March 7, 2024 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:  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board Member Rachel Goins.

Discussion:  Mr. Bryson asked, before the vote, for someone to read the field trips aloud. He specifically asked to name the out-of-state field trips. Mr. Taylor read the list aloud and Mr. Bryson agreed. 

Discussion:  No public comment was given.

Discussion:  Dr. Cash recognized the Bradley Central Bearettes that are competing in the State Basketball Tournament.

Discussion: 

Dr. Cash announced that, in response to safety concerns associated with the upcoming partial solar eclipse, Bradley County Schools will operate on an abbreviated schedule on Monday, April 8th. Elementary Schools will dismiss at 11:00 am, and Secondary Schools will dismiss at 11:30 am. This precautionary measure aims to prioritize the safety of our school community while still allowing students the opportunity to experience this astronomical event in a protected environment. 

Discussion:  Dr. Cash presented the updates of the partnership with ATS The Bridge. 

Purpose:
-Full Campaign to reach students, parents, staff, and the community with awareness, resources, and alternative behaviors to decrease early addictive behaviors towards vaping and increase prevention
-Community Effort: joining forces with Cleveland City Schools and community partnerships

Method:
-ATS the Bridge educational presentation with:

• PTO leadership
• Coaches and healthy school team leaders
• Elementary and secondary schools
• In March:
  • School counselors and social workers
• April:
  • Board meeting: ATS the Bridge Student Ambassadors
• In August:
  • Student and community rally

 

Discussion:  Attorney Scott Bennett presented to the Board an option to participate in a lawsuit with Frantz Law Group in connection with pursuing claims for damages associated with Social Media litigation. The theory behind the litigation is that the social media outlets are deliberately targeting some anti-social behaviors amongst our kids, because that is what sells clicks. 

Discussion:  Chairman Beaty appointed the following Board Members to the Capital Outlay Committee:
Chairman Vicki Beaty and Vice Chairman Ted Bryson

Discussion:  Mrs. Willcutt explained the purpose of the budget amendment. She stated that this amendment is taking money that the Board placed in a reserve last year and putting it in 177 to use for capital projects, including the CDC Classroom and Special Education Suite at Ocoee Middle School.

Discussion:  Mrs. Willcutt explained that this amendment would be to move funds, that is currently in reserve, out to pay for the completion of the Bradley Central High School fencing that was previously approved.

Discussion:  Mrs. Willcutt explained that this amendment is earmarking money for new money in the Tennessee Healthcare Resilience Program Grant.

Discussion:  Mrs. Willcutt explained that this amendment is earmarking money for new money in the Tennessee Healthcare Resiliency Program Grant.

Discussion:  Mrs. Willcutt explained this amendment would bring in the Pre-School Grant and Special Education High Cost. The Special Education fund runs one year behind, so this is funds from last year that we would be bringing in. She explained that the Board could also see the expenditures on the amendment.

Discussion:  Mrs. Willcutt explained that this amendment would be the other side of the amendments number 26 and 28. She explained that whatever we take out of 141, we have to amend in to 177. She explained that the Board can follow and review the expenditures in their attachment.

Discussion:  Dr. Cash requested permission from the Board to approach the County Commission to request funding for the Bradley Central and Walker Valley tracks and Hopewell Elementary addition.

Discussion:  Corbett Drew informed the Board that we sent out a Request for Qualifications and spoke with four different architecture firms, and they recommended moving forward with Cope Architect. He asked for permission to negotiate a contract and engage Cope Architect to be the Architect of Record for the expansion at Ocoee Middle School.

Discussion:  Mr. McElhaney, Supervisor of Transportation, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to purchase a new Special Education Bus from MidSouth. He stated that there is a severe supply chain shortage on Special Education buses. He stated that he has spoken with the Business Office, and they have the funds for the purchase. He stated that the company has the bus on their lot, so if we move forward with the purchase, we would have the bus in the next month. This bus can carry five wheel-chairs, or 16 kids to a seat. 

Discussion:  Nancy Casson requested the Board sign the letter to Chairman Cepicky about House Bill 1629 on School Funding Relief. Ms. Casson read the letter aloud to Board and guests in attendance. 

The Bradley County Board of Education commends your dedicated efforts to address the
educational needs of expanding Tennessee counties. In response to the pressing situation, we
recently established the Population Trends Ad Hoc Committee to conduct a comprehensive
capacity study. The findings revealed that Bradley County's growth significantly surpasses the
state average of two percent (2.0%), placing the majority of our schools at or above their
designated capacity. This unprecedented growth is detrimentally impacting our educational
institutions.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, we express our wholehearted support for House Bill
1629. This proposed legislation crucially provides the essential funding that rapidly growing
counties require for school capital projects. By allocating half of the unencumbered revenue
from the recordation tax to counties for school debt and capital projects, HB 1629 addresses a
vital need. The Bradley County Commission unanimously voted in favor of supporting this bill,
and we are fully prepared to collaborate with you to ensure its successful passage. We, The
Bradley County School Board, are also unanimously supporting House Bill 1629.
We firmly believe that relieving the financial burden on our tax base is paramount, especially as
our community embarks on this new era of growth and prosperity. Your tireless commitment to
exploring diverse avenues to address this challenge is sincerely appreciated. We trust that, with
your leadership, we can achieve the common goal of providing the best possible educational
opportunities for our students.

Discussion:  The amendment would move the last paragraph of the policy that states time frames for Valentine deliveries to procedures. This allows for more options for our schools to make those decisions. 

Discussion:  No agenda items were added.

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




                                                                      
Vicki Beaty, Chairman



                                                                      
Dr. Linda Cash, Director of Schools