Richmond County School Board (June 9, 2026)

001Welcome to the redware meeting of Richmond County Board of Education this Tuesday, June 9th, 2026. I welcome all of our guests, visitors with us tonight. Um, we will entertain public comment at this time. The following are the rules for public comment stated in a board policy 2310. Speakers will be limited to three minutes per person. I would like to remind you that board members generally will not respond to public comment except to request clarification. Once speaker's name is called, they will approach the podium and state their issue. The following are not permissible topics for public comment. matters involving specific personnel or employees of the board of education, including employment conditions or complaints about specific employees. Matters involving specific students in the school system, including student disciplinary matters, obscene or vulgar language will not be tolerated,

002nor will conduct or language that disrupts the meeting or interferes with the board's ability to carry out its work. As the board chairman, I may immediately terminate any comments which violate these rules. And we do have a clock that has three minutes, but we will not start that clock until a person starts to speak. And our first speaker tonight is Mr. Lee Barry. Welcome. >> And Mr. Barry, I've got I got directions that they say just try to speak as close to the microphone as you can so our audience can hear it. >> Thank you, Dr. Farrell. school board members for allowing me to speak tonight. I'm speaking on behalf of the town of Elder, a resolution that we adopted and y'all all should have a copy of that resolution. There was one dropped off

003earlier today. The resolution to keep Elder Middle School open where put my glasses on. I done got old on this speaker. Whereas Elby Middle School has served the town of Elelly in the northern region of Richmond County for generations as a vital educational institution and community anchor. And whereas the continued operation of Elby Middle School is essential to the well-being of local families, the stability of the community and long-term vitality of the town of Elo. And whereas closing Elev Middle School would create significant hardships for the neighborhood-based education uh increased transportation burden and diminish opportunities for parental involvement. And whereas the presence of Elby Middle School within the town of Elby contributes to community identity, support local economic activity, and strengthens the town ability to attract and retain families. And whereas the town of Elby

004recognizes that maintaining a middle school in their northern region of Richmond County is essential for the quality except access to education and balance countywide enrollment. Whereas the residents, family, and community leaders of Elby have expressed strong and consistent support for keeping Eleby Middle School open. Now therefore, by the resolved by the town of Elby and the commissioners, the town of Elby formally expresses a strong support to keep Elby Middle School open as a public middle school serving the northern region of Richmond County. The town argues urges the Richmond County Board of Education to continue operating Elby Middle School and to prioritize solutions to preserve local access to middle grade education. The town stands ready to collaborate with Richmond County schools, community partners, local stakeholders, and to support the long-term success and sustainability of Ellen Mill.

005The town clerk on June the 1st was uh directed to transmit a copy of the resolution to Richmond County School Board and the superintendent Richmond County Schools and appropriate officials. We know that y'all not going to make any actions on this tonight. Uh we know y'all going to do a work session, but we just want to keep this fresh on everybody's mind that we're in this for the long haul to keep Elean open. That's the most important thing to us. Thank you. >> Thank you, lady. Hollywood web. I wrote a poem regarding Ellie Middle. I hope y'all enjoy. As an EC teacher, it's happened countless times. My lesson falls apart, so I pivot on a dime. See, nine times out of 10, it's a small oversight. Communication was poor. My instructions weren't right. So, instead,

006I try a different take. I tell my students, that's my mistake. So, I'm approaching this differently. I'm going off course. I'm changing the narrative and shifting the source. Our students come first. That's what we all hear from districts and states. The message seems clear. Let's analyze data. Let's look at the charts. Let's think with our brain and not with our hearts. Emotions are dangerous. You hear people say we mustn't give in. It will lead us astray. I find it so funny, so very strange indeed, that the one thing we avoid can be the one thing we need. Attorneys use it all the time to sway the jury or humanize the crime. The broken soul sitting back in a pew. It's the pastor's love that helps him get through. I don't follow basketball, but I know

007Jimmy B. His final speech spoke volumes to me. I've seen the Mediterranean while sipping espresso from a cup. But have you seen the back roads of Ellerby when the sun comes up? Collecting arrowheads while my dad plowed the field. It's a memory like that I am so fortunate to feel. I was in Beth Bryant's class when the Twin Towers fell. That's an emotion I'll remember all too well. My nonverbal student who spoke her first word. What a miracle to witness. What a privilege to be heard. Emotions aren't bad. In fact, they're quite good. They can guide your heart to feel things that you should. And those feelings take root and turn into action by steering your brain not with bias, but traction. traction that picks up all the good bits to move the needle in

008a room just like this. If feelings can evoke all of the above, we can surely move forward with emotion for love. Love for our children, love for solutions, love that is ethical and free of collusion. Roundt discussions where thoughts are respected. After all, it's why you're here. It's how you each got elected. Please reflect on these statements. Please do. I insist. Don't forget you have homework. Our class is dismissed. >> Have Gerard Morrison put this in our way forward today. We have an existence of a quorum. Let's call this meeting order. Lead us in a moment of silence and pledge lead. Thank you. To the American flag. 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

009justice for all. >> Thank you. Board members, you have the minutes from our open meeting May 12th, 2026. I need a motion to approve those minutes. Motion to approve the minutes. A motion by Mr. T. I have a second. >> Second by Miss Orangeby. There any discussion about those minutes? All in favor by saying I. >> All opposed. Thank you. Dr. Frell, is our agenda. Okay. >> Yes, sir. >> We'll adopt that consensus and we will start off by bring up Mr. Cameron Willy. >> Good evening, Chairfield, Dr. Frell, members of the board. I'm excited to recognize a very special group of students tonight, and that is the Monro Avenue Beta Club. For the first time that we know of in Richmond County schools history, an elementary school has competed at a state beta club

010competition and they have several incredible students who placed in the top five and will be competing at nationals in Nashville next month. So, assistant principal Suzanne Hudson is going to introduce them. >> So, I have with me tonight um Nyla Curtis who plays in vocalist and Jir Brown who placed in poetry. Uh we had two others to place as well and were not able to come tonight. Um Jonathan Murz and Christopher James were not able in Spanish and spelling. >> So these are the first ever in Richmond County. >> No, >> first ever. So congratulations. That is wonderful. For y'all that don't know, Suzanne used to do it at the high school bay club and fantastic. Best I've ever seen. So, we appreciate your talents going down to the elementary school and doing this. So,

011thank you. We need a picture. >> Congratulations. >> I have to get her to sing for us. >> Congratulations. two. >> Thank you. Congratulations. >> Great job. Mr. Melvin Ingram, our purple star recognition. >> Good evening, members of the board, superintendent, and distinguished guests. Um tonight we are honored um to be to recognize be recognized as a purple star district uh and to to declare our go purple campaign a success. Um it is due to the shared commitment to supporting military connected students and families across Richmond County schools. Uh this recognition represents the intentional work happening across our schools to create welcoming environments and ensure every military family feels supported and connected. We're especially grateful to have with us this evening uh Mr. Howard Latimer um NCDPI state level military consultant whose leadership has helped

012helped guide us uh with this important work. At this time it's my privilege to invite him up um to formally present um this purpose recognition to Richmond County Schools. >> Good afternoon, >> Mr. Chairman. Uh Dr. Forel. Uh, members of the board, once again, I'm Mr. Laddermore. I'm a state military consultant and I bring greetings and congratulations on behalf of state superintendent Mo Green. So, congratulations and thank you. Uh, Mr. Ingram, he said most of my speech, so I'm not going to go over that again. Okay? But I am here and to share one of the pillars of the state strategic plan. Celebrate the good in public education. During school year 232 24, Richmond County had three schools that was recognized as Purple Star Schools. That was Fairview Heights Elementary, Hamlet Middle School, and Richmond

013Senior High School. Last year, Richmond County had five schools that was recognized. This year, thanks to the leadership of Dr. Eler and and Mr. Ingram, all of Richmond County schools are awarded the Purple Star designation, hence a purple star district. Now, let's celebrate the good. But it doesn't go recogniz unrecognized without the leadership. So, thank you Dr. Ferrell. Uh, thank you Dr. Oler, Mr. Ingram, any principles here with us this afternoon and any school points of contact. So, so congratulations. At this time, I would like to ask uh Mr. Chairman, Dr. Farrell, anyone else uh to come accept uh this district >> representative. >> Anyone else, come one, come all to find out more about uh the standards for the purple star award, just look at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction website. Yeah,

