October 15, 2015 at 5:30 PM - Bradley County Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Dr. Cash, Sheena Newman - Elementary Supervisor, Danny Coggin - Secondary Supervisor, and Terri Murray - Federal Projects Supervisor, welcomed the retired teachers from the 2014-15 school year. They were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation. Mr. Turner presented Mr. Lillios with a plaque for his leadership during the 2014-15 school year as Chairman of the Board.

Discussion:  Students from Charleston Elementary School led the Pledge to Flag.

Discussion:  Candice Belt, Principal of Charleston Elementary, introduced the students at the board meeting. They were: Savannah Arp, Bethany Bodle, Naysa Janney, Khyng Dodd, Haden Dixon, Kellar Melton, Elijah Rigsby, Logan Burgess, and Morgan Rouse. These are just nine of the twenty five students that assist teachers and Officer Paul Savara on the Safety Patrol. Officer Paul explained that they open car doors for younger students to help them safely get in and out of the cars, help raise the flag, and they are role models for our younger students.

Discussion:  Dr. Cash told the Board that she and her Finance Director scrubbed the budget and found enough funds from Capital Outlay to offer the pilot program to first grade at Prospect and Valley View by purchasing devices with the lease agreement. She asked for permission from the Board to move forward. We could do K-2 in both schools but we are lacking sufficient funds in the current budget. Mrs. Calfee asked if the K-2 option was a lease option. She also wanted to know what the cost for the K-2 purchase option and lease option were. Dr. Cash explained that the K-2 purchase option was well into the $200,000 range and the lease option was $113,081 for K-2. She went on to say that the first grade lease option was $34,104. Mrs. Calfee asked how much additional money was needed to move to the K-2 lease option. $69,221 Dr. Cash told the Board. Mr. Turner reminded the Board that in the current budget year in the restricted for long term capital projects account there is 2.2 million dollars set aside.

Discussion:  Mrs. Beverly Finnell requested to address the board on Lake Forest Middle School. She said she was very concerned that the board was going to rebuild on the same property. She said it has never been a good place for a school. Why would you build in the same place and you don't have room to expand. We need to build all new schools with room for expansion.

Discussion:  Dr. Cash introduced Charles McKay to the Board. He is the new Maintenance Supervisor for Bradley County Schools. He comes to us with 25 year of experience. Dianna Calfee recognized Constable Wayne Henry and his wife, Cassie May. Ira Cox started the "Trunk or Treat" at Oak Grove School several years ago. When he passed away they took over and continued what Ira started. They get some donations from the community but they put a lot of their own time and money to make this happen each year. Mrs. Calfee presented them with a Certificate of Appreciate for what they are doing for the children in the 4th district.

Discussion:  Dr. Cash reported to the Board that Bradley is working on the "Bear Down and Drive" project right now. They are not just raising money for a weight room. It really is a wellness and fitness project. They will also have an area for injury prevention that Bradley doesn't currently have. They have raised $138,811.77 from cash donations. They have another $100,000.00 pledge from the Bank of Cleveland that will pay out in five annual payments. If they have 500 drivers in the "Bear Down and Drive" project, they will receive $10,000.00. They are well on their way to raising the $384,500.00 needed.

Discussion:  Chairman Turner

Discussion:  On October 20, 2015, at 6:00 p.m., the Joint Adhoc Committee for Energy Contracts will meet in this board room. The committee consists of members from the County Commission, County Mayor’s Office, Sherriff's Office, and Board of Education. We will discuss potential request for proposals. This serves as public notice for this meeting. Agenda Items for November meetings: Mr. Lillios - Open Enrollment Insurance update, Amanda Lee - Liquor by the Drink we will have to make the decision, Dr. Cash - consideration for a long term equity account for BCHS Wellness Center and Weight Room considering the $100,000 gift from the Bank of Cleveland. Also, consideration for a long term equity account for WVHS Bleachers considering the $100,000 gift from the Bank of Cleveland.