. The finance committee met on September 29th and we went over the details for the 2526 budget. Um, when we first started, we want to go over what we have for capital. The first thing we wanted to highlight was some of the larger projects that we've done through our capital funding in the last couple years. You can see the new consolidated school is that first $2 million that you approved for the purchase of the land, any
046of those incidental cost until we uh see if we get the grant and any construction actually start. And then you can see the other state projects there, the West Middle School erosion field project include and then the PG renovations. Those are state grants through capital. And then we've had some Hback um and uh Summit Academy, gym locker rooms. You can see the roofing and then obviously the the biggest one we had with the the large tennis court project with everything related to that. Speaking of capital projects, with those capital projects coming out, you can see where we're at by year. It's projected through uh 2041. Um I don't think I will still be here, but that's what you'll have. Um in uh for instance for this year you can see we have projected uh revenue
047coming in our debt payments both for the high school 9th grade academy the old fort debt we have a reserve for future projects where we have started to save money for that large uh future project that we have coming up and we've slated to save an additional million dollars every year into that. And then we also have $2 million projected for our other capital projects. So that would be for roofing, HVAC, other large uh improvements that we have. With those, it still leaves us right at $15 million in that capital project for any large projects that we have. Again, this is h these are funds are housed at the county level. All right, the general fund. And this is a little bit small for you to see. Um but you can see last year's activity.
048I don't think I have a do I have a pointer? It doesn't work. Um, we took around $400,000 out of fund balance last year. With taking the $400,000 out of fund balance, it still leaves us with $8.7 million in fund balance, which is about 62% of what we spend out of local um annually. So, we are still in a good financial situation. You can see in the LA the four years prior that's where we banked a lot of that money when we were uh with ESSER and some indirect costs we were able to save knowing that these reduction in funds were coming to try to help offset some of that. >> Mr. Rampy if I may. So what you should expect to see is how that built up from 2020 up to 2024. You should
049just see the exact opposite of of that as it trickles down. One of the things that we do want to do is maintain a number just above what that was in 2020 and that'll be our financial goal that Miss Rampy and and our team that's what we strive to be able to do. Uh so when we get into a point of um having to make those hard decisions when we talk about losing um student population and growth um this is directly impacted by that. this this fund balance, if you just keep this in mind, this is based on employees and um and ADM. When we were talking capital earlier, folks, I just want to reiterate that capital uh those projects are for buildings and facilities. So, just want to make sure we're clear on that.
050Thank you, Mr. Trampy. >> All right, next slide. One thing I did want to note before we get into the budget, um, with taking the 400,000, we have been very aggressive on grant writing in the last couple years. Uh, it has helped us offset some cost. Um, some of it is new funds, new spending, new things we've received or whether it be equipment or staffing temporary, but some of it h has helped us offset some of our costs. For instance, uh, Miss Hamby wrote a grant for prek that was around right at $500,000 that helped us offset some of the costs for prek. That was uh, two years ago. we used it over two years. Uh we also had the Ellis grant that helped us offset some cost. The gear up that we're currently in
051is 1.1 million. And then we also received the large mental health grant that spans over several years at $7 million. So there are several grants that we're um writing and trying to get and any that we can get to offset current cost would be wonderful. a lot of times that it is new money for new expenses, but anything that we can get to help us offset any of our costs this year just helps or any future year would help us offset any budget deficits. >> One thing I want to highlight there is uh you see uh a JCOPS grant that says school safety. Uh we got notification of that grant award just this past week. I don't want to steal Mr. Marsh's thunder, Mr. Barry Hill. I know they're going to be talking about that
052tonight, but I did want to just point that one out that just came out this past week. We're very proud of those guys and the work and efforts that they put in to uh to bring in almost another half million dollars. >> All right. Even with those grants, I wanted to start with what the original presentation was back in April when we were talking to the county commissioners. I won't go through every line item, but if you look at the bottom there, we were going to be short $2.1 million if we kept everything status quo the way we were the year before with the reductions in low wealth with ADM reductions and any increases in salary and benefits. So, we had slated to reduce by 10 positions request from the county $720,000 and that would
