001I guess everybody was watching their watches better than I was. Um, welcome to the December 8th uh meeting of the Robertson County School Board. Uh at this time I would ask that you all silence your electronic items and uh join me for a moment of silence please. >> Thank you. And if y'all would please stand with me for the pledge of allegiance. Attention salute pledge. >> I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Tonight we have the student council from Crestview Elementary School that um joined us for our pledge and I'm going to let them introduce themselves to you. >> Charlie Berles, fifth grade. >> Ellie DS, second grade. >> Abigail Free
002is your third grade. Evie Dons, first grade. [screaming] >> Kevin Rollins, fifth grade. >> Princeton Lewis, first grade. >> Let's give them a big round of applause. [applause] Thank you guys. >> All righty. Dr. Weeks, could you please read our mission and vision statements, please? >> Sure. Our vision is that we expect and we wish all students uh to be able to prepared to be prepared to succeed in life. I'm sorry. And our vision is we enable all students to reach and exceed high academic and career standards while empowering them to succeed in a culturally diverse and a technologically advanced society. >> Thank you, sir. [snorts] We do not have any items for public comment tonight. Uh board members, you do have before you a consent agenda that went out with the uh main agenda.
003Uh, at [snorts] this time I'll open it up to you guys for any discussion or a motion. >> Motion to approval. >> Motion by Mr. Steven Ays, second by Mr. Scott Rice. >> All those in favor make it known by saying I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Passes 6. Moving on to the next item. Uh board members, you received an email uh from me in November with uh an addendum to Dr. Weekes's contract after uh you all submitted your your evaluation for Dr. Weekes uh earlier in the year uh which which by the way was overwhelmingly positive uh they they set into motion uh negotiations to addend Dr. Weekes's contract. You've got a copy of that here in front of you. Uh again, I know you've had a chance to review it. Uh we'll open
004the floor up to you guys for uh any discussion there. This is a contract to extend to the 30th of November 2028. >> Motion to approve. >> Motion second. >> Motion to approve by Mr. Jeff White. Second by Miss Demetri White. >> Um all those in favor make it known by saying I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion carries 6. >> All right, Dr. Weeks, you've got some recognitions for us. >> Thank you. Uh tonight, board members, we uh first start to recognize our schools that earned Tennessee reward school status. Uh we were notified of that a couple of Fridays ago. We had the opportunity to celebrate with those schools. And I appreciate uh you were represented by Miss Connie Hogan from the board. She uh followed us around and traveled with us
005as we celebrated with schools and principles. Uh we also had county commissioners that traveled with us. So, we'd like to thank um Martin Morgan and Miss Face Doublefield. They joined us that day as we traveled around. So, uh principles, if you're here, I would like and I know you're here and your schools are represented. I would ask if you'd come to the front and be recognized. Again, it's quite an honor to be a Tennessee reward school. They've shown uh great success throughout the state and their achievement scores, and their growth scores and how they deal with that lowest performing group within their schools. and also [clears throat] working with attendance and chronic absenteeism rates. So, we'd like to recognize this evening uh from Chet Park Elementary School uh we have Miss Jen Hayes. [applause] I
006see assistant principles too. So, Nicole, come on up there. Nicole Brown [applause] from the Innovation Academy. Dr. Grant Bale. [applause] >> Dr. Bale, do you have your assistance with you? I'm looking. Okay. I know that we've got a lot of activities going on in our system tonight and I know a lot of them are taking care of ball games and things like that. Uh from Wataga, Miss Kelly Armstrong [applause] and her assistant Lisa Strong. Thank you ladies. Um, our next school is Joe Burns Elementary School. [applause] Miss Megan Keys and Miss Alyssa Holmes. [clears throat] And from Springfield High School, Dr. Chris Tucker. [applause] >> [applause] >> And so this is a record number of reward schools that we have. We have five reward schools. We're excited about those from our county. Extremely pleased of
007the work. Uh reflects the leadership of the group that you have before you. It reflects the effort of each teacher and worker in that building. Uh reflects our support staff that does the uh the things to support those students in learning. And it also reflects the work of our students. So, we're extremely proud of them. Again, record number of reward schools. Proud of that and we're going to push for more next year. Congratulations again. Thank you for being here. [applause] Board members, our second group of recognitions tonight come from the opportunity to recognize staff of the year. And first of all, Mr. Rice, I want to ask if you would help in distributing our first group of uh certificates. Uh these are our support staff of the year and these are the the individuals that
008are recognized from their buildings and again we'll be starting with support staff of the year. >> So tonight we are pleased to recognize individuals who have been selected by their schools as support staff of the year, novice teachers of the year, and teacher of the year. We will also announce our district level winners for novice teacher of the year, teacher of the year, and principal of the year. So to be considered for these awards, nominees must meet the district and state eligibility and performance criteria. So a support person of the year must have at least five years of service in Robertson County and exhibit dedication to both the school and community. For teacher of the year, the educator must have five or more years in the district and show strong leadership, community involvement, and high
009performance in the classroom. Our novice teacher of the year must have 10 to 30 months of experience in Robertson County schools and show creativity, collaboration, enthusiasm, and the strong growth mindset. So, tonight we'll begin with the support person of the year. So, we are going to start with Miss Melissa Parish from Bransford Early Learning School. [applause] from Cheetah Park Elementary. Renee Callas, [applause] >> congratulations >> from Coopertown Elementary School. Britney Molton [applause] >> from Crest View Elementary. Patricia Dean [applause] from East [clears throat] Robertson Elementary. Erica Brown [applause] from Greenbar Elementary. Rachel Garrett, [applause] Joe Burns Elementary. Jessica Lee, [applause] Chrysell Elementary. Melanie Kent, [applause] Robert F. Woodall, Pam Stewart, [applause] from Ontaga. Rachel Holland, [applause] Westside Elementary, uh Joyce GUTIERREZ [applause] from Heritage Elementary. Uh Jana BROOKS >> [applause] >> COOPERTOWN MIDDLE, Brandy Hunter,
