mcminn county board of education regular session meeting...

January 14, 2016

McMinn County Board of Education Regular Session Meeting

Thursday, January 14, 2016 The Policy committee of the McMinn County Board of Education met immediately prior to the regular session meeting at 4:30 p.m. at the Center for Excellence.

The McMinn County Board of Education met in regular session on Thursday, January 14, 2016

at 5:30 p.m. at the McMinn County Center for Educational Excellence.

Chairman Quinten Howard called the meeting to order and asked for the roll call.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT ABSENT

Chairman Howard

Sharon Brown

Donna Cagle

Larry Cantrell

Mike Cochran

Joe Coleman

Johnna Hampton

Melinda King

Mike Lowry

Henry Webb

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Cooper Solsbee, a sixth grade student at Mt. View Elementary School, led the Pledge of

Allegiance.

APPROVE AGENDA

AGENDA

1. GUESTS

a. Proclamation- Dr. John Forgety, State Representative

January 14, 2016

b. Volunteer of the Month Award- E.K. Baker Elementary School

c. 2015-2016 System-wide Teacher of the Year Winners

d. MVS-6th Grade Students- Verizon App Challenge Contest Winners

2. REGULAR CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes- Regular Monthly Session Meeting-December 10, 2015

b. Salary Supplements

c. Fundraiser Request

d. Dual Credit Agreement- Cleveland State Community College

e. Surplus Equipment

2. UPDATED CONSENT AGENDA

a. Field Trip Requests

b. Fundraiser Request

3. PERSONNEL

a. Personnel Actions

4. COMMUNICATIONS a. “Heart of Our Program”- Friday, February 12, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. (Center for Excellence) b. 2015 Teacher of the Year Winners (School Level) c. Central High School FFA Correspondence d. Central High School Football Stadium Improvements 5. REPORTS 6. DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL’S REPORT 7. PRAISES & COMPLIMENTS 8. CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS a. Regular session meeting: Tuesday, February 11, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. ADJOURN A motion to approve the agenda was made by Mike Lowry, seconded by Johnna Hampton. Chairman Howard asked for any discussion. A voice vote was recorded. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Chairman Howard stated this would establish the order of tonight’s meeting. 1. GUESTS a. Proclamation- Dr. John Forgety, State Representative

Mr. Blevins recognized Tennessee State Representative Dr. John Forgety who was in attendance

for tonight’s presentation. Dr. Forgety recognized Ms. Jill Pierce, Chief Technology Officer, on

being named an Education Visionary by the Intel Corporation. Dr. Forgety read a proclamation

from the Tennessee House of Representatives honoring Ms. Pierce for her achievement. The

proclamation publicly recognizes those that foster and support education along with designing

January 14, 2016

the future of education technology. Dr. Forgety commended Ms. Pierce and thanked her for

committing over 23 years of service in the area of educational technology.

b. Volunteer of the Month Award- E.K. Baker Elementary School

Mr. Blevins recognized E.K. Baker Elementary Principal Amy Bohannon to present this month’s

Volunteer of the Month Award. Ms. Bohannon recognized former E.K. Baker Elementary School

teacher, Ms. Debbie Kennedy. Ms. Bohannon said she chose Ms. Kennedy for her contributions

to the school by faithfully keeping the books for all the basketball games; a position she has

held since 1977. Ms. Kennedy was presented a certificate of appreciation.

c. 2015-2016 System-wide Teacher of the Year Winners

Mr. Blevins recognized our 2015/16 System-wide Teacher of the Year winners. Those present

and recognized were:

Heather Toomey- PreK-4 Teacher, E. K. Baker Elementary School

Tiffany Malone- grades 5-8 Teacher, E.K. Baker Elementary School

Katrina Kilby- grades 9-12 teacher, Central High School and Overall Teacher of the Year Winner

Mr. John Burroughs, McMinn County High School, Principal of the Year

Dr. Phillip Swanson, Supervisor of the Year

Mr. Blevins also read the names of the school level Teacher of the Year winners and said our

winners represent what education is really all about. Mr. Blevins congratulated each of them

and thanked them for their dedication to our students.

d. MVS-6th Grade Students- Verizon App Challenge Contest Winners

Mr. Blevins said he recently met with this group of students in their classroom and quizzed

them as to the extent of the award and noted how excited this group was to have received the

recognition. Mr. Blevins asked their teacher, Ms. Beth Smith, to introduce the students

responsible for creating the App. Those present and introduced were:

Mason Bunch, Krista Bohannon, Cooper Solsbee, Emma Poteet, Jayden Morrow, Makinlee

Buckner, and Meg Harbison. The students gave a short presentation about their “SAVEALIFE1”

App and how it was created to help animals find loving homes to take care of them.

