001All right. Well, good evening everyone. Uh, welcome to our regular board meeting for the month of March. Believe it or not, it's hard to believe how fast the year is already passing. Uh, I would be remiss if I didn't say thank you to Ralph Haskin School for hosting our meeting tonight. Occasionally, we like to have our board meetings at the various school buildings, and it's just always fun to um to do that. So, thank you for hosting us. We really appreciate that. Board members, you have in your packets the proposed agenda for tonight's meeting. I would with your permission like to add under the chairman's report, I've already got a a resolution for appreciation of our staff, a support staff. I'd also like to have a brief board discussion of school consolidation issues. And I
002don't know that I have to add that to the agenda, but but if it's okay you're meet your approval, then I'd like to add a uh explicit topics for our board to have a brief discussion of some of the school consolidation issues that are swirling around to some degree right now in the community. and and anything else that you uh would like to modify to uh on the agenda before we approve tonight's agenda. >> Okay. >> Make a motion to approve. >> Okay. Got a motion. >> Launch agendas. >> And a second. All in favor say I. >> Anyone oppose say no. >> Super. Everyone will please stand for the pledge of allegiance. Our flag is in the I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for
003which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. So board members, in the email on February 25th, I believe attached to that were the minutes from the February board meeting. Floor would be open for a motion to approve those minutes. >> Make a motion to approve the February 2nd board meeting minutes. Okay. And a motion, >> second >> and a second. Any discussion? All in favor say I. >> Anyone oppose say no. >> Thank you. And then in today's email, we have the dispersements for the month for our month of February for our approval. So if you haven't had a chance, please take a moment and look at the dispersements for the month. What is Nalo range training system? Just out of curiosity. >> Not low range
004training system is a CTE system uh that we've purchased for our criminal justice program. I believe uh Miss Dodson will report on that a little later in the meeting. I make a motion to approve February dispersements. >> Thank you. Got a motion. >> And a second. Thank you. Any further questions or discussion? All in favor say I. >> Anyone oppose say no. >> Thank you. In our principal report, again, thank you for hosting us, Miss Baker. >> I'll start with the report for the middle school and the high school. So, for the middle school, um, coming up this month, they have several activities. Starting this Friday, March the 6, they will have their behavior rewards field trip to 10 pen alley. I believe that's in Colombia, and that'll be this Friday. They have started tutoring
005in the mornings, Monday through Friday to uh prepare for TECAP, which will begin on April 21st. So, they've started that at the middle school. Also, report cards are going to go home Thursday, March 19th, and they will have their third nine weeks awards program March 27th at 10:00 a.m. in the gym. And for Fateville High School for the month of March, they have their freshman forum. That's going to be this Wednesday, March 4th, starting at 6:00 p.m. Also, their basketball is still playing and hopeful that both the boys and the girls will advance to the region finals. The girls play tonight and the boys will play tomorrow night. Their drama department will have their Aladdin play March 20th and 21st and March 26th and 27th. And the students have been working very hard with Mr.
006hobs to be ready for those performances. They are sending four students to scope this week and they have a representative going from each grade level. The ACT for the juniors will be on March 25th and the prom will be Saturday, March 28th with the grand march at FHS in the gymnasium. And then for Ralph Asins, I have two guests tonight with me that's that will come up and present. I have Miss Weston Kaine and Miss Aubrey Hawk. >> And they put together this presentation with Miss Barnett. They worked on this pretty much by themselves with the help of Miss Barnett. So >> awesome. >> Show it to us on the screen. Welcome everyone and thank you for sharing your time with us. My name is Weston Kane and I'm in the fourth grade. We will
007be talking about our 2025 through 2026 school year. >> Hello, my name is Aubrey Hall. I attend fourth grade at our fashion school. Our grades are prek through fifth grade. PreK through 3rd are in the main building. Fourth and fifth are in the annex. We have about 600 students at RA. This was our back to school bash. We had it right before school started. Food trucks came, Dr. Tommy Mapry spoke, a live local band played, and gift baskets were handed out. This was the perfect way to start our new school year. >> Every year, we do something different to celebrate our grandparents. This year, we did we made fun of bracelets. Over 1,200 bracelets were made. We love the support of our grandparents, and we are glad they >> This is our drama production. Our
008drama production was called Disney Through the Years. Mr. Hobbs is in charge of it. It was a huge success. Family and grandparents came to watch their child perform. We love to have these new experiences at res. Every year we do an event called Fall Blast. We did a PTO fundraiser to raise money for our school. It was a fun night and some activities we did are car bash, hay ride, and face painting and much more. It was a good turnout. This is our morning show. Miss B in the library chooses a group of fifth graders to do it. They stream the announcements live and send them to the teachers. This is a perfect way to keep us informed. They also put on social media for the parents, too. >> Tiger Tiger Task Force Club started
009this year to help Miss B with the school projects. She chose a few fifth graders to help. Some examples they may do are birthday box, a Valentine's Day bulletin board, and much more. This is a way we spread kindness around our school. >> This is our pumpkin contest. Every year we have this. A student picks a book character they like and they dress the pumpkin like it. The top 10 are the winners. Some examples are they can do Humpty Dumpty or No David or Room on the Broom. These are some pump pumpkins your ch children can do. >> Our goal every every month is to improve attendance. If you if you receive perfectness for a home run, your name will be put inside of a draw for a drawing. If your name does get drawn,
010you you receive a picture on the morning show and a toy called brain flakes. >> This is Henry, our facility facility dog. He helps around the school like if a child needs a hug or some comfort. He makes the situations calm. Miss B and Miss Walker bring him home and bring him to school every day. It was the perfect add-on for our school. >> Every year around Thanksgiving, we do a Thanksgiving meal. Family visits our school to have lunch with their children. We decorate the tables with arts and crafts. Social workers at R. Worker is Miss Jennifer Taylor. She works really hard for the teachers and the students, and we appreciate her. At the middle school, Mrs. Shia is a social worker. And in the high school, Miss Candace is a is the social worker.
