March 29, 2022 at 6:00 PM - GMSD Board Business Meeting

Discussion:  Chairman Angela Griffith called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm.

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

Discussion:  Vice-Chairman Amy Eoff led the Pledge of Allegiance

Discussion:  Board Member and TLN representative Ryan Strain presented the 3.29.22 TLN Report as follows,
Education-related legislation continues to make its way through the Tennessee General Assembly.  Notably:

• Legislation that would have added an exception to last year’s 3^rd grade retention law to allow third grade students to be promoted to the 4^th grade based on school district data demonstrating an understanding of English language arts failed in committee after receiving opposition from the Department of Education.
• Legislation related to the operation of Germantown Elementary, Middle, and High Schools remains under consideration.
• The new proposed public school funding formula, known as the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (or "TISA") formula, also continues to make its way through the committee process.

Other legislation in committee this week includes:

• HB 1860 / SB 1890, which allows teachers, schools, and districts to use results from benchmark assessments or a universal screener to measure student achievement, student performance, and student growth.
• HB 1900 / SB 2567, which requires the Department of Education to establish a fund to reimburse educators in an amount equal to the cost of an assessment required for licensure if the educator receives a qualifying score on the required assessment.
• HB 2345 / SB 2250, which requires districts to allow nonresident students to enroll in a school in which spaces are available.
• HB 2092 / SB 2021, which requires a local board of education with ten or more priority schools to transition from an elected board of education to a board of education that is appointed by the county mayor.
• HB 2253 / SB 2221, which requires districts to classify school nurses as licensed personnel for salary purposes.
• HB 2460 / SB 2332, which prohibits the Commissioner of Education from establishing a schedule for the administration of TCAP tests that requires the administration of a TCAP test more than 20 days before the end of the school year.  This bill also requires the Department of Education to provide a district with the individual student performance level ratings from TCAP tests administered to the district’s students no later than 10 business days after the close of the testing schedule established by the Commissioner.

In federal news, President Biden released his latest education budget proposal this week, calling for more than double the current funding for Title I, the longstanding federal program that sends money to schools serving students from low-income families and other disadvantaged students.  The administration is also calling for an increase in funding for students with disabilities.
 

Discussion:  Chairman Angela Griffith reported the Board Members' Activities for March 2022 and presented her Chairman's Report as follows,

Board Member Curry’s Activities

• Volunteered at the Forest Hill Elementary Learning Garden
• Attended the HMS Band Concert
• Lunch and meeting with Rep. Kevin Vaughan
• Attended the performance of the HHS percussion and color guard
• Visit to Forest Hill Elementary Library and met with Mrs. Mock
• Attended the following school snapshots:
  • Houston Middle
  • Farmington
  • Riverdale
  • Forest Hill  
• Attended the performances of Mary Poppins, Jr. and Matilda, Jr.
• Met with Mayor Palazzolo regarding legislation
• Attended Forest Hill PTO March meeting
• Attended MYA Elementary and Middle Track Meet

Vice Chair Eoff’ s Activities

• Attended HMS Band Concert
• Met with Rep. Vaughan
• Attended HHS Winter guard and Indoor Percussion Friends and Family performance
• Attended GMSD Snap Shots at Dogwood Elem and Houston High
• Attended Riverdale’s Matilda, Jr performance 
• Met with Mayor Palazzolo regarding proposed legislation
• Attended a GMSD teacher’s doctoral lecture/concert 

Chairman Griffith’s Activities

• Attended Houston Middle Band Preview Night/Concert
• Met with Representative Kevin Vaughan
• Attended GMSD Snap Shots at Dogwood and Forest Hill Elementary Schools
• Met with Mayor Palazzolo regarding proposed legislation
• Attended and enjoyed the performances of both the Riverdale Theatre’s Matilda, Jr and Falcon Footlights’ Mary Poppins, Jr productions
• Served as a Group Leader for TSBA’s Annual Student Congress On Policies in Education (SCOPE Conference)
• Attended the HHS Softball game versus Collierville, WAY TO GO MUSTANGS!

