RCS - School Board Meeting (August 12, 2025)

001in the in the audience, people that kind of grew up with, people that you've worked with, people that you've hired, um people that uh I taught PE to many, many years ago. So, it just makes your heart feel good that there's so many people here that so many people are still in our district. So, welcome. I hope everybody has a great school year. you assistant principles, principles are out there and I know you will do a fantastic job. I gota say one shout out though because I always say to embarrass her. The first hire I ever had, first hire at El Middle School. The first hire is about the second day I was there. I hired Angela McDonald as a science teacher >> and I needed to be blessed every day with that hire. >>

002But I'm glad what she's doing. Congratulations on your first principal ship at Early College. So, the chair declares that there is a quorum present for the August 12th, 2025 Richmond County Board of Education meeting. Will the board please come to order? >> Mr. Mason, please stand. Join me 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. Board members, you have the open session minutes from our July meeting. Please take a look at them if you've not done so. And if so, are there any changes that need to be made? >> Motion. >> Make a motion by Mr. Got a second. Second. >> Second by Miss Orby. Any discussion? All in favor by saying I. >> All

003opposed. >> Thank you. >> Dr. Frell, are there any changes to the agenda? >> No, sir. >> We are rocking and rolling. Dr. Frell, the first order of business is on you. >> Yes. So, um, we had talked about this last year and so I'm excited to have the vast majority of our schoolbased administrators here tonight and so it gives you all an opportunity to put a face with a name and for them to do the same. So, um, what I'll do is just go down our list if it works for those of you out there. um we'll go by school and if you'll stand when I um call your name so that you can and you you can wave to the board or just smile to the board and um and then we'll just

004keep going down the list. So um our leadership from Ashley Chapel Education Center, our brand new principal, Tiffany Spencer, [Applause] and Mr. Mr. Benny Levor, the assistant principal at Cordova Middle School. We have Mr. Scott Witherro as the principal and Miss Alexis Rivers as assistant principal. Um, at East Rockingham Elementary School, we have Joy Watson as principal. And Dr. Collins couldn't be with us tonight, but she will come next month. And at Lerby Middle School, we have Dr. Joey Marie. [Applause] Um at Fairview Heights Elementary School, we have um representing the school tonight, Miss Collard couldn't be here, but Blair Small as assistant principal. For Hamlet Middle School, we have principal Monica Robinson and assistant principal Matthew Poston. For LJ Bale, we have Principal Meredith Norwood and Assistant Principal Mark Goldberg. [Applause] And for Mineral

005Springs Elementary School, we have Dr. Teresa Gardner and Rebecca Kaggel as the assistant principal for Monroe Avenue. We have Ish Gomez as principal and Suzanne Hudson as assistant principal. And for Richmond Early College, as Mr. Satfield said, we have his first hire as teacher, Angelo McDonald. For Richmond Senior High School, we have principal Miss Joyce McCrae. And I think we have most of her list of assistant principles here. We have Mr. Grant Henson, Mr. Spencer Shaw, Miss Stephanie Upton, [Applause] Karen Allen, and Mr. Rodney Buyers. All [Applause] right. And for Rockingham Middle School, we have principal Miss Wendy Taylor, assistant principal Miss Neie He. Hearnden, [Applause] and assistant principal Mr. Chuck Wright. [Applause] And for Washington Street, we have principal Miss Dana Gunnels and assistant principal Miss Caitlyn Elvis. And for West Rockingham Elementary School,

006we have principal Miss Melanie Lee. >> So again, I just wanted to give you all an opportunity to put a face with a name. We have some new um new administrators. We are all very excited. We do have some changes in our leadership in um a number of our schools this year. um my team and I put a lot of effort and thought into that and I think we've made some really uh good choices and I think our assistant principles um that are new to us and principles that are new to us going to do a great job. So, thank you all for being here. Um and I'll turn it back over to you. >> Congratulations. Thank y'all for stepping up into leadership roles. >> Rebecca, what year did you graduate from Richmond Senior High?

007>> 2003. >> All right. Is male? 2009. >> Okay. So, you were only a what, a sixth or seventh grader when Rebecca left? >> Oh, okay. Because I was going to get Rebecca to tell stories on you, but I can't do that. >> Suddenly, I feel really old. >> Yeah. Joey will tell you that some of the best times ever. Elbert Middle School, it >> is. Student services update. Angela Gallagher. >> I think that I think that a number of our principles have other places. >> Bye y'all. >> Let him go. Let him go. >> Sure you don't want to stay. >> They're like [Music] We'll give you a second, Angel. Let the riff raff get out of here. >> We'd like to thank the two of you for staying. >> Um, I just wanted

008to say, um, we're having technical difficulties with our screen. So, just if you could just look at board docs, we really appreciate it. >> Yep. >> All right. So, I'm Angela Gallagher. I'm director of student services. It has been a summer of learning, and I have really enjoyed um, getting into this role. So, I just want to go through a couple highlights with you guys. Uh the first being that the mental health plan um will go to the board um at the state in a couple of days. Uh it's due September 15th, but you have that um in board docs as well. And part of that is the mental health training plan that we have to do. So you have uh six different trainings that are done for our new staff which include the youth

009mental health, suicide prevention, substance abuse, teenage dating violence, child sexual abuse prevention, and sex trafficking prevention. The rest of um the staff that are returning will do the youth mental health and suicide prevention. So that is law. That is something we do every year. Uh we have a new platform this year. Uh principles and the student um services have been trained on that. So, we are ready to roll. And the uh other part of the mental health plan that is new this year is the healthy active children policy that also includes our high school this year. And so what that looks like at the high school is uh our four blocks will take four minutes each to do some energizers and active uh healthy things so that we can continue to increase that activity. Our

010K8 schools already meet all of those requirements through their encores, recess, and PE. So, they have all of that. I also wanted to highlight some of the grants within student services right now. We have four grants currently that we're um monitoring. Uh we have a community foundations grant in which we got um an OA to assist with hearing screenings and that came with um Whitney and before Dr. Jordan left. We also have the confidence project that we're going to continue to do this year. It will include Hamlet Middle, Ashley Chapel, Ellerby Middle, and Cordova Middle. They uh last year it was just with Cordova, very successful. Um so we will continue that and add three more schools. All of those materials will come August 18th. We also have nourishing minds and that is partnering with

011Richmond County partnership for children to provide healthy snacks within the school day as well as some education material to our students and families and that will um run a lot with our nurses, counselors, uh Kim Childers is help helping to head that up. So, she will be a part of that. And we also were awarded the Epipens for school grant which gave us 27 EpiPens for the 2526 school year on expired medication. So we did receive that one. Yes, that's a lot of Yes, >> that's a lot of money right there. >> It's a lot of money for those EP pins. >> Uh the other piece that I wanted to just update you on is that based off of our principal feedback, we have contracted with Let's Go Learn again this year to build our

012MTSS behavior framework. We've done a lot of work at our leadership retreat and this past Monday with our prek through first grade teachers and teacher assistants and our EC staff. So, we will continue that this year and we are really excited and so far the principal feedback has been great. I also wanted to mention that we uh have something that Dr. Jordan put in place before she left last year for 612. It's called vector solutions for our students. So, we already have a vector side of the world that we train our staff with to make sure they have bloodborne pathogens and all of those things. One thing that our counselors and our uh support staff often ask for are education materials for 612. And so what that looks like with Vector is we have some

013videos with and some courses that are on student safety and wellness and they go through different topics from a peer perspective. So, there's lesson plans that our counselors can use with our teachers, with our students, and have conversations, but it's more um it's just a resource for them to be able to use for some of the harder conversations that our counselors deal with with our students. Um we got that through a grant as well, and we will pilot that this year and see how it goes. Uh the last thing I have for you is our dropout prevention. Um we will continue the mentor me program this year with author Gillum. He will meet with uh his staff on August 19th at our opening day to train and improve our methods. And he's also going to

014work with Dr. Smith and myself on our K12 movement for understanding that everybody in K12 has a role in our dropout prevention and our graduation rate. And so he's going to have some time in middle schools as well as at the high school. The middle school principles beg for him all the time. Um, so he's going to spend some time with them as well as even down to our elementary school levels going through some things to make sure everybody understands their role in our dropout prevention and our graduation rate. Um, so we feel like with our numbers, we've probably increased our graduation rate 5%. And so we're really excited about that. Um, nothing is final yet. So those numbers come to you in September from Jennifer Taylor. Um, but we've worked really hard and has

015worked really hard and done some wonderful things. Um, so we are really excited about that. >> Any questions for me? >> What is the statewide average look like on the the dropouts? I know we went from 79 to 83. Are we align or in line or ahead or >> I think we're ahead. >> Okay. >> In terms of what I saw Miss Taylor, I think we're ahead. I think we're going to come out ahead this year. Um, I think And that 83% was all the student population, not just that mentor and me. >> Oh, right. >> That was the whole student. That's what I thought. >> Um, last year all of our mentor and me students who had a mentor graduated. >> So, I want to just introduce to you um just for a moment.

016Jason Gay is here with Best Care just to give updates um on what Richmond County Schools has in partnership with them and the services that are offered. So, I'll just let him speak for just a moment. >> Thank you. Very dangerous to tell me I have just a moment. U chairman, board members, Dr. Frell, very good to meet you as well, Gallagher, and get to know you. We're looking forward to getting to know you better. I I need to recognize Miss Fain. She's really the the cornerstone that makes our relationship with the school system work. Having been here, 27 years, >> 27 years with the school system. We did not steal her away, so please don't hold me accountable for that. She said she was retiring and then we begged her to come after she

017retired. So, um I just wanted to share with you some good news really of what's happening with our relationship. This is our fourth year in the in the school system. The uh student population has um doubled. Um we served 180 students this past year and um if you multiply that by the nine months we We saw almost 1,600 visits in the school system with the various students that we serve. What we found earlier is most of the time with this particular population of student when they had an appointment that was off campus, they ended up missing the whole school day in order to go to that appointment. So if you take those 1600 visits and multiply it by six hours, it's almost 10,000 seat hours that were saved in exchange for a 30 minute visit

018in the school system. U we've heard and that's a wonderful thing by the way, >> a wonderful thing because we know as an educator myself, seat time matters and equates to graduation rates, success rate of the students. So we're very excited that that it cuts down absences eliminates barriers to receiving mental health services such as transportation issues. I can't tell you the number of parents that said we could not bring them and so now that you're coming to the school they can be seen. So um so that's a wonderful thing as well. Um typically uh our therapists are at the schools from 8 to 12 every day. However, we do have some schools where the numbers have increased so much that they're there until two. We try to be out before 12 due to the