011These are three hardworking women. >> This this year for for parent teacher conference, we did a scavenger hunt. If you complete five out of 10 items on your card, you'll receive a prize from the library. Some of the challenges are visit a classroom teacher, play RTI games, or check in with a special area teacher and and much more. >> School climate and culture. Our climate and culture committee gift teachers throughout the year with Mr. Murdoch girls hot dogs or they have a nacho day. These are little treats that the teachers can look forward through to throughout the year. Miss B did Miss B had the R students complete a sock drop for superintendent appreciation month. If brought in enough socks, we could talk Mr. Jones. And we did. 768 pairs of socks were donated. >>
012That was awesome. >> Special events throughout the year. Some examples are we had a leaf parachute in the library. The FHS football players greeted the children in the morning. Guest readers read to the kids. The schoolboard members welcome much more. And gift baskets are handed out. These are little things that the students can look forward to. Even though our race is full of fun activities, we still have to work. Like whenever kindergarter kindergarteners we they did they did a pumpkin activity. Second grade, they made 3D shapes out of marshmallows and sticks. Fourth graders worked on their writing by describing a Hershey bar. First grade worked on their writing and and heart conversations conversation hearts. Every game did a fossil discovery. >> She wrote club. Miss Jennifer and Miss Walker, Miss Jennifer Walker and Miss Jennifer
013Taylor are in charge of it. They get a group of fifth grade girls so they can have new experiences like they do Christmas wrapping or Christmas activities. They do 2026 schools and they visit nursing homes. These are ways that the fifth grade girls can have fun together. Birthday. Once a month, the students get a school birthday party for the month. Faculty provides the students with cupcake, drink, and a card so everyone gets celebrated for their birthday month. >> Tutors. R is lucky to have the tutors that we have. They work with the students on math and reading and really anything they need. They are a big part of our school because the students are excited to come and work with them. We love and appreciate them. >> The leaders of after school are Mr. Hobs
014and Mrs. Hops. They provide us they provide the students with snack homework time and fun activities. Even around the holidays they do holiday fun. We are lucky to have this program to keep the students safe and active. For our school 2024 through 20 2025 was a great year for us. We want achievement and growth which is really hard to do. We hope to do just as well this year. >> Teachers, we want to say a very very big thank you. They work with us every single day to make sure they keep us educated. We couldn't do anything without them. >> Admin, Miss Baker, Miss Bradley, and Mr. Murdoch work really hard for our school. The students love them. They are the perfect admin for us. >> What's coming up next at Readacross American Week is
015happening today through March 6th. Third and nine weeks awards are happening March 25th when when we celebrate the good grades that our Tigers have had this year. Tiger tracks May 15th 2026. This is when we celebrate the end of our year prek graduation May 18th. This is whenever we celebrate our free cares before the different big caners. Thank you. Thank you to the parents for allowing them to come present to us. They did such a wonderful job. >> Very elegant. >> I love it. Yeah, >> that was awesome ladies. Thank you all. >> I really >> Nobody wants to follow me. >> I want to be in a speaking contest with those. >> That was really remarkable. Thank you so much. Appreciate that. >> Well, well done. >> Okay, next on our agenda, that's a
016hard act to follow, especially with >> bring to even there's a puppy in that room over there. >> Here we go. >> Mattlock. >> I'm Andy Matlock. I appreciate you guys having me. Um, obviously I'm not going to be um quite asum exciting as that. You know, no one really um likes it when the auditor visits, but you guys invited me. But I am bringing good news. Not quite as cute as that presentation, but um I'm here to present the two audits. Um I'll start with the internal school funds audit. Um just a couple of details. We issued our audit report on November 6, 2025. Obviously, that's for fiscal year ending last year, June 30, 2025. Uh we issued an unmodified opinion which is a good opinion, clean opinion, um the best opinion you can
017give. Uh we did not identify any material weaknesses. Uh there was one significant deficiency and then all of the deficiencies that were identified in a prior audit uh were corrected or not considered reportable for this current year. Um obviously this was our first year working um with you guys on that. So different auditors I think kind of approach things differently and see things differently. Um but just a couple of numbers highlights if you will. Your total fund balance uh 216,000 at the end of the fiscal year that's obviously combined all three schools internal school funds combined. Um total revenues were 318,000. Total expenditures 324 no 328,000. Um and that's what you shoot for with internal school funds. You bring the money in to spend the money. So you would expect that to be um nearly
018identical and it was almost identical. Um it's pretty straightforward report the internal school funds. Any questions um on that? >> Thank you. >> And I appreciate the opportunity to be in the schools. Uh um we audit I think 22 different school systems, internal school fund systems. Um so 250 to 300 schools. Um, so we like to think that we, you know, have a good idea of what we're doing or at least we pretend like we do. Um, and it's just nice being able to be in the schools and talk with the bookkeepers and the principles. Um, and you know, like I said, you know, there no, no one's thrilled when the auditor comes to look over their stuff and we know, I mean, we have to have our audits audited basically. It's called peer review
019um, every so many years. Um, but we appreciate the hospitality and the ability to to work with them and um, we try to audit to the manual. We try to give recommendations. We try to be as helpful. Um, we try to be a building block, not a stumbling block um, as some auditors can maybe be. The second audit I'm here to present is the uh, obviously the board the the big audit if you will um, for the entire board. Uh, we issued that report on February 9th, 2026. Uh that report was also unmodified which which means clean good what you want. We did not identify any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in that report. Um anything that was noted in the prior year I think was rectified. Um if it was and one thing about
