001Welcome to the Richmond County Board of Education meeting this February 10th, 2026. In accordance with policy 2310 public participation at board meetings each month, the first part of at least one regularly scheduled board meeting will be set aside for citizens to address the board through public comment. Each speaker will receive three minutes to present comments. However, the public comment session will not exceed 30 minutes total. Board members will not respond to individuals who address the board except to request clarification of points made by the presenter. And tonight, our first speaker, our speaker is Gerard Morrison. Mr. Morrison, good evening. >> Assistant, superintendent, staff, everybody. What they say in the country, everybody. the um [snorts] today it's a lot you know I'm full Mr. chair. So, three minutes. First, I'd like to start off at um
002when she started in the north yard. She when she passed, she was living on Charlotte Street. So, later on, if y'all can do a moment of silence for Annie Lee Gilchrist, I know she her family came by, but uh served at the central office, Western Rockingham, and Mon [snorts] Springs. And I used to call her my racist buddy because she'd be running to work and I would I would be running to schools. I told her she need great person. and uh did great work for Richmond County. Today I want to point out something. Uh my dad, he's uh hospice has been called to give him three months and both of his parents were educators in Richmond County. My grandfather TJ Higgins, one of the founding members for NAACP, JW Mass Jr.'s best friends, he worked
003at Morrison Training School and my that's my maternal grandfather. My maternal grandfather also worked at Morrison Training School. And then my maternal grandmother, my patern paternal grandmother retired at Mineral Springs School. It's Bora Higgins. [snorts] And Channy McManus was my aunt, my my dad's side, and just about all of her kids. Janice Mack, Maryanne Gibson, all Richmond County educators. And I wanted to started looking at something. You know how big I am on this history piece. Growing up, I didn't like history, but I learned to appreciate it while doing the John Cold Train Fest and edutainment. We just study our own families, our own neighborhoods. We see the interconnectivity. Remember mention Jay Kenneth Lee when I was looking at some stuff for Montgomery County uh coming up Peabody Academy and one of the catalysts for
004starting that was WB De Boy. But after Brown versus Board of Education, he had resistance in the South for the desegregation. The lawyer from Charlotte Street, Jay Ken of Lee, was the first to finish the first to finish Chapel Hills Law School also helped with that case with that school right here from Hamilton. And he was validictorian here in uh late 1930s, early 1940s, I forgot exactly what year, but he grew Henry Fry. You know about elevator there, Mr. Chairman. So all this stuff is interconnected. And I tell us if we study our own history, our own stuff, we can learn a whole lot more. But I ran across my best friend's dad. My dad played saxophone. He was validictorian class of 63 wonder black and white forest. Said hospitals have been called. So we
005try to trying to do a lot of history for him. Like he told me don't worry about me man. He said if I die tomorrow I live. So I hope all of us can be able to say that. But uh they were talking. He was first sharing saxophone. Then my best friend's uncle was the next year. Johnny led better. Dad was Billy Higgins, but Mr. Evans was the band director. Mono Avenue used to be playing in ENT's parades and he went to ENT. My mom was a junior majorette. Y'all seen her hear her here before. I'm like, all this stuff comes together. Richmond County is really doing some stuff. And >> last comment, last comment. Sorry. >> And Dr. Julian Carter and I, we've been going back and forth with this one. I think my
006classmate Johnke Thomas was the first black quarterback at Richmond and we were trying to see some before. So hopefully we get more research done on that and Warrenberg Institute T Washington impacted them to start. So I've been talking doing talks to Bishop McDuffy who may be doing some things. So I just want to thank you all and let you know doing Black History Month. Great time to be here. Great things to celebrate especially in honor of Macy McQueen, Macyan also from Charlotte Street, Bruce Stan back. So thank you all. Thanks for what you do. >> Thank you for bringing train October 3rd. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you. >> We do have an existence of a corman forum. Please call this meeting to order. Mr. Will you lead us in a moment of silence
007and everyone will stand for a moment of silence? >> Now join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Mr. Mason. Board members, you have the minutes from our open session for the January 13th, 2026 meeting. I make motion. >> Make a motion from Mr. Esther. Is there a second? >> Second from somebody. >> Mr. Mason. Um, any discussion? >> All in favor by saying I. >> All opposed? They are passed. >> [snorts] >> Dr. Ferrell, are there any changes to the agenda? >> No, sir. >> All right. So, we will adopt the agenda under consent of the board. And our first order
008of business is miss Cameron Whitley. We say that Miss Cameron Whitley. >> Good evening. You can't do that. We just started. You can't do that. >> Okay, let's start with our February inspiring excellence. [laughter] >> I will start with West Rockingham and Miss Melanie Lee. >> Thank you, Cameron. Good afternoon, Chairman Satderfield, Dr. Frell, members of the board. I am pleased to be here today to honor two employees of West Rockingham Elementary School who inspire excellence. Christa Harold began her teaching career in Burke County and then moved to Anson County where she taught for 19 years. Miss Herold has taught first grade at West Rockingham for nine years. She holds a master's degree in elementary education from UNC Charlotte and has maintained national board certification since 2005. Miss Herold is described by her colleagues as
