February 13, 2025 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 Alan Smith led the Pledge to the Flag.

Discussion:  Chairman Beaty opened the meeting by introducing the consent agenda as the first item of business. Dr. Linda Cash requested to remove an item from the agenda and, following legal advice, specifically asked for the removal of Item Number Seven. Chairman Beaty then inquired if there were any objections to this removal. With no objections, item Number Seven was removed from the agenda. 

Discussion:  No public comment was given.

Discussion: 

The Director’s Report highlighted several key initiatives and achievements within Bradley County Schools.

• Make a Change Day: Mr. Steve Montgomery, principal at Prospect, shared details about this annual fundraiser, which will take place on March 7th. The event aims to fight hunger by raising funds for student meal programs through the United Way. Since its inception in 2017, the initiative has raised $94,000, with a goal to surpass $100,000 this year. The funds support programs such as the Sack Pack program, Boys and Girls Club, and housing initiatives.

• Road Show Success: Charleston Elementary recently hosted a successful community engagement event. Commissioner Reynolds participated and continues to speak highly of it.

• Steered Straight Program: A guest speaker addressed middle and high school students on the dangers of vaping and making better choices. The event received strong support from Wright Brothers Construction, and a parent night was held to further the conversation on student well-being.

• Noteworthy Happenings:

  • Elementary counselors assisted with the Sack Pack program.
  • The Bachman Foundation made a generous donation to support equine therapy, which takes place on Thursdays.
  • Recognition of Lead Fellows and appreciation for the contributions of staff and administrators to these ongoing initiatives.

The Director expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that make these programs possible and emphasized the continued commitment to student well-being and community support.

Discussion:  Item removed from the agenda.

Discussion: 

Presentation Overview:
The Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation (BCPEF) provided a mid-year update, highlighting 21 years of partnership with the school system. The foundation has raised $11.5 million in private funding, benefiting over 1,500 educators and 16,000 students through innovative and measurable educational programs.

Key Initiatives and Impact:

• Teacher Grants: $80,000 awarded this year for 19 team-based grants across 16 schools, covering subjects from history and STEM to music, literacy, and robotics.
• Excellence in Teaching Awards: Increased to $7,000 per recipient, with teachers citing significant professional growth and renewed commitment to education.
• Scholarships: Seven scholarships administered, mostly honoring students and educators.
• Professional Development: $77,000 allocated, with a focus on team-based training for increased collaboration and impact.
• Lead Fellowship Program: Now in its third year, with 12 fellows across 11 schools. The program, supported by private foundations, fosters leadership development through retreats and expert-led sessions.

Special Programs:

• Telemedicine: Established in all schools since 2015, in partnership with Ocoee Pediatrics and United Way, providing essential healthcare access for students and staff.
• Art Smart: Student artwork showcased on local billboards, inspiring young artists and community engagement.
• Community Engagement: The annual Vision 100 event saw record attendance and fundraising success. Gifts, Grants, and Gratitude Luncheon continues to connect donors with educators.

Operations & Governance:

• The foundation operates with 15 board members and dedicated staff (2.12 FTEs).
• Efforts are underway to expand board membership, with updates to be presented at the annual meeting.

Closing Remarks:
The foundation emphasized the critical role of public education in community prosperity and expressed appreciation for ongoing partnerships. A leadership book by Admiral William McRaven was gifted to board members as a token of appreciation.

Discussion:  The Chair appointed herself and Mr. Bryson to serve on the Capital Outlay Committee for the 2025-2026 term. Mr. Bryson accepted the appointment.

Discussion:  In Terry McElhaney’s absence, Dr. Linda Cash presented a request to transfer ownership of Bus Route 2 from Willerdean Dean Malone to Robert Malone, effective February 14, 2025. She requested a motion for approval.

Discussion:  Chuck McKay presented the bid request for the lift at Ocoee Middle School. A bidding process was conducted for the replacement of an existing lift at Ocoee Middle School. Outreach was made to five major elevator companies, and the bid was advertised in two newspapers and on the website. Only one company attended the pre-bid meeting and submitted a bid. The proposed cost for the lift replacement is $32,327, which is significantly under the originally budgeted amount of $50,000-$55,000. The company selected had previously installed lifts in the building.

Discussion:  With no items added or further comments, Chairman Beaty adjourned the meeting.

Discussion: 




                                                                      
Vicki Beaty, Chairman



                                                                      
Dr. Linda Cash, Director of Schools