Macon County Board of Education Swears in Members, Elect Leadership

The Macon County Board of Education swore in the members who won re-election this past November into office today. Shawna Thun Lamb, the Macon County Clerk of Superior Court, administered the oath of office. Photos of the ceremony are posted below, and a video of the ceremony will be added later today. A video of the full meeting will be published later this week. Macon Media (Bobby) and The Franklin Press (Thomas) were covering the meeting for their respective news outlets.

Jim Breedlove took the oath of office with his wife and grandchildren. Later, on nomination by Melissa Evans, he was re-elected as Chairman of the Board.

Melissa Evans took the oath of office with her husband and children present. Later, on the nominations of HIlary Wilkes, she was re-elected as Vice-Chairwoman of the Board.

Hilary Wilkes took the oath of office with her husband and children present.

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Macon County Board of Education October 2024 Regular Meeting

The Macon County Board of Education will be meeting tonight at 6pm at South Macon Elementary School, located at 855 Addington Bridge Road, Franklin, NC 28734. Macon Media cannot be there tonight because of an observing opportunity of Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS), so the video feed from the school system has been embedded below.

Macon County Board of Education (October 2024) | Macon County Schools




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Published at 5:12pm on Monday, October 14, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins

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Macon County Board of Education Approves Resolution in Support of Quarter CentLocal Option Sales Tax Referendum

On Monday night, the Macon County Board of Education voted to approve a resolution in support of the Quarter Cent Local Option Sales Tax Referendum that will be on the ballot this November. A previous attempt in November 2022 failed with 8,295 (54.85%) voting against and 6,829 (45.15%) voting in favor. A video of the segment of the meeting where board members discuss the resolution is posted below and a copy of the resolution is below that.

Schoolboard discusses Sales Tax Referendum

News Outlet Rollcall
(news outlets with representatives present at the meeting)

Macon Media - Bobby
Franklin Press - Thomas
Highlands Newspaper - Kristin

MACON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING APPROVAL OF THE ONE-QUARTER CENT LOCAL OPTION SALES AND USE TAX REFERENDUM

WHEREAS, it is the mission of the Macon County Board of Education to inspire and empower students to meet high academic standards, demonstrate responsible citizenship, and prepare for and lead successful, fulfilling, and ethical lives;

WHEREAS, in order to succeed in this mission, Macon County Schools depends heavily on the support of the Macon County Board of Commissioners, our families, school staff, and the broader community for assistance of all kinds, including conveyance of our shared values, support for academic endeavors and athletic excellence, and the financial resources necessary to move the academic program forward;

WHEREAS, at its regular meeting on March 12, 2024, the Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a “Resolution Calling a Special Advisory Referendum for the Levy of a One-Quarter Cent County Sales and Use Tax,” pursuant to Chapter 105, Article 46 of the North Carolina General Statutes;

WHEREAS, pursuant to State law, Article 46 tax revenues must be used, among other things for supporting public education; and

WHEREAS, like all public school systems, Macon County Schools faces unprecedented challenges to its funding, with the sunsetting of ESSER funds provided to school systems in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the fact that state funds provided by the General Assembly have not kept pace with increasing operational costs of Macon County Schools, including rising expenses for good, services, and employees that cannot be further cut without serious detriment to the educational program;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Macon County Board of Education that the Board endorses and supports, in the strongest terms possible, passage of the Article 46 local option onequarter cent sales and use tax, and encourages all qualified voters of Macon County to vote “FOR” the referendum in the upcoming general election.

Adopted this 30" day of September, 2024, at a regular meeting of the Macon County Board of Education, upon motion made by Board Member Diedre Breeden, seconded by Board Member Stephanie Laseter, and approved by a vote 5 in favor and 0 against.

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Weekend Weather Briefing for Saturday, September 07, 2024

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National News

Here is the news and weather briefing for Macon County.

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GENERAL OUTLOOK

A cold front will move southeast across the region today, but with little moisture. Dry and cool high pressure will build in behind the front Sunday and control our weather through the middle of next week. Our next rain chance will be late in the week.