020that audit um is it's what's considered a single audit due to the nature of the federal awards. So we're issuing two opinions. one on the financial statements and then one on the the single audit um aspect of it, the federal awards and both were clean opinions with no findings or anything like that identified. Um you just a couple of numbers um the total assets uh 40 million 40.6 million uh your net position had a slight increase 34.5 million um revenues 15.4 4 million expenditures 16 million. Um the expenditures were pretty much on par from the prior year. Revenues were down but there was some shared bond proceeds the prior year. Um so that's why it wasn't the result of any um you know any other aspect other than that. So it was pretty pretty much
021on par from the the prior year which um which I think is what you shoot for what you hope for. Um again that was um you know no issues. It was great working with Miss Williams and and her staff on getting what we needed on that. You guys have any questions on that? >> It appears page 20 is kind of a good summary page, right? That rolls up some of the the general fund balances, capital projects, and whatnot. Feel free. Yes, feel free. It's not a pop quiz. I just >> I did have it memorized up until yesterday, but >> No, I'm just >> It might be of interest to the board members. a quick peek at that page and some of the balance balances there. >> Yes, sir. Yeah, that's the basically the income
022statement if you will. I mean the governmental statement of revenues, expenditures, changes, and fund balance um for all of your governmental funds. um the nature of governmental accounting that the a couple pages before that kind of you have your governmental fund statements and then your governmentwide statements um which present similar information but certain certain aspects of your financial operations don't appear on your governmental funds fixed assets um you know some of the pension stuff and >> Sure sure any questions coordinator. >> All right. >> Thank you very much. Very good. I appreciate being here. >> Appreciate you guys to be here with you guys tonight and see that wonderful presentation. >> Thank you. >> Future is bright both financially and in the young people everything extremely well. So as I think you got >> thanks
023for your work on our behalf. We really appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> And I suppose we need a board. We need to accept the really vote to just accept these audits. >> Uh yes, sir. I'd say two two different motions. >> Okay. Well, then I would make a motion that we approve the audit of the favorable board of education for 2025. >> Second. >> FY 2025. Okay. Motion and a second. All in favor say I. >> Anyone oppose say no. >> Great. And then I would make a motion that we approve the audit of the internal school funds for FY2025. >> Second. >> Okay. Thank you. Motion and a second. All in favor say I. Huh? >> Anyone oppose say no. >> Thank you. >> All right. That's great. >> Next on the agenda
024is time for any comment from members of the public who may have requested the opportunity. >> There were no request. >> We have none. Okay. Well, then we'll move move on to our supervisors reports. And we have multiple supervisors in attendance. Mr. McCormick. >> All right. Um, so for you guys to consider tonight, uh, we have our schedule E adoption materials for this school year to be implemented next school year. This time it is PE wellness curriculum along with some CTE classes. So you've got some welding. Um, there's some information technology stuff. Um, but essentially what we're looking at is adoption of a wellness curriculum to cover our wellness classes at the high school and some computer science foundations curriculum to cover those classes that one were required by state law to now have at
025the high school level for credit and then exposure at the middle school. So primarily those two everything is state approved uh and came from the approved list of materials. We'll need board approval of that. >> Move to approve schedule E adoption for approval. >> Okay, got a motion. >> And a second. Any questions or comments? All in favor say I. >> Anyone oppose say no. >> Super. >> Thank you'all. >> Thank you. >> And not as interesting as a >> still very important. That's okay. Dr. Styles. >> Uh, I just wanted to update you on a few things that I have my hands in and I was really happy to hear about our audits because that's I'm supervised four different budgets. So, we work really hard with our all of supervisors do that have their
026hands with the money. We're all I feel like we're very good stewards of the money. I wanted to let you know we're closing out our uh stronger connections grant. We're in our third year. Um just few things to mention. I noticed a lot of things on the slides that are happening in the school um is is um funded by some of that those grant monies and um the best one would be our social workers. They've been outstanding and they've been able to spearhead a lot of our activities. The facility dog and then we're working to get another facility dog for the middle and high um donuts with grown-ups. We've had dynamic guest speakers um even with in the middle school we've had several this year that have been coming to our advisory classes. Um my
027glasses on uh we've we've implemented advisory classes and community circles. Um we've had put calming corners in all of our classrooms at the elementary school. Um, we've purchased some cafeteria tables that allow for the good socialization. Um, we're working on getting some maybe for the middle school. And then, um, we've we're also implementing a sensory room at the elementary school. Um, we've I I wrote a grant for the 10 core tutoring. So, that's starting. It's a three month well, it's a 10-week tutoring program, and we were granted $74,600 for that. um prek, we've already had 24 applicants and we just started we just opened it this month. So that's been great. And um that doesn't include all of the the applications that were picked up. So >> to have 25 applicants, that's about what we
028have at the end of May. >> Yeah. So yeah. >> Wow. And when did it open? >> This month. Well, February. >> Okay. >> Not this month. February. March. Yeah. >> Yeah. That's That's great. So, we're ahead of schedule based on historical trends. That's awesome. That's awesome. >> And and the connections grant is expiring this school year. >> It'll it'll expire in September. Okay. >> So, it'll go into a couple months in next year. >> And my understanding is the state did the state not renew that? >> Not not that they've told us thus far. >> Okay. Is there any hope of that, do you think? just they they won't say anything and I kind of don't feel like they will extend it um just based on what I've heard. >> Okay. >> But I'm
