November 10, 2014 at 6:00 PM - Regular Board Meeting

Discussion:  Director Abernathy recognized students Makayla Sheppard and Meagan Walsh, who represented MCHS at the FCCLA National Leadership Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, during which the earned gold in their respective events.

Discussion:  Ms. Abernathy then honored the Classified Employees of the Month: Becky Blackall, MCHS; Glenn Ezell and Ricky Hitchcock, Bus Garage; Wendell McClure, Technology Dept.; Todd McLean, MES.

Discussion:  Forrest School CDC teacher Ava Hinson introduced the board to one of her students, Calvyn Bohnert, who creates beautiful works of art on ceiling tiles, glass and from working with polymer clay.

Discussion:  Maury Wood, a teacher at Westhills, told the board about the Be Kind Club, which consists of his sixth grade class performing acts of kindness for others. Ms. Abernathy stated she would like to expand the club to other schools.

Discussion:  Emily Darnell and Anna Childress from the Marshall County Health Department presented information about the Teenagers Against Tobacco Use (TATU) grant.

Discussion:  Elementary Coordinator Tammy Lewis and Bridges Director Pam London presented information on the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant (Building Bridges).

Discussion:  Vicki Michael presented the MCEA Report. She thanked the board members for finding the funds and getting the county commission to approve raises. She mentioned that MCEA hosted a community meeting in which educational issues were discussed. Ms. Michael concluded by saying the TEA is planning an upcoming meeting for first-through-fifth-year teachers.

Discussion:  During the Policy Committee report, Mr. Jones stated the Policy Committee met prior to the evening's board meeting.

Discussion:  The board was given a link to view the system's report card on the TDOE website.

Discussion:  There was no new business.

Discussion:  Ms. Abernathy explained the food service department wishes to make renovations in the Cornersville School cafeteria because it is still set up as a K-12 school. The renovations will cost approximately $51,344.30, and food service has the money in the budget to cover the costs. Ms. Abernathy told the board that the Athletic Director at Cornersville High School is retiring in December; according to the supplement schedule, "No head coach or administrator shall be Athletic Director." She feels this is posing a problem in the schools because of the difficulty finding someone willing to fill the position; therefore, Ms. Abernathy recommends striking that line from the supplement schedule. Ms. Gold expressed concern that this would result in too much time needed to adequately perform both duties for one person. Ms. Abernathy stated that if this becomes an issue, the board can always reverse the change. Ms. Abernathy told the board that Verizon has offered to place phones in every classroom, at no cost, for the teachers to use in an emergency. The only charge would be if the phone was used to contact a person outside the Verizon network (5 cents per minute). She will investigate to make sure this is true. She concluded the Director's Report by stating she spoke with a representative of R&D Enterprises, who is working with TDOT. TDOT is seeking to purchase .037 acre of land north of Westhills for $685. The property is needed to expand the intersection. Ms. Abernathy told the board that she explained to the gentleman that the system wouldn't consider selling the property for less than $2,500. The board asked Ms. Abernathy to check with someone who could give her market value on the property.

Discussion:  To begin the Director's Report, Ms. Abernathy told the board there are several Veterans' Day programs the next day, and board members are welcome to attend any and all the events.

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.