White Pine School to Get New Portable for Food Warming Station
Concern regarding the method that students will receive their lunches during the renovation and addition to White Pine School has risen among parents. But, those concerns were answered during last week’s school board meeting when the School Board, at the request of Director of Jefferson County Schools Business Affairs Phagan, gave their approval for the purchase of a portable unit that would be restructured to serve as a meal warming station for school lunches. Preparation of lunches for White Pine students will be done at Talbott School and then the meals will be transported to White Pine. Initially, the plan was to begin construction on White Pine by late spring but a delay due contractual issues has pushed the start date beyond the beginning of the new school year, which extends the period of time that the school will be without kitchen facilities. The portable unit is expected to cost in the neighborhood of $21,000 and it will be reconfigured, after the need for a warming station has been met, to serve as additional space at White Pine School, according to Phagan. White Pine cafeteria personnel will be split between Talbott School and White Pine School, where they will prepare meals and serve, respectively. School Board member Cavanah made the motion to approve the request for the portable and she was 2nd by Board Member Vines. Board Member Potts abstained and the motion passed 5-0-1.
Plans for the White Pine School project were approved to be sent to the Fire Marshal. The plans that will be presented include options beyond those that are covered by the approved $2 million dollar budget. However, the cost of those alternative plans have already been covered, though time and construction costs were not covered in any alternative that might be used.
In other action, the Board approved the differentiated pay plan, though questions did arise concerning those that leave the system profiting from the previous test cycle. Various general housekeeping end of year budget amendments were approved. Board Member Potts questioned the wisdom of appropriating funds that may not be ongoing for reoccurring expenses such as salaries.
The School Board will meet for a Work Session July 14, 2016, as well as a Called Meeting, where they will discuss issues with dressing rooms at Jefferson County High School.
