August 3, 2020 at 5:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Chairman, Dawn Robinson, opened the meeting with a moment of silence and led us in a Pledge of Allegiance.  Mrs. Robinson introduced Skyler Stone, our new student Liaison.  Skyler introduces herself and states she is an upcoming senior at Cleveland High School, and is involved with many extracurricular activities.  She hopes to bring back all the updates to the board from the high school, and she is excited to be there.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Dr. Dyer states we have had a good start with professional development.  The teachers seem to be getting a lot out of that training when he listened in.  He is proud of the work of our school base and AOB administrators preparing for the return to work and school.  He sees all of our administrators and staff trying to do whats right for our students.  Last week our Continual Learning Plan was approved by TDOE.    He took the team to lunch last week to celebrate because its such hard work.  He was asked to join the Boy's and Girl's Club on the Board of Directors - Advisory Board.  He is glad to be asked to be a part of this group officially, he had already been volunteering with this organization.  Not only has our staff been a part of training, but he also has been taking part of training with the Director of School's Professional Development: AASA Advocacy Conference, AASA Summer Symposium which centered around equity issues, and CAPS Summer Bash.  He has had meetings with individual school principals already and will have meetings with AOB Directors/Supervisors this week and next.  I am asking our principals 3 things: 1.What is the moral at your school?, 2. How has the AOB been responsive to your school?, and 3.What have I not been thinking of that you need me to think of?  We found out last week that the chromebooks were being delayed because they are put on the US Department of Commerce Entity List Embargo.  It could be December or January before the chromebooks get to us.  We are not the only school system dealing with this.  He was on a call with Senators trying to move those channels to help get our chromebooks out of embargo.  There is no new news as of today, but I am working on this.  He states our students return August 10 for Reconnection Week!   As a reminder Monday-Thursday will be 25% of our students attending full days, and Friday will be 100% of our students for a half day.

-The Board asks if there is a plan B if the computers are not here?  Dr. Dyer states we have some older computers in the buildings that we could use for students that need them for an emergency situation.  
-The Board asks if they could use their phone?  Dr. Dyer states they could, but its not as easy to do work with their phones.  Mrs. Robinson states the high schoolers will be getting their laptops.The middle school and grades 3-5 will be a part of the delayed chrome book shipment.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Mrs. Dawn Robinson welcomes JC Bowman who is the executive director of the Professional Educators of Tennessee.  Mr. Bowman states he is a product of Cleveland City Schools and is happy to be home and see familiar faces.  He states they are very serious about public education in our state.  Cleveland City Schools is some of the best of the best.  He is here to give out our Teacher of the Year to a Cleveland City Schools teacher, Siema Bailey Swartzel.  She is an ambassador across the state for education, she carries the reputation of CCS across the state well, she elevates the teaching profession world, she encourages people to become a teacher, she touches the lives of her students, she is a member of the National Board to speak in front of congress, and she is some of the best and brightest.