029keeping my eyes open. >> Well, sure. >> Yeah. But anyway, >> we'll be optimistic, but >> that sure has benefited this system and students and families. It really really is. >> That's a that's all I have. >> Thanks for your work. >> Sure. >> And leadership. Thank you, >> Miss Dodson. So, want to let you know um first off, mock interviews, which we told you before were fabulous. Know that when we do mock interviews with our seniors, we do everyone. Uh so much so we actually had two students, the two students in the alternative school came over. We trained them up and they also participated in mock interviews. Um very engaging. We had 20 members from uh business and industry from locally. we invite and uh interestingly enough, one student got a job at the
030end of the morning and another student who's going to a four-year university actually got an internship. >> Wow. >> So, all of that occurred that morning. And we had some students super proud of, you know, when we raised the bar and we put expectations on students, they will rise to that. And there were some students that maybe they aren't always the most successful academically, but they were incredibly impressive in the interviews and they got some connections um that some of them were probably going to convert into jobs as well. So, uh the Milo system, which we're very excited about, but probably no one more so than Mr. Jones because you know his background is in criminal justice. And it is actually an advanced um computerized simulator that is the exact same system that is used
031by law enforcement and the military. We have the very high-end one. And with our dual enrollment, we actually paid for that with ISM funds. And with our dual enrollment, when students, they can't do practicum hours riding with a policeman until they're 18 years old. But the simulator actually can count as practicum hours. >> And Mr. Jones can tell you they're very realistic. They're very dynamic and they're exactly Exactly. We are also we've already uh spoken to Mr. Jennings and also told Malone it's our intent to also allow both the branches of law enforcement to also utilize it um for some of their training as well if they schedule it. So hopefully the goal is once we get it in place in the bottom of the Deon building that you guys will be able to kind
032of come over and see it live. So um that's on the to-do list. >> It's it's fantastic. >> Yeah. >> 900 different scenarios. Um a lot everything from um deescalation verbally. So there's some that literally are students in classrooms. I did one where there was a student who was like over stimulated in a band class and uh the instructor can sit there and make it uh make it to where you're if you're doing a good job then your words can be more successful and if you're not doing poorly it can continue to escalate. So it's a phenomenal piece of equipment. >> Mr. Bradber is very familiar. >> Really good stuff. >> And there are multiple scenarios. I know Mr. Jones indicated on some of the older models that just one thing would happen. >> Yeah.
033Well, in this one, you may solve one problem and another pops up. So, it's constantly off. >> The old ones that I had seen before were videobased. And when the scenario culminated, >> it was like, well, that's that. That's how that goes. And I didn't anticipate it to continue beyond the culmination of what you'd expect. So, it was a a new generation of technology. And it's it's we're very fortunate to be able to present this for our students. >> One of my favorite things about it is the sustainability. There is actually one of these models that was put in place 15 years ago and they're still utilizing it and the only thing it costs us sustainability wise is electricity. >> Wow. >> So that's a great thing. Um also I want to tell you about
034the media class. I know you guys got to come to see um the Black History Month presentation. If you haven't met Margot Grace, she's a fantastic person. She forged a relationship with some of our students and she invited them. The media class is going to channel 19 Friday. >> That's awesome. >> So, they're going to meet her. She's going to give them a tour. And the intent is she's going to come back and visit our media class. And maybe we're hoping she may be one of our guests that actually does one of the morning shows one morning. >> And I always brag on Mr. Bradford. If you don't know about the morning shows, ask him because that he knows all about them. He's a big follower of all those. Also, I want to brag on
035the high school and Spencer. I told you guys before, we had tremendous success with our boot camps on our senior retakes. It was an incredible thing. We talked about we raised the average four points, which is like unheard of. >> ACT, >> the ACT boot camp, but we're doing the same boot camp model for the juniors. So the juniors will be taking the ACT and we're going to do that same integrated during the day boot camp and so we've got high expectations of some similar success on that. Um also first greenhouse is done. Hopefully we're going to be bringing that and dropping it. It's totally portable 8 by8. There'll be two of those that'll go behind the school. Again part of the ISM grant and the print shop. So we're going to have to take
036a window out to get some of that stuff in. But we've measured it's going to come through the window. The goal is by next year we will have a fully functioning print shop. Also a CTE area that's been integrated with the ISM grant with the goal, guess what? We'll make our own t-shirts and our own banners and the students will be doing that. So that's something they're very interested in. And Mr. Jones has been gracious enough. I have been invited to go to Washington DC on March the 19th and um serve on a panel. Five people got invited jobs for the future and serve on that panel to talk and speak to representatives of the senators and legislators and maybe some of those as well about dual enrollment and integrated workbased learning because we have
037done some very innovative things in our system. Um we're actually the only individuals they invited from the whole state of Tennessee or the I think only one other person from the south. So to give you some kind of insight into it, uh, college and career ready, the state average is in the 40s. We're like in the low 60s. Um, so over 60% of our students are engaged in dual enrollments, 21's on the ACT, um, integrated credentiing. So, we have a very high percentage of students participating in doing that because ultimately we want everybody to have a job and come back to Lincoln County and have a good job making a good wage and the skill set to get hired and then enroll their kids in the school system. >> So, that's the goal. Do you
038guys have any questions for me? >> All right. Thank you very much. appreciate all appreciate all you do for us for our students. Miss Williams, our CFO report for the month. >> So, the February 26 financial reports were emailed to you earlier and July through February 2026 remains and these are just for review and I'll entertain any questions you might have. Great. Appreciate those reports each month. Things are coming together on the revenue side, which is great. Right. Awesome. Thank you. Uh committee reports. We'll start with facilities and transportation. Mr. Jones. >> Yes, sir. It'll all be related to facilities uh tonight. As far as this report is concerned, I have good news. We have an executed contract from Teima. uh for our dome project. Uh what that means is um at this point we