053leave us with taking $720,000 out of fund balance. So basically splitting the difference if we reduce by 10 positions. As you know, they gave us $600,000 increase, which is a very very generous increase compared to what a lot of counties are getting and what we've seen in in the past history as well. So we're very thankful for the 600,000. It was the not the 720 uh that we originally had budgeted in to request, but we know we always request as much as we can and and and hope for what we can get, and we're very pleased with the $600,000. But when you pl plug the $600,000 in there, you know, we had said we were going to reduce by 10 positions and still have to take 720,000 if they gave us 720. So we plugged
054the $600,000 in there. So we had to adjust and we actually changed that to 12 positions that we reduced or either reallocated to a different pot of money. And with the expense reductions that we knew and with the $400,000 that we ended up taking out of fund balance last year, that's going to leave us with about $672,000 that we needed to take out of fund balance for this coming year. So we made adjustments in our reductions and then we also adjusted the estimate based on what our actual loss was for last year. So this is what is in your budget resolution that is uh to be approved that was in your packet. along with the general state and federal budgets. Those are only base budgets and what we get every year when they start. As
055we get new information from the state and federal government, you will get budget amendments throughout them throughout the year as we get any updates on that. But those are just base budgets just to let us continue to pay people out of state and federal at this time. >> So So Mr. Rampy, if I understand correctly, you need a a recommendation. Um, and I would certainly make the recommendation that um that you consider the budget resolution as presented. Um, M Mr. Franken and certainly would entertain any questions that you all might have for Miss Rampier and myself. >> Does anybody have anything for Dr. Grit or Mrs. Rampier, our finance officer? >> I'll entertain a motion to accept the uh budget. >> Chairman Frank is chairman of the finance committee. It's my honor to make that
056motion to approve the local general fund and the local capital outlay budget as presented this evening. Thank you so much, Mr. Rampy and second. >> Okay, we have a motion by Mr. Sheford who is chairman of the finance committee to approve the uh budget resolution and Mr. Baker who is also on the finance committee seconds it is there any further discussion on the motion on the table. No further discussion. All those in favor signify by raising your right hand which is an eight vote and the motion carries. Thank you, Mr. Frank. Thank you, members of the board. Uh, next up, we've got Mr. Chad Marsh. Mr. Marsh has a facility update as well as um some some requests from us from that budget that we just talked about. Uh, so I'll turn the floor over
057to you, Mr. Marsh. >> Good evening, Mr. Chairman, ladies and men, ladies and gentlemen of the board, Dr. Grit, and ladies and gentlemen present. First want to start out, Mr. chairman with uh as Dr. Grit says a point of privilege and wish my brothers and sisters a happy 250th birthday for United States Navy today. Uh so thank you for your service. Um it's my privilege to take a moment to discuss some of the things that are going on inside of the directorate. Uh Garrett, you can bring up the one picture. Mr. Thomas and his staff been performing inspections and repairs and I'm happy to report we are in receipt of nine now this year nine yellow uh new school buses and one activity buses uh as you can see there. So this is the new
058activity bus that the board purchased as a reminder to those present in the board. DPI um pays for our yellow buses, Department of Public Construction, but the board purchases our buses uh here and this is the newest one. And so uh the way it works, just like with our yellow buses, it will be literally poured over by our inspection staff and they will go through it to ensure that it is safe and ready to hit the road once uh once they deem it that way. we will integrate it into the existing fleet and that means that one of the most uh one of the buses that is there we have one for instance that our fantastic NJRTC uses is quite uh has has quite a bit of age on it and so uh it's one
059of those deals that we'll be looking to work with Mrs. Rampy and gov deals and try to get that sold to the general public. The technology Mr. Garrett and his staff have been focusing, as you heard a little bit about tonight, uh, with recognition of Miss Dillingham, their efforts on software changes, supporting those conversions to Infinite Campus and and working with contractors and vendors to install new software throughout the district as long as hardware. Our child nutrition staff, Mr. Haynes and staff been working hard. He has got requests out uh right now for our Thanksgiving meal and they're preparing for the feast that will uh be happening at all of our schools. From a safety standpoint, all of your Knox boxes have been installed. Uh all of those now contain a set of master keys.