014I am. >> I'll move over. Yeah, you are. I can do this right here. >> All right. >> Military friendly district 2025 2026, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. >> There we go. >> I get stuck between them again. >> Make sure I can see you. >> Everybody Jennifer, I can't see you quite. Scoot over just a little bit. There we go. All right, y'all. >> Darl, scoot over. >> I start too early. >> Okay. All right. Okay. One, two, three. >> Sure. I got everybody. >> We did. Great. >> Uh, who's got the trucks? right here. >> Thank you so much. uce Miss Talia Sweeney talk about the outstanding math and science teachers. >> Good evening, Chairman Satfield, Dr. Frell, and members of the board. Um, by far the greatest part of my role

015is being able to celebrate and recognize outstanding teachers who make an impact right here in Richmond County. And so tonight, I have the honor of of honoring two exceptional teachers. Each year, the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the North Carolina Science Teachers Association invite school districts to nominate one outstanding teacher in math and one outstanding teacher in science. These recognitions celebrate educators who demonstrate excellence in instruction, foster students engagement, and serve as leaders both within their school and their district. As a Richmond County Schools representative, these teachers will receive a personalized award, a one-year membership, and state level recognition. And tonight, we are so proud of their accomplishments and are excited to celebrate them this evening. So, first, it's my honor to recognize Miss Kristen File in first grade at Washington Street

016Elementary. Miss File is described by her principal as an open book of ideas. She always has a positive and supportive presence for both students and teachers. She exemplifies what effective math instruction looks like in action every single day. What stands out most about Miss File is her quiet but intentional ability to strike the perfect balance between supporting her students and making them independent learners. She carefully supports students while providing consistent opportunities for them to do the thinking to problem solve and to make sense of the math on their own. Creating independent thinkers is actually one of the biggest challenges in education right now, especially for students at that age. But this is one of her greatest strengths. Beyond her own classroom, Miss Foul serves as a mentor to beginning teachers and leaves a model classroom

017that teachers from her school and schools across the district come to visit just to strengthen their own practice. We are proud to recognize Miss Kristen Proud as our district outstanding math teacher for the 2025 26 school year. >> I have one more and I was just okay. You want you want take the picture together? You want to take How do you want to do a camera? You want to do the picture together or buy separately? >> Let's do separately. >> Daniel, why is it coming up? Will she be in the running for the state or >> It is just district recognition. I don't think they take it to that level for that. >> Okay. One, two, three. >> Our second honore this evening is Miss Karen Ono, fifth grade science teacher at Middle Springs. Miss

018Arnold is an exceptional fifth grade science teacher who truly brings learning to life for her students. Her animated personality and engaging teaching style immediately capture students attention. Her principal says her students are drawn to science because she makes it meaningful, memorable, and fun. Through her thoughtfully planned lessons, students actively investigate the real world and have a deep understanding of science ideas. She understands not only the science standards that she teaches, but also how students learn. What truly sets her apart is the relationships that she builds with students. Long before students enter her classroom, she invests in getting to know them, encouraging them, and helping them feel valued. Her passion for teaching and commitment to student success make her an incredible asset to her school and her district. It's no surprise that her students consistently identify

019as their favorites. We're proud to recognize Miss Karen Arnold as the district's outstanding science teacher for the 202526 school year. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you so much. >> Hey Karen. Very good. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. see the alternative school model accountability system model of Miss Taylor. Good evening. >> Good evening, Chairman Satderfield, Dr. Frell, and members of the board. Uh the state requires that each district have an alternative learning setting to meet the needs of at risk students. And each year we meet with our Ashley Chapel school administrator to discuss the alternative schools modified accountability system. And then we bring our recommendation to you. Tonight we will propose our recommendation for the alternative schools modified accountability model for the coming 2627 school year. and um speak to what this model includes and why we believe it

020is the most appropriate for Ashley Chapel. Option A is appropriate for schools with standard learning settings to evaluate levels of academic achievement and growth but may not account for the other needs of our most at risk students in our alternative school. Option B measures not only achievement and growth like regular schools, but it also throws in a measure of persistence or how well the school is at keeping students in school and graduating them. We consider option B to be the most appropriate alternative uh school accountability model for Ashley Chapel because it is more aligned to the school performance goals and evaluating school effectiveness. So notice there uh the option B model is has achievement and growth in it but it also has persistence which we think is more aligned to what our atrisisk students need.

021Option C provides that the school make up its own modifications to the accountability system. And currently in our state, we've got about 20 alternative schools that choose that model. We've got uh one from the last numbers that were published, we've got about one school that um selected option A, which is to be on the regular accountability model like all the other um regular ed students, but we are recommending option B. So for the 26 27 school year, our team recommends the alternative school modified accountability model for many reasons, but mainly because the students who go there already show that they need program support beyond growth and achievement. Option B measures growth and achievement like all the other schools, but it also throws in how well the school is keeping students and graduating them. So at

022this time I would like to take any questions you might have about um the alternative model that we are recommending and also to let you know that because it is a small school often there is insufficient data to populate achievement and growth. So they uh we request three years of data. So we would like to request and recommend to you tonight option B with three years of data. >> I like the motion. >> Have a motion by Mr. Second. >> Second by Miss Arsby. Any discussion? >> All in favor by saying I. >> All opposed. Miss Tower, thank you very much for attention. strategic plan. Dr. Kate Smith. >> Good evening, Chairman Satderfield, Dr. Frell, and members of the board. Um, after your 30-day review, I would ask for approval um for our strategic plan

023for the next five years. I also handed you a document that just is a rough draft of what each department is working on right now to create some actionable steps. It does not have every department laid out yet because they're working through that. But I just wanted you to lay eyes on um the live document that's coming through right now so that people are creating their action steps for the goals that you guys will be voting on. So, if there are any questions or suggestions or feedback, um I just need approval. >> I I just want to say thank you for the work that you've done on this and your team and Dr. Frell and executive cabinet. Um there's a tremendous amount of work that goes into this. So, thank you very much for your

024leadership in that. >> Yeah. And I would like to say thank you to all of the directors who are typically not involved in this process. They've done a great job um with coming up with measurable goals and action steps. So, thank you to you all. So need a motion to approve the strategic p plan for the 2026 through 2031 school years. So have a motion by Mr. Baldwin and a second. >> Second by Mr. Tilman. I think he reached the jar. Any further discussion? All favor by saying I. >> All opposed plan. Thanks. >> Thank you. Child Nutrition Grocery Business Priest. >> Good evening, Chairman Sfield, Superintendent Dr. Frell, and board members. Um, thank you for giving me the opportunity to come share. I'm here to present my child nutrition bids for the 2627 school

025year. and respect respectfully um ask for test of approval. Um our first our first bid is our main grocery lot one and our lot um three. Oh, by the way, I did share with you all on the table and then there's also documents that Jeannie shared too. Um but child the first one is the main grocery lot. Cisco was actually higher than um Gordon Food. But the thing with Gordon Foods um Gordon Food was identified as a prelim preliminary lowest bidder for under food lot one, but they did not submit submit bids for all line items. And so that disqualified them. And so our next lowest bidder was Cisco Raleigh. and Cisco Raleigh also won our lot three supply bid. Um the next bid is our fresh produce. Um with we had four different companies

026to bid on our produce this year and this year we got a K Kennedy Kennedy Produce out of Raleigh, North Carolina with um the lowest bid. They're a new company. I've heard great things about them. Um, but they were our lowest biders and so we're recommending them. Um, our beverage bid would be our next bid. Um, Cisco, Pepsi Cola, US Food, Coca-Cola, and Gordon Foods all bid on our beverages. Pepsi won the lowest bid on everything except for our um juice that's 100% 10 ounce and we will be purchasing that from Cisco because we have the option of getting we could get it from Pepsi since they're going to be our vendor but we could also order it from Cisco. So we'll order from Cisco since they're cheaper with it. Um, so we recommend Pepsi

