June 29, 2023 at 6:30 PM - GCSSD Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Mrs. Treva Maitland led the Pledge of Allegiance.

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

Discussion:  No public comment

Discussion:  Mr. Terry Cunningham presented the Budget Approval for the 2023-2024 school year. As discussed last month, the 2023-2024 Budget approves an 8% salary increase for all employees. Property taxes remain unchanged at a 2.0103% rate. The total budget is $4,276,690.

Discussion:  Mr. Terry Cunningham presented the Portable Building Bids from Twin City Barns for the amount of $35,720. The two portable buildings will be used as middle school agriculture and STEM-related lab areas at Dyer and Rutherford. These will be purchased from the Innovative School Model Grant. 

Discussion:  Mr. Terry Cunningham presented the Federal Consolidated Application, which includes ESSA Title I Part A and IDEA Part B funds.
The GCSSD Board of Trustees is required to approve the proposed expenditures for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title I Part A funds each year. These federal funds are established to improve the aca­demic achievement of students attending area schools with a higher poverty percentage. Therefore, school allocations are spiraled down using an average per-pupil amount for each eligible school. Percentages are based on data from direct certification and free/reduced meal applications from March 2023. 
The 5 schools eligible to receive Title I funds are listed in rank/spiraling order. 
Dyer School (64.88%) - $158,366.00
Kenton School (52.08%) - $33,086.00
Rutherford School (51.26%) - $75,296.16
Yorkville School (47.83%) - $37,103.16
Spring Hill School (45.28%) - $28,098.48
Total School Amounts: $331,949.80

Districtwide positions and set asides partially and/or fully funded by Title I funds include: 
Title I Director 
Federal Programs Bookkeeper 
Literacy Coach 
Parent Involvement Coordinator 
Parent Involvement Activities/Meetings 
Professional Development 
Travel 
Total Districtwide Amounts:: $126,1043.16
The Title I Part A total budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year is $457,992.96. I seek your acceptance in approving the ESEA portion of the Federal Consolidated Application.
Paige Graner-Federal Director

The District Board of Trustees is required to approve the proposed expenditures for Part B IDEA funds each year. These are federal funds and the application process requires detailed expenditure projections. These are included with the general program budget which will be approved later. 
Gibson County Special School District is eligible for IDEA Part B federal funds for the projected amount of 
$746,164 for students with disabilities ages 6-21 and an additional $17,063 in federal preschool funds for students, ages 3-5. General-purpose state and local funds are budgeted in the amount of $3,171,688 for next year. Total funds budgeted for special education services in Gibson County Special School District for the school year 2023-2024 are $3,934,915. 
Summary of Projected Programs 
520 students (ages 6-21) with disabilities identified for services (projected) 
55 students (ages 3-5) with disabilities will also receive services (projected) 
3 Pre-K programs for children who have developmental delays (ages 3-5) 
3 buses for special transportation 
3 bus attendants 
3 vans-transportation to special programs outside our district (Vocational Rehab and work sites) 
2 alternating drivers (and van) contracted to provide daily transportation to the West TN School for the Deaf and additional sped transportation within district as needed during the day. 
4 Speech-Language Pathologists, 1 Speech-Language Teacher 
27 classroom and inclusion teachers 
50 teacher assistants and attendants 
1 Transition School to Work Case Manager -85% funded with Voc Rehab grant for the coming year 
2 Workplace Readiness Specialists (job coaches) - 85% funded with Voc Rehab grant for the coming year 
1 full-time Special Education Supervisor 
1 clerical position 
A full range of therapies are provided through private contracts with LeBonheur HealthCare (physical and occupational therapies), Psychological Services (evaluation and assessment services), behavior intervention services (independent contractor), and as needed, additional speech/language services through Stellar Therapies. 
I am seeking approval of the IDEA portion of the Federal Consolidated Application.
Renee Childs-Supervisor of Special Education

Discussion:  Mr.Eddie Pruett and Mrs. Kristin Hardin presented the 3rd-Grade Retention and Summer School Update. Mrs. Hardin explained the pathways to 4th grade.
Overall, 286 students were tested, and 128 students were required to go to school camp.
After the retake and appeals options were utilized, 46 students were required to go to summer camp.

• 36 - Appeals applied for; 31 accepted; 5 denied
• 23 - 504, IEP, ELL, or suspected disability
• 12 - Scored on track or mastered on the retake
• 11 - Previously retained
• 3 - Parents choose retention
• 2 - Moved

GCSSD is ranked 13th by District Average for total proficiency. 
 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett asked the board to discuss the Advisory Referendum/Consolidation. Mr. Pruett presented several options. The board discussed all options. 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the New Hire List. Automotive Instructor for GCHS and Agricultural Teacher for SGCMS, along with a few other positions are still needing to be filled. Principals are working to fill positions.

Discussion:  Mr. Pruett informed the board of the upcoming conference.