August 18, 2022 at 6:00 PM - Bedford County Board of Education

Ms. Garrette acknowledged State Representative Pat Marsh who made a generous donation of $14,000 to Bedford County Schools.  She thanked Dunkin Donuts and Chilis for providing breakfast and lunch for the ASIST training.  She congratulated 21 seniors from across the district for representing our three high schools and Webb school in the 2022-2023 Class of Youth Leadership Bedford.  Ms. Garrette spoke about the new program Project Basic, a Social Emotional Learning curriculum.  And she also mentioned that work is underway to assemble the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council with 20 students representing all schools of grades 7-12.

Mr. Cook thanked Cooper Steel for donating to the Back-to-School Bash.  Ms. Garrette added that Cooper Steel is a huge supporter of our schools.

Mr. Cook asked to group A and B together.  

Dr. Garrett explained the Special Education Supplement is needed for the Behavior Analyst for students who are really struggling and she wants to hire 3 EA’s (Educational Assistants) to send to hotspots to help teachers when students are struggling.  They would get additional training to help with students with needs and they would be moved throughout the system.
She also explained the technology supplement is for the Instructional Technology Coach.  Dr. Garrett commented "She works a lot of afternoons teaching teachers, and in the summer, and that would cover her hours during that time."

 

Mr. Cook asked to group A and B together.

Dr. Garrett explained the Special Education Supplement is needed for the Behavior Analyst for students who are really struggling and she wants to hire 3 EA’s (Educational Assistants) to send to hotspots to help teachers when students are struggling.  They would get additional training to help with students with needs and they would be moved throughout the system.
She also explained the technology supplement is for the Instructional Technology Coach.  Dr. Garrett commented "She works a lot of afternoons teaching teachers, and in the summer, and that would cover her hours during that time."

 

Mr. Cook asked to group C through M together. 

Mr. Cook stated that Chad Fletcher was at the podium if there were any questions.  Mr. Fletcher then asked for approval and permission to make any changes that the state requires of us.  
 

Dr. Garrett explained that the Emergency Management Association is applying for a FEMA grant and in order to do that they had to share their Hazard Mitigation Plan.  It is 139 pages and is online.  In order for them to apply for the grant the board needs to approve the plan.  
 

Changed the day from Tuesday to Thursday.  Also changed wording on lines 5-8 per recommendation from TSBA.  

Update to wording.  Dr. Garrett stated that we have put an entire list of the meetings for a year on the website.  Brian Crews asked "Are we going to follow the policy as it is written and make sure that it is being posted at each school"?  Dr. Garrett answered "Yes.  Felecia and I are going to send updates to each school each month so we will make sure they know to do that."  David Brown then asked "If you’re posting to the website a full year schedule does that meet the qualifications for each month or do you have to do that each month too?"  Dr. Garrett said that we’ll put it in the newspaper each month also.  

This one needed to be updated with the new law.  Dr. Garrett stated "The main difference in this one is you contract out for internet services you’re required to put in your contract that they block any kind of inappropriate material."  Also cleaned up other things in the policy and it now models the TSBA policy.  Glenn Forsee asked "what is the length of our current contract with our internet provider"?  Dr. Garrett asked Ryan Womack to answer.  Mr. Womack stated " The contract runs 21 to 25 and then there will be another one.  We have 3 different vendors we can choose from.  Ena is who we have always went with." 

Updating with relevance and taking NSBA out.  

Updating terminology and taking NSBA out.  

Asking to put in lines 16 through 19.  We have struggled recently with parents wanting us to give things that have CBD in them.  We are asking to put this in to cover us in policy.  David Brown asked "Has this been an issue?"  Dr. Garrett answered "It has.  The worry, and I’ve talked to Mr. Cagle and about this, it’s not regulated.  So, it may have THC in it and we would not legally have knowledge of that.  It puts us at risk." 

The trauma-informed assessment for every student who is referred to the office.  Dr. Garrett does not think it is realistic for principals to do it for every student referred to the office.  Dr. Garrett learned in Summer Law that going straight to the SDHA takes away due process right.  The principal is the one who is supposed to issue the punishment and parents can then appeal to the superintendent through the SDHA.  Nicole Cashion asked "How are the parents notified about the appeal?"  Dr. Garrett answered "We have redone all of our forms.  It says on there you have a right to appeal within 5 days."  If it’s an easy thing the superintendent can remand to the alternative school.  If there is a disagreement we will still do the SDHA.   

We need this policy to meet the requirements of the new law.   

Terise Rhodes reported that we are right at the pre-Covid numbers.  Dr. Garrett stated that we should get 2% growth money.  The Virtual School is like any other school, students can transfer if they choose.  BCVS is an option for students with medical needs.  Thomas Magnet has 47 enrolled in sixth grade.  Eastside’s numbers are up for 4^th and 5^th grades.  Will need to add another teacher but the problem is where to put that teacher because Eastside is out of space.  Dulcie Davis is really helping with attendance.  She is on the phone and making home visits. 

Robert Daniel reports the only one that has any information in it is the prior year collections. 

Mr. Cook commented "I want to publicly thank Diane Neeley for 20 years of service on the school board.  Thank you for everything you’ve done.  John Boutwell, 10 years of service on the school board.  I want to publicly thank you for your service and all the things you bring to the board.  Nicole Cashion, 4 years on the board.  Thank you for everything  you’ve done and what you’ve brought to the board."  Mr. Cook introduced the new board members in the audience, Shanna Boyette replacing John Boutwell, Courtney Bogle replacing Diane Neeley and Barton Williams who is replacing Nicole Cashion. 
There will be a swearing in on September 15^th at 5:45 before the board meeting for the new and re-elected board members. 
The next board meeting will be September 15^th at 6:00 pm at the Central Office.
Glenn Forsee asked about a reception for new teachers. 
Surplus property declared for the Central Office and Technology.

Great start to the new year!  Looking forward to the Walking Horse Celebration.  Horse Show Break coming up on August 29^th.
There are 8 open positions, most of those are in Special Education department.
Dr. Garrett thanked Diane, John and Nicole for their years of service and what they do for students, schools and our community.
Fall District meeting is on September 22^nd.

Glenn Forsee moved to adjourn the meeting at approximately 6:38.