Public Meeting Minutes: May 23, 2022 at 6:00 PM - GMSD Board Business Meeting

1. Call to Order

Speaker(s): Chairman

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

2. Moment of Silence

Speaker(s): Chairman

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

3. Pledge of Allegiance

Discussion: Board member Betsy Landers led the Pledge of Allegiance.

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):

Motion passed:

Motion passed: I move to approve the agenda, passed with a motion by Mrs. Betsy Landers and a second by Mr. Ryan Strain.

Mr. Brian Curry: Yea
Mrs. Amy Eoff: Yea
Mrs. Angela Griffith: Yea
Mrs. Betsy Landers: Yea
Mr. Ryan Strain: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

5. Recognition and Awards

Speaker(s): Chairman

Rationale: Upon approval by the Board on April 19 Board Meeting for the Tenure Recommended Teachers list, the Celebration is being held during the May Board Business Meeting.
GMSD Tenure Recommendations

The following Certified Staff Members have met the requirements for initial tenure eligibility according to TCA 49-5-501 et seq.

Certified Staff Member	Location
Donna Jones	Dogwood Elem
Kara Lowe	Dogwood Elem
Lisa Navarro	Dogwood Elem

2020-2021

Certified Staff Member	Location
Susan Eaton	Farmington Elem
Kelcey Horn	Farmington Elem
Lindsay Pierce	Farmington Elem
Mary "Heather" Whitsitt	Farmington Elem

Certified Staff Member	Location
Heather Crowley	Forest Hill Elem
Rebecca Dowdle	Forest Hill Elem
Lori Graham	Forest Hill Elem
Kate Greer	Forest Hill Elem
Anthony Smith	Forest Hill Elem
Michael Stratton	Forest Hill Elem

Certified Staff Member	Location
Amanda Freeman	Houston High
Kelsey Gilbert	Houston High
Kinsey Healy	Houston High
Ashley Kreitz	Houston High
Piia Latvatalo	Houston High
Vanessa Stephenson	Houston High

Certified Staff Member	Location
Thomas Hamer	Houston Middle
Devon Pohlman	Houston Middle
Emily Squires	Houston Middle

Certified Staff Member	Location
Tamara Hamilton	Riverdale Elem
Laura Beth Liddon	Riverdale Elem
Perry Pennington	Riverdale Elem
Christina Wiley	Riverdale Elem
Megan Woodring	Riverdale Elem

Certified Staff Member	Location
Laura Freeman	District Office

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.

6. REPORTS

Speaker(s): Chairman

6.A. TLN Update (Tennessee Legislature)

Speaker(s): Ryan Strain

Attachments: (1)

TLN Report May 2022

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.

6.B. Chairman's Report

Speaker(s): Chairman

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

6.C. Financial Report

Speaker(s): Kevin Jones

Attachments: (2)

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

6.D. Superintendent's Report

Speaker(s): Jason Manuel

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

7. Citizens to be heard

Speaker(s): Chairman

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

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):

Motion passed:

Motion passed: I move to approve all the items in the Consent Agenda, passed with a motion by Mrs. Betsy Landers and a second by Mrs. Amy Eoff.

Mr. Brian Curry: Yea
Mrs. Amy Eoff: Yea
Mrs. Angela Griffith: Yea
Mrs. Betsy Landers: Yea
Mr. Ryan Strain: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

8.A. Approval of the Minutes

Speaker(s): Chairman

Rationale: Minutes from 4.19.22 Board Business Meeting

8.B. Review / Revision of Policies - Second Reading

Speaker(s): Jason Manuel

Rationale: Revisions are recommended for the following,
First Reading 4.19.22 / Second Reading 5.23.22
*Attached - Consolidated Rationale and Revision Policies document

Revisions are recommended for the following,
First Reading 4.19.22 / Second Reading 5.23.22
Our objective is to make the policy manual more user-friendly. As has been done in past few months, we are standardizing the review date, to read "annually". Secondly, we are taking out footnote numbers so as to assist with confusion resulting from constant state board rules and regulations, state board policies and statutory changes.
1. Revision Policy 3.201 Safety - Changes recommended to exclude superfluous language, to include statutory language regarding who is authorized to enter buses/property; updated legal references.
2. Revision Policy 3.202 Emergency Planning - Changes recommended to add statutory language regarding fire statute, and AED training subjects; updated legal references.
3. Revision Policy 3.600 Insurance Management - Changes recommended to add statutory language regarding PHI, removed superfluous language; updated legal references.
4. Revision Policy 4.615 Service Animals - Complete overhaul of this policy required to comply with existing law; updated legal references.
5. Revision Policy 5.304 Long - Term Leaves of Absence for Professional Personnel-Changes recommended to change "Director of Schools" to
"Superintendent".
6. Revision Policy 5.307 Physical Assault Leave - Changes recommended to change "Director of Schools" to "GMSD Human Resources Department"; updated legal references.
7. Revision Policy 5.402 Bloodborne Pathogens - Previously named Hepatitis B (HBV)-Complete overhaul required to make this policy comply with legal requirements; updated legal references.
8. Revision Policy 5.601 Conflict of Interest - Changes recommended to make this policy be more practical for employees.
9. Revision Policy 5.602 Staff Time Schedules - Changes recommended to remove superfluous language and comply with legal requirements regarding employee agreement to earn compensatory time. Additionally, the policy will now make a clear statement regarding the inclusion of flex time for employees whose regular schedule is less than 40 hours per week (i.e. allowing flex time for those employees for hours worked between 35 and 40); updated legal references.