060Keys have been given to every um fire department that is responsible for that particular school. and I personally gave a set of keys to the individuals who oversee SRO's for either the Marian Police Department or McDow County Sheriff's Office. So, uh it's a first in the in our district and and we're happy to have that rolled out. Uh we've been working diligently with those same law enforcement partners and emergency personnel to finalize our district's uh lockdown plan. Again, this the district has had lockdown plans in the past, but what's different about this is it's a consolidated plan. This gives one plan for the entire district and it means that an SRO who is from the police department or an SRO who's a deputy with the sheriff's office all work with the principal at that particular
061school to make sure that it's safe and consistent. Uh that that plan will be rolled out this week with our principles for direct implementation. Um we as Dr. Grit mentioned earlier, we are very uh just thrilled this week to learn from the Department of Justice uh that our recent application for the fiscical year 25 school violence prevention program or SVP grant was successful and McDow County Schools has been awarded $476,250. These funds will be used to purchase hardware and other critical safety upgrades for all of our facilities. Um, one of the things that I took pleasure in doing when I got here was challenging all the different directors that I just spoke about. And this is a direct reflection of that challenge and Mr. Garrett Barry Hill's exhaustive efforts. Garrett, how many uh had you
062written prior to this one grant? This was his first grant, ladies and gentlemen, and his success. Um, it it's absolutely important though to mention that nothing as far as grants or anything else happens without the support of our CFO and Mrs. Rampy as always is incredibly supportive there. So, Suzanne, we sincerely appreciate all your help in making all this happen. So, thank you, ma'am. Um, on the athletic side, the high school and middle school programs are off and is in full swing. Um, this week, as in tonight, our uh Northwestern 67A volleyball tournament is underway. Um, McDall High School is will be participating tonight at 6 o'clock at St. Stevens. Uh, and so if they win, Mrs. Widman will be hosting the next two events at her school. Uh, begins tomorrow for the semi-finals and
063Wednesday for the finals. And so we look forward to that. Um, this Friday, our youth our youth football uh will be recognized along with seniors at Titan Stadium for a contest against St. Stevens. Kickoff is at 7:30 and so we look forward to seeing that. And as Dr. Grit mentioned, our winter sports uh for all those involved in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association authorized to begin practice on Wednesday, October 29th, but most everybody waits until that Monday to kick things off. And so, uh, that's the exact same for our middle schools as well. In auxiliary services, Mr. Vaughn and his staff continue to address the many hundreds of work orders in Sherpa and work at a feverish pace. your capital project that you approved recently. All of the funds for this project have
064either been allocated or spent on specific projects. Uh since March, we have had 59 HVAC work orders that were open and we have now closed 44 of those 59. What those folks are doing over at maintenance is eyewatering. And they are there night after day after night after weekend. They don't ask, they just show up. and I'm very very proud of what they're doing. With that being said, Mr. Chairman, and after working with um Mr. Barksdale, the chairman of our building and grounds committee, uh as I mentioned earlier in the year, I'm going to come back and I'm going to ask for more money and and we're at that point. Tonight, I'm going to request action from the board to support two capital projects. One is a 250,000 HVAC capital project, and that will be
065round two of the same as we mentioned. And the second one is a $250,000 capital project to support u remediation and improvements involving uh concrete sir that'll be include sidewalks, ramps and the like. Um so whatever point you want any kind of action on that s request board action on that. Okay. Uh hold on one second before we ask for that motion. Uh Mr. Baker, I know that uh student safety is uh and of course Mr. McGinness as well is of utmost importance to you guys and I I guess you heard that they got that grant for almost a half a million dollars. Do either of you have any questions or or I know Mr. Abernad that comes after your heart too. Does anybody have any questions of of Mr. Mars concerning what's what what
066they're looking at with that money or or we know what they what it entails but do if you have any questions. >> Um I've understood Mr. Marsh that that some of it will be used for cameras. >> That's right sir. >> And you know can you explain some of that? >> I'll be happy to sir. So um as most grants do this one comes with specific criteria for which you can to use it. And so when Mr. Barry Hill and I, which was one of the very specific reasons I asked him to get involved with it because we felt this gave us a great opportunity to continue the purchase, procurement, installation of cameras, which we've done. As I mentioned to the board once before, I think we're at 46, I think the number was that
