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1. Call to Order
Speaker(s):
Chairman
Discussion:
Chairman Amy Eoff called the meeting to order at 6:07 pm.
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2. Moment of Silence
Speaker(s):
Chairman
Discussion:
Chairman Amy Eoff called for a moment of silence.
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3. Pledge of Allegiance
Discussion:
Board member and TLN Representative Ryan Strian led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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4. Approval of Agenda
Speaker(s):
Chairman
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion passed: I move to approve the agenda,, passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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5. Recognition and Awards
Speaker(s):
Chairman
Rationale:
Board Recognitions October 26, 2021
Students: Houston Middle School Girls Soccer Team On October 5th, Houston Middle School’s girls’ soccer team won their State Championship game against Lakeland Middle at Houston Middle and received the title of West TN Sectional Champs. "We were undefeated this season, "says Wendy Percoski, their proud coach, "and we had two or three games this year where we won by only one goal. The girls never quit working hard, and all ages and grade levels were equal contributors." HMS’ girls’ soccer team consists of 27 players with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade players working towards a common goal.
October’s Employee that Empowers is Clint Underwood of Houston High School The Chess Club at Houston High School begins playing in person once again. In previous years, they had utilized chess.com and played virtually. This year, enrollment has dramatically increased, with 103 members whereas in previous years, the average number was 35. New and old players are welcome in this learning environment to advance their skills, no matter the level they begin with. The club sponsors are Clint Underwood and Shawn Horan, who both are working diligently to find local competition opportunities. We are impressed that rather than watch a program go by the wayside, that Underwood stepped up and created the new club when a previous sponsor retired a few years ago. He is using his passion for chess to help create student-to-student connections every Monday after school. Mr. Underwood believes chess greatly improves one’s brain power in logical thinking skills, problem solving, and memory-- all while having fun with your friends. He has taught at HHS for 8 years and worked as a librarian for 13 years. He received his Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Alabama, a Master’s in Theological Studies from Samford University, and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Arkansas. |
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6. REPORTS
Speaker(s):
Chairman
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6.A. TLN Update (Tennessee Legislature)
Speaker(s):
Ryan Strain
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
Board Member and TLN Representative Ryan Strain presented the TLN Report as follows,
Tomorrow the Tennessee General Assembly will convene for its third special legislative session of the year. Issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic will be addressed and are expected to include masking in schools, vaccinations, independent health departments, and executive power to implement health mandates. Additionally, non-COVID-related House Bill 9002 has been filed. If passed, the bill would allow school board elections to be conducted on a partisan basis. The Germantown Board of Education opposes House Bill 9002 for several reasons, including the Board’s concern that partisan school board elections will divert the focus of school board elections from education policy to immaterial partisan disputes. Earlier this month the Tennessee Department of Education announced that it intends to review the Basic Education Program (or BEP), which is the state’s public education funding formula. The review will include 18 topical subcommittees reporting to a central steering committee of policymakers exploring what is being called a "student-centered investment strategy." Members of the public may apply to become a subcommittee member through the Department’s website. The Board encourages strong public education advocates to apply. Additionally, The Tennessee Department of Education is holding eight regional public town halls addressing the state’s review of the BEP. Each town hall will take place in-person and will also be livestreamed. The town hall for the Southwest Region, which includes GMSD, will be held Thursday, October 28, at the National Civil Rights Museum, beginning at 5:30 p.m. A link to the livestream is available on the Department’s website. Later in the fall the Department will also provide an opportunity for public comment through a formal survey. In federal news, nine funding bills including legislation for the Department of Education have been released. The bills include $98.4 billion in funding for the Department, an increase of $24.9 billion over the 2021 fiscal year. One bill includes $820 million to increase the number of qualified, well-trained mental health professionals in schools, including school counselors, social workers, psychologists, or other mental health professionals. Additionally, ahead of the expected