039will move forward um with that project. Now we still don't have confirmation. I don't have written confirmation that we have received the additional funding. Uh but I did want to take an opportunity to go over some numbers because I think there may be some confusion. Make sure that I take a moment and state for everybody's clarity. I've uh included a sheet for each of them uh that has what's called a bid tab form from Century Construction. Uh there were two qualifying companies of all the companies that uh provided a bid. Uh Century and Navo were the two that qualified. Uh Century is the one under the structure that would be the most advantageous for us. They're also the only company that has completed a project with a monolithic dome uh previously. That being said, um
040if you will look, uh we've got our base bid and then at the bottom we've got total bid with alternates. The total bid with alternates is $13,64,865. Above that, you will notice uh we have the school shared cost. We have an alternate number one which includes the non femur rated construction. Alternate number two is interior painting. Alternate number three is all flooring. Alternate four is athletic and school equipment and then the alternate total is about 1.6 million. The 13 million includes those numbers. Uh so if there's any confusion about whether there's additional cost beyond that, the only cost that we would um have any uh exposure to beyond that 13 million64 is um probably it. So, the school system will put in Wi-Fi and connect that building to our network. Uh, we do have our
041IT people and we will purchase that. That would, I would anticipate, be well under $100,000. Um, that's something that we would do. Um, also if we wanted to have upgrades in seating or um better than standard scoreboards or scores, tables, something like that. Um, I'm trying to think of anything else that could if we upgraded any kind of upgrade would cost a little more, but we're looking at negligible amounts like all all in less than a4 million for everything. And that's stuff that's not necessary. It's just additional or above and beyond if we wanted to look at it. Now, all that being explained, um, really and truly what I want everybody to consider is I will want some type of a of guidance at this point. So, our situation is this. We have a contract
042from Teima. I will, with the board's permission, I will request that JBHM will draft a contract for us to enter into with Century Construction. Now, I won't sign the contract until I know that everybody is comfortable with the idea that at this point we don't have additional funds. By not having the additional funds, that would put our total cost at approximately uh $5.5 million to construct a dome that is a total project cost of say 13.1. Now, we are still eligible at this point for the additional funding. My understanding is that's that funding is on a desk at FEMA. FEMA falls under the Department of Homeland Security and that is shut down. Um I'm working very diligently uh to try to communicate that. Um, so if we do get that those funds, then our cost
043will be say three $3 million total, which would be much to our advantage. So there's a scenario where we can continue. Um, but I'd like to know, does the board want to continue if we do get the funds? If we do, that means it's about a three $3.2 $2 million um cost to total cost to us. If we don't get the funds, we're looking at a paired down, fewer bells and whistles, still constructed at about 5.5 million or the scenario where if I can have a confirmation from uh Teima that we can begin the project and still be eligible for the additional funds down the road to be determined. one of those two outcomes would still be the same, but we would be able to start and still have that as a possibility. Um, so
044that's that is where we are and those numbers are accurate as of these official documents and everything that I've been provided by our project management with uh Bronison and Associates. >> Yeah. So I appreciate you clarifying that the total project cost entire for the dome for the safe room as well as the gym and all the accutrants inside is about $13.1 million. 13 million actually. Um uh subject to a few if we want to add on some more luxury things if we decided to if if the funds are available. And and to that point, if you look at our documents that we've been providing auditors in our capital projects, you'll see that we have >> uh plenty for any of those scenario with >> either good reserve still. >> It's actually a very fortuitous I
045think that the audits came in in time to have this discussion about the executed contract because it it gives us gives me the confidence. I can't speak with the board until you make you take any action, but it gives me the confidence that financially we are well positioned to proceed with this project given either scenario on the additional funds. We we sincerely appreciate that, you know, on October 5th, the mayor and alderman, the city board met and uh voted unanimously. It was five to nothing. I think Miss Allen was absent that night from that meeting, but but uh the other alderman voted five to zero to authorize the mayor to request sign the application with with Mr. Jones to request these additional funds. Um uh when because when the bids came in, as you well
046recall, they were a little higher than than what we had hoped. Um, and so if we get if if we were to not get those funds, we can still build this $13 million facility, gym and all for a total system cost of about $5.5 million. >> Yes, sir. >> Uh, and that does not get added to the 13. That's part of the 13 just for clarity. Uh if we do receive those additional funds, we can build this entire facility for a total project cost out of our school funds of about three million, which is talk about multiplying the value of our local funding through these grants. It's just frankly either one of those is tremendous. >> Um >> if I may, the uh we have all we've had budgeted over three million between three and
047four million. So the you know the entire time. So that that >> you know even without extending our budget with that uh with the additional funds that makes that that simple. Uh furthermore I do want everybody to consider that in the capital projects budget those funds can only be spent on other capital projects. I believe there's been some uh concern that maybe we could restructure some of that money for other purposes, but those those funds come to us um through certain via certain laws and uh funding processes uh determined by the state and those have to be spent on capital projects. >> Right. Right. We do have fund balance in our general purpose budget >> that that is in a healthy shape shape at this point as well >> that can be used for whatever
