Board of School Commissioners Meet For Work Session

The Jefferson County School Board met in a Work Session on Thursday, August 8, 2013, in the new Patriot Academy. Absent from the meeting was Board Member Lowery. Topics of interest included an overview of non negotiables for the 2013-2014 school year, the partial release of TCAP Scores County Wide and Home School students participation in TSSAA sanctioned school sports.

Sherry Finchum, Director of Accountability and K-8, presented the Board with non negotiables that will serve as a guideline to improve academic performance for students. She informed the Board that schools will be teaching bell to bell, to meet the requirements of the extended day which provides the Department of Education with inclement weather days. According to Director of Schools Edmonds, the State Department of Education is now requiring more stringent adherence to the guidelines in order to receive the inclement weather days, which are used for snow or other eligible issues. The Department of Education will employ a more individual education plan for each student and students will be encouraged to own their academic progress.

Ruth Pohlman, Director of Secondary Education, informed the Board that strides had been made in the TCAP Assessment County wide. She presented grade and subject scores, however individual school scores are still embargoed and that information will be made available when the State releases the scores.

Randy Rogers, Athletic Director for Jefferson County High School, brought the Board information regarding home school student’s participation in TSSAA sanctioned sports. The Board will be constructing a policy that addresses home school participation on both the high school and middle school levels. According to Rogers, in order for a school to participate in TSSAA sanctioned sports, home school students must be allowed to try out for sanctioned teams. Extra Curricular activities such as band, cheerleading and swimming are not currently sanctioned sports. The Board will address the issue in a voting meeting.

Director Edmonds stated that the beginning of the school year had started well and that he was appreciative to the staff, students and parents for the smooth way that the first day was executed. Jefferson County High School Principal Walker said that, despite the extensive renovations at Jefferson County High School, the first day of school was very good.  Patriot Academy Administrator Morelock said that students are transitioning well to the new school and that the first day of school went well.

Updates on the roofing collapse included information regarding insurance payment. Director Edmonds stated that, via communication with Tennessee Risk Management, that the claims process should be coming to a close soon and the Department of Education will know what offer will be made shortly. Department of Education Director of Business Affairs Phagan stated that it was a combined effort to complete the tasks necessary to open on time and thanked those associated with the process.

The Board will meet, in a collaborative effort to address teacher contracts, with representatives of JCEA and independent teachers.