019fact you have other extracurricular activities a lot of times after lunchtime that seem to interfere sometimes with those appointments. We've also grown our staff. We um Miss Valerie uh Jones started part-time going to the school system and now is full-time in the school system and now we've added Sarah Reglin this past year in the school system and this coming year we're adding Lori Lle and so you'll have a third therapist that's coming as well uh in the coming year as well. So the program is successful to the point where more county heard some things and Dr. actually reached out to the more county superintendent and now we have three therapists in the More County school system based on the model in Richmond County. So what we're doing here with you guys and Dr. Jordan would

020always used to say it's a work in progress. We're we're working the kinks out and every year we've had different different things that we've had to work out. We appreciate everyone's patience as we try to work through those normal human issues that that organiz two organizations working together have and so I just I just can't speak enough to the successes of working with different I was hoping say something right before we got up what happened before you got up my goodness no I'm just kidding but um also we were actually we were in every school um except Ashley Chapel and this year Ashley Chapel asked us to come there too as well so we're there now as well we're in every single school system in Richmond county schools um at least once per month and

021it looks like that's going to be growing in several schools twice per month and is is continuing to grow. So um I just wanted to share that with you because I thought it was good news especially the 10,000 seat hour >> save that as an educator myself that just warmed my heart a lot to say that that's going to help somebody graduate from school and somebody be successful and likely save somebody's life really. So >> Jason, speaking as a former principal talking about seat hours. >> Yes, ma'am. >> It's not just that. It's the actual leaving campus. >> It takes them a while when they come back. If they come back, they sometimes they wouldn't even come back when they had a um off-campus appointment for any kind. >> Correct. >> So it really saves

022more than what you're saying. And as a I'm just saying that as a former principal that is great that you can go on campus. it it's it's a blessing to the student. It's a blessing to the teacher in the classroom because it's less movement. They're there, right? And so that that attributes to better behavior and all those kinds of things in the classroom as well. So, um, does anyone else have any questions for myself while I have Miss Fain here? She's the professional, so she can answer those questions for you. >> Well, just want to thank you for the partnership. >> Thank you. Yeah, thank you for what you do and for our students. >> Thank you. Really humbled to be a part and we look forward to uh to more growth in the future.

023So, thanks very much. >> Thank you, Jason. >> Angela, are you done? >> Well, thank you and congratulations on your new position. And if you need us, let us know. Micro purchase threshold, Miss Angel May. How are you? So, this evening we're going to go ahead and get started. Um, and we apologize that the screen is not working. I did not make copies of this. I went to make copies of the um of the plan, but Dr. Frell has a copy of um a request for um I just need approval tonight for the self-certification of an increased uh micro purchase threshold. So this is something I do believe um we did this last year. Did we do this last year as well? Okay. So um I think around CO time we noticed um you noticed

024an increase in uh how much everything cost. Um and there is that little $10,000 price tag for everything. And so what this would would do is we're asking um to increase that to $30,000 for um apparatus uh m supplies and materials, $30,000 for um let me get it. Look, I have these glasses and then I don't put them on for construction or repair work and then $50,000 for services um not subject to competitive build bidding. And this would help reduce us coming to the board for every little purchase. So if we would, we are asking tonight for your approval so that we can get that done. >> So I need a motion to increase in micro purchase threshold. Make a motion. Make a motion by Mr. Tilman, a second by Mr. Eth. Is there any

025discussion on it? >> Is that the same amount as last year? >> It is. Yes. Yes. >> All in favor by saying I. >> All oppose. >> There you go, Angel. >> So much. >> All right. Angel, you got a second thing, right? >> Yes, I do. So our second item is we are getting ready to do our consolidated application for federal funding and I am in the midst of that. I actually came in on two wheels from Rowan County. I've been at boot camp. Um so if you call they said they didn't want to call it boot camp. They didn't want to think that they were doing anything bad to us but they really weren't. Um so been learning about all things about federal funding today. Um so the district uh prior to me

026arriving you I've been here for three weeks now. Um, so much of this work was done before I got here. Um, but I just want to tell you a little bit about what the plan is for Richmond County Schools for um, the district plan federal funding for the year. Oh, these glasses are terrible, y'all. Excuse me. I'm sorry. I really cannot see. I'm sorry. I apologize. >> All right. So, let's begin. Um, and let me give you a copy of it. I did make you copies because I know you cannot see. So, let me always, always, always. >> Yeah, I'm good. I'm good. >> So, I know you all have kept up with the news and we are so excited, excited that funds have been released and they are uh they are going to be

027coming down and after meeting today, they said that they should come even faster this year. So, uh like be released to us even faster this year and uh so the faster we can get our application in the faster they should drop. So that's what they said. We shall see. Um anyway um so let's go ahead and um let's get started with a little review of our timeline. So the district and schools conducted their uh comprehensive needs assessment back in the spring. That's something um the district does. The schools do that at the school level as well. And then from that um in the summer there was a bud budget um application. We we'll be doing that. We're doing that now. Um and then in the um fall the schools and the districts will begin the

028communication and engagement with parents and community partners. So what does this look like with our federal programs? So title one those are our improving basic programs and that includes our KA schools and Ashley Chapel educational centers. Then we have our title two funds. Those are the funds that we use for supporting effective instruction and those are used K12. Then we have our title three funds. Those are used for English language acquisition funds and they're used for K12. And then we have our title four. Those are used for student support and academic enrichment and those are also used for K12. So we're looking forward we um looking forward to getting all these funds together so that we can support the students of Richmond County schools. And like I said, we are working on our consolidated application

029which is due at the end of August. Um and so we'll get all the um information together um looking pulling together some of our carryover funds putting it together with our um anticipated funds that we will have for this year and put together our plan. So let's see what we have planned for this year. So if you go ahead and um let's look at what our comprehensive needs um assessment told us about last year. So the analysis of our comprehensive needs assessment told us um the comm the analysis was we had community and parent surveys and feedback. We had accountability data using the graduation rate um which as you said you already um had stated it was 83.5%. Um we've looked at EOG and EOCC data. We looked at attendance data and discipline data. We

030also did school level surveys and school and district um software reviews and so each year at the end of the year um schools are given um I know as a principal that was something we were asked to review um to look at the use of things rate it is it worth paying the money for it and so that's something that we do at the end of the years at the year so here are some pluses and deltas so some pluses were that parents feel valued at our schools parents note the importance of seal in our schools and I I think that um we're doing a really good job of that at our schools um Can it be better? Absolutely. It can always be better. And I think Angela's got some really good things in place.

031Um, teachers and staff feel supported at our schools. And that's some of our title money that we use looking at PD support for teachers. Parents feel STEM it STEM education is important. Parents feel graduation is important. Teachers feel professional development is aligned and purposeful. Software purchases are aligned and purposeful. that comes from that district soft school and district software review. Um the evening academy and credit credit recovery are noted as success stories. So some deltas additional ML support is needed and you can say title three is one of those funds that is is lesser funds but we just it's based on the number of students that you have and just having the funds for that. Um attendance in general is noted as an ongoing concern and schools and the district are working on and mental

032health support is noted as an increased concern. >> Angela, what's ML stand for? >> Uh that uh multilingual learners and so that's e changes over the years. >> We talked about that today as a matter of fact um is you know even in the f some federal funds they still they still list it as so if you'll flip um you may not be flipping but it's the next slide. So we're going to look at our title one expenditures for the year. So, our district title one schools only are um the we we're going to be spending money on professional development. Um we'll be spending money on prek, paying for two teachers, two TAs. We'll be paying for academic coaches, field trips, transportation, uh a prek specialist, PD, uh registration stipens. Um we pay for a

033homeless liaison, um which through Title One is something that is required. um to have someone who who serves as a person for that. We have a parent liaison and we have foster student transportation. We have academic software and curriculum resources that support the um programs that we use. But the majority of the funds are allocated out to the schools for the schools to to use to support their programs to supplement their work at their schools. Okay. And so that is all of our K8 schools and Ashley Chapel school. Any questions? >> No, they are not. They are two different people and um one is Kim Childers is your um homeless liaison and Susanna Franco is your parent leaison. >> And that percentage there stands for what? >> Where's that? under schools by rank order. >>

034Oh, the the schools by rank order and that's their poverty rates. >> Okay. >> And uh that is that is pulled from our um our uh child nutrition department is is who gives us that that number based on like lunch is originally we would go back what you used to know is similar to that. Okay. So, school rank order, you'll look at the school rank order there is listed and those are the schools that will be served as title one schools. And so, our title one schools um in some of our expenditures this year, you'll see some of our big items that we pay for are teachers, instructional coaches, teacher assistance, professional development is a big thing for for um teachers. As you can see, if we want to improve instruction, we've got to invest

035in our teachers. Um, and we are um dialing into what do teachers need? What is very specific because if we want to make teachers better, we've got to get what they need. And so, we're dialing into that. Computer devices and software, parent and family engagement is a big thing in our schools, um, tutors, um, providing what students need both during school hours and after school hours. and behavior and attendance. Any questions on that? >> Yeah. Um I'm sorry I didn't raise I didn't raise my hand. >> I'm just curious on the tutors. Do you have a percentage >> of what she what they what do some schools >> some schools do more than others based on whe availability of of of who's available to tutor. Um, so one school may have, you know, have have

036somebody that can can tutor and do it throughout the year and then somebody can only get them for the spring. So it it varies from school to school. I don't know, Dr. Smith. It >> it really it's sight based. It's very sight based because just availability of who who's available to do it. And some people can do it after school, some can do it during school. It's just it really is sight to sight. Um there's availability of having people available to do it and and how much money you have left over too. Sometimes by the time you pay for things and um what the school decides to do because you know the school improvement team does meet together they look at the needs of their school and sometimes you've got different needs. So so because

037it's a school improvement decision and how you spend your money. Um and so it may be a schoolbased decision that they decide to spend their money on on other things. That also was a decision that's made there at school as well. >> What determines the amount of money each student? >> So those numbers over there on the side those percentages. So um so there is um that percentage determines and then there's a per pupil um aotment. So we get so much money and then we um then we we get so much money then we have based on that percentage that percentage we have to divide it by how much per pupil that that number times the per pupil amount for 86% amount so they get the most whoever whoever's at the top gets the most

038>> well they get the most per pupil but they don't get the most because they had the fewest amount of students. >> Yes. So, yes. >> Now, Monroe Avenue had what four were they? 400 kids, I think. >> Yeah. But but it's but it's the poverty level. >> Exactly. >> Yeah. It's based on the poverty level that that that percentage, not not the number of kids total, but the number of poverty level. >> Like Washington Street has how many kids? They have what? 500 600 kids. >> Not down. They're like 440. >> Yeah. >> So, it bas on the >> and the rank. So, the one with the most the per pupil same >> but but the percentage of of it it's >> so so they they get the highest percentage >> uh asapire But

