Lebanon Special School District

Board Minutes

 

Board of Education Minutes

September 10, 2007

 

The Lebanon Special School District Board of Education Meeting was called to order by Steve Jones, Board Chair, at 5:00 p.m., in the Director of School’s Office, 701 Coles Ferry Pike.  Board Members, Joel Thacker and Mark Tomlinson, and Director of Schools, Dr. Sharon Roberts, were also in attendance. Dr. Roberts led the pledge to the flag.  A moment of silence was observed. 

 

Dr. Roberts stated that there were no additions to the agenda.  On a motion made by Mark Tomlinson and seconded Joel Thacker, the agenda was approved.

 

Recognition

Penny Thomson recognized the Wilson County Civic League for their collaboration and cooperation in establishing a Pre-Kindergarten Classroom at their location on Market Street.  Many individuals were involved in making the classroom a reality and Ms. Thompson extended a deep appreciation to everyone.  Individuals present and recognized at the board meeting were Ronnie Kelley, Harry Watkins, Fred Burton, and classroom teacher Tiffany McHenry and educational assistant Lataka Officer. 

 

Consent Agenda

On a motion made by Mark Tomlinson and seconded by Joel Thacker, the minutes from the August 13, 2007, meeting were approved. On a motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded by Mark Tomlinson, all personnel leaves, retirements, and/or resignations were approved as requested.

 

New Business

Dr. Roberts introduced Ms. Paula Campbell with Wilson County Health Department to the board and Ms. Campbell requested approval for the School Transport Dental Program.  Ms. Campbell stated that the new collaborative program would provide dental services to students in schools whose student body is at 50% or more poverty rate as defined by the free and reduced lunch program.  Grant monies will reimburse the cost of transportation (driver and gas) to the Health Department and LSSD.  Tenncare will cover the costs of services (if Tenncare currently covers the child), otherwise, the cost of services is zero.  On a motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded by Mark Tomlinson, the School Transport Dental Program in collaboration with Wilson County Health Department was approved.

 

Dr. Roberts informed the board that Joel Parks, LSSD CPA, stated that no changes were needed in financial accountability areas related to the School Support Organization Policy.  On a motion made by Mark Tomlinson and seconded by Joel Thacker, the School Support Organization Policy was approved on second reading.

 

Dr. Roberts indicated that no changes were made to the School Support Memorandum of Agreement.  On a motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded by Mark Tomlinson, the School Support Organization Memorandum of Agreement was also approved on second reading.

 

Penny Thompson shared all bids for playground equipment for the Pre-Kindergarten classroom on Market Street, and requested approval to accept a bid from School Sales and Services. On a motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded by Mark Tomlinson, the recommended bid was accepted.

 

Reports/Information

Dr. Roberts provided a monthly attendance report for all schools and indicated that our attendance aligned with percentages from last year.  She indicated that the enrollment report had decreased by five students since the last board meeting; however, we are up over 100 students this year. 

 

Dr. Roberts gave updated Professional and Classified Personnel reports to the board and stated that the only change is the addition of a “Leaves” section to the Professional Personnel Report. 

Board members were given a Well Child Report for 2006-2007.  Dr. Roberts commented that the program was a success last year and we will provide the same services to all schools again this year.

 

Connie Gray informed the board that LSSD received the LEAP Grant for the third year.  The $67,500 grant will be available for Sam Houston Elementary, Byars Dowdy Elementary, and Coles Ferry Elementary.  Jeanne Ray stated that Walter J. Baird received the LEAP Grant for the second year, and the award is for $33,750 this year. 

 

Jeanne Ray commented that a group of 10 visitors from a school in Maryville, Tennessee, visited our schools last week.  They visited our school system to see the many good services we provide our children. 

