June 20, 2024 at 6:30 PM - GCSSD Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Watkins led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  Mr. Tom Lannom called the meeting to order.

Discussion:  No public comment

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the 2024-2025 Budget Approval. The total budget is $43,042,422.03, including a 5% raise for staff, excluding the support staff index of $2,200. 

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the Certified Tax Rate. GCSSD will not exceed the certified tax rate of 1.3119 set by the State of Tennessee.

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the Bond Payoff. Mr. Hinson requested the payoff of two bond series. Paying early will save the district and taxpayers a total of $475,236 in interest. 

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the GCHS CTE Flat Roof Bids. 

• Frazier for $355,007
• Elite for $177,000
• Genesis for $153,400
• Coryell for $471,041.72
• Strickland $158,000
• Eskola for $264,000
• JM Roofing for $237,782

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the Laptop Lease Bids. 

• Insight Financial Solutions for $34,596.02
• TEQLease Education Finance for $33,200.55, no sealed bid provided. 

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the Retired Employee Health Insurance. No changes will be made. GCSSD contributes to the health insurance of certified employees with 25 years of service with the district. Certified employees with 10 to 25 years of service with GCSSD receive prorated benefits. Policy 3.6001 Continuation of Health Insurance Coverage for Retired Employees

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the Approval of the Federal Consolidated Application.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title I Part A
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. School allocations are spiraled down using an average per-pupil amount to each eligible school. Percentages represent direct certification students pulled from April 2024 data.
The 5 schools eligible to receive Title I funds are listed in rank/spiraling order.
Kenton Elementary (70.59%) - $32,928.00
Dyer School (70.24%) - $149,602.00
Spring Hill School (60.78%) - $35,402.00
Rutherford School (55.06%) - $80,281.11
Yorkville School (54.17%) - $35,498.45
Total School Amounts: $333,711.56
Districtwide positions and set-asides partially and/or fully funded by the Title I funds include: 
Title I Director
Federal Programs Bookkeeper
Literacy Coach
Parent Involvement Coordinator
Parents Involvement Activities/Meetings
Professional Development 
Travel
Total Districtwide Amounts: $128,082.43
The Title I Part A budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year is $461,793.99. I seek your acceptance in approving the ESEA portion of the Federal Consolidated Application.
Paige Garner, Federal Director

Part B IDEA
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 $811,174 for students with disabilities ages 6-21 and an additional $18,774 in federal preschool funds for students, ages 3-5. General-purpose state and local funds are budgeted in the amount of $3,435,784 for next year. Total funds budgeted for special education services in Gibson County Special School District for the school year 2024-2025 are $4,265,732.
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 integrated preschool 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
28 classroom and inclusion teachers
51 teacher assistants and attendants
1 Transition School to Work Case Manager -approx. 85% funded with Voc Rehab grant for next 2 years
2 Workplace Readiness Specialists (job coaches) - approx. 85% funded with Voc Rehab grant for next 2 years
1 full-time Special Education Supervisor
1 Preschool Consulting Teacher (special state grant funded)
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 Words For Life agency.
I am seeking approval of the IDEA portion of the Federal Consolidated Application. Renee Childs, Supervisor of Special Education

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the October Board Meeting Schedule Correction. The October board meeting is scheduled for the 10th, during Fall Break. 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the New Hire List. 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented to Non-Hire Letter Listing.