December 14, 2023 at 5:30 PM - Bradley County Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Chairman Beaty called the meeting to order and welcomed dignitaries in attendance. 

Discussion:  Mr. Ted Bryson led the Board and guests in the Pledge to the Flag of the United States of America.

Discussion:  No public comment was given.

Discussion:  Dr. Cash welcomed Denny Collins to present an update on accountability to the Board.

Discussion:  Mr. Denny Collins informed the Board of the new letter grade system for schools that will be given by the Tennessee Department of Education. 

• School/District ACCOUNTABILITY in simplest terms are the established protocols by which individual schools and districts are measured in accordance with federal and state laws, Tennessee State Department of Education, and the State Board of Education policy.  
• These entities set the metrics that determines if our schools and district are meeting preferred outcomes (i.e. test scores, attendance rates, etc.).  
• Both federal and state law creates the pathway that our institutions have to follow regarding accountability protocols.  
• 2016 law requires all public schools to identify schools using a letter grade system.  
• Schools have received state recognitions such as REWARD SCHOOL or TVAAS LEVEL 5 SCHOOL.  
• Schools/Public will receive "grades" on December 21 using an A-F scale that is specific to 2022-23 metrics.  (Prior measure was A-D.)
• This year’s grading method will be brand new created by TDOE working groups and in conjunction with State Board.  
• Using the metrics from previous years, we know our letter grades would include the following for this year:
  • A - 5 schools 
  • B - 6 schools
  • C - 5 schools
  • D - 0 schools   
• Metrics used to determine A-F grades are TCAP, TVAAS, TVAAS for lowest 25% and indicators of college and career readiness for high schools.  
• Climate, culture, graduation rate, availability of programming, extracurricular items are among items not reflected in school letter grades.  
• Graduation Rate - This has been removed from state letter grading metrics.  We will also begin to see two grad rates (Federal and State) as the metrics are slightly different.  
• District Support - Please know that Dr. Cash has created a tremendous support system for schools to help not only navigate the many changes, but to address areas of need.  
• Accountability Metrics - Neither federal designations nor state letter grades incorporate "whole child" metrics in calculating outcomes.  There are no points for culture, climate, or extra-curricular opportunities.  
• Transparency - We are committed to partnering with all stakeholders to highlight our schools and district.  If there is ever a need to have deeper conversations we are excited to host those. 

 

Discussion:  Item Removed from Agenda.

Discussion:  Rob Cresswell, founder of GregO2, presented a life-saving device to the Board that their company donated to each Bradley County Schools.  LifeVac is an anti-choking device that is aimed to prevent choking deaths. 

Discussion:  Emily Brown, Supervisor of School Nutrition, happily announced that starting in January 2024, all students will be provided breakfast and lunch at no cost. This comes after the USDA expanded the availability of the Community Eligibility Provision, commonly known as CEP, giving an estimated 3,000 more school districts in high-need areas the option to serve breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost.

Discussion:  Chuck McKay upated the board on various projects that are happening across our district through Capital Outlay.

• Bradley Central Roof on D, G, and H Halls completed.
• Bradley Central stadium new handrails installed.
• Charleston Elementary new window installation complete.
• Paving of Hopewell Highway complete.
• Ocoee Middle School painting inside and out has been completed.
• Valley View new roof installation is complete.
• Walker Valley Field House roof is complete.
• Walker Valley paving has been completed.

Dr. Cash stated that the Board does a great job allocating funds for building and infrastructure. 

Discussion:  The Board went into a closed session to discuss school safety.

Discussion:  Arlette Robinson, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education , and Corbett Drew asked the Board for approval on the bid for for a CTE Greenhouse at Bradley Central High School. The bid has been evaluated and taking into consideration the pricing, materials, and warranty; it is recommended to accept BAT Construction’s bid.

Discussion:  With no other items to discuss, Chairman Beaty adjourned the meeting.




                                                                      
Vicki Beaty, Chairman



                                                                      
Dr. Linda Cash, Director of Schools