009being an amazing team player who will help you with anything. She cares for her students and works hard to provide them with instruction that is rigorous but also fun. Miss Herold was voted the teacher of the year for West Rockingham for the 2024 2025 school year and is an active member of the TAL chapter of Delta Capagama Women Educators Society of Anson and Richmond counties. She is a member of NCA and an active member of her church and community. [clears throat] Miss Herold will retire at the end of this school year with 30 years devoted to giving her best to the children in North Carolina. She will be remembered by her students as a teacher who cared for them and challenged them to be their best. Miss Herold plans to spend time taking care of
010her parents who live in Lenor and hopefully returning to West Rockingham as a tutor. Thank you, Miss Herold, for inspiring excellence in all of us, including your students, your colleagues, and your principal. >> [applause] >> Hey Christa behind you my forehead picture looking like Okay. One, two, three. >> Congrats, Chris. >> Our second recipient is Kelly Parsons. Kelly began her career with Richmond County Schools as a media assistant at Richmond Senior High School in 2014. She moved to West Rockingham as the data manager in 2017 and has been there ever since. Miss Parsons is organized, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. When we made the transition from Power School to Infinite Campus, Miss Parsons was very quick to learn the program and then she volunteered to help other DA uh data managers around the district.
011Miss Parsons is professional, calm, and organized, serving as a steady backbone of the school's academic and operational systems. Miss Parsons, we appreciate your dedication to making West Rockingham a great place to work and learn and inspiring excellence in others. [applause] >> [snorts] [laughter] >> One. There we go. I couldn't see you. Okay. One, two, three. >> [applause] >> And next we will have Miss Jennifer Coller with Fairview Heights Elementary School. >> Good evening. I would like to begin by acknowledging our superintendent, Dr. Frell and our board of education members. Thank you for your continued support for our schools, our educators, and the work we do each and every day to serve our students. Tonight, it's truly an honor to recognize Mrs. Mary Kate Duncan as a recipient of the Inspiring Excellence Award for Fairview Heights
012School. Miss Duncan is a 19-year veteran and as a math rock star. Miss Duncan is incredibly deservant of this award for all that she does for her students, her colleagues, and our school community overall. She's the kind of educator who makes learning come alive. Her classroom is a place where students are challenged, supported, and genuinely excited to learn. She consistently goes over and beyond to push her students to think critically, collaborate, and take pride in their work. She's very creative, and she finds innovative ways to engage students in mathematics. You never know what you're going to see when you walk in Miss Duncan's room. There's times that you may go in and see that she's made her classrooms come alive and there's an escape room. Um, also there's many times I've come out and I've
013seen students make graphs and be humans plotted on that graph or using coding within the graphing opportunities. She goes above and beyond. As you see many schools celebrating the hundth day of school, Miss Duncan went through a journey with her class and they talked about how they were as fifth graders, it was their 10,000th day of school and [snorts] they took a time journey travel to go back through all the skills that they have learned along the way. Beyond her classroom, Miss Duncan's a school leader. She's currently pursuing her master's degree in school administration, demonstrating her commitment to continuous growth and leadership. She dedicates countless hours to assisting on schoolwide projects, supporting initiatives, and contributing wherever help is needed. Miss Duncan truly embodies the spirit of excellence. Her passion, creativity, and leadership um make Fairy
014Heights a better place. Will you please join me in congratulating Miss Mary Duncan, our inspiring excellence award recipient. [applause] Smile big. >> There we go. >> Now, that's okay. >> One, two, three. >> [applause] >> All right. >> Another award recipient tonight. I'm honored to recognize Miss Aaron Jernigan as a recipient of the Inspiring Excellence Award at Fairview Heights. Miss Jernigan is an exceptional teacher assistant and she approaches every responsibility with great care, pride, and unwavering commitment to excellent. She consistently takes on additional duties and puts her whole heart into everything she do does. No task is ever just a task to her. She's a strong advocate for both students and staff at Fairview Heights. When I first arrived to Fair View, she made frequent trips to my office to ensure that I was aware
015of everything that needed to be done. I quickly became clear on one thing, that those visits were rooted in her deep sincerity and her desire to see the school thrive during time of leadership transition and staffing changes. It did not take long for me to recognize that Miss Jernigan is the ultimate perfectionist in the best way, wanting every detail to be right so that students and staff could be successful. I have personally witnessed Miss Jernigan go over and beyond to support two new teachers. I've seen her invest extra time to help them organize and get their rooms ready. I've also seen her take over where we've had a vacancy and hold herself accountable and do all the things to make sure our students don't miss a beat at Fairbe Heights. She exemplifies inspiring excellence through
