001of protection provided so far. We ask Lord you be with us tonight as we make decisions that you give us guidance on future things that may arise that we may continue to do the things that the taxpayers have asked us to do. We ask Father for your protection this night. We thank you for your goodness and mercy in Jesus name. Amen. >> Amen. I pledge allegiance >> 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. [clears throat] >> All right. >> First, we have the approval of the agenda. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Tidal. Thank you, Miss Sharp. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Then we have
002the approval of the consent agenda. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. Thank you, Mr. Rosales. All in favor say I. >> Any opposed. Motion passes. I believe we have no public comment tonight. So, we'll move right to Rutherford Proud. >> Halford. Dr. Dr. Alfred, you so I think we had our um band director last time who talked to us about his experience with marching in the Rose Parade. So, we have Dr. Halford, our fine arts coordinator, here to introduce our students and tell us about their experience. >> Yes, thank you. >> We have three students here with us tonight that were in the 137th Tournament of Roses parade this year. Um, we have Gianna Castle from Oakland High School, Tegan Shabbat from Seagull High School, and Caleb Howell from Rockville High School.
003Not able to be with us tonight. We had a fourth student, Aiden Abshire from Rockville High School. Uh, Gianna and Tegan play the flute and Caleb plays the trumpet. None of them play tuba. James was really sad about that because he wanted to know what it was like to carry the tuba the whole way. So, we'll have to try to find one of those in a future year. Um, the Tournament of Roses parade is historic. This was the 137th year, the first time in 20 years that it rained and one of only 10 times in the history of parade that it rained. So, these students truly had a unique and historic experience. They were in the Bands of America Honor Band, which is a 300piece national ensemble made of students from across the United States.
004They had one week for rehearsals and performances and special activities before the big event. Um, each of them will just tell you a little bit tonight about their experience. Uh, whenever I got to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl, it was basically immediately getting to work, but it was really fun and probably the best band experience I've had because everybody who was there wanted to be there and they weren't forced to. So, it was very fun and very engaging. U, the staff that they hired was probably the best that they could ever get. Overall really fun experience. >> Awesome. >> The staff and peers that I got to learn from and gained a lot of leadership experience from was an unforgettable and life-changing experience. And I was very grateful to have the opportunity to do something
005like this which I would have never dreamed of before. and I got to bring back a lot of lessons that I learned. >> Awesome. Um, I would say like meeting all the people that like I marched with and played with was definitely a learning experience, but it was really fun because like as they kind of said like everyone wanted to be there and it was fun to be in an ensemble where everyone wanted to play and a march and just gaining that experience was life-changing and something like I'll definitely hold forever and making new friends and honestly I just have a lot more fun. It was so fun to be able to do that and I'll always remember doing that. [applause] >> Thank you. And congratulations to Caleb, Tegan, and Gianna. And thank you all
006for supporting our arts programs that allows our students to have great opportunities. >> Can I ask a quick question? How are these Sorry. How are these How are they chosen? Because I'm sure there are lots of kids that would like to >> Absolutely. So students apply for the positions and then their directors are sent recommendation forms. The directors have to quickly turn around recommendations and score their students and give recommendations based on a number of factors and they select the students from from those recommendations. Thank you. >> Do you think we can get Mr. Evans in the next Roseb parade to carry the tub? >> He played percussion in middle school, so I think we could probably high school. [laughter] High school. So yeah, I mean he he could probably get his chops up. walk
007that far? That's a question. >> That's a question for him. >> I have I have marched in many parades, Mr. Vaughn, carrying very heavy drums. And I do want to point out that Abner, who's not here tonight, from um Rockville High School, did I say that? Aiden, I'm sorry, I don't have my glasses. Aiden. Um he is also a drummer. Um and and so I I respect that. I like these flute players and trumpet players, too. But I got [clears throat] to give a shout out. >> Yes, sir. It takes everybody, didn't it? >> Madam Chair. >> Absolutely. >> Yes, Basharie. Um, I'd like to thank the parents for supporting the children. I'm sure financially they had some layout on that. So, thank the parents and grandparents and the fam extended family because this is
008a once in a-lifetime thing for the students. Thank you so much. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um, so this is National School Counseling Week and Christine Bryan was going to do a presentation tonight, but she has a sickness in her family and so, uh, she's asked me to fill in for her. I am not worthy, but I'm happy to try. Uh today, this week is National School Counseling Week, February 2nd through 6th. Uh it gives us an important opportunity to recognize the essential work of our school counselors. While the week is quickly ending, our appreciation extends far beyond these five days. This year's theme is school counselors amplify student success. It reflects the difference that counselors make at every level of our district. And um in our elementary schools, counselors lay
009the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. They help young students build social skills, learn how to manage big feelings, develop positive peer relationships, and establish healthy habits of for success in the classroom. They are often um they are often among the first trusted adults students turn to as they develop confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. In our middle schools, counselors guide students through one of the most important stages of growth and transition. They support students as they navigate changing social dynamics, build organizational skills, explore emerging interests, and prepare for the increased academic expectations of high school. They help students understand themselves, advocate for their needs, and make informed choices as they begin thinking about their futures. And in our high schools, counselors continue that progression, helping students stay on track academically, explore post-secary