Several board members asked how to vote for the “Fan Favorite Challenge”. The students

informed everyone that you could vote by texting 22332 with a message of SAVEALIFE1. Beth

January 14, 2016

Smith stated they recently had around 800 votes. She said a larger school in the competition

had over 3,000 votes and needed everyone’s help. Ms. Smith said they recently learned that

you could vote a second time by texting to the same number with a message of SAVEALIFE2

with voting ending on January 31, 2016.

Mr. Blevins presented each team member with a certification acknowledging their

accomplishment and said how excited he was about the future of this group of students.

2. REGULAR CONSENT AGENDA

a. Minutes- Regular Monthly Session Meeting-December 10, 2015

b. Salary Supplements

Carter, Brent 12/17/2015 Rogers Creek Bus Driver 60.00

Carter, Brent 12/11/2015 MCTC Bus Driver 100.00

Carter, Brent 12/12/2015 MCTC Bus Driver 100.00

Cook, Paul 11/24/2015 Englewood Bus Driver 60.00




Cook, Paul 12/3/2015 MCBOE Bus Driver 60.00


Cook, Pauletta 10/20/2015 Englewood Custodian 25.00






Givens, Kathie 12/17/2015 Rogers Creek Bus Driver 40.00

Givens, Kathie 11/23-24,12/1,3-4,7-11,14-17/15 Special Ed Bus Driver 600.00

Goforth, Sarah 12/8/2015 EKB Bus Driver 60.00

Goforth, Sarah 12/4/2015 EKB Bus Driver 40.00

Hiefnar, Janet 12/17/2015 Rogers Creek Bus Driver 60.00

Hiefnar, Janet 12/15/2015 Rogers Creek Bus Driver 40.00

King, Leanne 12/17/2015 Rogers Creek Bus Driver 40.00

King, Leanne 12/7/2015 MCTC Bus Driver 60.00

Liner, Susan 12/3/2015 Calhoun Bus Driver 40.00

Mason, Sam 12/9/2015 Rogers Creek Bus Driver 40.00

Morgan, James 12/8/2015 EKB Bus Driver 60.00

Murray, Mary 11/30, 12/4,7-8,11,14/2015 Special Ed Bus Driver 120.00

Murray, Mary 12/1-4,7-11,14,17/2015 Special Ed Bus Driver 220.00

January 14, 2016

Murray, Mary 11/24,30/2015 Special Ed Bus Driver 40.00

Murray, Mary 12/16/2015 Special Ed Bus Driver 60.00

Newman, Jeannie 12/8/2015 EKB Bus Driver 40.00

Passmore, William 12/4/2015 Calhoun Bus Driver 60.00

Pierce, Ronald 12/7/2015 Niota Bus Driver 60.00

Shirk, Rhonda 11/19/2015 Englewood Bus Driver 60.00




c. Fundraiser Request

ROGERS CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Requesting to have the following fundraisers to raise money for their 8th grade end of the school year trip: Parent Night Out Spaghetti Dinner Movie/Game Night d. Dual Credit Agreement- Cleveland State Community College

This agreement is between McMinn County Schools and Cleveland State Community College for

the purpose of awarding college credit to secondary students pursuing a Certificate or Associate

of Applied Science degree at the college. This agreement is effective through June 30, 2017.

e. Surplus Equipment

A list of equipment to be declared as surplus was submitted by Central High School and the

Maintenance Department for board approval. Items submitted were as follows:

Central High School- Home Ec. Department- old refrigerator

Maintenance Dept.- 1995 Ford F-150, 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 1990 Mazda, two school

buses, and several other machine shop items that are no longer in use

Chairman Howard asked for any items to be pulled from the regular consent agenda for

discussion. There were none. Mr. Blevins recommended the regular consent agenda for

approval. A motion to approve was made by Henry Webb, seconded by Johnna Hampton. A

voice vote was recorded. Motion carried by unanimous vote.