016her work ethic, advocacy, attention to detail, detail, and genuine care for others. Please join me in congratulating Miss Jernigan, a truly deserving recipient of the inspiring excellence award. [applause] CONGRATULATIONS. >> Thanks for having two. Sorry, >> Miss Willy. So, we got some >> athletic >> student athletes. >> We do. Both of them are from Rockham Middle. Some of our fall conference champions who are here with us tonight. And we will start with our Rockingham Middle football team and coach Freeman who introduce his players. [clears throat] >> Good. Good afternoon, guys. Thank you for allowing us to come out here this evening. Um, obviously this is not the entire team, but there's 45 of us this year, but this is a good representation of all the hard work, dedication that these guys and the coaches have
017put in for this season. It was a very, very fun, exciting season. Uh, we finished record six and one with with the championship birth. Two out of the past three years, we've won the championship. So, very, very excited for them. I can't thank my coaching staff enough and these players. I'm just gonna introduce a couple of these guys real quick. So, my coaches, this is Noah Preler right here. This is Michael Drum right here. And well, I think you most of you know him. [laughter] But, um, this is Derek Watkins right here. But, uh, so players wise, I haven't used guys in a long time. So, I'm let pull out my roster for just a second to give you guys a little bit of a So, this is Bry Allen right here. Okay. He was
018a receiver for us. This is Derek Watkins. Uh, again, this we call him Little De. This is Gio uh Parnell. This is Robert Thompson. This is Jaden Brown. Hello, Jay. This is Chase. All right. [clears throat] This is Willie. This is Mason. This is Aiden. This star running back right here. Big star next year. Uh Elijah. Little Jack. Jack. This is Jackson. And this is Michael. And I have um I have two managers as well. Messiah and come here sir and Sawyer. Okay. So, thank you guys again. Like I said, this is a very very exciting season for us and thank you for your support and parent support and the community support too. So, thank you guys again. Appreciate it. >> Well, we we thank y'all. We thank the the student athletes for dedicating your
019time to it. Uh just a little tidbit, Big D right here. Um, I coached him in high school and to this day he's probably my favorite student athlete that I ever coached. He was the hardest working kid that I've ever seen in my life. [laughter] You got a lot to live up to. But thank you for your dedication and your grit for for doing school work and playing athletics. And Willie, how you doing, buddy? >> Good. >> Playing golf. >> No, sir. >> All right. [laughter] >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> MY shoulders [snorts] over here in the front. Here we go. >> [clears throat] >> Right. One, two, [snorts] three. >> Thank you guys. [applause] And also for Rockingham Middle School, we have their volleyball team and coach Jackson and coach All right. So,
020I'll introduce them while they're coming up. Um, Rocket Volleyball Girls consisted of Shelby, Shelby Barber, Madison Butler, Ariana Cook, Harper Densson, Elen Gayy, Emily Jones, Olivia Midmier, Annie Moore, Emily Rogers, uh, Brianna Rory, uh, Dinara Smith, Harper Taylor, Laney Taylor, JC Williams, and our two managers, Gingry Dawkins, and Olivia Richardson. They just need y'all to >> What we're going to do from now on is we're just going to put y'all on the agenda for the January meeting because you win the championship every year. >> Is that right? Where's Where's the goat? Is the goat back there? Where's the goat at? >> How many years in a row has it been, Teresa? Do you know? >> Oh, there you are. >> Well, it's only been a couple, but then we've had we've had quite a few,
021so [laughter] >> we're not keeping count. >> There you go. Wow. >> Congratulations, lady. very very very proud of y'all. >> I need y'all in the girls in the sand. The ones in that hoodie. Come around. We got to get some kind of One, two, three. >> Thank you guys. Congratulations. Nothing like an athlete to make him short. >> We'll just let everybody clear out before we start again. And we have Dr. Kate Smith going to talk to us about school calendars. Thank you. >> Yes, you are correct. It is warm. >> Yes. >> So, you know, it's warm. [laughter] >> Can we have HR in here? >> All right. Good evening, Chairman Satderfield, Dr. Pharaoh, members of the board. Um, tonight we bring to you the calendar um in Bornocs that reflects feedback from
022our teacher advisory committee as well as administrators in our district. Uh, we did survey the traditional high school for the semester change in either December or January and there was an 80% majority um that voted for it to be in December uh since that's where you have the most impact obviously with the semester change at the high school. Um, and then after that survey, we did follow up and ask the high school principles to just have conversations at the school level with groups of teachers. Um, just to make sure that we got very specific feedback. Um, and so because of that large majority, uh, we created one calendar. Um, and so with it that has all of the requests and so you have a copy of those of the comments that were at the committee
023meeting. And so we did not really feel like there was an option two that was needed um since so many preferred the December semester change. Okay. And so at this time if you have any questions I'll be glad to take those. But then we we do need a 30-day review. >> Any questions Dr. Smith? >> All right. We will review. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Wait a minute. I do have I do have >> a question. You've gotten comments from [clears throat] all the schools. So when we review this, there's nothing else that we're going to get from comments from. >> You have a teacher advisory committee and what you're looking at are their comments. And so that's every school has a representation. They're asked to go back, get feedback, and come back. So
