December 12, 2017 at 5:30 PM - Bradley County Board of Education Work Session

Ron Spangler, Principal of Ocoee Middle School, explained to the Board that Lee University would like to enter into a new lease agreement with the Board.  He introduced Dr. Paul Conn, President of Lee University, to the Board.  Dr. Conn told the Board that Lee would like (at this time) an agreement in principal from the Board for two projects.  Enhancement and upgrade of the baseball field, and a similar contract and shared use agreement for a track field on the land across Parker Street.  They do not have a cost for the project at this time.  If Bradley County Board is agreeable, he will go before Lee's Board in January with cost information.  When the contract for the baseball field was originally put into place, Lee spent in 1996 over $350,000.00 and in 2007 $125,000.00 in enhancements.  In 2007 when the enhancements were done, Lee ask the clock to start over on the contract for the money spent.   Lee is requesting a 20 year contract with a 20 year renewal and a shared use agreement with Ocoee Middle School. Lee will pay all the start-up cost, all the maintenance and up keep for the duration of the contract.  The second project is to upgrade and enhance the baseball field.  They will upgrade the team and public areas which will include stadium seating.  Dr. Conn asked to restart the contract for the money they will be spending. 

Dr. Cash told the Board that during a conversation with Benchmark Physical Therapy she was told that a lot of students do not complete their physical therapy after an injury. Dr. Cash introduced Amy Ketron from Benchmark to the Board.  She asked Amy to talk with the principals and athletic directors to see if a solution could be found.  Amy told the Board that they have two employees working at Bradley and Walker Valley in the area of sports medicine.  They have been working with Bradley County Schools for six years.  Their goal is to reduce injuries, treat them with quick quality care, and prevent re-injury.  After meeting with the principals and athletic directors, the solution they came up with is to bring physical therapy to the school.  They would like to begin a pilot program at Bradley Central High School only.  Currently, Walker Valley does not have space available for this program.  The program will consist of having a resident trained physical therapist come to campus two times a week for two hours each time.  The advantages for this program are that students could work with the athletic trainer and physical therapist while at school.  Also, the athletic trainer can stay on campus; it will help alleviate parent transportation issues, and students missing class.  There will be no cost to the district for these services, Dr. Cash told the Board.  Mrs. Ketron told the Board that the first visit would be at the clinic where all signatures and paperwork will be taken care of.  Having physical therapy at school or the clinic will be an option given to the parent during the first visit.  

Before you is the contract for Angie Lyon, Michael Brady Architect, Inc., Dr. Cash told the Board.   She was approved to be the architect for GOAL's space in the PIE Innovation Center.  Mrs. Lee asks if there were any objections to putting this item on the agenda for Thursday's Board meeting.  There were no objections.  

Dr. Cash told the Board that a system our size always has more capital outlay projects than can be funded.  With the Boards permission, we think we can help with this.  Susan Willcutt, Business Manager, explained that after July 1, they looked at the finances and decided with the fund balance they could make an amendment to help with some major capital outlay projects that were not funded.  There are also several major repairs that are needed due to the Fire Marshall's visit.  Mr. McKay has been trying to take care of what he can from his budget but is already struggling.  We are asking to move $500,000.00 from the fund balance to capital outlay.  

Last month Lynn Voelz, Executive Director of the Public Education Foundation, graciously coordinated and hosted a luncheon between the Board and the local Legislators.  Many issues were discussed that affect our schools.  Four resolutions are being presented of items that the Board feels strongly will affect our schools.   Mrs. Lee presented Vouchers, Mrs. Beaty-A-F Grading, Mrs. Calfee-RTI, and Mrs. Casson - Nurses.