Mrs. Swartzel spoke  and she says she is so blessed to work with CCS.  She is grateful for the recognition and she hopes to return to the classroom soon.  She introduced her family that is here with her.  Her son, Joel Swartzel ,who is a special education teacher and an assistant soccer coach at CHS, and her daughter Olivia who is a rising junior at Lee University, and her daughter Aubrey who will be a rising Freshman at Lee University.  She states they were all graduates of Cleveland High School.  She introduced her husband.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Mr. Kelly Kiser presents the slide show for the retiring teachers.  He states normally we would be here 30 minutes early to have a reception but because we are in different times we will present them in a slide show.  Each staff member was recognized with their picture and a quote from their principal on the slide show.  The honored retirees are:  Paul Ramsey, Sonia Griffey, Gloria Scott-Richmond, Kelley Hutchins, Gayle Hiddleson, Linda Lemons, Shannon Cline, Kay Shelton, Anne Woody, and Mike Collier.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Mr. Kelly Kiser presents the slide show will the new teacher names/pictures and what school they will be at so you can put a face with a name.  Arnold Memorial Elementary School - Heather Matthews.  Blythe-Bower Elementary School - Darius Barber, Samantha Coleman, Abigayle Dickey.   Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary School - Tina Owens.  E. L. Ross Elementary School - Jessica Uhles.  George R. Stuart Elementary - Amanda Brewer, Shannon Hicks, Suzanna Liner, Amy Vaughn.  Mayfield - Lacy Laman.  Cleveland High School - David Barger, Maggie Burns, Chase Fleming, Eric Garner, Tracy Malone.  Cleveland Middle School - Dawn Barger, Jonathan Bovee, Matthew High, Destinee Joiner-Hooper, Amanda Legge, Kaylee Stone, Cheree Thompson, Presly Turner, Hannah White.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Dr. Dyer states he had breaking news, he just got an email that Jennie Long at CHS got an award for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Dr. Elliott has a few updates regarding the re-opening plan.  We met last week and reviewed our enrollment, and our COVID case counts for the county, and we are still in the yellow zone.  We closed our enrollment last week and we landed with 21% of students will be virtual for the first semester, and 79% will be traditional in person.  We are working on structuring our staff, so we can get our rosters in place.  Our teachers are getting this information together so they can call their students and meet them that way since they won't be able to meet in person as we have in the past.  Commissioner Schwinn held a press conference last week and one of the things they shared is we will be getting classroom kits with masks, cleaning products, etc.  Our principals should be getting their order in this week.
Thank you to the communication team, Julie Smith, and to Janson Brown for getting the back to school videos together so our staff and students will know what to expect when school comes back in session.  We had our first virtual school staff meeting today and we are proud of their work.  We are looking at 18 elementary virtual school teachers as of now.  Next week is our reconnection week, and Monday thru Thursday we will have 25% of our population to come to school for a full day, but on Friday all of our students will come for an abbreviated day.  We will have an updated meeting on Friday afternoon to determine what worked and what didn't work during reconnection week.

-The Board asks what the kindergarten numbers were?  317 in the traditional and 86 for virtual, around 400 students.  Dr. Elliott states we are a little down, but we assume we will have some students come last minute and register.
-The Board asks how the lunches will be scheduled?  Dr. Elliott states each school is in the process of working through their schedules to determine how this will work with social distancing.  

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes): 

 

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Dr. Dyer starts with 4.203 that is out of date and it is replaced with 4.205, which is Enrollment in College Level Courses.  The Board states in line 7 and 8 it states "Grades earned in such college level courses shall be used to determine class rank, grade point average, and class valedictorian or salutatorian".  The Board states it could be more inclusive by changing it to "and other such designations".

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Dr, Dyer introduces Policy 6.304, which is Student Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying, Cyber-bullying and Intimidation.  The Board states in line 27 and 28 on page 2, can you clarify what would be an example of an  "athletic events or similar contest or competitions".  Mr. Doug Moore states hazing can't take place inside the sporting event.  Dr. Dyer states we could get with TSBA for more clarification before the second reading.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Dr. Dyer announces Policy 6.3041, Title IX and Sexual Harassment.  This is a brand new policy.  As you can see in line 3 it states "This policy shall cover employees, employees' behaviors, students, and students' behaviors while on school property, at any school-sponsored activity, on school-provided equipment or transportation, or at any official school bus stop in accordance with federal law."  This is a very thorough document.  

-The Board asks why they left the electronic sources out of this policy even though its stated in other policies?  Dr. Dyer states he doesn't know why, but we all know we will have to deal with the online pieces of this.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Dr. Dyer announces 6.305, Student Concerns, Complaints, and Grievances.  TSBA recommended that we clean this out and stop at line 14 since this is a duplication of other policies.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Dr. Dyer announces Policy 6.319, Alternative Education.  There was some controversy a couple of years back, and the law has been changed.  If you go back to page 3 that is where the new policy starts.  This deals with a student who is an alternative program that is causing some trouble and how to deal with this situation.

-The Board asks since the zero tolerance kids were back at the high school would that make a difference with this policy?  Dr. Dyer says no.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Dr. Dyer announces Policy 6.409 deals with Reporting Child Abuse.  There has been a substantial amount of changes.  We now must name one employee at the school as the child abuse coordinator, and an alternate child abuse coordinator.  The thought is the principal would be the coordinator, and the assistant principal would be the alternate.  They will all need to go through training.  The other change is the abuse must be reported to the coordinator, abuse coordinator, DCS, AND local enforcement.  It use to be DCS OR local enforcement.  

