November 19, 2024 at 5:00 PM - Smith County Board of Education Agenda

Discussion:  The Smith County Board of Education met at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Smith County Board of Education. Mr. XXX provided the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. 

Discussion:  Mr. Ricky Shoulders, Chairman of the Board, welcomed all visitors and called the November 19, 2024, meeting of the board to order. Dr. David McDonald provided the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Discussion:  Request to approve the regular meeting minutes of the Board - Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

Discussion: 

1. Gordonsville High School Beta Club would like permission to attend the State Convention in Nashville on November 21-23, 2024. This will be an overnight trip.
2. Gordonsville High School may have a student made the Middle Tennessee State Honor Band this year. If a student qualifies, then the honor band will be on January 16-18, 2025, at Lipscomb University in Nashville. This will be an overnight trip.

Discussion:  Smith County High School Soccer Team requests permission to participate in the Smoky Mountain Cup soccer tournament on March 28-30, 2025, in Gatlinburg. This will be an overnight trip.

Discussion:  Tim Towns, CTE Director, requests permission to bid demolition for preparation of renovation of the former SAVE A LOT building.

Discussion:  Norma Mitchell, Budget Supervisor, requests permission to bid rubber mulch and labor for the TAEP grant. This grant will provide the rubber mulch and labor for the revitalization of 19 playgrounds in the school district.

TAEP Award $ 313,905.60
Local Match $ 72,476.40

Discussion: 

The Superintendent took the following actions:

 

1. Staff Placement

• Rachel Carson, paraprofessional, Smith County Middle School

• Cody Crump, paraprofessional, Carthage Elementary School

• Kevin Dick, paraprofessional, Carthage Elementary School

• Alisha Preston, paraprofessional, Carthage Elementary School

• Megan Tramel, first grade teacher, Forks River Elementary School

 

2. Transfers 

• Betty Davis, transferred from substitute bus monitor to full time car driver, Transportation Department

• Katie Grandstaff, transferred from county-wide STEAM bus paraprofessional to full time substitute at New Middleton Elementary School

• Brandy Grisham, transferred from substitute bus driver to full time bus driver, Transportation Department

• Chasity Mason, transferred from receptionist at New Middleton Elementary School to administrative assistant at the Central Office

• Rachel Rittenberry, transferred from full time substitute to receptionist at New Middleton Elementary School

• Nikki Underwood, transferred from paraprofessional position at Smith County Middle School to a full time substitute position at Smith County High School

 

3. Resignations

• Vicki Sicilia, part-time cook, Gordonsville High School

• Stephanie McQuarter, special education paraprofessional, New Middleton Elementary School

• Tommy Washer, full time substitute, Smith County High School, retiring

• Robbie Wilkerson, full time car driver, Transportation Department, retiring

Discussion:  Request to approve the Smith County School Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year.  The calendar was constructed by an appointed Calendar Committee based on results from a countywide survey sent to educators and staff.

Discussion:  Request to add Azor Inc as a vendor for copy paper. In July 2024, the Board approved Staples to be the copy paper vendor for 2024-2025 at a price of $37.48 a case. Principals have reported Staples’ deliveries taking up to 6 weeks and, at one school, the copy paper was dropped in the parking lot after hours. Principals will have the choice to order from either vendor.

The price for copy paper was quoted at:
AZOR Inc $40.99 case
Staples Inc $37.48 case

Discussion:  Request to approve the low bid of $2.48 per gallon for 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel from Kimbro Oil for delivery on November 6, 2024.

Discussion:  Pursuant to TCA code 49-3-112, each school district must submit an accountability report for TISA funding each year to the Tennessee Department of Education that has been approved by the local board of education. Smith County has established goals and budget actions steps for the following priorities: 3^rd grade ELA proficiency, grades 3-11 math proficiency, Ready Graduate growth, and K-12 Literacy.

We request approval of the Smith County 2024-2025 TISA Accountability Report.

Discussion: 

Please review the following policies for the Smith County Board of Education to remain compliant in policy review.  If you find any inconsistencies or if something needs to be discussed regarding a policy listed below, please bring it to the attention of Mr. Ricky Shoulders, Chairman of the Board, during the meeting.

 

Policy 1.704, Charter Schools

Policy 4.100, Instructional Goals

Policy 4.200, Curriculum Development

Policy 4.201, Basic Curriculum Program

Policy 4.2011, Class Size Ratios

Policy 4.202, Special Education

Policy 4.2021, Special Education Class Size

Policy 4.204, Summer School

Policy 4.205, Enrollment in College Level Courses

Policy 4.206, Special Programs

Policy 4.207, Limited English Proficient/Language Minority Students

Policy 4.208, Adult High School Program

Policy 4.209, Alternative Credit Options

Policy 4.210, Credit Recovery

Policy 4.211, Work Based Learning Program

Policy 4.213, Family Life Education

Policy 4.300, Extracurricular Activities

Policy 4.3001, Delinquent Children

Policy 4.301, Interscholastic Athletics

Policy 4.302, Field Trips and Excursions

Policy 4.400, Textbooks an Instructional Materials

Policy 4.403, Reconsideration of Instructional Materials and Textbooks

Policy 4.404, Use of Copyrighted Materials

Policy 4.406, Use of the Internet

Policy 4.4061, Social Media

Policy 4.407, Web Pages

Policy 4.500, Community Instructional Resources

Policy 4.501, School Volunteers

Policy 4.601, Reporting Student Progress

Policy 4.602, Honors Designation (Rank)

Policy 4.701, Maintaining Test Security

Policy 4.702, Evaluation of Instructional Program

Policy 4.801, Controversial Materials

Policy 4.802, Student Equal Access

Policy 4.803, Recognition of Religious Beliefs, Customs & Holidays

Policy 4.805, Prayer and Period of Silence