039but it's it's it was times that many kids. So So and however many kids are at that. So however many kids are at however many poverty children, they get it times that that many poverty children. So if there were if there were like 18 children that were considered children of poverty level, it's times that. Okay. If there were 18 children property level if there were um 100 out of out of 200 then is 100 times that all right and title two expenditures. So um the purpose of these dollars is to build teacher effectiveness across our dis district district and we allocate these funds in a variety of ways. So this year we are adding a behavior interventionist and um this position is going to be split up um between title two and title four. Um

040so we're excited to add that to support um teachers. Um one of the areas that we've noted over um the last year is an increase in some um behavior issues in students. And so we have added that position to support teachers and students um to um in that in that area. So we will be funding that position through two two areas in title two and title four. Um also in title two we have um we are reducing class sizes by um purchasing for teachers. We have contracted services with new teacher training. Um we also have principal and assistant principal evaluation training. We have mentors. Um we have some contracted and teacher mentors. Um we do education and tuition test reimbursements. We do um subs for professional development for teachers so that they can come um

041for some some inhouse um days in October. Um so it's a nice time for them to do some half day planning and then they can come with their peers and their classes are covered. So that's another thing they do and there's also recruitment software that is funded through that >> beginning teacher director is that still funded under this Okay. And title three expenditures. This is this is our little smallest pot. This is um what we pay for ML tutor um MLPD supplies, PD and supplies, our parent and family engagement along with this and software that is used for the ML department. And then lastly, our title four expenditures. This is um our well-rounded education and student support. And so this is funds STEM education. And this year we are funding facilitators, supplies and materials, field

042trips, workshops and resources. And then in student support area, this was a big hit last year is dropout prevention and seal. Um and this includes our student support specialist, um social workers and workshops. And of course we that behavior interventionist at 50% which was going to be the other 50% of that and um it's well worth that dropout prevention um doing some wonderful things there. >> Any questions on that >> under your um I'm just curious on your surveys um how did the um STEM education rank? You know there for a couple of years it was that was what every what the >> I'm going to be honest with you. I have in my in my three weeks I >> I have not I have not reviewed it. Do do you know like from based

043on based on the pluses from the beginning it is I I know at my school even on surveys that I that whenever I was at at Mineral Springs when I did like in-house surveys parents always requested they're like we really like STEM we we tried to put STEM in everything because the parents they came for that they they were like we like to do STEM and that that was the thing that got parents They liked it because it's interactive and they could do things and I think that they felt um what's the word? It's like took the risk out. It gave them something to do with their child. Um so it was a a really interactive way for them to get uh with their child. >> That's what the children go home and tell the

044moms and daddies what they did today. >> Yeah. >> They'll tell them about the STEM. >> Uhhuh. And and then and then when they come to school, they they really like that. um they they like to be a part of it when when they say they enjoy it too. So tonight, if there are no other questions, I am asking the board if they would authorized Dr. Frell, superintendent, to act as the representative to file the consolidated application for these funds at the end of the month whenever we are ready to submit. >> So we need a motion for the federal programs plan. Is that correct? Is that a motion for >> I'll make a motion. >> Motion by Miss Orsby. Second. Second by Mr. Baldwin. Any discussion? All in favor by saying I. >> All

045opposed. >> Miss B. You've got your plan. >> I appreciate your time. >> Thank you very much. >> Welcome to central office. >> Mr. Chair, can I >> and this may be um I promise you to ask this in discussion. Is there any way that we can kind of keep a track of I'm more concerned like we talked about the attendance um was a concern um ongoing concern. So, I would like to see like from year to year, has there been an improvement in the in the attendance? And um because to me that kind of help us as a board kind of see what that looks like >> and then kind of look at what interventions on top of what we're already doing if we need to do anything else >> because again, we know

046if a child is not at school, >> we can't learn, you know. >> So, I would be interested in kind of knowing. I like to look at that data from year to year. What that looks like. easy to get K8 data. >> 912 is a little different because they do have period period tenants. >> But yeah, they can get you >> we can get that. >> But that would be good. Especially, you know, if we can catch them catch it early when they're younger and address it, then I think long term that's going to even be bigger for us as >> kids that are not coming to school, kindergarten, first graders, those are our dropouts and those are our concerns. >> Yeah, good point. Contracts for EC and curriculum. Miss Jordan. >> Good evening. Chairman

047Satderfield, members of the board, Dr. Frell, Dana, and I are coming before you with um have I think nine contracts before you on board docs. Um eight of them are EC. Um the first one is AMN Healthc Care. Um contract number one for $173,000. Um, contract number two is Dysphasia and Voice Therapeutics. That contract is $424,000. [Music] Uh, contract number three is Amanda Hill. That's for $12,000. [Music] Contract four, Envision Services for $70,000. Contract number five, Sprouting with Spots. That was $139,000. Contract number six is Speech Therapy of the Sand Hills for $270,500. Contract number seven is Stepping Stones Group for $199,000. Contract eight is Marie Ro for $160,000. Those are all of the EC contracts. Contract 9 is let's go learn through curriculum and that was for $59,000. >> So the dysphia contract is

048that did I say that right? >> Which dysphasia >> dysphasia >> that's over $100,000 more this year, right? >> Yes. >> If I look at it correctly. And the reasoning behind that is children and we're taking those kids. I have put out requests to see who could help pick up the related services and Tam's company has provided a therapist to do that. >> Can I ask a question? >> So Dana, are most of our speech therapists contracted now? We don't have many that are two, >> but we have to contract how many because I noticed last night a lot of this was for speech therapist and then OT and PT. Are they all contracts or do we have we have one and two that are which are the assistants and then I have um two

049speech therapists that are contract >> they contracts get you they get you how about the uh step the stepping stone group that's well over $100,000 additional And that is because of a school psychologist. We lost a school psychologist. She resigned. And so currently I can find a contract to help support us. Um so we just want to give this a chance to see and I have discussed what that would look like. For some reason it doesn't work out. We're still it's still posted. Hopefully someone will come. Our speech are still posted. Our still posted. Um my speech therapist and OT that we do have are actively searching in their groups um from schools that they graduated from. I know that when last year she was actively searching for therapists. >> Can we get out of

050these if we find somebody? Can we get out of these contracts? >> Okay. >> There's a 30-day clause in it that either party can terminate contract. >> So you had to do finagling with your budget this year, did you? >> Absolutely. >> At the end of the year last year, 700,000. >> Yes. Unfortunately, >> you know, until until there's until we figure out a way how public education can pay speech pathologist and occupational therapist and school psyches more money, they're they're going to go out and contract. They'd be crazy not to do that. So, >> that's not happening just here. That's >> No, it's everywhere. Is there any way to determine contract? >> So we interview them personally ourselves. They have to do background checks and everything through us. Most of the contracts that we

051have now are ones that we've had for several years. Um, so they have >> Yes. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Um, the only ones that we need this year is our school psychologist that's coming on. And that was the one that Stone and I made sure the contract says that there's a 30-day um termination agreement. And then um we have two OT's that are coming back forms, but they came last year and they did a fantastic job. They're travels. They asked to return all of the schools, the principles and the teachers. I reached out to them to see, you know, what do you think? How did they do this year? Did you feel like they were on top of things? What about working kids and got really great feedback. So, I was happy that they were

052returning so we're not starting over again. >> I special questions. So, do we have to approve all these? We have do eight one separate or they all EC one's not EC, right? You could make one motion to approve them all. Um I do want to say I think in future the actual contracts. >> Oh, put them on the Okay. >> We can get them copies. I have them all right here. I mean, if you would like to see them, but generally for the questions that you had to be able >> Yeah, they can put them on board docs. That' be great. >> Yeah. type up what she puts on them >> right in there. That's that's But yes, there we uh we do make sure they sign our contracts. We don't sign their contracts. They

053have to sign our contracts. >> So, Eva, what we have right now, which we post like contract number seven for the Stepping Stones, I know that's that's what I'm going to sign evidently, but that's not the contract, right? We have to have the official >> No, you he doesn't sign the contract to sign the the approval >> and then who signs the contract >> and that's okay because you're authorizing them to sign by approving it >> but we should see the contracts >> right just put on board >> but in response to your question about can you approve them in one motion the answer is yes >> so you're looking for a motion to approve all >> nine contracts >> all nine contracts >> make a motion that to approve all nine contracts as present.

054Have a motion by Mr. Timberman. Do I have a second? >> Second by Miss Orange. Any further discussion? All everybody saying I. All opposed. Thank you. >> And I just have a um little update to give you um budget wise. Um I just wanted to let you know um our auditors are almost complete with our 425 audit. Dale will let me know when he's done and he'll come to our board meeting and present that. Um but just to update you, the district did use 1.2 million in fund balance to balance the budget. Um we have 1.6 million remaining in fund balance. I also wanted to let you know that um for the 2526 since I have not been able to bring the budget yet that the county Our 2526 request to the county was for

055$1.3 million. Um that request included the 5% teacher supplement increase, the 3% local payroll increase, a two 3% fixed asset fixed cost increase. That's for utilities, insurance, supplies, and materials and fuel. Um an implementation of the third phase of our salary study. The county uh gave the district increase of 644292. This increase included all of the request but the implementation of the salary study for teacher assistance. They did ask it was such a large request. They did ask that we you know half that was pretty much half of it. the teacher assistants themselves, if we had got a 3% pay increase to do all of them for the salary study would have been almost $700,000. So, um now in order to get the teacher assistance, the board would need to um approve a fourth phase.

056You know, we had said we were going to do it in three phases. Um the board would need to approve the fourth phase of the um salary study. um so that we could make a request to the county for the 25 26 27 school year. >> So does everybody understand that best you know you weren't here when salary study first came in we were going to do it over three years >> but it's a it's a large the third year is a large sum so that county commissioners have what choice do we have >> every district because we don't have the money and we've already got the fund balance Every district that I had talked to that previously had done it, teacher assistants were their last because it was their largest. >> So we need

057a motion to go to a fourth year for our salary study. >> I make a motion Mr. Tman. >> We want them to get it. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor by saying I. I'll post one question. >> Yes. >> So 1.6 million. It's get it's getting it's getting low. So if you recall a couple years ago, we gave principal central office staff that supplement >> that the state >> and the county said after the first year they would pick that up. >> They did. >> And so that is still picked up. >> They have we picked it up that first year, right? >> And they have kept it going. They gave it to us the next year. We put it in the request and that is in there. So everything they're giving us

058is on top of that. >> So do we have any money out there that is just reoccurring from our general fund for year to year? That's a that's a very large question. I know that but we have a lot of we have a lot. So we need to figure that out because we >> Dr. Frell's been working on that. >> Okay. So I'm >> So Don and I had a a rich discussion before we came in here tonight and we decided that maybe I feel like more might be more. So he So Don and I are going to tag team a little story here. How about that? So last year when our auditors um said that we had used $900,000 in fund balance um I took my million dollar challenge out on the road, right?