067we were were at. And so we're going to continue. So what happens is is when principles and SRO's get together and identify needs throughout the school when this round that's being installed right now is complete then we can go back out sir and purchase those new cameras. It's also we've also had requests for radios. Uh we have identified quote inquote dead spots in some of our schools and so we intend on trying to address those. So a lot of this is technologically uh you know important there. That's what we plan on doing. So, uh, very very specific items there, sir. >> Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> Does anybody else have any questions concerning? >> That's phenomenal. Getting that grind. >> Um, Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion at this time. >> Yes,
068sir. >> Uh, for the capital project request for the concrete work for ramps, sidewalks in the amount of $250,000. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Barksdale for the uh update capital needsbased grant and uh the capital request the action to be taken. Is there a second? I'll second. >> Okay, we have a motion by Mr. Barksdale. We have a second by Mr. Allison on the capital request. Is there any further discussion on this motion? With no further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is an eight vote and carries. Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a second motion. >> Okay. >> To approve the capital project request for the HVAC uh repairs and upgrades districtwide totaling 250,000. >> Okay. >> Do we have a second? >> I'll second.
069Okay. Okay. We have a second motion for capital request on HVAC uh by Mr. Barkstdale, a second by Mr. Allison. Is there any further discussion on the second request? All those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is an 8 count vote that carries. Okay. Thank you. >> I would just like to say, Mr. Marsh, thank you and your staff for attacking this, especially the HVAC and and y'all have done a great job and your your staff is just I believe is phenomenal myself. >> Thank you, sir. It makes it a whole lot easier when when we have a board that is supportive as as this one is, sir. So, I mean, that's just I can talk about things that are broke all day long, but if you if I get pushed away
070that it makes it difficult. So, I just really appreciate the board support. Thank you, Mr. Barksdale and other members of the board. >> Thank you. >> Um sir, that leads me to updates on our grants. As was mentioned by Mrs. Rampy, Pleasant Gardens, the $1 million we received for uh Hurricane Helen remediation is 90% allocated. We're working with Mr. Wheeler to to spend the rest of that and that'll be we have no time frame on that. There's no time limit on that. So be just as as we move along. uh West McDow Middle School and the high school uh grants. Again, it was two parts, 3 million and 1 million for hurricane remediation. That's in the planning phase and still in progress and we continue to work with building and grounds to ensure that the
071board has has a voice on that. Uh and that leads me to my final uh point tonight, Mr. Chairman, is to talk about um our needs-based public school capital fund grant. I'm proud to announce to the board and to the public that uh you are now the proud owners of 32 acres at Ridge Road and Highway 70 East. Uh our your attorneys have closed on that property and so that does now belong to McDow County Board of Education. So, uh congratulations and thank you for the foresight on that. What that allowed us to do was to be able to present a very robust application. The application deadline was October the 3 and I'm happy to report to the board that the application was submitted in entirety on the 1st of October. Dr. Grit himself uh
072and just appreciate the superintendent's leadership on this. Took off and followed the application to Raleigh and made sure that everybody had what they needed there. So I appreciate your leadership on that sir and sure we had all those parts. They absolutely was touched by every member of the executive cabinet and several members of leadership. There were so many people who were involved in this, it's just really hard to thank them all, but just rest assured that your leadership was involved and so we're very much appreciative of that. Garrett, can you bring up a table of contents? There are a couple things, Mr. Chairman, I'd like to bring to your attention and the board's attention is not just the work, but the collaboration, sir, that went into this, not just internally in McDow County Schools, but
073externally is quite honestly eye watering. Garrett, can we go to the letters of support? Um, and I'd like to I believe that is uh yeah, there's a general letter, the three-part letter. Yeah, the A15. Mr. Chairman, when we were putting this together, the superintendent and and you, sir, um, went after some things that I believe if we do get this are going to be essential pieces to that. And I want to make sure that the general public knows the amount of work that you and Dr. Grit and other members of the board put into this. This is signed by three members of our legislature. you guys can see that uh you have on there. Thank you because God knows I couldn't see that. Jake Johnson, uh Representative Green, and Senator Warren Daniels. And so these