2. UPDATED CONSENT AGENDA- MB comments

January 14, 2016

a. Field Trip Requests

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 8th grade student graduation trip to Atlanta, GA- May 25-27, 2016 CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL/MCMINN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FFA clubs at both schools (combined trip) to Natl. Farm Machinery Show Louisville, KY- February 12-13, 2016

Mr. Blevins said a discussion was held during the policy committee meeting regarding our policy

for field trips and especially, with our overnight field trips. Mr. Blevins stated he has been

proactive with requesting more details about our trips in relation to the number of chaperones

to student ratio. Mr. Blevins stated he has been in contact with both of these schools and have

reviewed their list of chaperones and approximate number of students attending. He said

there would be more than adequate chaperones for both of these trips with several parents

also attending.

b. Fundraiser Request

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Requests to have the following fundraiser activities to raise money for their upcoming 8th grade graduation trip: Car Wash Donut sale Dance

Mr. Blevins recommended the updated consent agenda for approval. A motion to approve was

made by Sharon Brown, seconded by Henry Webb. Mike Cochran asked for more information

as to what the agenda was for the trip to be taken by Mountain View School to Atlanta, GA.

Mr. Blevins shared the tentative trip itinerary which included: Coca Cola museum, the

Aquarium, Stone Mountain, and Six Flags. Chairman Howard asked for further discussion. A

voice vote was recorded. Motion carried by unanimous vote.

3. PERSONNEL

a. Personnel Actions-

PROFESSIONALS

January 14, 2016

Last Name First Name Assignment Action Location Effective

Stone Steven Add Bus Driver Supplement Hire CHS 12/2/2015

ESP

Bohannon Tracy Maintenance Worker Hire Bus Barn 1/4/2016

Crisp Robin Secretary Resign MCHS 1/8/2016

Galyon Scott Maintenance Supv. Promote Bus Barn 1/4/2016 Miller Loretta Spec. Ed Aide (PT to FT) Promote Niota 1/5/2016 Spry Amanda Cook Resign MVS 12/18/2015 Trammell Janie Secretary Promote MCHS 1/11/2016

EMPLOYEE LEAVES OF ABSENCES

Last Name First Name ASSIGNMENT Beginning Ending

Allen Belinda Cook 1/4/2016 3/18/2016

Holcomb janet Cook 11/23/2015 INT leave thru 5/23/16

Morgan Christina Cook 11/9/2015 1/31/2016

Mr. Blevins stated the list of personnel actions was provided for the board's information.

Donna Cagle asked what the promotion was for the secretary at McMinn County High School.

Mr. Blevins stated Ms. Janie Trammell previously worked in the Vocational Rehabilitation Office

and was being promoted to replace Robin Crisp in the administrative secretarial position.

4. COMMUNICATIONS a. “Heart of Our Program”- Friday, February 12, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. (Center for Excellence) Mr. Blevins said this program was created in line with the Teacher of the Year program to recognize our para professionals and invited all board members to attend this event. b. 2015 Teacher of the Year Winners (School Level) Leslie Tucker Pre K-4 Teacher of the Year Calhoun Elementary School Donna Rossman Pre K-4 Teacher of the Year Englewood Elementary School Nikki Conner Pre K-4 Teacher of the Year Mountain View Elementary School Cindy Atkins Pre K-4 Teacher of the Year Niota Elementary School Nancy Marshall Pre K-4 Teacher of the Year Riceville Elementary School

January 14, 2016

Jennifer Dodson Pre K-4 Teacher of the Year Rogers Creek Elementary School Kim White 5-8 Teacher of the Year Calhoun Elementary School Carly Masingale 5-8 Teacher of the Year Englewood Elementary School Travis Vaughn 5-8 Teacher of the Year Mountain View Elementary School Maria Housley 5-8 Teacher of the Year Niota Elementary School Faun Ramey 5-8 Teacher of the Year Riceville Elementary School Stephanie Williams 5-8 Teacher of the Year Rogers Creek Elementary School Debbie Trotter 9-12 Teacher of the Year Central High School Susan Bryant 9-12 Teacher of the Year McMinn High School Diane Cartwright 9-12 Teacher of the Year McMinn Career & Technical Center Amy McPhail 9-12 Teacher of the Year McMinn High School c. Central High School FFA Correspondence Chairman Howard acknowledged a thank you note and picture from the Central High School FFA thanking the board for their recent donation to offset their traveling expenses with the National Quiz Bowl Competition. d. Central High School Football Stadium Improvements McMinn Central High School Football Stadium Improvements Schematic Design Phase Estimated Project Cost 12/11/15