The Board recommended the following edits after the discussion during the 4.12.22 Board Work Session,

1. Updated Revision Policy 5.304 Long-Term Leaves of Absence for Professional Personnel
Page 1 / Line 18 - Change "the teacher" to "such employee"

2. Updated Revision Policy 5.602 Staff Time Schedules
Page 1 / Line 9 - Change "their" to "his/her"
Page 2 / Line 22 - Fix typo in "provided"

Attachments: (3)

8.C. Review / Revision of Policies - First Reading

Speaker(s): Jason Manuel

Rationale: 5.23.22 Rationale for Revision of Policies - First Reading (PDF document attached.)
Revisions are recommended for the following, First Reading 5.23.22 / Second Reading 6.7.22
The Board recommended few changes after discussion during the 5.18.22 Board Work Session. These changes can be seen in Italics.
Globally, substituted "Superintendent" for "Director of Schools", removed footnote numbering, updated citations, capitalized letters and removed superfluous language. Policies with no other references to rationale have recommended changes based on the above rationale.

Updated Revision Policy 1.106 Code of Ethics - Recommend that forms be filed in the Superintendent’s office rather than just "central office". Page. 1 line 9: remove the words "or servant" and add "or" in front of the word "employee"

Revision Policy 1.301 Executive Committee

Updated Revision Policy 1.400 School Board Meetings-Recommend adding statutory language. After Line 11 on Page 1, a new line will be added to read as follows: "Individuals with a disability may request an accommodation in order to fully participate as a member of the general public in School Board meetings. The Board will make every effort to reach a reasonable accommodation which will allow for participation in the School Board meeting. Such request should be made to the central office."

Updated Revision Policy 1.401 Public Hearings-This policy will remain in place and not deleted. Line 13 - substitute "Superintendent" for "Director of Schools"

Revision Policy 1.402 Notification of Meetings

Updated Revision Policy 1.403 Agendas-Recommend that language be removed to be consistent with Board’s practices. Line 15 change the word "shall" to "may"

Updated Revision Policy 1.407 School District Records-Recommend adding statutory language. Page 1, Line 17 delete the word "unless" and a period is inserted after the word "copying". Thereafter, a clause will be inserted which could read as follows:

"While Tennessee law provides that a failure to review for public records may be reviewed under a good-cause standard, GMSD is committed to making every effort to provide any records requested, subject to the above listed requirements and prohibitions."

Updated Revision Policy 1.501 Visitors to GMSD Property-For security purposes, recommend adding language that sets forth protocols for central office as well as schools. Recommend adding statutory language. Page. 1 line 11, immediately preceding the phrase "parents of students", add the word "approved". It will now read "approved parents of students,"

Revision Policy 1.600 Policy Development and Adoption

Revision Policy 2.600 Bonded Employees-Recommend adding statutory language. Moved from Consent Agenda to Board Action item 9.B for the Business Meeting.

Revision Policy 3.400 Student Transportation Management-Recommend adding statutory language.

REPEAL Policy 3.401 Scheduling and Routing-Recommend consolidating this policy with Policy 3.400 in order to make policy manual more user friendly.

Revision Policy 3.402 Board Owned Vehicles-Recommend consolidating the first portion of this policy with Policy 3.400 in order to make policy manual more user friendly.

Revision Policy 4.804 Religious Content of Courses

Revision Policy 6.409 Child Abuse and Child Sexual Abuse-Recommend adding statutory language.

Updated Revision Policy 6.310 Dress Code - Based upon input from Houston High Administration, recommend updating this policy to be more generational and more apt to ensure consistent enforcement. Page 1, Line 13, add the words "or strapless" before the word "blouses" to read as "Low-cut or strapless blouses, shirts or tops"

Updated Revision Policy 6.313 Discipline Policy-Pursuant to Board Member Curry’s recommendation, Category B offenses are the same as Category C offenses; Recommend removing the word "guilty", globally. Everywhere in the policy the word "expulsion" is mentioned, we will add the following: "(11-180 days)" - Page 3/ Line 22, Page 4 /Line 30 and Page 6/ Line 5

Attachments: (17)

8.D. Miscellaneous FY 21-22 Budget Amendments # 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30