074are all the folks that you uh vote every year or every couple years to support us. Um ladies and gentlemen, they all signed that and this went as part of our package down to Raleigh to be reviewed by the superintendent of the state and the rest of that team that's going to take a look at it. The amount of collaboration here is just incredible. And so I just wanted to make sure that everybody saw that tonight, how proud we are of this application. But the the collaboration to me is what sticks out most. And then there's an interlocal agreement. Garrett, do you see the interlocal agreement? >> Is it the very bottom? >> Thank you. Yeah, Jack's all over. Very bottom. Uh a Yep. So, so the the interlocal agreement here was absolutely critical to
075this as well. And then when Dr. Grit went to the board and we went with our attorney and several members of the executive cabinet, you already voted for it tonight, but the county commissioners got behind this unanimously. It was very quick. It was very easy led by Chairman Brown and and the rest of the group there. And so we again, I just wanted to bring this to everybody's attention tonight how much we we appreciate this. And as we were talking to some members of legislature, one of the things that they had said, you know, we have applied for these in our districts and other places and have failed and if we would have had this, we might have gotten over the top. So, just want to bring everybody's attention um for the grace of God,
076but certainly for all the work that was done and the collaboration here, if we get this, it'll all be huge keys to that. So, I just wanted to make sure Dr. agree that I took time to bring it up before the board, sir. >> Yes, sir. Mr. Marshian, I appreciate you doing that and and board, I know I shared this in the weekly, but I felt it was important to bring it up for our public just to show the amount of work that went into it. Um, and it dates all the way back to the initial studies that this board did uh many years ago. Um, and and the ones that we done just as recently as last year. Um, so all that work culminating into this one document. So, it's when you can capture
077it all on one page, you feel like that might be your elevator speech. Um, but I don't know that you if you got in an elevator, you might be there for about six days having to listen to all this. There's there's an incredible amount of work there. And Mr. Marsh, we just appreciate you and and and the work that you put behind this as well and your team. So, thank you. >> Sir, before I sit uh sit down, I just want to say one thing. You know, you talk about um an elevator ride with whomever you have an opportunity to speak about. And really what we're talking about is is a chance to do something bigger than yourself. And I just want to take a moment to say what our teacher of the year does
078every week is absolutely humbling. Not once have you got up here, ma'am, and talked about yourself. Not once have you really talked about the recognition that was been very richly handed to you. but instead you've talked about everybody and anybody else that you felt was effective in changing the lives of the kids who are fortunate enough to be in your care and those other cares of the people here in this room and I just want to applaud you for using your 30 secondond ride to the top floor to talk about others. So, thank you. >> Thank you. [Applause] >> Can I ask the U chair, is there a deadline when we will find out uh if we've been awarded? Yes, sir. Um, so just as a reminder, there's there's two possibilities with this. The first
079possibility, we could find out as soon as as November. Um, they said roughly 30 days. It could be more, it could be less. Um, but but one of the things I also want to add is that there is additional lottery funds that are that are already earmarked to go into the budget. But now, keep in mind the budget hasn't passed. So when when we get a second round of the budget, we should get a second round from my understanding of of these uh grants that will come out and it's it looks to be about the double of what it what the initial amount was. So it's getting close to where it was last year if it doesn't surpass the amount that they gave out last year. Um so if we if we don't get it
080in the first round, you potentially could get it in the second round. Of course, we're doing all we can to to try to push for the first round, but you know, there's no guarantees. Uh there's uh 20 plus applications that were submitted. 41 of them are tier one counties just like we are. Um I I just would say with that, um like Mr. Marsh pointed out, um we we've got a very compelling uh grant. I feel like we've got a very strong grant um and one that I I hope that will be to the top and and I believe it and I believe it should be. Thank you. >> Real Can I ask a question real quick? >> And I think I've asked this before. Does the application have a mechanism to evaluate cost savings
