September 24, 2024 at 5:00 PM - Workshop

Discussion:  Chairman Annette Buchanan turned the meeting over to Mr. Boyd

Discussion:  Enrollment numbers as of September 12th 2024 are 8,068. These numbers are relatively close to the enrollment numbers for the last school year. Boone and Crockett are both below 1200 students.
JES has the largest K-8 enrollment. 
South Central's numbers are low, with only 169 students enrolled. 
Lamar's enrollment dropped, but has gone back up. 

 

Discussion: 

This year marks the adoption year for K-12 Science Textbooks. Dr. Josh Davis was present to address questions regarding the adoption process.

Currently, our district lacks established standards for science materials. Based on teacher feedback, we are actively seeking resources that align with state-approved standards. Many teachers have been creating their own materials, and we aim to provide accessible resources that meet their needs.

 

Discussion:  Overnight trips.  Mr. Fleenor asked about cheaper rates if more schools attended the Washington DC trip at the same time.  Mr. Boyd agreed with Mr. Fleenor's comments.
 

Discussion: 








 

Discussion: 

Mr. Boyd introduced Dr. Davis to present plans for improving the band's programs.  The focus is on identifying barriers to success, particularly concerning aging equipment.

Dr. Davis expressed concern about the current state of equipment and emphasized the need to provide more sixth graders with access to instruments. He highlighted the importance of assessing instrumental needs and determining what is required to update the equipment.

The following costs were discussed for updating instruments:

• DCHS: $21,694.00
• DBHS: $38,033.00
  Total: $59,724.00
•  

This would be a one-time expense to modernize the 6-12 band program’s instrumental needs. Dr. Davis proposed implementing a two-year cycle for replacing instruments. Mr. Boyd recommended establishing a long-range schedule to keep up with these needs.

Mr. Huddlestone inquired about available funds to cover these expenses. Mr. Barnes expressed enthusiasm for boosting the band programs, noting that DCHS is currently ahead of DBHS. Dr. Davis mentioned that band students deserve the opportunity to grow within the program.

Mr. Huddlestone suggested involving feeder schools to allow their students to participate alongside high school band members. Mr. Boyd noted that DBHS had been at a disadvantage with only two teachers, but this year they now have two assistant band directors, bringing the total to three at DBHS and three at DCHS.

Mr. Barnes pointed out that a strong band program could positively impact graduation rates. Dr. Davis mentioned that scholarship funds are available. The figures provided by the band directors cover all necessary equipment.

Mr. Ervin requested that this topic be placed on the agenda for further discussion. Ms. Buchanan is concerned about funding sources, citing that a tuba costs approximately $4,659.00. Dr. Davis confirmed that they would seek bids for the equipment.


 

Discussion:  Mr. Hale introduced the monthly financials.                  

Discussion:  Mr. Boyd discussed attached Purchase Orders.

Discussion:  The recommendation motion to approve is as follows:

"Motion for approval of the FY25 ESSER Application with budgets for fiscal year 2025 and for all subsequent amendments."  

A plan has been submitted to the state.
 

Discussion:  Board contributions are listed in attached documents.
Brad Hale introduced coverage plans.
 

Discussion:  AAA offered free membership to all employees.
 

Discussion:  Dr. Adams presented updates on Capital Projects 

Culinary Arts:
Stainless steel installation will take place this week, with classes expected to resume on Monday.

Stadium Projects:
Projects are nearing completion. DBHS will have access to restrooms and concessions soon.
We are still awaiting landscaping and installation of some handrails.
Handrails at DCHS are currently being installed and should be completed by Friday.

Fencing Discussion:
Mr. Boyd discussed the need to finish fencing.
There will be no fencing around the ballfield at DCHS at this time. Remaining work will be the responsibility of the county.
Mr. Barnes expressed a desire for a fence around the field, noting community contributions toward rubberizing the tracks and emphasizing public access.
Mr. Riddle suggested considering high-quality security cameras as an alternative to fencing.
Mrs. Buchanan recommended posting guidelines for public use.

Septic Tank at SC:
The septic tank at SCES is now online and functioning.


 

Discussion: 

Dr. Adams reported on a meeting regarding a contract with the JES Sports Complex. The Town of Jonesborough is responsible for maintaining the grounds to ensure they are ready for use.

We are currently waiting for the Town of Jonesborough to agree to the terms outlined by Mr. Bennett in the final use agreement. Once approved, Mr. Boyd will sign off on the contract.

Discussion:  Mr. Fullbright proposed the purchase of Chromebooks and licenses totaling $549,797.40.

Discussion: 

DCHS has old robotics equipment that is currently unused and taking up space. They are requesting permission to list this equipment on Gov Deals.

Mr. Boyd raised the question of whether middle schools might have a need for this equipment. Dr. Adams will reach out to explore interests from the middle schools.