024they they have a copy of the calendar. They come back with feedback. In addition to that, um I did ask the high school pr the traditional high school principal to meet with staff and have one-on-one conversations with groups of teachers to make sure that the semester changing December was the overwhelming majority. Um so we have the survey data and then we have the high school making sure because K8 schools don't really care when the semester ends. It's really just the high schools. Okay. >> Yeah. Yep. Yeah, we when when can we see test scores from the first semester? >> Yeah. >> Just to compare them and I I know y'all have done that >> from last year. >> Yes. >> To this year and all that is apples and oranges, but still >> and a
025lot of times Yeah. So, a lot of times we don't get too bogged down because you know obviously the cohort in the semester in the fall semester could be very different than the cohort in the spring semester. So, but we can absolutely show you that data. The fall semester data is there. >> Perfect. >> We possibly can. We don't have a the work session is just going to be on the Can we have a 15inut view of the those? Is that a possibility >> at the work session? >> Yeah. Is that a possibility? >> I think so, but I'll I'll double check how we posted it. >> Yeah. Yeah, [snorts] >> this wouldn't be bogged down at a at a school board meeting that >> Thank you, Kate. Mr. King roof project chairman Satfield, Dr.
026Feral, members of the board. [clears throat] So last Wednesday we had a uh bid opening for Richard Senior High partial roof replacement um facilitated by REI Engineering. We had u five biders um to submit a bid and Weather Guard was the lowest responsive responsible bidder. Um the base was $446,300 and alternate one was $11,600. So the base bid is uh the partial roof is DOD upstairs that section and the alternate was the section that goes from DOD to the new gym which is like the CIC hallway. So we we uh REI sent a recommendation letter to use weather guard for this project total of $557,900. That alternate, you know, at this time is the cheapest it ever be. We just kind of break it up that way in case it's >> too much uh for
027our budget. We'll we'll kind of back up from that. I did want to mention that we are planning to submit well back up again. So we had REI engineering uh submit uh the drawing specifications to uh NCDPI for review of the project. So they've reviewed the project approved the project. So our next step will be u once we have a signed contract we'll submit application to state to draw down some ADM money that we have um I can't remember the exact total but we can get 75% of the project uh in ADM money. So we can actually get uh about $418,425 from the state for this project. So only 139,475 will come out of our capital outlay. Now once that funded whatever it's a little over 500,000 I think whatever that fund when it's depleted,
028it's not reoccurring. It's a one time. So, we're asking for your approval to approve the roofing project partial roofing project for Richmond Senior High uh using Weather Guard at $557,900. And this I will mention that WeatherGard, we have used them before in the past and they're, you know, we they're a very reputable company. Hadn't had any problems with them. So, you know, that's another reason we we chose it. >> I make a motion to approve the vid. >> Motion by Mr. Hornsby. Do I have a second? >> Second. Second by Mr. Tilman. Further discussion. All in favor by saying I. All opposed? We got us a roof. [clears throat] And I guess you want to go on to those little black seats right there. >> Yes. So our uh another project we have going on
029this middle school auditorium remodel. So um first we we did get a grant $100,000 grant from [snorts] Cole for this project. Uh so we put put it out put the seats out for bid um to receive bids for replacement of the seats. We did get three three biders to respond and I think you have this in your board do not do as well. So we have Davis Furniture Learning Environments and Universal Equipment Company. Unfortunately Davis Furniture Company, they're out of Wisconsin. They were we had to disqualify them. They didn't have a license general contractor's license which is required to do this project. Um, so they're disqualified. And then after myself, Dr. Carter, Dr. Frell, and Miss Taylor, you know, we had three physical samples, one from each of looking at the products, and well, we
030had to disqualify Davis. So then we were down to two. But after looking at the quality of the materials, um, just how the seat fits, you know, how it looks, uh, the performance, this one's got, uh, seat indicators on on, you know, that each seat will be numbered. There'll be a a letter on the end notifying the rose and then we'll also have a plaque on the back that we can sell like a donor plaque can be attached to each seat so that those funds would go to the school um at at some point time after they're installed. But I felt like if we were going to replace the seats, it was a good time to just paint the whole paint the ceilings, paint the walls. Um, we're looking I'm meeting tomorrow, Thursday, actually, with
031a company that will come in and grind all the concrete. Once the original seats are removed, the studs are removed, they'll patch the floor. So then I just I didn't want to put new seats back in all that. So this company, it's actually the company that ground the concrete for the new building, new gym building at the high school, coming on a grinder machine, get everything surfaced and cleaned and level, and we'll put a semi-transparent sealer on concrete before the new seats back in and then finally we'll replace the carpet down aisles. So after uh like I said based on the um performance of the seat um the appearance aesthetics and just all the features that we were looking for we're recommending uh using burn environments their bid amount was $27,860 and as I as
