August 8, 2024 at 5:00 PM - Bradley County Board of Education Regular Meeting

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

Discussion:  Board Member Josh Taylor led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  With no items requested to be pulled from the Consent Agenda, Chairman Beaty asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.

Discussion:  No public comment was given.

Discussion:  Dr. Cash expressed her excitement about the start of school. She informed the Board of rising number of students in schools. She stated that after the first full week of school, she will provide the Board will hard numbers. 

Discussion:  Dr. Gary Lily, Executive Director of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS), spoke at the meeting to honor Dr. Cash, Director of Schools. Dr. Lily emphasized Dr. Cash's respected leadership across the state, her advocacy for public schools, and her dedication to the children of Bradley County. He shared a story illustrating how legislators value Dr. Cash's opinions, highlighting her influence and credibility. Dr. Lily then presented Dr. Cash with the Southeast Superintendent of the Year award, an honor selected by her peers.

Discussion: 

An update was provided on upcoming changes to the ACT by Denny Collins. Mr. Collins highlighted trends in ACT scores since 2018, noting a six-year decline in the national average, which has prompted ACT to revamp its practices. Tennessee mandates the ACT for all juniors and seniors, with Bradley County’s composite averages presented alongside state data.

Changes to the ACT include making the science section optional, shortening the test to two hours, and reducing the number of questions and reading passage lengths, starting in spring 2025 for the national test and 2026 for state exams. Mr. Collins also discussed the relevance of ACT scores for scholarships and the growing trend of test-optional admissions at universities, while noting that Tennessee does not recognize a "super score" in its calculations.

Discussion:  A proposal was presented to name the new Michigan Avenue playground in honor of Mr. Jackie Evans, recognizing his outstanding contributions and unwavering support to the school and community. Mr. Evans, a long-time supporter of Bradley County Schools, has significantly impacted the school through various donations and acts of generosity, including financial contributions, providing resources for students, and supporting school events. The proposal highlighted the widespread support within the Michigan Avenue School community for this dedication, emphasizing that it would be a fitting tribute to Mr. Evans’ legacy. The dedication ceremony is planned for September 19, 2024, pending approval.

Discussion:  Dawn Cox, Director of the School-Based Mental Health Grant, requested approval to sign a three-year contract with Panorama Education, funded entirely by the grant. The platform will assist the district in using data to ensure the effectiveness of services provided to students by connecting information on academics, behavior, attendance, and life skills. The three-year contract will save the district $30,000 compared to a one-year contract. No additional district funds are required, and the proposal was presented for approval.

Discussion:  Zech Pike requested approval for a three-year contract for a safety and security solution designed to improve communication and notification processes across all campuses in collaboration with the 911 center and first responders. He noted that the necessary funds have already been allocated in his budget.

Discussion:  Susan Willcutt presented a budget amendment to bring a portion of the SPARK grant, previously held in reserve, back into the budget for expenditure.

Discussion:  Susan Willcutt presented Budget Amendment Three for Fund 141 for the 2025 budget. The amendment proposes an additional 1% salary increase for all district employees, building on the previously approved 2% raise. This adjustment is possible due to an additional $450,000 from the final TISA estimate, an expected increase in sales tax revenue, and savings from a lower-than-anticipated medical insurance rate. The total amount identified for this increase is $746,602. If approved by the board and the commission, the salary increase will be implemented in September.

Discussion:  Susan Willcutt presented a budget amendment to allocate $5,292,033.26 from the district's $13.3 million fund balance into capital projects, following the board's previously set priorities. The funds will be divided, with $1,825,000 going to the 141 Capital Outlay and the remaining amount transferred to the 177 Capital Projects Fund. This allocation is intended to fund the approved projects while maintaining a sufficient fund balance for emergencies and operational needs.

Discussion:  Susan Willcutt presented a budget amendment to move the remaining FY 24 funds into the FY 25 programs for the 145 Fund, which is designated for the PIE Center. This action essentially reallocates the reserve funds back into the PIE Center's budget for the new fiscal year.

Discussion:  Susan Willcutt explained a budget amendment that finalizes the transfer of $3,467,033 from Fund 141 to Fund 177, as discussed earlier. Additionally, an extra $144,000 is included to adjust and reconcile the year-end figures with the actual numbers, ensuring accuracy in the budget.

