February 21, 2022 at 5:30 PM - REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING

Discussion:  Coach Holt, Coach Brussard, and Coach Rozelle recognized the TAD Swimmers. Mr. VanHuss commented that Coach Sutton began the program and that for a long time swimming was a club, and now it is a real sport.  Thanks to Coach Holt and Dr. Minton for making it an emphasis. 

Discussion:  Dr. Minton recognized Karisse Dickison for her 2nd place finish in the National Billboard Design Competition.

Discussion:  Coach Witten recognized the EHS Football team for competing in the third straight championship.  

Discussion:  So great to recognize our students, 5 wrestlers qualified for state, both basketball teams (men and women) playing for championships.  Fantastic athletic season!! Very proud of them and wish them luck as they move forward. Thanks to Marsha Taylor, Myra Newman and others who worked on the ESSER Plans and Best for All District Recognition. Working with Tom Weems to develop a Capital Projects Plan for the next 5-10 years.  New State Funding formula released on Thursday.  Will give us an idea based on current enrollment.  Congratulations to Mr. Dustin Hensley on the Humanities Grant he received.  This is National Public School Week. ECS is an important part of our society, culture and community. We take children from where they are and stretch them as far as possible.  Received a lot of good information at the TSBA Legal and Legislative Workshop as well as the National Superintendents Conference in Nashville last week. Please see the handouts.  General Assembly Legislative items TSBA is supporting and the ones they're opposing.  Encourage you to look over those. See Mr. VanHuss if you have questions or comments. Superintendent's Conference was huge, over 4,000 School Superintendents there.  Focusing on culture, climate of schools, relationships, etc.  That's a focus we have as well. We work hard to find somewhere a student can plug in.  Of all the jobs created in Tennessee 40% will only require a certificate or two year degree.  There is such a need and a focus right now.  Significant salaries for those in CTE.  It was a great opportunity to see what's going on in other parts of the country.  Great things going on in ECS, two national publications based on ECS, Christian Science Monitor, The 74, multiple visits from State Department, more coming up, hosting next round of early literacy training in April, later in March we'll be recognized for our Reading 360 work.  So many good things going on.  Reinforces what good work our teachers are doing. Thank you for the work you do in our school system. 

Discussion:  Funding through the American Rescue Plan. We were one of 200 libraries to receive funding. The focus of this grant is to create an archive for the Douglas School.  We need more information on the Douglas School.  Paying two college interns to work in the Douglas Community, compiling the records and archiving them. Thank you for the freedom to work on these grants.
 

Discussion:  On behalf of the Board, we appreciate the schools for all the gifts during School Board Appreciation Week. Welcome to Ashlyn Meadows. She is one of the four students attending the Scope Conference. Looking forward to a report of what she learned while there.

Discussion:  Mr. Simerly reminded us that the budgets are coming up. He told of a personal experience he had with a server at a restaurant in Elizabethton and how she heard of Elizabethton City Schools from a former friend and moved here, so her child could be a part of ECS.  Makes you feel good!

Discussion:  Third social and emotional learning survey students just finished.  Focusing on that right now.  Thanked Dr. Minton for allowing her to attend the meeting with Mr. Weems for the bathrooms.  Mr. VanHuss said someone from Mr. Weems office came to discuss the whole process in remodeling the restrooms.  Looking at ways of how we can dress those up.  

Discussion:  In general, same procedure we've followed for many years.  Appreciate all the calendar committee members who help put this calendar together. Nice to have a calendar a year out.  

Discussion:  We have to update these plans every six months.  Several people here at Central Office helped with this.  Some dollars changed, but that's all the changes. 

Discussion:  Pool deck pretty bad for quite a while.  We will remove mats, clean and put a non-slip surface down.  Needed for quite some time.  Improves functionality of the area.  $9,500.00 was generated from the Typhoon Swim Club going toward the cost of this renovation. Not having to dip into fund balance to do this work.  This is another way for us to stretch every dollar. 

Mr. Wilson stated he was always worried about the condition of this area.  Mr. Pless stated it was a very nice pool and deserves this renovation.  

Discussion:  Mr. VanHuss stated this letter is to request funding to cover the SRO's at the Elementary Schools and maybe part of the TAD SRO.  This grant has allowed us to have an SRO at every school.  The positive interaction with students and SRO's is invaluable.  We are very appreciative of the way the City supports us.  The Council is very supportive, and we're very appreciative.  We're partnering with the City for next year's concerts.  It's going to be great for the community.

Discussion:  This item would change the Board Policy and raise the bid limit from $10,000.00 to $25,000.00.  Very excited about this.  It costs more and more to live and run a school system.  Sometimes the bid process is delayed due to the process.  Quotes will still be required.  

Mr. Isaacs asked if anything under $25,000.00 would not come before the Board. Mr. VanHuss clarified it would not.

 

Discussion:  The Capital Projects and Budget Workshops have been scheduled for Wednesday, March 2nd at 5:00 p.m.  

Discussion:  Mr. Mike Wilson made a motion to adjourn the meeting.