March 8, 2012 at 6:30 PM - Regular Board Meeting

Discussion:  The following additions were made to the agenda: Mr. Jones - Tennessee Natural Gas Vehicle Expo; Mr. Keny - April board meeting date,

Discussion:  Gary Davis, NAACP President of Marshall County, addressed the board concerning the vision and mission of the school system and Marshall County Board of Education.

Discussion:  The employee scheduled to address the board was not in attendance.

Discussion:  The winners of the LMS National Geographic Bee and the MCEA District-wide Spelling Bee were honored, as well as the system's Teachers of the Year.

Discussion:  In the MCEA report, MCEA president Patty Hill thanked the board for supporting the upcoming bonuses, and then urged the board to keep county raises in mind as they start the new budget year. She added there are lots of needs within the buildings.

Discussion:  The summary financial statement was reviewed; no action was taken.

Discussion:  Mr. Smith made a motion, with a second by Mr. Perryman, to approve the Resolution to Amend General Purpose School Fund. After discussions, Mr. Smith withdrew his motion to allow Budget Director Shelia Cook-Jones an opportunity to find the funds in other line items instead of taking the money from fund balance.

Discussion:  In the Budget Committee report, Mr. Moses stated the committee met and reviewed over 30 pages of expenses and encumbrances and came up with a list of line items that were either over or near budget. Supervisors were encouraged to be mindful of their budget. Ms. Gold scheduled a Curriculum Committee meeting for Monday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the classroom of Mike Whitehead at Marshall County High School.

Discussion:  Technology Supervisor Suzanne Ingram presented information on the Marshall County Virtualization Proposal, which would consolidate the system's 52 servers into two. She stated this would be an advantage to the disaster recovery plan. Ms. Ingram also informed the board she has requested technician Wendell McClure's salary be moved to contracted services to pay a vendor while Mr. McClure is deployed for a year.

Discussion:  The following items were presented in Consent Agenda: Forrest Lady Rockets to play in the annual Christmas Tournament at Disney World in Orlando December 27, 2012, thru January 1, 2013; MCHS Beta Club requesting a Trivia Night fundraiser on March 23 in order to supply honor cords and stoles to this year's honor graduates.

Discussion:  Addressing the incoming Director's contract under Old Business, Mr. Jackson explained to the board that Ms. Abernathy has requested: she not be provided a car for her services, and in return she asks that medical benefits be extended to her spouse (employee + spouse); should the board elect to not renew Ms. Abernathy's contract by November 1 [of the year to be determined], the board may relieve the director of her duties provided the director is fully compensated through the end of the agreement; instead of using a system-provided cell phone, the incoming director will use her personal cell phone and be reimbursed no more than $50 per month. Mr. Jackson will work with Mr. Dukes in drafting a consultancy contract.

Discussion:  Concerning the lease agreement between the Marshall County Board of Education and Chapel Hill Lions Club for land/pavilion at Forrest School, Mr. Dukes stated that Jim Bingham will survey the property next week; Mr. Jackson will include the survey in the lease agreement. The board took no action pending the survey and the final draft of the agreement.

Discussion:  Under New Business, the board recommended the Tennessee Natural Gas Vehicle Expo be addressed by the Transportation Committee. Since the April board meeting is scheduled during Spring Break, the board re-scheduled the regular session for Thursday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Discussion:  During Director's Report, Mr. Dukes discussed: the City of Lewisburg will replace sewer lines at LMS (to be complete by May 1), and nine trees need to be cut [at our cost of $300 per tree]; bonuses will be paid on March 30; ACT tests will be given to Juniors on March 20.

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.