May 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM - GREENEVILLE CITY REGULAR BOARD MEETING
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I. Call to Order
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II. Pledge to the Flag
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III. Recognition of Visitors
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IV. Special Recognition
Speaker(s):
Amanda Waddell, Richard Tipton, Aaron Flanary
Time:
(5 minutes)
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V. Public Comment Period
Time:
(20 Minutes)
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VI. Conflict of Interest Statement
Comments:
Chair to Board Members:
Chair to Board Members:
Chair to Board Secretary:
Time:
(5 Minutes)
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VII. Approval of Agenda
Time:
(5 Minutes)
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VIII. Consent Agenda
Time:
(5 minutes)
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VIII.A. Consideration of Approving Minutes of April 24, 2025, Board Meeting
Speaker(s):
Steve Starnes
Rationale:
Origin:
___ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation
___ Board of Education policy Other: __________________________________________
_X_ Action requested at this meeting
___ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date)
Previous Review/Action: _X_ No Previous board review/action ___ Previous review/action date: ________________
action: ________________________________________________ Background Information: In accordance with State law, the Board of Education must approve the minutes of the previous meeting of the Board. The draft of the minutes of the previous meeting shall be sent to all Board members with the agenda for the subsequent meeting.
Summary of Major Elements: Meeting minutes are attached for Board review. Following approval by the Board, the minutes shall be signed by the Board Chair and Director of Schools. The minutes will become permanent records of the Board and shall be made available to any interested party upon request.
Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: None Timetable for Further Review/Action:
None |
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VIII.B. Consideration of Accepting Personnel Report
Speaker(s):
Melissa Batson, Chief Human Resources Officer
Rationale:
Origin:
_X_ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) ___ Board review required by: ___ State or federal law or regulation
_X_ Board of Education policy
Other: __________________________________________
_X_ Action requested at this meeting
___ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date)
Previous Review/Action:
_X_ No Previous board review/action ___ Previous review/action date: ________________
action: ________________________________________________
Background Information: In a continuing effort to keep the Greeneville City Board of Education advised of personnel changes in the school system, a report is made monthly to the members. Board action is occasionally required for personnel related matters. Summary of Major Elements: The attached are changes in personnel since the April report to the Board.
Acceptance Impact on Resources: None Timetable for Further Review/Action: None |
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VIII.C. Consideration of Approving Board Policy Revisions (2nd Reading)
Speaker(s):
Steve Starnes, Richard Tipton, Dr. Jason Horne, Ellen Lipe, Melissa Batson, and Jeff Townsley
Attachments:
()
Rationale:
Origin:
___ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation
___ Board of Education policy
Other: __________________________________________
_X_ Action requested at this meeting
___ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date)
Previous Review/Action: ___ No Previous board review/action _X_ Previous review/action date: _04/24/2025________________________________________
action: _Approved on 1st Reading____________________________
Background Information: Per policy 1.600, at least biannually, the Board shall review its policy manual for the purpose of passing, revising, or deleting policies mandated by changing conditions. This routine review of district policies is done on an ongoing basis by central office administrative staff with the assistance of TSBA's policy maintenance service.
Summary of Major Elements: During Routine review, it was determined that the attached policies needed to either be updated to reflect the current language and practice, or reflect no changes.
Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: None Timetable for Further Review/Action: None |
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VIII.D. Consideration of Approving Board Policy Revisions - No Changes (1st Reading)
Speaker(s):
Steve Starnes, Ellen Lipe, Richard Tipton, Dr. Jason Horne, Melissa Batson, and Jeff Townsley
Attachments:
()
Rationale:
Origin:
___ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation
___ Board of Education policy
Other: __________________________________________
_X_ Action requested at this meeting___ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date)
Previous Review/Action: _X_ No Previous board review/action ___ Previous review/action date: ________________
action: ________________________________________________
Background Information: Per policy 1.600, at least biannually, the Board shall review its policy manual for the purpose of passing, revising, or deleting policies mandated by changing conditions. This routine review of district policies is done on an ongoing basis by central office administrative staff with the assistance of TSBA’s policy maintenance service. Summary of Major Elements: During routine review, it was determined that no changes were required in the attached policies. Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: None Timetable for Further Review/Action: 2nd reading at 06/26/2025 Board meeting |
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VIII.E. Consideration of Approving School Trip Request
Speaker(s):
Steve Starnes
Attachments:
()
Rationale:
Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: __ State or federal law or regulation _X_ Board of Education policy Other: __________________________________________ _X_ Action requested at this meeting __ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date) Previous Review/Action: _X_ No Previous board review/action __ Previous review/action date: ________________ action: ________________________________________________ Background Information: Board Policy 4.302 specifies that the Board must approve field trips that are both overnight and out-of-state. Additionally, approval is required when students must leave school early for participation in athletic events. Summary of Major Elements: The detailed trip request is attached. Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: None Timetable for Further Review/Action: None |
