May 7, 2020 at 5:30 PM - WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Discussion:  Mr. Ervin called the meeting to order.  Following a moment of silence, Ms. Dellinger led the pledge to the flag.

Chairman Ervin stated under the continued provisions of the State Executive Order to protect the safety and welfare of the public, the Washington County Board of Education meeting today was closed to the public.  Some Board members will be participating electronically.  In order to maintain transparency, the meeting is livestreamed and an audio recording will be provided as requested.  The livestream link can be found on the website, www.wcde.org.

Chairman Ervin took attendance.


 

Discussion:  Director Flanary presented a facilities update from Maintenance Director, Phillip Patrick.  (see attached)

Discussion:  Dr. Flanary said the Board had previously discussed they could receive a discount on insurance premium is the system became a Drug Free Workplace.  Dr. Flanary explained the Drug Free Workplace program is coordinated by Tennessee Bureau of Workers Compensation.  Participation in the program requires application and review process.  Attorney Scott Bennett had two observations.  He said the Board's current policy, 5.403,  is satisfactory for the system's purposes.  He also said becoming a Drug Free Workplace would require random drug testing for employees, which could become an issue.  The Board requested Insurance Broker, Mark Sizemore to attend the next Board meeting for further explanation and to answer questions.

Discussion:  Dr. Flanary referred to energy proposals status.   Mr. Patrick said the companies had halted to COVID-19.  He said their travel bans have been lifted and tours are scheduled for the end of May.  

Discussion:  Director Flanary reported the amount of $448,408 had been received in grants for the current FY, from the work of Grant writer, Twana McKinney.  He said another $30,000 is planned for the remaining FY.  Mr. Ganger asked the Director to please pass on this information to the County Commission so they will know how well this (grant writer position) has went. It was a new position created and has saved the system some money by receiving the amount of grants.  Mr. Fleenor  echoed Mr. Ganger's comments and thanked Twana McKinney for her hard work.

Discussion:  Director Flanary shared statement from parent Kathleen Petretta on scheduling upcoming graduation events in relation to COVID-19 pandemic.  Assistant Director Dr. Ashley Keys, David Crockett High Principal, Peggy Wright, and Daniel Boone High Principal, Tim Campbell joined the meeting electronically.  

Dr. Keys shared the preliminary plans the Administrators along with a school leadership team from each high school had put together, all following state guidance for safety. (see attached)

The floor was opened for discussion.

Ms. Buchanan asked if the graduation proposed was similar to that of Dobyns-Bennett?

Director Flanary said yes.  He said he had been in conversations with area Directors and no system was planning for a traditional graduation.  He continued no two school systems are doing the same plan and many are waiting into the summer for ceremonies.  

Mr. Fleenor asked about a stipend for Bob St.John, who is instrumental with the graduation programs.

Director Flanary said it would be appropriate to establish a stipend for Mr. St. John.  

Ms. Dellinger asked the principals if they are wanting a more traditional or not comfortable with such ceremony.

Ms. Wright said she had mostly been contacted by students wanting to know what is going to be planned.  She said she would looking at what Dr. Keys and Dr. Flanary are looking at - restrictions in regards of number of attendees that are permitted in order to stay within safety guidelines.  I know students and families would like to have more people to attend - could require holding the event outdoors.  

Ms. Buchanan asked Dr. Flanary the recommendations from the Health Department.  

Dr. Flanary said he has been in contact with Dr. David  Kureski, the medical doctor of the Regional Health Department.  He said he asked Dr. if a public event was scheduled for July, what would need to happen between now and then.  He answered if scheduled for July - virtual is the safest option.  In regards to a drive-thru graduation and handing a diplioma into a car, would require that person to be in ppe. He said ppe would not be required of the Board or others as long as social distancting was practice.  He continued it is unclear if large gatherings would be recommended even by July.  Would need to see what happens when social distancing is relaxed.   Director Flanary said a surge of COVID is expected in six weeks from now.
 
Board members expressed wanting to have a close of a traditional ceremony as possible.  

Mr. Campbell said of course everyone would want to have a traditional ceremony, but Dr. Keys, Ms. Wright, and myself put together a list of things that would have to happen and there are many obstacles.  For example - if we scheduled for the football stadium, a maximum number for families to attend would be there - what if the immediate family consists of more.  We are in it for our kids, that's why we are in this business, we love our kids.  It will ultimately be the Board's and Dr. Flanary's decision.  We will make whatever you decide work.

Dr. Keys added in David Crockett High's case in using the football stadium would only allow for two guests per graduate.

Mr. Fleenor showed appreciation for all those involved in creating a plan for the high schools.

Mr. Fleenor said he would like to proceed with virtual graduation and plans for live graduation at the end of July, the 24th and 25th.  And for us to decided moving forward with July graduations at our July Board meeting based on safety guidelines.

Mr. Meredith said he had reached out to surrounding systems who did surveys with their families as to their preference for a virtual or live graduation.  He said it was in excess of 80% for a live graduation.  I feel our demographics would be similiar.  I think we should move forward with creating the video (virtual graduation) with those in mind who may be leaving the area and would not be available in June or July.  Still plan for a live graduation in June or July - as supported by safety guidelines.

Mr. Fleenor moved to move forward with the parade, virtual graduation, and  create plans for a live graduation on July 24th and July 25th and to make a final decision at the Board meeting in July for the live graduations. 

Dr. Flanary said some decisions would be difficult if not made until the July Board meeting such as number of guests allowed.