059I went out and shared all this information in our schools, made sure everyone was educated about what a fund balance is, why we're spending a million dollars out of it, and how we had to stop spending that million dollars. And you've made so many improvements. That's why that >> So we made cut after cut after cut after cut and then health insurance went up and you know all these other things happened, right? And so one of the things that um we have now done is and Don helped me see this today because I was in a little bit of a panic about it but and I said Don we've reduced you know we didn't fill a child nutrition position and we didn't fill Wendy Jordan's position well we filled it with Angel Gallagher but then

060we didn't fill Angela's position and we reduced a bookkeeper and a data manager and a custodians and all the and I started listing all these positions. We went back to the state um aotment for teacher assistance and which was a significant cut in teacher assistance and we reduced you know we took our schools particularly our middle schools back to what the state allotss for teachers because as I we've talked about before if the money is not there in a state fund it's going to funnel down and have to be paid out of local if we don't have local it's going to come out of fund balance right and so I said don how can we cut three pages of positions and still spend a million dollars out of our fund balance. And um and she

061said >> those cuts are not effective until this year. >> Yes. >> They're cuts they've made, but we're not going to see anything because they're effective with the 25 26. >> Yeah. And so we didn't >> So we we were already we're going in the direction that we want to go in. Um, so it's just, you know, we won't see the results of that, you know, until the end of this year. >> So in a in a perfect world where all the stars align, our auditor next year says, "Look at you. You added $200,000 to fund balance or $300,000 to fund balance." And I realize that I'm dreaming a little bit, Don. But but if we've got to bring it down to where we're actually not spending a million dollars a year out of our

062fun. >> Remember when we used 900 last year I still had esser that failed me out a lot. >> Yeah. >> Esser's gone >> and it was way higher. So it would have been minus esser. We would have had to use a lot more out of fund balance. So that helped me feel better that maybe some of the cuts we made actually did help and now the more significant cuts we've made will actually help more for the current school year 256. >> What's the amount that they told us we had to maintain? >> I don't think we have um anything. We don't have anything. We have some districts have to they have a threshold they like it's different everywhere. Some districts their county doesn't want to have I can't remember what bill actually said. Um

063>> I think there's this sort of informal rule of thumb of 8% which is like one month's expenses >> but it's not in law anymore. It's just >> an accountant rule of thumb. I'm going to scan this document back into um back into your weekly update. But what I'd like to do before I do that because you've seen this document before, >> but what I'd like to do is sit down with Dawn. So, it might not go in this week's update, but sometime over the next couple of weeks, I'd like to put this document in with some dollar figures with it so that you can see, you know, that we, you know, if we've cut $2 million in positions and we're still, you know, hopefully that's moving us more toward where we need to be.

064We'll um and that was just a number that I just pulled out of the air, but we will um put some dollar figures on this. Make sure that's in the weekly update for you all to um to see because my your reaction was the same as mine. I was like, why don't you know with you, you know, because you just make cuts and make cuts and make cuts and then >> Yeah. I mean, we've made cuts. We've we've done those when your utilities continue to go up, you know, your insurance, our insurance $200,000 last year, >> and that was a big chunk. It's over 90 this year. So, when you get those type of increases, it doesn't take much to eat up the cuts you made and hospitalizations going up $400 per person this year.

065So, that's huge. >> Question. Do you think we need to like this could be a work session to kind of talk about this. I guess we can talk a little bit more about it and ask questions and you know I guess for me because I would like to know like you've already kind of talked already where a lot of the big expenses are coming from healthcare and things like that but I would like to kind of see where look at the but see where all of our big expenses are coming from as a school district that's affecting uh the fund balance so that we can kind of see how we're addressing So maybe what we do is Don and I will work to put that together for you all, give it to you, let you

066start to just kind of process it a little bit and then if we need to pull it into work session. Absolutely. some of that when Dale does the thing. >> Yeah, it's usually that's kind of a a high level. Um, and not getting too much in the weeds, but I think it would be important for you all to see the reductions we've made and what that equates to as far as dollars and cents. And then maybe some of those big ticket items like, you know, this is what this is how much util up and put real numbers with those so that you all can can see some of that. Um and we have also the one thing we we haven't mentioned is you know we've also during COVID or right after COVID I guess the

067state kind of said we're not going to we're going to hold you harmless where your funding sources are concerned based on your enrollment and then if your enrollment you know went down and now they they've held they've taken away the hold harmless. So we now have you know some areas where we're getting less funing. So when all of that math happens and um you know you make the reductions but then the the you know the costs go up and then the fund and then the um the funding amounts go down. It's just it's it's been problematic. We've made I believe that we have made cuts for this current school year that are significant enough that we could be um in a much different place next year at this time. Fingers crossed. I'm having a problem.

068I'm trying to figure out why we char gallon of diesel. I can travel 40 miles on that $340. Why am I paying $3 per mile? I just don't understand why that way instead of the same thing applies a not as >> that does come from the transportation department. But there's more than just the ga the gas that goes into using those athletic buses. You cannot use state funds to pay for that mechanic to work on that bus. You have to pay local. So if he uses a mechanic, any parts he puts on those um activity buses cannot be used with state funds. So he's got to use local funds. He has to pay the state back a c percentage there's reports he has to do to pay the state back if you use state money

069for the parks and the lake >> but it's an activity bus too so there's a total of the whole thing if that activity bus is not running doesn't matter how much gas you put in it >> yeah I think that they think of it as f a fuel cost but it's actually so much more than that all the things But they lowered that >> but the short but the short answer to your question is yes we have significantly reduced that >> um so I mean significantly reduced that I don't have an exact amount but Benji um Julian Dawn all of us sat down together and we we significantly reduced that. Now we did some school districts pay it completely and they don't charge anything to the high schools. Um we um we came up with

070having some skin in the game, so to speak. And so they do pay some, but it is it's significantly reduced. And I can get you some actual figures on that, but it's um it's way less than it was before. Yeah. >> Thanks, Don. Guys, we're going to need to take like a five minute break. Sorry, Steve. Need to take a five minute break. members of the board. So, tonight I have two contracts for your consideration and approval. First, I'm not sure what order they're in. Track is track is first. Track is first. Senior running track engineering over the last almost year now I guess developing a replacement plan to replace the running truck high school put it out for bid negotiated the bid actually bids come in originally they were in the $800,000 range so

071we got that down to just under 400,000 We asked the county for that funding. County approved that. We haven't received that funding. So now we have contract geo out of Raleigh to do the work. So we're seeking approval for contract services 396,6. >> Can I ask a question, Stephen? Just so so we know in case people ask us. So you're not Are you taking the entire track down to the to the asphalt or you just repairing it? >> They will actually remove the rubber surface, >> right? >> Actually bring asphalt milling machine in and they'll cut the like they grind an inch and a half down. They replace that with inch and a half of new asphalt. That asphalt has to cure for 28 days and then they'll apply the new rubber surface. And the

072reason they have to that asphalt is to get the warranty apparently for the running surface, the rubber surface. >> So you're going to do this during football season? >> Yes, sir. To answer your question, yes, sir. We had several meetings to work out all the logistics, the actual removal, the running surface, the milling, and asphalt paving should only take two weeks. So there was a window of time there. We have we had to relocate or they're going to do So minimize that. Then we'll have the 28 day period and then the pavement I mean the applying the rubber surface will take a week or less and then the painting was just a couple of days. So, you know, we we looked at all different scenarios trying to push it out, you know, to December. Well,

073that don't work because temperature asphalt paving and rubber and the painting. We looked at trying to defer the contract till next next year in June or so. Company was reluctant to do that. You know, they don't know what prices are going to be materials next year. And and given that we did receive two bids in the seven $800,000 range, we didn't have to reid it next year. We may be at 900,000. >> This is a great price. I've never I've done three tracks, nothing even close to this. >> It is. So to answer your question, we are doing it during football season actual substantial completion is contract of 127 final final completion of 1 12th of January. I'm sorry. So we did work with athletic department to make sure that you know we get get

074this done within that window of time and it got too cold and go ahead and move forward. Need a motion to approve the the contract for the track. Obvious question made a motion. Made a motion. Second by Mr. Mason. Discussion. >> What was the total amount on that? Again, >> $396,16 >> and the county is paying. >> We need to be but we need to be clear about that. That is coming from sales tax money that belongs to the school system of county control. >> Yes. >> Any other questions? >> We have a motion ball and second by Mr. Mason. All in favor by saying I. >> All opposes. >> Second contract is for baseball field. started about the same time as the track put this out. This total contract will be 976,728. Again, it

075comes from the same funding school sales tax money that we have that they actually control. Just to give you an idea, there was about three million $3 million in just like Stephen. Can you kind of just walk us through real quickly? Are they going to tear the whole field up down? >> Yes, sir. When we first started this project and working with a baseball coach, athletic director, well, we've got some drainage issues on the infield part just going kind of back and forth and around and around. We just we looked at some ways to economize because originally we were thinking probably in the 400 450 we double the scope of work put it back out for bid and now that's where we're at. So long story short anything inside the fence all the grass will

076be removed be removed they'll remove six in soil they'll dispose of that all the come out. They'll install 4 in drain pipes like fingers all over the whole field. They come into another clicker pipe that go out the back down the hill. All new irrigation lines. That's one trying to think what we have. We were like, tear up everything, put down new sodriation. So to answer your question, it it'll be almost like building a brand new except the fence. >> Can we save the sprinkler heads? Can we save them for for y'all? >> Yeah. I mean, yeah, we can >> just a savings call somewhere. There's a ton of them out there. Yes, sir. >> And they're still great. I think we should dig those things. I know when we did pine crest field when

077I was at county, we took all the sprinkler heads off the field before they went to artificial turf. It's just it's just a savings to the school system if we need another sprinkler head somewhere. >> That's true. you mentioned about disposal of the I guess the soil. So how does that work? I mean help me understand how that I mean you say disposal the soil is that I guess I'm asking is that something that since that we can get reimbured some you know some kind of money on the soil. Well, that's so anytime you're disturbed more than one construction project, you have to apply for a permit and you have to submit the rotor control and all this stuff, silk fencing and all this. So, in the contract, I mean, the contractor figured, okay, we

