Regular Session Board Meeting Highlights  February 4, 2021  The Gates County Board of] Education met in regular session on Thursday, February 4, 2021 through a remote meeting using the Zoom format. This was agreed to by the board members in order to follow COVID safety guidelines. Chairman Ray Felton called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. The following board members were present: Mr. Ray Felton, Mrs. Glendale Boone, Mrs. Sallie Ryan and Mrs. Amanda Pacitto. Mr. Leslie Byrum, joined the meeting after the Mrs. Glendale Boone made a motion to enter into closed session to discuss personnel as outlined inl North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6). Mrs. Amanda Pacitto seconded the motion. Chairman Felton called for a vote. Board members stated their vote, and the motion carried Chairman Felton reconvened open session at 10:00 a.m., with the following board members present: Mr. Ray Felton, Mrs. Glendale Boone, Mr. Leslie Byrum, Mrs. Sallie Ryan, and Mrs. Mr. Leslie Byrum made a motion to approve the amended agenda with the addition ofConsent Agenda Item No. Eight - Change in schedule for schools to make the Early Release Day on February 10, 2021, a full day for students. Mrs. Sallie Ryan seconded the motion. Chairman Felton called for a vote. Board members stated their vote, and the motion carried unanimously.  closed session.  unanimously. Board Members entered into closed session at 9:03 a.m.  Amanda Pacitto.  There was a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  There were no Public Comments.  Saunders Science Program Update: Crystal Harden, Director of Program and Inclusion Mrs. Harden stated that due to the pandemic last March, they had to regroup. They tried to adapt to virtual meetings, but found it difficult with lack ofinfrastructure in the county. They were able to provide computers, hotspots and science kits through donations provided by the Gates County Community Partnership. Through a generous donation from the benefactor ofthe Saunders Science Program last year, they were able to expand the program by adding fifteen more families. Applications were submitted, and interviews were conducted in August and September, 2020. In October, 2020, they returned to face-to-face meetings, first at Merchants Millpond, and then at Central Middle School's new gym. These meetings are being held on the second Saturday of each month, and will continue thru May. All COVID safety protocols are being followed, and as ofnow only students can attend. Parents are not able to attend at this time, tol keep the numbers down, and provide a safe learning environment. The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center and the Gates County Community Partnership are donating science supplies, valued at approximately $13,000, to all five schools. Professional development is being offered to the teachers on March 8, 2021 to help them utilize these supplies. There will be a Benjamin Saunders, Sr. Community Day on June 12, 2021, and summer camp programs will be offered in. June and July 2021. The board members thanked Mrs. Harden for her presentation, and for what this program is providing for Gates County students.  Initiatives - Morehead Planetarium and Science Center    2019-2020 Audit Report - Donna Winborne, CPA  Mrs. Winborne gave a brief report regarding the Audit Report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. She stated that there were no significant problems and has provided an unmodified opinion, which is the highest opinion that can be received. There were some problems with missing signed concussion forms for the athletes at Central Middle. However, the school is now using a new software program to help with collection of forms. Mrs.Winborne thanked Mrs.  Pittman and the finance department for doing a great job. Superintendent's Report - Dr. Barry Williams  Iam pleased to report that all Gates County Schools are open for face-to-face instruction and continuing toj provide virtual/remote instruction. The elementary schools are operating under Plan A attending four days per week and the high school and middle school are operating under Plan B with two cohorts each attending 2 days per week. Due to winter weather, today is the first day back for cohort B. We have had a good reopening of schools with a few COVID-19 related issues. AsIassisted with taking temperatures and attestation tickets, It talked to many parents and students who were very happy to be back in school! Tuesday, February 2, 2021, Governor Cooper, NCDHHS and the State Superintendent held a news conference recommending that all school districts provide in-person learning with virtual/remote remaining an option. Gates County Schools is already meeting this recommendation under Plans A and B. Congratulations: to Mr. Hayes and the Gates County High School staff and students for being honored as a TOP TEN SCHOOL DISTRICT HIGHEST GRADUATION RATEi in the state, for achieving an OUTSTANDING GRADUATION RATE OF 94.1%. Today is the first day of winter athletics, which this year consists of Football, Basketball and Soccer. Athletics is operating under the guidelines oft the NCHSAA. Finally, as we continue to be in the COVID-19 pandemic, Iwould like to remind our staff, students and parents that if you are sick or experiencing COVID-19: symptoms,  please stay home!  