May 18, 2015 at 6:30 PM - GMSD Board Meeting

Discussion:  Chairman Lisa Parker called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

Discussion:  Chairman Lisa Parker shared a few words about the successful first year of the newly formed Germantown Municipal School District. She conveyed her heartfelt thanks to the City of Germantown for their willingness to help in every possible way and working to the best interest of our schools. She thanked the Board members for their outstanding strides, making important decisions, learning as they moved forward and their commitment to serve. She thanked the Superintendent Mr. Jason Manuel for exceeding the expectations of the board and taking the School District to an outstanding level with his leadership, experience, commitment and willingness to look for the best which is invaluable to the Board, Administration, Teachers and Students. She said that she would like to applaud all the effort, time and talent and perseverance put forth by the Principals, Teachers ,GMSD staff and students towards the success of the District. She stated that though the it was not a brand new school district, it was a brand new attitude that GMSD began with and that she hoped to move forward with the same anticipation and enthusiasm in to the second year. She wished all the students a safe and happy summer vacation.

Discussion:  Vice-Chairman Linda Fisher lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  Board Member Natalie Williams gave brief updates on the various education bills being discussed in the TN Legislation in the current session. Superintendent Jason Manuel gave clarifications on the Current Standards being studied by the TN group as becoming TN ready standards.

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Manuel said that he would like to thank the School Board for the exceptional first year. He said that he is excited to start the next year and assured better things to come for the district. He briefed on how the district is still a new district and the administration is learning how to close a school year and report to the state. He said that the entire district and staff are working on various upcoming items such as hiring new teachers, preparing students for graduation and the like. Dan Haddow, Chief of Staff, briefed on how the Human Resources department was getting reading for the upcoming school year. Mason Grace, Technology Curriculum and Communications Coordinator gave updates on the 1:1 planning and software development processes. He also appreciated the outstanding student achievements in academics, athletics and other programs. Chauncey Bland, Director of Student Services gave updates and information on Student Registration dates and process. Teresa Price, Director of Academic Advancement, briefed on new Federal Programs updates, Summer Professional Development for Teachers and the new Amplify assessment program . Autumn Enochs, Chief Financial Officer, gave updates on Federal Grant Guidelines, State Fiscal updates, Financial Reports, OPEB Trust information, Closeout and Opening procedures. Josh Cathey, Chief of Operations, said that he was very proud of the accomplishments of the entire district with the shared vision and trust. He briefed on status of various RFPs, RFQs, Bids and other operational procedures. He outlined the Capital Improvements Projects planning initiatives.

Discussion:  Ms. Kim Johnson, Parent of a third grader at Dogwood Elementary School voiced her appreciation on behalf of all the parents, the efforts and outstanding performance of the Nurses, Volunteers and Administration in taking care of the students' health needs.

Discussion:  The Board members discussed several concerns and questions regarding the direction in which the Capital Improvement Projects would go and what the impact would be if the time line is not met. Chairman Lisa Parker gave clarifications on the short time frame as the City of Germantown had requested firm estimates and other information in order to process with their Financial Budget planning. Superintendent Jason Manuel recommended to have a special called meeting to update the Board members on the Capital Improvement Projects outline.

Discussion:  Mason Grace, Technology Curriculum and Communications coordinator gave updates on the purchase of 350 computers for the students in 8, 9 and 10 to Pilot the 1:1 initiative with the small group to study the program and implementation.

Discussion:  Chairman Lisa Parker announced the following, Next Work Session was scheduled for June 3, 2015, 6:00 pm at the GMSD Office. Next Business Meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 15, 2015 and will be updated and published later. Board member Linda Fisher thanked the GMSD Staff and the PTA for honoring the first set of GMSD Retirees. Superintendent Jason Manuel congratulated the first graduating class of 2015 from the GMSD and thanked everyone for letting him to serve the school district as the first Superintendent.

Discussion:  The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.