By Marcia Barnes
Staff Writer
The regular meeting of Clay County Schools Board of Education highlighted fall sports recognition, Future Farmers of America, a Positive Norms Campaign and approval for a new handicapped accessible activity bus.
Certificates for achievement in fall sports were awarded to Reese Segars, Aaliyah Jackson, Grayson Williamson, Ava Shook and Savannah Burch in women's volleyball. Awards were handed to team captains Hayden Hunt, Jackson Dye and Raul Rivera-Prieto in men's soccer.
Class of '26 Senior Raven Wood, not present at the Monday evening meeting received recognition in All-Conference Women's Cross Country. Wood also qualified for the State Cross Country Meet.
Silas Brown reported on a recent trip made to the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis. Brown said that when the local chapter of Future Farmers of American started at the school he was the advisor, president, vice-president, treasurer and did everything. Brown commended the students and chapter members who have taken over these duties allowing him to be FFA Advisor. For students who attended the national convention it was an unforgettable experience, expanding their knowledge in agriculture and furthering their interest in leadership.
Lorrie Ross, Preventionist for Mountain Projects, gave a report to the board on the Positive Norms Campaign which is now underway. Ross said that she works in seven counties and mainly in the far western counties.
“What we're used to seeing on national media right now is negative stuff,” Ross said.
Ross brought a different message about youth before the board and showed results from surveys that will contribute to the campaign. Ross said that 90 percent of youth in western North Carolina do not vape, non-use is the norm and not the exception, and that 90 percent of youths in western North Carolina do not use alcohol.
Mountain Project's campaign ads challenge the misconception that “all kids” are at increased risk for substance abuse. Ross said that the ads were approved by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services after a year of development and refinement.
The board gave unanimous approval to purchase an activity bus which is handicapped accessible. The Thomas bus will be delivered in February; the cost approved was $168,740.
Superintendent Melissa Godfrey gave an update on Hayesville Intermediate School construction. “All the exterior framing is complete which is a huge step, the installation of the exterior sheathing will be completed this week, the caulking and flashing will continue, all areas of the building will be dried in this week.
“The roofing will be complete except for wall flashing, the interior door frames are being set, the interior framing continues, the plumbers are continuing with fixture installation, electricians are continuing with running conduit, the kitchen hood has been installed and is now ready for duct and electrical to be run to it, temporary windows are being installed and when that is complete temporary heat will be provided and that will allow them to begin masonry and brick,” Godfrey said.
A vote for the election of chair and vice-chair of the board was taken. Jason Shook retains the position of Chairman of the Board of Education and Josh Ashe was voted as Vice-Chair.
The next regular board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26.