November 16, 2017 at 5:30 PM - Board Meeting - Regular Session

Discussion: 

Mrs. Jones made a statement in memory of the students who were lost in accident of bus 366 November 21, 2016.

Mrs. Jones' statement: Like many of you, we were deeply saddened when we heard the news on November 21, 2016 that there had been an accident involving a bus of school children.  Now here we are, almost one year to the date that changed the lives in our community and most importantly the lives of the students of bus 366, their families, loved ones, teachers, principals, and school community forever.  This past year has not been easy for anyone, I can attest to that.  There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about the events and experiences I witnessed at both the crash site and the hospital that day as the lives of 37 families were changed in ways we never would have imagined.  Daily , we think about those students, their families, and school families and how the results of that crash have redefined their lives indefinitely.  We continue to extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the six students whose lives were lost.  Our prayers are with each of them as well as the 31 students who were on bus 366 that day and were injured or were affected in many ways.  We continue to pray for expedient recovery, healing, and resiliency.  On behalf of the Hamilton County School Board, Dr. Johnson, and the entire Hamilton County Department of Education staff, the Woodmore Elementary School family and the community, we want to let the families know that they are not alone as we continue to share this experience with and are here to support and help as we are able to do so. We will keep working diligently to ensure that the legacy of the lives lost on that day are lived on through the academic success of their peers.  There will never be words adequate enough to express what our hearts want to tell them.  We pray God continues to wrap his loving arms around each of you and give you the strength and peace that surpasses all understanding as you continue on this journey.  We love you and are here for you.  As we all continue to travel down the long road of healing as a community, we need each other more than ever. Our students and their families need us.  Healing is a difficult task but love conquers all.  Tonight, I ask that each of your join me in keeping the Woodmore Elementary School community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and the continued days ahead.  Let us never forget our students from bus 366 and our beloved Woodmore six: D'Myunn Brown, Zyanna Harris, Cordayja Jones, Zyaira Mateen, Zoie Nash, and Keonte Wilson. Please join me now in a moment of silence in honor of these students whose lives were lost and affected by the crash of bus 366.  Thank you.

Discussion: 

The following requests to amend the agenda were received:

Add – Woodmore Memorial Recognition after Roll Call

Add under VI. Presentations, item E. Construction Update/Architect Selection Process – Justin Witt; add XI. Board Matters item C. Field Trip Approval – Model UN – Ooltewah High School

Remove under IX. Approval of the Consent Agenda item E. Human Resources – Stacy Stewart, Assistant Superintendent, item 1. Calendar Approval for 2018-2019 School Year;

Remove under X. Administrative Business Matters item B. Curriculum & Instruction – Dr. Justin Robertson - 1. Agreement with County Operated Detention Centers and item C. HR Staffing – Dr. Bryan Johnson; item 1. Human Resources Staffing Request

Additional requests made just prior to the meeting were: Remove under Item VI. Presentations, D. Transition Team Update - Dr. Bryan Johnson, Superintendent; Remove under Item X. Administrative Business Matters, A. Campus Support - Dr. Lee McDade, Assistant Superintendent, 3. Zero Tolerance Suspension Appeal - This has been resolved; Add under Item VII. Delegations; B. Dan Landrum, Signal Mountain Town Council; Add to XI. Board Matters, B. Signal Mountain Viability Study Discussion - Voting on a Resolution.

Under Field Trips - Elementary Field Trips - the school should be Lookout Valley Elementary instead of Lookout Mountain Elementary.

Discussion: 

Dr. Robertson recognized the following Reward Schools:

Hixson Middle
East Ridge Middle
Thrasher Elementary
Lookout Mountain Elementary
Nolan Elementary
STEM School

Discussion: 

Dr. Robertson recognized the recipients of the Annenberg Grants:

DuPont Elementary
East Ridge Elementary

Discussion:  The information presented stated Lookout Mountain Elementary School and it should have been Lookout Valley Elementary School.  This was noted before the vote and the approval is given for the field trip for Lookout Valley Elementary School.

Discussion: 

Chairman Highlander asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Dr. Bryan Stewart, Assistant Principal at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary who passed away earlier in the week.

Chairman Highlander called for a unanimous vote to make a statement to the teachers and staff for American Education Week.  Everyone agreed.

"We unanimously appreciate the services of every employee of the County and we thank them for the great job they are doing for our children."  This will be sent out by email to all system employees.

Mrs. Jones gave an update on the TSBA Conference.

Dr. Johnson recognized Tim Hensley as the new District Communications Coordinator.

 

Discussion:  The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.