February 22, 2022 at 6:00 PM - GMSD Board Business Meeting

Discussion:  Chairman Angela Griffith called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

Discussion:  Chairman Angela Griffith called for a moment of silence.

Discussion:  Board member Brian Curry led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  STAFF RECOGNITION: TEACHERS OF THE YEAR, SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR, PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR
Candace Plaisance, Grades 9-12
Ms. Plaisance is a well-loved AP European History & AP US History teacher. Her class environment is heavily focused on respect and collaboration and often allows students to role play famous historical figures.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MS. PLAISANCE:

• She's been in several different bands throughout her life. The last was with one of the English teachers from Houston.
• She has a slight obsession with skincare and makeup. Often seen doing makeup for students for prom, and she used to run the makeup department for Falcon Footlights.
• She's an excellent snow boarder.

Spencer Nesvick, Grades 5-8
Mr. Nesvick is a talented musician who began teaching band at Houston Middle School many years ago. Mr. Nesvick is a passionate supporter of the fine arts program and believes that they "are essential parts of a comprehensive education and a healthy school culture".
He goes the extra mile to host after-school help sessions to support students who are auditioning for All-West. Community members can often see his students performing at sporting events, concert festivals, and the local Kroger (during the holidays). He's also brought in top-musical talent to speak with students.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MR. NESVICK:

• 7 of Nesvick's former students are now band directors
• He taught his own brother in high school band
• Was a lifeguard trainer for the Boy Scouts at Kia Kima Scout Reservation
• Conducted a band at Carnegie Hall, performed on my trumpet at Madison Square Garden & played with the Memphis Jazz Orchestra on Beale Street

Karen Teel, Grades PreK-4 (Dogwood Elementary School)
Ms. Teel serves as the gifted teacher at Dogwood Elementary School. She is an innovative instructor with an eye for detail. Teel sees her position at the school as an "impactful opportunity" in which she does daily, morning, breakfast check-ins with her students. She also volunteers her time teaching in the South Bronx in New York. Other highlights of her work include the annual Envision Project Expo at Dogwood Elementary School.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MS. TEEL:

• She is originally from Alabama (WAR EAGLE!)
• She is from a family of strong educators and grew up with a love for schools
• She is an avid Orange Theory member

Andy Martin, School Coordinated Health
Though only two years into his position, Mr. Martin has accomplished an extraordinary number of programs for staff and students! From the bike program to monthly staff fitness challenges, we were not surprised when TAPHERD named him their Supervisor of the Year also! Prior to his role in GMSD, he taught PE to young students.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MR. MARTIN:

• He has 3 boys ages 8 months to 7 years old (Liam, Luke, and Hayden).
• One of his ancestors is Former President James K. Polk.
• His dream vacation would be to travel through Ancient Greece to see all the historical landmarks and artifacts.

Jessica Woody, Dogwood Elementary School
All you need is LOVE. Ms. Woody's passion for creating a positive culture is her defining characteristic as a school leader.
Ms. Woody has been working as an educator for twenty-five years. Prior to her three years at Dogwood, she taught social studies, math, and reading for nine years; served as an Instructional Coach for Shelby County Schools; and has spent twelve years as an Assistant Principal at Houston Middle School.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MS. WOODY:

• She loves New York City and teaches summer camp at A House on Beekman in the South Bronx each summer.
• She was on the game show The Weakest Link.
• She cheered on a coed cheer team in high school.
• She started teaching at Houston Middle School at the age of 21.
• She won a Geography competition in the 11th grade and the prize was a trip to Ireland!

STUDENT RECOGNITIONS
Each year, the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (W.T.S.B.O.A.) puts on a large convention in the Cannon Center downtown to show off all the great things that are happening with music education in West Tennessee. Since the students are the greatest things that can happen in education, the most successful players are selected to participate in honor bands of other high achievers with guest conductors of great skill and prestige. This month, we celebrate the student musicians who were invited to perform.
 

Discussion:  Board member and TLN Representative Ryan Strain presented the TLN Report as follows,
Education-related legislation continues to make its way through the Tennessee General Assembly.  Notable bills in committee over the next few weeks include:

• HB 1077 / SB 1225, as amended, which adds an exception to last year’s 3^rd grade retention law that will allow third grade students to be promoted to the 4^th grade based on school district data demonstrating an understanding of English language arts.
• HB 1860 / SB 1890, which allows teachers, schools, and districts to use results from benchmark assessments to measure student achievement, student performance, and student growth.
• HB 2861 / SB 2778, which, among other things, expands student eligibility for vouchers.
• HB 2138 / SB 2321, which allows the use of results from TCAP tests administered in the 2020-2021 school year to set the annual measurable objectives for schools and districts for the 2021-2022 school year and provides that those annual measurable objectives may be used to assign letter grades to schools.
• HB 2833 / SB 2168, which reduces the amount of time within which certain decisions must be made concerning applications for public charter schools, creates a process for authorizing replications of a public charter school, establishes a fund to assist public charter schools in obtaining favorable financing, and makes various other changes and additions to laws concerning charter schools.
• HB 2079 / SB 1954, enacting the "Local School District Empowerment Act," which creates a pilot program for establishing the office of elected school superintendents.
• HB 1880 / SB 1830, which requires local boards of education to provide an opportunity for at least 10 people to speak on any topic related to the board for at least three minutes per person at each public meeting and to provide an opportunity for people to submit written public comments to the board.
• HB 2154 / SB 2407, enacting the "Age Appropriate Materials Act of 2022," which requires each public school to maintain, and post on the school's website, a list of materials in the school's library collection; and requires each local board of education and public charter school governing body to establish procedures for the development and review of school library connections.

Additionally, on February 24, Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn will unveil long-awaited legislation for their new student-based funding formula, known as the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (or "TISA") formula.  The Governor and Commissioner will be livestreaming a presentation that breaks down key aspects of the legislation and funding proposal.

In other General Assembly news, the state Senate voted to expel Senator Katrina Robinson following her conviction on federal wire fraud charges.

In legal news, on February 24th the Tennessee Supreme Court will rehear arguments in a case involving the constitutionality of a school voucher law passed in 2019 limited to school districts in Memphis and Nashville.  Former Tennessee associate solicitor general and newly confirmed state Supreme Court Justice Sarah Campbell, an appointee of Governor Lee, has recused herself from the case.

Additionally, a federal court lawsuit regarding public school bathroom access for transgender students will be dropped as the plaintiffs move out of state.

Finally, on March 16, the Tennessee School Boards Association will host the 2022 Student Congress on Policies in Education (or "SCOPE") conference, which brings together 9^th through 12th grade students from across the state to discuss current topics in education.  Participants will explore education issues through mock school board meetings and group discussions.  Board Chair Angela Griffith will participate in the conference in a leadership role.
 

Discussion:  Chairman Angela Griffith presented the Chairman's Report as follows,
"If communication is key to success, and I believe that it is, we all must do our part to participate. Communication is often reciprocal, a two-way street of sorts. It is an exchange of thoughts and ideas. One of the primary benefits of being a smaller municipal district is the community’s local access to not only the Superintendent but also to its School Board members. We often meet with or participate in phone calls with stakeholders to gain valued feedback and input. Email correspondence is also a regular way for the community members to contact us. Whether it is verbal or written communication, the sharing of information between individuals or groups is not only how we express ourselves but also how we learn and grow by listening and trying to understand. Clear communication can instill and increase confidence in all facets of the community. As we heard during last week’s HHS Facilities presentation, the focus on community was a predominant and recurring theme which came from the stakeholder committee work.   
Interpersonal communication is crucial as well, especially since many of us have had limited face to face interaction over the past couple of years. I think many can agree that having eye contact and reading body language can help appreciate someone’s intent and tone.  
Communication intended to inform can come in a variety of ways to our GMSD families and staff. The recently launched Weekly Round Up, brings a frequent district wide update directly to your phone, tablet or device. The Let’s Talk App and Link has been a phenomenal way for our families to get their questions, concerns, suggestions or comments directly to the specific school or department necessary to address them.

Regularly scheduled, school level communication and PTO/PTSO newsletters are received by those who are applicable subscribers. District and school level social media is a fun way for the community to keep up with specific programs, teams, club and events.
As school board members, we often hear from parents with questions about who to contact regarding a certain topic or situation. Maintaining a school level and district office appropriate chain of command is paramount to preserve proper communication channels as well.
Strengthening student to teacher communication and connections continues to be a district focus #connectgmsd. Many benefits in the classroom can come from this such as establishing mutual respect and building a classroom specific rapport.
Student to student communication has certainly evolved as the reliance on text messaging and social media messaging is becoming a more prevalent way for peers to interact. As a result, the continued emphasis on digital citizenship is as pertinent as ever.
Communication is not solely the information sent or shared but also the receipt of it. For open dialogue and discussions to take place there must be willingness by all sides. If communication is constant and consistent, much can be gained but there is always room for improvement.

BOARD MEMBER ACTIVITIES

All five GMSD Board of Education Members met with the following legislators; both local and from around the state who serve on their respective education committees about proposed legislation impacting students, schools and staff in public education. These legislators include Chairman White, Representatives Leatherwood, Hurt and Haston, Chairman Lundberg, Senators Akbari and Rose. I make a point to mention that our entire board participated in these meetings because many boards send a member or two, if any at all. The continued legislative advocacy efforts and coordination by this board warrants being noted as the collective activity it is.

