February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  In attendance:  Dr. Trey Duke, Daniel Owens, Ken Rocha, Angela Fairchild, Sheri Arnette, Lisa Trail, Don Bartch, Maria Johnson, Quinena Bell, Robin Newell, and Jeremy Lewis 

Assistant City Attorney Lauren Bush and City Liaison Bill Shacklett 

Discussion:  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ms. Quinena Bell, principal at Hobgood Elementary, and Dr. Jeremy Lewis, principal at Bradley Academy

Discussion:  Due to the cancellation of the January 27 board meeting, the Board was recognized during this meeting in celebration of TSBA School Board Appreciation Week. Schools across the district provided baskets of appreciation items to honor the Board for their continued support of the district.

Discussion: 

Dr. Duke presented two policies regarding Emergency Closings for the Board’s consideration. One policy was an existing Administrative Directive moved into policy format, and the other was a newly drafted policy prepared by Mrs. Bush. Dr. Duke explained that the newly drafted policy provides base pay for up to three days for all part-time employees and that the associated cost is already included in the budget. He further explained that the Administrative Directive reflects the district’s long-standing practice of paying part-time employees for partial days if schools are closed for three or more days.

Board Member Jimmy Richardson stated that he believed the Board has a moral responsibility not to penalize part-time employees during emergency closings and expressed that the Administrative Directive felt punitive. He added that the newly drafted policy more closely aligns with the Board’s values.

Vice Chair Butch Campbell asked whether a budget amendment would be required if a significant number of missed days resulted in adding days to the end of the school calendar. Dr. Duke responded that a budget amendment would be necessary in that situation, but noted that the likelihood is very low due to built-in calendar contingencies. He explained that the current year’s calendar includes seven inclement weather days and that next year’s calendar will include nine days. He also noted that multiple options would be considered before adding days to the end of the calendar.

Board Member Barbara Long stated that the district should always prioritize taking care of its employees.

Following discussion, the Board voted to adopt the newly drafted Emergency Closings policy.

Discussion: 

Dr. Duke explained that the document under consideration was the same document previously presented to the Board at the January workshop.

Chair Amanda Moore noted that the Board had engaged in a thorough discussion on this topic during the workshop; however, since that time, several parents had contacted Board members regarding 6th grade placements. She acknowledged the parents present in the audience and thanked them for attending the meeting.

Chair Moore stated that if a change is being considered that would allow for parent choice, parents should be given adequate time to consider their options. She asked the Board whether additional time should be provided and how such a change would impact parent choice. She questioned whether this was an opportunity the Board wanted to offer parents to make a different decision.

Dr. Duke explained that, due to the timing of the proposed change within the school calendar, some families may have already lost placement opportunities at other schools. He added that the district has implemented similar changes three or four times in the past and that the February vote aligns with the district’s standard timeline. He suggested that, moving forward, the timeline could be adjusted and that this item could be considered during the January retreat.

Dr. Duke further explained that if the Board elected not to move forward with the 6th grade Salem transition to Cason Lane Academy, it would be difficult at this time to determine whether there would be sufficient enrollment to support two 6th grade classrooms at Salem. He also reminded the Board of the need to ensure adequate capacity for anticipated growth from new housing developments adjacent to Salem Elementary.

Board Member David Settles asked when notices would be sent to parents if the Board chose to move forward. Dr. Duke responded that parents would be notified via email the following day, pending Board approval.

Dr. Duke explained that if the Board elected not to move Salem this year, adjustments would be made as growth occurs. He also stated that if the Board voted not to move Mitchell Neilson, the primary school would not be able to move forward.

Board Member Jimmy Richardson asked about the impact of tabling the agenda item in order to gather feedback from all affected parents to better understand the implications of the proposed change.

Dr. Duke responded that, if the Board chose to table the item, communication could be sent to MNE and NF families by Thursday of that week to gather their intent regarding moving or staying. He stated that feedback data could be shared with the Board prior to the next meeting and formally presented at the next Board meeting.

Board Member Barbara Long emphasized the importance of considering what is in the best interest of students. She questioned whether it is educationally sound for 6th grade students to be divided into two classes of approximately fourteen students each. She also noted that students would be transitioning as a cohort with their peers to a new location and asked the Board to consider whether a change in environment would be detrimental or whether remaining with peers would provide stability.