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School Board - Emergency Meeting (09-06-2024) | Macon Media



Two motions were passed at this emergency meeting of the Macon County Board of Education Friday morning.

Motion #1--Highlands School Project
An additional $825,000 for fuel tank removal and mitigation.

Motion #2--Macon Middle School Track Project.
An additional $120,000 for a more solid foundation to keep warranty on track. If improvements are nor made, warranty is void.

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Weather Sponsor

The weather is being sponsored by John deVille, a candidate for the Macon County Board of Education.

To learn more about his campaign, to donate, or volunteer, visit johndeville.com

Day Sponsor


This space available

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Local Weather

General Forecast Through Monday Night

Franklin Area

Today

Isolated showers in the late afternoon. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with highs near 80. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. The chance of rain is 20%.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with lows around 50. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph becoming calm before midnight.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the upper 70s. Calm winds.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around 50. Calm winds.

Monday

Sunny, with highs in the lower 80s. Calm winds.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the low-to-mid 50s.

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Highlands Plateau

Today

Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with highs in the low-to-mid 70s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with lows around 50. Winds out of the north 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Sunny, with highs in the upper 60s. Light and variable winds.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around 50. Calm winds.

Monday

Sunny, with highs in the lower 70s. Light and variable winds.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around 50.

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Otto and South Central Macon County

Today

Isolated showers in the late afternoon. Patchy fog before midmorning. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with highs near 80. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. The chance of rain is 20%.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with lows around 50. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with highs in the mid 70s. Calm winds.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around 50. Calm winds.

Monday

Sunny, with highs near 80. Calm winds.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the low-to-mid 50s.

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Nantahala Area



Today

Patchy fog between 7am and 9am. Otherwise, cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with highs near 70. Calm winds in the morning increasing to come out of the north around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-to-upper 40s. Winds out of the northwest around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Sunday

Sunny, with highs near 70. Calm winds.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with lows in the upper 40s. Calm winds.

Monday

Sunny, with highs in the mid 70s. Calm winds.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with lows around 50.

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Hazards



Hazardous weather is not expected today or tonight.

Tropical Update

Tropical Weather Outlook
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL
200 AM EDT Sat Sep 7 2024

For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:

1. Southwestern Gulf of Mexico:
A tropical wave over the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Guatemala, southeastern Mexico, and the adjacent waters of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The wave is expected to move over the Bay of Campeche later today, and an area of low pressure is forecast to develop while interacting with a frontal boundary. Environmental conditions are forecast to be conducive for development, and a tropical depression could form during the early or middle part of next week while the system moves slowly northwestward over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...medium...40 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...medium...60 percent.

2. Eastern and Central Tropical Atlantic:
An elongated trough of low pressure over the eastern and central tropical Atlantic is producing a broad area of shower and thunderstorm activity. A more well-defined area of low pressure may form within this region during the next few days. Some slow development of this system is possible while the disturbance meanders through the early part of next week, then begins to move west-northwestward across the central tropical Atlantic during the middle to latter part of next week.

* Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...low...30 percent.

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Pollen

The pollen forecast is unavailable due to IT issues being suffered by the provider.

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Record Weather Events for September 7th

Record weather events for this date in Macon County
(1872-2016)

Highest Temperature 97°F in Highlands in 1925
Lowest Temperature 38°F in in Highlands in 2017
Greatest Rainfall 3.66 inches in Highlands in 1938
Greatest Snowfall (no measurable snowfall has been recorded on this date since records started being kept in 1872)


Weather Extremes for Macon County in September
Data available from 1872

Highest Temperature 98°F in Frsnklin on 09-04-1975
Lowest Temperature 27°F in Franklin on 09-30-1967
Greatest Rainfall 11.87 inches in Highlands on09-29-1964
Greatest Snowfall snowfall has not been recorded during August in Macon County)

Record Weather Events for September 7th in North Carolina

Highest Temperature 105°F in Albemarle, Stanly County in 1925
Lowest Temperature 30°F in Oconaluftee, Swain County in 1997
Greatest One-Day Rain 7.58 inches in Washington, Beaufort County in 1947
Greatest One-Day Snowfall (no snowfall has been recorded on this date since 1872)