Board Member Curry's Activities:

• Community Conversations with Mayor Palazzolo and members of the community
• Meetings with Rep Thompson and Commissioner Morrison
• TSBA Legislative Conference and Day on the hill meeting with legislators
• TSBA Legal Lunch with the topic of school support organizations
• Mustang Madness
• Houston High School Girls’ basketball divisional playoff game vs Germantown High
• HHS 8th grade preview night

Board Member Eoff's Activities:

• Attended a lovely school board appreciation lunch and tour at Farmington
• Participated in an interview by a local boy scout working to achieve his Eagle Scout
• Met with Com. Morrison and Rep. Thompson about legislative issues
• Traveled to Nashville for TSBA's Legislative and Legal Institute
• Attended Mustang Madness for HHS Baseball

Board Member Griffith's Activities:

• Was hosted by Forest Hill Elementary Administration for Lunch and a Tour to celebrate School Board Appreciation Week during which time I had the privilege of reading to Ms. Dowdle’s 1^st Grade Class
• Attended HHS 8^th Grade Preview Night
• Attended Farmington PTO Meeting
• Attended Dogwood PTO Meeting
• Attended Houston Middle PTO Meeting
• Met with County Commissioner Morrison
• Hosted Representative Dwayne Thompson at the district office
• Attended TSBA Annual Legislative and Legal Institute in Nashville
• Joined Mayor Palazzolo for Breakfast to discuss pending legislation
• Hosted by Dr. Fisher and Ms. Abel at GOAL
• Attended Mustang Madness Supporting HHS Baseball

Board Member Lander's Activities:

• Enjoyed a School Board Appreciation Week visit at Houston Middle School, Yea, House of Percheron!!!
• Participated in a meeting with Shelby Co. Commissioner Brandon Morrison
• Participated in meeting with Representative Dwayne Thompson
• Attended TSBA Legislative and Legal Institute in Nashville
• Participated in Board of Education Work Session
• Attended Houston Baseball ‘Mustang Madness’ event

Board Member Strain's Activities:

• Hosted by Riverdale administration for lunch and a tour for School Board Appreciation Week
• Attended Dogwood PTO meeting
• Met with Shelby County Commissioner Brandon Morrison and Representative Dwayne Thomspon
• Attended TSBA Legislative and Legal Institute in Nashville
• Attended Germantown Chamber of Commerce luncheon
• Attended Mustang Madness

 
 

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Manuel reported the Total Assets, Liabilities, and Fund Balances on the Balance Sheet for period ending 1.31.22

SCHOOL OPERATING FUND
We received $6.5 million in property taxes, which represents 39% of the total budget.  The district also made its annual contribution to the OPEB Trust fund in the amount of $679,422.

CAFETERIA FUND
SFE reported a net income of $94K for the month.

OPEB TRUST FUND
Year-to-date realized and unrealized losses on investments totaled $80K
 

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Manuel presented the 2.22.22 Superintendent’s Report with the following Highlights in his PowerPoint presentation,

Foundations and Planning of GOAL

Community Engagement Timeline
 

• March 11, 2021 - Initial Interest Survey sent to GMSD Families
• April 8, 2021 - Delivered first-looks to community about Virtual School option
• May 17, 2021 - ESSER Funding Drafts suggest First-Year Implementation of GOAL
• June 11, 2021 - Announcement of Dr. Heather Fisher as GOAL Principal
• June 15, 2021 - GOAL Updates Presentation to the Board
• June 24, 2021 - GOAL Parent and Community Info Night
• July 21, 2021 - Dr. Fisher Recaps Parent Info Night at School Board Meeting
• August 27, 2021 - Deadline to enroll extended
• September 10, 2021 - GOAL expanded to include elementary grades
• September 16, 2021 - Board and Community Partners - GOAL Enrollment Updates
• September 28, 2021 - ESSER Funding Updates and Revisions presented at Board Meeting
• November 19, 2021 - ESSER Funding Plan approved by the School Board and shared with all Stakeholders
• First Year Implementation of GOAL
• February 22, 2022 - An Intent-to-Return Survey indicates Students are planning to return to GOAL next year

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


 

Discussion:  The following Citizens voiced their opinion on the School District and the Board,
- Amy Lipscomb, 1570 Blue Grass Cove, Germantown TN 38138
- Kristin Hicks, 9626 Mourning Dove Cove, Germantown TN 38139
- Geoff Hicks, 9626 Mourning Dove Cove, Germantown TN 38139
 

Discussion:  Chairman Angela Griffith announced the following,

• Upcoming Theater productions at GMSD 
  • Matilda. Jr at Riverdale School
  • Mary Poppins. Jr at Farmington School
  • Fiddler on the Roof at Houston High School
• March 14-18 - Spring Break 
• March 23 at 5:00 pm - Upcoming Board Work Session 
• March 29 at 6:00 pm - Upcoming Board Business Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was adjourned with consensus at 7:22 pm.