Discussion: 

Three companies submitted bids for tires, and the recommendation was to select Southern Tire Mart. Although their initial costs are higher, they offer a rebate for returning used tires.

Chad Fleenor inquired whether the rebate amount was sufficient. Mr. Boyd requested documentation regarding the rebate details.

Discussion:  The state contract with Central States, wanting to purchase Blue Birds and looking to buy 3 buses, cost not to exceed $600,000. There are 27 passenger buses. 

Discussion: 

Dr. Adams reported on the water damage at FBS, primarily affecting the floors beneath the bleachers. Quotes for repairs have been presented, with Finchum available to complete the work during Fall Break. A quick decision is necessary to proceed.

The water damage resulted from a clogged drain, which will be cleaned and maintained going forward. Mr. Boyd has the authority to declare an emergency to expedite repairs, and the Executive Committee can act on this matter.

Mr. Walters asked if we could move forward with the repairs. Mrs. Buchanan agreed that the work should be done. Mr. Walters also inquired about fixing the source of the clog to prevent future occurrences, emphasizing the need to address the root problem.  

Mr. Fleenor asked if we could get moisture detection devices.  Check with Mr. Fullbright and Paul Masters to see if this can be purchased out of the fund balance.

Brad Hale responded we will do what needs to be done.
 

Discussion:  Board Visit Schedule attached.

Discussion:  See uploaded report as of 09/24/2024 per Mr. Huddlestone's request. 

Discussion:  Social Media Policy Discussion
Ms. Buchanan inquired whether the district’s social media policy needed updating.
Mr. Boyd noted that the policy is one of those areas that is constantly evolving. He mentioned that there is ongoing legislation that could potentially ban personal devices in schools. The Tennessee legislature is considering similar actions. He suggested that these developments could lead to a district-wide platform for social media use. The social media policy can be revisited as needed.

Library Book Review Process
Mr. Huddlestone raised a question regarding the process for reviewing library books. He emphasized that any decision to remove books must come before the board. Historically, there has always been a process for reviewing materials when a parent objects to content in the library.

 

Discussion: 

MOU with Crossroads Christian Church (CCC)
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the board and Crossroads Christian Church, effective July 1, 2023, runs through 2048, covering a 25-year period. The discussion focused on the cost per month of using the facility and the need for paving the parking lot.

Mr. Boyd emphasized that the board should contribute to the cost of their usage, as cars are frequently parked at CCC, especially after hours.
Mr. Riddle noted how generous CCC has been to the community and expressed a desire to support the project by helping with the parking lot paving.
Mr. Barnes stated that the board made a mistake by not purchasing property years ago. However, CCC will not prevent the board from using the property. The key question is determining what is reasonable compensation for the use.
Mr. Masters reached out to CCC, who requested an estimate of the cost of the paving.
Mr. Huddlestone asked how much space is used by the church during their church services.
Mrs. Buchanan stressed the importance of following legal protocols, noting that some funds cannot be used for private property.
Mr. Ervin remarked that since it is not the board's property, CCC should price the paving job and provide an estimate.
Mrs. Buchanan recommended getting Scott Bennett involved in the process.
Mr. Boyd added that CCC had allowed the board to obtain estimates in good faith.
Mr. Riddle suggested obtaining estimates with measurements before proceeding further.
Mr. Walters highlighted the need to break down costs for analysis.
Mr. Boyd concluded by stating that the board ultimately needs to decide what they are willing to pay to access the property.
Mr. Ervin requested that this issue be added to the agenda for discussion at the next board meeting.

Discussion: 

Mr. Boyd and Mr. Hale shared that the annual expenditure on the unused property, including insurance, is approximately $60,582 yearly.
Mr. Walters expressed the need to move forward with selling the property and start receiving offers.
Mr. Barnes highlighted the difficulty in valuing commercial property, noting that the middle school property is particularly challenging. He suggested hiring a reputable commercial real estate agent to manage the sale of the Jonesborough property.
Mr. Ervin voiced his support, adding that several real estate agents would be interested in selling the property. He proposed advertising the sale and gathering candidates for consideration.
Mr. Walters recommended using a standardized questionnaire to ask all agents the same questions, aiming to obtain diverse perspectives on the sale.
Mr. Huddlestone inquired whether all the land would be sold, to which Mr. Ervin confirmed, stating that all the land would be divided for sale.
Mr. Huddlestone raised concerns about the ongoing costs of maintaining the property.
Mr. Fleenor emphasized that thorough research should be conducted, particularly regarding property access, and suggested making bids for the sale of the property.
Mr. Walters added that when previously discussing the property with Jonesborough, they believed all access issues had been addressed.
Mr. Barnes cautioned against rushing the sale, expressing concern that doing so could negatively affect the property's sale price.

It was agreed to add this item to the agenda for discussion at the next meeting.

 

Discussion:  Meeting Adjourned