027for our lot six beverage. Our milk bid was um rolled over again. This year I had five years that I could roll it over. This is my second year on rollover and I chose to roll it over because prices has increased and they are willing to give me the same price as they did last year. And um they will be adding whole milk back into the cafeteria, but it is only to be served at lunchtime. It cannot be served at breakfast. I don't understand that, but that's state guidelines. Um, our bread bid, we send in a bread bid to Flowers in Bimbo Bakery. The only people that we ever could get to bid on us is Flowers. Um, but I do try to send it out to, and those are the only two companies that

028the school has to send them out to. So, When I looked over last year's bid, flowers did not go do an increase. They stayed the same as last year. So, the prices will stay the same with bread. Um, pest we sent to Carolina Pest, Ferguson Pest, and Brown's Pest. Carolina North Brown sent me in a bid. Um, they did email me back and say tell me that they did receive my bid. They did not say why they did not bid, but Ferguson wanted to bid for them. Um, our >> Ferguson out of Ferguson is right here in Hamlet. um across from the NYX store, the guy that owns Ferguson, he actually come out of Carolina's Pest when Carolina Pest was bought over. He come out and open up his own company. >> I was asking

029wanted to make sure it was local. >> Yeah, I can remember when we you'd have snakes, you had you couldn't wait for somebody to come. >> He um they actually done it this past school year for us. Ferguson did and they did a great job for us. You know, anytime we need them, they go straight on out. Um, our chemical and floor dishwashing chemicals this year, the only viders we got was SEL. Um, usually I get a ton of bids from different companies, but this year Safelle was the only one that sent in a bid, so they won our bid again this year. and ice cream. Cisco did not um Oh, I didn't send them one at Cisco because their their prices are a whole lot higher and they have only about three different ice

030creams for the kids to choose from. So, Hershey's is the only ice cream company around here that um delivers to our school system. So, I decided to go with um Hershey, roll over with Hershey to give the kids more option at a cheaper price. And um they're they're real pleased with Hershey. The kids love Hershey's ice cream. And so that's why I decided to roll over. Um the kitchen and hood vents, we have to do each school at least once a year. The high school has to have two. the year. And um our elite hoods, they're the ones that usually do our bids, but the guy from Virginia Carolina Waste Solution. I cannot remember his name right off the bat, but he is um here in Richmond County. Well, his company is not in Richmond

031County, but he come out of Elevate. He used to live in Elor and he heard he does a lot of the hoods around and he sent in a um bid and asked us if I would give him a ch chance. So he come out to the schools, looked at everything, placed me a bid and um he actually gave me contacts. He does the hood vents over at the early college. Oh, well, not early college in the kitchen part of RCC. I went over there. They let me look at their hood vents and stuff to see his work. It was great work. He done excellent work. And but he was my lower bidder and so I recommend them. I recommend him as my hood and vent cleaner. And at this time, that's all my bids. And

032I would like to ask y'all for >> I'll make the motion. >> I have a motion to approve all the bids from our child nutrition program. Second. >> Second. Second by Mr. Mason. Any discussion? >> Just one comment. Um there are several on here where there was one single bid. I get that. I would like I would like to see something implemented where we followed up with these companies maybe to find out why they chose not to bid. Could they not handle the service the level of it? I would just be curious um I like to see multiple bids for competition just to keep somebody honest. >> Yeah, I I could um >> if there's if there's a way to follow up and just say, "Hey, may I ask why you guys chose not to

033bid?" >> Yes, sir. um it's part of the NCPA um thing. They make sure that we go in and follow up and sometimes we don't get no answer. They don't answer back. But I will make sure that I do follow up after this and see what happens and I'll forward the messages to whomever to share with you. >> You'll send those to me today. I'll get it. >> Thank you. >> Any other question? Any other questions? >> All in favor by saying I. >> All opposed. >> Thank you. >> Budget amendments on Georgia. >> Good evening, Chairman Satderfield, Dr. Frell, members of the board. You should have before you budget amendments 18 through 22 um for approval. Budget amendment 18 is an increase in state funds of 43,25478. Um budget amendment 19 is just an

034inner funds transfer and local funds. Number 20 is an increase in federal funds of $164,910. 21 is an increase in capital outlay uh due to um the lease buses and um it's $150,000 from extra from the county for the tables at the high school. It's $132,917. And number 22 is other local funds at increase of 939,91765. Mr. >> Chairman, I'll make a motion to approve the budget amendments as presented. >> Motion by Mr. Baldwin. Second. >> Second by Mr. Mason. Any further discussion? >> I think Daryl I think Daryl >> I think I'm safe. >> I thought you had changed his name. Any discussion of these amendments? All in favor by saying I. All opposed. Don, how's the end of your close out going, y'all? Y'all doing okay? >> It's going. It is. I know

035it's a lot, but thank you. >> She was fine. >> Thank you, the ladies of the finance department for your service. >> Mr. Anger on policies for approval. Dr. Members of the board and board have a list of policies presented last month for review. This being the conclusion of the 30-day review period. I would like to present these policies for adoption. 1510 4200 7270 um safe school safety 3430 school improvement plan 3565 8307 title one program comparability of services 401 equal educational opportunities and 7530 military >> so we have those policies presented by a motion >> I make a motion to approve policies Have a motion to approve policies. Mr. Hornsby second. >> Second by M. Schuler. Any further discussion? >> All in favor by saying I. >> All opposed. They are approved. Thank you,

036Mr. Miller. We also in board docs have a list of policies that we would like to be presented for 30-day review. Um parent involvement 2330 board meeting agenda 2340 parliamentary procedures 3225 4312 7220 technology responsible use 4318 use of wireless communication devices 4342 student searches 5071 7351 electronically stored information retention 7220 operation of school nutrition services 71 30 last year. >> Mr. Eng, is there is there a way board? What is y'all's pleasure on this? Um because we meet in June, right? June 30th. Are we going to approve these at that meeting or we we going to wait all the way to to August? >> Because we're not meeting in July, are we? Are we meeting in July? >> We're meeting for a work session. >> That's right. Work session. So, we're going to approve

037it at the work session in July or do we have to give away the 30-day? >> Jenny's tracking those agendas. >> We have it on the June 30th. >> Okay, that's perfect. Do we have to even do we have to give up the 30-day rule or can we just approve it then? >> For the ones that you saw today. >> Yes. Yes, ma'am. >> Are you saying because No, I think it >> But do we have to make a budget? >> I don't think it's exactly 30 days. >> It's just meeting to meeting. >> Yeah. >> Okay, good. Perfect. Thank you. All right. >> All right. Dr. Frell, policy 4135, tuition for discretionary admissions. >> Yes, sir. Policy 4135 reads in part that tuition will be charged to students admitted under board policy 4130, discretion

038discretionary admission. Tuition may not exceed the local per pupil allocation for current expense as provided by the board of commissioners. The tuition rate will be determined annually by the board no later than August 1st. For the 2025 2026 school year that just closed, the maximum amount you could charge was $2,13568 and you set that amount at zero. The maximum for the 2026 2027 school year, which is the school year coming, is $2,331.33. Um, we historically have fewer than five students admitted to our district under policy code 4130, discretionary admission. And in checking with surrounding districts, those districts set their um tuition amount at zero. And so we need um you all to determine a tuition amount for the 26 27th school year >> and we still get state funds for those students on our list.