Board Member Lander’s Activities

• Participated in Mayor Palazzolo’s Community Conversations Lunch
• Met with Mayor Palazzolo regarding proposed legislation
• Attended GMSD Snap Shots at Forest Hill Elementary
• Attended ‘Matilda, Jr’ production at Riverdale

Board Member Strain’s Activities

• Attended HMS band Preview night/concert
• Attended snapshots at HHS, HMS, and FES
• Attended Riverdale Theatre’s performance of Matilda Jr. 
• Attended Dogwood PTO meeting
• Participated in Leadership Germantown’s local government day

It has been both written and said that hope springs eternal. I believe that and sincerely hope everyone enjoyed their recent Spring Break. Based on the blooming tulips and daffodils and budding azaleas, it is evident that Spring has indeed sprung in Germantown, Tennessee. Further proof of the nurturing that occurs for the bulbs, plants, and shrubs to mature and unfold. Much like the school year, many standards and concepts have been taught and academic seeds planted. Students and teachers are entering into review and reinforcement phases prior to their end of year assessments, all while realizing the growth achieved in the classroom. Progress with social and emotional development, is often noted in students this time of year as well. Similarly, we see students blossom in their own individual timing and unique ways, another result of the cultivation and support provided to them throughout their educational journeys.

Spring is also budget season for school districts across the state. Additionally, our state, county, and city government funding bodies are preparing and proposing their annual budgets as well. Staying on theme, I have been known to comment in gest during board discussions that we must remember to water our "money tree", thus continuing to promote healthy fiscal stewardship. While the legislature is still considering Governor Lee’s suggested overhaul to our state’s public education funding structure, we still have many unanswered questions. I encourage our community to follow along with our upcoming budget presentations and discussions. Providing top quality programs for all students, in the best possible facilities, while striving to maintain GMSD’s status as a premier education employer in our region continue to be our financial focuses.

During the Spring, many of our students are participating in competitions, conventions, and contests demonstrating what they have been working on throughout the school year. The recent art and essay contests displayed the many creative talents and works of GMSD students. The annual Germantown Education Commission’s Battle of the Brains was just held at Houston High School this past weekend, where competing students presented their STEM based projects for the potential to earn awards and cash prizes. Clubs and organizations are attending their state level conventions such as Houston High’s Student Government Association and HOSA. District wide staff are also participating in conferences within their concentrations. These annual events allow our students and staff the opportunities to collaborate with their peers, sharing ideas and celebrating successes.

Has anyone here ever heard of Spring Fever? Cue the laughing from every parent, teacher, and school administrator present or listening. Spring fever is a term often used to describe the level of energy and excitement in students typically experienced following the seasonal time change. It can also be associated with a perceived lack of focus on schoolwork and increased desire for playtime and physical activity especially with our younger students. It can play a part in interrupting established routines, while also being a spark for spontaneity and positivity in school settings. As we enter the last nine weeks of this school year, I know many of us are feeling the effects of Spring Fever. Whether you are simply trying to stay motivated, helping your students master those final math standards, preparing to perform a piece that you’ve been practicing for months or chasing that personal record or goal; you have come too far to let up now. May the fruits of your labor and care, your work and effort be abundant.          


 

Discussion:  Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Jones reported the Total Assets, Liabilities, and Fund Balances on the Balance Sheet for period ending 2.28.22

HEALTH INSURANCE FUND
Average budgeted claims totaled $432K per month, Actual claims year-to-date average $446K per month

CAFETERIA FUND
SFE reported a net income of $123K for the month.

OPEB TRUST FUND
Year-to-date realized and unrealized losses on investments totaled $175K
 

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Manuel presented the 3.29.22 Superintendent’s Report with the following Highlights in his PowerPoint presentation,

College and Career Readiness

• Objective 1.1.4
  • Expand EPSOS
  • Expand CTE
• Houston High School Outcomes
  • 88 % to 4-Year University
  • 11% to 2-Year College/ Technical School
  • 1% to Military/Workfoce
  • Over 44 Million dollars in college scholarships
• Ready Graduate
  • Mechatronics
  • Health Science
  • STEM
• Industry Credentials and Where They are Taken
  • OSHA 10 (Principles of Manufacturing, Agriscience, Diagnostic Medicine)
  • SNAP ON - Precision Measurement (Principles of Manufacturing)
  • SOLIDWORKS associate (STEM III)
  • CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (Clinical Internship/Medical Assisting)
• Dual Enrollment Courses
• Advanced Placement Courses
• College and Career Advising
• Preparing students for whatever post-secondary path they choose

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 parent concerns,

- Lorrie Williams, 9629 Fox Hill Circle North, Germantown TN 38139
- Geoff Hicks, 9626 Mourning Dove Cove, Germantown TN 38139

Discussion:  Chairman Angela Griffith made the following announcements,

Tuesday, April 12 - Upcoming Budget and Regular Board Work Session
Tuesday, April 19 - Upcoming Board Business Meeting
Thursday, March 31 to Monday, April 4 - HHS Play Fiddler on the Roof
 

Discussion:  The meeting was adjourned with consensus at 6:41 pm.