010[applause] Greenbryer Middle, Gavin Nixon, [applause] East Robertson High. Tana Pit, [applause] Greenbryer High. Amanda Nos, [applause] Innovation Academy. Marsha Farmer, [applause] Joe Burns High School. Christopher Stewart, [applause] Springfield High School. Jodie Thomas, [applause] >> Robertson County Phoenix Academy. Larry Contrail, [applause] and White House Heritage High School, Debbie Seagars. [applause] Okay, if you will um come to the next room over there, I'll get your picture. [applause] >> [applause] >> Miss White, >> congratulations. Congratul All right, we're going to continue moving to recognize our novice teacher of the year for Bransford Early Learning School, Kelly Smith. [applause] from Chetm Park Elementary School. Taylor Worley [applause] from Coopertown Elementary School. KEELIN WAGNER [applause] from Crest View Elementary School. Allison Biggs [applause] from East Robertson Elementary School. Landry Davis [applause] from Greenbryer Elementary School. Hannah Dickens [applause] from Joe
011Burns Elementary School. Abigail Tucker [applause] from Chrysler Elementary School. Caroline Balther [applause] from Robert F. Whittle Elementary School. Riley Falconia Falconia Gray. Sorry about that. [applause] from Wataga Elementary School. Kaitlyn Smith [applause] from Westside Elementary School. Allison Huff [applause] from White House Heritage Heritage Elementary School. TAYLOR LOPEZ [applause] >> [clears throat] >> from Coopertown Middle School. KAYLEE ESTUS [applause] from Innovation Academy. Lindsay Rose [applause] from East Robertson High School. Austin Hicks [applause] from Greenbryer High School. Jeffrey Will Keptki [applause] from Innovation Academy. Suzanne Meyers [applause] from Robertson County Phoenix's Academy. Tam Tammy Handy [applause] from Springfield High School. Alicia Morris [applause] and from White House Heritage High School, Charlie Og. [applause] >> I just want to say a thank you to this group of individuals. It's really hard being a novice teacher and we thank
012you for your service. I am now going to announce the district winner for novice teacher of the year. Um for elementary school, our novice teacher of the year is Keen Wagner. [applause] And for our high school no for our high school teacher of the year for novice category IS DONNA MADDEN. >> [applause] >> THAT'S ALL. >> CONGRATULATIONS. There is no Donna Madden up here. So, the high school novice teacher of the year is Al Alicia Morris from Springfield High School. [applause] [applause] Go for pictures. You >> got pictures to your left over there. That didn't sound right, didn't it? Sounded good. All right. So, we're going to continue on with our teacher of the year. So, starting with Bransford Early Learning School, Miss Samantha Hedrickk, [applause] Tetum Park Elementary, Amber Harland. [applause] Coopertown Elementary School.
013Emily Clay, [applause] Crest View Elementary. Nikki Henry, [applause] East Robertson Elementary School. Jill Templeton, [applause] Greenbar Elementary. SHELBY RIPPY [applause] Joe Burns Elementary School. Hannah Trout [applause] Chrysler Elementary School. Amanda Connor, [applause] Robert F. Woodall, Michelle Wrl, [applause] Walta Elementary School. Sunonny Pinkleton, [applause] Westside Elementary School. Cynthia Von Dolan, [applause] White House Heritage Elementary. Nicole McDonald, [applause] Coopertown Middle School. Kathy Neil, [applause] Greenbryer Middle School. Kristen Teraba, [applause] Innovation Academy. Michelle Hall, [applause] Joe Burns High School. Mary Miller, [applause] White House Heritage Elementary. Melissa Bishop, [applause] White House Heritage High School. Amanda Apprentice, [applause] East Robertson High School. Jessica Dioro, [applause] Greybar High School. Donna Madden, [applause] Innovation Academy. Thomas Stewart, [applause] Joe Burns High School. Gail Deusk, [applause] Robertson County Phoenix Academy. Stacia Baker, [applause] Springfield High School, Lorie Chisum, [applause] and White House
014Heritage High School. Esther Carpenter >> [applause] >> And now for our district teachers of the year for Robertson County Schools. For elementary teacher of the year, Miss Amanda Connor. [applause] >> Congratulations. for middle school teacher of the year, Kristen Teraba. [applause] And for high school teacher of the year from Greenboro High School, Miss Donna Madden. [applause] >> Thank you so much. Sing. [applause] >> Congratulations, G. Oh, y'all hear that? Good to see you. Aren't you so proud of your father? How are you, sir? Good to see you. Good to see you. Congratulations. >> Thank you. It's a good time. We're going to move on with the principal of the year awards. Heat. Heat. Okay, we're going to move on with the principal of of the year awards, please. >> We're going to move on with
015the principles of the year award. This is an exciting night, isn't it? It is my pleasure to recognize and celebrate Robertson County Schools principles of the year. These individuals work tire tirelessly day and night and I would say that they probably undoubtedly have the hardest job in the district. So it is my distinct pleasure to recognize these individuals for their servant leadership, their laser focus on instructional excellence, and an unwavering commitment to students, staff, and their school community. It is my pleasure to recognize the elementary principal of the year, Miss Jennifer Hayes from Park. [applause] >> Congratulations. I'm also happy to recognize our middle school principal of the year, Miss Chesley Tstad. [applause] >> Yes. And I'm even as excited for this individual. Please recogni I I want to recognize Dr. Chris Tucker, the high
016school principal of the year. [applause] [applause] It is a surprise. >> All right. So, go get your picture. >> Now, go get your picture, man. Good job, daddy. [applause] [applause] She did not know. Yeah. Thank you. Y just just now saw you. >> Thank you to all the reward award recipients for your hard work and dedication. Now we get to move on to something less exciting. Personnel reports. Dr. board members. In your packets on page 28, uh item labeled 6A, you will see our certified personnel report. Uh you do see two retirements, both from the innovation academy, Mr. Dennis Ellison and Mr. Frank Matherly. Uh you see resignations, transfers, leaves of absence, and new hires for certified personnel. On the next page, you will see the same report for our classified personnel. And uh you
017see a retirement from Miss Brenda Lacier, a bus driver from our transportation department. Uh you see the same categories and other items. >> Thank you, sir. Moving on to item uh 7A, expense comparison report. >> Page 30 in your packet summarizes the items that you had in your consent agenda. Um [clears throat] our revenues to date are 38.2 million. Our expenditures to date are 49.3 million. Again, I've met with Miss Kleiner two or three times. We are not concerned about the numbers at this point in time. Uh there are so many items that we pay early in the year and several things before state dollars and federal dollars start rolling in. So, u it it looks a little out of balance. It is out of balance right now, of course, and we knew that when