039Is that correct? >> Everybody understands that we still get state money in our ADM. That's right. >> I didn't hear what you said. >> They do count in your ADM. Yes. >> We talked to local. Yeah. I've been back and forth on this and then when I received the information from Dr. Pharaoh was like why would we be any different? We want to step out there. Um but I'm at the pledge of the board on this you know Dr. Fre what is your recommendation? >> Well given that we have fewer than five students historically. Um you all have to approve all discretionary admissions. So if the number starts to rise you would be aware of that. And given that all other school districts charge set this amount at zero, I I don't see why we

040would be different either. >> I would move to leave it as is at zero. >> Is that your motion? >> That is my motion. >> Have a motion by Mr. Baldwin to leave policy as is which is zero. Do I have a second? >> Second. Second by Mr. Eth. Is there any discussion on that? >> Just one question. If the numbers would rise, could we adjust it at that time or do you have to wait till the following year? >> So, it has to be adjusted annually by August 1st. So, if you're saying like it started to rise in October, >> you wanted to start charging. >> I mean, I would recommend doing it between school years because also that's when you're admitting the students. Any other questions? So, we have a motion and a

041second. All in favor by saying I. >> All opposed. >> So, we'll keep it at zero without. >> Okay, we've got uh construction updates with Mr. King and let me just brag on Mr. King for a second if you don't if I I don't want to make your head big, okay? But I went Joe and I had the opportunity to walk through um the new LJ Bell. Um and let me say it looks like a brand new school over there. It is gorgeous. And so thank Mr. King um for all the work him and his guys have done. Um, it really, you know, from the ceilings to the to the floors to the cabinets to the grounds to the playground equipment to everything, cafeteria, just amazing. I know that LJ Bell staff has been out

042there, Miss Norwood, thank you very much for all the moving you've done. Um, just great. I can't say enough. It was gorgeous. And I would say all the board members, Jerry, I know you've been there, I think. >> Yes. But if if you guys can stop over there and just look at it, it's great. So, thank you. That's all I'm saying. Good evening, Chairman Field, Dr. Ferrell, members of the board. And thank you for the we have put in a lot of lot of effort and I was going to say we've gone from referring to that facility as the former night academy to referring to it as LJ Bell now. So, it's you know, >> it's got all the moving done except the caf cafeteria tables. They'll be moved tomorrow. All the interior works done

043as you said, painting floors, just you know, all the things. We still got whiteboards, corkboards, and some code hooks to put up. They'll be going up in the next couple weeks. Um, fencing on the playgrounds. Um, you know, child nutrition's been in the kitchen checking out all their equipment, cleaning everything good, the freezers and coolers, transportation's been adjusting the the bus routes uh for those schools. And then uh we'll have our next stakeholder meeting um 16th of July. So we we've had basically monthly meetings with all the directors, everybody involved and just make sure we don't miss anything. So at that time, you know, the rooms will be set up and and everything should be good to go. So we just wanted to make sure one last time before school started back that we have

044captured. So are there any questions on new location for LJ? All right, just a couple other projects. We have the Rockham Middle School auditorium uh remodel project. So, all the seats have been taken out. Um painters started Monday. Um so, they'll be in there a couple weeks and we'll have a company come in that will grind and polish the concrete semi-transparent stain on the concrete. Then the seat new seats will go back in and then we'll do some carpeting. So, that that project's coming along. Uh Richard Senior High School partial roof replacement is complete. I was actually on the roof today. I don't know why they picked 2:00 to meet, but the uh contractor was there, the engineer was there, the roof manufacturing representative was there to do inspections. So, we got that complete. Just

045a couple of punch list items. The weather guard company that we've used before, roofing company does excellent work. I mean, they they were there. They did all the things. The principal called me with an issue, they were on it. So, we're very impressed with them. Um just a couple other projects. Um the new LJL project. Um so the surveying's complete. Uh we're looking at getting started on geotechnical where they'll do so and just check check the soil out there. Mosley is working on scheduling and doing their due diligence background and they're in schematic design right now. myself Bordeaux and Mosley been working through what kind of mechanical systems we're going to use in the new LJ bail. We had a company come down and bring a mobile unit to demonstrate one of the HVAC systems

046that we're contemplating putting in. So basically each classroom would have its own HVAC unit. So, you know, that would control, you know, heat and cool per room and just give us a lot more flexibility. There would still be some rooftop units or package units, but instead of having a boiler chiller, if the boiler or the chiller went out, you lose the whole facility. This way, we, you know, chances are you would never lose more than one classroom or two at the most at a time. So, you just continue on as business as usual. Um, as I said, we got all the moving done. Um, so we, you know, we've taken down some fencing over there, looking at relocating the playground. All the mobile classrooms been cleaned out. Two of them, I understand, are sold. Two

047of them, I think, are still in out there for sale. We've been doing all we can on the site to get everything ready for demo um to start. U prek classrooms. Um, so we had to get the pre new prek classroom at the LJ Bell. um inspected and so that that's all passed that's ready to go. Um Dr. Frell and Mr. Nicole P worked on getting the prek classrooms at Menal Springs that were outside of the mobile classrooms brought inside the building this year. So it was two of those classrooms. They've been brought in rooms are set up building and sanitation inspections have passed so that those rooms are ready to go. Uh East Rockingham school has never had prek for whatever reason. So they moved one of the prek classes from Mun Avenue. We're

048going to be moving it to East Rockingham. So classroom set up. We having installed some fencing out back, little covered shed for and some playground equipment. So that's in the works. So as soon as we get everything in place, we'll be getting those inspections over the summer. Then um a lady from the state will have to come down as well and do do an inspection there. Hopefully, not hopefully, we will have East Rockingham, Middle Springs, and and LJville all prek inspections for school. >> Stop and ask a question. >> Sure, >> Dr. Frell. Why do we not have a prek? Why have we not had a prek at each? >> That's a great question and one I do not have an answer to. >> Have we not opened it up for those children? Well, I

049think whenever they built it, they never built it for prek. >> Just wasn't there in the plan. >> And then when Nicole took over prek recently, she started pushing immediately. >> The need is definitely there, but no, we >> I just assumed, but I definitely think that every school needs one. >> At least one. >> Have one this coming year. >> Have they done the applications to get the children? Is it still 16? Um, >> doesn't matter. >> It doesn't matter. I just want to have >> and depending on how many bathrooms you have is you can have an additional >> two children. >> Yeah. >> So, Monroe Avenue will have one less >> because >> Yes, because they do not have the funds to expand the program. So, yes. >> And I will say

050the one at Mon Avenue was also in my classroom. So, we're getting that class out of mobile classroom into the building as well. So, we'll be able to start the three three mobile classrooms at Middle Springs. We'll be able to get rid of those um next year in the fall and the one M Avenue. So, that'll be four additional mobile classrooms we can get rid of. >> That's a cost savings to the district, right? big cost >> and and maintenance savings. >> Um and then just our our summer cleaning and full care is in full full swing. Um our new custodial coordinator has been out and school is working with custodians and that seems to be going well. Um several other projects, but then just the facilities needs survey that's due every five years. Um

051I'm working through that. this past week at the principal's meeting, I just kind of mentioned to them that I'll be reaching out to them if they have a need in their facility that would support students and staff that, you know, that I can include in this survey. Um, you know, I'm not really sure what they do with the data that we send in requirement. I I would imagine if you were to apply for a grant or there was some kind of funding, if it was if those needs or what you were asking for was in that survey, you probably, you know, it be far better to to get approved. That's all I'll have it this time. Any any questions? >> I have a question. Uh going back to the mobile classroom, >> the sale of

052the mobile classroom, are they put on surplus list? >> Go deal. >> They're first declared surplus and then we put them on gov deals. Yes, sir. >> Okay. Okay. You happen to have that cost of those mobile units on.gov? >> Oh, they sell for They typically sell for 000 to $3,000. We don't really get a lot more. My understanding when we got the majority of they were used and when I first got here we had 33. I think we're down to 20. What did I tell you? 23 when we've gotten rid of about 11 since I've been here more this year. with a goal of getting rid of many as many of them as we can and getting students inside buildings. >> Any other questions, Mr. King? >> Again, thank you for what you're doing.