Board Report  All the board members thanked Mr. Hayes for a job well done on the graduation rate. They are  excited to have the students back in the schools  Finance Report  Mrs. Sandra Pittman, Finance Officer, gave the Financial Report and provided an update on New Beginnings Daycare and Out-of-District Tuition. We are on target with the budget. Dr. Williams approved the following Out-of-District Requests for 2020-2021:  Amoq Huggins to attend Buckland Elementary James Hobbs to attend Gatesville Elementary    The following Consent Agenda Items were approved:  1. January 11, 2021 Regular Session Minutes 2. January 17, 2021 Special Called Session) Minutes 3. Central Middle School Construction Project Change Order No.53 4. Central Middle School Construction Project Change Order) No. 54 5. Resolution Regarding Policy 2200 - Election orOticeryOrganization of Board 7. Request to Transfer Child Nutrition Loan Funds Back to Local Fund 8. Change in Schedule - Early Release Day on February 10, 2021 changed toi full day for  6. Sale ofCTE Surplus Equipment  students  The following personnel recommendations were approved:  1. NEW HIRES  Stephen Riddick - Bus Driver = replacing Vernon Brinkley Darlene Parkinson - School Nutrition - T.S. Cooper Elementary Yolanda Rushin - School Nutrition - Central Middle - replacing Jennifer Jones - School Nutrition - Gatesville Elementary = replacing  replacing Carla Hendrix Cynthia Dale Ruffin Ivory Mitchell  2. TRANSFER  April Coen - EC Teacher - transfer from T.S. Cooper Elementary to  Gates County High  3. LEAVE REQUEST  Alegrea Boone - GCHS- - 1-26-2021 to 2-26-2021  4. UESITUIEIEACHER  Avis Holley Jonathan Jones Renee Nicholson  5. VOLUNTEER  6. 2020-2021 SHPP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program Contract  7. RESIGNATION  Iris Lassiter - Bus Driver    In Other Business the following items were discussed:  Thei regular March session will bel held on Monday, March 8, 2021. We will use the Zoom format to conduct the meeting remotely. Closed session will begin at 9:00 a.m. The budget retreat meeting will be held in February at the Historic Courthouse. Date will be determined once availability is confirmed with the county manager. Tentative dates Mr. Leslie Byrum made a motion to request a partial refund of NCSBA Annual Conference registration fees, due to connectivity issues during the sessions. Mrs. Sallie Ryan seconded the motion. Chairman Felton called for a vote. Board members stated  and Open Session at 10:00 a.m. are February 231d,24", and 25th, 2021.  their vote, and the motion passed unanimously.  Mr. Leslie Byrum made a motion to adjourn. Mrs. Glendale Boone seconded the motion. Chairman Felton called for a vote. Board members stated their vote, and the motion passed There being no further business, Chairman Felton adjourned the meeting at 10:59 a.m.  unanimously.  Resolution Attached    203  RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION GATES COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS  OF  WHEREAS, the Board of] Education held an organizational meeting pursuant to Policy Code: 2200 ELECTION OF OFFICERS/ORGANIZATION OF BOARD on December 14, 2020,  at which time the current Chair and Vice-Chair were elected; and  WHEREAS, the Board took action to amend Policy Code: 2200 ELECTION OF OFFICERS/ ORGANIZATION OF BOARD on January 11, 2021 to eliminate the limitation on  the number oft terms of office that an officer(s) could hold;  The Board wishes to ratify, approve, and confirm all actions oft the Board taken since  December 14 through January 11, 2021.  NOWTHEREFORE BE. IT RESOLVED, the Gates County Board of Education hereby approves, confirms, and ratifies all actions taken by the Board from the December 14, 2020 meeting though the present time, and also such actions shall be of full force and effect.  Adopted this wdayof Febfuafy 2021.   Ray Feltog,Chairman  ATTEST:  ABanyll/awn Dr. Barry Williams, Superintendent and Secretary to the Board