081if there are any? >> No, sir. That the application itself doesn't have that mechanism within it. Um, however, there were um documents that we put in there that talked about the downsizing of fac uh and reduction of our footprint by as many as three facilities as a possibility. Um, so it it's it's definitely implied throughout there. Um, but the application itself doesn't require that piece. >> Good evening. I'm back again. Um, this evening will be our first read of our summer policy updates. In your board packet, it did include our readers digest version, um, which it was listed with all of our policies, um, the number, the name, um, the requirement, and the explanation. So most of that, of course, is from general statute or state law or many times even federal law. And so
082that was included in your packet. And I wanted just to to see if there were any questions about any of our policies. Um like I mentioned, most of these policies are required by state law. So, it's simply us reviewing those um policies and then with our policy committee led um by Miss Helms. And now we bring those to you for our first read um this evening. >> Miss Helms, is there anything you'd like to add to that or anything you'd like for us to know on the board? >> Thank you. If I may, just just want to say a special thank you to the policy committee. There's there's quite a bit of hours of work that go into reviewing those policies and making sure we've got them where they need to be. We we certainly
083appreciate that and we see your work with that. >> So, um this will be our first read for tonight and then hopefully our final read um in the November board meeting. Um and then we are back at the grind of starting all over. We just received our fall updates and so once we um get those from our attorney then we start this process over again. So we'll meet as a policy committee and then bring um those policies to you for our first read. And as Dr. Grant said, we're very thankful for um our committee that takes the time um to review and read these policies. So thank you very much. >> Thank you. Next up, we've got Miss Hamby. She'll be giving us an update on student accountability. >> Good evening, Chairman Frank, members of
084the board, and Dr. Grant, and also members of our community. Tonight, I am pleased to provide an update on our student accountability and highlight the tremendous work taking place across our schools. Over the past couple of months, our principles and school improvement teams have been diligently developing and refining their school improvement plans in Indar. Each plan is grounded in a comprehensive needs assessment which includes both current and historical data. These teams have worked collaboratively to analyze trends, identify strengths and pinpoint areas of continued growth. And for that principles, I am so appreciative of the work that you are doing. Based on their analysis, each school has identified three to four key indicators to focus on for the coming year. Strategic goals that align with the district's priority and supports improved outcomes for all students. At
085our October board work session, you will have the opportunity to hear directly from our school leaders as they share their school improvement plans with you. This will be an excellent opportunity for the board to provide feedback and engage in thoughtful dialogue around each school's vision, data, and improvement strategies. During these presentations, you will also learn more about their data analysis, school designations, and official school letter grades. I am also pleased to share that based on our raw data, we are set to see an increase in our graduation rate this coming year. We will have more accurate data by the end of November, and I look forward to Mr. Hughes being able to share that with you as he works diligently to pull all this together. So, thank you, Mr. The North Carolina Department of Public
086Instruction has released the official school performance grades for the 2425 academic year and for and McDow County Schools has much to celebrate. While we recognize there's always opportunities for continued growth, this year's results highlight the power of strong leadership, dedicated educators, and a community united in the commitment to student success. A key initiative supporting these achievements has been our uh continued implementation of our K8 curriculum for reading and math. These were funded through the elementary secondary schools uh emergency relief funds or what we call ESSER fund. So, thank you to the board for approving these purchases. Mcdow County School is now in the third year of our English language arts curriculum adoption and we are in year two of our math curriculum adoption. We remain deeply committed to the fidelity in the implementation, ensuring that