-The Board questions when it says "all personnel", does this mean its mandatory reporting for any CCS employee?  And is this new, or is this how it has always been?  Dr. Dyer states it does apply to any CCS employee, and this policy has always had this language.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Dr. Dyer speaks on the strategic plan focus, specifically Engaged Workforce.  Our social media presence is now stronger than ever by posting positions. The New Smart Hire online application allows Human Resources to track how applicants learn about our openings.  Recruitment will be mostly online this year due to COVID-19.  There was anecdotal evidence that more minority candidates were evaluated during the hiring process this year than before.  The Staff Advisory Council will hold their first meeting in a few weeks.  The hiring stats for the 2020/2021 school year are new hires - 49, and new teachers - 27.  This is not a final number.
-The Board states they saw where they are promoting Job Connect?  Dr. Dyer states yes, there are two boards.  Once is for teacher recruitment and one is for substitute recruitment.  Mr. Kiser states this is a job board on their website, and we are a part of this.  The substitute job board just started this week.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Mrs. Dawn Robinson states this is the last board meeting for Steve Morgan.  She decided to write a history of Steve Morgan.   Dawn said she thought long and hard about what to do for Steve at his last meeting as a member of the CCS board of education. She considered doing a "slide show" of his history on the board, but then it "Dawned" on her that Steve would not be able to enjoy any of the pictures.
He has done such an excellent job serving the community that I want to "revisit’ some history of his time on the board. So please humor me and allow me this time.
You decided to run for school board in 2008 and was opposed by Milan Blake and Rod Davis. You won.
September of that year, you were sworn in by newly elected judge Mike Sharp. You were immediately appointed to the Site Committee by School Board Chairman Peggy Pesterfield.
Talks began about the need of a new Science Wing at CHS. A Science Focus Group was chosen, made up of interested parents and teachers. Gene Bishop was hired by Dr. Denning and the School Board to oversee any construction of a Science Wing.
Mayfield was voted the TSBA New School of the Year, although some folks declared it was "overpriced."
CHS Dome was declared "dangerous" by a structural engineer.
The opportunity for an increase in our sales tax by 1/2 cents or 50 cents on $100.00 was put to referendum by the city council. Steve, you were front and center in the drive to educate our community about the benefits of that sales tax to fund capital projects in our school system. You spoke to civic clubs, PTO’s, teachers, churches, anyone who wanted information. You took your thin mints to those presentations and used those as the real life example of the affect the increase would have on citizens day to day. After being turned down by Bradley County to join in the referendum, a city only one passed. Bradley County decided just 3 months later to hold their own referendum which passed.
Our board voted to hire Paul Ramsey as our new Energy Manager. Consequently, through these years we have continued the use of Geothermal systems in new buildings. We have entered into a contract to upgrade our HVAC systems and some kitchen equipment. With Paul’s leadership the system has saved over 5.5 million dollars.
In 2009, Charlie Cogdill, athletic Director for 11 years and teacher/coach for 25 more years announced his retirement from CHS.
He later joined the School Board.
 In June of 2009 CCS had over 4700 students.
Aug of 2009 found the board approving the architectural drawings for the Max Carroll Science wing and approving a "Best Value" process for finding a contractor. A process used by the State of TN.
We faced the city council, minus the mayor who was out of town, and answered questions about our procurement process for contractors, which was done very openly. That meeting was heated to say the least. Every single one of us was accused of something shady, having nothing to do with the building of the Science Wing. Your accuser, an outspoken citizen, at that meeting even challenged your blindness. It was ugly and it was difficult. Afterwards the funding was "suspended" temporarily. Our board walked away with our heads held high. We had been ambushed in one of the ugliest meetings I had ever been invited to. The Council later renewed the funding.
And this was just your first year!
In Jan 2010 we held a groundbreaking for the Science Wing.
The board voted to dedicate 10% of the additional sales tax money to technology on a continuing basis.
Other building highlights during your years:
Arnold School voted "Best renovation" by TSBA
Stadium lights were added at CMS.
Betsy Vines Little Theater at CHS was totally renovated
George R Stuart school was renovated and 50th anniversary observed.
Max Carroll Science Wing was dedicated and awarded a "School of the Year" Award by TSBA
Building Sites were evaluated and finally one purchased on Georgetown Road for a new elementary school.
A Sensory Garden was built at CHS.

