Summary of June 27 Collierville School Board business meeting.
All of the board is present.
Public Comment.
Donna Nelson, mother of 3 CHS students. Two are band members. Representing the band parents. Expressing concern and shock at sudden departure of band director. Band is a key group at CHS – largest student group. Describes the effort and dedication the band students have, throughout the summer and the school year. The band has seen a huge improvement in the past two years, and an increase from 150 to 220 students. Urges the board to support the band and its leadership, due to the major contributions the band program brings.
Mr Hansen responded with a pledge of support and expression of pride for the CHS band.
Approval of agenda (including an additional board resolution, and removing of the video surveillance policy for this month)
Approval of previous meetings’ minutes, including two special called meetings.
Approval of May financial statements.
Chairman Update:
- Tomorrow marks TSBA school law seminar in Jackson, TN, which Mr Hansen and Mrs Chism will attend.
- OPEB Trust meeting earlier today; funds managed by Morgan Stanley, who have overseen significant investment success for the trust.
Superintendent’s last Update:
- Welcoming Dr Lilly to the meeting, who has been at work already.
- July board meetings will be cancelled due to summer vacations, and lack of agenda items to come before the board.
Business Items:
- School Board Meeting policy: changing meetings to Tuesdays for remainder of the calendar year – Approved.
- Insurance Management – shift in insurance post employment for those hired after 7/1/19 to reduce OPEB liabilities in the future – Approved.
- Approval of changes to Grading System: Return of Semester Exams. Introduces an improved exemption process:
A student having a ninety (90) or higher average for the two (2) terms in a specific course may be exempted from the semester exam, if the student desires. When a student is exempted from the exam, the semester average will be the average of the two (2) term grades. ANY UNEXCUSED ABSENCE OR MORE THAN FIVE (5) EXCUSED ABSENCES PER SEMESTER IN THE COURSE WILL DISQUALIFY THE STUDENT FROM ALL EXEMPTIONS. EXEMPTIONS APPLY ONLY TO TEACHER-MADE SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS. Religious holidays and excused postsecondary travel days will not count against the exemption status of the student. Twelfth (12th) grade students are eligible for exam exemption during both semesters. All other students in high school courses who meet the above requirements may be exempted for only the second semester exam - Updates to five 2018-2019 budgets to reflect year-end adjustments. In the nutrition budget, which should be self-funded, the overall budget is reduced to reflect lower expenses and lower revenues, reflecting a reasonable balance. All Approved.
- 2019-2020 Capital Improvement Project funds and Discretionary funds (grant income) budgets. Both Approved. Board will expect funding from the county of CIP based on attendance share in the county, which will be applied to the prioritized projects in the capital improvement plan.
- 2019-2020 General Funds Budget adjustment. No major shifts in funds. Approved.
- Approval for annual IDEA/ESEA budget – federal funding
- Approval of athletic field maintenance contract with LADD’s
- Approval of athletic field spraying contract with Herbi-Systems
- Approval of five-year capital improvement plan. Mr Vaughan is asking the board to consider addressing a plan for the CHS perimeter (undeveloped land), since it is not currently appealing, and the growth of the wilderness will only increase cost to address this in the future. This explains Mr Vaughan’s impending ‘no’ vote on the capital improvement plan. This is a significant cost, but has not been scoped or estimated. Mrs Chism agrees with the concern, but emphasizes that building-related ‘student and staff related’ improvements to facilities should have a priority (note: this marks only the second time there is a split vote in Collierville board history, and in both cases, it was Mr Vaughan in the dissent).
- Approval of change order to WCMS Roofing Work. This reflects the reduction in overall project cost (by $500k) that was estimated in the initial bid award vote discussion.
- Approval of (final) evaluation of Superintendent.
- (Agenda addition) Approval of board resolution honoring Mr Aitken at his last board meeting. Resolution provided a full history of Mr A’s rich history and contributions to education in all of Shelby County and especially Collierville Schools. Expresses thanks to Mr A’s family for their sacrifice and support.
Note: Community reception to honor and celebrate Mr Aitken in his retirement on Sunday June 29 at 2pm in the CHS Cafeteria. Open to the public.
Meeting Adjourned.