078have machine cut in loaded on trucks, haul it off. So, there's a cost involved in that. So, you know, now what they do with that that leaves here, you know, That's kind of what they figure in. But I don't know that there any way we could ask for them because in turn they're going to bring more that same volume of dirt back in. So there's just a lot of transport. >> The only thing we could save somebody talk about failure. Oh, we could save the grass and move it somewhere else, but that's probably another cost. >> Yeah. I mean, you'd have to bring a sod cutter in its another field somewhere. Maybe by the time you we even asked about can we reuse the but it's got a short shelf life once you pull it

079up do something with it. >> Trust me we explored all scenarios and I've learned a lot about myself. >> Now is this guaranteed? Now let's say six months comes we get some torrential rain. The field's still wet after they do it. So is it >> Yeah, there was I actually read through it 167 page project manual and it addresses all I mean what if the grass they put out gets a disease you know just a number of things. to answer your short answer is yes that that would we look our field is in good shape now other than the drainage so that's what we expect in the end you know a year from now look as good if not better than what we have now obviously drain >> I know they're going to use do

080they did they specify what type of Bermuda they would use >> we did yes sir athletic director and baseball coach >> I was going to They've been involved in this whole time. >> Stephen, between the two projects, there's 25,000 in contingency on the track and I think 50,000 on the baseball field. Is that covered from the same fund from the county? >> It is in the total contract amount. >> Okay. It'll still go it go right back in the sale tax. Yep. Did I understand you to say that we got bids on these last year, but then as y'all talked with the engineers, it the project doubled? >> Well, it was it was actually this year we got I don't think it ever went out the first And that is where the majority of we

081need >> and they're going to start this immediately as well. >> I'm trying I'm trying to look for the date. I can't find it. >> Notice the 13th'll be contracted which starts their contract. So substantial completion on this project is actually complet. >> Can we put a time lapse camera out there? That'd be cool to see. >> But so this price is the best price of three bids that we've got. >> Actually, we only received one. We put it we put it out for bid and only received one bid. We could not open that bid and still and I think that's a lot of reason because we're in a rural area these big companies the company that's doing this have done several professional fields. I mean they're a big company. It's just a niche market.

082I don't think there's a lot of companies that do this. contract time. >> This is the company that the engineers were doing the work that did the Any more questions? So, we need a motion to approve the baseball field uh sewage, I guess. What the uh drainage improvements repair >> a motion have a motion by Miss Orange be a second by Mr. Any further discussion? All by saying I. >> All opposed. We got it. >> All right. Moving into some construction updates. So, just give you update on the high school project. We did receive the CO for the building this past Friday on the 8th. So, that actually TCO a few weeks ago actually allowed us to move furniture in. occupy the building contin but um I think was out there Monday I think I

083saw him walk around most all the furniture you know have been moved in I would say 90 95% of the classes actually already been set up teachers From what I understand, typically high school teachers don't come back till they're required, but they're actually started this Monday. You know, they knew they had a lot to do. And so, they're in there setting up rooms and getting those taken care of. There are several things that we're going to have to remove from there that they either didn't need or items were damaged. We had better things at night academy. We'll try to get all those items cleaned up and moved out before the vacation on Friday if the weather permits. Um, you know, we've probably I would say probably since this time last year had a team of

084people night academy transition to the high school. I mean, it was all all the directors were involved. I mean, we looked at parking, traffic patterns, food preparation, additional lunch periods, checkpoints, you know, do we have enough lockers, all the technology things? So, there's been a lot of effort over the last year to making this transition successful. I think we're in a good place. >> Any questions on that? >> The courtyard looked really good. >> Yeah, once everything's clean. Yeah, it is. I questions. All right. So, I just want to give you a quick update. The Mosley project, the LJ Bell replacement, where we're at on that. The application still not come out. It's typically out in July, but Ashley Mosley her last week and she said she checked still come out yet, but um still

085should be due sometime late September, October, but actually said she felt like we're in good good place as far as working on the start on the application process. We did have a work session on Monday the 28th and Tuesday the 29th with Mosley. I think I mentioned that to you last time. So we we had a team of people from the district to meet with architects on Monday morning and they they basically asked us some questions. They had some some boards up and it was like a brainstorming thing and trying to see what kind of style of school we want. just a number of things. They broke us into small groups. They actually had like the media center, the cafeteria drawn the scale in little pieces and we placed them on on the thing and

086we're moving them around at one team. We're doing a design. Okay, we're going to leave students on campus. We have to build a building side there or whatever. We have one team working on that. We had another team working on we just demoed the site relocate students. So we came up with a couple different scenarios. So that that Monday afternoon Mosley took and stayed here in town and worked on it worked on it Tuesday morning. We met back as a group Tuesday afternoon and they presented four options to us. It was based on just different scenarios, different floor plans, different layouts. So mostly actually take those options, those four options that we've discussed and talked about and probably add two more options. So there may be as many as six options that we will present

087to the board on the 26. So there will be optional floor plans and site configurations and then have to select one of those to go along with Stephen. If everything and I know it's not going to everything were to go absolutely perfect as far as the design phase the application process everything comes back. What do you think a reasonable expectation for a date would be for a show when it hit? >> Mosley told us 8 to 10 months in design for two years in construction. >> But I'm talking about just start the construction. >> Um, yeah, I would think within a year. So my question is what happens if we do decide to move the students off campus and build it on the footprint. Are we going to move them? >> I I mean I

088can't answer. I would think defer it. I mean we're a year out which is almost 8 to 10 months I guess depends on when the application's approved. So typically the application is approved in late fall and then you got 8 to 10 months from there. Well, first of all pick an architect you know we haven't done that even helping us but we haven't chosen them >> what >> so we have to pick then that's going to take a couple months choose that and then they're playing eight to 10 months from there. So you're looking starting January, February, and then another you're looking at the following year. >> I'm not sure what stipulations are on spending the money once you're awarded the grant. So, we could just >> very few I mean, as far as time

089is concerned, right? >> So, I would think that we can just do whatever makes sense for us. >> Get the grant, retain an architect, go through the design phase, get permits. got to go out for bid for the work and then just see where that lands and just say what makes sense that the next ideally we would need to move >> well in that construction cost increasing there's just a lot of moving parts so I'm trying to be ready for anything >> I guess My initial without really thinking through it thought would be if we get the grant say this December of 25 then and we're going to be we would be ready for construction by Novemberish Decemberish of 26. If we decide if the if the decision is to move the students off campus,

090I would say we probably need we could go ahead we could go ahead and plan to do that next summer and the building would just be empty for a short period of time while we finalize the plans to start construction rather than wait six or eight more months for that very reason. Cost of construction increase would be I think what my recommendation would be. Yeah, rising construction cost definitely has to be on our minds. >> I have just questions on that. Just a couple other quick updates. So you probably noticed we're finishing up some painting exterior athletic stuff at high school. I mean practice field, softball, baseball, soccer. I mean every everything is got green and gold on outside is getting paint. Got the new video board installed through the training and all that should

091be online now. The band concession standing with some renovations in there. They never had air conditioning there. installed air condition. So that should help with actually it wasn't as much for the people working there. The equipment that they have in there, compressors for all the coolers and freezers and drink machines, they would overheat when we weren't there. Like if they go in on Wednesday or Thursday and stock all these machines and close it up and it couldn't get air, those would put off so much heat. machines couldn't cool the food enough department come in and say can't use this food. So we decided to spend some money and put air conditioning in there for them so they don't have a problem keep on the 18th at Springs. We've got the site ready for them there.

092Um and just all the things that we do for building preparations for you know a new year school all the testing of fire alarm systems lighting backers we met with principles you know a lot of these buildings and facilities sinks whatever don't get used all summer all the water before everybody comes back flush out all the lines do all the playgrounds do all the things and finally we are upgrading the technology in the boardrooms it's a good night to bring that It's been a need for some time. So, we're we have a plan in place to to do that. Hopefully, we'll do a little bit of painting and then install some new technology. Not sure don't have start date on that yet, but we should complete that in the next I'd say three months. Any

093questions? Thanks for all you're doing, Steve. You're welcome. Thank you. Mr. Ingram policies for approval chairmanfield members of the board I'd like to start off by sharing some information about the bail to bail no no sale law. Um there's some key provisions um in this law requires local boards of education to adopt the wireless communication policy regulating student use of devices during instructional time. It defines um wireless communication devices um policies must prohibit use and display of devices during instructional time with the exception of educational use authorized by a teacher. emergencies uh use required by an IEP or section 504 plan um healthcare management uh for documented medical conditions. requires districts to establish consequences for violations such as confiscation disciplinary measures under the code of of student conduct. Mandates districts to submit their wireless communication

094policies to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and update them um upon changing. Um DPI must report annually to the joint legislative education oversight committee on um district uh compliance. Um so this will have um some uh will have an impact on our um policy um for the use of wireless devices policy 4318. Um the rationale for the new law um is designed to reduce distractions, improve student well-being and promote focused learning environments. Um our goal is to align with these priorities while respecting the communication um needs of families. Our policy, our current policy allows students to possess devices as long as they're not visible or used during instructional time. While flexible lack structure uh structured enforcement and storage guidance, um the North Carolina School Board Association uh has provided two models. There's option A

095um that allows uh possession with limits and option B uh which is stricter. requires uh devices to be stored or turned off um unless authorized. Um in your red folder, there's a a table. It's a sidebyside comparison of our policy and the the proposed options. And you'll notice the differences in definitions, enforcement, and storage um requirements. So you have in the second um line is our current policy 4318 proposed option A and propose option B. After careful review, our leadership team is recommending a soft launch this fall. Just letting everybody know about the policy um and just making sure that students, families, and staff are um informed. And then um the law is required to go into effect in January 2026. Um and that's where we would um um have a hard launch in terms

096of code of conduct staff training just making sure that that we're enforcing u the law um and that it's consistent clear communication um and some kind of feed feedback loop about the policy because I would imagine it's going to change um just discipline and just um just how we approach things. So it's going to have an impact um you know um on student climate I mean school climate um and also just administrators having to deal with the the implementation of u the policy >> are any questions about the bill to bill no sale off >> good luck >> that's tough I I would just say that just being one of seven people on this that um K8's going to be no problem with whatever you put in. 912 is going to be a little little

097different and if you come back and say we're going to put the hammer down on kids that don't follow the policy after we've gone over it and gone over it, I'd be fine with that because if you don't have some consequences for it, you just might as well throw the policy away. That's might that's that's a high school principal talk. I can hear it. >> You can hear it because a kid having a cell phone out is not the problem. It's when a teacher or administrator says you got to put it up. Can I have it? Then the disrespect and all that comes in. So I just say go away with all my stuff and just put the hammer down. >> And board members. I love that. So So you're not bringing in policy tonight,