Board Member David Settles expressed support for Mr. Richardson’s recommendation, noting that it would allow parents an opportunity to provide input.

Dr. Duke concluded by stating that communication would be sent to the affected families later in the week requesting feedback within a one-week timeframe. He added that the survey would clearly distinguish between families’ current intent and their intent if locations were changed. Dr. Duke stated that the feedback data, along with a recommendation, would be presented to the Board at the February 24 meeting.

 

 

Discussion: 

Dr. Maria Johnson provided the Board with an update on several Human Resources items.

Dr. Johnson informed the Board that the Job Fair for certified staff is scheduled for Friday, February 20, from 4:00-6:30 p.m. at Salem Elementary School. She invited Board members to attend and meet prospective educators.

Dr. Johnson also reported that the district is in the final stages of Collaborative Conferencing, with the drafted Memorandum of Understanding currently under legal review. She stated that the agreement will be presented to the Board at the February 24th board meeting.

Dr. Duke commended Dr. Johnson for her work on organizing the Job Fair. He also recognized Dr. Johnson, Sheri Arnette, Ken Rocha, Angela Fairchild, and all members of the collaborative conferencing team for their efforts, noting his enthusiasm for the proposal that will be presented to the Board for consideration.

 

Discussion: 

Sheri Arnette provided the Board with an update on Summer School plans. She reported that Summer School will be held June 1-26, Monday through Thursday, with Fridays designated as make-up days for third grade. Ms. Arnette stated that registration opened last Friday for all third-grade students and will open to all students on March 4. She further noted that more than 100 teachers, 40 educational assistants, and seven administrators have already registered to participate.

Ms. Arnette explained that the Summer School instructional day will run from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by STEAM Camp from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for kindergarten through second-grade students whose parents pick them up or for students who remain for ESP.

She advised the Board that additional details regarding locations and paired schools are available in BOEConnect.

Dr. Duke expressed appreciation to Felicia James, Sheri Arnette, and Becky Campbell for their work on Summer School planning. Ms. Arnette also noted that Dr. Bullard will serve as an administrator for Summer School.

 

Discussion: 

Lauren Bush provided the Board with a legal update entitled The Line of Legality. She reviewed the legal requirements applicable when students with disabilities violate the district’s code of conduct. Her presentation addressed student discipline procedures, due process requirements, zero-tolerance conduct, and the manifestation determination review process.

Following Ms. Bush’s presentation, Dr. Duke noted that the district has multiple options available when addressing these situations and that each case will be carefully evaluated. He stated that staff injury protections will be considered and that, if a teacher is uncomfortable due to a student inflicting harm, he and the appropriate staff members will be involved in the decision-making process. Dr. Duke emphasized that all voices will be heard in these discussions.

Dr. Duke also advised Board members to contact Ms. Bush if they have any questions regarding the information presented during the training.

 

Discussion: 

During his update, Dr. Duke informed the Board that PreK registration opened on February 3 and is currently ongoing. He noted that an email was sent to staff on Friday regarding a change in PreK instructional hours. The previous schedule of 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. has been adjusted to 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dr. Duke explained that this change was made to align VPK and IPK service times, thereby strengthening and improving the overall PreK program. He shared that Ms. Arnette and Ms. Fairchild met with the affected teachers last week and reported no major concerns. Dr. Duke also commended Principal Robin Newell for her hard work in bringing the PreK program to where it needs to be.

Dr. Duke further advised the Board that Friday will be a school-based planning day, with no school for students. Teachers will participate in training on that day.

 

Discussion: 

Vice Chair Butch Campbell shared that he recently had the opportunity to speak with board members from other districts. He expressed his appreciation for the members of this Board and commented on the strong collaboration and positive working relationships among them.

Board Member Jimmy Richardson informed the Board of an opportunity to donate stuffed animals to Juvenile Court. He noted that Board members may contact him for additional details.

Board Member Barbara Long reminded the Board of the upcoming Excellence in Education Gala, scheduled for March 20 at Macca Villa in Lascassas.

Chair Amanda Moore reminded the Board that this is the year the Board will again apply for Board of Distinction status. She reviewed the associated checklist with Board members and asked that they keep the requirements in mind as the application process moves forward.

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.