White Pine School a Topic of Concern
School renovations and/or additions could be on tap for White Pine School, as the item was the big topic of discussion when the School Board convened for their regular voting meeting at the Patriot Academy on Thursday, September 24, 2015. Three County Commissioners, McGraw, Baxley and Musick, addressed the Board concerning the condition of White Pine School, with the largest area of concern centering around the cafeteria and kitchen, which all described as seriously overcrowded and plagued with safety issues for cafeteria personnel. Of particular concern was the dishwasher at the school, which has been unusable since the spring. Board Members were informed that students currently use disposable plates, ect. In an email dated September 22, 2015 that concerned the results of a water test regarding lime build up that could be keeping the machine inoperable, it was noted that repairing the machine ( estimated at around $50,000) was not cost effective until the water issue is solved. It was also noted that the water test was performed at the start of school in early August with results not reported for around six weeks. The group of Commissioners brought the concept of a joint meeting of County Commission and the School Board to discuss the situation and develop a plan that would allow for necessary adjustments to White Pine School within a budget that would find County Commission support.
At the last County Commission meeting, a request of the School Board to allow previously allocated Capital Funds to be re allocated for windows at Maury Middle School and carpet at Dandridge Elementary School Library failed in a tie vote. The total reallocation request was $115,939, which included $25,939 of undesignated funds that were a result of a refund. Thursday, a motion by School Board Member Lowery ( 2nd by Vines) to send the reallocation request back to the County Commission, was successfully amended by Vines to use the undesignated funds of $25,939 for plans for White Pine School. With only four School Board Members present( Lowery, Jarnigan, Vines, Cavanah)the motion as amended was approved 4-0.
In other action, the School Board elected officers for the 2015-2016 School Year. By affirmation, Bill Jarnigan will serve another term as Chairman and Jim Vines will serve another term as Vice Chairman. The Board Approved 4-0 the following action-agenda and consent agenda, Minutes for August and September meetings, one general and one federal budget amendment, an agreement with Tennessee Risk Management Trust ( general housekeeping), textbook compliance and the Local Education Compliance Report. The Differentiated Pay Plan was Approved and the Board was informed that level 5 teachers will receive a bonus of around $306. Level 4 teachers will receive around $204 and level 3 teachers will receive around $102. The money will come in the form of a bonus and will be paid out in the fall of 2016.
School Board Member Potts was appointed as the TLN Representative, as well as to the Board Policy Committee, PECCA, and as a delegate to the TSBA Convention. School Board Member Bradley was appointed to the Board Policy Committee, Insurance Advisory Committee, PECCA and as a delegate to the TSBA Convention. School Board Member Cavanah was appointed to the Insurance Advisory Committee, Sick Leave Bank Professional Committee and Sick Leave Bank Para Professional Committee. School Board Member Vines was appointed to PECCA and as a delegate tot he TSBA Convention. Chairman Jarnigan will also be a delegate to the TSBA Convention.
The School Board Work Session will be on October 6, 2015 where one item of discussion will be proposed work at White Pine School.
