June 25, 2026 at 6:30 PM - GCSSD Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Mr. Tom Lannom led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  Mr. Tom Lannom called the meeting to order.

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett expressed his gratitude to student board member Mr. Jack Ball by presenting him with a certificate of achievement and a gift in recognition of his service.

Discussion:  No public comment

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the Retired Employee Health Insurance. 
Policy 3.6001 Continuation of Health Insurance Coverage for Retired Certified Employees.

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the Teacher Salary Schedule, which included a $3,000 raise for 10-month certified staff and a 5% increase for non-certified employees.

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the Budget Approval. The total expenditures amount to $44,434,442.45, which includes a $3,000 raise for 10-month certified staff and a 5% raise for non-certified staff.
For general purposes, LeBonheur accepted $150,000 for occupational and physical therapy services for the 2026-2027 school year, which decreased expenditures by $50,000. However, expenditures increased by $74,970.39 to cover the majority of the health insurance increase. Mr. Hinson explained the insurance cost and introduced the new Co-Pay Insurance Plan. 
The addition of a maintenance worker is estimated to increase expenditures by $83,897, accounting for salary, Social Security, Medicare, retirement, and insurance.
Overall, the net effect is a reduction of $108,867.18, leading to a deficit of $47,440.95.
Additionally, food service expenditures increased employee insurance, resulting in a $3,294 increase. To maintain a balanced budget, food supply expenditures were decreased by the same amount, $3,294.
Lastly, there will be no increase in property taxes. Mr. Eddie Pruett explained the tax situation, noting that the district has not raised taxes for day-to-day operations or staff raises since he became superintendent. Tax increases from the school district typically occur to fund new schools or major capital projects.
Mr. Tom Lannom stated that Ms. Marcie Williams from  ATA, CPA, will attend the board meeting on July 9th to address audit questions.

Discussion:  Mr. Rory Hinson presented the proposal for a maintenance vehicle purchase for the newly hired maintenance employee and to amend the budget by $48,628.00.

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the Federal Consolidated Application.
The GCSSD Board of Trustees is required to approve the proposed expenditures for Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Title I Part A funds each year. These federal funds are established to improve the academic achievement of students attending area schools with higher poverty percentages. School allocations are spiraled down using an average per pupil amount to each eligible school. Percentages represent direct certification students pulled per school from the April 2026 data.
The 5 schools eligible to receive Title I funds are listed in rank/spiraling order. 
Kenton Elementary (82.76%) - $72,000.00
Dyer School (80.32%) - $201,728.00
Rutherford School (57.09%) — $89,566.00
Spring Hill School (56.38%) - $30,514.00
Yorkville School (54.41%) - $42,307.00
Total School Amounts: $436,115.00 
District-wide positions and set-asides partially and/or fully funded by Title I funds include: 
Title I Director 
Federal Programs Bookkeeper
Literacy Coaches
Parent Involvement Activities/Meetings
Professional Development 
Travel
Total District-wide Amounts: $114,774.16
The projected Title I Part A budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year is $525,889.16. I seek your acceptance in approving the Title I Part A portion of the Federal Consolidated Application. 
Erica Durall, Federal Director

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Special Education
The District Board of Trustees is required to approve the proposed expenditures for Part B IDEA funds each year. These are federal funds, and the application process requires detailed expenditure projections. These are included with the general program budget, which will be approved later.
Gibson County Special School District is eligible for IDEA Part B federal funds for the projected amount of $767,772.00 for students with disabilities ages 6-21 and an additional $18,292.00 in federal preschool funds for students, ages 3-5. General-purpose state and local funds are budgeted for $3,601,702.00 for next year. Total funds budgeted for special education services in Gibson County Special School District for the school year 2026-2027 are $4,193,675.00.
Summary of Projected Programs
515 students (ages 6-21) with disabilities identified for services (projected)
40 students (ages 3-5) with disabilities will also receive services (projected)
3 integrated preschool programs for children who have developmental delays (ages 3-5)
3 buses for special transportation
3 bus attendants
3 vans—transportation to special programs outside our district (Vocational Rehab and work sites)
3 alternating drivers (and van) to provide daily transportation to the West TN School for the Deaf and additional sped transportation within district as needed during the day.
4 Speech-Language Pathologists, 1 Speech-Pathologist Contracted
28 classroom and inclusion teachers
49 teacher assistants and attendants
1 Transition School to Work Case Manager — approx. 71% funded with Voc Rehab grant for next 2 years
2 Workplace Readiness Specialists (job coaches) — approx. 69% funded with Voc Rehab grant for next 2 years
1 full-time Special Education Supervisor
1 Preschool/Special Education Consulting Teacher (special state grant partially funded)
1 clerical position
1 Behavior Interventionist (GP-funded)
A full range of therapies are provided through private contracts with LeBonheur HealthCare (physical and occupational therapies), Psychological Services (evaluation and assessment services), and an annual contract for speech/language services through Words For Life agency.
I am seeking approval of the IDEA portion of the Federal Consolidated Application.
Chasity Reasons
Supervisor of Special Education

 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the student school board applicants. Mr. Pruett recommended Junior Mr. Conner Simpson to serve as the GCHS Student Board Member.

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the surplus items. 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett informed the board of the new hire listing.

Discussion:  Mr. Jack Ball noted that not much has happened since graduating from GCHS. However, he expressed confidence that Conner Simpson will excel in his new role as a GCHS student board member. 
Mr. Isaac Scherer received congratulations on his contributions to the soccer team, which recently participated in the state tournament for the first time and won their opening match.

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett reminded the board of the upcoming conference.