June 6, 2016 at 6:30 PM - GMSD Board Meeting

Discussion:  Chairman Linda Fisher called the meeting to order at 6:40 pm.

Discussion:  Chairman Linda Fisher called for a moment of silence.

Discussion:  Board member Ken Hoover led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  The following two amendments were made to the agenda, 1. To add item 10.I under Board Action Items - Inter-fund Loan Agreement between the City of Germantown and Germantown Board of Education. 2. To move the New Policy IP 4.700 Testing Programs from Consent Agenda 9.D and add as item 10.J under Board Action Items.

Discussion:  There were no recognitions and awards at this time.

Discussion:  Board member and TLN representative Natalie Williams updated the board on the legislative webinar she attended with all of the new public chapter updates. She thanked Senator Kelsey and Representative White for meeting with her and Superintendent Mr. Manuel regarding the implementation of some recent legislation and discussing new bills for next year.

Discussion:  Chairman Linda Fisher gave the Chairman's Report as follows, "The Houston High School graduation was a great event and The Houston High Class of 2016 brought in over 32.4 million dollars in scholarship funds. Congratulations to the Class of 2016 as they move onto the next phase in their lives. A luncheon was held for our retiring GMSD teachers, staff and paraprofessionals. Congratulations to Cathleen Arnold, Joyce Burtch, Margaret Franklin, Virginia Hart, Deborah McCoy, Pamela Penn, Lee Tanner, Deborah Atchley, Susan Chappars, Julia Hale, Sue Lynn, Natalie Parker-Lawrence, James Smith and Mary Thomas. Thank you to Ken Hoover for reading at the luncheon a proclamation from the City of Germantown and our Mayor Mike Palazzolo honoring our retirees. In our work session today, a summary of our superintendent evaluation was given. Superintendent Manuel received a score of 4.4/5.0. Thank you to the board for their time and consideration in evaluating our superintendent.

Discussion:  Chief Financial Officer Kevin Jones presented the Financial Report including the Balance Sheet, Revenue and Expense Statement for period ending May 31, 2016. He gave updates on the OPEB Trust and the Reserves.

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Manuel began his report summarizing the exceptional successes of the Germantown Municipal School District after the second year. He conveyed that he had sent out several versions of this summary in the form of a letter to the Parents, Staff and the Community members. He told that in whichever form of measurement we look to District, it has been a great success, -the 7 million reserve making the district financially sound, -the record setting 199 students with ACT score above 30, -the numerous National Merit Finalists and Semi-Finalists, -Competing and winning several Academic competitions like the Cyber Patriots, Houston middle winning the Battle of the Books, -Athletic achievements for Best of Preps, several State and National Championships, -Fine Arts success in Art, Choir, Band and Strings like 145 All-West students, 9 Orpheum High School Theater award nominations He said that it was exciting to get a chance to change the foot prints like the new Riverdale school addition and the Dogwood Elementary new Roof, the Heat and Air system. He said that it was a good moment to celebrate the reason of having our own school district.

Discussion:  The following citizens voiced their opinion on the addition of permanent parking lot at Riverdale Elementary and Special Education Pre-K Class at Dogwood Elementary and Riverdale Elementary, 1. Shanna Sparks, 2089 Kilbirnie Drive Germantown 38139 2. Audrey Grossman, 8530 Windy Oaks Cove Germantown 38139 3. Lesley Parker, 1356 Fox Grape Cove Germantown 38138 4. Whitney Marcuzzo, 7030 Bent Creek Drive Germantown 38138 5. Christopher Schmidt, 6925 Redfield Drive Germantown 38138 6. Joseph Bond, Principal, Riverdale Elementary School 7. Ann Lowery, 2354 Dogwood Trail Germantown 38139 8. Laurie Gaut, 2439 Windy Oaks Drive Germantown 38139

Discussion:  The following amendment was recommended by the board, -Add "Identification of whether the assessment is State or Board mandated" as item 7 on Page 2.

Discussion:  There was no new business at this time.

Discussion:  Chairman Linda Fisher announced that the next Board Work session and Business meeting was scheduled for Monday July 11, 2016.

Discussion:  The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.