098right? um is required by January. Um you know what the law says is that you have to have a policy that they have to be away during instructional time. So I think where districts have some room to make your own rules is how do you define instructional time? So some districts are choosing to define it. dismissal is instructional time. So away for the day, they call it no devices. Um, but you could define it differently at the high school. Like you could say lunch is not instructional time at the high school. You can have it at home, you know. So you have room to make those decisions, those policy decisions, and you have some time to think about it. Um, but it's a good idea to start letting families know so that they're not buying

099devices at school and then they have to have them starting in January. because I think you say what instruction >> but as you said you got put in writing >> very I for $3,000, $800. Even if they know that they're going to be very >> I agree with that. When we get we will what my plan is is to start with the school boards association's base policy that they're going to send out to us all and then sort of tailor that to make it work define instructional time and all that to get something that makes sense for us. We talked about the soft launch as Mr. England just said just because you know we feel like we need to say something to people including the board because You all will probably start to get questions

100about that because cell phones are just a hot topic. >> I asked you to ask me at church. >> Yeah, they're a hot topic. Yeah, >> thank you for sharing that with us. >> So, more to come. Also, in the order, um you asked for side by side of the remote participation in board meetings. Um like um during I just put it in there. Yeah, here it is. >> It's up for approval for adoption tonight, but I know I'm sorry. I know we looked at one that would be more >> association. Okay. So it's recommended by the schoolboard association is I think more than it needs to be um as far as allowing during state of emergency. I I don't think that's legally required. go back to the system you had before 2021 which said

101that you can have a remote meeting. Um, so if you are interested in that, I can provide, you know, we have an alternate draft that would just revert us back to that. >> Well, we did talk about that if somebody wasn't here, yes, we would like to have that available. >> Okay. And we also talked about them being able to vote. >> Okay. >> By voice. Um, so do we need to just stop this? >> I think we should pull this one then and use the one that I sent. >> Yeah. Yeah, I agree with that. Do you agree with that? >> Bring it back next time. >> Doesn't seem like there's any urgency to it. >> I guess my question would be how many times can a member participate in a remote meeting situation.

102I think that need to be specified. You don't have a situation where that end up being a member. I mean, I get it. You know, there are situations just can't make the meeting. But if you we're meeting, let's say we're meeting 12 times a year, you only node meetings, that to me is a problem. And I'm pretty sure as a taxpayer that would be a problem. Something >> on the handout that Mr. Ingram has it says what max three times you're allowed a year. >> So that's what a quarter of the time. Yeah, it's Yeah, that's that's to me that's >> And that's in either draft. No more than three times unless you know unless the board to allow them to do it more like they have circumstance. Remember, let's just table that one. Okay.

103And we'll uh we'll we'll look at it and maybe we can get >> Can you put statement on on here like another column and put the state? >> Well, I think she But Eva Eva, you're going to get us that policy, right? So, once they once Eva gives you that policy, could you make a third column on that piece of paper? on this. >> Yes, I can. >> So, so then we can read the policy and then >> that would be great. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> Great. >> This being the conclusion of the 30-day review period, I would like to present these policies for adoption. 1300 governing principal parental involvement 402 parental involvement 1500 governing principal safe orderly and inviting environment 15 4200 7270 school safety 15 1510 4200 7270 R school safety 1600

104governing principal professional development 2310 no 2310 public participation at board meeting 2342 voting methods 3225 4312 7320 technology responsible using 4316 student dress Melvin on 4316 student dress code uh bottom attire item number three has been stricken from it. Spandex shorts are prohibited when not worn as undergarments. That's being taken out. Can I ask what the logic in that is or whose request that was? >> It was school administrators that requested that change. um it was really not being enforced consistently and then just I guess um the way students addressing it just wasn't you know it just was restrict too restrictive >> I have a concern with that you know we we started we put a lot of work into you guys put a lot of work into this this dress code and to start

105laxing it is a concern because that's what happened with the uniform policy and that's why we ended up in the position that we ended up in with that. So me personally, I don't think that should be taken out. I do not think that spandex shorts are appropriate unless one is under. I just want to put that out there. I remember that the discussion on that was the um because so many things were made with spandex. Now I don't know. I wish you could him. That's what Cory and I were talking about the um cell phone. If you're not consistent, >> then it won't work. And that was what was wrong with the um dress code policy. Schools were not consistent. So, could we pull that back out? What the discussion? We we talked about spandex.

106I know they're wearing jeggings and there's a lot you know tights and I think I think we took out the one about covering your bottom and all that kind of thing and now Spanish but I think it does ability to really >> if I remember the discussion principles correctly. >> It was just that discussion. The jeggings and the yoga pants and all that are allowed and they're made out of the same material. So if the spandex shorts meet the length requirement, >> then why would we not allow shorts made out of the same material as say the but that's what the discussion was. >> I understand. I guess my my thoughts are what I think spandex shorts are just does not sound appropriate. >> Yeah, >> if that makes sense. >> Absolutely. >> So we

107let them wear spandex pants. >> Yoga pants. >> Spandex pants. stretch material. >> I guess with the length, >> they're very expensive. >> They're all the same, but they're not proper length show more actual skin. >> So, you definitely have to determine how long how short those shorts can be >> which is six inches above the knee >> and that's defined in the policy already. Yes. >> I think you go from there six in above the knee. >> If the six inches above the knee is enforced, I'm fine with it. >> Well, and that just goes back to Miss Orangebe's case. It just has to be consistent. Has to be very consistent across the board with everybody. Fortunately, we've not had that concern. >> I hope I hope we don't I don't hope we don't

108have that problem. >> Okay. So, we have the 10 We have the 10 um policies presented by Mr. Ingram up for approval. Do I have a motion to approve them? >> So move. >> Have a motion by Mr. Bowwin, second by Mr. Mason. Any further discussion? >> All by saying I. >> All opposed. >> And then you'll bring back the the uh remote one next month. >> And I'll include it in the policy policies to review >> because that was 11 but we only accepted 10. >> So policies to review um for 30 6220 operational school nutrition services 6330 insurance um for student transportation services 7100 recruitment and selection of personnel 7130 lure uh employee use of social media 7340 employee dress and appearance 7820 personnel files 9210 care of maintenance of grounds and outdoor

109equipment and um 2302 promote participation in more meetings. >> I would like to also we're talking about policies, right? I would like to ask that the board consider um revising the appeal process policy that we currently have. Um, I've been doing this for quite a while now and it seems to me that if a parent or person is fing a grievance follows all the steps that they're supposed to, since I've been on the board, the board has voted not to hear the grievance of that person that has gone through all those steps process. We are consistently voting not to hear people uh that are filing these grievances for whatever reason there are uh and I have I've set through three now but even best was also denied the right to address the board. If the

110board is going to deny if the board is going to deny people the right to address them, then you know you're wasting I feel that we're wasting people's time. I would like to see that policy change that if a person goes through all the steps that they're supposed to, the board should be required to hear that person out. That's what I want you to think about that we should hear those people out. If they going through all the steps we asked them to go through, I think the board should be required to hear what that person has to say. They all the time to go through the proper steps so that they can talk to the board. This is the third time uh that someone since I've been on the board wanted to address the

111board. They went through all the proper steps and our board has says no, we don't want to hear. I I just don't think that's right. And I've always to hear the person because I think they've gone they they follow the the process and and when you get to that point where they get to appeal to the board I think the board needs to hear that person has the right to be heard to appeal and talk to the board. I like I like to I don't know we could um I don't know how we go about that process but I think we need to consider it looking at that policy and I would vote for a change in that policy because you're wasting people time if you already know that you're going to say no I

112want we're not going to listen to it then you're wasting people's time of going through the process. Why make the public go through all these steps just for the board to say no, we don't want to hear? I don't think I think the board should be obligated to hear if that person has gone through all the steps. I think you should be obligated to hear. Now, I'm a person that was real upset on two of these situation. One being hers and the other one. I want to bring that up because I don't want to re all that, but I think we should be obligated to hear if they taking the time to go through each and every step. I like to uh hopefully get the board to agree to hear these people. They taking the

113time to go through all the give the people the opportunity to speak and address the board if they app since I've been on the board. The board has denied each one of those individuals the right to do that. I just don't think that's right. So, is it possible that you polic or is it something that we need to talk about? And >> there's sever there's several policies. >> So that would be policy 1740, the student parent grievance procedure. >> Yeah. >> Um which right now provides that there are certain topics that the board is required to hear if the board and other topics that are discretionary. Um so I think if the board majority of the board voted you could have a motion to ask the administration to to revise that in a certain way.

114I think you need a majority, right? and ask you know to direct the administration what you would like to see involves you said parent's employee grievance >> well it basically comes down to two things whether >> those are the only >> yeah whether it's policy or law does it break policy or break law >> those are require the board. >> The board has to hear that. >> The board doesn't have to hear it like what Daryl was saying if it doesn't break policy or board. So then this board would have to decide do they what do they want to do away with that if a parent goes through the process of it not breaking policy or law. >> Yeah. You would be changing the part that about discretionary grievances. >> That's correct. >> Yeah. >>

115Yes. So that would be 1740 and 17. So I think the administration can bring backisions to a future agenda, but they need >> some guidance from the board on what you want to see. I just I just think that we as a board need to whether or not that we're going to hear listen or provide opportunity for individuals to address us if they follow all the steps. They've gone through the pain and the time to follow all the steps. I believe that those individuals need to be heard by the board. That's what I'm saying. They've gone through all steps. They've done everything that superintendent says they have to do the board they have to do to get to that point. If it gets to that point, I think we should be obligated to listen and

116not have the power just say no, we don't want to hear. >> So, one point of verification that entire process is guided by policy um from beginning to end. Yes. And so um it's like Eva was saying if it's and well and Cory as well if it is a violation of law or the board's policy or state board policy then the board is required to hear it. If there is no allegation of a violation of law or policy, that makes it discretionary. Our policy current the board's policy currently reads that if it is a discretionary grievance, it has to be brought to the board for the board to decide whether or not they're going to hear it. And what I'm hearing you say is that you think that the discretion that discretionary grievances should also

117be heard automatically if everyone has followed the process. But what Eva is saying is we can bring that back to the board for consideration if the board directs us to do that through a motion and a majority vote. >> Right. So if you wanted to make a motion to direct the administration to bring back a revision to the policy that would make all grievance give automatic board hearings for all grievances. Does that cover what you are trying to cover? all grievances that have gone through all >> that follow the steps. >> So basically we're saying what Daryl is saying is that for every time a teacher, principal, and a superintendent say to the parent, "No, that is the final decision on a discretionary item." If we were to change that policy, we would have to

118hear everything. We'd have to hear a child not making the team, a child's grade not being what it should be, a child's unexcused absence, and I can go on and on and on because once they go to the teacher, to the principal level, the only level they have is to the superintendent, and then it would come to us. So under discretionary terms, you're talking about 13 14 schools and all parents who get mad for a decision that was made. So I just want everybody to know what I understand what Daryl's saying, but what you're up against. >> If they file a grievance, >> if they file the grievance, should be this and that and that. I just think if you got the process and it's not like it's going to take three or four hours.