authorization of the COVID vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, the Biden administration says the vaccine will be distributed to school-based clinics as well as pediatricians’ offices, pharmacies, and other sites. The federal government will also launch a program helping school districts start school-based vaccination sites by "matching" districts with vaccine providers. The Biden administration’s plan, however, does not mention making vaccines mandatory for school attendance. In legal news, on September 30, 2021, State Senator Katrina Robinson was found guilty on four of five counts of wire fraud related to use of federal grant money. Sentencing is set for January 5, 2022, though Senator Robinson has filed a motion seeking an acquittal or new trial. State Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally has called for Senator Robinson to resign her Senate seat, but Senator Robinson has not made a decision on whether to do so. Senator Robinson still faces federal charges in another case in which she is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Additionally, on October 22, 2021, State Senator Brian Kelsey was indicted in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee on federal campaign finance charges arising out of his 2016 run for Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. |
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6.B. Chairman's Report
Speaker(s):
Amy Eoff
Discussion:
Chairman Amy Eoff presented the Chairman's Report as follows,
Mr. Strain reports he attended the GMC PTO Lunch and Learn, Dogwood Family Movie Night, student-directed one-act plays at HHS, Forest Hill Elementary's Charity Basketball Game, Houston vs. Arlington football game, and Haunted Houston. Ms. Landers reports she met with an alderman, and attended the Germantown Education Commission. She also participated in the GMC PTO Lunch and Learn.O Mr. Curry reports he attended GMC PTO Lunch and Learn, National Walk to School Day at Riverdale, Forest Hill October PTO meeting, Germantown Chamber of Commerce October luncheon, TSBA October Legal Lunch, subject was board member ethics, Jesse Owens Invitational cross-country race, West Tennessee regional championship cross-country race, and the Tennessee Elementary and Middle School Cross Country Championships in Knoxville Ms. Griffith reports she met with an alderman, and attended HMS, FHES, and Riverdale PTO Meetings. She also attended HHS Theatre Student Directed One Act Plays, Houston Middle and High School Football Games, SPED Technology Seminar, FHES Charity Basketball Tournament, HMS and RES Basketball Jamboree at Bartlett High, and HMS 10th Annual Haunted Houston. Ms. Eoff reports she attended TSBA’s Chairman Workshop, two band competitions in Huntingdon, TN and Paragould, AR, Houston vs. Arlington football game, and student directed one act plays at HHS. Last week, the school board reviewed the updated Master Facilities Plan for the district. This 5-year plan is updated annually by committee, provides guidance for future capital needs, and contains a wealth of information. Inside the report, information on the history of the district, enrollment, programs, zoning, facility needs, funding sources, and so much more. I encourage our families to review this document and see what new facts they learn about our district. This month, I attended the TSBA Chairman’s Workshop in Nashville. It was a wonderful session of learning and networking. Included was time to share our experiences and struggles over the last year or so. We were able to encourage one another and learn from each other new and better ways to run meetings, lead the board, and build trust. I am thankful for the opportunity to meet with so many excellent chairmen from across our state. But one thing that became abundantly evident over the workshop is how blessed I am to work alongside the ladies and gentlemen of this Germantown Board of Education. Not all districts have healthy, functioning school boards. The people on this Dias are passionate about our students, care about public education, and serve with selflessness, humility, and thoughtfulness. Thank you for your integrity and your service. It is an honor to serve with you. |
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6.C. Financial Report
Speaker(s):
Kevin Jones
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
Chief Financial Officer Kevin Jones reported the Total Assets, Liabilities, and Fund Balances on the Balance Sheet for period ending 9.30.21
FEDERAL PROJECTS $1.1 million in ESSER 2.0 funding was spent representing 24% of the total budget. CAFETERIA FUND SFE reported a net income of $123K for the month. OPEB TRUST FUND With a decline in market value, year-to-date realized and unrealized losses on investments totaled $42K |
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6.D. Superintendent's Report
Speaker(s):
Jason Manuel
Discussion:
Superintendent Jason Manuel requested Deputy Superintendent Josh Cathey to present in the Superintendent’s Report with the following Highlights in his PowerPoint presentation,
MASTER FACILITIES PLAN
The above presentation can be found at our GMSD website link https://www.gmsdk12.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2177271&type=d&pREC_ID=2181786 |
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7. Citizens to be heard
Speaker(s):
Chairman
Discussion:
There were no citizens to be heard at this time.
