July 19, 2022 at 5:30 PM - Bedford County Board of Education

Discussion:  Chairman Michael Cook called the meeting to order, followed by a moment of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance lead by XXX who are students at XXX School.

Discussion: 

Mr. Cook gave opening remarks, "I speak on behalf of myself. I’m not speaking for any other board member, but I would like to say that this board member appreciates our teachers.  And I appreciate everything that our staff does.  There are countless hours that go into planning, that go into the education of kids that are well above and beyond the seven in the morning to four in the afternoon.  And some of the smartest people I have ever met are teachers.  Educators have had an influence on my life.  Once again, I’ll say I can’t speak for everybody, but I believe the board members feel the same way.  That we value the teachers, we value our principals, we value our staff, we value the people that change light bulbs, we value everybody.  And we can’t thank them enough for the job they do day in and day out.  And a sincere thank you from this board member."  All other board members expressed agreement.      

Discussion: 

Tim Harwell presented certificates to the Shelbyville Central High School Boys Soccer Team.  They were unbeaten in district play, achieved the first ever region title, went to sub-state and then to the state tournament.  They were the first soccer team in Bedford County ever to go to the state tournament.  The team members that were present were Seniors, Brian Contreras, Gabriel Hernandez, Daniel Juarez, Edgar Solis, Gami Vazquez and Juniors Brandon Cruz, Jonathan Rojas, and Ryan Tacuba.

Discussion: 

Dr. Garrett presented Tina Corley with a proclamation for her work to help teachers with classroom supplies on the Facebook Adopt-a-Teacher campaign that she started in June 2020.  Ms. Corley spoke about how the campaign is doing across the county, the state and across the nation.  Local businesses are donating and have lots of giveaways to go.  Newell donated $25,000 and all teachers in Bedford County including Webb and Victory Baptist will get something from that donation.  Hardees is donating 840 biscuits to feed the teachers.  Hardees marketing team, for the whole country, is sending Nash Icon 95.5 on Thursday to the local Hardees as a fundraiser.  Newton Nissan will be gifting 17 teachers with their Amazon wish list.  She thanked Dan Reed and New Vision for their support to the campaign. 

Discussion: 

John Boutwell gave a presentation on Per Pupil Spending for Bedford County.  He showed a PowerPoint presentation.  His research was done for local and state spending for the years 2009 through 2023.  His research shows that Bedford County is at the bottom for Total Measure of Underfunding from an article that was published in 2018.  Mr. Boutwell explained that "Capacity determines the amount of money a county should spend per student."  He stated "out of 141 school districts Bedford County is in the bottom 2% of per pupil spending.  Out of 141 school districts on the report we are 3^rd from the bottom."  He went on to say "when I apply capacity to that we are dead last."  Glenn Forsee asked about capacity.  Mr. Boutwell clarified that "Capacity is what the state says we have the ability to raise X number of dollars per student.  It doesn’t mean that we are doing it but we have the capacity."  Bedford County is in the South Central District.  Every county except for Lawrence and Bedford County give more than the state says they have capacity.  Mr. Boutwell explained that this is 2020 data, it’s the latest data that the state has on the website.  He went on to explain about TISA (Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement) and how Tennessee invests in public education.  There will be a base funding amount for every student with additional funding to address individual needs such as, low-income, a disability, gifted or live in a sparse community.  Also, there are outcome incentives base on student achievement.  Bedford County is projected to spend $9,468 per student in fiscal year 2024.  This is an increase of $1,204 per student over fiscal year 2020.             
 

Discussion: 

Was on the agenda last month.  TSBA said we needed to change K-3 to K-12.

Discussion: 

Changed the percentage from 25 to 20 and added the methodology (cube root methodology).  

Discussion: 

Updated to take out the line containing Southern Region School Boards Association and the National School Boards Association. 

Discussion: 

Added another personal day.  Professional employees now have 2 days personal leave and 1 day professional leave. 

Discussion: 

Regular CTE grant. 

Discussion: 

Recommended to go with TNTP as the lowest bidder.

Discussion:  Approved with a 9-0 vote.

Discussion: 

Robert Daniel reported that the tax analysis will have to be deferred to next month because he has not received what they need from the state.

Discussion: 

Summer Law Conference is in Gatlinburg this weekend.  The next board meeting will be August 18^th at 6:00 pm.  Technology Surplus declared.

Discussion:  Declared under Executive Committee Report

Discussion: 

Dr. Garrett stated that Inservice starts on Monday the 25^th.  The BCS kickoff will be on Tuesday the 26^th at the SCHS gym.  Students return to school on August 1^st abbreviated day and August 2^nd is a full day.  Dr. Garrett says she is extremely concerned about growth at Cascade and Central High School.  We will need 2 more kindergarten teachers and possibly looking at portables for Cascade Elementary.  There is a need for additional ESL teachers at Central.  Mr. Cook stated that we need to get the elementary school going.
Glenn Forsee asked how many teachers are we short.  Neil Watson answered around 25 and that number fluctuates. 
Brian Crews mentioned the Back-to-school Bash happening at Harris Middle School on July 30th. 
Dr. Garrett brought up that the anonymous donor that gave money for Kindercamp and she said that Cooper Steel has paid for the rest of the schools to have Kindercamp.
Dr. Garrett asked that everyone remember the family and the school for the loss of the senior student this week.  Mr. Cook asked to remember the Sudduth family also.

Discussion: 

Glenn Forsee would like that taking the money for the bus and putting it in the bus drivers salaries be on next month’s agenda.

Discussion: 

Nicole Cashion moved to adjourn the meeting at approximately 6:48.