May 23, 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:  Board member Betsy Landers led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  The Teachers who received the Tenure Status were recognized and awarded. Chairman Angela Griffith called a short recess break in session from 6:21 pm to 6:32 pm for pictures and cake during the Tenure Celebration.
 

Discussion:  Board member and TLN Representative Ryan Strain presented the 5.23.22 TLN Report as follows,

The Tennessee General Assembly adjourned at the end of April, but not before passing a few additional pieces of education-related legislation.  Notable legislation includes:

• HB 2430 / SB 2315, which relates to the operation of Germantown Elementary, Middle, and High Schools.
• The new public school funding formula, known as the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act (or "TISA").
• HB 2666 / SB 2247, under which Tennessee’s state textbook commission can overrule local school board decisions and ban certain school library books statewide if they are deemed "inappropriate for the age or maturity levels" of students with access to them.  The appointed commission members can hear appeals from parents, school employees, and others.
• HB 324 / SB 388, which returns Tennessee to a 10-point grading scale for high school students instead of a seven-point scale for assigning A to F letter grades.
• HB 2152 / SB 2405, which approved the largest increase for HOPE scholarships since they began in 2004.  Beginning with the 2022-23 academic year, the awards will increase from $3,500 to $4,500 for full-time eligible freshmen and sophomores and from $4,500 to $5,700 for juniors and seniors.

In Tennessee Department of Education news, the Department and University of Tennessee system are opening a Grow Your Own Center in an effort to centralize and strengthen the state’s 65 existing "grow your own" programs, which seek to create new paths to the teaching profession.

Finally, federal and state courts recently have issued rulings on issues covered in previous TLN reports.

• In Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County v. Tennessee Department of Education, the Tennessee Supreme Court, in a 3-2 decision, ruled that Shelby County and Metro have standing to challenge the constitutionality of the Education Savings Account Pilot Program (or the "ESA Act") under the Home Rule Amendment, which is Article XI, Section 9, of the Tennessee Constitution.  The Court also ruled the Home Rule Amendment does not render the ESA Act unconstitutional.  The case is now headed back to the trial court for consideration of the Counties’ claims under the education and equal protection clauses of the Tennessee Constitution.
• In R.K. v. Lee, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Court declined to stay the trial court’s Order enjoining Governor Lee and the Commissioner of Education from enforcing recent legislation related to face coverings in schools.

Discussion:  Chairman Angela Griffith presented the Chairman's report as follows,

Two of the most important and impactful events that we as school board members get to participate in are, student commencement and teacher tenure granting ceremonies. These milestones, for both students and teachers represent a significant point in their personal and professional journeys.

Houston High School and our district’s new Germantown Online Academy of Learning both recently held graduations for their current seniors. As we know, the Class of 2022 has been impacted by the pandemic throughout three of their four years of high school. Their disruption of a typical high school environment for this reason will forever be unique to them. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all GMSD graduates. As with any graduating class, the path to graduation is different for each student. Congratulations to the students who sought and succeeded in their path of academic rigor with minimal interruption. Congratulations to the students who hit bumps in the road along the way but found a detour that still brought them to their planned or even a newfound destination. Congratulations to the students who at times, weren’t sure if they were going to make it to the finish line but persevered and found a way. Congratulations to those who received a full ride to your college of choice. Congratulations to those who were admitted to a school and had to determine how to fund their future education. Congratulations to those who are going to trade school or earning a certification towards their career path. Congratulations to those who are pursuing a future in service of our military, as a first responder, in mission work or any field that furthers their pursuit of their individual vocation, passion or calling. Thank you to the Class of 2022 for the legacy you leave our district and community. I wish each of you the best now and always!     

I want to take this moment to acknowledge every teacher within our district. Many of whom much like the graduating Class of 2022, have now had three pandemic affected school years. I haven’t yet heard of a college education course offered about how to manage your classroom during a pandemic, but I do now know some educators that could teach it. Earning tenure is an important point in any educator’s career. Whether they have taught in a single school district or have achieved eligibility in multiple districts. A teacher achieving the required qualifications for tenure is exciting and commendable and being recommended to and approved by the board is extraordinary. This evening, we celebrate the twenty-eight teachers and staff who have recently received GMSD tenure status. Congratulations and thank you to each of you for all you do every day to continue investing in your students, your schools and in your profession.    