Mr. Hammond expressed concern of the late July dates putting more on teachers and administrators right when everyone is returning to work for the new school year.  He suggested looking at an earlier date.

Mr. Ganger said he thought the idea for late July was to provide a greater chance to have the more traditional ceremony.

Ms. Buchanan suggested scheduling a date in June and July.  This would allow families to reserve the dates in their calendars. July would be a back up if things were not opened back up in June.  

Mr. Hammond asked if the Board could wait on making a decision regarding a live graduation to provide more time to see what happens as things open up in the community.  

Dr. Flanary said in accordance with Board policy, the parade and virtual graduation could proceed and would not require Board action.  A live graduation would require the Board's approval.  

Ms. Dellinger moved to postpone making decisions regarding a live graduation.  Ms. Buchanan seconded the motion.

Mr. Fleenor and Mr. Ganger expressed families are wanting to know a decision and dates now and what to plan for.  

Ms. Dellinger and Ms. Buchanan withdrew their motion and second.

Ms. Buchanan moved to amend the motion to add June 19-20 and July 24-25.  Ms Dellinger seconded.

Mr. Fleenor asked again regarding a stipend for Mr. St. John.  

Mr. McLain said he would request Dr. Flanary to come back to the Board at a future Board meeting with a recommendation on a stipend for Mr. St. John.






 

Discussion:  Dr. Flanary shared a recommendation from Joe Wilson of The Brokers Realty & Auction, the group responsible for the selling of the retired Boones Creek Middle School and property.   Mr. Wilson had shown the property several times and received no offers.  Mr. Wilson asked the Board to reconsider the asking price.  

Mr. Ganger questioned the property being shown and had not received any offers.

Dr. Flanary said nine prospective buyers had toured the building and after touring the building, showed interest in renovating the building.  He said the buyers said at the current asking price (2 million) , renovation would be too costly.

Mr. Hammond asked if Mr. Wilson had a recommendation for an asking price.

Dr. Flanary answered yes, $1.2 million.

Dr. Flanary confirmed that Mr. Wilson would be available by phone call.

Mr. Ganger requested for Mr. Wilson to join the meeting via phone call to answer questions.

The attempt to have Mr. Wilson join the meeting by phone failed.

Mr. Ganger requested for Mr. Wilson to be on the next Board meeting agenda to answer questions.

Mr. Meredith moved to defer the property discussion to the next Board meeting.  Ms. Buchanan seconded the motion.

Director Flanary said a motion was not required.

Mr. Meredith and Ms. Buchanan withdrew their motion and second.

Following a brief recess, Chairman Ervin called the meeting back to order.

 

Discussion:  Director Flanary said Mr. Patrick had obtained requested information on the Radco company who had submitted a bid for the roofing project at Daniel Boone High.

Mr. Patrick said the architect had made contact with individuals in North Carolina regarding Radco and received positive references.

Mr. Meredith asked if a completion time was known from Barnard Roofing.

Mr. Patrick said yes, August 1st.

Mr. Ganger referred to prolonged length of time it has taken for Barnard Roofing to complete the roofing project at Jonesborough Elementary.  He said maybe the Board should request more frequent updates in future projects. 

Mr. Meredith suggested for contracts to include date certain and liquidated damages.

Mr. Patrick said he was not positive that we could that now, since bids already went out with specifications.

 

Discussion:  Dr. Flanary presented the proposal from the Board's Attorney, Scott  Bennett, to extend his services for four more years.


 

Discussion:  Dr. Flanary said co commission viewed proposed budget as presented and asked 

Discussion:  Jennifer Moore told the Board that a link to complete the annual Director of School's evaluation would be emailed to them the next week.  She requested the Board complete the evaluation by May 22.  The Board, as part of their Annual Agenda, would review the evaluation report at their June Board meeting.  

Discussion:  There was no report from WCEA.

Discussion:  The Board set May 19th at 5:00 p.m. for called meeting for the FY21 Budget.    

Mr. McLain requested everyone look at the proposed FY21 general budget with step 1 and then look at requested items.  

Hammond
Good meeting.
Appreciate administrators work. Work on graduation.  Grateful the system is still feeding the kids.

Fleenor
Teacher Appreciation Week - thank you teachers and administrators.
Appreciate all the work on graduation planning.
Look forward to budget discussion.
Hopefully all be together soon

Meredith
I hope all students and family find some good time to spend together and COVID moves and gets out of way and get back to normal soon.

Day
Good meeting.
Thanks brad and staff working hard.
Hope next school year is better year.

Dellinger
I'm hoping graduates get traditional graduation, thank Dr. Keys, Administrators, and Mr. St.John for planning.
Congrats to retirees.
Appreciation Dr. Flanary's statement on vouchers.

McLain
Ditto vouchers
Hardy thank you to teachers and especially during this time
Hats off to cafeteria workers

Buchanan
Thank you Washington County teachers. especially ones had my children this year.  They have went over and beyond.  Appreciate the contact made with children.
Thrilled some plan for graduation, deserve it.

Ganger
For clarification for senior class and parents moving forward - the plan for a live graduation in June and if that does not work out, it will be pushed to July.  With the clarification they can let family members know what is planned.  What day will be for which high school.  We need to figure this out so they will know.  

Mr. Ganger asked which school was scheduled for the 9:00 time on the original day.  

Mr. Fleenor answered David Crockett High was set for 9:00.

Meeting is adjourned.