Rezone? Build? or Both?

The Jefferson County Board of School Commissioners held their work session on February 12, 2015 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Chairman of the Board Jarnigan called the meeting to order. Absent from Roll Call was Board Member Vines.

Sherry Dotson, Jefferson County School Transportation Supervisor, addressed the Board regarding challenges that bus drivers have encountered while taking their required physicals. She stated that the cost of further required testing, such as the sleep apnea evaluation, has made it difficult to retain drivers. Dotson said that Jefferson Family Physicians offers the initial physical at a deeply discounted cost to the drivers but many are required to have further testing to retain their license. She requested that the Department of Education look into some method to alleviate the impact of costly testing, by either contribution or offering health insurance to drivers, and will return to the Board with follow up information.

Jamie Johnson, Student Nutrition Director, informed the Board that smoothie machines will be utilized to provide a fruit component for lunch. Dandridge Elementary School will be a pilot school for the breakfast in the classroom program, which will begin in March.

Director of Schools Edmonds and the Board reviewed the five year plan, including goals and objectives. Board Members will work on a mission statement and vision statement for the Department of Education that includes components that address the majority of the Board’s goals for the school system and students. Edmonds informed the Board that the new schools have been well received and, when Jefferson County High School and Building 8 are completed, it will be beneficial to the entire County. He said that he has concerns regarding the parking lot at Jefferson County High School and costly repairs that may be needed due to construction and heavy equipment in the student parking area.

The Director and the Board discussed schools that are currently at maximum capacity for classrooms, noting that both Jefferson Middle School and Maury Middle School are utilizing non classroom space for classrooms, as well as Mount Horeb Elementary School. White Pine School is currently utilizing 8 modular classrooms, as well as space that is not accessible to all students. Both the janitor’s closet and a storage room are being used as in school suspension and the bookkeepers office, respectively. Beyond insufficient classroom space, White Pine has outgrown its core space such as the cafeteria. Edmonds suggested that it might be possible to add onto existing schools. However, some members of the Board were reluctant to take that approach. Discussion included the possibility of rezoning to immediately relieve the pressure of over burdened schools.

Further discussion regarding White Pine School will be a part of the voting meeting later in the month.