December 15, 2015 at 6:30 PM - Board Meeting

Discussion:  Pledge led by Arlington High School Best Buddies.

Discussion:  Sponsors Khristi Slappey and Debbie Pellicciotti. Mrs. Slappey gave an overview of the Best Buddies program and introduced the students. Best Buddies students gave individual accounts of what the program means to them.

Discussion:  Superintendent Mason recognized Arlington Elementary and Donelson Elementary as Reward Schools and presented them with banners. The District received Exemplary Status and plaques were presented to all four schools. Exemplary Status is awarded by The State of Tennessee to districts who met a variety of criteria. Superintendent Mason also presented a banner for Exemplary Status to the District Executive Staff. Chairman Williams gave kudos and led a standing ovation in honor of the district's success. Mr. Yates also expressed his appreciation.

Discussion:  No citizens comments.

Discussion:  Chairman Williams called for corrections. Hearing none, November 17, 2015 minutes were approved as printed.

Discussion:  Chairman Williams thanked Attorney Lawson for his dedication and services to the ACS BOE. Chairman Williams announced that Attorney Lawson will no longer provide legal services for the district.

Discussion:  Superintendent Mason thanked Attorney Gerald Lawson for his invaluable service and guidance in starting the school system. ACS will continue to work with Mr. Lawson as a legal representative for the Town of Arlington on future endeavors.

Discussion:  Ms. Meeks reviewed the financial report for period ending October 31, 2015. Future financial reports will be given two months behind due revenue statements from the Trustee's office not being complete in time for scheduled board meetings. General Fund: Revenue 8,876,721.67 (24% of budgeted Revenue). General Fund: Expenses 9,128,181.28 (27% of budgeted Expenses) School Nutrition: Revenue (Aug-Oct) 290,378.40 School Nutrition: Expenses (Aug-Oct) 287,267.96 (33% of budgeted expenses) Nutrition Surplus due to expanding of commodities fund. Grant: Revenue 504,956.69 (24% of budgeted Revenue) Grant: Expenses 501,489.85 CIP: Revenue 11,785.00 CIP: Expenses 535,056.79 Interlocal Health Trust Fund: Net Position $3,870,350.76

Discussion:  No TLN report.

Discussion:  Superintendent Mason recommends the board approved amended Policy 5.305. Added language recommended by TSBA.

Discussion:  Superintendent Mason recommends the board approve Central Knox, Inc. complete network upgrades at Arlington Middle School, amount totaling $97,624.00. Russell Overby explained necessary upgrades (for all grades at AMS) would provide expansion for the one-to-one initiative for student devices and for future growth. Work would begin week of December 21st. Mr. Overby explains that our network (wireless access points) is currently 7 years old and unable to keep up. Upgrades are estimated to last 7 years. Central Knox, Inc. representative agreed with Mr. Overby's estimation of the longevity that would come with the upgrades. Attorney Lawson responds to Mr. Young's question regarding a contract for the upgrade. Attorney Lawson states a contract will be prepared for the district to enter into the agreement. At this point, the board would be approving a bid request to enter into a contract with Central Knox, Inc. Superintendent Mason explained that ACS would "piggy-back" off of Millington Municipal Schools for the same scope of work without having to go through the bid process.

Discussion:  Superintendent Mason recommends the board approve the purchase of 285 iPads from Apple, Inc. totaling $176,545.70, to complete an iPad in the hands of every 6th grade class. Mr. Young requested statistics detailing the improvements in grades, student participation and overall quality. Superintendent Mason and Mr. Todd Goforth explained that the previous board meeting presentation by the Technology Department, Academics and Accountability and teachers provided the details of the program and the success thus far. Parents also attested to their children becoming more engaged. Superintendent Mason explained that students did not have the iPads in their hands for a complete grading period. When students are engaged the by-products of technology shows elevated grades and class participation. Mr. Overby responded to Mr. Young's question regarding the way the iPads are are bundled for purchase. Superintendent Mason, Mr. Viox, Mr. Yates, Mrs. Fletcher and Chairman Williams expressed their support for the need to provide the tools to educate the children. Mr. Goforth explained that the intent of this program is to utilize the iPads instructionally in the classroom. Mr. Yates explained that we are providing an opportunity to provide iPads instructionally for students who do not have them. We are creating a more economical playing field for students who may not have these devices at home.

Discussion:  Superintendent recommended the board approve the Resolution 2015-03 for financial support for the Arlington High School Field/Track Turf Project. Mr. Viox represents the steering committee for this project and provided information on sponsorship for the project. The district will put $125,000, which is half of the title sponsor (naming rights to the stadium), and hopefully the Town of Arlington will match that amount and we will be halfway to the goal. All money will be funneled through the Arlington Education Foundation. Superintendent Mason reported that a company has agreed to supply taping and glueing of the project. Mr. Viox reported the timeframe of sales calls to be completed by Christmas break. The project would begin in the summer. Superintendent Mason reported that according Mr. Cowan, the project would not move forward until we were at 50% of the total. Mr. Young questioned the longevity of the turf field. Superintendent Mason reported that this is the type of project that would be put on the CIP plan.