June 4, 2020 at 5:30 PM - WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Discussion:  Chairman Ervin called the meeting to order.  Chairman Ervin provided the following statement: Under the continued provisions of the State Executive Order to protect the safety and welfare of the public, the Washington County Board of Education meeting today is closed to the public.  Some Board members will be participating electronically.  In order to maintain transparency, the meeting is livestreamed and an audio recording will be provided as requested.  The livestream link can be found on the website, www.wcde.org.

Following a moment of silence,  Mr. Fleenor led the pledge to the flag.  
 

Discussion:  Dr. Flanary reminded the Board graduations are June 19 at David Crockett and June 20 at Daniel Boone, both beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Dr. Flanary read the executive order regarding large gatherings.  He then requested to allow each senior to have two tickets for guests, protocol that masks be required of all in attendance, and to require temperatures of guests as they enter.

Mr. Fleenor said he feels masks should be optional and would like to see roped off for people to stand.  

Mr. Ganger agreed with two guests and agree with Mr. Fleenor on masks being optional.

Mr. Meredith echoed Mr. Ganger and Mr. Fleenor.  He said if a person has a temperature, they probably would not be attending graduation.

Mr. Ervin said two guests are not enough per senior and gave an example being divorced family.  He suggested allowing six guests per senior.  

Mr. Ganger asked Director to coordinate with Sheriff's Department to help with grounds maintenance at the high schools.



 

Discussion:  Dr. Flanary shared the County Commission Budget Committee is the next day and will consider the Board of Educations FY21 budget. 

Discussion:  Director Flanary referenced a local store owner who had requested Dr. Flanary to sign a waiver for the store owner to be allowed to obtain a license to sell beer.  Dr. Flanary said the request was made because of the proximity of the store to David Crockett High School.

Discussion:  Mr. McLain and Mr. Ganger gave an update on the design committee meeting pertaining to the new Jonesborough School.  Mr. Ganger asked for discussion on the Board's feedback on whether or not they are in full agreement of wanting a full size track at the new Jonesborough School.  
 

Discussion:  Dr. Flanary recognized Mark Sizemore.  Mr. Sizemore presented information on the Tennessee Drugfree Workplace program.  

Mr. Ganger asked about just doing the safety related employees.

Mr. Ervin requested for Attorney Bennett to rejoin the meeting to answer questions about the drugfree workplace.

Attorney Bennett said for the Board to look at how much you are saving and compare to the cost of what you have to do to comply to be drugfree workplace program.  He said other systems have found cost exceeds savings.  He added the risk is if you don't adhere to requirements you risk violating employee's constitutional rights.  

Mr. Ganger gave example if employee is injured and tests positive system will not be required to pay for workman's comp.  

Mr. Meredith asked if all employees would be required for testing.

The Board requested for Director Flanary to talk further with Attorney Bennett and Mr. Sizemore to determine the % of all employees required for the testing, can only safety employees (having a CDL), and the cost of the drug test in order to compare to the projected savings.

Discussion:  The Board reviewed the allowances and reimbursements

Discussion:  Dr. Flanary presented the Differentiated Pay Plan for the Board's consideration.  He said money for new teachers to receive a mentor had been added.

Discussion:  Dr. Flanary presented the annual gifts and bequests report.  Mr. McLain moved to accept the report.  Mr. Fleenor seconded the motion.  Mr. Meredith noted they were all cash donations.  Mr. Meredith questioned if material items are recorded.  Mr. Hale answered that anytime there is a donation, a donation form is completed, whether cash or material.  Mr. Meredith mentioned the playground equipment for the new Boones Creek School should be reflected on the report.  Ms. Buchanan referenced a donation made towards the greenhouse at David Crockett High School.  Dr. Flanary followed with a donation from Attorney Bennett.  Following the discussion, Mr. McLain and Mr. Fleenor withdrew their motion and second to allow for the report to revised.  

Discussion:  Mr. Ervin felt Director should make decisions regarding the policy.

Mr. Ganger agreed and should not be in Board policy.

Mr. Fleenor asked if the only difference between the job description and job description policy was the job description policy listed three years experience.  

Dr. Flanary said that was correct.


 

Discussion:  Mr. Ervin asked about faculty/staff attending graduation.
 

Discussion:  Chairman Ervin presented Director Flanary's evaluation.

Discussion:  Director Flanary read statement from Regina France of WCEA.  Ms. France thanked Dr. Flanary, Attorney Scott Bennett, Susan Kiernan, School Board Members, and Brad Hale for answering Ms. France and other individuals' questions.