018we budgeted. Uh but we are very confident throughout the year it will continue to grow and to to catch up where revenues exceed expenditures as we expect. Uh we do monitor that very regularly. So, I would encourage you not to be concerned as we do that. Our revenues coming in for property tax, $1.2 million, which is up from this same time last year. Very proud of that. Sales tax is also back where we kind of projected it to be more so at $5.5 million. The expenditures that you track regularly are listed down at the bottom of the page. Electricity, diesel, fuel, gas, salaries, and insurance. uh all of those uh electricity does look a little high and it looks a little out of line by this point in time, but uh we have run air
019conditioners quite a bit more than we have in uh previous years, but uh again, I think everything will balance out through the uh that time. >> Any questions on the expense comparison report? >> Moving on to item 7B, budget amendment. Board members, item 7B is a budget amendment to take money or to request of the county commission to take money from the fund balance to take care of two large capital projects. Uh, one of those capital projects is the roof at Woodall Elementary School. Uh we knew that originally when this project uh to do the HVAC there uh that it was going to include several penetrations in the roof at at that building and um the the roofing was not included in the HVAC project and so this budget amendment would take dollars from our
020fund balance to take care of that. It is on a train contract that you'll see later uh down under N item 9A and so this budget amendment would be contingent upon that. Uh we have also included an amount of money to take care of some aesthetic work at Green Bear Elementary School. Uh if you've been there lately, um there's some uh up under the old tectum which is outside the two front areas and around the side. Uh that has been in a quite a state for last couple I know of two years that it's not been good. uh the tectum is coming loose. Uh it's separating from some of the framing and so we've put some dollars aside to that we believe will take care of that. Uh we don't have a bid on that
021yet, but we are confident that that can be done within the items of the budget amendment. You do see this a budget a balance budget item. So on page 32 uh you see that we're requesting $2.3 million from fund balance to be transferred into capital outlay. And you see those dollars on page 32. Again, with your approval of this, uh, we would carry this to county commission budget committee. And I think it requires two readings through the county commission since it is moving money from fund balance. >> Okay. You've got before you a balance budget uh amendment uh for some capital [snorts] projects. Uh, any discussion or a motion? >> Motion to approve. [laughter] Motion to approve by Miss Connie Hogan. >> Second by Mr. Jeff White. All those in favor, please make known by
022saying I. >> Any opposed? >> Passes 6. [snorts] Board members, the second budget amendment in your package is located on page 33. Um is a is a balanced budget amendment which just takes in some local revenues that were not budgeted. And so you see there's $3,984. And then you see uh the categories that Miss Kleiner believes need to needs categories which need to be adjusted. And again, that's going to be a balanced budget amendment uh to increase revenues. 39.84 84 and expenses would balance out at the same point. So 3984, that's just a simply a housekeeping amendment uh to get some line items uh more in line so that it helps us budget through the budgeting process and through the monitoring of the budget. >> Do we have any discussion or a motion with regards
023to this amendment? >> So move motion by Mr. Stevens. Do we have a second? >> Second by Mr. Demetra White. All those in favor make it known by saying I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion passes 6. Moving on to administration, the school attendance report. Dr. Weeks. >> Well, members, item 8A in your packet on page 34. We had talked uh earlier in our last planning session that we would start including uh the school attendance reports. And so, uh you'll find that on page 34. Uh again, for the second month in a row, White House Heritage High School uh leads their group. Down at the bottom of the page, you'll see that they had a 98.5% attendance rate in October. And you see uh the comparative figures for November. You'll see a 98 uh.6 figure in
024that column also. So, congratulations to White House Heritage. You do have the October and November numbers. And then in the far right column the what you would also ask is that we include the numbers who are uh excessively truent. Uh these are students who have exceeded 20 plus absences of school already. Would remind you that we've been in school about 70 days. So when we have students that are missing more than 20 days, that is of serious concern. Uh first of all uh the lack of focus and the lack of attention on school in general. And then uh certainly if they're not in school, they're most likely behind in their studies in most cases. >> Dr. You know, how many at what point do we turn that over to I guess the courts? >> Yes,
025sir. What number do we get to before a student um that information is passed on to >> your your board policy requires that we have a three tiered and state law does as well. We have a three- tiered intervention system that are taken care of by school administrators. So uh at 3 days absence a letter is sent to the parent. At five days later, at five days, a parent is asked to come in and sit with the administration, often a guidance counselor, maybe an attendance person, where they discuss the importance of attendance, uh, clearing up any misunderstandings or mistakes or, you know, if a parent's able to produce some excuse notes or excuse letters and then I believe it's at 10, uh, they're sent that final and again asked to come in and develop a
026plan with the school where again if there are issues or situations that, uh, might involve our school social workers or we have mental health counselors. We have some social worker counselors that are also in our schools. So, we try to intervene at that point in time. Uh if they are not successful or if a parent refuses to come in and meet with the school upon their next level of excused absences or excessive absences, then they're they're turned their names are sent to this office and then sent to the the juvenile court. So, we're basically our past our fourth month of school, right? Start in August. So, you've got 94 students with over 20 absences. >> Yes, sir. >> Um, >> that's basically missed a whole month of school technically speaking. >> And is this excused
027and unexcused absences in this total? >> They they are. And again, you know, to everyone that is absent is not necessarily um you know, just missing school for no reason. Some of them do have legitimate reasons and excuses, but would remind you also within our state accountability model, uh students who miss more than 10% of the days that they're enrolled, uh they count against us in our accountability model. So we we talked about a few moments earlier when uh when schools receive letter grades from the state, they are uh either awarded points or deducted points for their attendance rates. Uh and as they receive uh and are eligible for recognition such as reward schools again, they either earn points for that or they're deducted deducted points for that. It's about it's about accountability from that
