November 14, 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 Pledge to the Flag.

Discussion:  Dr. Cash asked that the field trip for Walker Valley Chamber Choir be added to the Consent Agenda under field trips. Mr. Bryson made a Motion with a second by Ms. Casson, and the field trip was added to the Consent Agenda.

Discussion:  No public comment was given.

Discussion: 

The Director provided a report highlighting key activities and events from the past month. Notable mentions included the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ocoee Middle School addition and appreciation for those organizing and attending Thanksgiving lunches, with special recognition given to Emily Brown and school administrators for their efforts. The Director commended the success of the Road Show as an excellent platform to showcase schools and foster collaboration. Additionally, the "A Break to Educate" event at Ocoee Middle School and the competitive SportsFest were celebrated. The Student Advisory meeting provided valuable suggestions for principals, reflecting productive student engagement. The report concluded with a reminder of upcoming safety dates. Dr. Cash invited questions for further discussion or clarification.

 

Discussion:  Denny Collins, Supervisor of Data and Assessment, presented the 2024-2025 TISA Accountability Report to the Board. This annual report, required by the Department of Education, outlines the academic goals established by the State Board of Education and details how TISA funding is allocated to support these goals. The report narrows the focus to five specific goals, providing comprehensive documentation for submission. Mr. Collins requested Board approval to submit the report and was available to address any questions.

Discussion:  Dana Yost, Supervisor of Federal Projects, presented the proposed 2026-2027 school year calendar for Board approval. The Calendar Committee collaborated to develop two options, allowing teachers to vote on their preferred choice. The selected calendar aligns schedule breaks with Cleveland City Schools. Pending Board approval, the calendar will also be shared with Cleveland State Community College and Lee University.

Discussion:  Dana Yost, Supervisor of Federal Projects, requested Board approval for the Annual Compliance Report. The report confirms that the district is fully compliant with federal and state education laws and does not require a corrective action plan.

Discussion:  Terri Murray requested Board approval to sign off on the ESSER 3.0 application for fiscal year 2025. The application includes an additional allocation of funds totaling $171,000, which became available from unspent funds returned to the budget and redistributed. Board approval is required to finalize the application.

Discussion: 

Scott Webb, Technology Supervisor, requested Board approval for the PIE Innovation Center Commons AVL package bid, awarded to Loud Media Group as the lowest bidder. The package includes microphones, LED screens, comprehensive lighting for the gym and stage area, a PA system, and other audiovisual components similar to systems used in large venues. It does not integrate with the security system, as they are separate.

Dr. Cash commented that this package completes the necessary components for the Commons, enabling performances and community use. Appreciation was expressed for VAR's partnership and financial support in making this project possible.

Discussion: 

Kyle Page recommended the approval of Foam Crete's bid for the Waterville Community Elementary School roof replacement, as outlined in the November 6 memo. Foam Crete was the lowest bidder among eight submissions. The project will address a portion of the roof, with plans to phase the replacement over time to ensure a 20+ year warranty for the entire roof.

Dr. Cash and Mr. Page emphasized the importance of maintaining roofs and other systems on a regular cycle to avoid emergency situations. They commended the maintenance department for their efforts in proactively managing facility upkeep. Amanda Lee made a motion to approve the bid, seconded by Nancy Cason. The Board approved the motion following discussion.

Discussion:  Melissa Presswood, Grant Supervisor, requested Board approval to award the bid for grant technical assistance and evaluation services to The Evaluation Group. These services are required to ensure compliance and to meet the goals and objectives of federal grants. Bids were received on October 3, with three companies submitting proposals. The Evaluation Group was recommended based on their experience and the scope of services offered.

Discussion: 

Corbett Drew presented the purchase and sale agreement for approval, noting that it had been cleared by both the seller and outside counsel. He pointed out an error in Section 18 regarding the limit of liability, which currently lists an incorrect amount. This will be corrected to reflect the full purchase price before execution. Upon approval, the earnest money will be deposited with the closing agent, and steps will be taken to secure the title policy.

Dr. Cash requested that the correction in Section 18 be reflected in the minutes and that the updated total price be sent to the Board before signatures are finalized.