032I did mention we do have $100,000 from the coal to go towards this to >> which one of those is Are we going with >> Oh, okay. Hello, that's not red. Well, I have another question. Um, have you reached out to Amazon? Is that something that they would do a grant? Are they [clears throat] >> Well, they they previously gave us $10,000 for playgrounds for night cap. Um, but community foundation gave us $96,530. But uh we we saw the call we were at the call this morning with folks from Amazon. I think Dr. Carter spoke to Amy lady named Amy that um about that and I think Katherine Bendale was going to meet with her today and and present this and there's a good possibility that they they will help us with it. We just
033don't have a commitment at this time. >> Well, I think if they hear about the um fine arts they have and the different events they have, you never know. It's worth a try. >> [snorts] >> And Stephen, you have this in the budget, this this extra extra 100,000 and the painting and all that. >> Yes, sir. We um Doug Carter, Dr. Frell, Miss Jordan and I been meeting you these projects looking at ADM money is is a pot of money. We have repair and restor repair and renovation money that we're we're looking at tapping into some of these grants. So, yes, sir. I think I think we should do fine on that. When was that? When was that auditorium built at Rockingham? [snorts] >> Was that >> 1956? >> So, it's Yeah. So, you know,
034it's I think it's great. I think it's well well warranted and I think we need to do it. I think you're doing the right thing of fixing the floor before we put seats in and painting and doing all that stuff. I think it's a great idea. >> I'm just curious how a company out of Wisconsin was what 50 $60,000 cheaper than a company that's an hour up the road >> probably trying to get in North Carolina. >> I mean, that's a good question. I mean the seat look similar to this one honestly just that's odd. It is I mean I don't know if it's overhead or you know you would think you'd have more of it being out of state. >> Right. I'll make a motion to approve the contract as presented. >> Have a
035motion by Mr. Baldwin. Do I have a second? >> Second by Miss Orangebe. Any further discussion? All in favor by saying I. >> All opposed. >> All right. Steve, do you have a timeline of when the teeth will start to be taken out and all that? >> Yeah, I didn't bring that with me. Um I think June 8th, we put in the contract or the bid documents that could be removed before June 8th. Um, then we gave them about a two-eek window that they had to get the the seats out and then we made them give us a window to get all the painting and the carpet the floor do carpet class, but [clears throat] the painting and concrete sealant, but it will be complete before school starts back. >> Perfect. I appreciate you. You're
036jugging a lot of balls right now, aren't you? >> Yes, sir. >> How's nth grade academy coming? >> Good. So, moving into the new wide enough construction updates. The painters are are wrapping [snorts] up on the interior. They've done most of 300 hall, 400 hall, 500 hall, 600 halls, and then they'll move back on that front hall, 100 hall, finish media center. Still have cafeterias too. Um, but painting coming along very good. Um, [clears throat] as I mentioned, I think [snorts] got some photos. Um, this is the color scheme. So, we got um two, three weeks ago, we met at the school at the former night academy with Miss Norwood and Mr. Gass just walked the building, gave them a floor plan so they could start doing room assignments. Wanted them to see where the
037playgrounds were going. just any any questions we can answer in the building. And then after that, we uh met with Mr. Gomez and let him and his staff um pick some colors for playgrounds. So, this is the color scheme that I think we finally landed on. Um so, those um get hopefully get issue PO in the next week or two so we can get that on order. We can go ahead and be doing that. weather's breaking now, so it' be a good time to get that installed. [clears throat] So then once the playgrounds go in, then we'll have a little bit of fencing around that, maybe a few sidewalks. Um I met last week with the Sherman Williams representative um to look at some of the exterior doors on that school peel and bad um
038look at trying to go ahead and do that in the spring. Um we met with a company u to install a safe to create a safety vestibule when you go in right before you go to the office. We'll put a wall of glass and doors across there. So when you come in, there's some existing glass there now that goes or looks into the office. We'll take that out. We'll put a door and pass through window there. So when public comes in, they can come in and speak through the window or be buzzed into the office or be buzzed into the school. So you know, eventually we we have to do that at all all our schools. We have that at a few favorite heights, East Rockingham. But um we just felt like now since we're
039doing all the constructions, time to go ahead and do that school be done. So we've got that we're issuing those POS. Go ahead and get that work going. It's a lot going on at night. Any questions? Nitro. >> It's going to be really hard not to call that night. >> It is. It is. >> Well, just funny [clears throat] if it's used to be called Richmond Primary, right? We all knew it. The children went there and then it will be LJ Bell and then it will be something else. >> Questions on night. >> A simple question. This is very trivial, but what do we do for signage in the I mean we're not going to spend a ton of money on signage. Are we just putting temporary stuff out there for the duration of that?
