May 20, 2019 at 6:30 PM - GMSD Board Meeting

Discussion:  Chairman Rebecca Luter called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm

Discussion:  Chairman Rebecca Luter called for a moment of silence

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Manuel led the Pledge of Allegiance

Discussion:  After discussion during the work session, the Board recommended to Table - Board Action item 9.E - Contract Renewal with Aramark, to the June Board Meeting.

Discussion:  Refer Tenure list by school in Meeting folder

Discussion: 

Much to our board and district’s dismay, the Tennessee 111^th General Assembly passed HB 939 and SB 795 following a conference committee report allowing for Education Savings Accounts to be given to students only of Shelby and Davidson Counties. The House vote was passed with some controversy and the Governor who originally promoted this legislation has yet to sign it but we anticipate that he will. GMSD and the Germantown Board of Education will continue to outwardly express our opposition to this legislation as litigation against it is pending.

 

HB 1158 which allows for any LEA to establish a threat assessment team within their district. This bill which promotes increased school safety passed unanimously in both chambers. I am proud that GMSD in collaboration with our city and police department are already doing many of the things that these threat assessment teams are intended to do. 

Discussion: 

Chairman Luter reported as follows;

Formation of FHES PTO
GMSD teacher retirement luncheon 
BAND, orchestra, and choir concerts
Riverdale 50th Anniversary Committee Meeting
Germantown Financial Advisory Commission Meeting
Community Conversations Lunch Hosted by the Mayor
HMS Days of Diversity
Dogwood Elementary Field Day
Germantown Board of Mayor and Alderman Meeting
Dogwood Elementary Gifted Expo
Houston High School Graduation

Discussion: 

REPORT TOTAL ASSETS AND TOTAL LIAB AND FUND BALANCES

SCHOOL OPERATING FUND

Sales tax revenues are on target to reach the $7 million mark for the year.

The target percentages for expenditures are:  administrative or support categories – 83%; instructional categories – 75%.  For total expenditures, we have spent 64% of the total budgeted.

HEALTH INSURANCE FUND

Despite high claims in August and February, the health insurance fund has reserves of $1.9 million as of April 30, 2019.

OPEB TRUST FUND

An unrealized gain on investments of $62K was reported by US Bank for the month. 

CAFETERIA FUND

April was a record sales month at $187K.   Aramark’s net income Y-T-D totals approximately $132K, which has covered the District’s expenditures of $68K.

Discussion: 

Superintendent Jason Manuel gave a PowerPoint presentation on 2019 Strategic Plan Annual Update

Highlights from 2019 Strategic Plan Annual Update:

·       Goal 1: Maximize Student Potential

o   Highest Percentage of Students scoring 21 or above on ACT

o   Increased each year – Composite ACT score (25.9 in 2018-2019)

o   Increased each year – College readiness indicators (60.5% in 2018-2019)

o   TN Ready Achievement – higher levels of proficiency and growth each year

o   Literacy Rate – STAR Literacy Program

o   TN Ready – REWARD SCHOOLS

o   Graduation Rate –Increased each year (94.3% in 2018-2019)

o   Houston High School earned a record breaking $40 Million in scholarships

o   Quarterly Goad Meetings

o   Pre-School Program

o   Community Service – Funds2Org, Operation Red Shoes, St. Jude Walk/Run

o   Mentorships

·       Goal 2: Recruit, Develop and Retain Exemplary Staff

o   Recruit Top Candidates – Increasing number of Applicants for every job opening

o   Blue Chips Mentor Program

o   Flexible Professional Development

o   Staff Satisfaction

o   Competitive Benefits Package

·       Goal 3: Mobilize the Community

o   Multi-faceted Communication approach

o   Engagement Opportunities

o   Tour GMSD 2019

o   Community Conversations

o   Student Safety/ ARC GIS

o   Enrollment Road Show

o   Transition to new school – Forest Hill Families

·       Goal 4: Establish 21^st Century Classrooms

o   Device Management

o   Student Engagement – Blended Learning Environment

o   Infrastructure and Safety

o   Master Facilities Plan – On going and Completed Capital Projects

o   General Fund Reserve – Projected Unrestricted Reserve Balance - $2,308,832

o   Resources

Discussion: 

The following Citizens voiced their concerns regarding the Placement of Cell Tower at Dogwood Elementary School,

·       Carie Alley – 2553 Rooksworth Cove, Germantown TN 38139

·       Jennifer Bell – 2111 Prestwick Drive, Germantown TN 38139

·       Nora Daher – 2119 Star Meadow Cove, Germantown TN 38139

·       Katherine Flee – 2657 Sweet Maple Cove, Germantown TN 38139

·       Lex Hester – 9309 Wheatland Drive, Germantown TN 38139

·       Renee Lynn – 8987 Ashmere Drive, Germantown TN 38139

·       John Paul Hickey – 8812 Rock Maple Cove, Germantown TN 38139

·       Jesse Moore – 2651 Holly Spring Drive, Germantown TN 38138

·       Toni Nygren – 1824 Johnson Road, Germantown TN 38139

·       Ann Parker – 8388 Dell Oak Cove, Germantown TN 38139

·       Sam Walker – 2020 Spring Hollow Ln, Germantown TN 38139

·       Bess Warren – 2489 Netherhall Drive, Germantown TN 38139

Discussion:  This Board Action item 9.E was Tabled to June Board Meeting during the Approval of the agenda.

Discussion: 

Discussion:  Josh Cathey, Chief of Operations recommended that this item 9.K be removed from the agenda, since the verbiage  in the contract is no longer valid, as the amendment from Item 9.J has created a need for approvals from the City Planning Commission, Design Review Commission and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Discussion:  The meeting was adjourned with consensus at 8:53 pm