048the board deems necessary. But those capital project lines are only for facility and infrastructure kind of development. So it's been a long six plus years. We are I am thrilled uh that we have an executed contract >> ready to really take the next step and >> while there is still one decision out there that we don't know the answer to yet yes or no on the additional funds I feel comfortable but I want to make sure the board feels comfortable maybe taking action tonight to give Mr. Jones some guidance and specifically I I think we need to authorize him to ask JBHM to draft a contract with Century and have our board of attorney review that contract with the construction company to make sure that everything looks okay. >> Uh you know once that contract
049is ready which could shouldn't take too long week or two I would I would suspect they could have that ready. Um, we we could authorize there's there's sort of multiple scenarios here. One is we don't get the additional funds we've requested. Uh, but we could decide as a board it's still worth it to us to build do this project even if it cost us $5.5 million out of school resources. Um, so we could authorize him that if the answer is no, then we just press on with the project, build the build the facility and and take that 5 a.5 million out of our capital projects line. We can we could also get tea could also inform us that we are going to receive the funds and obviously that cuts our out of pocket down to
050about three million and that would be really the ideal case. The worst case is really the five and a half million. And then to try to make the most of time. Time is always important. In a in a perfect world at this point, we'd love to be able to go ahead and begin construction, get the project underway, and still be eligible to receive those additional funds. So if if Teima could give us some asurances that if you start the project, you'll still be eligible to receive those. It's not a yes or no on them, but that you'll but we haven't won't have disqualified ourselves from the OP opportunity to receive those funds, I guess, is what I'm really saying. >> Yes. >> Um so I don't know. I we we've talked about this project extensively
051over the six years, but there's been a lot of waiting and uh are is the board comfortable to move forward with the kind of things I outlined just then to authorize Mr. Jones to get a construction contract going, have it reviewed by our attorney and then authorize him to if we get a yes on the funds, move out. If we get a no on the additional funds, are you comfortable still moving out on the project? Uh and then should we also make sure that we don't start the project and inadvertently disqualify ourselves from receiving those additional funds I think will be a key thing if we moved down. >> Absolutely. >> Any any comments from what what do you think? >> How long what is the anticipation of how long it would take for us
052to receive a confirmed answer on our eligibility to receive additional funds? >> Um well we November. Yeah, I have no idea. It's uh it is in an office that is not open in the government right now. So, I have absolutely no way to answer that. >> I have a question if I can and I guess Mr. Jones would be able to answer this. Never been involved with a school building. Been in jail or been in jail. Been in jail. Let me clarify. Let's clarify that statement. >> But uh would uh within the contract with JBH, would there be some benchmarks within the contract for the contractor? So if there's benchmarks that FEMA sets out or you and you may already know this, if they set out some kind of benchmarks for progress of the project,
053>> there's always I'm sorry. Go ahead. Would would that be within that contract so that we would have >> we have um quarter as far as set dates um of the project um there's not specific set dates but there are quarterly reports and there has to be adequate prog progress within the quarterly reports now the quarterly reports are done you know during and at the time of the quarter um but there is a pace to it uh I think the total project from the time they break ground they have 490 days to complete um within that contract. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's it's a part of the bid as well. Um each quarter they would have to make adequate progress to you know to go on. Um but as far as specific dates for you know
054certain things I don't know whether that would be a part of the contract or not. Um, and of course the that contract doesn't exist yet, but it's something that I could report back on when we have it. >> I just I would be interested in that so that that would protect the school system in the event that they don't hit it is not through any fault of virus. >> Right. Yes, sir. Yeah. There's a there's nothing that I'm aware of. Um, you know, we have to make progress, but there's nothing that's, you know, kicks you out. Um, as you know, you just have to be working on it. And um there is a you know there's a final completion date, but we have one extension right now and I think we're eligible for two more
055extensions which we would be able to be granted. >> So board members, are y'all comfortable off asking Mr. Jones to go ahead and get a contract drawn up and reviewed by the attorney and be ready to make a decision? That'll that's work that's got to go on if we're going to go to through with this project. And then the decision of when to sign and execute that contract with the construction company would sort of be judgment dependent on have we maybe we've gotten an answer by then from from tea on the additional funds. >> Right. >> Uh even an answer that it wouldn't disqualify us if we went ahead and started the contract would be a positive in my mind to be able to go ahead and get this project rolling. >> Yeah. And I
056I can go ahead and send an email out this week to tee to try to get some type of a confirmation about that. >> Okay. Okay. >> Y'all comfortable with that? I I don't want to force anything that you're not comfortable with, but but I would then make a motion that we authorize Mr. Jones to uh instruct JBHM to draft that contract uh with the intent of signing it ultimately with Century Construction Group to be reviewed by our board attorney. And then once that's ready, the board will um do we do that in the same motion? We're also authorizing you to either if we've received a no, then this board is still ready to commit the five and a half million to get this project completed. That's total cost for the local school system. and
057that if we do receive a yes for it, then we would be committing around at $3 million. Or if we get word some authorization from PIMA that we can proceed with construction and still be eligible for those additional funds, then we would want to go ahead and proceed with those additional funds. So that's that would I'd like to put that in the form of a motion. As complex as that may have sound, there are some eventualities. >> That was a lot. >> The costs are bounded between 3 million and 5 million worst case. I mean, best case, worst case. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> so this this motion you're making is going to include >> requesting a drafted contract >> and the authorization to sign it if A, B, or C happens. Okay. That's my