040>> Yeah. >> Yes, sir. I was just curious. So, the baseball field at the high school um as far as I know well it's drained and they're practicing all it looking forward to spring when the grass really starts to take root and grow and grow again. Um the running track unfortunately we just plagued with with cold temperatures. U I I continue to reach out to them and stay in touch with them. So I play more as soon as we get a break in the weather. We get that. >> I'd rather them do it right. I'd wait you right. >> You hate hate to take a chance, you looking at the weather hoping that it's going to be above 55 degrees and get a night or two and it causes a problem. And where is Yeah,
041I agree. So, um, and again, weather. We're [snorts] looking at trying to get a window of time to replace the the soccer nets. High school. Uh, it should be starting this week replacing the back stop baseball back stop nets at Rock Middle. Had some poles that were peeling real bad. So, we had a contract come in and scrape those down, prime them, paint them. So, new new netting going on there. the roof replacement at the high school that I mentioned, auditorium, rock middle, the LJ Bell project, the new LJ Bell project, we met received six submissions from different architect firms to be the designer for the new school. So, Dr. Frell, Dr. Carter and I spent most of was it last Friday? About four hours last Friday just going through the packets and seeing what
042their responses were to the questions that we asked. And we narrowed that down to six submissions down to four. We have those scheduled for next Tuesday to bring those folks in and interview them. And then so we'll be ready for the work session on the 23rd, I believe it is. We'll be ready to discuss that. And then it's my understanding that we'll work with whatever firm architect firm that we hire to move in the selection of the CM reg. [snorts] You know the it's funny about the LJ Bell thing. I'm not sure I even told you this, but the one question the biggest question I'm getting from the LJ Bell new school is when are they going to tear down LJ Bell? I've got that question probably 15 times. And I was always telling them,
043you know, we want to get the kids out and probably sometime in the summer or the fall. I said, but we really haven't said that yet. So, am I right on that? >> I would say sometime over the summer. I mean, as soon as we secure a CM, you know, that >> I mean, I I can see that taking place before the new plans are even finalized. >> Oh, yeah. You might want a clean slate. >> Got to clear the site, you know, get utilities, new utilities going in. So yeah, I think this summer would definitely be that time. >> They want to know when they can buy their big boxes of Kleenex. That's why they're asking about >> Got to have a big supply of Kleenex. >> Kleenex. >> They use you, I'm assuming.
044>> Remember, it's a new bikini. >> We uh have been talking to Miss Norwood and kind of creating a plan. Dr. Farrell, Dr. Carter and I met talked about the moving logistics of that school. um you know having some boxes and some packing tape and some labels to the school before the end of school. They have about 10 days there at the end of school work days and stuff. Some of it's PD stuff, but to give those uh staff an opportunity to get everything boxed up and then as soon as school gets out, we'll we'll probably actually start moving some furniture during that 10 days and get that moved and then move all the boxes following that. So, >> well, I think their PD will be moving, right, Kate? No, [laughter] >> their PD would
045be moving. That's a lot. How many? That's That's 6 70 years of >> You told me to turn in the days for what we're doing. >> Yeah, but we didn't talk. We paid. But hey, but we didn't we didn't we didn't say we were moving LJ belt. That's >> So, Carter did get a a quote from a company, a moving company from out of town. It's like $40,000 to move. And you know, we only got one, so I don't know if that's a good number or a bad number. But in in talking through this, we thinking maybe we'll offer the the job or part of the job to some local companies. Maybe um Metro Hodgees or Spring Filters or um you know, some some of the vendors that that have staff and capability. Ruben >>
046does a lot of work with us just maybe breaking it up. Maybe a top floor and a bottom floor if they're interested. And if not, you know, then we'll have to have to go another route. I felt like we're going to spend the money. Might as well offer the people that are in the community already working for us anyway. >> Would some would some of our employees want it? >> Possibly. Um, you know, we we had some last time and some of them were females and they were very helpful, but I mean, you're talking moving furniture and desk and stuff all day long. It's that that's a little tiring and taxing on them. And you know, our employees don't have trucks and trailers and vans and U-Hauls and all that. So then that would kind
047of bring us back into the mix. >> And my only concern on that is liability, too. >> Because that's somebody messes their back up and they're out and can't. That's >> that's dangerous. >> It'll be much safer. [laughter] Kate, if you'll cut the air conditioner on, I'll be on your team. [laughter] >> Well, I appreciate what you do. Thank you. I know you're driven all out, so thank you. Mr. Ingram, policies for approval. >> Good evening, Chairman Satderfield, Dr. Farrell, members of the board. In board docs, you 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 the policies for adoption. Um 17600 governing principle professional development 1750 7220 grievance procedure for employees 2127 board member technology use 2302 remote participation
