School Board Meets
Jefferson County High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Randy Rogers (Left), Football Head Coach Kenny Cobble (Right) – Staff photo by Jeff Depew
The Jefferson County School Board held their Regular Monthly Voting Meeting on Thursday, January 24, 2013 in the Media Center of Jefferson County High School. The Meeting was Called to Order by Chairman of the Board Potts. All members of the Board were present.
Director of Jefferson County School Edmonds recognized Supervisor Mandy Schneitman for being named State Counselor Supervisor of the Year.
Director Edmonds recognized and Thanked the School Board for their service to Jefferson County Schools. School Board Appreciation Week is January 27-Feburary 3rd.
Jefferson County High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Randy Rogers recognized Jefferson County High School Football Coach Kenny Cobble for the Coaches and team receiving the Bobby Dodd Award.
Upon a Motion from Board Member Vines and 2nd from Board Member Rogers the Agenda was Approved. The Consent Agenda items were Approved with a Motion from Board Member Bradley and 2nd from Board Member Lowery.
Financial Reports were presented by Jefferson County Director of Finance Helton.
Athletic Director Rogers informed the Board that he had questions regarding a recent parent request for a School organized Bowling Team, including funds for Coaching supplements, transportation and rental costs, as well as team sustainability.
Jefferson County High School Principal Walker addressed the Board to request that consideration be given for funds in the amount of $9,000 to allow JCHS guidance counselors to work the month of June. Cuts to the State budget resulted in the loss of finding for extended time for counselors.
Under New Business, the Board Approved on First and Final Reading (after suspension of the Rules) Policy 1.802 Section 504 and Grievance Procedures.
Upon a Motion from Board Member Cavanah and 2nd from Bradley the Board Approved amendments to the General Purpose and Federal Funds. The General Purpose Amendments included line item adjustments from legal to judgment lines and $ 100,000 from Fund Balance for the cost of Diesel and Gasoline which was removed from last year’s budget.
Chairman Potts and Board Members Bradley and Vines were Approved as Committee members for the Special Question Committee for Professional Educators Collaborative Conferencing Act of 2011, with a Motion from Rogers and a 2nd from Board Member Jarnigan.
Upon a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Rogers the Board Approved the TSBA Fall District Meeting 2013 Guidelines for the Host Board.
Director Edmonds brought a recommendation that the School Board surplus a County owned portable classroom that does not meet school code because it does not have a restroom. He further recommended that the surplused portable ownership be transferred to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department for their use. Edmonds stated that the Sheriff’s Department shoulders the cost for all but two of the school’s SROs. Board Member Rogers made a Motion to accept the recommendation of Director Edmonds and was 2nd by Board Member Vines-Passed Unanimously. Director of Maintenance, Capitol Projects and Transportation Phagan brought information to the Board concerning the number of portables that are currently leased (16) and the number that will be leased after current project (14) the majority of which are at Jefferson County High School (10) and will be returned after the renovation. One triple wide at the alternative school cannot be replaced by owned units, as they are not large enough. Future Plans include replacing 2 leased portables with County owned units that are currently at JCHS, after the renovation project is complete. Director Helton informed the Board that State policy will not permit the donation of portables outside of the County government. Chairman Potts requested information on the cost of purchasing the triple wide unit at the alternative school.
Upon a Motion from Rogers and 2nd from Vines the Board Approved the JCHS Baseball ticket booth, which is no cost to the School System. With a Motion from Jarnigan and 2nd from Bradley the Board Approved improvement to School Property at Piedmont Elementary School. The PTO, in conjunction with a grant, will provide covered outdoor classroom space.
The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce requested sponsorship for their annual meeting and banquet. The Board discussed the levels of sponsorship available and was informed that the School Board has not traditionally sponsored the Chamber, though the Chamber does sponsor the Youth Leadership Class at Jefferson County High School. Board Member Vines made a Motion to become a “Gold” Sponsor at the cost of $750 and was 2nd by Bradley. Board Members Cavanah and Roger stated that they would rather use those funds for teacher or student needs. The Motion Passed with Cavanah, Rogers and Jarnigan voting No.
A request was made to allow Student Nutrition to spend up to $17,000 of their current budget for Computer Software Upgrades. The Motion Passed with a Motion form Bradley and a 2nd from Jarnigan.
Jefferson County High School Vocational Coordinator and Assistant Principal John Cagle brought rough plans for renovations to the current space in Building 8, which would better utilize the building. Cagle stated that the plans were drawn in house by a teacher in the Vocational building and allowed for more space for technology and grant related programs. Phagan stated that the electrical work that is currently needed in Building 8 will be done by both contract labor and County Maintenance.
Director Edmonds informed the Board that many factors are involved in making the decision to early dismiss or call off school, with the most important goal being student safety. He said that, though one road or area in the County may not have treacherous traveling conditions, another part of the County may have hazardous conditions and that the decisions are made with student safety in mind. The Department of Education attempts to give parents as much notice as possible when school is called off to allow for child care arrangements.
The Board was informed that a Capitol Projects and Maintenance needs list for the entire Department of Education has been compiled and the packet was distributed to Board Members. They will revisit the issue after time to review the packet.
Director Edmonds informed the Board that $22,500 is left from QSCBs (bonds) which were utilized to fund the building of Mount Horeb School. The funds must be used for needs associated with that school or to repay the Capitol Note that was partially used at Mount Horeb. The Board will address the issue in February. The Meeting was Adjourned.
