Special Called School Board Meeting

The Jefferson County School Board met in a Called Meeting and Workshop on Thursday evening, February 14, 2013. After a Call to Order from Chairman of the Board Potts, Mt. Horeb Principal Sandra Austin presented a list of requested items for purchase from the remaining funds from the QCSB account (building bonds). Money from the bonds is designated for use at Mt. Horeb Elementary School. Austin listed items such as security cameras, shelving, gym floor cover, gym projector and walkie talkies to be considered for purchase. The Board also discussed the possibility of purchasing bleachers for the gym with the approximately $22,600 left from the bonds. Board Member Bradley made a Motion to fund items on the purchase list up to $22,600 (2nd Jarnigan) which passed unanimously. The Board then moved into a Work Session where they discussed the recent move at the State level to instigate Opportunity Scholarships in the form of Vouchers for low income students to attend private or church schools. Director of Schools Edmonds informed the Board that the proposed voucher plan could have serious impact on BEP funding for public school systems if the funding follows the student. There is also a question of the public school’s obligation to fund services without assistance from BEP funds. Though all parameters of the proposed legislation are not clear, Edmonds is carefully watching the proposal as it finds its way to the legislative floor. He stated that Jefferson County Schools may receive around $300,000 in Capitol Outlay funds from the State that they had missed out on in the past few budget years.

Director Edmonds stated that the Department of Education is looking at enrollment trends in conjunction with the proposed Megasite. School Transportation Supervisor Sherry Dotson made a presentation to the Board concerning the status of bus needs. Dotson commended bus drivers and the staff at the Transportation Department for their dedication to the school system. She also thanked Administrative Assistant Julie Baker for her efficiency in dealing with the large amount of paperwork associated with Transportation in the School System. Director of Business Affairs and Capitol Projects Phagan informed the Board that he is requesting funding in the amount of $148,500 to purchase 4 new buses that must be ordered in March to be available for the start of school in August. Total cost of the 4 new buses is expected to be $335,000, of which $171,500 is already available in the budget. The Special Education Department is committing $15,000 toward the purchase because 2 of the buses are for Special Needs students. Phagan requested that the remaining $148,500 funding be placed in the agenda for the next voting meeting. He also informed the Board that the Used Bus Fund will need to be replenished to maintain a schedule of purchases that will reduce the purchase need in future years. The Used Bus Fund currently has $58,000. Three used buses were purchased this year in the total amount of $162,000. Phagan stated that three portables had been moved from Jefferson Elementary and others in the County will be moved when weather allows.

Sally Meredith, Instructional Technology Specialist, addressed the Board about the instructional use of smart phones and other devices. She stated that some school systems are integrating personal devices and phones into the classroom to utilize the technology for students. Meredith cited decreased discipline problems and fingertip technology as benefits of the use of student smart phones. Concerns center around monitoring and infrastructure needs. Jefferson County High School will have the infrastructure to support the incorporation of smart phones, lap top and tablet computers upon the completion of renovation. The Policy Committee will begin to look at the particulars of integrating the technology into the classroom.

Director of Student Support Services Schneitman gave a presentation on bullying and the measures that are being taken on the system, school and classroom level. Chairman Potts stated that some of the Board had toured Building 8 at Jefferson County High School and added Building 8 renovation and design to the next agenda.

Chairman Potts informed the Board that Director of Schools Edmond’s contract expires June 30, 2015. The Board can issue an extension on his contract, though it requires advertisement. She requested that Board Members consider the contract and any action that they would like to take concerning an extension.

Before the next Board Meeting on February 28th, Board Members will tour the Patriot Academy.

Source: K. Depew, News Director