Speaker(s): Jason Manuel

Rationale: #26 - Grant for ESSER fiscal pre-monitoring
#27 - Severance/vacation pay for Law and Grace
#28 - 30 - Summer Learning Programs

Attachments: (5)

8.E. Approval of Houston Middle School Softball Fee

Speaker(s): Jason Manuel

Rationale: Requesting the Board to approve the Houston Middle School to start collecting a Softball fee of $250.
This fee will cover the following,
Uniforms
Team equipment (balls, lineup cards, scorebook, etc)
Official Umpires
Sponsor Fee

9. BOARD ACTION ITEMS

Speaker(s): Chairman

9.A. Revision Policy 4.700 Testing Programs

Speaker(s): Jason Manuel

Recommended Motion(s): Motion passed: I move to waive the second reading and adopt the Revision of Policy 4.700 Testing Programs after one reading, passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.

Rationale: The Board discussed during the work session and recommended the following,
- On Page 2, in Line 1, after the phrase "Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Programs" add (TCAP) and that additional change should be included on lInes 4 and 8.

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion passed: I move to waive the second reading and adopt the Revision of Policy 4.700 Testing Programs after one reading, passed with a motion by Mrs. Amy Eoff and a second by Mrs. Betsy Landers.

Mr. Brian Curry: Yea
Mrs. Amy Eoff: Yea
Mrs. Angela Griffith: Yea
Mrs. Betsy Landers: Yea
Mr. Ryan Strain: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Attachments: (1)

Updated Revision Policy 4.700 Testing Programs

9.B. Revision Policy 2.600 Bonded Employees - First Reading

Recommended Motion(s): Motion passed: I move to approve the revision of policy 2.600 Bonded Employees after first reading, passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion passed: I move to approve the revision of policy 2.600 Bonded Employees after first reading, passed with a motion by Mr. Brian Curry and a second by Mrs. Betsy Landers.

Mr. Brian Curry: Yea
Mrs. Amy Eoff: Yea
Mrs. Angela Griffith: Yea
Mrs. Betsy Landers: Yea
Mr. Ryan Strain: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Attachments: (1)

Revision Policy 2.600 Bonded Employees

9.C. GMSD FY 22-23 Other Funds Budget - First Reading

Speaker(s): Jason Manuel

Recommended Motion(s): Motion passed: I move to approve the GMSD FY 22-23 Other Funds Budget after First Reading, passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion passed: I move to approve the GMSD FY 22-23 Other Funds Budget after First Reading, passed with a motion by Mrs. Amy Eoff and a second by Mrs. Betsy Landers.

Mr. Brian Curry: Yea
Mrs. Amy Eoff: Yea
Mrs. Angela Griffith: Yea
Mrs. Betsy Landers: Yea
Mr. Ryan Strain: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Attachments: (1)

FY23 Budget Other Funds - 5.24.2022

9.D. GMSD FY 22-23 General Purpose Fund Budget - Second and Final Reading

Speaker(s): Jason Manuel

Recommended Motion(s): Motion passed: I move to approve GMSD FY 22-23 General Purpose Fund Budget after Second and Final Reading, passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.

Rationale: Reporting the following budgetary changes for second reading:

BEP Revenue, $23K decrease
Property Tax Revenues, $155K increase (ADA percentage increases from 4.21% to 4.27)
Expenditure increases:
Career and College Counselor, $103K
Coaching Supplements, Step Increases, $14K
ENA voice application software, $14K
TSBA BOEconnect services, $1K

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion passed: I move to approve GMSD FY 22-23 General Purpose Fund Budget after Second and Final Reading, passed with a motion by Mrs. Betsy Landers and a second by Mr. Brian Curry.

Mr. Brian Curry: Yea
Mrs. Amy Eoff: Yea
Mrs. Angela Griffith: Yea
Mrs. Betsy Landers: Yea
Mr. Ryan Strain: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Attachments: (2)

9.E. Health Clinic RFP

Speaker(s): Jason Manuel

Recommended Motion(s): Motion passed: I move to accept the Health and Wellness Onsite Clinic proposal from Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare (Community Care Associates), passed with a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2.

Rationale:

Rationale for Health and Wellness Clinic RFP Selection
Summary of Evaluation Process for Onsite Medical Clinic Services RFP

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion passed: I move to accept the Health and Wellness Onsite Clinic proposal from Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare (Community Care Associates), passed with a motion by Mrs. Amy Eoff and a second by Mrs. Betsy Landers.

Mr. Brian Curry: Yea
Mrs. Amy Eoff: Yea
Mrs. Angela Griffith: Yea
Mrs. Betsy Landers: Yea
Mr. Ryan Strain: Yea

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Attachments: (2)

10. Announcements

Speaker(s): Chairman

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.

11. Adjournment

Speaker(s): Chairman

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

May 23, 2022 at 6:00 PM - GMSD Board Business Meeting

Web Viewer