087our teachers have the training and resources they need to deliver highquality instruction. Professional development continues to be the cornerstone of this work. By investing in our teachers growth, we are strengthening instructional practices and improving student outcomes as measured by our state end of grade test. Another factor uh contributing to this year's progress has been the strategic leadership transitions across the district. The appointment of new principles in several schools brought renewed energy, vision, and accountability. These leadership shifts have already shown results. Several schools demonstrated notable improvements in their performance scores. The positive shift in school culture fueled by innovative leadership and dedicated staff are laying the groundwork for sustaining academic success. This year also introduced a new statewide assess or this past year uh also introduced a new state uhwide assessment including our integrade science test
088in grades five and eight and a new biology endocortis exam. Historically, the introduction of new assessments leads slightly lower lead to slightly lower scores across the state and Mcdow County schools experience similar trends. However, we're confident that as teachers and student become more familiar with the updated standards and expectation performance will continue to strengthen in the future years. We would be remiss not to acknowledge the significant challenge brought about by Hurricane Helen, which disrupt instruction in the daily lives across our county. Yet, even in the face of advocacy, our schools demonstrate incredible resilience and perseverance. In particular, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of Pleasant Gardens Elementary School and Oldfort Elementary School. Despite the extraordinary t challenge of merging two school communities into one for much of the year both schools achieved strong results
089and meaningful growth. Their success stands as a testament to unwavering commitment of their staff, students, parents and community partners. And for that we are appreciative Miss Rayfield and Miss Wood. As we look ahead, our focus remains clear to build our success, address areas of growth, and ensure that every student in Mcdow County School has the opportunity to thrive. With a strong foundation of leadership, innovative instruction, and community partners, our district is well positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the years to come. Thank you for your continued support, board, as well as our educators and most importantly, our students. Together we are shaping a future defined by excellence and accountability. >> Board, is there any questions for Miss Hamby? And and I want to say this. Um, Miss Hamby, uh, you hit a lot of
090nails on the head and I appreciate the report that you just gave. And sometimes public perception of what they read in the newspaper is not always the factual side of things. And uh, what you've told me, I've discussed with Dr. Grit or what you've told the board. I've discussed with Dr. grit and I am so uh excited about some moves that have been made and things that are coming and I think uh real soon we're going to see exemplary results from the moves that have been made. And I asked Dr. agree. Uh I I said, you know, I walked in the room and I I know we got new principles and I'm finally seeing faces with those schools where they got new principles and and transfers. So, I'm hoping that Dr. Grit will ask them
091to come up and meet us after this is over with so we can put a face with the school. >> Yes, sir. >> So, thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> Let me see if I can say this without getting in trouble. or disappointing people. We had several schools decline with their end of year grade. So the performance was not what we wanted it to be. Lot of confidence in our in our principles and our staff to correct that. And after listening and I've read about it, yeah, in the in the paper as well and they really it was not really a a very helpful job that they that they did. But after listening, so there's explanation for that and and I've and we've listened. But what happens next is we'll receive and I'm asking
092a question a a strategy to address that from from every school or just from the schools that had a decline. >> No sir, you will hear from every school in our district at the October board work session. >> Okay. I I really appreciate the work everyone's doing. >> Thank you >> on this. It's very serious issue. So >> I we couldn't agree more. I think it's you know we we talk about keeping the main thing the main thing and um our students and and and grades student and school report card grades that is the main thing for us. So definitely it's one of those uh when we focus on uh new school projects and all the other things that we talk about we talk about that budget and all the other things. At the end
093of the day, um, student success and student outcomes are are critical for us and we know that we want to improve in those areas. I think you guys will be impressed with what you see from our principles. I'm very proud of the work that they've put in. Um, and like Mr. Frank said, he sees some new faces out there and I guess you guys heard he'd like to meet y'all after the after the meeting today. So, don't get in a hurry. Make your way up here after we get finished tonight. >> Thanks, everybody. >> Thank you. Thank you, Miss Hamby. Uh, item number 12 on the agenda is board reports and Mr. Barkstdale with building the grounds. Do you have anything? >> I believe we've already went over everything. >> Okay. Mr. Schuford with finance.