028standpoint, but it's more about teaching and learning. You know, students that are missing 20 days of school. Um, you know, it's it's very difficult for a student in 90% of our cases for them to be successful in school if they're missing that many days. >> Well, I think it's good to keep up with. I think at some point I may we may come and ask how many cases so to speak have been turned over to the courts um and what kind of results are we getting. So just so the public knows that we've done all we can and maybe there needs to be some conversation with some court officials uh that that time is coming. >> Yes, sir. >> Um because that's just unacceptable. Then after we do everything we can do, it's up to
029the courts to do something. and I'm not so sure we're getting what we should be getting and the only way to do it is for the public to know about it. So I think it' be very interesting to see those numbers as time goes on. I know we've had conversations with folks. I'm not sure we've seen any result changes. So maybe we start making that information public and maybe that'll help us. I I do know our our staff are are working very hard to to make sure to keep up with attendance, make sure it's accurate, make sure they're sending the letters and the notices when they need to do so. Um oftent times a student who's truent and then when when their parents [snorts] are asked to come in in a lot of cases it's
030um it's hard to get a parent to come in and see the value of that as well. And I know some of this is cultural and some of it is societal changes that have happened particularly since COVID. Uh during COVID, you know, we told people to stay home seven days, stay home 10 days, stay home 14 days. And um but you know, that's that's it's been eight years now. And so um we're back to normal school and we expect students to be at school as much as possible. Uh most of our schools have uh developed incentive programs when they're when students are present regularly and when classrooms have perfect attendance on a regular basis. Uh our high schools have placed a lot of incentives or [snorts] uh might say disincentives to not miss school uh
031involving extracurricular activities, field trips, proms, and other events like that. So, uh, I I believe our administrators and our student services department are working just about as hard as we possibly can. Again, we've told our social workers that is their main focus this year is visiting families, visiting homes, helping again to stress that importance of being at school. >> Thank you. [snorts] But over overall, >> you might want to meet later with me if you do to to I look at Greenber High School and I look at those two percentages 94.7 94.6 and I see that they have 25 students with 20 plus absences. But then if you go down three lines, there's an elementary school. their percentages are identical and they have no students with 20 or more absences. Is their absenteeism more widespread
032over everyone? Is that what the numbers are telling us? Whereas Greenber High School has a select group. >> Yeah, I I I do think that, Mr. Right. And I think that's the focus of the the accountability piece of chronic absenteeism, you know, because again, if if everybody missed less than 5 days, you know, we we would have a perfect score on chronic absenteeism because nobody would be absent more than 10%. >> But again, um to to earn that designation as a chronic absentee to miss 10% of the days that you've been enrolled. And so, um, you know, right now that would be anybody that's missed, so I guess we're in about our 80th day of school. So, anybody that's missed seven or eight days of school right now is technically chronically abs chronically absent would
033be counted against us. So, you're absolutely right. Uh, it doesn't take, you know, a handful of students to to hit that rate. >> [snorts] >> But I would on an overall basis, you know, when we're running 94% in October and 94% in November overall, very pleased with our attendance rates and most of our folks are doing a very good job with that. Um, so so there's there are some compliments to be handed out there. >> Any further discussions? >> Have we got this uh pinpointed down? And I guess I'm looking at Greenber High School more. If we've got 25 kids that are that are very chronic, do we know what area those kids live in? >> Is there office does? >> They they >> office. >> They should know them by name. Yes, sir. >>
034Okay. I'm just wondering is it coming from one area or is it widespread? Also, >> if we need to target one area, maybe >> principles meet with us during the month of February to start. Uh we have a midyear evaluations and midyear planning. So that that's one of our questions that we review with principles is who are they? What are we doing with them and >> um you know how can we help you intervene in situations. >> Okay. Thank you. >> One of the things that maybe concerns me even more than just those is where it is all spread out where you don't have any or one or two that's that's had 20 or more. I wonder if there's any kind of pattern to where it was in certain weeks. Could it could it fall
035back on the schools being clean or you know what I'm saying to where there was an outbreak of something or was there any times where there was a whole lot out for one week >> like a flu situation? >> Yes. I think we we monitor that on a semi-regular basis and you know particularly during seasons of sickness you know we'll get into flu season and things after the second semester but I think on an overall basis particularly at the high school level a lot of that's about family expectations personal choices and things like that. Anything else? All righty. Moving on to a potential calendar revision for the 202627 school year. Well, members, our uh our calendars have been uh inundated with changes and I don't much like change overall, but I certainly don't like changes
036after we make major decisions. And I consider calendars being a major decision. Uh but however, we've been told there are some election dates that are coming up next year that we need to make accommodations for. As a reminder, we have about nine schools that are used as polling sites. And so when we have that many sites, uh obviously our schools uh we need to be in compliance with the law about um not having students in school present at those days when school's in session. Uh so if you'll look at the two date or the two calendars that we've proposed u we've looked at an option A and again the the first decision today is to revise the 2627 calendar. Uh I don't like doing that at this point in time but again we have no
