Jefferson County Board of School Commissioners Meeting

Director of Secondary Education, Ruth Pohlman – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

The Jefferson County School Board met for a Called Meeting and Work Session on Thursday, October 10, 2013, at the Patriot Academy.  The Meeting was Called to Order by Chairman of the Board Potts. All Board Members were present for Roll Call.

Under New Business, the Board Approved, with a Motion from Board Member Bradley and 2nd from Board Member Lowery, allocation of $34,000 from Fund Balance for a student management system vendor. The Board was informed that, after consideration for JCHS renovation contributions and traffic light contributions, the School System Fund Balance is around $2,068,000. The Motion for vendor switch was approved at the last voting meeting and only the line item to fund the purchase was under consideration.

Director of Secondary Education, Ruth Pohlman, presented the Board with an overview of the achievement of school system goals for the 2012-2013 school year. Pohlman stated that the majority of goals established had been met and that test scores show improvement. She presented information on each goal and said that the school system is working to improve the gap closure for special groups and the graduation rate at Jefferson County High School, as well as reaching to attain status of Exemplary School System.

With a Motion from Board Member Cavanah and 2nd from Board Member Vines, the Board Approved the School System Goals for the 2013-2014 school year. The goals include meeting or exceeding Annual Measurable Objectives for achievement targets set by the State. Decreasing the sub group gaps, maintaining or exceeding the Tn Value Added Assessment for TCAP. Increasing the ACT composite score to a 20 for 2014. Maintain or exceed the Proficient or Advanced on the End of Course Exams and to meet or exceed all goals to achieve the status of Exemplary School District.

The Board Approved Surplus Property (transportation/nutrition) with a Motion from Board Member Jarnigan and 2nd from Board Member Rogers.

With a Motion from Board Member Vines and 2nd from Rogers, the Board Approved General Budget Amendment #4 (arts grant) and Federal Budget #3 (focus grant).

The Board Adjourned the Voting Meeting and convened the Work Session.

Director of Schools Edmonds presented the Board with information regarding Capitol Projects. He stated that $575,000 was allocated for Building 8. The Board discussed funds that had carried over from previous years that were allocated for Capitol Projects. Director Edmonds presented the Board with a study of lighting needs at Athletic Fields in the County and informed them that poles have been removed at Jefferson Middle School Football Field. Director of Business Affairs Phagan stated that he will be presenting the Board with information on the Jefferson County High School Football and Baseball fields to increase longevity.

The Board received information on Emergency Preparedness for schools and the district. They also received an update, in the form of a handout, of community literacy. Phagan stated that was basins will be replaced at Dandridge Elementary, New Market and White Pine Schools, due to leakage. It should take approximately 4-6 weeks to order new basins and then installation can occur. He also stated that two small leaks at Dandridge Elementary School are in the process of being identified and repaired and that he is looking at the viability of carpet squares for carpets that are changed.

Director Edmonds stated that he has met with Principals individually in regard to contract performance. The Board will fill out the Director’s evaluation and have them turned in by the next meeting. They will be tabulated by the TBA and the composite score will be presented.