By Marcia Barnes
Staff Writer
Despite setbacks caused by weather and underground findings which required removal, the new Hayesville Intermediate School began a vertical appearance in April. Superintendent Melissa Godfrey reported that in April, fill dirt and grading operations continued, under slab plumbing in the kitchen area was completed and the electrical work ongoing as the walls go up.
“The planned work for the rest of the month and May will include installing Sewer Line A, starting on a retaining wall, installing the plumbing in Area A and B and continuing with fill dirt,” Godfrey said. She added that although there have been some rainy day setbacks work is going forward and will continue on the stairs, elevator shaft and a building slab.
Shelley Hollingsworth, Chief Financial Officer presented the 2024/2025 school year budget amendments to the board. The Federal Grants Fund revised budget amount is $1,216,157.92 Fifteen line item expenditures include Regular Instructional Services, $163,596.87; Alternative Programs Services, $573,565.27 and Special Populations Services, $414,813.86.
The State Public School Fund revised budget amount is $13,950,061.17. The amended $359,151.00 in the state fund reflects costs of Non-Instruction Support; Longevity, Annual Leave, Bonus Leave Payouts and Short Term Disability (Guaranteed Allotment); Paid Parental Leave Sub Expense; Driver Training; Children with Special Needs; School Safety Grant and Transportation.
The total county appropriation request of $2,370,405.00 was presented to Clay County Board of Commissioners in April by Superintendent Godfery. A report on the budget and meeting was published in the Clay County Progress on April 24 and the commissioners are reviewing the request.
The board approved the budget amendments in the Capital Outlay Fund which included $367,966.00 to replace the Hayesville High School Gym Chiller/Air Handler. The work is a summer project and will be supplied by W.E. Bolton of Asheville, N.C.
SkillsUSA recognition was given to two students who received state-wide awards. Recognition was given to Jacob Wood who took a third-place award and to Aaron Youngblood who received a first-place award. Stacey Overlin, Hayesville High School Principal said that their achievements were significant in the state.
Revonda Palmer, Career and Technology Director introduced six students who recently completed successful internships with local companies and entities: Jesus Martinez, Clay County Schools Maintenance Department; Norashae Patterson, Clay County Progress; E. J. Abrams, Jackie Jones Ford; Kayla Brown, Hometown Healthcare; Leah Thomas, Lake Chatuge Animal Hospital and Michael Calandrea, Clay County Chamber of Commerce.
The next regular board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, May 19.