February 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM - Board Retreat

Discussion:  Lane: Introduced the meeting as a brainstorming session.  Herron agreed.  Good opportunity to talk about what you need to talk about. Robust Dialogue.

 

Discussion:  Education Freedom Act, Teacher Bonuses.  The suggestion is to not find a way to provide bonuses for teachers who do not qualify for the bonus. Elkins provided a preview of the budget in order for further discussion. FY 2025 Estimated Expenditures packet.

Education Freedom Act to be put into the April, May School Board Meeting.  

• TISA will give what part of the money
• Survey the employees about the Education Freedom Act (which is funded by local or state funds)

The law allows money to follow students, whether public or private. Opting in means a $2000 bonus for teachers who interact with students more than 50% of the day. 

Question asked: should we bring back the out-of-county fee? Discussion was not with this law in place.

Discussion occurred about enrollment numbers.  CTE is strong in Hickman County. Marketing is a means to put schools in the spotlight. 

CTE Enrollment: HS CTE Enrollment has grown from 1480 to 2246, from 22-23 to 24-25.  MS CTE Enrollment has grown from 0 to 656, from 22-23 to 24-25.  CTE Dual has grown from 260 to 905, from 22-23 to 24-35.  Work-Based Learning has grown from 54 to 124, from 22-23 to 24-25.

TN Accountability Data, 22-23, 23-24 information was provided by the Director of Schools. Accountability Data/CTE Enrollment, ACT Data

Solutions are to make athletics programs competitive, CTE marketing, making sure that the school grades are what they can be by using data. 
 

Discussion:  East Hickman Elementary School needs a facelift.  Gym needs to be painted and floors. Windows and doors.
CIS and EHIS roofs over the lunchrooms. 

Baker's question: Do you give a flat raise percentage across the board or do something to help people make less money?  

• Conversation about bus drivers.  Employing bus drivers.  Could there be a split time for driving?
• Substitute teacher pay needs to be raised. $75 for non-certified.  $100 for certified.
• The suggestion was to have a flat rate for non-certified and then 4.5% for certified - it might be more for a flat rate than the 4.5%
• Coaches are paid percentages plus an extra month. We might want to consider going to a flat-rate coaching supplement. Lock them in as they are, but when new coaches come in, then begin the flat-rate. 

Insurance premium increases will come in June. The district traditionally did $7900 then 3 years ago HC went to a 70%/30%.  There is a breakout in the expenditure page 2.

The benefit channel is automated for subs, sign in/sign out for payroll, W2 forms and check stubs.
FY certified with 4.5% are included in the packets.  FY 2025 Estimate Expenditures

Is there anything macro about the budget from the board? Percentage of raises for the educators, capital outlay, safety/attendance, raising sub pay to 'closing the gap' 

Discussion:  With board input and involvement, we will update the action steps of the strategic plan. With board approval and involvement, a strategic plan will be ready at the end of 2026.  This strategic plan will be streamlined with the TISA and District Instructional Plan.

Discussion:  Resolution No. 16.01 and 19.01. Discussion occurred around the clarification of the resolution.  Could non-certified be on this as well? Could the resolution be rewritten?