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VIII.F. Consideration of Approving 2025-2026 School Nutrition Budget
Speaker(s):
Ellen Lipe, CPA
Attachments:
()
Rationale:
Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation __ Board of Education policy Other: __________________________________________ _X_ Action requested at this meeting __ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date) Previous Review/Action: _X_ No Previous board review/action __ Previous review/action date: ________________ action: ________________________________________________ Background Information: The State of Tennessee requires approval of the School Nutrition Budget by the Board of Education. The financial position of the School Nutrition Program at GCS is very good. Summary of Major Elements:
Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: As presented in the attached budget Timetable for Further Review/Action: None |
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IX. Action Items
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IX.A. Consideration of Approving the Collaborative Conferencing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 2025 through 2028
Speaker(s):
Steve Starnes, Heather Boegemann
Attachments:
()
Rationale:
Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation __ Board of Education policy Other: __________________________________________ _X_ Action requested at this meeting __ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date) Previous Review/Action: _X_ No Previous board review/action __ Previous review/action date: ________________ action: ________________________________________________ Background Information: Collaborative Conferencing is the process by which representatives designated by professional employees and the management team meet to confer, consult, discuss and exchange information, opinions and proposals on matters relating to terms and conditions of professional service using the principles and techniques of interest-based collaborative problem-solving. This process was created by the Professional Educators Collaborative Conferencing Act of 2011("PECCA") and codified in TCA 49-5-601 through 49-5-609. Summary of Major Elements: The following items are eligible for discussion during Collaborative Conferencing: salaries or wages, grievance procedures, insurance, fringe benefits, leave, working conditions, except those working conditions prescribed by federal law, state law, private act, municipal charter or rules and regulations of the state board of education, the department of education or any other department or agency of state or local government, and payroll deductions, except such deductions for political activities. The two teams have engaged in Collaborative Conferencing and reached agreement on the items outlined in the provided MOU and wish to present this MOU to the Board for your approval. Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: N/A Timetable for Further Review/Action: The MOU would remain in effect from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028.
Time:
(5 Minutes)
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IX.B. Consideration of Approving Board Policy Revisions - 1st Reading
Speaker(s):
Steve Starnes, Richard Tipton, Dr. Jason Horne, Ellen Lipe, Melissa Batson, and Jeff Townsley
Attachments:
()
Rationale:
Origin:
___ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation
___ Board of Education policy
Other: __________________________________________
_X_ Action requested at this meeting___ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date)
Previous Review/Action: _X_ No Previous board review/action ___ Previous review/action date: ________________
action: ________________________________________________
Background Information: Per policy 1.600, at least biannually, the Board shall review its policy manual for the purpose of passing, revising, or deleting policies mandated by changing conditions. This routine review of district policies is done on an ongoing basis by central office administrative staff with the assistance of TSBA’s policy maintenance service. Summary of Major Elements: Revisions are recommended to the attached policies on 1st reading. Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: None Timetable for Further Review/Action: None
Time:
(5 minutes)
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IX.C. Consideration of Approval of the 2025-2026 General Purpose School Fund Budget
Speaker(s):
Ellen Lipe, CPA
Attachments:
()
Rationale:
Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation __ Board of Education policy Other: __________________________________________ _X_ Action requested at this meeting __ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date) Previous Review/Action: __ No Previous board review/action _X_ Previous review/action date: __04-29-2025; 05/06/2025______________ action: __GCS BOE Budget Workshops______________________________________________ Background Information: Greeneville City Board of Education approves a budget to be presented to the City Council each year. The 2025-2026 General Purpose Budget presented reflects the latest information available. The Budget is a culmination of a thorough and in-depth process. It reflects the Administration, Leadership Team, and the Board of Education’s best efforts to address the needs of Greeneville City Schools and meet State and Federal requirements. Summary of Major Elements: The 2025-2026 General Purpose School Fund Budget presented reflects total revenues, equity, and expenditures of $40,148,546. Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: As Presented Timetable for Further Review/Action: Budget Amendments as needed during Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Time:
(5 Minutes)
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IX.D. Consideration of Approving a Healthy Kids Program
Speaker(s):
Richard Tipton, Steve Starnes
Rationale:
Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation __ Board of Education policy Other: __________________________________________ _X_ Action requested at this meeting __ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date) Previous Review/Action: __ No Previous board review/action _X_ Previous review/action date: _3/25/2025_______________ action: ____Partnership overvi from Healthy Kids____________________________________________ Background Information: In today’s fast-paced world, many families in Greeneville, Tennessee, are navigating the challenges of balancing work, school, and family life. With a growing number of households in which both parents work full-time or are single-parent-led, the demand for reliable, affordable, and safe childcare outside of regular school hours has never been greater. Despite the strong commitment of Greeneville City Schools to academic excellence and student well-being, there remains a significant gap in accessible before and after-school care options for elementary-aged children. This gap leaves many families without a dependable solution for supervising their children during critical hours, often resulting in added stress, missed work, or reliance on less-than-ideal alternatives. Furthermore, unsupervised time before and after school can lead to missed opportunities for academic support, physical activity, and social development. The Healthy Kids program is designed to address this need directly by offering structured, enriching care both before and after the school day. This program helps working families manage their schedules more effectively and supports student success by providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can receive homework help, engage in physical activities, and participate in healthy, constructive programming. By implementing the Healthy Kids program in Greeneville City Schools, the district can better serve the community’s needs, reduce barriers for working parents, and foster a more supportive, inclusive environment for all students. Summary of Major Elements: The Healthy Kids program is designed to address this need directly by offering structured, enriching care both before and after the school day. This program helps working families manage their schedules more effectively and supports student success by providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can receive homework help, engage in physical activities, and participate in healthy, constructive programming. By implementing the Healthy Kids program in Greeneville City Schools, the district can better serve the community’s needs, reduce barriers for working parents, and foster a more supportive, inclusive environment for all students. The district would begin with a pilot of the Healthy Kids program at Tusculum View and East View elementary schools during the 2025-2026 school year. In April 2026, the program will be evaluated to determine whether the partnership meets the needs of our families and aligns with GCS expectations. The results of this assessment will guide the decision on whether to continue the partnership for the 2026-2027 school year. Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: There will be no financial or staffing impact on Greeneville City Schools. However, the program will require use of the cafeteria, gymnasium, and playground spaces before and after school. The financial cost for parents is still to be determined. Healthy Kids will review comparable pricing in the area before setting hourly rates for families. Timetable for Further Review/Action: None
Time:
(5 Minutes)
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IX.E. Consideration of Approving Purchase of Network Switches Using Category 2 E-Rate Funding
Speaker(s):
Chuck Broyles
Rationale:
Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation __ Board of Education policy Other: __________________________________________ _X_ Action requested at this meeting __ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date) Previous Review/Action: _X_ No Previous board review/action __ Previous review/action date: ________________ action: ________________________________________________ Background Information: Network switching devices are the backbone devices of the entire network. All network traffic (including data and phone signals) passes through multiple network switches as it travels out to the Internet and back. To keep up with ever-increasing demands, switching infrastructure must be maintained and refreshed. GCS has long partnered with Extreme Networks as our provider of choice for hard-wired switching infrastructure and wireless services. Our participation in the Federal E-Rate program has allowed us to maintain a current and stable internal network. The Federal E-Rate program, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), provides discounts to schools and libraries to make Internet access and telecommunications systems more affordable. Discount rates are based on the percentage of students eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), commonly referred to as our Free and Reduced Rate. The current GCS E-Rate discount percentage is 80% for the 2025 funding period. As we plan for upgrades and future expansions throughout the district, we recommend the purchase of 51 new switching devices to be distributed at all locations. These new switches will replace some aging equipment and, at the same time, provide us with much-needed capacity upgrades. Summary of Major Elements:
Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: Purchase is a planned and budgeted expenditure included in the 24-25 I.T. budget. Immediate
Time:
(5 Minutes)
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IX.F. Consideration of Approving Donation of Scrap School Bus
Speaker(s):
Jason Horne, Phillip Graham
Attachments:
()
Rationale:
Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation __ Board of Education policy Other: __________________________________________ _X_ Action requested at this meeting __ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date) Previous Review/Action: _X_ No Previous board review/action __ Previous review/action date: ________________ action: ________________________________________________ Background Information: Bus G-13 can no longer be used for student transportation and all usable parts have been removed from this bus. This bus was removed from service due to the age and miles of the school bus. The electric school bus grant requires one diesel powered bus to be removed from service and completely disabled by boring a hole in the engine and cutting the frame rendering the bus as scrap. Due to the fact that this bus could no longer be used for student transportation it only made sense to destroy G-13 for the grant. The Emergency Rescue Squad has requested to use it for training purposes. This training will allow first responders to be better equipped to serve the students of Greeneville and Greene County. The approximate scrap value of the bus is $864.00 minus the tow bill to tow the bus from the garage to the scrap yard. If the bus is donated to the Emergency Rescue Squad, they will tow the bus. Vin # 1BABNCKA17F242329 Model Year 2007 Summary of Major Elements: X Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: X Timetable for Further Review/Action: None
