June 8, 2020 at 5:30 PM - Jackson-Madison County School Work Session

Discussion:  James Johnson, Board Chairman began the June 8, 2020 Work Session with a moment of silence.

Discussion:  Janis Carroll the JMCEA President was unable to attend the Work Session

Discussion:  Holly Kellar mentioned that the Financial Reports were able for review on BOE Connect.  There are five Budget Amendments with the addition of adding $40,000.00 to Legal Services.  The School Board Audit were completed on Monday, June 8 and results will be for the Board in September or October.  There was an Audit Planning Guide attached to BOE Connect for the Board to review.  The Crosslin Certified Public Accountants from Nashville conducted the Jackson-Madison County School System's Audit this year.

There were Board Members concerned that the TLM firm had been paid $17,600.00.  Holly Kellar mentioned that the work TLM has been able to complete and have payment for, they will be able to continue work when funds become available for the locker rooms.

Discussion:  Karen Bell the County Finance Director presented her reports.  Mrs. Bell will email her information to the Board to have a better understanding of the figures given at the Work Session.  

Discussion:  The Board did not have concerns about the June Board Meeting Agenda.

Discussion:  Ray Washington stated that the reopen guidance will come from CDC and the State.  Each District will open school to fit their district and Dr. King has formed a Team to assist with the reopening of school.  Dr. King will present the plan to the Board and the Community hopefully in July.  

Discussion:  The JMCSS Baord will approve the Governor's Extended Executive Order through June on Thursday, June 11, 2020.

Discussion:  Ray Washington stated that the Custodian Service will have a name change for the upcoming year.  SMS plans to partner with HES Facilities, an entity formed via a significant investment by Buddy Helton, Charlie Spencer, David Helton.  

Discussion:  Ray Washington mentioned that Dr. King has been given the information concerning the K-8 Contract and they have discussed the contract.  Mr. Washington spoke on how the Construction Manager was selected from the eight Managers that applied.  Each Construction Manager was given the same questions and opportunities when applying. Several Board Members have concerns with the contract and Dr. Marlon King not having enough time to review the information and make his recommnedation for a Construction Manager.  Dr. King will be speaking with Henson Construction and will present to the Board on Thursday his thoughts.  The Board will have the K-8 Contract and Resolution on the Thursday, June 11 Board Meeting Agenda.

Discussion:  Ray Washington mentioned that JCM and Madison will have a ground breaking on June 26, 2020.  The time for both will be decided and an invite will be given to the County, City and Investors.  

Discussion:  James Johnson asked the Board Members to send their expectations for Dr. Marlon King to the the Board Secretary.  Dr. King will present his expectations for the Board at the Board Meeting on Thursday.  The Board will approve the expectations from the Board and Dr. King.  

Discussion:  Dr. Vivian Williams presented the status of the priority and target schools in Jackson-Madison County.  Dr. Williams mentioned they will remain the same for the upcoming year with funding.  The Target Schools are; Liberty, North Parkway, East Elementary, Rosehill Middle and JCM-Early College High.  

Discussion:  James Johnson asked the Board to email suggestions to the Board Secretary concerning the recognition of the South Side Boys Basketball Team.  The SSHS Basketball team had an undefeated season and was unable to play in the State Tournament due to the COVID-19 cancelling all sports.

Discussion:  Dr. Vivian Williams stated that the Ombudsman Program did not perform as expected for the school year.  Dr. Williams mentioned that there will be continued work with the operations of the program, to have better communication and to determine how many students should be in the program at one time.  The positives of the program from the year were they saw improvements in within the program, the cultural and climate changes, and they are reviewing the program to make any changes.

Discussion:  Dr. Tiffany Green presented the Human Capital Report to the Board.

Discussion:  Dr. Tiffany Green was asked to present a Teacher Vacancies Report.  The break down for Teacher separations as of 5/31/2020:  Resignations-38, Retirements-11, Non-Renewals-26.  The Vacancies by Subject area: Elementary-12, Middle and High English-5, Math-9, Science-3, Social Studies-3, Special Education-1, Elective-2, Vocational-3, PE-1 and Librarian-1, System-wide - ESL -2 for a total of 42 teacher vacancies as of 6/8/2020

Discussion:  The School Support Organizations are encouraged to have the Board approval at the start of school but would be able to have approved during the school year.

Discussion:  Holly Kellar mentioned this plan at the beginning of the meeting

Discussion:  Each year the Board is asked to complete an evalution for the Superintendent.  The Board Secretary will compile the results and present to the Board in the June meeting.

Discussion:  Janice Hampton has scheduled a meeting with the Legislators and each Board member will email questions for the Legislators.

Discussion:  The Board will review the dates for Board meetings and make any revisions to the schedule.  

Discussion:  The County Commission and the Board Members will have an Education Vision Committee meeting on June 16, 2020 at 5:30 pm.

Discussion:  Ray Washington mentioned that the JCT Librarian, Felicia Lanita Farr-Fuller passed and the arrangements were sent to the Board members.

Discussion:  The JMCSS Work Session adjourned at 7:37 pm