May 7, 2026 at 5:30 PM - Bedford County Board of Education Budget Study Session
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I. 2026-2027 Budget
Discussion:
The Bedford County Board of Education met for a study session on May 7, 2026 at 5:30 pm in the Board of Education Central Office located at 500 Madison St., Shelbyville, TN. Board members Michael Cook, Brian Crews, Andrea Anderson, Dan Reed, Barton Williams, Glenn Forsee and Shanna Boyette were present. Lana Craig and David Brown were absent. Dr. Tammy Garrett, Tim Harwell, Robert Daniel were present. Also attending were representatives from Bell Construction, Eric Pyle and Tyler Powell, and Jeff Sweeney, Bedford County Owner’s Representative. Chairman Michael Cook opened the meeting. The meeting began with Eric Pyle from Bell Construction giving an update on the progress of the vestibules. They are waiting on the glass to begin installing the doors. The work should be completed by the middle of July. He also handed out an overview of the CMAR (Construction Manager At-Risk) process. Mr. Pyle talked about the New Central Office. There was much discussion about how much each phase is going to cost. $1.5 million was set aside in the 2025-2026 budget for demolition and renovation of Phase 1 (administrative wing, board room/staff training room , HR offices, reception area upgrade, new signage, outside brick walls painted, other exterior improvements). Other things have come out of the $1.5 million that have come up unexpected such as purchase of SCHS doors and lighting at SCHS. This does not include the $950,000 for an HVAC system. Phase 1 has a budget of $3.8 million ($2.8 million plus $950,000 for HVAC). The $2.8 million does not include the $1.5 million from the 2025-2026 budget. Projected timeline to finish Phase 1 is May 2027. That is if they get started by mid-July 2026. Glenn Forsee asked for a monthly report of where we are at this time. Jeff Sweeney said he could also add a copy of the payouts to the report so the board can see everything itemized. Will not have a hard number until get a Guaranteed Maximum Price. Should have it at the July board meeting. Will get the old maintenance property ready to sell by the end of May. Mr. Harwell spoke to the Board about his restructuring of the Central Office. Will not add new positions or any additional money to the budget. Dr. Garrett talked about the Aramark contract. She explained the contract for 2026-2027 will be $409,000. With that we get one director and a person over custodial services. They also supply cleaning supplies and equipment. The equipment depreciates and becomes ours over time if we do not renew the Aramark Contract. We would need to budget for 2 employees, supplies and equipment. Dr. Garrett and Mr. Harwell both agree on hiring our own personnel over maintenance along with supplies and equipment. Robert Daniel went over the draft budget. He said we have a positive in fund balance but it is very low. He explained that he is projecting sales tax collections to be the same but it will change with gas prices going up and the economy. There is a 5% raise for certified and classified employees plus step increases. This 5% will get us over the $50,000 salary the state requires for first year teachers. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:10. |