April 9, 2018 at 5:30 PM - Jackson-Madison County School Work Session

Discussion: 

Jimmy Carmichael, Opie Beard and Willie Johnson would like for the Board to allow them the use of JCM East Campus Cafeteria for the Jackson Boxing Club.  Mr. Carmichael has spoken with Dr. Logan Hampton and Dr. Eric Jones concerning the use of JCM East Campus.  Mr. Carmicheal stated that they would not only teach boxing but would assist with homework of any kind for each student involved with the program.  

David Clifft asked what is Eric Jones opinion of this Club using JCM and does it need board approval.  Eric Jones stated that he has spoken with Dr. Hampton and they still have some concerns about the liability for Lane and Jackson - Madison County schools.  Ray Washington stated that JCM would sub lease to the Club and that the lease will be up for renewal in May. David Clifft asked if Dale Thomas, Attorney for JMCSS) was reviewing the liability for the system.  Mr. Jones is still reviewing information and will have a decision at a later date.  Dave Bratcher asked if the contract has been read and does the sub lease speak to the liability.  Ray Washington stated that the contract does not speak of the liability and that would be addressed when renewed.  Ray Washington stated that the insurance would rise if the system was to agree with them using JCM East Campus Cafeteria.

Discussion:  Mike Nichols presented the Budget Amendments, School Expenditures and Utilities Reports.  Mr. Nichols also presented the Modified Summary Financial Statement for March 2018 to the Board. There were no questions from Board Members.  

Discussion: 

Holly Kellar explained that there is a new purchasing card system being implemented for the individual schools.  Mrs. Kellar, Ray Washington and Ms. McIntire met with different banks to discuss the possibility of implementing a purchasing card system and choose First TN Bank for this purpose.  Mrs. Kellar stated that every school has been issued six cards, cards are easliy identifiable, each card has a specific limit set for single transactions as well as restrictions on the type of purchase that can be made, they have established uniform procedures for use of the cards and have provided training, system will be administered by Mrs. Kellar's office and there is a rebate program associated with the cards.  

Holly Kellar presented the Monthly Financial Statement 141 General Purpose Schools March 2018 to the Board.  Jim Campbell asked, how was the liquor tax being used by the system.  Holly Kellar stated, they would use the money for safety and security upgrades, textbooks and curriculum, desks replacements district wide and a new gym floor at JCT. 

Holly Kellar stated that Governor Haslam has made a budget recommendation for FY19 to double the recurring funds set aside for the Safe Schools Grant program.  This could in turn double our grant funds to an estimated $110,000 or more annually.  Additionally, Governor Haslam has recommended $25 million dollars in one-time funds to assist districts in addressing immediate security concerns including the review and assessment of school vulnerability and increasing resources to assist with providing additional SROs.  Mrs. Kellar stated that funds may also be used in the development of statewide technology application for the anonymous reporting of threats and concerns.

Holly Kellar stated they still have a lot of work to do to finalize out budgets but I want you to know that we are working more diligently than ever to review all requests made by the Principals and District Administrators. 

Mrs. Kellar mentioned that they are scheduled for budget hearings with the County Budget Committee next Monday, April 16th at 1:00pm at the Finance Office.  Mrs. Kellar encouraged the Board to attend this meeting.

Discussion:  Dave Bratcher reminded the Board of a vote concerning the nomination of a Volunteer and a Student for Jackson-Madison County School System will be on Thursday, April 12, 2018.

Discussion: 

Eric Jones stated that they have been reviewing master schedules with each school by speaking to Principals in order to better their school.  Mr. Jones stated that some schools may lose a teacher but that the Principal would be able to develop what is needed for that school.  Jim Campbell asked if there would be a Budget Committee meeting scheduled.  Mr. Jones and Holly Kellar mentioned that there will be a meeting scheduled.

Discussion: 

Eric Jones stated that he has been speaking with the City Council and feels that the talk has been positive.  Mr. Jones mentioned that there will be a committee formed to speak about the Capital needs for the Jackson-Madison County School System.  

Jim Campbell asked if there were dates for interviews to assign an Architectural Firm.  Eric Jones stated that there will be dates scheduled but some items will need to be taken care of first before contacting any Architectural Firm.  

Dave Bratcher asked if the RFQ for Architectural Firms and Construction Manager bids been sent out and responses returned.  Eric Jones stated they have but some items need to be finished before contacting them.  

David Clifft asked, what was Eric Jones opinion about using a Construction Manager or a General Contractor.  Mr. Jones stated that the system will use a Construction Manager to assist with the projects and that they will work for us.  Allen Powell explained that the Construction Manager is best to have for the system because, they can keep the cost to what has been decided and they can assist with any issues before using the General Contractor.  Jim Campbell agrees that using a Construction Manager at the beginning will benefit the system.  Mr. Campbell and Allen Powell mentioned that the Construction Contractor will be included in the designing of projects.

Discussion:  Adjourned meeting at 6:08pm