119I think the person should That's just me. If you guys disagree in this, I make the motion that uh that we consider changing the policy policy discretionary part of the previous policy to allow those who follow the process to be heard by the board. >> So that's a motion you're making right now. >> So I have a motion by Mr. Mason to change the polic What kind of policy is it? >> 1740 and 1750 to do away with the discretionary parts. >> I have a discussion, but I know we can't get to that. >> I have I have I have a motion by Mr. Mason by the second. >> I agree with a lot of what you say, but I wish I wish we could bring it to a conversation. to have discussion where we

120can talk more about what you're saying and look at all the >> second and then we can have a discussion and it can be voted down you can vote it down >> I make a second I would like to have have a discussion on that >> second by Mr. Tilman >> we having discussion >> yes so yeah I agree with some of what you're saying Mr. But there are situations where and I'm thinking back to a situation that we had with involving the staff, okay, where everything was done correctly on on the school side and even to the point and this is my opinion, even to the point where that staff very belligerent and disrespectful to not only their direct supervisor but even the the personnel person and in that case for me at that

121point I as a board member I it's nothing else that you can say. So there are situations where there are going to be times where for me I don't want to hear it. I mean, if if all if if everything was done correctly on the school side and you've done some things, I'm just speaking in that situation as an employee to make the situation worse where, you know, you've acted out in front of your colleagues and even students. To me, I don't want to hear anything. I think in that situation, no. But now, as far as like a parent that's gone through the process, and that's one of the things I I do think, you know, situations, parents are people need to be heard and it just depends on the situation, you know, depends on

122the situation. I'll use for example if you know if a person was uh if a parent was very disrespectful and belligerent to to the the principal to to the staff and then they're still requesting a hearing. In that case, I don't want to hear it. For me as a board member, I think it stops with me because although you've gone through the process, you was disrespectful in the process to people that was to hear and work with. That's just me. So, there are situations where I think there are exceptions for, you know, um for people being able to to be heard in front of the board. That's just my my personal opinion. >> Any other comments? >> Or are there is there an additional step that we could put in some Um so that like

123a panel of sub members hear things instead of um I because I agree with you people need to be heard in in certain situ but it is according to the situation too and I hear what you say Corey and that we won't don't want to um have to hear everything necessarily but I What? We've only had a few grievances anyway. So, for there just to be a few, >> I don't have a problem with hearing them, but we don't want to open up a can of worms to where we have to >> Mr. the chair panel. Um there's certain exceptions like student transfer but um you know the the board then is bound and has to um be comfortable leaving it to whatever those two or three board members decide. So my understand you all

124want to be there or just have >> the only two grievances that that since I've been on the board which is this is going on my fourth year that we as a board talked about it in close session as a as a board it wasn't a panel like we do at transfers and so forth like that. So that's the way it would have to be. I think the whole board would have to have say so on that. >> Yeah. I just say you wouldn't have to change your policy to allow for panels. It already allows for it. But historically the board has preferred not to do that. >> Right. >> Any other conversation? All right. So we had a motion by Mr. Mason, a second by Mr. Tilman. So what we're voting on now is

125to change >> I think what you're voting on is to direct administration to bring back because you can't really change to have in front of you. But direct administration to bring it back changed in such a way that all board hearings are automatic. >> That's correct. >> If they follow the >> Oh, and you're saying all all situations. >> All situations. >> So to bring back some What do you say? What's the word I'm looking for? Bring back >> bring back a revised version. bring back a revised 1740 1750 policy for board consideration. So I need a vote of all in favor of bringing that back. >> But is there a way to put some parameters in that? >> Right now you can't because you don't the pro you got you got to look at

126the policy. That's for them to bring back to us. But they would have to change 1740 1750 to do away with the discretionary part of it. That's what Mr. Mason's asking. >> Well, can I vote no to that? But >> I'm Well, I'm calling for the vote right now. So, but we still evident we still have discussion. >> Okay. >> No, go ahead. >> Sure. >> Let me resend my motion. And let's discuss work for discussions. >> I I'd rather have a vote. >> I'd rather have a vote and see if people want to do it and then we have the discussion on how we want to look. Would you all agree? >> Yes. >> So again, we have a motion on table to look at revised or revising policy 1740 directing the superintendent to

127bring back some issues. All in favor of that, please raise your >> clarify that motion again. clarifying that we're bringing back policy from them 1740 1750 with some revisions in it that we've talked about tonight for us to look at. So we're not we're not approving a policy, >> right? You could ask them to bring it back and then decide not to adopt it. I just think they need guidance from a majority about what you're asking them to do. >> So that's where I'm so all in favor of >> you put the word all in there. There's no other way to do it motion was that it's it be automatic hearings for all. >> Yeah. And I don't know that there is any other way to do it because that's what makes it discretionary, >>

128right? If a parent decides goes through all the steps like Mr. Mason said, then you would the board would have to hear it. So all in favor of the of the board of central office bringing back a revised policy to raise a right hand for all for all. >> That doesn't mean we have to accept it. >> All right. Three. All opposed. Can I add one thing? Um, we're not saying, tell me if I'm right, e, we're our policy now says we can we still discuss it and decide if we want to vote for I mean >> requires you to discuss it. So, right. >> So, we're not taking that out. >> She said like if if it's if they're saying that law or policy was violated, you hear it. it's automatic. So, it's just

129when when it's an issue that isn't that it's a matter of discretion, which means right now your policy is we make a case by case decision. >> But who's deciding if it's um discretionary or mandatory? >> She she will let us know. >> Typically, we read what the parent or employee wrote and they'll do they say it's a violation of our policy or not. So let me just be clear though is that I fully understand what Mr. is saying, fully understand what he is saying. But to me, under the preface of why I was voted on to this board and my duties as a board member is to uphold policy and law and that's what I go with and that's why I make decisions like what Daryl said based on the last couple of times

130we've had grievances I've voted certain ways is because if it fits that mold then yes. If we break a a law or or or our policy, without a doubt, and I want the parent, the child, the teacher, whoever it is, the employee to have their say. So, but if it's not that way, then we could get ourselves in a sticky situation if that happen. So, I I still feel the same way. I just feel board members that we should at least that person they had legitimate a complaint legitimate complaint and to see the board just says well no I don't want to hear it we don't want to hear it after that person has gone through all the steps I just That's wrong. So, it's going to take you, it's going to require you spend

131a little extra effort, spend a little extra time to listen. So, what maybe that's a legitimate legitimate reason why it needs to be I just I just think somebody takes time and effort to follow our process so they can come before the board. I think they should be granted that opportunity access. >> Thank you, Mr. Ingram. >> Dr. referral. >> Um, policy 4135, tuition for discretionary admissions, reads in part that unless provided otherwise in this policy, tuition will be charged to students admitted under board policy um discretionary admission. If the students are not doiciled in the state or are doiciled in the state and reside outside of the school system and boundaries, tuition may not exceed the local per pupil allocation for current expense as provided by the board of commissioners. And tuition rate will

132be determined annually by the board no later than August 1st. We are a little bit past August 1st. Um but um the am so I'm asking you if you want to set a tuition amount in the um you all have not opted to set a tuition amount. We have very few discretionary um admissions to the district, but the amount is $2,135.68 per pupil as of right now. >> And so this would be for students who live essentially live in other counties and are seeking to come. >> Yes. How many students are we talking about? very very few >> or less or five or less. >> So we would not it would we would not charge this to our employees children and that's the bulk of our students who are approved from outside the district. I

133had um Jenny and I had talked about it last week and did you how many did you how many did you tell me? And we've been consist >> they the board um does not usually charge that historically has not charged >> and if you do it for one you would have to do it for all. So you would that would be something you would tax your own employees with if they're the exempt >> employees. There are you can exempt employees. There are reasons here. tuition may be waved and it lists some of those things and the students parents are employed by the school system as number six. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, this would be for true discretionary admissions um which are and and um just to be clear, you all are the only ones

134that approve a discretionary admission. So, that has to be by policy brought to the board for with a recommendation from me. >> I know that two previous counties that I worked in, they did this per pupil. If a child came into their county, they would charge that. And I think a lot of counties do that. I don't know off hand the number, but I do know a lot of counties do that. >> It's and it's tied to the local funding. So that's why it's captured 2100 a year because they're not The idea is they're not paying taxes, >> right? But they're using all of our stuff. >> But you still get state funding for those. >> That's right. Do you need a motion or anything? Joe, what do we need to do? >> I need

135Well, if Yes. I need a motion to either leave it at zero or move it to some amount between zero with a maximum of $2,135.68 because you can't go beyond that. >> I'll make a motion to leave it as it is. Zero. Have a motion by Mr. Bald. Second second by Mr. Tilman. Any further discussion? All in favor by saying by saying I. All opposed? I 6 to1. Well, since I mean the voting is over, but if it became a problem or if it became can we go come back and revisit it? >> You have to by policy you're supposed to um address it annually by August 1st. >> So yes, the answer to your question, yes. >> I mean, it's never been a problem. So that's why we didn't we don't have it an

136amount. And none of us have the authority to approve 50 students to come in here from other districts. Discretionary admissions have to be approved by board. So you wouldn't know if it was getting out of control because I'd be bringing you a lot of next item would be the international trips. Dr. Pharaoh, again you're busy. >> Yes. So you all have um discussed the international trips a number of times and asked for particular information. I have given you all that information as well as the board's attorney and um so at this time I'm going to turn it over to her to kind of lead the discussion with you. >> Um so currently board members I mean I understand this has arisen because there's been a practice of having an international trip each year that has

137been brought to the board for approval. even though it's it's optional and organized through a private tour operator. Um your board policy 3320 um indicate differentiates between school trips and non-school trips or non-school sponsored trips and it says that um school trips first of all will not be international or school sponsored you know fall under all of the rules that we would follow for a school sponsorship trip. A non-school trip would be these trips that are organized by an individual teacher or group of teachers or travel agency and that the board and the school system do not assume responsibility or liability for those trips. And so I think the question is, you know, obviously because the this annual international trip has been approved by the board, it's sort of either outside either of those categories

138or sort of waving this policy. Um, and I think there was a desire to discuss going forward whether you want to stop engaging with those trips and and leave them fully nonresponsive. >> Is that have I captured correctly? >> You did. >> I have a question. >> Okay. So, we don't they don't need our approval to do it. So there's no reason for us to vote on it. So if they are um gathering the information and getting these students to sign up to go during school time, does that change it in any way? >> The policy says staff members who are organizing non-school trips should not be using their work time to do so. That it should be after hours. So I think the The decision you have to make is it's not just as