Base Option New Concession / Restroom Building

3,992 S.F. X $145 PER S.F. $ 578,840.00

Demolition of Existing Concession Buildings $ 15,000.00

New Ticket Booths $ 20,000.00

New Fencing $ 60,000.00

January 14, 2016

New Concrete Hardscape $ 70,000.00

Construction Contingency $ 20,000.00

Subtotal $ 763,840.00

Architectural & Engineering Fees $ 53,500.00

Independent Testing $ 10,000.00 Subsurface Investigation $ 2,000.00 Final Printing $ 2,000.00

total Estimated Project Cost: $831,340.0 * The actual subsurface conditions are unknown at this time. This estimate is based on suitable soil bearing conditions with minimal remedial work being required. Mr. Blevins said this proposed project was part of the $1.2 million capital project monies that was discussed several months ago. Mr. Blevins said the proposed project cost was not the actual price just an estimate prepared by Upland Design Group. Mr. Blevins said he wanted to ask for the board’s approval to move forward with presenting this to the county commission so we could hopefully, get the project going in time for completion prior to the start of the football season. Mr. Blevins stated Mr. Derrick Clemow and Brian Templeton with Upland Design Group were present and prepared to give an overview of the project description. Mr. Blevins said he had previously met with Mike Lowry and with Jonathan Pierce to review the proposal prior to tonight’s meeting. Mike Lowry said he feels as though the price for the project is outrageous, but in Upland Design’s defense, they were not really sure what all needed to be designed with the project detail. He said he felt as though the estimate was too much. Mr. Clemow distributed a copy of a power point proposal to each board member. Mr. Clemow said it would be a tight timeline with trying to get this project completed prior to the start of the fall football season and that they needed direction from the board prior to putting this project out for bids. Brian Templeton reviewed the proposal with the board and said the design includes a new concession stand which would be located in close proximity to the existing concession stand, additional handicap accessibility areas, an open air breeze way between the two seating areas, and room for a new 200-250 seat bleachers with the possibility of replacing the existing press box. He stated this would include demolishing the existing press box and replacing it with a new pre-fabricated press box. Mr. Templeton said the cost per square foot is due to all the plumbing included in the additional square footage. He further stated the price does include

January 14, 2016

brick on the concession stand but this could be changed to utilize a split faced block and metal paneling to cut down on costs. He said they were just trying to match the brick used in other areas at the stadium. Mr. Templeton reviewed the options included in the proposal with the following breakdown: Option A – base package of concession stand, restrooms, new ticket booths, new fencing, and concrete hardscape: $831,340. Option B- base package with additional bleacher seating for 250 for additional $75,000 with the option of adding seat backs to the bleacher seating adding another $65,000. Option C- base package including bleacher option B and a new two story press box for an additional $150,000. Donna Cagle asked what yard line the additional bleachers would be located. Mr. Clemow stated they would be approximately on the 20 yard line. Mike Cochran asked if the additional bleachers would also be handicap accessible. Mr. Templeton stated that it would be. Donna Cagle stated it looked as though the breezeway between the seating areas is taking up space and asked what this would save us with closing up that space. Mr. Templeton stated we could save money by closing this space but it does provide an opportunity for visitors’ protection during inclement weather. Ms. Cagle stated she could see this being a problem with supervision of students in that area. Mr. Clemow said the total number of toilets included in the new bathroom areas could be modified but the capacity there is to handle large crowds. Mr. Templeton said there is a proposal of 15 toilets in each restroom for a total of 30 which complies with the International Building Code regulations based on the occupancy of the facility. Ms. Cagle asked how many people attend the games at Central. Former Principal Roger Freeman stated the capacity is approximately 1300 on the home side and 300 on the visitor side. Mike Cochran asked how this project cost falls within our budget. Mr. Blevins said with the base option, we could take care of the full price in the first year. Mr. Blevins said he would recommend the press box and additional bleachers as options. He further stated that even though we put this project out for bids, we do not have to go forward with it. Mr. Blevins said this is the first time we have addressed our athletic facilities in many years. Mike Lowry said in regards to the space between the two seating areas that we could close this up but would probably need access doors to get to plumbing, etc. Derrick Clemow stated that we can modify any of the project details at the board’s request and said this proposal is just a recommendation in line with building codes, etc. He said we can look at alternatives with different scopes of work.