 

Other Business

Dr. Roberts informed the board that the next Board of Education meeting date is October 15, 2007, and the following month on November 19, 2007, at 5:00 p.m. Being no further business, Steve Jones made a motion to adjourn the meeting at approximately 5:45 p.m., and Joel Thacker seconded the motion and adjourned the meeting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
 

Lebanon Special School District
Board of Education Minutes
September 11, 2006

The Lebanon Special School District Board of Education Regular Meeting was called to order by Steve Jones, Board Chair, at 5:00 p.m. in the Director of School’s Office, 701 Coles Ferry Pike.  Board Members Joel Thacker and Mark Tomlinson and Dr. Sharon Roberts, Director of Schools, were also in attendance. Dr. Roberts led the pledge to the flag.  A moment of silence was also observed.

The agenda was approved with the following amendments/additions:  Brittney McGregor and Angie Ballard’s requests for leaves were added; the Pre-Kindergarten budget amendment, enrollment data calculations sheet, and health insurance premiums letters to staff were provided to the board members.

Recognition:
Mr. Steve Jones introduced and recognized Mark Tomlinson, newly elected board member who will serve the remainder of Mr. Wendall Kopp’s term (four years).  Joel Thacker presented Mr. Jones and Mr. Tomlinson with their Board Election Certificates.

The administration and Board also recognized Mr. Lee Clark from the City of Lebanon as a “Friend of LSSD” for his support of our school system.

Consent Agenda:
On a motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded by Steve Jones, the minutes from the August 21, 2006 Board Meeting were approved. On a motion by Thacker and seconded by Tomlinson, leaves were granted to Heather Graviss (Coles Ferry Elementary), Brittney McGregor (Castle Heights Upper Elementary), and Angie Ballard (Central Office). 

New Business Requiring Board Action:
John Thompson and Karen Pease from Well Child Inc. made a presentation to the Board.  The proposed collaboration between Well Child Inc. and LSSD provides an opportunity for easily accessible preventive health care services for LSSD students who qualify for TennCare.  These services include on-site comprehensive health examinations according to federally mandated standards for the Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment Program (EPSDT).  There is no charge to the families or the school system.  After some discussion, the Board approved on a motion by Mr. Thacker and seconded by Mr. Tomlinson the proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between LSSD and Well Child, Inc.  This MOA will automatically renew each year unless terminated by either party in writing within 90 days of the termination date.

Penny Thompson provided the Board with an amended Pre-Kindergarten budget due to an increase in funding received by the Tennessee Department of Education.  Joel Thacker made a motion to approve the amended budget.  Mr. Tomlinson seconded the motion.
Mrs. Thompson also requested approval from the Board for LSSD’s Textbook Certificate of Compliance with Tennessee Code Annotated.  After a motion was made by Mr. Thacker and seconded by Mr. Tomlinson, the compliance sheet was signed by the Director and Board Chair noting the district’s verification to the Commissioner that we provide textbooks for all children.

Upon a motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded by Mark Tomlinson the first reading of the New Board Member Orientation Policy was approved.

Reports/Information:
Randall Hutto presented the Board with the individual school PTO financial reports for four schools (Byars Dowdy, Coles Ferry, Castle Heights, and Walter J. Baird).

Dr. Roberts shared that LSSD has been selected as one of eight districts statewide to participate in a National Coaches Academy sponsored by the Wachovia Foundation, the National Staff Development Council, the Tennessee Staff Development Council, and the Tennessee Department of Education.  Diane Vantrease will be representing our district in this academy and will share her learning with our teachers in the elementary schools.

Dr. Roberts provided the Board with an update on enrollment.  The district’s K-8 enrollment is remaining steady at approximately 3028 students.

Becky Trusty shared with the Board that insurance increases will be 6% across all employee groups and health insurance plans.

Mr. Hutto updated the Board on the office renovation issue at Byars Dowdy Elementary.  The Board authorized him to put out the bid for this, to take the lowest bid, and report back to them at the next Board meeting.

The next Board meeting was set for Monday, October 16, 2006 at 5 p.m.  This is a change due to Fall Break.

Being no further business, Mr. Thacker made a motion to adjourn the meeting at approximately 5:45 p.m.  Mr. Jones seconded the motion and adjourned the meeting.