March 10, 2026 at 6:30 PM - GCSSD Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Watkins led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  Mr. Tom Lannom called the meeting to order.

Discussion:  No public comment

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the Healthier Schools Challenge Budget Amendment. Ms. Amy Richardson, CSH Coordinator, received $8,000 for participating in the Healthier Schools Challenge. 

Discussion:  Ms. Amy Richardson introduced the Healthier School Challenge, a statewide initiative that recognizes and rewards school districts for promoting student wellness and academic success through healthier school environments.
GCSSD was recognized as one of the top 17 districts, meeting 12 out of 13 criteria. As a result, GCSSD qualified for the Platinum Level and was awarded $8,000.
Criteria We Met
- TNDOE School Climate Survey: Achieved a participation rate of 44.44%.
- Health Care Resources: With the assistance of the LeBonheur Mobile Health Unit, Lions Club, Community Foundation of West Tennessee Gibson County Chapter, and TCAT Nursing Students, we provided access to healthcare, eyeglasses, health screenings, transportation, and school-based/school-linked clinics.
- Vaping Prevention: Implemented a program addressing the harms of vaping and drug abuse among students.
- Breakfast Participation: Introduced alternative breakfast models, such as Second Chance Breakfast and Sharing Tables.
- Physical Education/Physical Activity Compliance: All elementary schools are compliant with the Tom Cronan Physical Education Act, providing 130 minutes of physical activity per week; middle and high school students receive 90 minutes of physical activity weekly.
- Staff and GCSSD Board Wellness: Initiated a staff wellness program for board members, achieving a 50% participation rate. Provided water at meetings and distributed the CSH Newsletter.
- Health/Wellness Information: Shared the GCSSD CSH Newsletter quarterly with parents and guardians through social media and the district website.
- Lifetime Wellness Standards: Offered five lessons covering essential health topics in accordance with health education standards, including Drug Prevention, Suicide Prevention, Safe Driving, Abstinence Education, and Pacer Test.
- Community Partnerships: Increased school health community partnerships and/or grants and in-kind contributions to local education agencies by 10%. A formal partnership was established with local behavioral health providers to ensure students have access to mental health services.
- Grant Funding Increase: Achieved a 41% increase in grants and in-kind contributions compared to the last two years.
- School-Based Behavioral Health Liaison: Appointed at Dyer School.
Ms. Richardson mentioned that she intends to use the funds for the TN Teen Institute, health screening equipment, tables and chairs for schools and groups within GCSSD, technology purchases such as a copy machine and iPads, and initiatives aimed at staff wellness.

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the State Special Schools Transportation Reimbursement. 

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the Tutoring Grant. 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the 2026-2027 school supply list. For Kindergarten through 4th grade, the list has been reduced, while grades 5 through 12 remain unchanged. The Physical Science course and its fee have been eliminated, and the STEM program is now called BioSTEM, with a decreased fee for high school students.

Discussion:  Principals from each school shared their State Report Cards: ACT / SAT / TCAP scores from the 2024-2025 school year. Each principal shared their strengths, highlighted accomplishments, and identified areas for improvement, along with strategies implemented for enhancements.

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the dates for the June Work Session and Board Meeting. Board members discussed and agreed on holding the work session on June 9th and the board meeting on June 25th.

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the details regarding the payoff of the next three-year maturities on the Series 2015 bonds. This payoff totals $5,470,000, plus any interest accrued before the payment date. These bonds were originally issued in December 2014. By retiring the upcoming maturities early, the district will save $363,850 in interest over the life of the bond. This action will also free up funds that were previously allocated for principal and interest payments over the next three years, allowing those dollars to be redirected toward other district needs.
As of the beginning of the 2023-2024 budget year, the GCSSD had approximately $46 million in outstanding principal and interest obligations. After this payoff, the district's remaining obligation will decrease to roughly $23 million. Over the past three budget years, the district has paid off $8,713,970.07 in principal ahead of schedule, all without increasing property taxes. This has resulted in total interest savings of $854,086.62.

Discussion:  Mr. Isaac Scherer provided the board with an update on SGCHS sports, noting that spring sports are beginning their season. The juniors will be taking the ACT, while the seniors will be participating in job shadowing.