037choice but to do so. Uh we have an option A and an option B for you. Um, option A uh would have us starting school on August 3rd, 4th, and 5th. And then you'd see that we need to be out for an election on August the 6th. Uh, the rest of the calendar pretty much falls into, you know, standard calendaring guidelines. Uh, finishing up on May 21st. Uh, that's a little bit earlier than we've started, but it's not unheard of. Uh, you know, I guess the biggest concern there is going to school three days and then having to be off a day. We just experienced that a couple of weeks ago, uh, during the special election. You know, that we we took off, we were out for Thanksgiving break, came back on Monday, then we
038had to be out on Tuesday. So, it's it's not unheard of. Option B is the same thing. uh except rather than starting on Monday, August 3rd, this calendar would uh proposed as proposed uh would start on that Friday. We could have professional development on the 6, which is election day. That is allowed by state law to have staff in the buildings. Uh we if we were to uh use option B, we would avoid the buildings that have elections, but we could have staff development in other schools and move that around to avoid the schools that are um polling sites. So we'd have staff development on Thursday, start school on Friday as an administrator day with no students, and then start the school year on Monday, August 13. [cough] Uh that's a little bit later than
039we've started in the in the past. Uh but we would still be able to if you look down to May, we'll still be able to finish uh before Labor Day. And so that is generally uh I'm sorry, that'd be Memorial Day. So we typically try to make sure our calendars uh are in that time frame where we do not have to come back after Memorial Day. So, uh, with May having the, uh, April and May and the spring having a little bit longer time, we would be able to do that. Um, we've looked at both options. Neither one's a bad option. It's just which one do we want to do and when do we start? As you know, we're required to develop that calendar. Uh, with 180 instructional days, both of them have that. Uh,
040it's just a matter, do we want to start on August the 3 or staff returning on the 6th? And again, uh, our instructional [clears throat] staff here in this office prefer option B. But again, we will make whichever, uh, we'll make whichever one works. It's just a matter of, uh, should we start on August 3rd, come in three days, and then take a break, or would we go on August the 10th? What was the start date on the original calendar we approved >> August 3rd. >> I think it was August 3rd or 4th. So with option A, the only difference is the is just being out on Thursday. >> Yes, it it's it's taking that break after three days. Uh the fourth would be a half student day and then you see we half day
041for students on the fourth, full day on the fifth and then six would be a PD day. Well, the other big difference option and I I don't know where who you said was for what, but the option B, and I remember us talking about this last year, trying to get closer to the same amount of days into each period. >> Mhm. [clears throat] >> Uh, and this one has 84 and 93. uh I you you'd know [clears throat] more about what a difference that makes, but option A is 87 at the first part of the year and 88 second part of the year. >> And I think that's the one that probably our teachers in the high school level prefer most because it really equalizes those two terms and semester. So >> you mean option
042A does? >> Yes, option A is much better. Do we and do we typically I mean it seems like when we do have snow days and stuff like that they're almost the bulk of those are going to be the spring semester typically right >> typically. >> And option A has less stockpile days. >> Option B says it has 10 days. >> Yes, because we're able to utilize some of those PD days. Okay. on days. And we we've looked at those a little more a little differently to try to at least preserve some of those to use them. [snorts] You'll see that in um well again the the the dates are are are where they are. It's just because the election we need to to make sure one of those is corrected. I guess my only
043thought [snorts] option A if we're if we're not changing the start date, are we changing the the end date by a day or does or do we let that on? >> No, sir. We're absorbing that. >> We've already approved a calendar. >> Personally, I would think that we avoid making a drastic change of a week on both sides of the school year. If all we're doing is omitting a day and using a stockpile day for an election, that's just me. >> Everybody feel good with option A? I make a motion that we go with option A. >> Got a motion on the floor to approve option A by Mr. Jeff White. Second. >> Second by Mr. Scott Rice. Do we have any further discussion? >> All those in favor, please make it known by saying
044I. I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> We will make sure that that's corrected on all of our documents and revised and gets on the website. So, we'll make those announcements clear. Uh, next calendaring decision is item 8C on page 37. And you'll see that's for the 27 uh 28 school year. We're not aware of any um special elections that would have to occur. So >> very very >> typical looking calendar which again is going to look almost a mirror calendar uh like one day has moved but it's the same days that that you just approved for the 2627 calendar. >> Motion to approve by Mr. Jeff White. Second. >> Second by Miss Connie Hogan. >> Any discussion. >> All those in favor of approving the calendar as proposed, please make it known by saying
045I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries 6. board members. Again, I think that's, you know, we were talking about attendance early and I think when we can get a calendar out, uh, you know, we're we're talking two years out now. And so, families can plan for um vacations, they can plan doctor's appointments, they can plan all those items and events. And so, I appreciate you doing that. I think that is a a great service that a lot a lot of boards do not do. And I thank you for looking out for our families here. I have one question that's not tied directly to this calendar, but um we talked about, you know, sitting students, you know, for a few days and then not and all that. And would would it be difficult at all maybe
046in either from this year or the coming year to look around, you know, some of these if we have a day where where a a last day of school for a semester falls on an odd day of the week? Are those those types of days getting just heavily, for lack of a better word, skipped by students expected not to do anything? Are the two days prior to Thanksgiving break? Is is that are those heavy absentee days just so we kind of have a an idea? >> I I can tell you yes from the top of my head and from 39 years experience. Uh but we'll get you some data that to back that up. >> Gotcha. My kids would say you're not supposed to talk about that. Well, I mean, you know, if we know