053>> Stephen, do you want to uh introduce our next guest or do you want to really not guest no more? I guess they're they're part of the county schools now. We got surplus. Okay. So, sorry I captain. >> So, we're looking for board approval to surplus the Jamesville being real property which is we didn't put it in the regular surplus that needs to be an action item. We're not using the building. We move that over vacates the building. So, the process is we'll declare it for surplus. We'll offer it to the county. The county doesn't want it. Then we can decide how we're going to sell or dispose of them. >> We need a motion to surplus change buildings. So move. Yes. A motion by Mr. B. Second. >> Second by Mr. Tilman. Any further

054discussion? All by saying I. >> I. >> And I think Mr. Davidson's going to some information about the need. >> Okay. So Eva's going to do it, right? You >> and then then we do have Ashley Dennis with Mosley tonight and Blair Bordeaux with Bordeaux Construction. So they'll miss Ashley have a little presentation there and they'll be here to answer questions. They'll follow us. >> It might make sense for me to share more about the tax credits after >> Ashley. We're on schedule. We Stephen has moved everything out of of LJK mail. So I I just want to make sure that you understand that we we are on on time right now. >> We don't want you and Blair get mad at us. >> Well, we are on timeish. >> That's part of our presentation,

055but um again, I'm Ashley Dennis with Mosley. Um you guys know me, so I'll step aside a little bit and let Blair introduce himself and then we'll do our presentation. >> Good afternoon. I'm Blair Bordeau, president of Bordeau Construction. and uh we're a leading school builder across North Carolina. Happy to be part of the LJ Bell project. >> All right. Um I don't know who's driving, but I like this. So, let's go. Um so, we have three things we want to cover tonight. Um we want to talk about the auditorium, the classroom change. Um you guys voted as a board to make that change. We understand that there's discussion of um looking at the auditorium again. So, we want to talk about what that could look like. Um I've called it unrennovated. um because it's

056really not we can't just leave it alone. So we want to talk about what that means for not leaving it alone. And then we want to talk about schedule um and what where we are and where we need to be. Um so the first item talking about the auditorium, the classroom. So there's a cost comparison here. Um the existing auditorium and the new lobby space. So this would be renovating the existing auditorium which was the original plan. Um and uh having a lobby because obviously we have to have a way to enter into that that was going to be new and make it cohesive with the um the new construction. Um that was around $1.7 million. Um then we moved into how can we increase your capacity? How can we look to have more classrooms

057at the school? And um the closest thing we could get to is having about four classrooms. Now um one, if anyone is good at math, my math is wrong up there, so I'll go ahead and correct it. My square footage is wrong. It's 5,550. Um I forgot to add in the stage, but then did the math with the stage. So um that square footage for those four classrooms in the stage and that stage would be added on to the existing um gymnasium gymnasium multi-purpose space. So that um is just under 2.5 million. And there's a difference there, but um that really falls into the construction piece of you know the ease of construction. And so Blair, if you want to touch on that a little bit. >> Yeah. So, one of the things we looked

058at was the way that the site is it's a heavily sloping site and having two points of tie-in. You know, it was causing uh split level construction. So, that's one of the things we've been looking with Ashley and their team of how can we make the building easier to build, faster to build. Um, so you know, I know we said we're on scheduleish and so that's kind of where we're looking at is where can we remove those constraints to make that schedule so it's not as compressed. And so I that's really the one of the things we've been looking with with Ashley and the Mosley team is is by going to the single point tie-in, uh, we can make the building not only easier to build, easier to fit within the schedule, but also streamline

059a lot of the site layout and constraints. And so all that to say is that we're not actually realizing any of that and it's just really kind of back of napkin cost comparison exercise, but there is some savings in the having a bigger or having a freer site um not having two pieces that you're connecting to. And all of that was doable, but we all knew that there was some some uh complications or just you know some challenges with that. And so when the decision originally was made to go to the classrooms, we realized there would be um some savings and those would probably be closer to apples and apples for dollars. So then um next item, please stop me at any point. I know I'm kind of running through this. >> If you have

060questions as you go or at the end, >> you can ask me questions. >> We already got several. >> Several. Well, maybe we wait. >> No, you go ahead. Well, would you please repeat what you just said about the single? So, you're saying that it's cheaper to have a single entry to the school. >> So, yes. Well, single point tie-in. So, instead of tying into two existing buildings that are operating on different elevations, you're you're constrained on two different points within the building, if that makes sense. So, if the auditorium is not there, you're only tied to a single point. The rest of the site is free to float around. It's not constrained by two points at two elevations. Does that make sense? >> So you got the gymnasium you got to tie into and

061you got to tie into the auditorium which are on two different level ground levels. >> Correct. They're not at the same elevation. So what that does is creates the need for additional stairs, elevator landings, ramps, etc. So that the building elevations can tie in together. >> We have we have that now. That's what I don't understand. We have you have different elevations now. >> You have the auditorium and an injury. >> That's correct. >> And and all he all Blair is presenting is that it's not that it's not doable because obviously in reality it's right now and we can do anything. It's the ease of construction which therefore makes the cost less because any subcontractor that comes in and bids on anything they have to do, if they see that there is if it's harder

062to do, it will cost more money. And that's all we're saying in that last slide is we're not really showing that because it's hard to really capture until we start getting into really getting pricing out there into the market. But um just from knowledge of doing this a bunch of times, the flat site, the clear field, the easier we make it for the subcontractors to build, the easier the the better their pricing will come in at. >> When we started talking about it, >> yeah, >> we knew it then. Also, this Nothing has changed. >> No, nothing has changed. It was just more that when we're showing those two numbers, we want to make sure that even though they're different numbers, we're not able to really show that that one number that's larger probably is

063closer to the smaller number. So, when you guys made the decision, whichever board meeting you made it at, to uh change to the classrooms, you were making it knowing that there those numbers were close together. I don't believe a number was actually presented. So, we wanted to present and just kind of start showing you some more data because I understand that you're going to have a conversation about where do you go from here and we want you to have all the information. We're not saying that one way is better than the other. We're just going to tell you what how it affects us from a design and how it affects the contractor from a construction perspective so that you have all the information and make a decision as a board. Um, we're not sitting up

064there making it. >> All right. Will you go back to the to the slide for this right there? All right. Existing auditorium and new lobby. Where on there does it include the um demolation of the um auditorium? Those are included in there. So if we tear it down, it has to be um it's included in the classroom and if we keep it, we still have to abate it. So there's some cost in there for So there's there's numbers for both. Um, one is obviously when we evate and demo it's slightly bigger, but by by numbers of what we're talking about, it's like $5 a square foot versus $2 a square foot. So that that's in that number. And when you say adding the stage to the gym, >> Yes, ma'am. because of the demolation of

065the of the auditorium. Is that a So that's included in there also. >> Yeah. In that second number. Yes. >> I is that a um so the space in the gym would be smaller because of the stage. >> No, it would be added on. So onto the outside of it. So outside wall we would we would go hypothetically we would go towards the roundabout um on that long wall like if you were driving down the hill and the kitchen and all that's on your on your right it would be kind of on facing you right and none of this in I know we're going to talk and I'm not going a step ahead but the idea has been brought to us to make a another level for those four classrooms. >> Oh. Oh, sorry. If

066like if going to a threetory would be >> in my opinion, I don't think that makes the most sense. You know, we can do anything. I think you're going to incur cost for increasing only by four classrooms because the stairs have to go another level, the elevator has to go another level, and you're just you're creating a really tall space when we think it's viable that you could do it on on site. So, could we do that? Sure. But I don't I don't know if this site and this building program really lends itself to a threetory school. Okay, I'll I'll keep jotting down. >> Yeah, >> all right. So then let's talk about the not renovating the auditorium. And when I say that, it just came to our attention when we were talking to Stephen

067that, you know, okay, could we just leave the auditorium? We're not going to spend any money on it and we'll just build everything around it with the four classrooms. Is that viable? And so initially when I had the conversation I said well there's obviously some costs associated with that but maybe and then the more I talked to our team and to Bordeaux's team we started realizing that there's probably a larger amount of dollars that are associated with that. And so that looks like um things like we're going to have to sprinkler. So we're going to sprinkle the new building and we were going to sprinkler in the auditorium if we were renovated. But now we're going to have this unsprinkled space attached to a sprinkled space and we start going into all these code things

068that I will not bore you with, but really we ha we need to sprinkle the auditorium. So now we've added that in. And then there's fire alarm that we have to have that needs to be connected to the new fire alarm. We can't have its own little piece. It doesn't work that way. So we now have to go in and do new fire alarm and we have to have new emergency lighting. So, you know, you can just imagine that there are costs for all of these things. Um, again, not going to get into all the code about it, but possible firewall to separate the two since we're not doing stuff in there like we were planning on um temporary power and HVAC. This one was one I did not think of and um kudos to

069Blair's team for thinking of this because there's probably a large dollar amount associated with this. So, originally we were going to demo everything inside of it. And giving it temporary heating and air was not as important because there wasn't going to be anything in there that was going to get damaged because everything would be demoed that we would be building the new around it and then we they would come inside and and add in all of the finishes and things like that. But if we don't do anything, but we need to keep all the parts inside, the chairs, the carpet, the flooring, all those things that aren't going to get renovated anymore, they can't just be in there in 90° heat and no air blowing and no conditioning whatsoever because they will get damaged. So