Discussion:  Ellen Smith, Finance Director, presented two budget amendments for approval. The first amendment involves transferring $500,000 from Fund 177 to Fund 141 to increase the budget for land purchase. The second amendment reallocates $60,453.81 to complete the AVL project previously presented by Mr. Webb.

Discussion:  Ellen Smith, Finance Director, presented a second budget amendment directly tied to the first. This amendment moves $500,000 out of Fund 177 and reallocates $60,453.81 into Fund 177 for the AVL project. The two amendments are interconnected.

Discussion:  Amanda Lee presented Policy 3.205, Security, noting that it has been updated to comply with the new state law, Public Chapter 882. This law requires principals to immediately report certain types of assault and acts of vandalism to the Director of Schools and local law enforcement. Amanda Lee made a motion to approve Policy 3.205 on first reading.

Discussion:  Amanda Lee presented Policy 4.603, Promotion and Retention, which has been updated to reflect changes introduced by Public Chapter 829, including two new state laws related to promotion and retention. Amanda Lee made a motion to approve Policy 4.603 on first reading.

Discussion: 

Amanda Lee presented Policy 5.307, Physical Assault Leave, which has been updated to reflect changes from Public Chapter 839. The new law extends physical assault leave, previously available only to teachers, to all employees who are absent from assigned duties due to physical assault or other violent criminal acts occurring during their employment. Amanda Lee made a motion to approve Policy 5.307 on first reading.

 

Discussion:  Amanda Lee presented Policy 5.701, Substitute Teachers, which has been updated to comply with Public Chapter 735. This law requires substitute teachers to receive annual school safety training, and the policy has been amended to include this provision. Amanda Lee made a motion to approve Policy 5.701 on first reading.

Discussion:  Amanda Lee presented Policy 5.802, Qualifications and Duties of Directors of Schools, which has been updated to comply with Public Chapter 577. The new law requires the Director of Schools to report additional educator information to the State Board of Education, specifically if an educator has pleaded guilty, been convicted, or otherwise found guilty of certain offenses in other jurisdictions. Amanda Lee made a motion to approve Policy 5.802 on first reading.

Discussion:  Amanda Lee presented Policy 6.318, School Admissions and Admissions of Suspension or Expelled Students, which has been updated to reflect changes from Public Chapter 721. The law clarifies that while parents or guardians are already required to provide information about their student's adjudication for certain offenses, principals may now specifically request this information. Amanda Lee made a motion to approve Policy 6.318 on first reading.

Discussion:  Amanda Lee presented Policy 6.409, Reporting Child Abuse, which has been updated to comply with Public Chapter 571. The law requires districts to report the names of the child abuse coordinator and the alternate coordinator to the Department of Children's Services. The policy has been revised to align with this requirement. Amanda Lee made a motion to approve Policy 6.409 on first reading.

Discussion: 

Chairman Beaty appointed Amanda Lee and Nancy Casson to join Johnny Mull, Ellen Smith, Jeff Paulson, and Candice Belt on the committee for the Janitorial Selection for Bradley County Schools.

Discussion:  Dr. Jeff Lovingood expressed his gratitude to the County Commission for their commitment to provide $1.8 million toward the construction of a track at Bradley Central High School. He inquired about the future plans for the track and emphasized the importance of prioritizing athletic facilities at the school, noting the significance of providing opportunities for all students, especially in girls' sports, to comply with Title IX. Dr. Lovingood encouraged the Board to keep the track project on the priority list, citing the size of the school and the lack of a track compared to other schools of similar size. Dr. Linda Cash responded that such decisions would be made by the Board as part of ongoing discussions about project priorities and funding availability.

Discussion:  Dr. Jeff Lovingood announced his resignation from the Board, reflecting on his deep appreciation for the Bradley County community and the support he has received throughout his life. He shared personal gratitude for his family, mentors, and educators who helped shape his path, particularly in academic excellence. Dr. Lovingood expressed his honor in serving on the Board and praised the leadership and dedication of fellow board members, administrators, teachers, and students. He emphasized the importance of education in changing lives and stated that his time serving the Seventh District has been fulfilling, but God is guiding him to a new assignment. He concluded by expressing his thanks and indicated that he would remain connected to the community.

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




                                                                      
Vicki Beaty, Chairman



                                                                      
Dr. Linda Cash, Director of Schools