February 9, 2015 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board Meeting

Discussion:  The following addition was made to the agenda: Ms. McClintock - Under New Business, consider naming the Cornersville High School baseball/softball field house in honor of Spencer Mitchell.

Discussion:  Director Abernathy recognized third grader Haley Hopwood for her second place finish in the statewide Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts Poster Contest.

Discussion:  Ms. Abernathy recognized Gregg Cloutier for being recognized by the Tennessee Athletic Trainers Society as the Joe Worden Clinic/Professional Athletic Trainer of the Year.

Discussion:  Energy Specialist Roy "Bam" Haislip gave a presentation on the progress of the Cenergistic program.

Discussion:  During the MCEA report, MCEA president Nicky Randolph told the board: TEA has filed a lawsuit against the Tennessee Department of Education based on TVAAS; several professional development opportunities are coming up (Quality School Summit on March 6); a minority conference will be held at the end of March; members can visit the state capitol to sit in on a meeting and tour of the capitol.

Discussion:  Prior to the Committee Reports/Schedule Committee Meetings, the board requested that updated coaching supplements for surrounding counties be emailed to the members before scheduling a budget committee meeting.

Discussion:  Mr. Lilly stated the Maintenance Committee met on Thursday, February 5, during which the members heard a report from Mr. Daughrity (Orion) on the progress of the building additions in Lewisburg (complete) and the ongoing construction at Delk-Henson Intermediate School. Mr. Daughrity held fast to the $1.050 million contingency. After a lengthy discussion about the gym at Forrest, the Maintenance Committee recommended to the board that they proceed with the package for demolition of the old gym and quote the new gym and science lab area as a priority, with the wrestling area as a second option, not to exceed the budgeted amount of $2.992 million. The committee reviewed the signs for the intermediate school and chose option #1. Mr. Lilly made a motion, with a second by Mr. Jones, to accept the Maintenance Committee's recommendation. Following discussions, Mr. Lilly withdrew his motion in order to break the motion into three actions.

Discussion:  Board members will return the completed evaluation in March, a committee will be established to tabulate the scores, and the results will be revealed in the April board meeting.

Discussion:  During the Director's Report, Ms. Abernathy told the board: 1) Kindergarten students must be five by August 15; however, the law contains a clause that allows parents to request early admission if the child is five by September 30. She is currently working on a test and administrative procedure addressing this issue. 2) She is looking into companies bidding on taking school pictures as a way for the system to make more money and possibly cut down on fundraisers. 3) Ms. Abernathy would like to use $105,000 at the courthouse, $25,000 in technology, $40,000 that is set aside for upgrades, $10,000 left in erate, and $20,000 in Race To The Top ($200,000 total) to purchase 343 laptops for teachers. The rules were suspended to allow technology supervisor Suzanne Ingram to answer questions. 4) Ms. Abernathy informed the board that HR assistant Beth Stockwell recently earned the Professional in Human Resources certification. 5) Ms. Abernathy thanked Waste Management for their $5,600 donation to MCHS basketball, an anonymous $26,000 donation to Cornersville High School, and Shoney's for providing lunch at the Central Office. 6) Ribbon cuttings at the Lewisburg school additions will be scheduled during the March board meeting.

Discussion:  Mr. Moses recognized teachers who attended as part of a continuing education program. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.