010options, navigate financial aid, and develop plans for life after graduation. They provide stability, encouragement, and guidance during moments when students are making some of the biggest making some of their biggest decisions. Across all levels, our counselors are a steady, supportive presence, advocating for students, strengthening families, collaborating with staff, and creating environments where all students can learn and thrive. On behalf of our district, we extend our sincere gratitude for our school counselors for the care, guidance, and leadership they provide every single day. Their work strengthens our classrooms, our communities, and the long-term success of our students. We invite everyone to in joining us recognizing and celebrating our elementary, middle, and high school counselors for the meaningful difference they make throughout our district. Do we have any counselors here? Come on up, please. Uh, Miss [laughter] Brian
011invited them. [clears throat] She told me she was going to have a few here and that they love to speak. So, if you guys [laughter] come up there, I'd like to know a little bit more, though. Seriously, come on up, please. I love people putting people on the spot, too. It's just one of the perks, one of the perks of the job. Come on up, please, and tell us who you are, where where you work. Go ahead. >> I'm Amy McCann and I'm a school counselor at Last Cases Elementary. >> Uh Missy Blizzard. I work at Oakland High School. >> One of the best right there is [laughter] >> Thank you, Mr. We do appreciate all you do. But I Dr. >> Yeah, I was saying school counselors a lot of um just information. Our
012school counselors all have master's degrees. So is a complete separate pathway than mental health counselors. So they are specifically trained in school counseling to where that is helping kids develop those skills that are so unique in the different age groups. and they are K12, but usually they work with a a specialty of area, but I know a lot of our our counselors have been at different grade levels, but it without our counselors and what we ask them to do with the student loads is is truly unfair, but it's how we're we're funded. And I hate that, but it's truly unfair. They have four, five, 600 kids to a to a case load, and to try to get to know that many kids, it's just it's unrealistic. And so, I wish there was something we could
013do about that. But >> thank you guys for what you do. >> Appreciate your support. >> If there's anything you need from the board, this is a good time to ask. >> Good time to ask. [laughter] >> But all we can do is ask. >> Good luck. >> Thank you. Thank you for all you do. Thank you so much. All you do. [applause] >> Oh, Mr. Taylor, >> that's fine. I was just going to say that uh school counselors are responsible for bringing one of my favorite programs to this uh district and that's the Amazing Shake competition which those finals are coming up soon around the corner >> and they work with Bistown too. >> Yep. >> Similar to Amazing Shakes >> both shake finals are next Thursday Mr. >> That's correct. >> Okay. Next
014we have human resources. >> So we talked about this on Tuesday. So this is presented our human resources 2627 signing bonus incentives recommended for approval. >> I'll entertain a motion. >> Thank you Mr. V. Thank you Mr. Vaughn. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next we have legal. >> First we have transfer student under discipline number one. The board's been requested to admit a transfer student from another school system under discipline. The student was expelled for possession of drugs. According to policy 6.318, the board may deny admissions if any student except those in state custody when a student transfers from another school system while under suspension or expulsion. Director of school's recommendation is to deny admission. >> I'll entertain a motion. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you. Move to
015deny. Is that what you would like? >> Yes. >> Okay. [laughter] >> Second to deny. >> Thank you, Mr. V. Thank you, Miss Sharp. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next, >> this is transfer student under discipline two. The board has been requested to amend a transfer of student from another school system under discipline. The students expelled for possession of a weapon in possession of a dangerous object. According to policy 6.318, the board may deny admission of any student except those in state custody when a student transfers from another school system while under suspension or expulsion. Again, director of schools recommendation in this case is to deny. >> Thank you, Miss Sharp. Thank you, Miss Darby. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next, we
016have instruction. This is a request for our textbook adoption committee request under schedule E career and technical education for CTE textbook adoption committee. The education or the educator members parent representative and industry representative. Um and upon approval they will begin their review process and move forward with the CT textbook adoption in alignment with both state and district guidelines and then bring those recommendations back to the board for final approval. >> I'll entertain a motion. Move to approve. >> Thank you, Miss Sharp. Thank you, Miss Darby. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Was it okay? Tidwell, I'm sorry. >> I think it was Darby and it's hard sometimes when you all chime in together. >> It does. >> Motion. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose? Motion passes. Next, we have special course request. >>
017These are the 2627 special courses request. The instruction department is requesting permission to make an application to offer credit for special courses under their following guidelines. Rule 0520-1-3-.05-2A. Local school systems may offer special courses not listed in 0520-1-3-d.06 on an experimental basis. The commissioner of education must approve courses and in advance each year. Ratherford County high schools are requesting approval for the following special courses. New courses, advanced grammar, fine arts appreciation and survey advanced topics, courses for renewal, intro to linguistics, infectious diseases, intro to microbiology, neuroscience and society, and then sports psychology. >> I'll entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Thank you, Miss Darby. Thank you, Miss Sharp. All in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. 10. Financial matters. >> First, we have Wilson Bank and Trust and Riverdale High School and
