October 13, 2022 at 6:30 PM - GCSSD Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Mr. John Campbell led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  Mr. Tom Lannom, Board Chairman, called the meeting to order.

Discussion:  Mr. Tom Lannom opened the floor for public comments. 

• Mr. Mack Zarecor to speak on behalf of a group against the consolidation of the north-end schools. He touched on several topics such as tax increases, building material costs, and classroom sizes. He mentioned how the consolidation of the school would hurt the local communities and added that the money for a new school should be spent on our teachers.
• Mrs. Michelle Wallsmith also spoke against the north-end school consolidation, focusing on the current success of students and small classroom sizes.
• Mr. John Stafford disputed the findings from the last board meeting, stating that building a new school would not create smaller classroom sizes, and would not increase teacher salaries.
• A man, unidentified, spoke against the 3rd-grade retention. 
• Mr. Travis Little spoke in favor of the north-end school consolidation. He explained the need for CTE courses for junior high students that would be available with the consolidation of these five schools and also pointed out the advantages of having STEM classes. Mr. Little added that most of the buildings are aging, and the upkeep is costly. He explained the education system is considered when industries are researching a new location. Consolidation could lead the way for more industries in our area. He compared classroom sizes, stating that not all schools out of the five are experiencing low classroom sizes. Adding that combining the schools will lower the classroom sizes across the board. Mr. Little ended by saying we should continue to look at the data.
• A man, unidentified, spoke in agreement with the feasibility study, stating that we should at least look to see if we will save money.  

Discussion:  Mr. Tom Lannom asked the board to complete the self-assessment form by the end of the month to discuss the results at the next meeting. 

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented bids to replace the tire alignment and lift system, installation, training, and software for the Maintenance/Light Repair Shop at Gibson County High School. A proposal by Snap-on Industrial totaled  $56,444.12.  A second proposal by McDaniel Equipment Company totaled $54,9995.00.

Discussion:  Mr. Terry Cunningham presented the Gibson County High School Soccer Field Phase 1 Bids. A proposal by Ronnie Cooper Trucking & Dirt Work totaled $206,350.00. A second proposal by Mid America Sports Construction totaled $863,189.99. 

Discussion:  Mr. Terry Cunningham presented the bids for the South Gibson County High School Sports Complex Field Events. A proposal by Hellas Construction, Inc. totaled $327,410.00. A second bid by Barnes and Brower was incomplete. 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the 2022 Local Education Agency (LEA) Compliance Report. This report states the district follows all federal and state education laws and State Board of Education (SBE) rules.

 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the policy revisions.

• Policy # 3.202 Emergency Preparedness Plan requires one remote learning drill each year.
• Policy # 4.101 Instructional Standards is a new policy making sure that all our instructional materials are not Common Core.
• Policy # 4.212 Virtual Education Programs allows districts to utilize virtual instruction for up to two days in case of a serious outbreak or extreme weather.
• Policy # 4.402 Reconsideration of Textbooks and Instructional Materials is a new policy regarding procedures if there is a complaint about textbooks and instructional materials.
• Policy # 4.403 Library Materials is a revision regarding procedure if there is a complaint about library materials. 
• Policy # 4.406 Use of the Internet ensures that vendors prevent access to harmful online material.
• Policy # 4.603 Promotion and Retention explains requirements for third and fourth-grade students, including the appeals process. 
• Policy # 5.119 Employment of Retirees, Policy # 5.200 Separation Practices for Tenured Teachers, Policy # 5.201 Separation Practices for Non-Tenured Teachers, and Policy # 5.701 Substitute Teachers allow flexibility in hiring retired employees. 
• Policy # 6.318 Admission of Suspended or Expelled Students eliminates notification to the Commissioner of Education of the decision to deny admission of a suspended or expelled student. 
• Policy # 6.409 Reporting Child Abuse allows only employees working directly with children to complete training. The policy also states reports may be made to DCS and law enforcement before contacting the coordinator if alleged abuse is by an employee. 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the ESSER 3.0 Public Plan for Remaining Funds outlining how the remaining funds are dispersed 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the Safe Return to In-Person Instruction Plan which outlines a safe reopening plan for our schools. Mr. Pruett stated there were no changes to this plan. 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented a list of equipment to be approved for surplus from SGCMS.

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett reminded board members to review the attachment of the agenda for the 2022 TSBA Leadership Conference and Convention in Nashville, TN on November 10-13 at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. 

Discussion:  Mr. Tom Lannom made the motion to adjourn.