April 10, 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:  Pledge to the flag led by Board Member Ted Bryson.

Discussion:  No public comment was given.

Discussion: 

Director Cash highlighted several key achievements and events:

• 27 students scored over 30 on the ACT this year, reflecting strong student dedication and family support.

• Noted overall improvement in ACT scores across the district, praising the ACT prep team’s efforts.

• Road Show visits continued, with a recent stop at North Lee Elementary guided by student leaders.

• Upcoming Road Show visit scheduled at the PIE Innovation Center on April 30, followed by the State of the Schools Address.

• A recent Math Meet was a great success, showcasing student excellence and lasting several hours.

• Celebrated the launch of girls’ flag football at both high schools, with positive feedback and excitement.

• Recognized multiple schools receiving $5,000 TVA STEM grants, including Hopewell, Lake Forest, Michigan Avenue, North Lee, Parkview, Taylor, and Oak Grove, with more expected.

• Concluded with a welcome to the Walker Valley Chamber Choir, who will be performing at the meeting.

Discussion: 

Interim Finance Director Ellen Smith presented several year-end budget amendments, describing them as routine adjustments to align projections with actual expenditures and revenues. Key highlights include:

• Amendment #31: Adjustments for Tennessee Healthcare Resiliency Program related to the district float nurse.

• Amendment #32: Reimbursement for high-cost special education expenditures for students with severe disabilities.

• Amendment #33: Reclassification of positions after last May’s budget approval, moving funds to appropriate line items.

• Amendment #34: Additional revenue collected from the Honor Choir program.

• Amendment #35: Reallocation of TennCare reserves to fund stipends, supplies, and staff development in health services.

• Amendment #36: Use of Special Education reserves to support services, supplies, and training.

• Amendment #37: Budget allocation for June summer learning camps.

• Amendment #38: Year-end adjustments for 21st Century and Big City University after-school programs.

• Amendment #39: New Healthy Community Initiative grants from the county—one for AEDs district-wide and another to resurface the walking trail in the Prospect community.

Smith explained the budget process, noting that projections are based on historical data, and end-of-year amendments align the budget with actual revenues and expenditures. She expressed confidence in the accuracy of the current projections, given the limited months remaining in the fiscal year.

Discussion:  Ellen Smith presented the year-end budget adjustments for the PIE Center, noting this is only the second year of reporting on this item. The adjustments reflect final actual revenues and expenditures for both operational costs and school programming at the PIE Center.

Discussion: 

Johnny Mull presented the conclusion of the janitorial services bid process for Bradley County Schools, which began in October and has been ongoing through the new year. The bidding process was extensive, with 15 companies submitting proposals—an encouraging level of interest.

Following the bid opening, evaluation materials were prepared and distributed to the review committee on March 20. The committee consisted of:

• Chuck McKay

• Ellen Smith

• Nancy Cason

• Amanda Lee

• Candace Belt

• Johnny Mull

The committee evaluated bids using a rubric that included criteria such as cost analysis, industry experience, experience in educational facilities, financial management capability, and references. After thorough review and discussion, the committee reached a consensus.

The final recommendation presented to the board was to award the janitorial services contract to Pritchard Industries, as all committee members ranked the company either first or second in their evaluations.

 

Board members reviewed and discussed the comprehensive selection process for a new janitorial services provider. The committee’s recommendation of Pritchard Industries was affirmed through detailed review and vetting.

Key discussion points included:

• Board members expressed confidence in the thorough, rubric-based evaluation process, which considered cost analysis, industry experience, educational facility experience, financial stability, and references.

• It was emphasized that the selection was based on the best overall bid, not necessarily the lowest.

• Specific concerns with the lowest bidder included:

  • Cost discrepancies in submitted materials

  • Limited experience (only three small schools serviced)

  • Financial capacity concerns (largest contract $284,000 versus Bradley County's $2M+ contract)

• In contrast, Pritchard Industries services 46 school systems (including Atlanta Public Schools), with contracts ranging from 3 to 9 million square feet, and offers employee benefits that support retention.

• A project manager will be on-site daily, and a digital reporting system will support communication and accountability. Principals will be the designated point of contact for schools.

• The board clarified that the vote was solely to approve the company, not the final contract terms. Budget options will be reviewed in coordination with Dr. Cash and the finance team before final contract negotiation.

• It was noted that the current vendor has been notified and committed to assisting with a smooth transition.

• Pritchard has agreed to a four-week transition period to begin June 1.

The board proceeded with a motion to approve Pritchard Industries as the district's janitorial services provider.

Discussion:  A motion was made by Amanda Lee to waive the second reading and adopt all policies listed under Item 10 on first reading. The reasoning, as discussed with Patty Phillips, was due to the timing at the end of the school year. Immediate adoption would allow these policies to be included in student and employee handbooks and other relevant documents without delay.

Discussion: 

Nancy Casson presented a resolution for Board approval to affirm Bradley County Schools' participation in Section 4 of the Education Freedom Scholarship Act of 2025, which provides a one-time $2,000 bonus to all public school teachers employed during the 2024-2025 school year. The Board acted to ensure Bradley County teachers are not excluded.

The resolution was read aloud and then presented in the form of a motion, which was seconded and unanimously approved (7-0).

Discussion clarified that:

• Eligible recipients include classroom teachers, librarians, and counselors (as listed in TNCompass), but not administrators or supervisors.

• Bonuses will be paid in fall 2025, after the start of the new fiscal year.

Board members expressed support for the resolution and appreciation for teachers and staff. The motion passed unanimously.

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




                                                                      
Vicki Beaty, Chairman



                                                                      
Dr. Linda Cash, Director of Schools