058That would be my motion. >> Second. >> Okay. I have a second. So, any discussion now with >> I feel a little nervous. >> Okay. >> Like yes or no with the extra 2 million. I think I would feel more confident signing that if we had a for sure yay or nay, but you're not saying where where does that fall in A, B, or C? We don't know. >> Right. Right. Um, okay. >> I wasn't I didn't know we were planning on voting on this tonight. >> Oh, we didn't know till this afternoon. We had us executed contract. So, it literally happened uh just today and and the board doesn't have to take that action. >> We can vote this down and we can we can just authorize him to draft up a contract and
059be prepared. >> I think personally I think I think that step one feels super comfortable. >> Okay. Okay. Well, well then let's vote on the current motion that we have and second. All in favor of that complex motion that I made earlier say I. >> All in favor say uh in opposition say no. >> No. >> Okay. So then I would make another motion that we authorize Mr. Jones to have JBHM draft a contract for Century Construction Group uh to be reviewed by our board attorney in eager anticipation of an answer from tea on the additional funds. So >> yes. >> Okay, I'll make that motion. Is that a second? That sounded like a second in the in the making. Any further discussion of that? >> That'll at least let us move on down the
060road of of getting getting ready for this final answer. So >> awesome. Okay. >> Because I'm sorry, exit still located because what we just what we just took a action on just that could take a couple of weeks to get >> it'll it'll probably take about two weeks. >> Two weeks. >> Mhm. >> We'll have that in plenty of time for this next meeting. >> Oh, for the April meeting. Yeah. >> The only risk we're we're at is if um Century decides they want to uphold this, >> but that's the only risk we've got. So, Right. >> So, we think in the next month they may take this back. I I don't think so. But they they could at any time there because they it was only good for 60 days and that's been almost
061a year ago. So >> I just don't want I mean for that matter they could tomorrow morning before I have communication with them. So it's not you know it doesn't really change anything. I just don't want it to be un >> Have you had conversations with them that have made you think that they >> I have not had any conversations with them. I've had conversations with uh Mr. Kennedy and I know they are eager to get started as soon as possible because every day it's into their profit margin. So >> yeah. >> Okay. All right. So all in favor of that motion say I. >> I. Anyone opposed say no. >> Great. Well then you can charge off and kind of get that next that's the next step. That's that's super that's super so thankful
062to have that executed contract and be ready to really start proceeding. >> Great news. Anything else from facilities and transportation? >> No, sir. That's one report. >> Uh in finance, we have uh FY26 general purpose budget amendment number two. That's in our packets tonight, isn't it? >> Did I from today's email? >> 25th. Okay, let me let me look back in that. So, all the board members, yes, in the in the email of February 25th, uh 25th, uh there's some funds being moved from revenue to expenditure 74,600. >> Those are additional funds. That's the tutoring grant. STEM grant for Ralph Asins and the Tennessee tutoring grant that we received. And so we're just getting those into the budget. So we need to make this budget amendment >> uh number two to the general purpose budget.
063I make a motion we approve that budget amendment. >> Second motion and a second. All in favor say I. >> Anyone opposed say no. >> Super. Uh insurance and policy. >> Nothing tonight. All right. Uh Mr. Jones, your superintendent report. Uh yes. Uh we've had some some good applicants uh applying for different positions. Uh in the near future in one of my reports I will try to post an updated list of uh some of the positions, a couple that we've had open that we've been able to fill with really outstanding people I'm pleased about. Um, and I wanted to make the board aware that tomorrow, uh, through Thursday, I will be in Nashville at the legislative sessions capital. And, um, I'll be trying to do the good work there to make sure that, um, as
064superintendent along with all the other superintendents, we try to, uh, voice um, our opinions to be able to help the students of Tennessee those processes. And it's always a positive experience. uh whether uh we don't always uh get everything we want, but at the same time, it's good to be able to have that uh freedom to be able to communicate what's best for the kids and uh that sharing back and forth is an important part of our legislative process. So, I'll be there for the next three days if you need me. Feel free to text me and I'll get right back to you. I'm >> certain you'll represent us well. >> I'll do my best >> for that along with all the other superintendents across the state. That's super. >> Anything else? >> Sure. That's
065it. Okay. Uh board members, uh this month is a is appreciation of our support staff in the city school system and uh the resolution you have before you in your packets tonight with a very western theme. Uh I see you trust has a very western theme for this one. Whereas teachers and administrators rely on support staff members to maintain effective school operations by managing administrative tasks, preparing instructional materials, overseeing financial processes, supporting student safety and wellness, and carrying out countless other responsibilities that contribute to a positive and productive learning environment. Um the school uh this support staff includes school resource officers uh nurses, attendance clerks, receptionists, bookkeepers, teachers assistants, uh folks who bring a steady presence, practical knowledge, and a spirit of cooperation uh to help our school system. This resolution for your consideration says
066therefore be it resolved that the fable board of education hereby proclaims April 2nd, 2026 as support staff appreciation day. Be it further resolved that the board expresses its deep gratitude and appreciation to all support staff in the school system and encourages each school to take part in honoring these individuals for the essential roles they play in the success of our schools. This resolution even proposes a cowboy cowgirl theme for this year's celebration, which I suspect will be lots of fun in the school building. So, I look forward to seeing pictures and social media posts from that. Uh, I would make a motion that we approve this resolution of appreciation for our support staff across the system. Got a motion and a second. Any comments? >> All in favor say I. >> Anyone oppose say no.