047if we know a bulk are going to be gone, maybe we, you know, I don't know what we do, but >> understand. >> All right, moving on uh to the collaborative conferencing committee appointment. On page 38, item 8D, um [snorts] the board has a responsibility, uh as as we shared last time, the the PEKA process was approved by the teachers and uh you see a a vote summary on page 39, the page following. Uh but we have the the responsibility of porting of managing a management team. And so you'll see the recommendations for the board's management team uh which is Lewis Wallally who has chaired that committee and very familiar with that process. He's I guess he's been the only chair that our board has had uh in that process. Miss Kelly Armstrong, Miss Amanda
048Fields, Dr. Bob Puit, Miss Polly Spencer, Miss Christy Vertees, and Mr. Corey Willoughby. Uh those will be our board representatives. uh we're responsible for that appointment and the teachers association are responsible for uh the their team that consists of professional employees and uh the interim president Miss Amos has recommended those names there. So I would um would ask for approval on the board's committee. >> Do we have any discussion or motion? Motion by Mr. Steven Ays second by Mr. Demetri White. Any discussion? >> All those in favor of approving as recommended, make it known by saying I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes 6. On to roof replacement. Item 9A, Robert F. Woodall. Uh page 40 contains a proposal that is a proposal from the train incorporation uh that we've worked with on roofing. Uh they
049have given us a quote for uh the process at Woodall Elementary School. Uh this was developed I guess back when we originally had uh talked about doing the roof on on that project. Uh you see the base price on page 42 uh $2.09 million to put a roof on Woodall Elementary School. And again, this would be taken care of uh with the money those two those two motions would go hand in hand uh this project along with the budget amendments that you did earlier this evening. Any discussion regarding the roof replacement? Any questions? >> Would say this is a source well or US community bids >> source well community source well project. Uh so it is bid through that process. Um we had two options on page 42 uh for a 20-year warranty on that
050roof or a 30-year warranty on that roof. And again, um, we we just thought the 20 year, not knowing what would be happening in 20 years with roofs and roofing technology, uh, we thought that warranty would be sufficient. So, uh, 2097637 would be the total price. >> [snorts] >> questions, further discussion. >> So, this was bid. How was the bid process done on this one? >> Uh, source weld bidding. Uh, this was this was specifically done. Um, >> yeah, they they bid the and it'll give you the details of how thick the roof is, uh, how it's applied, and how it's put on there. And Sourcewell has a a general bid that they you know to place a roof on a building. They have it I I don't know if they do it by square
051foot by project or whatever but u they have bid this out and this was their their quote from the state bid >> from a state. Okay. >> Yes. >> It's a lot of money either way. >> Yes. This is a whole new route for the whole school. Correct. >> Mr. Sles, you want to address that? >> Yes, sir. The the number of penetrations that we talked about for the the roofing with it is got the original ballast roof on top of it from the original construction. So, this should be a four basic. >> Okay. I would like to make a motion to go ahead and approve the bid uh to get this done. It's it's beyond overdue in that building. It's it's much needed and times of the essence I feel like going into this
052season. So >> second by Miss Connie Hogan. All those in favor, please make it known by saying I. I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion passes 6. >> Dr. Weeks, do you know where this puts our fund balance down? >> At this point in time, >> you can save that later if you need. >> Let me do that before I and and let me make sure I understand your question because again, we budgeted a portion of that fund balance knowing that we were out of balance. Um, again, we feel comfortable where that is and and believe it'll be okay. But it it it was assuming revenues continue to come in, I still believe it'll be in excess of $20 million. >> Okay. [snorts] >> Moving on to architect selection. Board members, you had asked uh you
053had asked us to uh enter into some discussions with uh Grace Design after we had had presentations uh back during the early fall and we have representatives from Grace here with us this evening. uh you had asked for me to have some conversations with them about their um their pricing structure that we had talked about and so I sent to you earlier uh the pricing structure that we had talked about and we were able to do some negotiations there on the price structure. You see their proposal on pages 50, 51, 52 uh and 53. And so, um, you have a price structure which, uh, it would be for a building. And again, we we understand that we're not talking about building a specific building at this point in time. Uh, but you'd ask us to
054go ahead and take a look at that. And so, again, on page 52, you see the the professional fee services. And I think we were able to come down approximately a half half a percentage point um on our first building. And then you'll see in that second second sentence of that paragraph, uh if we were to build a second building of similar construction, uh that price would again be reduced by another 3/4 of point. Again, you do have representatives here from Grace this evening if you'd like to hear from them. Um or first of all we do thank you for being here. [snorts] >> Have any questions or discussion? >> Motion to approve Grace's architect selection. >> Okay. Got a motion on the floor by Mr. Jeff White to approve Grace uh as our selected
055architect for upcoming projects. I'll second the motion. >> Any discussion or questions? >> Again, we're making that clear. We are not >> building architect only >> if if and when we decide to. >> Have [snorts] a motion and a second on the floor to approve Grace. Uh, all those in favor, please make it known by saying I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes 6. Moving on to item number 10 on your agenda, communication, communications, rather. Board members, would like to uh thank the Tennessee Arts Academy. Uh Tennessee Arts Academy has uh again recognized Robertson County Schools as an arts partner school system for the outstanding work that we do in uh working with fine arts, visual arts, uh performing arts and Mr. J.R. Baker leads that effort in our school system and uh I
056think he's in an event tonight actually. But uh uh because in working with Tennessee Arts Academy, they do a lot of professional development with our teachers. Uh it's all very high quality by professional artists and again that includes dance, music, everything theater and uh so again just um I know you're proud of the work that our students do and our teachers do uh in our fine arts programs and I hope you've seen some nice musical programs and things of that nature, but uh we do have a nice letter from the Tennessee Arts Academy and another certificate to present and to to share here. So just wanted to make you aware of that communication and that award that they have received. >> Thank you sir. Item 11 director schools report >> board members again. First of
