December 9, 2019 at 5:30 PM - Jackson-Madison County School Work Session

Discussion:  James Johnson Chairman called the December 9, 2019 Work Session to order

Discussion:  The December Work Session began with a moment of silence

Discussion:  South Elementary and Denmark Students presented a few Christmas songs for the JMCSS School Board under the direction of Sheila Houston.

Discussion:  POLICY 1.404 APPEALS TO AND APPEARANCES BEFORE THE BOARD
Public Comments at a Board Work Session

To make public comments before the Board, a member of the public may speak during the public comments portion of the work session agenda.  Public comments shall be the first item of the work session agenda and shall be limited to a maximum of thirty minutes.  Speakers will comply with the following guidelines:
* Remarks will be limited to three (3) minutes unless time is extended by the 
  Board
* Each person speaking shall state his/her name, address, and subject of
  presentation
* Delegations must select only one individual to speak on their behalf unless
  otherwise determined by the Board
* Remarks must pertain to school business
* No interrogation of Board Members
* No public derogatory statement about individuals (Superintendent, Board
  Members, teachers, staff, etc)
* No personal attacks
* The Chair shall have the authority to terminate the remarks of any individual
  who is disruptive or does not adhere to Board rules
* Members of the Board and the director of schools may have the privilege of
  asking questions of any person who addresses the Board

Robert Curlin comments were about the communication with meetings to the public.  Sheila Godwin would like for the Public comments to be at the Board meeting with more time to speak.  Ora Mayfield and Ms Gill are concerned about their child being out of school and asking to have him back in school.
 

Discussion:  Holly Kellar read the Budget Amendments to the Board Members and answered questions from the Board concerning the Budget Amendments. 

Discussion:  Karen Bell presented and answered questions concerning reports from the Madison County Finance Department.

Discussion:  James Johnson asked, was there any questions concerning the December Board meeting agenda.

Discussion:  Holly Kellar presented the Purchasing Cooperatives for the Board to approve on Thursday, December 12, 2019

Discussion:  James Johnson reminded the Board that TSBA would be in attendance on Thursday, December 12, 2019. Ben Torres with TSBA will have the results from Community Forums and the Online Survey for the Superintendent Search.  If there are any additions to the criteria or timeline from the Board, they need to bring those additions to the meeting.  Also, some of the Board Members were asking to have a Called Business Meeting to further discuss the criteria concerning the Superintendent Search.

Discussion:  Dale Thomas mentioned to the JMCSS Board what they needed to decide at the December Board Meeting on Thursday, December 12, 2019 concerning the appeals.  The Board could approve a hearing for the parents and a date and time would be decided.  If the Board does not grant a hearing, then the Board must decide whether to affirm, reverse or modify the decision of the DHA and Superintendent.  The decision will be based solely on the record provided to the Board.  If the record is a zero tolerance offense, the Board cannot modify the calendar year suspension as that can only be modified by the Superintendent

Discussion:  Dlae Thomas presented the list of Impartial Hearing Officers for the Board to approve on Thursday, December 12, 2019.

Discussion:  AJ Massey mentioned to the Board why there was an increase to the Dental Insurance for employees.  The Board will decide on Thursday, December 12, 2019 if they approve the increase for employees.

Discussion:  Catherine Korth explained the 2020-2021 School Calendar to the JMCSS Board.  James Johnson mentioned that several Teachers had requested him to suggest that the school system be out for a week at Thanksgiving.  Ray Washington stated, that if they were to have a week off at Thanksgiving, those two days would need to be added at the beginning of the year, the end of the year or the during the year.  Morris Merriweather asked, when does the State require school to start?  Mrs. Korth stated, that if the system was to start before August 1st, the system would need to apply for a wavier.

Discussion:  Catherine Korth explained the 2019 District and School Accountability report to the Board.  Mrs. Korth presented information to the Board concerning the District and School Accountability and answered questions from the Board.

Discussion:  Ray Washington mentioned that the MOU is being reviewed at this time and more information will be given to the Board.

Discussion:  James Johnson will have the Board Secretary email the goals to the Board for any additions or deletions of information.

Discussion:  The Board will approve the minutes at the Board meeting on December 12, 2019

Discussion:  Doris Black Chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee, gave an overview of discussion from the November 20, 2019 meeting.

Discussion:  Janice Hampton Chairman of the Policy Committee presented several policies for the Board to approve from the November 25, 2019 meeting

Discussion:  AJ Massey mentioned that there will not be an increase in Health or Vision Insurance. 

Discussion:  The Budget Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 4:15 p.m.

Discussion:  Ray Washington mentioned that they met with the Student Advisory Committee and received input on their thoughts concerning cell phones being used in schools by students.  James Johnson mentioned that the Student Advisory Committee completed a survey for the Superintendent Search and that the survey will be sent to TSBA.

Discussion:  Tiffany Green will have a comparison from last year of absentees by teachers for the Board to review per a request by James Johnson.  Morris Merriweather asked, was there any discussions happening with Teachers on why they are absent for a number of times.

Discussion:  AJ Massey would like to have a list of updates concerning projects for Board Members at each meeting from Ray Washington

Discussion:  James Johnson made a motion for the meeting to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.  Shannon Stewart seconded the motion.