January 26, 2015 at 6:30 PM - GMSD Board Meeting

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Manuel thanked the Germantown Board of Education for their contribution to the formation of an exceptional School District, on the occasion of the National School Board Appreciation week. He presented them with a Plaque commemorating them as the founding Board of Education of the newly formed Germantown Municipal School District. The "Fifth Measure" group from Houston High School Choir gave a musical performance in honor of the School Board. Chairman Lisa Parker called the meeting to order at 6:42 pm. On behalf of the board, she thanked everyone and the Houston High School Fifth Measure Students for the Board appreciation event.

Discussion:  Board member Mark Dely lead the moment of silence in remembrance of Ms. Sandi Quinn, Teacher at Farmington Elementary, who passed away in December 2014. He said that she was a truly remarkable teacher, loved by all students, teachers and parents. He also said that it is a great loss not only to Farmington Elementary School, but to the entire Germantown Elementary School District.

Discussion:  Board member Mark Dely lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Manuel appreciated and recognized GMSD Staff members, Ms. Christy Fontenot, Social Worker and Ms. Ashley Brasfield, Student Services Coordinator for their exceptional services during the period of mourning and adjustment due to the sudden demise of Ms. Sandi Quinn, teacher at Farmington Elementary School. He said that they both helped Farmington Elementary Administration, Teachers and students during this challenging time and made the transition easy and smooth.

Discussion:  Board member Natalie Williams and TLN Representative for the Board briefed on the following education bills filed at the State. SB008 (Norris) As introduced, deletes the current schedule for the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program that requires testing to occur during a two-week window by the first Monday on or after April 22; authorizes the commissioner of education to establish a schedule for the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program. SB0090 (Norris) As introduced, prohibits the penalization of a school system, in measuring performance goals or assessments, that is performing at or above the base requirements as established by the state board of education; requires the LEA to distribute testing information to parents by placing the information in each school's student handbook, or other standard or policy guidebook that contains the policies and procedures of the school at least once each school year. SB0109 (Norris) As introduced, directs the commissioner of education to develop guidelines for LEAs to create an annual report that informs students of the death of any person 18 years of age or younger who died as a result of a person 18 years of age or younger driving under the influence of an intoxicant or drug. SB0119 (Norris) As introduced, revises certain provisions governing teacher evaluations and their use. SB0122 (Kelsey) As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Choice and Opportunity Scholarship Act." HB0116 (Ramsey) As introduced, requires the BEP funding formula to provide funding for 12 months of local education employees' medical insurance premiums. SB0027 (Gresham) As introduced, enacts the "Individualized Education Act." HB0036 (Dunn) As introduced, removes the requirement that grading policies of local boards of education must include student scores in a TCAP subject area as part of the student's grade in that subject area; permits a local board to have such policy if it so desires. HB0037 (Dunn) As introduced, clarifies that the use of prone restraint is prohibited in regard to students receiving special education services; defines prone restraint. SB0063 (Kelsey) As introduced, permits a local board of education to refuse to accept federal funding for an education program without a penalty being assessed by a state agency or state official. HB0023 (Forgety) As introduced, authorizes the state board of education to make policies concerning the revocation of licenses and certificates for misconduct. SB 0010 (Norris) As introduced, requires students to pass the United States citizenship and immigration services' civics test with a score of at least 60 percent in order to receive a regular high school diploma.

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Manuel briefed on the upcoming Budget season during which the preliminary budget would be presented for discussion during the February Board work session and the proposed budget will be up for voting during the February Board Business Meeting. The Cabinet members gave their updates as follows, - Dan Haddow, Chief of Staff, gave updates on possible retirees and TCRS timeline. He also briefed on OPEB Actuary meeting discussions, Fringe benefits, Differentiated pay plan, PD Committee, Labor relations and Quinn Memorial Fund. - Mason Grace, IT and Curriculum Coordinator, updated on student emails, publicity in local newspapers and television appreciating various programs in the GMSD schools. - Chauncey Bland, Director of Student Services, briefed on the upcoming Open Enrollment from January 27, 10 am until February 13, 4 pm. He also gave updates on Leadership Academy Application process, Online Registration and Budget. - Josh Cathey, Director of Operations, briefed on Review of deadlines on Contracts with various Systems and Vendors, Budget and Capital Improvement Projects. - John Pierce, IT Coordinator, outlined on Technology Budget, Data networking closets keeping in mind the 1:1 goal. - Autumn Enochs, Chief Financial Officer, gave updates on OPEB Actuaries and Options, Budget Calendar and the Quarterly Report. - Teresa Price, Director of Academic Advancement, briefed on Course Alignment and Transition meetings, Gifted meetings, Calendar Committees, Chinese program sponsored by the Confucius Institute at University of Memphis, and Special Education Awards received by GMSD Staff. Board member Mark Dely requested the Board to have an extra work session if possible to discuss preliminary budget. Superintendent Manuel endorsed the same.

Discussion:  The following citizens voiced their opinion on later School Start times. 1. Lane Roberts, 1799 Percy Place, Collierville TN- 38017 2. Marla Reiser, 2587 Adryon Cove, Germantown TN 38139 3. David Bailey, 8431 Drury Lane, Germantown TN 38139 4. Carol Wingfield, 2689 Sweet Maple Cove, Germantown TN 38139 5. Bess Warren, 2489 Netherhall Drive, Germantown TN 38139 6. Kalyani Garde, 8967 Ashmere Drive, Germantown TN 38139 7. Amy Eoff, 2158 E.Glenalden Drive, Germantown TN 38139 8. Ava Ciaramitaro, 8749 Pierpoint Cove, Germantown TN 38139 9. Laura Meanwell, 8374 Silverthorn Cove, Germantown TN 38139 10. Lea Nowak, 2215 Duntreath Valley, Germantown TN 38139 11. Lauren Boutwell, 2144 Allen Court Drive, Germantown TN 38139 12. Sheila Hahn, Mallard Lane, Germantown TN 13. Rebecca Graubart, 1934 Wine Leaf Drive, Germantown TN 38139 14. Dr. Paul Leonard, 9549 Ash Grove Cove, Germantown TN 38139

Discussion:  Board Member Mark Dely thanked everyone for the Board Appreciation event. Chairman Lisa Parker announced the next Board Work Session and Board Business Meeting dates for the month of February and March as follows, -Board Work Session at GMSD Office on February 11, 2015 at 6:00 pm. -Board Business Meeting at Houston Middle School on February 23, 2015 at 6:30 pm -Board Work Session at GMSD Office on March 4,2015 at 6:00 pm -Board Business Meeting at Riverdale Elementary School on March 23, 2015 at 6:30 pm

Discussion:  The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 pm.