Summary of Collierville School Board work session, scheduled to precede the regularly scheduled December business meeting.

Mr Cox absent (ill).

Superintendent’s contract review. No previous adjustments to compensation since base contract was established with the town prior to the establishment of the district. Resolution to be proposed to have board attorney and superintendent to discuss a new contract.

November Financial Statements

Proposed changes to policy on non-resident student attendance:

  • removed ‘spring’ as open enrollment time
  • introducing a tuition for non-residents from inside the county. This is new. Rolls up all town expenses (including in-kind) for education, and will add up to approximately $400 per student.
  • tuition for non-shelby county residents remains, and remains at current rate [I've heard this is about $3,700 per year]
  • tuition is regulated by state law, and is common in districts across the state
  • priority for admission remains: school district employees, current enrolled students, siblings of current enrolled students, Shelby county residents, residents from outside Shelby county.
  • Academic, attendance, and disciplinary record will be part of admission and re-enrollment criteria
  • Mr Vaughan is asking to insert a new priority for residents of areas zoned for Collierville schools prior to merger to be prioritized before the remainder of Shelby county. Some discussion around how to define this in policy.

Proposed changes to policy on transfer students:

  • removed ‘spring’ as open enrollment time
  • adding rezoning impact statement (as space is available)
  • adding rezoning transportation green zones for sibling transfers for next two school year, including attendance and academic/disciplinary record

Resolution regarding state-level letter grading for schools. Asking the state to repeal this from state law, referencing issues with testing cycles over the years.

Superintendent and Chairman reports deferred to 6pm business meeting.

Work Session Adjourned.

6pm: Business Meeting.

Special Recognition: Bailey Station: First Grade Chorus; they were also handed the Reward School banner.

Collierville Schools recognized as Exemplary School District by State.

Public Comments: Megan Milligan. Parent of four students: 1 HS, 2 SFMS, 1 Crosswind. School start times. Primarily presenting the research results around later start times. Asking the board to have Mr Aitken convene a committee to review how an earlier start time can be implemented. Board response is that research presented will be reviewed, and considerations will be discussed with superintendent and district personnel, but should realize that there is a lot at play here.

Approval of agenda, previous month’s minutes, financial statements.

Chairman’s report:

  • Lot of activity prior to Christmas break. Board members trying to get to celebrations at all schools.

Superintendent’s report:

  • Winding down first semester. Half day on Wednesday 12/20.
  • Thursday 1/4/18 first day of second semester.
  • Finalizing procedures and getting numbers for green zone attendance.
  • Updating FAQs and open enrollment information on website
  • 18-19 school year budget process under way
  • Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Going to be a busy 2018!

Business Items:

  • Resolution to rework superintendent’s contract – approved
  • Board chairman, vice chairman, legislative network nominations and votes: Mr Hansen for chair; Mr Vaughan for vice chairman; Mrs Messerly for legislative network – unanimous approvals.
  • Change to non-resident attendance policy, including the new prioritization of residents in the areas previously served by schools located in the district – approved
  • Change to district transfer policy – approved
  • Resolution to State Legislation to repeal single grade level for schools – approved

Meeting adjourned.