Chairman Angela Griffith presented the Board Members' Activities for May 2022,

BOARD MEMBER CURRY’S ACTIVITIES

• Attended GMC PTO STAR Awards
• Spoke to Webelos Pack 74 for their Building a Better World Adventure about government service
• Attended FHES Choir singing the National Anthem at the Redbirds game
• Attended the MYA Track Meet at Bartlett HS
• Attended the MYA Championship Track Meet at Christian Brothers
• Attended Day 1 of the Blue Chip presentations, featuring teachers from HMS and HHS
• Attended the Riverdale Orchestra and Elementary Orchestra concert at GPAC
• Attended the BMA Meeting on May 9 which recognized Robyn Rudisill's service to the community
• Attended the Houston Middle Band concert at GPAC
• Attended the Houston vs. Bartlett Divisional Tournament baseball game at Bill Avant Field
• Attended the HHS Band concert at GPAC
• Participated in the Houston High graduation ceremony
• Attended the FHES Choir production of the "Battle of the Bands"
• Attended the GMSD employee retirement celebration
• Attended the Emotional Impacts of Social Media Workshop featuring Allison Edwards at HHS

VICE CHAIR EOFF’S ACTIVITIES

• HMS band concert
• HHS band concert
• GMSD retiree reception
• HHS graduation
• GOAL graduation

CHAIRMAN GRIFFITH’S ACTIVITIES

• Attended the City of Germantown Finance Advisory Commission Meeting where the GMSD Budget was presented by the Superintendent
• Attended the Mozart Choir Concert a Collaboration between Houston and Collierville High Choirs at Collierville High School
• Participated in the annual Germantown Education Foundation’s Color Run and Race, RUN GMSD
• Attended Forest Hill Elementary First Grade Field Day
• Met with Mayor Palazzolo and City Administrator Huisman
• Attended HMS, HHS and GMSD Orchestra Concerts at the GPAC
• Attended the HHS Baseball game vs Bartlett
• Attended the HHS Band Concert at the GPAC
• Attended GMSD Blue Chips Presentations for DES, FES, FHES, RES
• Attended Dogwood Fifth Grade Field Day
• Attended the HHS Boys Soccer game vs Germantown High
• Participated in both Houston High and GOAL Commencement Ceremonies

BOARD MEMBER LANDERS’ ACTIVITIES

• Attended the City of Germantown Finance Advisory Commission Meeting where the GMSD Budget was presented by the Superintendent
• Participated in the Leadership Germantown Class of 2022, Education Day Q&A
• Attended HHS Honors Academy Celebration of Excellence
• Participated in the Education Commission’s Celebration and Awards Ceremony of the Marjorie Riepe Memorial Teacher of the Year presentation to Houston High’s Nicole Chrestman
• Attended HHS and HMS Orchestra Concert
• Attended the HHS Band Concert at the GPAC
• Attended GMSD Blue Chips Presentations for DES, FES, FHES, RES
• Attended the GMSD Retiree Celebration
• Participated in both Houston High and GOAL Commencement Ceremonies

BOARD MEMBER STRAIN’S ACTIVITIES

• Attended Leadership Germantown education day
• Attended GMC PTO S.T.A.R. Awards Ceremony
• Attended GMSD Blue Chips Presentation
• Attended Houston High boys' soccer game against Collierville
• Attended Dogwood field day activities
• Attended Houston High Spring Band Concert
• Attended GMSD Retiree Celebration
• Attended Houston High graduation
• Attended Darshana exhibition
• Attended GOAL graduation

 

Discussion:  Chief Financial Officer Kevin Jones reported the Total Assets, Liabilities, and Fund Balances on the Balance Sheet for the period ending 4.30.22.

CAFETERIA FUND
SFE reported a net income of $135K for the month.

OPEB TRUST FUND
Year-to-date realized and unrealized losses on investments totaled $438K

Discussion:  Superintendent Jason Manuel presented the 5.23.22 Superintendent’s Report with the following Highlights in his PowerPoint presentation,

Implementing New Laws

3RD  GRADE RETENTION LAW
 

• Proficiency - "On Track" or "Mastered"
• Exceptions under the Law

• For a student scoring in the "approaching" range
• For a student scoring in the "below" range

• 4^TH GRADE
• Parent’s Role in the Decision
• Schools have no discretion to grand appeals

Act of 2022 - Age Appropriate Materials
 

• Library Collection
• List of "Materials"
• Board Policy on School Library Collections

• Procedure for development
• Receive and evaluate feedback
• Periodical review
• Actions as needed

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 citizen voiced their opinion on Medical and Political Future for the Kids,
- Dr. Carle C. Kalsi, 2300 Elderslie Drive, Germantown TN 38139

Discussion:  Chairman Angela Griffith announced the following,
- Tentative Board Work Session - Tuesday June 7 at 5:00 pm.
- Tentative Board Business Meeting - Tuesday June 7 at 6:00 pm.
 

Discussion:  The meeting was adjourned with consensus at 7:18 pm.