Discussion: 

Terry McElhaney requested approval to purchase a special education bus due to significant supply chain issues affecting the availability of buses, particularly the chassis. Buses ordered last August are expected to arrive by January, causing a delay in replenishing the fleet. To address this, McElhaney proposed purchasing a bus from Mid South, the same vendor used for the past three years, to ensure timely delivery within this fiscal year rather than waiting up to a year and a half. Approval is sought to proceed with this purchase.

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Discussion:  Corbett Drew updated the Board on the awnings for the Waterville portable. Initially, adding awnings was estimated at $75,000. However, after working with a contractor, a revised proposal now offers the same quality awnings for $31,000. This new price reflects a cost reduction without compromising quality. The contractor estimates completion within six weeks. Drew requested Board approval to proceed with the awnings at this reduced price.

Discussion:  Corbett Drew presented the proposal for replacing the Field House with a single-story pre-engineered metal building featuring a split-face block facade. The new facility will include locker rooms, restrooms, showers, and a coaches' lounge, replicating the existing amenities but in improved and permanent conditions. A contract and architectural proposal from Cope Architects have been submitted for Board approval.

Amanda Lee inquired whether the proposed Field House replacement would include updates to the visitor bathrooms. Corbett Drew clarified that the project does not address public restrooms, focusing instead on replacing the Field House and minor press box repairs. If the budget allows, modest upgrades to the adjacent public restrooms may be considered. Lee requested that Peter, the architect, consult with Travis, the head coach, and Patrick Spangler to incorporate their input into the design.

Ted Bryson asked about the project timeline. Drew estimated approximately 2 to 3 months for design, 1 month for permitting and bidding, followed by lead time for the pre-engineered metal building, which could be around 3 months. The existing building will not be taken out of commission until the new one is ready. The decision on whether to proceed before or after baseball season will be based on construction timelines and will be brought back to the Board for approval.

 

Discussion:  Corbett Drew discussed the three-phased plans for expanding and renovating Hopeful Elementary. A proposal from Cope Architects, covering both engineering and architectural fees, has been solicited and is presented for Board approval tonight.

Discussion: 

Corbett Drew updated the Board on the bids for expanding the bleachers at Walker Valley High School. After rejecting the results from the TIPs process, the project was competitively bid with two complete proposals, each including general contractors, bleacher manufacturers, and installers. Neither bid included angle frame bleachers; both proposed I-beam type with pier foundations.

• Toadvine: $439,361 for 756 additional seats, with a completion time of 275 days.
• Presswood (partnered with Southern Bleachers): $388,144.85 for 860 additional seats, with a completion time of 266 days.

It is recommended to proceed with Presswood for the bleacher expansion.

Discussion: 

Amanda Lee presented Policy 3.400 on student transportation, which updates the policy to include new state requirements. She requested approval for both the first and second readings, noting that the new procedures have already been implemented with bus drivers and certificates issued. A motion was made to approve Policy 3.400 on first and second reading.

Discussion:  Amanda Lee introduced Policy 1.501, which addresses visitors to schools. The revision includes updates to the code of conduct for visitors. Additionally, a visitor code of conduct is being developed to complement this policy.

Discussion: 

Amanda Lee presented new Policy 4.214 on the use of artificial intelligence programs. The policy outlines guidelines for using AI in schools. Additionally, protocols and procedures for AI use are being developed in collaboration with the Supervisor of Technology

Discussion:  Amanda Lee presented Policy 4.600 on the grading system. The policy remains largely unchanged, with the addition of the term "dual enrollment courses" to comply with new state laws.

Discussion:  Amanda Lee introduced Policy 6.203 on school admissions. The update aligns the policy with current legal requirements and incorporates some TSBA policies to ensure compliance.

Discussion:  Amanda Lee presented policy 6.300, the Code of Conduct, noting that the only change is the addition of language requiring that law enforcement and the directors of schools be contacted immediately when applicable. She then made a motion to approve policy 6.300 on first reading.

Discussion: 

Amanda Lee introduced policy 6.309, explaining that the revisions primarily add highlighted sections related to zero-tolerance offenses, specifically addressing business and mass violence. She then made a motion to approve policy 6.309 on first reading.

Discussion:  Amanda Lee presented policy 6.316 on suspensions, noting that the only change is the addition of a clause addressing inviolate threats of mass violence and the associated consequences. She then made a motion to approve policy 6.316 on first reading.

Discussion:  Dr. Jeff Lovingood requested that an update on the Bradley Central High School track be placed on the September Agenda.

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




                                                                      
Vicki Beaty, Chairman



                                                                      
Dr. Linda Cash, Director of Schools