070now we have to bring in temporary power and temporary heating and air. Um, and again, Blair can talk about the cost with that, but that does bring in with it um some pretty high numbers. >> Yeah. So, the the main distribution for the electrical comes in through that main uh auditorium building. So, that's that's driving the need for temporary uh power and and temporary mechanical like Ashley mentioned. Uh one of the other things we noticed out there was the way that the building structure is would involve some pretty complex shoring to salvage it and demo the buildings around it. Uh so all those things really just kind of add cost but really don't drive uh benefit in new classroom space. So that's that's really what we're we're saying is that the added cost of keeping

071that uh auditorium uh has diminishing returns that doesn't show benefit in new classroom space. Uh so this is the fifth needs-based grant project that we've been involved in across the state and uh all a lot of them have similarities um but every one of them has been challenged in budget and like Ashley mentioned on schedule uh the schedule is um compressed. It's doable. Um but so what we're looking at is is ways we can make the project more efficient and really trying to maximize the value of of where the dollars at. uh you know I like to tell people our role is not to make the difficult decisions but it's really to try to uh give the information to make the the informed decisions maximize where the grant funding is going. >> So um to

072speak on schedule where are we now? So I presented this to you guys right after you received the grant. Um it's a pretty rudimentary schedule but I think it's a really clear way to say show where we are. So that green bar was all of design. Um we have three phases of design. We have schematic design, design development, and construction documents. Um we're in schematic design now still. Um we were hoping to be done. Um, and you can we are waiting on decisions and you know I'm I'm looking to you because the decisions do have to come from you on how we move forward because we had the auditorium, we had the four classrooms and now here we are again talking about it and that is absolutely fine. We want you to make the right

073decision and we want you to have all the pieces and parts to make those decisions. But we also want you to understand how that affects us and your project. So, um, we're not able to move forward on the green bar until we know where we're going and what we're drawing. So, um, we need you to understand that we're basically on hold. I mean, we're still doing things in the background. Stephen talked about the surveys already done. We're working to get the environmental out there to start doing phase one. Um, so there are not things have not stopped, but they're not moving at the tick that we need them to because we all knew that this was the perfect schedule, but we couldn't really drop any of the balls to to make it work. So, um,

074we need to move forward to wrap up SD. Um, and then we're going to have to make up that time in the design, development, construction documents phase. So, um, I would guess that we're probably have lost about a month of design. Um, again, we can do anything, but I want you to understand that we honestly feel like we need a decision soon to be able to move forward. Um, then let's talk a little bit about the next step, which is where do we need to be? So, like I said, we're going to be playing catch-up in design. Um, our civil engineer needs to get back ahead of us. They lead the project. They submit first. Um, and so that we need them to get their site plan done. And right now, we don't have a

075floor and or a shape to even give them so they can start designing how the drives work, how the grades work, all of those things. So, um that's a really important piece from a design aspect. >> Yeah. Uh so, I'll talk a little bit about ways this construction schedule being compressed. Um there's some opportunities for us to um get creative with how we procure the job. Um, so you know, I watched the board meeting where y'all discuss design build and and see them at risk and that's a big benefit of both delivery methods is uh it allows better creativity of what we can do. So we're looking at an early abatement demolition package potentially this fall and that goes back to the decision of of making sure that we understand what we're keeping. Uh the

076site discussion uh will drive when we can tear out the slabs. So if we can get that done ahead of time, we can pick back up some of that schedule that Ashley just mentioned. Uh we're looking at an early site package so that when we get started uh I think it's approximately March of memory on the schedule uh that we're able to hit the ground running. We've got building pads. So there's opportunity to pick those that time back up and that's really kind of what we're here to ask is uh direction on how we can go forward so that we can plan around it and put some of those things in motion. Can >> I ask a question? Yeah. >> Uh to the board. I thought we at the last meeting voted six to one

077that the auditorium would be demoed and we we have chosen uh agreed that we will include the four classrooms. So when did the auditorium come back up again? >> Good question. So you mind me answering that or you want to answer it? >> So we it was 70 first of all which I want to make sure that's >> I thought she voted against she she vote for it. Um, this all came about, Daryl, is because we found out that there's a possibility, which Eva's next presentation is a tax credit. And on that $44 million that we will get through the grants, there's a possibility of receiving about a $4 million tax credit. Now, I say 4 million, but I do not know that number. That is what we have thinking about through other tax credits

078that were given throughout the state during this grant. Um, the problem with that is our county commissioners have got the ones to apply for it. We don't know when they're going to apply for it, even if they're going to apply for it. And we will not see that money well in advance of we will not see that until probably midway midway through the project. So, can we count on that money? So, in discussions I've had and we've had with our county commissioners, which we were going to talk about, but since you brought it up, we got to figure out if if they're even going to apply for it. If they apply for it and we get it, how do we spend that money? And that's where Ashley and Blair come in to tell us this

079is ways we can spend that money and we don't even know what if it's a tax credit, do we have to pay the money back? So, that is things that that's what that's what Eva's gonna say. So yes, you are 100% right, but they threw a a in the armor with this the sales tax credit and >> what does that got to do with keeping the auditorium or not? >> If I may, I think the answer I think is that the when folks heard about that this potential tax credit could increase the budget for the project and then they wanted to bring it back to see if you still felt the same. However, what I am going to tell you is if you need to make a decision, which you do about the auditorium now,

080in fact, you already have, then this tax credit can't save that auditorium because you are not going to have that money in time. So, so let me explain the tax credit. Um, it's called a new markets tax credit. And I am far from an expert on this. It's a very complex financing tool, but essentially the federal government these tax credits um for to encourage investment in economically distressed communities or rural communities. Um and you qualify and we what we have seen in other places is we worked recently on building a new high school in Northampton County and they were able to capitalize on this tax credit to get an additional $6 million for the high school. Um it is not a loan. You do have to pay it back. The way it works is um

081at a very high level, these the federal government issues these tax credits to like community development organizations um who then sell them to um investors and essentially the investors give you cash and in return they get a break on their taxes and they might give you and and I'll say it like But it they they they come together in groups and do this. They might give you $6 million and they get $20 million off their taxes. You see what I'm saying? So um but they are only granted basically you put together and by you I mean people who do this for a living on your behalf put together a package with a lot of paperwork and so forth and the commissioners have to be sort of spearheading it and then they take it out and

082sell it in the next round of tax credit uh issuance. and they only are issued in the spring. So, you are not going to find out for sure if you got this money until spring of 2027, which means the only way it could help for this project is if you have designed an alternate or an add-on that you can add on if you get this money. Um, but but it has to be something that can add in late in the game. >> Yeah. So, we've been involved in the Northampton High School project and and uh so a couple things they got $6 million which was instrumental. It was a needs-based grant funded project and uh you know, as I mentioned, the budget on that project was extremely tight and so there was things that got

083cut out of the project that we were able to add back in. So, we looked at uh instead of relocating grandstands, we were able to buy new grand stands. That's an example of something that we can do later in the project, but doesn't really affect what's going on around it. Uh the roadside sign was something else we added in. Additional landscaping uh terzo floors. Those are all kind of things that we could put into the project at a later stage but didn't affect the overall program was already set if that makes sense. >> Can the money only be used for building projects? >> Yes. It's not general funding. It's an investment in this project. So um that's a great question. And so what would happen? First of all, our main recommendation is the next step

084would be a joint meeting with the board and the commissioners where you all receive a presentation on this that has more details and everybody hears the same information. Um, and so I think that's the next step. Um, and and then everybody has to work together on this to sort of support the the paperwork essentially, which is extensive. Um, But but right. So then you would work with your designers to say like what are the upgrades or landscaping ballfield things that we would do if we had a bigger budget and so then that we could add on there. >> Okay. I understand all that. Um but there's no guarantee for that money. Right. That's correct. >> And because we are not making a a definite decision, we're holding up progress. >> Yes, sir. >> But from

085the last meeting that we had, I think Mr. Bowwin brought up the fact that and we all agreed that it doesn't make sense to have a brand new 42 million, however many building >> $44 million building and have a old auditorium standing in front of it. And I thought we all agreed with the exception of one that that made better sense to to uh go ahead and demolish that auditorium so that we can move forward with the four new classroom. >> Now if I understand correctly by getting rid of the auditorium it makes your building process easier. If you can demo that, it makes it more efficient and makes it easier. That correct? >> That is very correct. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, >> first of all, I'm jumping in again and even as the

