Board Puts Teacher Insurance Concerns To Rest

The Jefferson County School Board met for their Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at the Patriot Academy.

Chairman of the Board Potts Called the Meeting to Order. Absent from Roll Call was Board Member Rogers. Following the Approval of the Agenda, Board Member Bradley made a Motion to accept the Consent Agenda and was 2nd by Board Member Jarnigan. The Motion was Approved and the Policy Committee will address the student chaperone quota and transportation policies.

Under Items for Information, Jefferson County Finance Director Helton informed the Board that the financial reports look good for the first half of the year. Helton will continue to investigate potential sources of revenue, including trademarking. He plans to meet with former County Commissioner Clamon regarding capitalizing on a potential County trademark. Helton stated that it is his understanding that cigarette tax is a part of the current BEP formula and he is still gathering information regarding the mixed drink tax. He said that it could be in the best interest of the School Board to request that the County legislative body contact legislators about the equal division of internet sale tax. In an update on surplus property sales, Helton informed the Board that around $37,000 has been garnered from surplus bus sales. Technology equipment is disposed of in a green manner.

Helton and Director of Schools Edmonds informed the Board that information has been received from Travelers Insurance regarding a total settlement offer of $781,244 for the direct and indirect costs of the roof collapse at Jefferson County High School. Edmonds stated that is his recommendation that the Board not accept the offer, as there are further considerations including outdated plans and current safety codes. Chairman Potts stated that it could be in the best interest of the Board for the executive committee to investigate and locate an attorney that specializes in insurance contract law. The Board gave general consent for the executive committee to begin a search for a specialized attorney. Reports from Traveler’s Insurance were dated January 2, 2014 but were not received by the Department of Education until February 3, 2014, which was a cause of concern for the Board.

Under New Business, with a Motion from Board Member Vines and 2nd from Jarnigan, the Board Approved 5-1 (Cavanah No) the Director’s Employment Contract. The Board Approved two resolutions to declare surplus property for technology and classroom equipment, following a Motion from Jarnigan and 2nd from Vines.

Three Budget Amendments were Approved (one General, one Federal and one JCHS Renovations) with a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Jarnigan. The Board Approved the 2014/2015 School Calendar upon a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Jarnigan.

Director of Schools Edmonds gave a recommendation that the Board adopt a Memorandum of Understanding developed under the provisions of the Professional Educators Collaborative Conferencing that would insure the continuation of insurance benefits for Department of Education employees. Edmonds stated that there is opportunity to break the Memorandum of Understanding for extenuating circumstances with adequate notice (1year). The recommendation was made in the form of a Motion by Board Member Bradley and 2nd by Lowery. It was Unanimously Approved.

Information following the adjournment indicated that one snow day will have to be made up, as of the School Board meeting date. If it remains the lone make up day, it will likely be made up in April, using a Professional Development Day.