January 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM - Bradley County Board of Education Regular Meeting

Financial and Operational Updates:
Dr. Cash highlighted the Business Office for the management of approximately $9.5 million in active construction projects and the oversight of a $125 million annual budget to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency. Acknowledgment was given to the business office staff for their dedication and hard work in sustaining the financial health of the district.

Road Show Update:
The Director commended the successful visit to Bradley Central High School, where the Road Show event showcased remarkable student talent and leadership. Appreciation was extended to Bradley Central for hosting the event. The next Road Show will take place at Charleston STEAM Academy on January 22.

Student Achievement Celebrations:

1. Graduation Rate: The board celebrated Bradley Central High School’s graduation rate of 97.7%, recognizing it as a significant achievement.

2. ACT Score: Walker Valley High School reported an ACT composite score of 20.1.

3. Industry Credentials: A total of 463 Tennessee Promoted Industry Credentials were awarded during the fall semester, reflecting the district’s commitment to career readiness.

Steered Straight Program:
The Steered Straight program, sponsored by ATS The Bridge, has been implemented across middle and high schools to educate students on decision-making, substance abuse prevention, and personal responsibility. The Director noted a positive student response to the program. Due to weather-related rescheduling, the program parent and community night is scheduled for February 10 at Pangle Hall, with an open invitation for attendance.

Tennessee Middle School Girls Wrestling State Championship Recognition:
The Director recognized the accomplishments of the Tennessee Middle School Girls Wrestling team. Special recognition was given to Princiapl Dr. Corey Limburg, Athletic Director Jake Wilccutt, and Coach Bill Connor for their leadership and dedication to the athletic program.

• The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) hosted the inaugural Middle School Girls Wrestling State Championship at Cleveland Middle School.

• Bradley County student-athletes competed successfully, with five students qualifying for 13 weight classes in the first-ever statewide middle school competition.

• This tournament marked a historic milestone as the first state-sanctioned middle school wrestling championship in the nation.

Coach Connor provided an overview of the tournament results:

• State Champions: Brooklyn Swisher (93 lbs) and Macy (100 lbs)

• Runner-up: Alyssa Blackwell (145 lbs)

• Third Place: Sadie Swisher

• Fifth Place: Kinsley Murphy

• Collectively, these athletes contributed to the school placing third overall in the state competition.

Coach Connor, who also serves as the Navy JROTC instructor at Walker Valley High School, expressed pride in the student-athletes and his role in supporting student development beyond athletics.

Board members extended their congratulations and appreciation to the students and coaching staff for their dedication and achievements. A team photo was taken to commemorate the event.

Carolyn Ingram, TSBA representative, addressed the board, expressing appreciation for their dedication and emphasizing the sense of camaraderie among members. She recognized the board for earning the Board of Distinction award, noting that out of the 12 districts she represents, only three school boards have received this honor.

She highlighted the four key areas required for this recognition: planning, policy, promotion, and board development. Ms. Ingram commended the board for their hard work and commitment, acknowledging the time and effort invested in achieving this distinction. She concluded by expressing gratitude and suggesting a group photo to commemorate the achievement.

An update was provided on various school construction and expansion projects:

• Bradley Science Wing: The FEMA grant process has been completed and forwarded to the Tennessee congressional delegation for approval. Funding and timing updates are expected in the coming weeks.

• Ocoee Middle School CDC Expansion (Building F): Construction is progressing well, with Wilder Construction making steady progress. The project remains on schedule for completion by August, prior to the start of the school year.

• Hopewell Elementary School: The project is fully funded, with schematic design completed. The design has been reviewed by key stakeholders and will be presented to school staff within the next two weeks. The general contractor solicitation process is expected to take place in February-March, with board approval anticipated at the March meeting. An early contractor selection approach is being used to ensure schedule efficiency and cost control. Board members will be invited to review the final design when ready.

• Park View: Funding is secured, and the budget amendment has been approved by the county commission. Architects have commenced design, with schematic design expected in six weeks. General contractor solicitations are planned for September, with construction anticipated to begin by year-end.

• Waterville: Portable classrooms are complete, and the expansion project is currently on hold, pending discussions at the board retreat regarding priorities among Blue Springs, Waterville, and other projects.

Board members were invited to tour the project sites upon request.

Johnny Mull requested the Board to approve the custodial bid timeline and request for quotes for a new janitorial contract, as the current contract expires on May 31, with the new contract beginning on June 1. The janitorial committee, including Dr. Cash and Scott Bennett, reviewed and agreed on the bid specifications, process, and timeline.

Key Highlights of the Bid Process:

• The contract will cover labor, supplies, and equipment for custodial services across the district, except for Lake Forest, which has its own custodians, and Bradley Central, which employs daytime custodians.
• The updated contract includes a minimum wage increase from $13 to $16 per hour for contracted employees to improve staffing.
• Additional custodial staff have been requested to address previous understaffing issues.
• Two bid options will be considered:
  1. Contractor supplies all custodial employees (current model).
  2. Hybrid model: Bradley County Schools employs full-time day porters, while the contractor provides night porters.
• Bidders must submit proposals for both options, and the final selection will depend on funding.
• A walkthrough of all schools will be required for bidders to assess cleaning requirements.

Additional Discussions:

• Questions were raised about how unfulfilled staffing positions would impact payment and whether discounts would be provided in such cases, to be addressed in the final contract.
• Background checks for custodial employees are conducted by the contractor’s HR department, with board members inquiring about possible third-party verification.
• Staffing levels at various schools were discussed, with larger schools receiving more full-time custodians.
• Lake Forest remains the only school with entirely in-house custodial services.

A motion was made to approve the custodial bid timeline and request for quotes for publication.

Amanda Lee presented Policy 5.118 on Background Investigations for its first reading. The policy update reflects changes following Tennessee’s acceptance into the Federal Bureau of Investigation Rap Back Program.

Key Policy Updates:

• Since 2018, Tennessee law has required background checks every five years for teachers and other personnel working near children.
• With Tennessee's acceptance into the Rap Back Program, district employees must now be enrolled in the program, eliminating the need for repeated background checks.
• Other individuals working near children, such as substitutes, contractors, and volunteers, may either continue undergoing regular background checks or be enrolled in the Rap Back Program at the district’s discretion.

Amanda Lee presented an update to Policy 4.603 on Promotion and Retention and requested approval on first and second reading. The policy was recently approved in December; however, the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) issued an additional update based on a State Board of Education decision from November.

Key Policy Update:

• Parents or guardians who choose to retain their K-2 student must submit a written request within 30 days of the school year’s end. If the student is not eligible for voluntary retention under state law, the district must now respond in writing to the parent or guardian regarding the retention request.

The board recognized Susan Willcutt for her dedicated service to Bradley County Schools. Throughout her tenure, Susan was known for her capability, knowledge, sincerity, dedication, and passion as both an educator and supervisor. She was also a fierce and loyal advocate for the district.

On behalf of the board, gratitude and best wishes were extended to Susan Willcutt, acknowledging her significant contributions and expressing that she will be sincerely missed.