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8. CONSENT AGENDA
Speaker(s):
Chairman
Recommended Motion(s):
Motion passed: I move to approve all the items in the Consent Agenda,, passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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8.A. Approval of the Minutes
Speaker(s):
Chairman
Rationale:
Minutes from 9.28.21 Board Business Meeting
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8.B. Review / Revision of Policies - Second Reading
Speaker(s):
Jason Manuel
Rationale:
9.22.21 RATIONALE FOR REVISION OF POLICIES
Revisions are recommended for the following policies First Reading 9.28.21 / Second Reading 10.26.21 * Policies are uploaded in BOE Connect in Numerical Order Department of Student Services SP 6.200 Attendance and Truancy - Moved responsibility language regarding driver’s licenses and permits to attendance supervisor; added statutory language regarding excused absences; added statutory language regarding absences for non-school sponsored extracurricular activities; added language regarding postsecondary school visits in order to provide easier reference and language regarding travel; added statutory language regarding military absences; removed language regarding "pregnant students" because it is now included in homebound policy; added statutory notice requirement. SP 6.2001 Attendance During Postsecondary Visits - Repealed this policy and folded this policy into 6.200 for ease of use by families and added more language surrounding travel. SP 6.311 Care of School Property - Changed from "Director of Schools" to "Superintendent" to be consistent. SP 6.313 Discipline Policy - Adds new mass violence language and hacking and cyberattacking to discipline policy; adds notice language to provide due process to students. Title changed from "Discipline Procedures" to "Discipline Policy" SP 6.314 Corporal Punishment - Strikes language that became obsolete when latest discipline policy was drafted, which provides for alternative disciplinary practices. SP 6.318 Admission of Suspended or Expelled Students - Added statutory language regarding students admitted from other school districts that have been suspended or expelled. SP 6.4001 Students Surveys, Analyses and Evaluations - Removed unnecessary procedure language in that procedure is set forth in policy. SP 6.402 Physical Examinations and Immunizations - Added statutory language regarding homeless students. SP 6.404 HIV / AIDS (Students) - Added statutory language in order to correct confusion between AIDS discrimination not just HIV as it relates to students; deleted infection control language in that the district provides protocols for infection control. SP 6.405 Administering Medicines to Students - Corrected typo which referenced policy as a procedure; expanded language to include statutory language pertaining to students with pancreatic insufficiency or cystic fibrosis; added statutory language permitting the use of asthma inhalers. SP 6.409 Child Abuse and Child Sexual Abuse - Corrected typo correcting "or" to "and", removed procedure provision because all is explained in policy. SP 6.411 Student Wellness - Frequency of legislative changes has caused footnotes to oftentimes be inaccurate and require re-ordering of numbers, which causes confusion. Moving forward we will be transitioning away from footnote numbering; changed from "director of schools" to "superintendent" to be consistent with GMSD reference. SP 6.413 Concussion - Added statutory language regarding annual completion of concussion training for employed and volunteer coaches. School Board Operations 1.404 - Appearances Before the Board - Amended policy to be in conformance with new legal precedent; both counsels have reviewed and approved. Department of Teaching, Learning and Assessment 4.203 - Advanced College Placement - Repealed this policy because it is subsumed into 4.203.1 4.203.1 - Enrollment in Advanced and College Level Courses - This policy was overhauled as a result of new statutory requirements. 4.404 - Use of Copyrighted Materials - 4.404- Added language to clarify employee responsibility in regard to copyright infringement, based upon recent claims by copyright owners; removed language regarding "regulations" and "practices" in that the law is clear and does not require further regulations, and because all employees have now received in-service training regarding copyright infringement. 4.700 - Testing Programs - Page 3/Line 1 - 7th OR 8th Graders added Department of Human Resources 5.401 - HIV / AIDS (Employees) - This policy was changed to be consistent with the language changes regarding clarifications pertaining to AIDS and HIV that were made in the Policy 6.404 HIV / AIDS (Students). This policy 5.401 pertains to employees. Title changed to be consistent with the Student Policy 6.404
Attachments:
()
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8.C. Review / Revision of Policies - First Reading
Speaker(s):
Jason Manuel
Rationale:
Rationale document is attached for the 23 Policies recommended for revision.