048in board meeting 7425 school administrator contracts and 7910 retirement. We need approval of motion. Have a have a motion by Mr. Ethridge. Second. >> Second by Miss Ornsby. Any discussion on policies? >> All in favor by saying I. I. All opposed. [clears throat] >> All right. Mr. R. We got them approved. >> And policies for review. >> Board. I should have a list of policies that we would like you for you to review um for a 30-day period. Um 1740 410 student and parent grievance procedure 2125 7315 confidential information 4240 7312 child abuse and related threats to child safety 4270 concussion and head injury [clears throat] 5150 7313 reporting to external agencies and 6310 organization of student transportation services >> and we will hold them for 30 Thank you. >> Thank you, [snorts] [sighs] >>
049Dr. Frell. NCSBA legislative committee nomination. >> Yes, sir. So, the North Carolina School Boards Association encourages local boards to nominate one of its members to serve as an atlarge member of the North Carolina School Boards Association's legislative committee. Individuals must be nominated by the end of March 2026 through a vote in open session. Uh the committee's primary task tasks are to develop the survey that is distributed to every school board member statewide and to then create the draft 2027 2028 NCSBA legislative agenda uh or top priorities in consideration and adoption for the delegate assembly at the November's annual conference. The committee is comprised of a subset of the school boards association's board of directors and at large applicants representing the eight education districts. Uh the ATL large uh members are selected by the um NCSBA
050president and remember that the NCSBA legislative agenda is your legislative agenda and this process provides an opportunity for the larger membership to become more directly involved. Uh there are three dates um that are critical that the person nominated must attend. Uh one is Monday, July 20th in Raleigh. Another is Monday, September 14th um in Raleigh and then Wednesday, October 7th. Um these are all 2026 dates and that third meeting is virtual. And so I bring to you tonight for consideration if you all would like to nominate someone to serve as an atlarge member for this purpose. [clears throat] >> Does would anybody like to do it? >> Well, we have until [clears throat] until March to make a decision. >> You do? >> So I think like just give us a chance to kind of
051sit on it and if we have questions if there are any other question we can just ask and get some answers. I just say table it until March >> the March meeting >> unless somebody just wants >> unless it want to go ahead and do it. >> Jerry, do you want it? >> See, I don't I don't know if there these any of these dates conflict, but I'd be glad to do it. >> Oh, >> I mean because I you know I've noticed a lot of these people now where I didn't before, >> right? >> I've been with them a year now. So I've learned a lot of them. Well, if Jerry will end it, I'll make a motion. Something to do with something. >> Well, look at, you know, >> other than the honeydew
052list, but here's my thing. I don't know if I'll be here until after March. So, we got to see. [laughter] >> So, J. So, go ahead. >> Are you good with that, Jere? I mean, I'm I'm okay. Well, I'll make a motion. >> I mean, it it just helps me learn more that I can talk about with stuff, you know. >> Well, I'll make a motion that we nominate Jerry as our representative for the legislative committee. >> I second it. >> Have a motion by Mr. Tman, a second. Any further discussion for Mr. Eth? [laughter] >> All in favor by saying I. >> I. All oppose. >> Congratulations, Jerry. We got to get this up. >> Can I say real quick, there's an email that I just now sent you, Jerry, that you'll have to
053go on there and click on the link and fill out your information. >> Okay, that was quick. >> Thank you, Jerry. >> Comments from the board. >> Let me uh uh I know it's it's Black History Month and we need to make sure we pay attention to that. I mean, there's a lot of We have a lot of friends that uh that I went to high school with and they talk about playing musical instruments and they still play musical instruments in band to this day, you know. So, I Hey, uh I was in that uh era of time and I'm not sure if it was 66 and Daryl wouldn't know because he's not old enough. uh ' 66 or ' 67 68 when segregation started to Richmond County and uh I know we had 20
054students that came from Monroe Avenue to our school and uh you know we became close friends and uh when I did my 50th reunion four of those and I think one's wife came to that reunion and they had never been asked to come to a reunion before for Hamilton High School which I was sort of shocked and I said you know we want you to come and I'll call now and and just say how you doing, you know, and uh they're they're appreciative that you tie them in. And then when we do our reunions, uh we did had 16 teachers that came to our 100th anniversary and one of them was with Na Wall and she was a a guidance counselor for a lot of years and I said, you know, I'm glad that we
055ever do that. Another thing that I' I've done is I've been walking in the ninth grade academy a lot. So, I've been seeing what's going on in that uh school. I mean, the where everything is out of that school and and everything is uh looking so good. They've taken all the uh the uh lockers out and then they're going to be redoing the floor. But, you know, you got people that are doing something all the time over there. You rarely ever go over there where something's not happening. Uh, [music] another thing as we go into schools, uh, there is a welcome that you either receive or you don't receive from Richmond County schools. And, uh, I've been going through, I went up to Mineral Springs and Caroline High in Shelby, you know, Laneir over there.