Weather Extremes for North Carolina in September Data available from 1872

Highest Temperature 108°F in Belhaven, Beaufort County on 09-25-1921
Lowest Temperature 23°F in Marion, McDowell County on 09-28-2000
Greatest Rainfall 21.00 inches in Wilmington, New Hanover County on 09-17-2018
Greatest Snowfall (no snowfall has been recorded during August in the state)

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Macon Calendar
(send your event to calendar@maconmedia.com)

Music Lineup for Friends of the Greenway, Inc.

Frog Quarters Music Schedule (located at 573 East Main Street in Franklin)

September 2024 Schedule

9-7-24—The Shifty Sisters—From heartfelt to irreverent, these ladies offer up all types of music to the crowd. You’ll hear covers and originals both. It’s been a while, but we’re glad to have the trio back to The Frog. Blues, ballads & more.

For other Music and News follow us on Facebook at Friends of the Greenway, Inc. and Instagram at friends_of_the_greenway_inc. To find out more about the Greenway and our organization, our website is: littletennessee.org.

Frog Quarters is open 9a to 2p, Wednesdays thru Saturdays—beside the River Bridge. We are the Non-Profit supporting the Greenway with monies from sales from our Coffee & Gift Shop, Memberships and Donations. As always, thank you for your support!



Mountain Findings
432 Spruce Street (physical)
Highlands, North Carolina 28741
Web: MountainFindings.org

Mountain Findings (a thrift store) is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm until October 2023.

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Support Macon Media

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!


Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia


Published at 5:00am on Saturday, September 07, 2024
Author: Bobby Coggins


Resources used to compile the information in this article include, but are not limited to the following websites or books: MaconMedia.com, youtube.com, weather.gov, airnow.gov, wikipedia.com, onthisday.com, ncdcr.gov, ncsu.edu, utah.edu, https://www.microbe.tv/twiv/, wolfram.com, biorxiv.org, aps.org, nejm.org, plos.org, cell.com, researchsquare.com, cureus.com, spc.noaa.gov, nhc.noaa.gov, ncdenr.org, medrxiv.org, archive.org, ncpedia.org, nasa.gov, https://ww2days.com, nih.gov, carolinapublicpress.org, microbe.tv, smokymountainnews.com, psypost.org, blogspot.com, pollen.com, franklinnc.com, maconnc.org, spaceweather.com, solarham.com, loc.gov, ncleg.net, senate.gov, house.gov, whitehouse.gov, drudgereport.com, politico.com, realclearpolitics.com, ushmm.org, This Day in North Carolina History, World War II Day By Day, The Holocaust Encyclopedia, The Timetables of History, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The World History and Book of Facts (multiple years), On This Day In History: Over 4,000 facts, The NASA Archives. 60 Years in Space, This Day in North Carolina History, The Smithsonian History of Space Exploration: From the Ancient World to the Extraterrestrial Future, Spaceflight, 2nd Edition: The Complete Story from Sputnik to Curiousity, The Story of Civilization (11 volumes), The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, American History, Volume 1: 1492-1877, American History, Volume 2: 1877 - Present, A Complete Chronolgy of the Second World War. Weather and Almanac data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, National Hurricane Center, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, University of Utah Department of Atmospheric Sciences, and the Weather Prediction Center. 

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Macon County Board of Education - June 2024 Regular Meeting

The Macon County Board of Education is meeting tonight at the Central Offices. Due to the Presidential Debate starting at 9pm, Macon Media will not be attending this meeting. The meeting will be streamed live in a player below. Below the video player is a copy of the premeeting agenda sent out to the media.