The Board discussed all the Policies during the 10.20.21 Work Session and recommended the following changes/edits to the below 4 policies, to be updated and added to the Consent Agenda for the Business Meeting on 10.26.21 HR Policy 5.501 Employee Related Complaints - Page 1/ Line 13, After Human Resources, add "or Director's designee". - Page 1 / Line 15, Add a new sentence at the end, "If a satisfactory resolution of the problem cannot be reached after speaking with the Deputy Superintendent, the employee may contact the Superintendent." Policy 3.217 Energy Management - Page 1/ Line 18 - Strike through Policy 6.425 Life-Threatening Allergy Management - Strike through Page 1 Line 9 Beginning "An IHP" until Line 12 ending "Tennessee Schools" Policy 6.709 Student Fees and Fines - Page 1 / Item No. 1 - Clarification on Field trips - It will remain in the policy. - Page 2 / Line 13, "Director" replaced with "GMSD Assistant Superintendent"
Attachments:
()
Discussion:
The Board recommended the following changes/edits to the below 4 policies, to be updated and added to the Consent Agenda for the Business Meeting on 10.26.21
HR Policy 5.501 Employee Related Complaints - Page 1/ Line 13, After Human Resources, add "or Director's designee". - Page 1 / Line 15, Add a new sentence at the end, "If a satisfactory resolution of the problem cannot be reached after speaking with the Deputy Superintendent, the employee may contact the Superintendent." Policy 3.217 Energy Management - Page 1/ Line 18 - Strike through Policy 6.425 Life-Threatening Allergy Management - Strike through Page 1 Line 9 Beginning "An IHP" until Line 12 ending "Tennessee Schools" Policy 6.709 Student Fees and Fines - Page 1 / Item No. 1 - Clarification on Field trips - It will remain in the policy. - Page 2 / Line 13, "Director" replaced with "GMSD Assistant Superintendent" |
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8.D. Miscellaneous FY 2021-22 Budget Amendments
Speaker(s):
Jason Manuel
Rationale:
Miscellaneous FY21-22 Budget Amendment # 14
Attachments:
()
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8.E. Approval of 2021 LEA Compliance Report
Speaker(s):
Jason Manuel
Rationale:
Districts are required to comply with all federal and state education laws and State Board of Education (SBE) rules. The commissioner of education is responsible for ensuring school laws and SBE rules are executed as well as taking corrective action when a district is noncompliant with those laws and rules or is not following a department-approved compliance plan.??
The LEA Compliance Report is a document used by the department in its annual process of ensuring compliance. All districts are required to complete the report including the corrective action plan template if applicable, and upload it to ePlan by November 30.
Attachments:
()
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9. BOARD ACTION ITEMS
Speaker(s):
Chairman
Discussion:
There were no Board Action Items at this time.
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10. Announcements
Speaker(s):
Chairman
Discussion:
Chairman Amy Eoff made the following announcements,
October 29 - Houston football game against white station November 2 - Election Day no school for students November 11 - Veterans Day November 12-15 - Houston Theatre performances of Emma November 16 - Work Session November 18-21 - TSBA Annual convention in Nashville November 22-26 - Thanksgiving Break November 30 - Business Meeting and December Work Session |
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11. Adjournment
Speaker(s):
Chairman
Discussion:
The meeting was adjourned with consensus at 6:38 pm.
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