056I said, um, Shelby Laneir >> Shelby Dance >> Dance and and I I said, can I take your picture? They said, "Sure." And so I've been posting pictures of Facebook. I went Middle Springs. I've done Hamlet Middle. I've done uh Rockingham Middle. I've done LJ Bale. And I'm just saying [laughter] this is who you see. And I went by and saw Tracy Mcween and I've got to get them their picture because one of them was at a workshop. And I want to do it to all the schools where we can say this is the welcome you receive when you go just like Doine when you come here. that welcoming it. That's a an impression that you make just like the way the outside of the school looks when somebody rolls by that school. It's either
057a good impression or it's not a good impression. And I'm just impressed with these ladies that work work in the front offices that do the data and all that stuff. They're just super, you know, and then I hate to say it, but I've been to to many funerals lately, you know. one of my classmates, Melby Tucker passed away and then u Aaron's dad and then Kathy Porter's dad. You know, as you get older, that's what happens. And uh you know, we need to keep those families in prayer and I think uh Gerard was saying somebody had passed away recently and you need to just keep those people in your prayers. >> Thank you, Jerry. I'm not sure if you guys know this, but um one of our Hall of Fame individuals at Richmond Senior High,
058Kathy Orby, and she passed away. Did y'all know that? >> I didn't know that. >> Yeah, she passed away. Her funeral her funeral was Saturday this past week in Wilmington, but she had passed away several weeks ago. And uh so I just wanted to keep her and her family in our prayers. Um she was a she she was a talented young lady. So, I just want to let everybody know that you >> couldn't keep up with her. >> No, no. >> Dr. Frell, um, so a few things. Um, so this morning I had the opportunity to attend, um, the Amazon Fund celebration and I just wanted to take a moment to um, publicly for anyone who's out there tuning in to our board meeting, thank um, Amazon for all the things that they've already done
059for our school district. you know, we had um a number of school um school people there this morning for accepting um recognition for different awards and so or grants and so I'm I'm I'm really grateful for that. Um they've already been an excellent partner to us for in the short time that they've been um involved. A little later this month, I'll have the opportunity to go and attend the um meeting that started a few years ago with all of the North Carolina superintendent and the North Carolina Community College presidents um as an opportunity to just share what's going on between the um between the school district and the and the community college system. And that's always a really great thing. Mr. Barbie will be going with um will be there with me as well. And
060so we're looking forward to um that. Um you heard um Stephen earlier say that we had involved um Monroe Avenue in the selection of the playground equipment for um the for the school uh the former 9th grade academy building and um you know at your request um at the last board meeting I sat down with u Mr. Gomez had a conversation with him about how we can make them more involved and feel connected to what's going on with that school. He's met with the school improvement team um talked through some options for that and he I've asked I've kind of turned it over to him in some ways to say I want to give you all all the opportunity that you want to have safety discussions as well as you know playground equipment and different
061things and so they are in the process of putting that all together and will come back to me he will and ultimately I will end up in a meeting with the school improvement team to talk about how we can involve them and there are a number of ways that we believe that we will be able to do that. So, just wanted to let you all know that um that is in since you requested it last month um that is in um process. And then the last thing is u I think uh Cameron Whitley provided you all with a list of spring semester dates um and um there's a lot happening, lots of opportunities to uh be involved and um get out there and be visible and see some great things that are going on um
062in our school district. So, I just wanted to point that out to you all. >> And and going going over there, there was security over it each time I went over there. [clears throat and cough] That's that's good. >> That's good. >> Yeah. And you know, I know LJ Bell is going to go over to the ninth grade academy for now, but it is going to be Monroe Avenue School. So, anytime that we are doing something over there, getting prepared for it, they should be involved. So, thank you for your leadership in that. I need a motion to enter close session pursuant to North County General Statute 14331811A1 and6 to prevent the disclosure of confidential student or personnel records and to discuss personnel matters. I'll make a motion. Have a motion by Mr. Ethridge, a
063second by Mr. Tilman for discussion. All in favor by saying I. All opposed. We are going into close session. Thank you.