Board of School Commissioners Meeting
L/R – John Cagle, Kyle Johnson, and Fiona Scruggs
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
The Jefferson County School Board met for their Regular Voting Session on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the Patriot Academy. Following a 5:30 Executive Session with Legal Council, the voting meeting was Called to Order by Chairman of the Board Potts. Absent from Roll Call was Board Member Rogers.
Two of four students that attended the 2014 Scope Conference, Fiona Scruggs and Kyle Johnson, gave an overview of the conference to the Board. Chairman Potts also recognized JCHS Leadership Class members present at the Board meeting.
With a Motion from Board Member Jarnigan and 2nd from Board Member Cavanah and with the addition of employment of attorney and deletion of Building 8 update, the Agenda was Approved. The Consent Agenda was Approved with a Motion from Board Member Vines and 2nd from Board Member Cavanah.
No teachers, citizens or student requested to address the Board. Under Items for Information, Jefferson County Finance Director Helton presented the Financial Reports and information regarding copywriting as a source of revenue. He stated that trade marking is more cost effective and has fewer legal hurdles than copywriting and that 4 other systems are in the process of trade marking their mascots and logos. Concern has arisen that systems that have a mascot or logo that is similar to one of professional athletic or college athletics could be in jeopardy of having to eventually pay for the use of that logo. Discussion included the possibility of reaching out to students via the art department to develop a unique mascot and logo for Jefferson County.
Don McFarland presented an audit report of the schools internal funds for fiscal year ending June 30, 2013. He included recommendations for school level bookkeepers and informed the Board that 11 schools generated $3,106,000 in revenue and $3,076,000 in expenditures, with JCHS having the lion’s share. The findings of the State audit were also discussed by the County Finance Director and the Board was informed that the findings were largely associated with incoming funds from the State or Federal government and Helton has answered those findings. A finding regarding funds not being transferred from a reserve account to an expenditure line item was also found.
Director of Schools Edmonds presented a copy of the 2014-2015 Budget Calendar of Meetings. A calendar was presented that addressed two days that are required to be made up due to inclement weather. Upon a Motion from Jarnigan and 2nd from Cavanah students will attend ½ a day on April 18, 2014 (Good Friday) and a Full School Day on April 21, 2014. The Board was also presented with a revised calendar for the 2014-2015 School Year and it identified make up days if necessary. The revised calendar was Approved with a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Cavanah, with an adjustment of one day. Board Member Bradley stated that he would like to include already assigned inclement weather make up days on all future yearly calendars to allow parents planning time in advance.
Board Members were informed that the budget preparation is underway and meetings are scheduled with the Finance Office. An overview of the capitol improvement/maintenance plans were presented, as well as a summary of the change orders that have been issued since the start of the renovation project at Jefferson County High School. Following a Motion from Jarnigan and 2nd from Vines the Board Approved the employment of an attorney regarding the collapse roof situation.
Under New Business, the Board Approved two General Purpose Fund Amendments and one Federal Purpose Fund Amendment (line item adjustments) with a Motion from Board Member Bradley and 2nd from Board Member Vines.
Finance Director Helton informed the Board that he received information from the Town of Dandridge regarding the mixed drink tax and they estimated the amount owed at $80,128 and requested an “in kind” contribution of $119,000 for the Dandridge portion of road improvement planned for summer 2014 (traffic light at the intersection of Hwy 92 and Dumplin Valley) suffice for the amount owed. Director Edmonds stated that the School System had shared in the cost associated with road upgrades and that the signal light was via a State grant. Baneberry, which also owes mixed drink tax but has not, yet, compiled an estimate, requested installment payments. At the request of the Board, Director Edmonds will have legal consultation on the parameters available to the Board so that policy regarding the tax may be set.
Director Edmonds brought a recommendation for a differentiated pay plan and salary schedule, which has been previewed by teachers. With a Motion from Bradley and 2nd from Vines the recommendation was Approved. Edmonds also informed the Board that salary schedules for Classified Employees will soon be brought before the Board for approval.
Dr. Scott Walker, Principal of Jefferson County High School, requested that the Board contribute $6,475 to the Boys and Girls Basketball teams for participation in the State tournament. Walker stated that the total cost of the trips for the basketball teams was $12,441 (including travel expenses and room costs through the championship game) and the teams received $5,965 as their share of the split. Chairman Potts stated that there is concern that many students have made it to State competition in other sports, clubs and organizations, and that the School Board must be fair and balanced in regard to funding extracurricular activities. She inquired if the school has funds available in athletic or other funds to cover the overage. With a Motion from Vines and 2nd from Jarnigan the Board Approved the request 4-2 ( Potts and Cavanah).