067>> Awesome. Um, this meeting has lasted a little longer than normal, but uh, we did add one ele uh, one one item to the agenda, and I wanted to I wanted to follow up on that at this time. Uh, board members will recall that Mr. Dick Farah in requested to address our board at the regular board meeting in November of 2024. Had to look back in the board meeting minutes to remember when that was. time goes so quickly. That was November 2024. Ultimately, he declined to speak at that meeting, but he, you'll recall, he handed each of us a packet of information uh distributed to all of our board members uh which included his arguments in favor of closing the Fateville City School System and consolidating it with the Lincoln County school system. Uh in
068recent weeks, members of the public and of this board have become aware of petitions that are circulating in the community uh requesting signatures that would call on the fable board of mayor to vote to call for a public referendum to um close our school system and consolidate it with the Lincoln County school system. Mr. Jones and I had a a great conversation with our board attorney, Mr. Chuck Kaggel. And in your packets tonight, you have a a memo that Mr. Kaggel gave us. I would note that you all know Chuck Kaggel because he's he's a regular keynote speaker at all schoolboard uh statewide meetings, any law conference that's that's held both for board members as well as superintendent. I I would I would allege and argue that he is the preeminent school law attorney in
069the state of Tennessee. And that's why multiple school systems use him as their board attorney. Um, and so I I want you to have uh wanted you to all to have a copy of this memo that he provided us. Uh, and I just wanted to follow on with my comments saying despite a number of unsubstantiated claims that are being made in the public and social media, I wanted to be clear on a few things and all of these are confirmed in the opinion that Mr. Chuck Kaggel gave us in his memo. But the first thing is that consolidating school systems either here locally or statewide or nationally will not save tax dollars. Uh it will in fact require additional recurring tax dollars to to affect that consolidation. And I'm reminded that in 2008, this community
070had a a metro government study. Uh ultimately that year, there was a failed referendum on on Metro government. And the Metro Commission not only wrote a proposed draft met uh Metro Charter should the referendum pass, they also did the calculations of what the cost of consolidating the two school systems would be. And in 2008, their calculations showed that consolidating the Fable City and Lincoln County school systems would have cost taxpayers an additional $2.3 million annually. Uh our own board attorney, Mr. Kaggel, on the back page of his memo, I think it's the back page. Yes, it's final the the third page of his memo. In that memo, he he describes how he's been party in the legal sense to five school consolidation efforts across Tennessee in recent years. And he stated unequivocally that in every
071case, quote, "Significant appropriations of additional new revenue were required." End quote. I asked him if I could quote him here. He welcomed that. He welcomed that. And so I I want first to say taxpayers in favorable in Lincoln County should be very clear in their understanding that consolidation of schools will not save money. Rather, it will add significant recurring annual costs that will require new taxes. The other thing I wanted to mention is Fable Lincoln County Economic Development. something we've talked about many times in these board meetings requires an educated, trainable workforce. And we are trying our best to produce uh graduates both in our school system and in the link county school system uh to who are who who have a are educated, they are trainable for the workforce when they graduate high school.
072Historically, high school dropout rates have been a challenge in this community over the decades. They really have. However, since Fable High School's first graduating class in 2014, our community's combined graduation rate for high school seniors has been sustained at the highest levels in Lincoln County history. We truly are graduating more high school graduates than ever before percentage-wise. And I think we're doing it by working together as a community. I also wanted to say the Fable City School Systems policy of open enrollment means families in our community truly have school choice. School choice is a big thing, right? uh we have school choice here and families can truly look for the best academic and extracurricular environment for their children and their students. And finally, I wanted to say school consolidation will likely would likely require a
073comprehensive countywide reszoning plan for schools and potentially federallymandated busing of students to accomplish desegregation. And um to say that these actions would be undesirable and traumatic to the residents of Lincoln County, I think would be an understatement. Uh there are many more factual reasons to oppose consolidation of the fate city school system with the Lincoln County school system. Uh but I think I I really felt like it was time for our board to speak publicly about this uh to ensure the public is clear that this school board strongly opposes any effort toward college consolidation and that the consolidation of these two school systems would not in any way serve the best interests of our residents and taxpayers. and thank you for allowing me a moment of bully pull bit, but I would love for our
074um for our board to be able to make such a statement tonight. >> If if I may. >> Absolutely. I'd like to make a motion that the FEBEL board of education strongly oppose any efforts um to close the FEL city school systems and consolidate with ling county school systems. You know, just for our community to recognize the benefits of having two public schools available. So, that's a motion I put on the table. Okay. >> Got a motion. Second. >> Okay, I have a second. Any further discussion? All in favor say I. I. >> Anyone oppose say no. >> Great. Thank you. Thanks for your patience with me, but I felt the time was >> it was Thank you. I thought the time was right. And I do encourage you to read this memorandum from Chuck
075Kaggel. You've sat in his course his law, school law. um seminars at the convention. You know what a wise counsel he is in every sense of the word. And and feel free to share that memo with anyone who asks you. I feel like we may be getting questions and that that is really sound sound guidance from the preeminent school law attorney in our state. Uh well, board members, our next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 6th. Is that a good night? Yes. Do you think that work session maybe before the meeting that day? >> Okay. >> Or maybe even a couple weeks before if it's >> um if prior to the meeting could be >> would be better. >> Yeah. It's going to be hard to get everybody together. Why don't I mean
076>> if we could that way we might have some >> right we may have some real news some good information our time absolutely I think that's a great idea >> it's 4:00 early enough for you okay we'll do a board work session at 4:00 >> 4:00 >> can you be here calendar. >> Okay. Well, and we can obviously change this, >> but yeah, I think pencil that in. >> Yeah, let's do that. >> Will it be where is the next one? At the high school. >> Excellent point. It is at uh Fable High School. >> We have the work session. >> Has it scheduled? >> Yeah, we'll just have it at the high school >> in the library there. >> Yeah. Okay, great idea. Thank you for that and really might set us up for
077>> Yeah, have some things we should look at. >> That would be great. Absolutely. >> It would be so nice if that worked out though, >> wouldn't it? >> Well, you can tell them we have the work session scheduled. We need that back in time. >> We need a >> That's right. >> Tell Homeland Security if they could get us if they'll just come on back to the office. >> Congress will find them. Um, thank you for your perseverance tonight. This is uh this meeting's been longer than normal. Any any final action? Anything from the city tonight? >> Not that I know of. >> All right. >> It's also school counsel. No, it's school social work appreciation week, which they had some sweet pictures on there, so it's nice to recognize them. >> Yes. >>
078I know Ralph Haskins has done some sweet things for them this week. >> Okay. If nothing else, we'll stand a journ. Think I'll prank.