Video Player





Board of Education - Jun 27 2024
Meeting Agenda
Macon County Schools Administrative Offices
Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 6:00 PM

A. Call to Order
Board Chair Jim Breedlove

B. Welcome
Board Chair Jim Breedlove

C. Moment of Silence
Board Chair Jim Breedlove

D. Pledge of Allegiance
Board Chair Jim Breedlove

E. Approval of Minutes
1. Regular Scheduled Meeting - May 20, 2024
2. Special Called Joint Meeting- May 28, 2024

F. Approval of Agenda

G. Spotlight on People and Programs

1. NCHSAA Heart of a Champion Award-
Hope Smith & Elijah Cochran
2. Youth Community Service and Leadership Grant Award- Betsy Baste
3. Outdoor Classroom & Clubs- Jennifer Love

H. Public Comment

I. Overnight/Out-of-District Trip Requests
1. Franklin High School Cheerleading to Pigeon Forge, TN, July 12-14, 2024
2. Franklin High School Cheerleading to Concord, NC, July 28- August 1, 2024

J. Fundraising Requests

1. Franklin High School Men's Soccer- Blair King
2. Franklin High School Wrestling- Blair King
3. Iotla Valley Elementary PTO- Michelle Bell
4. Iotla Valley Elementary School- Michelle Bell
5. Macon Early College Yearbook- Caleb Parham
6. South Macon Elementary School- Allison Guynn

K. Policy

1. 2024-2025 Career & Technical Education Grant- Colleen Strickland
2. WNC Driving School Contract- Todd Gibbs
3. 2024-2025 Iotla Valley Student Handbook- Michelle Bell
4. School Nutrition Bids- US Foods, August Produce, PET Dairy, Correction Enterprises & Peach State Fire- David Lightner
5. NCHSAA ADM Update- Todd Gibbs/Mickey Noe
6. Part-Time Occupational Therapy Contract- Brooke Keener
7. Exceptional Children's Data Manager Contract- Brooke Keener
8. Just for Kids Physical Therapy Contract- Brooke Keener
9. Psychologist Internships- Brooke Keener
10. UNC School of Medicine MOU- Brooke Keener
11. Board Policy 5008- Automated Phone and Text Messaging- 2nd Reading- John Henning
12. Board Policy 5022- Registered Sex Offenders- 2nd Reading- John Henning
13. Board Policy 5028/6130/7267- Automated External Defibrillator- 2nd Reading- John Henning
14. Board Policy 5030- Community Use of Facilities- 2nd Reading- John Henning
15. Board Policy 5040- News Media Relations- 2nd Reading- John Henning
16. Board Policy 5070/7350- Public Records-Retention, Release and Disposition- 2nd Reading- John Henning
17. Board Policy 5071/7351- Electronically Stored Information Retention- 2nd Reading- John Henning
18. Board Policy 5210- Distribution and Display of Non-School Material- 2nd Reading- John Henning
19. Board Policy 5220- Collections and Solicitations- 2nd Reading- John Henning
20. Board Policy 5240- Advertising in the Schools- 2nd Reading- John Henning

L. Curriculum and Instruction

M. Building and Grounds

1. Earth Environmental Services - Todd Gibbs
2. Senior Citizen Center Activity Bus Use Request- Todd Gibbs
3. Middle School Track Update- Todd Gibbs
4. Franklin High School Updates- Todd Gibbs
5. MOU Updates- John Henning

N. Business and Finance

1. Highlands Fund Redistribution- Alayna Ledford
2. Final Budget Amendments- Alayna Ledford
3. Continuing Budget Resolution- Alayna Ledford
4. Budget Updates- Alayna Ledford/Josh Lynch

O. Board of Education Information

1. Liaison Report- Diedre Breeden & Hilary Wilkes



P. Superintendent Information 1. Legislative Updates- Josh Lynch
2. Strategic Planning Update- Josh Lynch
3. Coming Events- Josh Lynch

Q. Closed Session
G.S. 143-318.11(a)(1) To prevent the disclosure of privileged or confidential personnel information pursuant to G.S. 115C-319 through 321, and student matters pursuant to G.S. 115C-402 and 20 USC 1232g (FERPA) as well as 143-318.11.(a)(3) To consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged.

R. Personnel Report S. Adjournment

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Macon County Board of Education January 2024 Regular Meeting

The Macon County Board of Education will be meeting at Iotla Valley Elementary School on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 6pm..