January 14, 2016

Donna Cagle asked if we were doing anything to the visitors’ side of the stadium. Mr. Clemow said the restrooms would be centrally located in this one proposed area behind the concession stand. Henry Webb said we just recently spent approximately $127,000 at the stadium to get us into ADA compliance and feels as though this is a lot of money. He said he realizes the bids will come back to the board for approval but still thinks this is excessive as we would have approximately a million dollars into the stadium at that school and feels we need to think long and hard before doing this. Mr. Blevins stated this project covers work that has developed over the past 50 years and that the price is not that bad when taking this into consideration. He said we have had to deal with things not being up to code and wanted to make sure we had our facilities up to code while on his watch. Mr. Blevins said that he will go with whatever direction the board approves. Mr. Blevins recommended sending this to the county commission and then bid it and see where this comes in. Melinda King said she didn’t want to make just part of the project look nice since it has been so long since they have had the privilege of having something nice. After further discussion from board members of options to cut costs of the project, Mike Lowry made the statement that what we need to do is to decide what we want so we can get a bid out there. Mr. Lowry said he would like to see the project divided into separate areas; concession area, bleachers, and press box. Brian Templeton with Upland said we can do this and also scale back on the entrance area, as well. Mr. Templeton said if they had an idea of a base package the board would like to have then they can determine what can be done at this price. Mr. Blevins suggested, if the board would agree, to set up a meeting the first of the week with him, Upland architects, Jonathan Pierce, and Mike Lowry to review the options. Mike Cochran asked if we would then be discussing the options during the upcoming board workshop which Mr. Blevins responded that yes, we would. Chairman Howard said Mr. Blevins has made an excellent suggestion to allow him and the others to meet with the architects and then bring their findings back to the board at the board workshop next week. Chairman Howard asked for a motion to approve Mr. Blevins’ recommendation. Donna Cagle made the motion to go forward with the meeting, seconded by Henry Webb. Chairman Howard asked for further discussion. A voice vote was recorded. Motion carried by unanimous vote. 5. REPORTS a. Committee Reports

January 14, 2016

Ms. Johnna Hampton reported on behalf of the policy committee. Ms. Hampton stated the policy committee met immediately prior to the regular session meeting to discuss and act on a couple of policies. She stated the recommendation comes from the policy committee to approve on first reading the following policies: Policy 4.605 Graduation Requirements 4.700 Testing Programs 5.305 Family and Medical Leave 5.118 Background Investigations Chairman Howard said this recommendation comes from the committee and asked for a second. Larry Cantrell seconded the motion. Chairman Howard asked for further discussion. A voice vote was recorded. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Chairman Howard said they would have the second and final reading on these policies next month. Ms. Hampton said the policy committee also recommends to waive the first reading and approve second and final reading on the following policies: 6.414 Prevention and Treatment of Sudden Cardiac Arrest 4.301 Interscholastic Athletics Chairman Howard said we would have two motions with the first being whether to waive the first reading and to approve as policy. A motion was made by Larry Cantrell to waive the first reading and approve as policy, seconded by Sharon Brown. A voice vote was recorded. The vote was 9-1 with Mike Cochran casting the one “no” vote. Chairman Howard said the next vote would be approving the recommendation from the committee for final readings on policies 6.414 and 4.301. Larry Cantrell seconded the motion from the committee. Mike Cochran said he does have a question regarding the penalty clause of policy 6.414 but does think we need a procedure and therefore, felt as though the policy needed a second reading. Chairman Howard reminded him the board has already voted to waive the first reading and adopt as policy and asked for a voice vote. The vote was 9-1 with Mike Cochran casting the one “no” vote. Chairman Howard asked for any other reports. There were no other reports. 6. DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL’S REPORT Mr. Blevins reminded the board of the upcoming board workshop to be held on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 5-7:00 p.m. Mr. Blevins said he has received some input from board members for items to be placed on the agenda and would be sending this out the first of the

January 14, 2016

week. He did state that the first item on the agenda would be to meet with the board attorney in a closed session to give an update on the Title IX lawsuit. Donna Cagle said she would like to have the time to begin at 5:00 p.m. and if we were not finished to go beyond the ending time. Mr. Blevins said he would gear the agenda towards the time frame of 5-7 p.m. but that if we needed more time, we could take more time. 7. PRAISES & COMPLIMENTS Melinda King announced that as the McMinn County Education Foundation Career Day Chairperson, she would like to invite everyone to attend the upcoming event to be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the National Guard Armory. Mike Lowry thanked all the principals for the invitations to visit their schools for breakfast and lunch in honor of School Board Appreciation Week. 8. CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS a. Regular session meeting: Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. Chairman Howard reminded the board of the next regular monthly session meeting. Sharon Brown reminded the board of the letter they recently received from the Ethics Commission regarding the required online reporting and the deadline of January 31, 2016. Chairman Howard said he appreciates the invitations from the schools for board members to visit and eat during School Board Appreciation Week which would held the week of January 25-29, 2016. Chairman Howard asked for a motion to adjourn. A motion was made by Donna Cagle, seconded by Joe Coleman. A voice vote was recorded. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Chairman Howard adjourned the meeting. ________________________________________ ____________________________________ Chairman’s Signature Director of School’s Signature

mcminn county board of education regular session meeting...

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