August 15, 2019 at 5:30 PM - Bradley County Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Nancy Casson announced that four former employees passed away since the last Board meeting.  They were Bill Hamilton, Laura Calfee, Liz Jackson, and Dana Work.  Mr. Frazier also remembered Neal Henry and Ray Ownbey.  

Discussion:  Commissioner Kevin Raper gave the invocation.  

Discussion:  Amanda Lee led the pledge to the flag for this meeting.  

Discussion:  Chairman Weathers stated  that it has been nothing but a pleasure to work with Dr. Cash.  Her heart is about kids "period" and when a person sits in that chair that is what it has to be about.  She also does what is right for teachers and honor teachers.  She shows great respect for the Board.  Actually, she fulfills all the requirements the Board puts on her and does a great job.  .

Discussion:  No one signed up to address the Board. 

Discussion:  Reward Schools were announced by Dr. Cash.  Oak Grove Elementary, Michigan Avenue Elementary, and North Lee Elementary.   She also announces three Level 5 Schools.  Charleston Elementary, Park View Elementary, and Oak Grove Elementary Schools.  

Angie Gill Tuck explained that Reward Schools have several indicators of growth for TVAAS, state set Achievement targets, chronic absenteeism, ELPA - English Secondary Language.  If they are High Schools they also include Ready Grads, Graduates, and ACT.  TVAAS  Level 5  Schools have significant evidence that the school had a year or more of growth in all students.

Discussion:  Eddie Frazier, Track Coach from Bradley Central High School, brought his state qualifiers from last year to the meeting.  The Board recognized and celebrated their accomplishments.  He thanked the Board for their support and told them that there were many needs for the track program at BCHS.  He told them he would like to come back another day for another conversation.  

Discussion:  Board Member Vicki Beaty and County Commissioner Kevin Raper recognizied Mary Howard for her service to the community.  Mary Howard retired with 26 years of service to Bradley County Schools.  Her family and friends surrounded her while she was honored.  

Discussion:  Dr. Cash and the Board celebrated the Career and Technical  Education honors that are attached.  

Discussion:  Dr. Cash announced that Dr. Kim Fisher, Principal of Black Fox Elementary was named as the Principal of the Year.  

Discussion:  Sheena Newman was also announced as the Supervisor of the Year by Dr. Cash.

Discussion: 
Cope Architecture Services reported that they have completed boring at both schools. North Lee will need to be undercut about 3 feet of fill but for the size of the school and the project that is not a big deal. They found some unsuitable soils at Black Fox but it was not to bad.  It is the consincous that they can use spread footings which is the most cost effective way to build a building so there is no issue.  They will have the survey in hand in two weeks according to Mr. McKay.  Chairman Weathers ask Dr. Cash to explain about the funding for this project.  The County Commission approved $750,000 for each school and the district budgeted 1 million.  The school board will be responsible for the difference, Dr. Cash explained.  When the build out starts, the County Commission money will come in first and then the difference from the district.  She also told them that both projects will begin this year.  

Discussion:  Good news since the last meeting Mr. Page told the Board.  The County Commission approved, in the next budget, the 12 million dollars to the PIE Center.  A  meeting was held with David Hudson from Artech Designs, and the project is moving from the symthic design phase to the design development phase.  There is a Lunch and Learn  on September 4th  and there are 87 members signed up to attend.  The Architects will be present that day.  They will be separated out to the industry locations.  Support systems that have been working with us will be there.  The business and architects will begin to talk about what will be expected on both sides.  We are really looking forward to the Lunch and Learn to see all the collaboration and networking going on.  

The timeline is being developed to begin this project, Mr Page told the Board.  They will begin with the 2.3 million that was approved and moving on to a simotanious project and use the additional 12 million to fuition.  The architect needs about 6 months after the project is turned over to him.  There will probably be a bid in later spring and construction will begin in late July or August.

Chairman Weathers ask about the build out of GOAL Academy.  Mr. Page told him that he is meeting with Angie Lyons  next week to begin so they can get the information to David Hudson that he needs.  Vice Chairman Jerry Frazier ask about the construction not beginning for a year.  Mr. Page explained that because approval did not get put on the tax increase that pushed it back to next year before it can be bonded.  If we begin the project and have to parcel it out, the architect explained that we might not be able to gain occupancy.  Even though GOAL might be complete, the building won't be.