 A sensory room was built at Ross School.
An alumni walk was built at CHS.
A new roof was placed on CMS as well as some elementary schools and press boxes
The Dome at CHS was condemned and closed in 2013 and torn down in June of 2014.
The Raider Arena was named, designed then opened in 2016. New Stadium Turf was purchased in 2017.
THE ROTC room at CHS was named in honor of Col Tom Rowland Candy’s Creek Cherokee School was designed, named and built, opening in the Fall of 2019.
Safety was top priority for you during your tenure on this board. Some of the steps taken by our board to make our schools safe happened with your leadership as Chairman of the Site Committee.
Some major improvements were:
Secure entrances were built at Yates, Ross, Stuart and BB schools. Keyless entry systems were installed.
SRO’s in every school.
More cameras and better radio communication was approved and funded.
As enrollment continued to increase, you were instrumental in initiatives that supported student learning.
You supported Standard Based report Cards....very new and controversial at the time.
You voted for one-on-one computers in our schools, ultimately becoming our "Blade" initiative.
You supported the addition of Culinary Arts at CHS, as well as the Air Force Junior ROTC program.
You supported Renny Whittenbarger as he "grew" our CTE programs which were recently visited and praised by Governor Lee
New School Start times were reviewed and began as a response to community input.
A student board liaison began serving on our board.

 You voted to implement free lunches for all students in the Fall of 2014.
We redesigned and opened the Denning Center for Technology and Careers, a new independent school, where Barbara Ector admirably served as Principal. We watched as the interior was renovated and Dr. Denning was honored as the namesake of that building.
You watched as a challenge to our revenue from liquor taxes was begun in 2015, finally ending at the TN Supreme Court in 2019. That court upheld our Chancellor’s ruling that the liquor tax had always been properly distributed by the city of Cleveland.
In 2016 Carolyn Ingram retired after 40 years in public education. She later was elected to the school board.
You have been a voice to our legislators advocating for CCS. You addressed the issue of "elected" vs "appointed" superintendents with then Senator DeWayne Bunch. You ran thru the campus of Belmont university to get inside the gubernatorial debates before the doors were locked, the year Gov Haslam was elected. You addressed the city council when it began suggesting adding parents to the school board (which of course they could not do). You were present in 2012 when TDOT began talking about moving our entrance at CMS when they begin widening HWY 60 in 2016 (!) Our over-crowded elementary schools were a topic you put in front of the public every chance you got. You were present in Nashville and at home conversing with our State and local governing bodies.
You have served on the board of Ed with 11 different members. You have served as Site Committee Chairman and frequently as Vice-Chairman. We have remained a Board of Distinction during your service.
You have bade farewell to one long-serving Superintendent, fired another and taken part in 2 superintendent searches.
You have helped us grow from 4700 students to over 5700.
You have experienced the fun of rezoning a whole school district.

 You have watched one full cohort of students move from KK thru graduation.
You have watched over 4000 students graduate.
You have responsibly overseen the spending of 1/2 a billion tax dollars. There is so much more, but at this point I will say
"JOB WELL DONE!"
We are going to miss you Steve. You must have some great wisdom to leave us as the Covid presents new challenges!

Mrs. Robinson opens the floor to the board.  The Board states it proves what the board can do when they are one entity, Mr. Morgan has been inspirational and helpful/mentor to the members.  Mr. Morgan states the board members have been kind to him. Mr. Morgan states he remembers running for office and his promise to the board would be he wouldn't bring an agenda into the board.  He appreciates everyone and is thankful for the privilege to serve.  

Dr. Dyer thanks Mr. Morgan for hiring him and bringing him to East Tennessee.  You will be missed and you have made an impact on 1,000's of students at CCS.  
Mrs. Robinson presented Mr. Morgan with a plaque that he can put on his desk which states his years of dedicated service.

Discussion (Visible on Public Minutes):  Mrs. Robinson wants the board to pay attention to the dates to remember.  The fall meeting has not been canceled yet, the next board meetings are on the calendar as well.  

Mrs. Robinson adjourned the meeting by general consent.