Time:
(5 Minutes)
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IX.G. Consideration of Approving NPAC/GHS Concrete Replacement and Repairs
Speaker(s):
Jason Horne, Phillip Graham
Rationale:
Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation __ Board of Education policy Other: __________________________________________ _X_ Action requested at this meeting __ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date) Previous Review/Action: _X_ No Previous board review/action __ Previous review/action date: ________________ action: ________________________________________________ Background Information: Greeneville High School and the Niswonger Performing Arts Center have similar concrete plaza entrance ways. Although similar, both are experiencing very different problems that create safety and maintenance issues. Phillip Graham worked with Mr. John Fisher, local architect, and Hodgens Douglass Architect Firm to design a replacement surface to eliminate some ongoing maintenance issues associated with brick embedded in concrete and preserve the existing design's aesthetic look. Bids were advertised per State purchasing requirements to secure a qualified door service contractor that could complete this work. Summary of Major Elements: After posting this job twice, a single bid was submitted for this project.The sole bidder was World Concrete, $248,800.00. Both architects agree that World Concrete is capable of completing this project. Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: Capital Budget funds will be utilized. Timetable for Further Review/Action: None
Time:
(5 minutes)
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IX.H. Consideration of Approving Purchasing Fencing for the New Bus Garage at the Greene Technology Center
Speaker(s):
Jason Horne, Phillip Graham
Rationale:
Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation __ Board of Education policy Other: __________________________________________ _X_ Action requested at this meeting __ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date) Previous Review/Action: _X_ No Previous board review/action __ Previous review/action date: ________________ action: ________________________________________________ Background Information: Moving the school buses to the Greene Technology Center will require fencing to be installed around the area where the buses will be parked and replacing the fencing in the courtyard area. Along with fencing, two vehicle gates and openers are to be provided. Summary of Major Elements: Bids were advertised, and two bids were submitted for the project. Kings Development Group LLC $62,500 McCall Commercial Fencing 38,642 The low bid from McCall Fencing is recommended for approval. Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: Safety funds will be utilized. Timetable for Further Review/Action: None
Time:
(5 Minutes)
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IX.I. Consideration of Approving Insurance Coverage for 2025-2026
Speaker(s):
Jason Horne
Rationale:
Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required) _X_ Board review required by: _X_ State or federal law or regulation __ Board of Education policy Other: __________________________________________ _X_ Action requested at this meeting __ Action requested at future meeting: _______________ (date) Previous Review/Action: _X_ No Previous board review/action __ Previous review/action date: ________________ action: ________________________________________________ Background Information: The district consistently relies upon adequate and appropriate insurance coverage to protect district assets and human resources. Continuous analysis is critical to ensure that neither gaps nor overlaps exist in district policies. Summary of Major Elements: The GCS District is a member of the PEPartners. PEPartners is a voluntary, cooperative organization established by the cities and towns of the state for mutual assistance and improvement. The PEPartners is focused on helping provide high-quality risk management services for municipalities and school districts. Our local broker for PEPartners is the McInturff, Milligan, & Brooks group located in Greeneville, Tennessee. GCS has a long-standing relationship with this firm, and the group continues to provide exemplary customer service and support to the district. The firm also worked with Tennessee Risk Management to secure a quotation for insurance services. The supporting documentation provides details regarding quotations, policies, and overall coverage. The recommended insurance company for the 2025-2026 year is PEPartners. The following table depicts the costs for property, general liability, and workers' compensation coverage for both GCS and GTC. Director of Schools' Recommendation: Approval Impact on Resources: The total annual financial impact of property, general liability, and workers’ compensation insurance related to the district, which now includes GTC, is $469,475. Timetable for Further Review/Action: Immediate
Time:
(5 Minutes)
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X. Director's Report
Time:
(5 minutes)
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XI. Legislative Update
Speaker(s):
Pam Botta
Time:
(5 Minutes)
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XII. Adjournment
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London Harricharan - Restaurant Services (GHS Senior) - Culinary Arts
Maddox Smith - CNC 2-Axis Turning (GHS Junior) - Machine Tool Technology (MTT)
Sylas Thadathil - Industrial Motor Control (TOPS Freshman) - Industrial Maintenance or Electrical
2nd place (Silver) winners:
Cohen Bruce - CNC Programmer (GHS Junior) - MTT
Sam Prowse - CNC 5-Axis Milling Programmer (GHS Senior) - MTT
Levi Wirt - electrical Construction Wiring (Homeschool Senior) - Electrical
3rd place (Bronze) winners:
Gabe Smith - Culinary Arts (GHS Senior) - Culinary Arts
Lucas Bennett - CNC 3-axis Milling Programmer (GHS Sophomore) - MTT