086attorney, it was a 70. >> Okay. I apologize. And the reason I voted, I have always from the very beginning and I know that Ashley standing right in front of me can agree with me that I voted to k to renovate or to tear down, demolish, get a new LJ Bell with the thoughts that we would save the auditorium. Then all of a sudden, we're not saving the auditorium. And I have listened carefully. I have been to every meeting. I went to every planning those little Legos that you put around. I did all of that trying to make sure I made the right decision. And then I went to this Zoom meeting for this new market and that's why it's brought back up because there was these counties that you had them on there. I

087only there was about 14 people. I listened as carefully as I could. I thought, "Oh my gosh, they are over my head." But did I hear that there's a a slim chance that we could save, as they said when it was built, a Cadillac auditorium? Is it worth fighting for that we keep an auditorium? Because when it's torn down, it will not be. There will never be. How much does it cost to build an auditorium? What would you say that it would cost to build one similar to what's there now? in that range. >> So is it would we be beneficial to to dig in? And that's the reason at this zoom meeting that I sat there and listen to and try and then Dr. Frell said well come back and can explain it to

088all of you. I felt like you all need but I don't think the decision to not because the vote was made so I did not change the vote. >> That's right. >> So it was a 70. I voted because I thought yes, we do need if we need four new classrooms. The and the idea of tearing down the auditorium and making four classrooms was brought to my attentions attention on the day of the meeting about 1:30. But I had to go home, think about it, and think, well, what can I say to change this plan to anyhow I'm just I just thought any way we could save it. I'd like to save it but if it's not possible I am not standing in the way or and in fact my vote wouldn't stand in the

089way anyway but any that is the reason I wanted to hear exactly but I assumed all of you want to hear but the change was not the discussion tonight was not because of the vote last week. Yeah. >> So, what where we are right now, so we are behind schedule with you. We have voted to demolish the auditorium and add the full classrooms. We don't know if we'll get that tax credit. We don't know if we're applying for it yet. It won't be until the springtime, but you will have enough you have enough experience to say where we can add if we do get money where we can add things like teras floors if it's not already in the plan because we don't know what the plan is yet. But we can sure you can

090sure spend still uh spend $4 million. I know you can. >> Yeah. Is there anything else that we need to know? Ashley or Blair? If it's helpful on timing, uh the first time Northampton County met on the new market tax credit was about eight months ago and the funds are just arriving now. Um up until about a month ago, they were not sure they were going to get it. Um, >> so there's a lot of of, you know, moving parts and paperwork and and collaboration between the county and the school board. Uh, so, you know, if you use that as a gauge, that's why we're we're encouraging some some caution on whether, you know, how much to count on those funds being there. And you can correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding in

091Hampton is they got they got sure enough that they were going to get it that the county agreed to essentially front the money so that they could go ahead and do the design. Now, the county never ended up having to pony up because they are getting the money. >> I don't know that that's on the table from your commissioners. Um but essentially so so they were able to go ahead and design around it but but actually receiving it in the bank to go out but once they got close enough that they felt comfortable that it was going to happen the county. >> So basically before you guys step out of this room tonight you would like to have consensus as far as which direction we're going right. >> Can we all agree to >> Yeah.

092Well we don't we don't have to vote. We don't have to vote. We're going to do that. But I do have a question because you made a comment for that. I loved it. So, you're going to take the gymnasium, you're going to open up one wall, you're going to extend it so you can put an auditori a stage >> a stage in there. >> And we >> So, I just need I need the public to hear that because we're not going to make it smaller. >> No. And I and I'll add to that um we've had conversations with Miss Norwood about just what, you know, the auditorium seating and how many uh assemblies and all of those things. So, we'll add bleachers in that are able to house um so much like you'll see in

093you wouldn't see it normally in an elementary school, but you would see like in a middle school to be able to pull out and it would pull out onto the floor. So, you wouldn't be able to h have a basketball game, but you would be able to have a uh performance on the stage and have the leaders. So, >> that's awesome. >> Any other qu comments or questions for that? Well, I I'll just say I mean, you know, we already have a schedule, you know, if we get off too far off schedule, it's going to mess up, you know, little plans, you know, the kids that's at uh the plans for Monroe Avenue students. So, we have to keep all that in mind, you know, and I agree. We already had this discussion about and

094Scotty brought it up about the space getting rid of the auditorium. To me, that's a view point. I'm ready to move forward. you know, we've already had a discussion about and voted on what direction we want to go with this project. I just want to try to stay as close on schedule as possible. I already said we're a month behind. Um the meeting as far as with the county commissions, that need to happen quick, very very quick with us and them and just kind of see where we are, what what their thought is since they're going to kind of take be taking the lead from my understanding, taking the lead on that project. But I would like for us to get moving. I mean all this waiting waiting waiting is affecting it's going to affect

095the whole process and >> we did vote on that though and excuse me I didn't want to interrupt you wrong but we I think we did agree on that but this is kind of like some unknown money that came about and we don't want to leave money >> laying there I mean you know money that's not a guarantee I get >> but there's a lot of things we need I mean you know that's why I asked the question about what can that money be spent for because we need a a lot of things in this district. I mean, yeah, we're on a tight budget for this build, but and we want it to be right, but at the same time, we've got a lot of And I think I'm not speaking for Bobby Sue. I

096don't want to interject her thoughts, but I mean, don't leave money sitting out there if you can save the auditorium, but there's a lot of factors coming into that that I mean, we're not even guaranteed for this money. So, >> as I said, I listened to that whole presentation. It was way over my head. Dr. Frell agreed it was over his head. >> It was way over here. eight months was never mentioned in that um presentation or if it was I >> and we met Dr. Frell and I met with Mr. Land and Jeff Smart and Terry Gardner yesterday and they know about as much as we do and so they were meeting with somebody late this afternoon to get more information about about this. So Ashley Blair, you know, our our vote still stands

097for last week. Please move ahead and go forward and let's go. >> So I don't see how you can be but a week behind >> instead of just saying that. >> I'm tired of getting back. >> We can do that. Is there anything else that you need for them? And thank you for explaining the best you could, Eva. >> I know. Anything else for Blair? Um, so you're saying the demolition will be sometime in the fall? >> That's what we're targeting. Yes. >> So we can take down the building to slabs without a site permit. Uh, you'll need a site permit to do land disturbance. Since you're here for the first time, Blair, I got a question because there's been some comments made about LJ Bell and just the historical part of LJ Bell and

098so forth and so on and that when you demolish it, there's been some talk about using some brick as a walkway. So, we as we get closer that we can tell you what we want and save and you can possibly use some of those materials to build something or make something at the new site. Is that correct? >> We can build anything that Ashley comes up with. >> So, uh we uh and Mosley have worked on a project that actually just had their ribbon cutting >> Last week. Um, and they chose to do a wall and so we salvaged all the bricks. They had a company clean them, etched them with whatever people wanted on them and we built a wall and it was double-sided and that was where everybody spent most of their time

099during the ribbon cutting, finding the bricks. And so, um, there's a lot of different ways, whether a walkway, a wall, um, ways to acknowledge alumni and and students. Do you know how they figured that out? Did the principal or the the school board decide that? Because I'd like, you know, Mr. Norwood, the principal. We like as many people as it we can to decide those things. I think it'd be great. >> Yes. So Cameron is working on putting together sort of a a way to honor the current LJ Bell building in multiple ways through a visit with the community and things similar to what Ashley has just described. And so all of that is in the works. We have not forgotten about him. >> Wish you were here a little longer this time than you

100were last meeting. Any other questions for Ashley and Blair? >> Well, we're excited. We're really excited about this. So, thank y'all very much for being here. Stephen, you got anything else? We're good to go. Thank y'all. >> Thank you. >> So, comments for the board. J, if it's okay, I'd like to start tonight. >> Okay. >> Um, thanks guys. Thank y'all. >> Thank you. >> Um, as you know, we have a a June board meeting and and as I stated this last year, I'll say state the same thing. It's a pleasure being your board chairman and I know in June, yeah, June, we have got to come up with uh our new chair and vice chair. It's a pleasure for me to be the board chairman. I don't do backdoor conversations. I still will be

