February 23, 2015 at 6:30 PM - GMSD Board Meeting

Discussion:  Chairman Lisa Parker called the meeting to order at 6:31 PM

Discussion:  Chairman Lisa Parker called for a moment of silence and shared a motivational quote regarding "Growing from Problems". "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." - Friedrich Nietzsche. "Times of great difficulty are times of great opportunity. These times may not seem ideal at first, but they usually provide keen insight into ideas of great value. When you are surrounded by problems, you are simultaneously given an opportunity to provide valuable solutions. When times are good and everything is comfortably in order, it's easy to become complacent and forget how skillful and resourceful you are capable of being. Troubled times are necessary evils that push you forward, because they eventually end, and the lessons and strengths you gain from them last a lifetime."

Discussion:  Chairman Lisa Parker lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  Board Member Mark Dely requested to pull "Revision of Policy FM 2.404 School Support Organization" from consent item 10.A.III in the Consent Agenda, pending further clarifications.

Discussion:  Board Member and TLN Representative Natalie Williams proposed to the Board members to write a letter to the State to discuss or clarify the various current education bills. She suggested that the Board members could send in their inputs on the bills they are interested or concerned, to the Board Secretary Ms. Subramani in order to compile and represent the Board in a single letter to the senate. This was planned to be discussed in the upcoming Board work session.

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Manuel said that the current highlight was the entire Cabinet working on the proposed GMSD 2015-16 Budget. He said that he understands the passion and appreciates the parent involvement in the community, healing and working together for the students. He briefed on various parameters that the entire cabinet had to take into consideration in drafting the proposed Budget. He outlined the various issues that GMSD is facing at this current time such as, 1. Teachers not paid based on educational qualifications 2. Professional Development 3. Technology coordinators 4. Student-Teacher Ratio 5. Student- Counselor Ratio 6. Expansion of STEM and Fine Arts 7. OPEB Liability 8. New Elementary School at South side of Germantown 9. Efficient Bus Routes.

Discussion:  The following Citizens and Students voiced their opinions and concerns regarding "Change in School Start Times and Proposed Budget" 1. Susan Simmons, 4021 Graham Oaks Ct, Memphis 38122 2. Jessica Woody, 800 Coleharne Rd, Collierville 3. Heather Fisher, 1701 Fiddlers Elbow, Germantown 38138 4. Debra Haughie, 9260 Gwynn Hollow Cv, Germantown 38139 5. Antonio D. Scott, 1083 Red Fern Cir W, Cordova 38018 6. Susan Rich, 1763 Boulinwood Ln, Germantown 38138 7. Ellie Claire Warren, 2489 Netherhall Dr, Germantown 38139 8. Terri Harris, 1816 Old Mill Rd, Germantown 38138 9. Julia Harris, 1816 Old Mill Rd, Germantown 38138 10. Madison Dismuke, 9544 Doe Meadow Dr, Germantown 38139 11. Bess Warren, 2489 Netherhall Dr, Germantown 38139 12. Lauren Boutwell, 2144 Allen Court Dr, Germantown 38139 13. Kim Johnsen, 2242 Otterburn Ln, Germantown 38139 14. Marla Riser, 2587 Adryon Cove, Germantown 38139 15. Tess Enemark, 2587 Adryon Cove, Germantown 38139 16. Paul Leonard, 9549 Ash Grove Cove, Germantown 17. Dr. Billy Rayburn, 1814, N.Houston Levee Rd, Cordova 38016 18. Jillian Jackson, 1078 Fall Springs Rd, Collierville 38017 19. Krista Brown, 6587 Poplar, Germantown 38138 20. Eric Enemark, 2587 Adryon Cv, Germantown 38139 21. Kathi Wright, 302 Spruce Glen Cv, 38018 22. Amy Eoff, 2158 E.Glenalden Dr, Germantown 38139 23. Lea Nowak, 2215 Duntreath Valley, Germantown 38139 24. Laura Meanwell, 8374 Silverthorn Cv, Germantown 38139 25. Josie Steen, 9200 East Bridge Dr, Germantown 38139 26. Jim Steen, 9200 East Bridge Dr, Germantown 38139 27. Audrey Grossman, 8530 Windy Oaks Cv, Germantown 38139 28. Andrea McLeod, 10256 Waterford, Collierville 38017 29. Traci Spain, 325 S.Sanga Road, Cordova 38018 30. Ashley Markle, 2010 West Arden Oaks Dr, Germantown 38139 31. John W. Niven Jr, 2604 Brachton Ave, Germantown 38139 32. Tanya Dely, 2976 Oakleigh Lane, Germantown 38138 33. Gary Hahn, 2964 Mallard Lane, Germantown 38138 34. Sheila Hahn,2964 Mallard Lane, Germantown 38138 35. Rebecca Graubart, 1934, Wine Leaf Dr, Germantown 38139 36. Anna Eoff, 2964 Mallard Lane, Germantown 38138 37. Ava Ciaramitaro, 8749 Pierpoint Cv, Germantown 38139 38. Kelli Ciaramitaro, 8749 Pierpoint Cv, Germantown 38139 39. Lana Tingle, 9948 Westwood Manor, Germantown 38139 40. Keri Eldridge, 345 Dogwood Spring Dr, 38060 41. Tracy DeWitt, 2597 Maple Grove Cove N. Germantown 38139 42. Craig Dismuke, 9544 Doe Meadow Dr, Germantown 38139

Discussion:  Chairman Lisa Parker briefed on the Budget discussions and opinions on Change of Start times she had with all stake holders and on the input received by the Board members from various sections of the community and the school students and staff. She said that she is choosing Option A which she feels to be the best and affordable at this time. Board Member Mark Dely said that he feels that it is not the best for GMSD if the schools start at 7 am and it is a huge mistake that start times is not a priority with Option A. Board Member Natalie Williams said that she has total faith in the Superintendent and had no doubt in the proposed Budget. Vice-Chairman Linda Fisher said that after listening to the Parents, Students, Teachers and Community members, though she agrees to the recommendations made by the American Pediatric Association and wants all of them to be implemented, she supports Option A being fiscally conservative, giving importance to the issues as the finances would permit. Board member Ken Hoover said that he is unhappy to see the division created between the Parents and Teachers regarding pursuing their passionate goals towards Change in School Start times and he would like to make an amendment to the motion made by Chairman Lisa Parker to choose Option A as the proposed Budget option. After all the discussions between the various Board members, upon the recommendation by the Board Attorney Ms. Debra Owens, the Board members first voted on the amendment motion by Board Member Ken Hoover and then voted on the original motion by Chairman Lisa Parker to choose Option A

Discussion:  Chairman Lisa Parker announced that the next Board Work Session will be held on March 4, 2015 at the GMSD Office at 6 pm and the next Board Meeting will be held on March 23, 2015 at the Riverdale Elementary School at 6:30 pm.

Discussion:  Chairman Lisa Parker adjourned the meeting at 9:25 PM