057all let me go back and thank you for uh your confidence in approving the additions and this addendum to my contract. I'm honored to serve this community and the families here and uh the students and staff. It's a it's a great honor to serve here at home and I'm thankful for that. I would also like to just remind everybody that uh we are in that holiday season where holiday parties, holiday events uh are going on, but we're also doing a lot of serious work with curriculum instruction. Benchmark testing is going on this week and we'll continue as we look into that. Uh our high schools are experiencing course tests and those items that are coming up. So, uh, lots of exciting things, but, uh, as we come back from Christmas break, uh, a lot of
058our calendars and a lot of our activities, as you know, will turn to the focus of, uh, not just the next year, 2026, but, will turn into the next year as we start planning for the 2627 school year. So, we'll be very involved in doing that. Um again, uh we're excited about the work that's going on in our schools and I think the the ladies and gentlemen that have been here with you this evening are just a a visual representation of that. Uh to stand up and and say you're a reward school is quite an honor in the state of Tennessee. Uh it's something that's very difficult to do and it's it's really hard to explain. I've I've had some folks ask me, did did we put our name in the hat when we got
059drawn to be done to be selected as reward schools or, you know, did somebody vote on us to be a reward school and absolutely not. It it takes a lot of work uh from top to bottom and it uh starts on day one and finishes on day 180. So, it's is a lot of work there. So, thank you for that. Uh would also like to tell you hope you've been enjoying some snacks that are uh kind of decorating your desk this evening. uh our family and consumer science uh FCCLA classes. We have those at Greenar High School, at Heritage High School, and at Springfield High School. Uh they had a competition, and so they have um we had final judging this afternoon. So, you see a brownie contest, there was a dropped cookies contest and
060miscellaneous contest. Um, and but uh this afternoon uh we also had and I'm looking for the winners, but I don't I think Mr. Jeff White, I think you have the winning cupcake. >> They look [cough and clears throat] like they won. >> They they had a cupcake decorating [laughter] contest that was uh the ladies that were here. I think there were seven entries and they uh were given a plain white cupcake uh a bag of icing and a few little decorative things and they were to create something and uh within I think I think they had 20 to 30 minutes to do so. So what you see around cupcake forms uh are the the entries that they did and so those were judged this afternoon and they asked me to share those with you. >>
061Great. All right, item 12. Do we have any old business to discuss? >> We do. Uh, Mr. Jamie Spencer from Newlet Spencer is here and I think he's got some pictures to show you from uh the video boards here. We'll figure out how to get that done. >> Just to start it off, can he say go balls one time? >> [laughter] >> Now, that's a lot a long story that a lot of people in this room don't quite understand, Mr. Jeff. But my youngest daughter did get notified today on my way here that she was accepted at the University of Tennessee. So, I'll have two. [applause] So, very happy, proud of her. Uh yeah, Mr. Chairman, members of the board, real quick update. Two things to give you an update on Dr. Weeks as we
062discussed. >> Yes, sir. >> One is the metal buildings that uh you're familiar with. Of course, Mark Gregory will be the most excited about this update, but we're moving right along with those buildings. I >> think if you pinch the space bar, I believe you'll There you go. >> Oh, yeah. Look at here. >> So, these uh these are the the metal buildings that we started on uh several months ago. Uh Summertown Medals uh was the bidder who got who we chose to build these buildings at East Robertson High School and at Joe Burns. And boy, they've really done a great job. Uh Roger Denton, some of you will know that name from all the work he did at White House. Roger's been so great to work with over the years. He's handling most everything
063that's outside of Summertown Metal Scope. Uh so here's just a few pictures from earlier this week. Uh of course this is East Robertson. You can tell by the color that was chose uh of this particular building. Really all that's left in both of these buildings um is kind of getting the electrical uh going, of course, pouring the slab, which is going to occur as of right now this Thursday. Um the concrete slab inside these buildings. Um and after that, we've got some gravel and some septic work to do and so forth, but we should be able to turn these buildings over the school system as of March 1. And fingers crossed weather cooperates, we may even be uh sooner than that. Here, of course, is uh Joe Burns. You can see the uh of course
064where the slabs going to go in the interior being built there, Mark. Uh that's for your you've got a restroom for the students. You've got a dog washing station and I believe we're calling the third room kind of like a a storage room for feed and so forth, Mr. Mark. Yes, sir. So, they can see the underground plumbing's in up those buildings and just kind of waiting for our concrete pour coming up. So, these two buildings are moving right along and we're very proud of them and I know I know that Mr. Mark and all the kids are really going to get a lot of use out of these once those are completed. So that's the update on those buildings. Happy to take any questions on those if you have any. If not, I'll move
065along to the second point. Uh and that is that uh as it relates to the site that this board is familiar with uh for a possible middle school in Springfield. Uh we have uh concluded uh pretty much all the due diligence that this board asked us to do on that site and we are going to report that we are very comfortable with that particular site. The environmental uh report came back uh clean. Uh the wetlands investigation streams and wetlands investigation came back uh good. The geotech uh was good. Uh phase one was good. Survey was completed. So, uh, the borings that were done to make sure there were no cars or sink holes on the property came back clean. So, as of right now, we feel very comfortable with that particular site. Okay. Uh, we've
066even laid a school uh approximate student size of the school just kind of the layout on it just to see how it would fit and everything looks pretty good. Uh, the one thing that we have not done yet is uh checked on the utilities. We have not gone to that step only because as discussed if we do that then that's pretty much going to make this site public knowledge at that point when you start going into the utilities districts and that kind of thing. So we just kind of been asked to hold off on that which we are doing at this time. So with that being said just want to let y'all know that the due diligence that has been performed on that particular site we are green lighting and 100% okay with Mr. Mr.