139simple as okay, we're going to stop approving it. If you want this to be hands off, you're going to have to be hands off, right? Which means we're also not making the rules for it and we're not, you know, using our school resources to promote it. And this and these trips are common. I mean, as far as, you know, a foreign language teacher or whatever hooks up with one of these travel agencies and it's something they offer to parents. Um, that's a common practice. I think it's just at a very large scale high school. >> Well, can is there any way we can um specify that? But then you're setting rules. I was say you can't even do anything with it until 5:00. >> Well, that's what it says right now. Right now, it says

140school employees shall not engage in any planning or administrative tasks associated with a non-school sponsored trip during the work day >> and they must use time if they miss work to go on the trip. >> We just need to enforce the policy >> because I'm all for the trip. I just don't want to have anything to do with it. We don't know who goes on that trip. And I don't want anything coming. I'm like Ronald. I don't want anything coming back on us. Nothing at all. I do not want to be part of this trip. I don't want them doing it during the school day. I don't want them using our paper making advertisements. If they want to do it, they do it on their time. >> And currently the policy, again, if we were

141to in the future bring this annual trip on back under the policy says that the Parents and students have to be notified that this is not a school sponsored trip and have to sign acknowledgement that they understand that >> who sends that out >> the whoever is the sponsor. So typically my understanding is with these tour operators they recruit one or more teachers >> to be like the school sponsor. >> So as it stands right now by approving it are we dipping our foot into the pool of liability? I thought last year, m Mr. Bowwin, that we approved that they could use our facility to hold meetings. I did not we did not approve the trip. I thought we approved just for them to be able to use our facilities to have meetings and so

142forth, so on like that because we had found out you had told us beforehand that we did not need to approve it, >> right? And and allowing them to use the facility. I mean, the policy does say, you know, school employees can use a facility to hold a meeting for it. They just need to reserve it the way anybody would for a scouting troop or other non-school activity >> and after school hours after their work hours which would not require board approval, >> right? >> Not typically. I don't think so. >> No. So if the teacher wastes after school hours, do they still use our facility? >> To the same extent that they can use it for any other activity that's not a school sponsored activity. So if a teacher has a scouting troop or

143I don't know another example, >> a facilities use form they have to fill out. >> Yeah. They have to reserve it like a citizen. >> But then we could but we could also wave the fee. So I mean that's kind of standard. It sounds like it's going to be a training issue too. I mean, you know, with the staff so they understand what the policy says >> and understand, you know, this is how this is going and we don't want we don't begrudge anybody going on trip. We just we don't want to be part of it. >> We do not reach more. The good news is is we're talking about very very few staff that get themselves involved in these trips anyway. Usually it's one a year. >> So, >> but now as far as

144the trips that we've already approved, I mean, we're just locked in. We're that those trips are approved. >> I mean, I think you could send a clarification to the school community that these trips are, you know, under our policy, these are non school sponsored trips and um is not assuming responsibility >> which at this point the last international trip was already done and 27. >> Oh, it is. >> So, can we get a letter that they have to sign saying what you just said? >> And that's one of the pieces of paper that >> you make it part of the sign up. >> Yeah. It's approved for the next two summers, 26 and 27 right now. >> 27. who did Daniel Dig doing this this one coming up who did 27 >> but again so

145if you look at the paper that Dr. Frell gave us. It says for all graduating students in the 26th year. And then it goes on to say, >> but we're not making the rules, >> right? We're going hands off. We're going hands off. >> We're going hands off. They they can take it whoever they want to. It don't matter to me. I just want to make sure that we have nothing to do with these trips personally. Now, the board might think otherwise. Do we need anything from you? Do we need to make a motion or anything like that? No, we're good. Is everybody okay with that? >> And we're going to make sure that I guess staff understands that policy. >> Make sure this event Because again, we don't know who go we don't know

146the chaperons that go on this trip. We have no idea who goes on this trip. I don't want I kind of like my house, too. >> All right. Dr. Ferrell, director of safety and security. >> Yes. So, at the last uh meeting, we discussed um a director of safety and security position and you all um authorized me to bring back a job description. And so, thanks to uh the work of a number of people, I think ultimately Melvin England uh put it all together for us, but this is where we where we landed on the job description. So, We will attempt to answer any questions that you have, but >> I thought it was very thorough. >> So, I did miss that conversation due to everything going on last time and I had to exit

147pretty quick. U but I was looking over this. Just one thing I would love to see added to this is I would really like this to be a swarm position almost an additional SRO if we could if we could kind of And this may be an overstep, but if we could kind of work that into it where it just seems like it'd be an additional resource for an SRO with them already. I think there was a requirement for seven years of experience in law enforcement. So hopefully they would be V certified still and it would just make an extra option for boots on the ground. In the event that they're not currently, >> I would think our school police would suffice for that. >> That's right. >> Any other thoughts or questions? So, just going

148on what Scotty said, would we need he would need to be trained, certified in that school resource officer, right? That's what you're saying. >> Well, at least have a at least have a certificate for basic law enforcement training that could be activated. You know, we're we're requiring seven years of law enforcement experience. So, there's a good possibility that person's already going to have a B ser. >> Can we say something about in the in the job description that we would like to see? What's the word I'm looking for? That they would be BLT certified. They >> Yeah. What we What we >> I'm I'm losing I'm missing the word, but I won't. >> Yeah. So, what we have right now is education and experience >> optional. So, >> yeah. >> preferred. Thank you. >> Ble

149certification or preferred sworn. >> Well, I guess I'm I may be trying to morph this into something that it can't be. So, it's it's a director of safety and security, but I would like to see it kind of also be a sworn law enforcement position inside of that. Is that a am I over am I overextending a position? >> Uh, no, not necessarily. Now, this this position is not going to supervise our current um special police because um Chief Rush is still going to report to >> but I don't necessarily see that it would be a problem to have that person that he or she be a sworn officer. >> This person is more like consultant as far as making suggestions or keeping our school system safe. >> Yeah. and doing um you know the

150key responsibilities of imple developing and implementing you know the district safety and risk management plan you know um being the liaison with the with the inter agency coordination just all of all of that drills ultimately this person would um coordinate district districtwide emergency drills lockdowns speculations and so forth just a true safety director. >> So, what I'm thinking may not marry into that as well. So, I I mean it it's fine just like it is, but I was just thinking if there was a way to create an additional SRO position inside of that one. You know, I've told you several times my in my perfect world, we have an SRO at every school in this district. >> Oh, definitely. >> And I was just thinking this may be a way to to get a piece

151of that. >> Yeah, we can we can look into how to to do that. I think with the I do think that with the um education and experience requirements, you're we're probably going to end up with a sworn officer. And then it's a matter of figuring out making sure that we keep that person off. No further questions, your honor. Your honor, >> comments from any board members. >> I had I had the opportunity to go to the meeting that uh Steve was talking about fact you went too, didn't you? And uh it was interesting to see the different mindsets to see the four different designs that came up and then talk about all the different things involved in it. And then I also went by and visited principles at their new locations just to see

152how they were doing. And that that was interesting also. and I went by over at the high school and walked through the gym, the new gym, and really does look good. You know, I'm proud that we we've got that in place. And also went by yesterday and met the new beginning teachers. And I know my first year teaching, the principal took me to the school, my classroom, and said, "Have a nice year." That was my beginning teacher. And I'm so glad that Richmond County has things in place to help people, you know, help us go through and learn how to teach and then then have somebody that can say, "Uh, let me let me talk to you, you know, encourage you this way, do something different." I think it's just great what we got to

153thank God for tell >> I did owe that. You know that's near and dear to my heart but I went by the orientation yesterday too. >> Anybody else? Just want to remind everybody that Richmond Senior High dedication is Friday at 9. I guess we'll do that. Are we gonna do it right in the gym or right outside? >> Right in the front. And then don't forget next Wednesday, the 20th, we have a the teacher breakfast in the morning. And then we have convocation that Wednesday, the 20th. And then we also have a work session on the 26th at 5:00 here, which is the 26th. Dr. Frell. >> Yeah. So, um, we had a successful start to the school year for reach today. Um Cameron and I visited. I'm not sure if any other members of

154my team visited, but um we were there for a little while and things were often uh rolling. It was interesting to see u Miss McDonald adjusting from being an assistant principal at a traditional high school to a principal at an early college. She said, "These students just go to class." Yes, they do. And so, um that but they had a great they had a great day. They had a great day. Um, and so she's she was excited about that. Um, the just to piggyback on what uh Core just said, that breakfast starts at 8:15 in the Richmond Senior High School cafeteria. So, um, Cameron has sent you, I believe, a list of dates as the school year starts. And then, um, the last thing that I have is, um, so the second annual John C.

155Felder day, which is um, entitled driving towards change in honor of the annual John Felder Day. Richmond County Schools has been invited to attend um the driving towards change event taking place on Saturday, August 23rd from 12:00 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the rich at Richmond Community College. Um Mr. Felder is a proud Richmond County native. Began his educational journey at Capitol Highway Elementary School and graduated from Monroe Avenue High School, class of 1962. Um during this event, attendees will The documentary highlighted Mr. Felter's um ground highlighting Mr. Felder's groundbreaking achievements, including his historic role as the first person to export electric vehicles to Cuba, a milestone that reflects his commitment to sustainability and international collaboration. As part of his continued dedication to giving back to Richmond County, Mr. Elder has announced plans to award

156at least two scholarships to Richmond County graduating seniors pursuing careers related to electric vehicles and sustainable transportation. The event is free and open to the public, but you must have a ticket. And if you would like a ticket, I understand Mr. Ingram has a nice little stack of those. Anything to add to that? >> All right, and that's all I have. >> Thank you. And one more date. The um back to school prayer walk is um Saturday, August 23rd, 9:00 at the Rock Church. >> So need a motion motion to enter into close session pursuant to North General statute 143318 11813 and six personnel on property. So move second. >> Have a motion by Mr. Mason, second by Mr. Baldwin. All favor by saying I. >> We are now in close session. report and addendum.

157I'm asking for approval at this time. >> Need approval of personal report and the addendum dated August 12th, 2025. >> Make a motion to accept the report. >> Have a motion by Miss Hornsby. A second. >> Second by Miss Shore. Any discussion? All in favor by saying I. >> All opposed. Thank you. Dr. You have anything for the good of the cause? >> I don't. >> Thank you all for all your time today. >> Need a motion to adjurnn. So move. >> First by Miss Ball and second by Mr. Mason. All in favor by saying I. Second.