May 7, 2018 at 5:30 PM - Jackson-Madison County School Work Session

Discussion:  Eldridge Mann informed the School Board that the Junior High School Students had a great track season.  The Students competed in the Regional Tournament in Memphis and will be competing in the State Tournament in Clarksville, Tennessee. 

Discussion:  Holly Kellar presented the Budget Amendments to the School Board Members and the Amendments were attached to eMeeting for review.

Discussion:  Holly Kellar presented the 141 General Purpose report to the School Board Members and the General Purpose report was attached to eMeeting for review.

Discussion:  The School Board Members have reviewed Eric Jones, Superintendent Contract and will approve the Contract to the year of 2022 on Thursday, May 10, 2018 Board Meeting.  The School Board will fill out the Superintendent Evaluation and return to School Board Secretary on May 29, 2018.  Bob Alvey stated that the contract would need to be voted on forty-five days prior to the July meeting.  Dave Bratcher stated that there are questions on the Evaluation that does not pertain to this Superintendent and this evaluation will need to be updated.  David Clifft agrees with Mr. Bratcher that the evaluation will need to be updated but feels that the new Board members will need to be the ones to review and update.  

Discussion: 

Catherine Korth stated that there have been some difficulty with testing this year.  Mrs. Korth stated that the State is extending the testing time due to the issues until Wednesday, May 9, 2018.  Mrs. Korth stated that seven thousand six hundred (7,600) tests have been given.  There have been three thousand three hundred  (3,300) tests given on line and there were four lost tests when submitted.  Mrs. Korth stated that they have been able to recover two (2) out of four (4) tests and they are hopeful to recover the two (2) tests.  

Mrs. Korth stated that with so many issues with testing, they wanted to speak with Principals and receive input from them on how to handle the grading for the end of the school year.  

Mrs. Korth recommends the usage of zero percent (0%) to fifteen percent (15%) added to the tests for the final grade. 

The Board will take action on the TN READY Percentage on Thursday, May 10, 2018.

Discussion: 

Holly Kellar presented to the School Board the 2018-2019 Budget.  Mrs. Kelly shared the Budget Summary 2018-19 Chart and the highlights from General Purpose School Fund Forecast, Federal Programs, Food Service and Education Capital.  Eric Jones stated that he would like to have a Budget that benefits students but have to look at reality on what the budget is at this time.  Mr. Jones stated that there will be tough discussions to be made but the the discussions will be wise discussions and to do what is right for the system.  Mr. Jones informed the School Board that there is a County Budget Meeting on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 1:00 pm.  Janice Hampton asked, when will your plan with the changes happen for the system.  Mr. Jones stated, in the next couple of months there will be a plan put in place to help move the system forward with revenue.  

The Budget Committee is recommending to the School Board to approve the 2018-2019 Budget.

Discussion: 

Ray Washington presented to the School Board the opportunity to purchase 142 Elizabeth Street for the amount of $9,500.00.  This property is located behind Whitehall Elementary and will be used for additional parking.  Janice Hampton asked if they have reviewed purchasing the land on Jackson Street.  Mr. Washington stated that the City is reviewing the purchase of that land.  

The School Board will take action on the purchase of 142 Elizabeth Street Thursday, May 10, 2018.

Discussion:  The School Board have a combined Work Session and Board Meeting on Monday, June 18, 2018 and an Education Vision Meeting on Tuesday, June 19, 2018.  

Discussion:  The School Board agrees to sign the Consolidated Funding Application for FY19 on Thursday, May 10, 2018.

Discussion: 

David Clifft mentioned that Policy 3.206, Community Use of Facilities has been discussed in the Policy Committee meeting.  There needs to be some revisions to this policy and Ray Washington is currently working on the revisions.  Mr. Clifft stated that it is the committee's intention to bring the Policy 3.206, Community Use of Facilities to the School Board in June.  

David Clifft is recommending from the Policy Committee that the following policy revisions be approved;  4.205 Dual Enrollment, 4.502 Parent/Family Engagement -Title I, 4.600 Grading System, 4.603 Promotion and Retention, 4.605 Graduation Requirements, 4.606 Graduation Activities and 5.301 Emergency and Legal Leave.  The School Board will approve on Thursday, May 10, 2018.

Discussion:  Jared Myracle stated that they have to apply for the Art 4 course to be offered in the Jackson-Madison County School System.  The School Board will approve at the Thursday, May 10, 2018 meeting.

Discussion: 

Bob Alvey mentioned that he would like for Kevin Alexander to contact the Legislators and set a date and time to meet.  Mr. Alvey is recommending that they have the discussion concerning Dual Enrollment. 

Dave Bratcher mentioned that the Insurance Committee has been working on Policy 3.600, Insurance Management and will bring to the Policy Committee and then to the School Board in June.

David Clifft mentioned that the Policy Committee will have more revisions on policies in June.

Eric Jones stated that he has met with the City Education Committee to further discuss the purchase of schools.  The City is still reviewing ways to fund this project.  Mr. Jones stated that he has been speaking to LOOP and that they have a location and that now are looking in the space for classrooms and training for students.  Mr. Jones has spoken with Jim Ross, West Tennessee Health Care, the Chambers and Black and Decker concerning the program with the Jackson-Madison County School Students.  Mr. Jones is speaking with how the Chambers will be able to assist in the support of the system.

Eric Jones mentioned that the system has hired James Walker to become the Principal at Jackson Career and Technology School.  

Eric Jones stated that this week is Teacher Appreciation and he thanked the board for delivering cakes to all the schools in the system.

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.