067Chair. And so Jamie, can you I I know we're we're also in the process with with you with your recommendation and with your approval, we're we're in some preliminary stages of negotiations on that. And so once once Jamie's negotiating on your behalf and so once we we get a little closer to where where we are and time will move that along. We're hoping we would actually have something before you this evening to uh to share with you. We're just not not quite there yet. But um I I hope maybe we can be there in January. >> Yeah, poss possibly soon. Just had some highlevel discussions with the family. um just kind of seeing if we're in the right territory, you know, and a if they even wanted to to sell the property. There's been quite
068a bit of discussions with that because there are multiple family members involved in this particular site. So, uh but uh through many many discussions on the phone with the the the sort of the uh leader of the family that's been, you know, uh appointed to speak with me, he's uh we're very hopeful and uh hopefully we can enter into the next phase of that. uh if that's what this board desires. >> So again, if if that were if that were ready at our January meeting or February meeting that um you know again we would talk about pricing, we talk about budget amendments and again we would go back and u talk to the county commission about funding that. So we have maybe a special call meeting if some negotiations result in some figures that this
069board could review and consider because I guess that would be the next step agreeing upon. >> We can certainly right we can certainly do that. Our next meeting is scheduled for January 12th. So you know with the holidays who knows but if >> you hear something good between now and then call us. [laughter] >> We we could possibly do that. And again, I would remind you too, you have a board retreat uh the last well, it's the first weekend of February, so all that'll be kind of close in there. And so if if we are able to have some preliminary discussions, the retreat on that first weekend and then talking about next stages with that. I guess I'd like to kind of move that along because I know there's been a couple of tracks that
070have auctioned off that if this deal doesn't work, every opportunity that comes up and passes, uh, this board [snorts] doesn't have the opportunity there. So, I think at some point price is either a yay or a nay and we either move on or or start with this project. But waiting doesn't seem to help me any long. You know, waiting is not a good option when there's property out there that could be bought while we're waiting on this family and us to make a decision at some point. We got to move on or do something. >> Yeah. >> And we we've had good conversations with uh Mayor Vogel about the process and I know he's very supportive of us purchasing property and u and seeing where what direction this board chooses to move. And again, now
071that we have architects on board with us as well, we look forward to putting them to work as well, getting some things taken care of. But, uh, Jamie, thank you for your work. Uh, you're having you at Spencer involved in this, as you know, they're they're very professional. They take care of this and, uh, and they they do a lot of work on your behalf. Uh the other piece of old business beside your desk, you have the TSBA legal and legislative institute. Uh that is on February 16th and 17th at Franklin Cool Springs. Um if you wish to attend, uh if you'll let us know, we need to get that registration in. And um also let us know if you need hotel accommodations that night. Um it's not so bad going down on Friday, excuse
072me, Monday afternoon. I think it starts around noon on Monday, but uh getting home Monday night and getting back down there early on Tuesday morning is a struggle. So if you need room reservations, Miss Trice would be glad to make those for you. Uh but we'd like to make them together so that you know we're at the same hotel and different things like that. So, if you'll let her know before our Christmas break, so maybe before next Friday, we'll get you either reserved or if you don't want to stay, we'll just get you registered for that. And I think that's all. >> Any other old business? >> Any new business? >> Hearing none. Oh, go ahead. Uh I was just going to say I think uh our both of our legislators have agreed to attend
073a legislative lunchon. So I think I tried to put that on your calendar as well. So your schedule allows. We will share some legislative interests with you and talk about that a little bit. It's a little bit earlier um before legislative session gets going. So uh we may be interested to hear what what their hearing is going to be brought to us this year. Maybe more so than us talking about what's important or things we'd like defeated. Good opportunity to have conversation though. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> Moving on to comments by board members. >> Miss Connie Hogan, you want to lead us off? >> I would just like to say the cookies are delicious. [laughter] >> She can't quit eating. >> Kind of been punching on them a little bit down
074here, but u Yeah, they are delicious. Um, you know, I really I guess the only thing I think about is and and I know y'all laugh at me sometimes because I say this comes from a first grade teacher perspective, but most every teacher that I've seen in the last week or so, how are you? I'll be a whole lot better when December, you know, and I understand that because it gets very hectic and and kids get excited and all that, but uh you know, I just hope everybody has a great holiday season, merry Christmas and great Thank you, ma'am. Mr. White, >> um, you still hadn't said go balls yet. I'm gonna stay on your mouth. Uh, no, thank you, Jamie, for the work you did. Grace, thank you for the the way you come
075in and presented yourself. Probably beforehand looking at who was coming, you probably was nowhere in my radar. Uh but I I did and and other board members talked last meeting uh like presentation and what you give us and look forward to working with you, our teachers and and administrators and the staff that was here tonight all the way down to the little voices. And I' I'd almost like to say nobody say the pledge except these five or six kids >> because I get the benefit of hearing all of them real good up here. Uh but it's just wonderful to see all of them. Uh thank you to everyone and I know everybody that does a great job cannot be recognized and we have schools full of people that are doing really great jobs right now
076and I appreciate their dedication uh how hard they're working and uh and I'm just thankful for that. I do hope that everyone does have a great uh Christmas and that you're able to get together with with family and have a good time. >> I just want to say congratulations again. They're not here now, but for all the people that was here, that was and just the excitement of it. My goodness, there was a lot of happy teachers here. They seem to really love what they do. And so that's probably why they were the winning teachers, huh? And uh so just hope everybody has has a great Christmas and hopefully everybody has time to [snorts] have a few days off there. So I see a smiling principal in the back. So [laughter] >> all right, Mr.
077Rice. >> Well said. I mean appreciate all the teachers and all their hard work. Um and my doctor would approve this message. So if anybody wants a cookie or a cupcake, please don't make me take them home. So, cuz they look great, but I sure don't need to eat them all. >> They're delicious. You're going to be sorry. >> Mr. uh just uh what an honor it was to be in that room tonight with uh all our winners and everybody we recognized and they just uh they keep everything going and all our staff. Just thank you for all you do. It's a such a huge undertaking every day and they make it happen. And I'm just uh Mayor Vogle says a lot that what a blessing it is to be in Robertson County. Yeah. and
078I'm reminded of that every time I come here, visit our schools. Uh just uh thank y'all and merry Christmas and happy new year. >> All right. Thank you, sir. Um I'll echo the congratulations to to all the teachers. Uh and again, did you say this is the most reward schools we've had in a single year? So, great job. Hopefully, we'll that number will keep going up. Dr. Weeks, thank you for your commitment to the to the district and um for uh for for allowing us to work with you. Um, and I'll I'll say a thanks to the board just on one item on this. Thank you all for your for your support. I know anytime we talk about pulling seven figures out of the fund balance, it's a gut punch and I totally understand that.
079Um, I can assure you there's there's no doubt of the need in that building and I thank you for your support on that. And I um you know I think you know I mentioned this at the last meeting when we when we undertook the the renovations at Westside and and in Innovation Academy. You know I'm glad that you know I feel like personally that that we owe our students and faculty a certain minimum standard in our facilities and uh multiple times since I've been on the board uh the board has stepped up and made sure that we're getting that done. Obviously, you know, at any given time, we could go spend tens of millions across the district doing doing little projects, but uh I think that's front of mind for everybody on the board, and
080I really really appreciate your support. And one thing maybe to ease the blow a little bit, we did spend about $250,000 on new ceiling tiles in that building with the HVAC. So, look, a little bit of this is protecting that investment, being good stewards of taxpayer money there because, you know, those don't last long with a bad roof. But, uh, thank you all so much for that. I know I know that we always have that front of mind and I really appreciate it. But other than that, I know the break's coming up soon. You'll have a wonderful break. Merry Christmas. Nothing else will be adjourned.