101your chairman if that's what you want. I just want to let y'all know that moving forward. If anybody else wants it, I'm fine with that as well. But I I'll sit in this chair as long as y'all want me. But I wanted to say that I do want to say that graduations went great. Um thank you for everybody who had a hand in graduations. We had beautiful weather at Richmond Senior High High School. Um great weather. Um I have asked Stephen and Dr. Frell to look at maybe a stage, a possible new stage, and putting some rails on it because I don't want to see Ronald fall off that stage. I do not want to see Ronald fall off that stage. So, maybe we can look at that stage has been there since what, probably

1021972, I'd imagine. So, but anyway, thank y'all for all everything. Thank you for the close out of the school year. >> Says the person who broke the chair, right? >> Yeah, exactly. And uh it was a good closing of the school. So, thank you all. Anybody else? >> One one thing I want to say is is uh Katherine, y'all did a great job with the technology day at the hospital. >> Great job. >> Yeah. >> And he stole my >> I know Amazon gave money and I want to say thank you to Amazon for supporting Richmond County Schools. Uh, I've seen the stages of what they've done at the new LJ Bell right now and it's amazing the work that our custodial staff, our electrician, everybody in the mus department has done to make that

103what it is right now because it does have a pop to it. It looks great. >> Thank you. I just want to just kind of comment um couple observations as far as went to all the graduations. Um notice that um Ashley Chap I was really impressed with the principal how she was able to with each one of her graduates was able to um specify certain things that that graduate had done. Um so to me I I thought that was really really special to be able to connect like that with other students. Um, as far as other graduations I thought went well, particularly at Richmond was a little set up a little different. I like the setup there and I thought that uh staff and everyone just want to thank everybody that had a part in

104that in in that. Um, then also just want to uh give a big shout out to to I know our boys baseball team did went for the playoffs um that had a great season. also the track, boys and girls track team. Big shout out to them. Had even had a state champion uh in the I think it was the triple jump and but we had a good representation going to the state as well as to the region. And big shout out to uh the coaches uh John Rich and uh Reggie Miller. These guys, they really don't say a lot. It's just kind of behind the scenes and just doing. And I, you know, um I I do have a a grandchild that's participated in track and I've just I'm I'm an observer and I just

105you know sit and watch watch people and things like that and I've just really been impressed with the work that they've done particularly when you know you don't sometimes may not have the support that other uh sports may have you know and so I just want to just really recognize uh those two um coaches for the work that they they've done with that John Rich is getting to be a veteran coach here. He was just a student of ours, you know, while short while ago. Now he's a veteran coach out there. So, which was really good. >> And the good thing, too, I've seen a lot of uh doing a great job with recruiting our middle school kids. You know, they got a lot of ninth graders that's participating. And so, I I in the

106next couple years, I can see that track program really really grow. So,body else check all the boxes. All right. >> Well, the one thing that Ronald said that I wanted to make sure, first of all, I wanted to comment on the technology event. It was exceptional. Was good last year. I believe it's better this year. But um participation was great. Does anybody do you have any idea how many the amount of money that Amazon gave in the um the gift cards and all their those teachers were so excited. >> Yes. >> How much? >> They don't want me to disclose it. Okay. All right. It was a lot. I can tell you that a lot of people got lots of them. But also, I just think at the Ashley Chapel graduations, I was just as

107impressed as I can be. The fact that she named every single one of those graduates and said something kind about them and something that she would remember. I thought that's going above and beyond. I I really appreciated that. >> Um, Cory, let me comment on statement that Mr. Timman mentioned about uh Coach Rich. Um he's reached out and I think Mr. Tman, you might have gotten a correspondence too. He's organizing a AU track team for the kids this summer. uh and he's seeking um sponsors, anyone that wants to sponsor uh a kid to to help that kid who can't afford to participate in the au is $250 per kid. Uh so anybody that wants to help sponsor that kid or sponsor that program is our kids. Most of them are in middle school and high

108school. Um, please reach out to Coach Rich and um just sponsor one kid. Anything will help. >> Would you do you mind sending in the group um a contact number for him and then I'll share it as well um with people here in the building. >> Just text it to us. >> Yeah, that'd be great. >> I don't know how if he has a account that we can send it to or VMO or whatever. It would be easier that way. >> Okay. >> Thanks, >> Mr. Tim. Did you get that >> corresponding contact information and I can get that? >> You'll just send it to us. I can get it out for anyone in this building that might be interested in helping support that our public too want to help you do it. Anybody else?

109>> All right. Uh Dr. Fre. >> Um so um yes, I wanted to talk about the new um LJ Bell building um former 9th grade academy building. Um, Mr. Satderfield reached out to me to take a look at it. If any of you would like me to meet you over there, just reach out to me. I'm happy to do that. It does look really, really good. I know that Meredith and her staff are getting moved in, so that's a good thing. I want to pause for just a second and talk about Purple Star for a minute. I know we did the recognition tonight, but I want to just kind of point out like what that means to us. And so, you all will recall, I know it seems like a long time ago now. I've

110been here about three and a half years now. Time flies when you're having fun, right? Um so, um but when I came here, I started with a listening and learning tour. Purple Star is a perfect example of me going out, meeting with groups of people, individual people, and learning what's important to them for all of our school district. And one of the things that I heard was about connection to military families. And so that all just kind of spun out of that. And then of course Tisha is LER and Melvin Ingram picked up that ball and ran with it. Um as we started to talk about it a little bit and we started small and then our principles picked up the ball and here we are just a couple of years a few short years

111later and we went to the recognition in Raleigh or Durham area um where we were recognized as a purple star district. So, we went from really no Purple Star schools at all and connection to our military families and and students to the entire district being recognized. And I just I think it's just important to to just reflect on that for a minute of how you go out and you listen to people. And I know I know Dr. Smith sometimes listening gets you more work, right? But when you go out and you listen to people and you connect with what's going on with them and what's important with them and then you have such smart people around you like you know the ones that I have around me and then our principles get involved with it

112and then great things happen and so we all and then and then ultimately at the end of the day um great things happen for our students like this uh military connected thing. So I just want to I just as that was all being presented I thought you know that started like I didn't none of us really talked about started that much until it started to come up from the people that um that we serve. So anyway, it was a good thing. Graduations were awesome. I was super impressed with Tiffany Spencer um as well for making a personal connection to all of our students. I told Joyce McCrae, I'm not sure if you ordered that weather or not, but it was perfect. Order it again next year um because that was that was great. The jumbotron

113added so much to graduation. Um and so that was a good thing. Um, just to let you all know, summer hours start this week and so we are closed on Fridays. Our offices are open. Um, even though employees are working 10 hours a day to have be off on Fridays, our offices are actually open 8 to 4. Is that right? 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Um, and so I will be in Asheville next week with state superintendent meeting and a couple of other uh meetings with um, superintendent that are going on. Um, of course, planning for the 26 27 school year started a while back, but it's definitely off and rolling and um there's no grass growing under anyone's feet trying to get ready for um school to start. And um that's all that I

114have. So, thank you all for your support with all of those things. >> Our next meeting is what? June 30th. >> Our next meeting is June 30th and that is our closeout. Uh and that will also been when be when we elect board chair and vice chair. Um we will have a close session for the purpose mainly of per personnel. Um right Jenny >> that's at noon right? >> That that one is at noon. That's right. And then we have the July 29th meeting >> uh work session for um discussion of all things budget and um moving our school system forward. So >> Mr. Chair, >> so your policy says that you'll chair at the first meeting in July. So you might just need to do a motion to wave that when you do the

115organization. You're doing it one day before July. >> So we want to do that motion now. >> Sure. To motion to wave policy. Hold on. I have to 2200 in order to um hold the organizational meeting on June 30th. >> So a motion by Mr. Baldwin to move that to June 30th policy 2200. Second second by Mr. Tilman. Any discussion? All in favor by saying I. >> All opposed. >> Thank you for doing that. I need a motion to enter close session pursuing North Carolina General Statute to prevent the disclosure of privilege or confidential information and to discuss personnel matters. >> Make a motion. >> Have a motion by Mr. Ethridge. Second. >> Second by Mr. Orangebe. Discussion. All in favor by saying I. Come closer.