Board of Education Minutes
April 9, 2007

The Lebanon Special School District Board of Education Meeting was called to order by Steve Jones, Board Chair, at 5:00 p.m., in the Director of School’s Office, 701 Coles Ferry Pike.  Board Members, Mr. Joel Thacker and Mr. Mark Tomlinson, and Director of Schools, Dr. Sharon Roberts, were also in attendance.  Dr. Roberts led the pledge to the flag.  A moment of silence was observed. 

Dr. Roberts requested to add the following items to the agenda:  Regina Baker, Byars Dowdy Elementary  (Retirement); Carol Thomas, Castle Heights Upper Elementary (Retirement); Becky Burroughs, Coles Ferry Elementary (Special Leave); and the Employee Transfer Procedures for Lebanon Special School District.  On a motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded Mark Tomlinson, the agenda and requested additions to the agenda were approved.

Recognition
Dr. Roberts recognized Nancy Smith for receiving the Upper Cumberland Regional Teacher of the Year Award.  In honor of this award, Ms. Smith was presented with a special gift from Lebanon Special School District.

Consent Agenda
On a motion made by Mark Tomlinson and seconded by Joel Thacker, the minutes from the March 5, 2007, meeting were approved. On a motion made by Mark Tomlinson and seconded by Joel Thacker, Becky Burroughs special leave request was approved with modifications and all other personnel leaves were approved as requested.

New Business
Dr. Roberts presented the candidates eligible for tenure to the Board of Education.  Steve Jones presented each person with a token of appreciation for his or her service to Lebanon Special School District. On a motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded by Mark Tomlinson, tenure was granted to all eligible teachers on the agenda. 

Penny Thompson presented the Board of Education with a proposal for textbook adoption for Reading for the 2007-08 school year.  Ms. Thompson explained the process for selecting the proposed books.  On a motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded by Mark Tomlinson, the textbook adoption was approved.

Dr. Roberts presented the first reading for a Code of Ethics policy for Lebanon Special School District and explained that all school districts are required to have a code of ethics in place prior to July 1, 2007.  On a motion made by Mark Tomlinson and seconded by Joel Thacker, the document was approved.
 
Reports/Information
Jeanne Ray presented a presentation to the board regarding Lebanon Special School District’s Early Intervention Successes.  Ms. Ray informed the board that our success with this program will allow us to absorb T-1 classes into Kindergarten and First Grade classes next year.  Steve Jones commended our schools for the success revealed in this program. 

Dr. Roberts updated the board on a grant application submitted by Lebanon Special School District for Coordinated School Health (CSH).  Dr. Roberts presented a PowerPoint presentation that thoroughly explained CSH and stated our commitment to the overall health of our students.  Dr. Roberts also informed the board that CSH is optional this year, but is expected to be mandated for all schools next year.

Randall Hutto shared a Resolution from the City Council stating their support of Lebanon Special School District’s proposed district expansion plans.  Mr. Hutto informed the board that he did not have any news on the status of this request at this point. 

Pat Hughes presented the results of the surplus bus bids and stated that the money would be placed toward the order of new buses.

Mr. Hutto shared copies of the documents to elect trustees for TNRMT.  He stated that the Board of Education members could submit nominations if they would like prior to April 15, 2007.

Mr. Hutto provided updates of PTO Reports and informed the board that the air installation in the gym of Walter J. Baird is complete.

Other Business
Dr. Roberts highlighted some upcoming events for the district:  Week of April 23 is pre-registration for all schools; April 23 is open transfer period for the district; April 23 is employee transfer request period; and May 3 is Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten registration day. 

The next Board of Education meeting date is May 7, 2007.  Being no further business, Steve Jones made a motion to adjourn the meeting at approximately 6:00 p.m., and Mark Tomlinson seconded the motion and adjourned the meeting. 

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Board of Education Minutes
April 3, 2006

The Lebanon Special School District Board of Education Regular Meeting was called to order by Mr. Steve Jones at 5 p.m. in the Director of Schools’ Office, 701 Coles Ferry Pike.  Mr. Joel Thacker, Board Member, and Dr. Sharon Roberts, Director of Schools, were also present.  Jahniah Hobbs, student at Coles Ferry Elementary, led the pledge of allegiance.  A moment of silence was also observed.

Being no additions to the agenda, the agenda was approved as presented.

Recognitions:
Those teachers being recommended for tenure were individually recognized by the Board Members and given a STAR paperweight to acknowledge their professional achievement.

Consent Agenda:
On a motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded by Steve Jones, the minutes from the February 13, 2006 Board Meeting and Personnel Leaves were approved.  Rachael Denton and Emily Evans from Coles Ferry Elementary along with Michelle Boyd from Byars Dowdy Elementary were granted leaves.

New Business Requiring Board Action:
The Board approved Resolution 05-06-04 which opposes the TACIR prototype being reviewed by the state BEP Review Committee and asks the committee to consider other options for funding education in Tennessee.  This resolution will be provided to the AIMS Board of Directors and our local legislators.

The following teachers were recommended and granted tenure by the Board (motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded by Steve Jones):  Melissa Campbell, Sheri Hale, Renee Palmeira, Christy Nicole Turner, Jerett Cushing, Jamie Neal, Karla Wright, Brandi Hayes, Kim King, Tina Starnes, Shay Wynne, Rachael Rigsby, Kristina Hobbs, Tuesday Hyatt, Joanie Blevins, Jennifer Byrd, DeeAnna Persinger, and Melba Carr.

With regard to our Textbook Adoption cycle for the 2006-2007 school year,  Joel Thacker made two motions and they were seconded by Steve Jones.  The first motion was to approve the request for adoption as presented.  The second motion was to give the Director of Schools permission to order the textbooks earlier than normal (in May or early June) so that books will be available for students when they return to school July 31, contingent on the availability of funding. The proper budget amendments will be made to the Board as needed.  The goal is to be on a year ahead budget cycle in ordering textbooks.

Randall Hutto reviewed the circumstances regarding replacing the circulating tank at Walter J. Baird Middle School, which was done to prevent an emergency situation.  The Board had given verbal permission prior to this meeting.  Each member was presented a copy of the bid documents. On a motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded by Steve Jones, approval was given.

Mr. Hutto presented the three year HVAC Renovation Plan for the system, which identifies a systematic plan for replacing units.  On a motion made by Joel Thacker and seconded by Steve Jones, the plan and this first phase (which replaces ten new HVAC units for Sam Houston Elementary and two rooftop units for Walter J. Baird Middle School) were approved.  Funding will be in the 2006-2007 school year budget.  Each successive phase will be rebid.

The Board approved Mr. Hutto’s request for asphalt maintenance at Walter J. Baird Middle School and Castle Heights Upper Elementary.  The project will be completed during the summer break.

Reports and Other Information:
Dr. Roberts presented the 2006 Lebanon Special School District’s Mission, Vision, and Belief Statements as developed by the system-wide comprehensive leadership team.   Mr. Steve Jones was involved in this process.

Mr. Hutto provided the Board with an update on the Risk Management Trust and our renewal status.  Upon recommendation of our Board attorney, Bob Rochelle, the Lebanon Special School District will remain with the Risk Management Trust for another year.

Under the “other business” discussion, Mr. Hutto shared with the Board that our warranty on the roof at Sam Houston Elementary is expiring.  The cost to renew is $50,000 for ten years.  The Board will consider this issue further.  Mr. Hutto also shared that Castle Heights Upper Elementary and Walter J. Baird will be utilized this weekend for an Emergency Management Drill.

Being no further business, Mr. Thacker made a motion and Mr. Jones seconded adjourning the meeting at 5:30 p.m.