October 13, 2015 at 5:30 PM - Bradley County Board of Education Work Session

Discussion:  Mr. Dustin Fromm and students from Ocoee Middle School presented information about the STEM program at Ocoee Middle School. The students gave demonstrations from the Computer Aided Design (CAD) and the Robotics programs. Stacy Green, Plant Manager, at Cormetech was at the meeting. Mr. Froom thanked him for his contribution to the STEM programs.

Discussion:  Dr. Cash told the Board that they and Lewis Group feel there is adequate space in the plans for Lake Forest Middle School. For the next step, she suggested that Lewis Group present to the County Commission. Then, the Board should keep the Commission up to date during the project.

Discussion:  Doug Shover gave an update on the progress for Lake Forest Middle School. Lewis Group, Dr. Cash, and Ritchie Stevenson have had a significant amount of conversation since the last time they presented. They talked about the program document, made changes, and now feel that the program document has been verified and is ready to go. They are ready to move forward with the design that everyone has in hand. Richard Foster from Lewis Group also presented a document which shows the timetable for the project. He told the Board that they will present the Final Scymatic Design in about two months. Chairman Turner told the Board that they need to stay in close ties with the County Commission. He proposed that the Board invite the County Commission to a joint session on November 10th. Everyone was agreeable. Mr. Turner asked Lewis Group to talk to the Board about Lake Forest Middle School and security provisions that can be looked at on the front end. Mr. Shover went down a list of items that may already be in the plans or could be added. Air lock vestibule, electronic door locks, security cameras, technology closets throughout the building for the infrastructure, positioning SRO's near the front door of the building, and hallways that lock during after school activities.

Discussion:  Dr. Cash reported that Papa John's Pizza won the bid for pizzas for the schools.

Discussion:  Leshla Crawley presented K-2 Technology Initiative to the Board. She explained that children come to school as have or have nots as far as technology is concerned. We are seeing lower income children getting farther behind. Technology is here to stay and we must get our students prepared. We think that if we put an electronic device into the hands of every student we would be able to begin to make a difference. You might ask why K-2. K-2 students only have four to five wired computers in their classroom. They go to computer lab one time a week and now with online testing in grades 3-5, they may not go at all that week. K-2 is a crucial time to learn to read. We want the device to enhance their learning experience by putting the text and games related to instruction and skills on the device. Even though you can't replace that human one to one when it comes to reading, we think with the human one to one and the device we will begin to see literacy in our students. We would like to make a proposal that the Board pilot a program for students in first grade (approximately 100) at Prospect and Valley View. The focus for the device will be "READING". We will provide teacher development on how to use the device to effectively teach reading. We will also provide parent classes. There are four options laid out in the document. To purchase or lease for either grade 1 only or grades K-2.

Discussion:  Mr. Lillios – Health care cost, capital project long term account with some type of recurring system, and tax increase proposal specific around some project to benefit the students of Bradley County. Mrs. Calfee - Michigan Avenue upgrade of intercom system, upgrade in security cameras, door locks, award for schools and teachers of excellence with a dollar amount and make it retroactive for Michigan Avenue, one to one initiative, and to expand the science lab at BCHS. Mr. Dillard – Security, capital budget, Hall Pass, security cameras upgrades, and access points. Also, roof repairs, HVAC, and paving. Mrs. Lee – Competitive pay for nurses, part-time help for elementary secretaries,and Science Lab at BCHS. Mr. Rose – Complete Lake Forest Middle School this year, safety and security especially at LFMS, establish funding and expanding Technology with individual devices in the hands of all students and the support staffing that we will need to take care of them, and science lab at BCHS. Mr. Turner – Safety, Technology, and a STEM center for Bradley County Schools.

Discussion:  Dr. Cash gave the policy recommendations in Mrs. Beaty's absence. Policies reviewed were 6.4001- Student Surveys, 6.601 - Student Records Annual Notification of Rights, 6.600 - Student Records, 6.602 - Student Records Inspection and Correction Procedure, 6.603 - Student Records Use of Records,

Discussion:  Chairman Turner announced that the voting session will be Thursday, October 15, at 5:30. He also announced a meeting with counsel for the Board on Thursday, October 15, at 10:30. Mr. Logan and Mr. Bennett will be in attendance to discuss active litigation about the Liquor by the Drink lawsuit.