July 9, 2024 at 6:00 PM - Kingsport City Schools Board of Education Regular Meeting

Description:  Jefferson Elementary School students Pierce and Elaina Nakhla will lead the Board of Education and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pierce is a rising 4th grader and Elaina is entering 3rd grade.

Description:  The Board will vote on accepting the agenda, which includes all items listed on the Consent Agenda.

Description:  Mrs. Woods will recognize the Dobyns-Bennett Girls Softball Team for winning the 2024 TSSAA Class 4A Girls Softball State Tournament in Murfreesboro on May 24, 2024. The team won the championship game against Stewarts Creek High School (Smyrna, TN) with a final score of 3-2. The team is coached by head Coach Andy Hubbard and assistant coaches Mike Sweeney, Kim Bailey, and Cody Davenport.

Description:  Mr. Dean will recognize Dobyns-Bennett High School TSSAA Class 3A Track State Champions Eamon Ailshie, Caleb Hagood, Luke Mussard, and Gavin Thomas. The team won the 4x800 relay and set a state meet record in the event held in Murfreesboro on May 23, 2024. Luke Mussard also won gold in the 1600M run. Bob Bingham is head coach of the team.

Description: 

This is the time when members of the audience are invited to comment on agenda items.  It is not the time to speak about personnel issues, as there are more appropriate ways in which these can be addressed.  If you are not sure how to do this, please ask one of us after the meeting.

In your remarks, you may not refer to students by name without permission from the parent or guardian.

If you would like to speak on a topic not included on the agenda, you are asked to submit your request in writing to the Superintendent of Schools at least three (3) business days prior to the scheduled date of the meeting.

Now, if you would like to speak about an item included on this agenda, you will be asked to please raise your hand.  You will be requested to state your name and limit your remarks to a maximum of three (3) minutes.

Thank you. 

Description:  The proposed 2024-2025 Projected Annual School Board Agenda is attached for Board review and consideration. 

Description: 

Per Board Policy 6.317 - Student Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA), the BOE must appoint members to the DHA. The DHA shall consist of a minimum of three members, with at least two of which shall be licensed employees of the Board. The maximum number must not exceed the total membership of the Board. DHA members will be appointed to a one-year term and are subject to reappointment.

Recommended for Board approval to serve on the Disciplinary Hearing Authority for the 2024-2025 school year are the following employees:

Mr. Jim Nash, Chief Student Services Officer (Chair)
Mr. Matthew Smith, Attendance Supervisor
Mr. Bo Ford, Assistant Principal at Dobyns-Bennett High School
Mr. Ben Robertson, Assistant Director of Special Education
Dr. Kandy Thompson, Associate Principal of Adams Elementary School

The current Policy 6.317 - Student Disciplinary Hearing Authority is attached. The Board will consider a revision to this policy clarifying the role of the Student Disciplinary Hearing Authority's purpose as it relates to holding disciplinary appeal hearings during the business portion of the meeting.

Description:  The proposed list of KCS school fees for the 2024-2025 school year is attached, as well as Policy 6.709 - School Fees and Fines. This policy states that school fees shall not be charged to any student as a condition of attending school, with the exception of applicable tuition fees for students residing outside the city limits. Under some circumstances, fees are needed to fund certain activities. School fees may be waived, upon parental request. The annual waiver process shall conform to the guidelines established by the Tennessee State Board of Education. 

Description: 

It is recommended that the Board approve a renewal agreement with Frontier Health for the purpose of continuing current services provided by Holston Children and Youth Services for alcohol and drug prevention, education, intervention, consultation, and training services to school administration, staff, and students.  The contract total for the 2024-2025 school year is $130,000.00.  The contract total has decreased by $38,000.00 from last year due to a position previously provided by Frontier Health shifting to a KCS funded position.  Funding for this agreement is from the General Projects Fund.

Description:  It is recommended that the Board approve a renewal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Camelot Care Centers, Inc. for the 2024-2025 school year to ensure the continuation of current behavioral health and counseling services are provided to all students at Kingsport City Schools.  Camelot Care Centers, Inc. is a provider of behavioral health and counseling services.  They provide mental health professionals to work with children, families of KCS students, and school staff to develop and implement treatment plans and provide services in accordance with the established treatment plans.  Camelot will again have eleven counselors to meet the needs of the students.  The contract total is for a not to exceed contract amount of $198,000.00 for the 2023-2024 school year.  Funding for this contract will come from the General Purpose Fund ($46,000.00), ESSER 3.0 Funds ($36,000.00), Safe Schools Grant Funds ($98,000.00), and Coordinated School Health Program ($18,000.00).

Description:  It is recommended the Board approve Addendum 11 to the Agreement with ESS South Central for Substitute Staffing for the 2024-2025 school year. This addendum extends the agreement for the upcoming school year and updates pay rates for positions provided. Funding for this service comes from the General Purpose School Fund.

Description:  Mr. Jim Nash, Chief Student Services Officer, has provided information regarding a request for a Student Disciplinary Hearing Authority placement decision appeal for Board consideration.

Description:  Mr. David Frye, Chief Finance Officer, will present FY 2025 Budget Amendment #1 for Board consideration. The amendment recommends that the FY 2025 budget be amended to provide for an additional 4% cost of living increase for all employees. The current approved budget includes a 1% cost of living increase. This will make the total cost of living increase 5% for FY 2025. The total cost of this proposal is $2,519,600 and funds will be appropriated from the Unreserved Fund Balance.