September 9, 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:  The pledge to the flag was led by Nancy Casson. 

Discussion:  Chariman Beaty asked if anyone wanted to pull any item from the Consent Agenda. Mrs. Amanda Lee asked for item 12. d. Policy 5.500 — Discrimination/ Harassment of Employees will be pushed to October's Board Meeting. Chariman Beaty pulled the item, and it has been placed at the end of the agenda. A vote was taken on the Consent Agenda. 
 

Discussion:  No public comment was given.

Discussion: 

Nancy Casson stated that the 114th General Assembly convened on January 14 at noon and adjourned on April 22. Education was at the forefront of their discussions, with school vouchers being the most debated topic among all the bills considered.

Of the approximately 1,500 pieces of legislation presented, around 250 were related to education and school boards. Ninety-three of those passed and became law in Tennessee.

Every meeting with Mrs. Lee regarding policy changes is based on state requirements and laws. Some of the policies we’ve previously discussed, such as cell phone use in classrooms and employee retirement, originated as new laws brought before the state. The purpose of these changes is to ensure Bradley County Schools remain in compliance with Tennessee state law.

Discussion: 

Todd Shoemaker came before the board to request approval of the extended contract procedures for the 2025-2026 school year. Todd stated that the process remains the same as last year, with no changes to the number of extended contracts.

There will be 25 extended contracts, the same number as last year.

Discussion: 

Patrick Spangler requested permission to initiate a safety and beautification project on the Bradley Central High School campus, with a primary focus on the campus entryways. He clarified that this is not a request for funding, as funding has already been secured.

The project will involve certified contractors as well as students working with Wright Brothers, incorporating design elements from landscape management classes. Planned improvements include the removal and modification of existing landscaping, installation of new curbs, enhancements to structural integrity and visual appeal, and the addition of a light pole in the parking lot to improve visibility.

This project will complete the campus lighting initiative, and Mr. Spangler requested approval to begin the work over Fall Break.

Discussion: 

Terry McElhaney stated that Bradley County Schools and the Transportation Department experienced the sudden loss of one of our bus contractors, Mr. Robert Phillips, who had served the district for 17 years. In light of his passing, his routes needed to be reviewed. Mrs. Teresa Phillips, his wife, expressed a desire to continue running bus routes 4 and 29 on his behalf.

Terry has met with Mrs. Phillips to discuss Bradley County Schools’ expectations, and she is committed to supporting the community her husband served for 17 years. With the Board's approval, Terry will transition ownership of routes 4 and 29 in the Taylor area to Mrs. Phillips.

Dr. Cash commended the dedication and character of our staff, principals, and supervisors, noting their willingness to step up in times of need. She specifically thanked Terry for not only fulfilling his duties as Transportation Supervisor but also for supporting the Phillips family during this difficult time.

Discussion:  Corbett Drew reported that seven qualified bids were received for the Park View Expansion. The lowest bid came in at $3.2 million, which is below the project’s budget. After reviewing the bids and qualifications, Corbett and Kyle recommend that Bradley County Schools award the contract to Integrated Builds of Chattanooga as the general contractor. The projected timeline for the expansion is approximately 310 days.

Discussion: 

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Kyle Page reported that the recommended bid for the North Lee paving project is from Wright Brothers Construction. Their bid was the lowest at $63,535.00, with the project expected to be completed in two days.

Discussion:  THIS POLICY WAS PULLED FROM THE AGENDA TO BE ADDED TO POLICY REVIEW FOR NEXT MONTH.  

Discussion: 

Dr. Linda Cash spoke about the board election process before nominations were opened. She explained that while nominations may be seconded, it is not required.

If only one candidate is nominated, nominations will close, and a motion can be made for the nominee to be appointed by acclamation. This motion must be seconded and approved by roll call vote.

Nominations will close once no additional names are presented. Voting will then take place in the order candidates were nominated. Each nominee must receive a majority of the board’s votes to win the seat. If no candidate receives a majority, the nominee with the lowest number of votes will be eliminated, and voting will continue with the remaining candidates in nomination order until a majority is reached. A roll call vote will be used to cast all votes, with a majority of four required to secure the seat.

 

Discussion:  Ted Bryson nominated Vicki Beaty. 

Dr. Cash asks for a motion for Vicki Beaty be appointed by acclamation. 

Discussion:  Vicki Beaty opened up the nominations for Vice-Chairman. 

Nancy Casson nominated Ted Bryson. 
Rachel Goins nominated Josh Taylor. 

Vicki Beaty reiterated the rules of nominations. The first nomination will be voted on, and then the second. 


*JOSH TAYLOR WITHDREW HIS NOMINATION DURING THE ROLL CALL FOR TED BRYSON. 

JOSH TAYLOR MADE A MOTION TO WITHDRAW HIS NOMINATION. No second nomination is needed.  

Discussion:  Vicki Beaty asked for a motion to approve Nancy Casson by acclamation. 

Discussion: 




                                                                      
Vicki Beaty, Chairman



                                                                      
Dr. Linda Cash, Director of Schools