By Marcia Barnes
Staff Writer
Clay County Schools Board of Education meeting room had no vacant seats at Monday night’s meeting on April 22. It was good news to anxious parents and teachers when the board voted and approved to keep the Clay County Schools Daycare open.
Superintendent Melissa Godfrey reiterated the facts and numbers she had previously presented at the regular school board meeting in March. That report listed the educational benefits and practical and policy issues as well as costs.
The numbers for twelve months of operation for 5 Star Market Rate daycare are at $1,165 per month for a one-year old and $983 for a two-year old. The daycare operating with a 4 Star Market Rate cost for a one-year old would be $991 per month and $833 for a two-year old.
Godfrey said that there would be a cost to have a 5-Star rating which the daycare does not currently have and other concerns were space and operating under a joint license. Godfrey also had a concern about closing the daycare and losing seven employee positions.
The issue of space for the daycare is based on space needed for Hayesville Primary School should a larger number of kindergarten age children enroll at a later date. Eighty children are currently registered to attend kindergarten in August. The daycare has 31 children and can take up to 36.
Godfrey brought new information to the board meeting saying that operating under a 4 Star Rating would be a little bit cheaper and explained that out of a $10,000 overage, those funds would be used to cover the cost of paying substitutes.
“We are looking at about $100 a day, give or take, for a substitute per day,” Godfrey said.
Chairman Jason Shook said that with Carolina Christian Academy closing their daycare in May, it creates a bigger need and a bigger service. Shook said, “But I think if we can fill it and have 4 Star rating fees and break even, it doesn’t have to be a money-maker.”
Shook asked the board for any questions or comments and said that he was in favor of keeping the daycare open.
Board Member Kelly Crawford said that she didn’t want to see another Southwestern situation. “That would be detrimental,” Crawford said. Prior to Hayesville schools operating the daycare, Southwestern had been operating it, but announced closing with a short notice.
Board Member Reba Beck made the motion “to keep it open if we can.”
Her motion received a second from Crawford and the board approved keeping the doors of the daycare open.
The announcement made by Principal Stacey Overlin on Hayesville High School receiving a high mark in accreditation was applauded.
“We were above the network average in every category,” Overlin said. “We don’t have the official accreditation yet, 300 is needed, Hayesville High School had 314 without any further conditions.
“The network average was 215. All Hayesville High School teachers are rock stars,” Overlin said.
In addition to this good news, ACT scores were up, 18.5 from last year’s 17.6. Prior to the ACT examination students had attended ACT Boot Camp. Five high school students scored 24 and above and the first-ever breakfast for the juniors was held with 14 community members and hosted at Mountain Harbour Grill.
Part II of the Parent Bill of Rights was reported by Godfrey. The 12 Parents Bill of Rights which come from the N.C. State Legislature can be reviewed online when you go to the Clay County Schools webpage and to resources for parents.
Funds for Hayesville Elementary School Media Center window replacement were approved and awarded to Sweetwater Land and Home Services; the Hayesville High School Gym Flooring project was approved and awarded to Appalachian Flooring.
The next regular board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, May 20.