Webcast of Meeting

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DAY SPONSOR

Young Tree Service is sponsoring Macon Media for today.

They provide complete tree care, are licensed and insured. Specializing in low ground impact. Danger tree removal. Crane Service, Pruning, Views, 24 hr emergency service. Call 828-421-0967 for more information.

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 MEETING AGENDA
 Iotla Valley Elementary School
 January 22, 2024
 6:00 p.m.


 Call to Order – Board Chair Jim Breedlove
 Welcome – Board Chair- Board Chair Jim Breedlove
 Moment of Silence – Board Chair Jim Breedlove
 Pledge of Allegiance- Board Chair Jim Breedlove
 Approval of Minutes
  • Regular Scheduled Meeting- December 11, 2023
  • Special Called Meeting- December 21, 2023
 Adoption of Agenda


 I. Spotlight on People and Programs
  • Recognitions
   o Iotla Valley Elementary Teacher of the Year
   o Iotla Valley Elementary Support Person of the Year
   o Franklin High School Band Recognition-Carnegie Hall
   o Macon County Sheriff’s Office
   o Macon County Schools

  • Presentations
   o Iotla Valley Elementary Student Lighthouse Team
   o Big Brothers/Big Sisters- Danielle Hernandez


 II. Public Comment


 III. Informational Items
   o Overnight/Out-of-District Trip Requests
   o Fundraising Requests


 IV. Policy
  • E-Sports Update.....................Colleen Strickland
  • 2000 Series Policies for First Reading.............John Henning
   2400 - Board Policies
   2410 - Policy Development
   2420 - Adoption of Policies (Repeal)
   2430 - Dissemination and Preservation of Policies
   2440 - Policy Review and Evaluation (Repeal)
   2450 - Suspension of Board Policies (Repeal)
   2500 - Hearings Before the Board
   2600 - Consultants to the Board
  • Naloxone Policy for First Reading...............John Henning
    5120/6126/7268 – Emergency Use of Naloxone
  • Fundraising Policy for Second Reading.............John Henning
   8600 – Fundraising by Affiliated Organizations and Students

 V. Curriculum and Instruction
  • 2024-2025 Macon County Schools Calendar..............Tim Burrell

 VI. Building and Grounds
  • Nantahala Wastewater Updates.................Todd Gibbs
  • Macon Middle School Track Updates.............Todd Gibbs
  • East Franklin Gymnasium Update.................Todd Gibbs
  • Highlands Biological Foundation Bus Use Request.........Todd Gibbs

 VII. Business and Finance
  • FHS Fund Redistribution.....................Angie Cook
  • 2023-2024 Budget Resolution..................Angie Cook
  • Audit Contract for FY 2024....................Angie Cook
  • Change in Mileage Rate.....................Angie Cook
  • Bus Driver Pay.........................Angie Cook
  • 2024 Budget Work Session...................Angie Cook

 VIII. Board of Education Information
  • 2024 Board of Education Meeting Schedule............Jim Breedlove
  • Liaison Report.......................Jim Breedlove
  • 2024 Board Retreat.....................Jim Breedlove

 IX. Superintendent Information
  • Coming Events.......................Mr. Josh Lynch

 X. Closed Session
  • 143-318.11(a)(1) To prevent the disclosure of privileged or confidential personnel
   information pursuant to G.S. 115C-319 -321 and student matters pursuant to G.S. 115C-402 and 20 USC 1232g (FERPA) as well as 143-318.11.(a)(3)
   To consult with an attorney employed or retained by the public body in order to preserve the attorney client privilege between the attorney and the public body, which privilege is hereby acknowledged
   Return to Open Session

 XI. Personnel Report

 XII. Adjournment

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Support Macon Media

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month. Those who support Macon Media with at least a dollar a month receive early access to video of some events and meetings before they are made public on the website. Videos and news involving public safety are not subject to early access.



Become a Patron!


Or, if you prefer Pay Pal, try PayPal.me/MaconMedia


Published at 12:00pm on Saturday, January 20, 2023
Author: Bobby Coggins

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