094>> Okay. >> Miss Helms with policy. >> I will cover that nicely. >> Okay. Uh, what about Head Start, Mr. Shuford? I attended the uh policy committee meeting today and as usual uh they're doing a great job with our earliest learners and hats off to Dr. Lane and her staff form excellent level. >> Okay. Thank you, sir. Um NJOTC, Mr. Baker, Mr. McGinness, and Mr. Guan, I hope you'll elaborate on this little trip you're going to take and tell us about it because I'm excited for you and I I know NJOTC is happy that you're going to accompany them to the Washington DC area. >> Well, I'm greatly honored to have been invited on this, but as many know, uh, Captain Hardy Rose was a senior naval science instructor for McDow for a little over
095a 10 year span. and I happen to be one of the cadetses starting in back in the early 90s when I first started um in RTC program. Uh Mr. Carson back there in the back of the room was also part of the program same time I was but um he passed away um few weeks back and he's going to be interred in Arlington and RTC is going to provide an armor guard to go up and uh support his family. We're going to meet with the daughter I think part of the itinerary. We're going to have lunch with him after, but uh he's going to be interred in Arlington Cemetery and they've invited me as a former cadet and current board member to go with him. So uh I graciously accepted um very humbling and uh
096a great honor. So uh we'll be paying tribute to a really a courageous guy. Um, if you go back and look at his history, he actually has uh volumes of history where he sat for the uh Library of Congress and talk about his uh war experiences in Vietnam and um commanding a flight uh in the US Navy. He was actually a F4 Phantom pilot and the commander of a squadron. Um and he used to show us video footage from the cockpit where he was going to engage an enemy and all kinds of stuff. Uh um one of the first times that I ever when I first met him uh was at actually the first boot camp I ever went to. That's what we used to call it. I don't know what they call it now,
097but uh we got to see the repel tower, the new one they have down there. Well, back in the day, one side of that thing was 60 foot and the other was 45 foot. And so you'd have all these timid kids get up there and look and getting ready to go repel. Whenever captain went up there, he would go off head first Aussie style. and instead of going feet first, he would go right down the front of it. And this is like when he was teaching school, you know, this retiree, but no, it was nothing like it. But, uh, yeah, that's going to be a that's going to be a good trip. And I'm again very honored and grateful to have the opportunity. >> So, we're going to expect Miss Whitney to try that next
098summer. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Lead by example. >> Go ahead, Mr. Baker. segue. >> She said it all. >> I'll cheer you on. >> Okay. Item number 13 on the agenda is approval of the consent agenda. And I want to remind everyone here that any item may be pulled from the consent agenda with the majority vote of the board and discussed and voted on as a separate issue. If no one has uh any item on the agenda they want pulled, I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as it's printed. I'll make a motion to approve. >> Okay. >> Second. >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Baker. We have a second by Mr. Shuford. Is there any further discussion on approval of consent agenda? >> Mr. Frank, let me just say you
099asked if I had anything else to say about the NJOTC, but uh and I passed. But we have down here the regional drill meet competition in Newport, Tennessee and the Arlington uh national cemetery and tourment of Captain Hardy and Rose and they are our team is doing such an outstanding job. They are they are tremendous. And whenever you see and if you could tell the people in the community any anytime you see them uh with a in a fundraiser car wash or anything, if you would go to it, if you would encourage them, if you would help encourage others to go and to help them, you know, they'd really work hard at this and and uh they they raised a lot of their own funds, so let's support them in that. Yeah, Mr. Baker didn't
100tell us that didn't tell everybody that the Navy's cut their funding as well, but uh we need to keep them up on top if at all possible. And I think uh with what they do, we should be able to do it. >> So, real quick, we're we're sending some people up to Arlington. >> Yes, sir. >> How do you know how many? >> Yeah, they're going to use a van. I think there's four people in here. >> I appreciate you doing that. Okay. All right. With no further discussion, all those in favor of the approval of consent agenda, signify by raising your right hand, which is an eight vote. Okay. We don't need a continuation of the close session, but we will take action on the close session items. I'll entertain a motion to uh
101to accept the personnel considerations, both uh the uh certified non-certified. Okay. Do we have a second? >> Okay. We have a motion by Mr. Allison and a second by Mrs. Helms to accept the uh personnel considerations. Is there any further discussion? With no further discussion, all those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is a unanimous eight vote. And item number 16 on the agenda is announcements. We have a board work session October 27th. Looking forward to that, Dr. Grit. Uh board regular session meeting November the 10th. North Carolina School Board Association annual conference November 11th through 13th. And there are no board work sessions in November December due to holidays and and other commitments and board regular session annual reorganization meeting Monday December the 1st. And at this time if there's nothing
102else from the board I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. >> So move second. >> We have a motion by Mr. Abernathy to adjurnn. We have a second by Ms. Helms. Is there any further discussion? With no further discussion, I'll all those in favor signify by raising your right hand, which is an eight unanimous vote at 7:30