018Riverdale Baseball Booster Club agreement. a Riverdale High Riverdale Baseball booster club in partnership with Wilson Bank to provide and maintain a video scoreboard and signage partnership. >> I'll entertain a motion. Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Title. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Next, we have engineering and construction. >> First, we have Eagleville baseball fence request. Principal Tim Pedigo is requesting to utilize baseball count funds to replace the fence at the baseball field. This project is requested and not to exceed $18,000 and is no cost to the board. Engineer Construction has reviewed the request and has no objections. >> I'll entertain a motion. >> So moved. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. Thank you, Miss Darp. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any
019opposed? Motion passes. Next. >> Smyrna High ROC obstacle course request. Dr. Sherry Southerntherland is requesting to install an ROC obstacle course to be funded by CTE. This project will be funded through the CTE funds and is not expected to exceed 4,000. Engineering construction has reviewed the request and has no objection. Recommend motions to approve. >> Thank you, Miss >> Sharp. Thank you, Miss Darby. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. >> Next is Witworth Buchanan scoreboard relocation request. Principal Chris Butner is requesting to be allowed to receive the existing baseball scoreboard from Seagull High School to replace the one currently on campus. anticipated cost to replace the existing support structure as well. The project will be funded through baseball funds and is not expected to exceed 3,000. Engineering construction
020has reviewed the request and has no objection. Move. >> Thank you, Mr. Bond. Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Title. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Next >> is Smyrna Primary School soccer goal request. Dr. Amy Perry's requested to purchase permanent soccer goals for Smyrna Primary utilizing fundraiser funds. The cost for this request is $6,7578. Engineering Construction has reviewed the request and has no objection. Move >> to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. Thank you, Miss Sharp. All in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next, we have financial updates. >> And just so everyone knows, we have to approve those in order for them to go on our insurance. And so that is what our county government requests. So the audience wondering why are we approving every one of
021these little amounts that so they're approved by insurance if something happens. Financial updates. Um we talked Tuesday and so we talked about potential board um priorities of being the coal increase 2 to 2 and a.5% funding for a new high school and fund 177. Again we are a little bit less in students and we talked about our um economically disadvantage numbers dropping our concentrated poverty dropping. So we're becoming a little bit more of a fluent of a district according to the coding changes. So, if you have any other ideas or things you want us to to look at, priorities, please let us know because Brian and I will start really working on the budget here very shortly. I know Brian's already working, but I'll really start getting involved in the budget very soon. >> Gotcha.
022Any comments or questions? Okay, next director's update. >> Uh, only thing new, just the things from Tuesday. Miss Williams, if you would include those in the minutes from Tuesday, the things I went over. And then best of luck to all of our cheer teams again who were all in Orlando along with >> When do we find out who have how they did? >> Saturday, Sunday. Okay. Excellent. Mr. Vault, do you have anything? Okay. >> Nothing else. >> Yeah. Um, next we have general discussion. Miss Maxwell. Yes, Mr. Zales. Yes. Um, thank you so much. I just want to remind the board that um February 12th, everyone on the board is invited to go down to Bistown and see for themselves what Bistown is all about. They're ready to host us. Um I was under impression
023there was going to be an email sent out. If not, no worries. I will make sure that email sent out with a special invitation. And so hopefully everyone can make it. If we if there's some that needing uh car poolool or transportation or whatever, we can make it happen and work it out. But it'll be a good experience for us to go in. I believe there's going to be one of our schools that's going to be there. So Okay. >> Yeah. The problem is amazing. >> Shake. >> Well, it it's we can make it before the awards. The awards is in the evening time. This is during the day, but we can leave early to make it to the amazing shakes. So, um, we could do both if you wanted to. Okay. I have Okay.
024Yes, Mr. Table. Go ahead. >> That's fine. Sorry, I didn't mean to jump out in front of you. I just want to remind everybody as well that uh tomorrow night at Word Outreach Church, we have the All County band concert. >> Yes, >> it has been amazing. You're going to see some true talent. Uh put that on your calendar tomorrow. >> Okay. And I got a call from one of our county commissioners and uh he would like for all of us, if we could make it to come February 24th to uh the county commission meeting. They will be taking up our resolution for financial literacy and uh supporting that. They great. So he would like to encourage everyone to come if we can >> at health and education I'm guessing. >> Oh yeah, health. I'm
025sorry. Here >> that's we had um when the the um when um the ten the department of finance I forget the I don't want to mis pronounce the name or anyway when they were here we had quite a few of commissioners that attended the session that I was that I was there as well. Um, so I'm so glad that they are doing that as well because they had two different resolutions, one for the school board and another one for the um the commissioner, the county commission or the council. So I'm glad that they're doing that as well. Mr. B. >> Yeah. I'd like to again just thank our counselors that have done a great job in getting the schools going and anybody's ever been around school business know how important they are. Uh also our
026cheerleaders in Florida, we want to wish them the best of luck and Mr. [clears throat] W I hope he makes it back. All right. Um, I'd like to also thank our lineman, the the Middle Tennessee Electric that did an amazing job during the ice storm and and got everything up to up to speed and kept us kept us open and with with electricity and our maintenance department. We can't say enough for what they did to >> keep the schools ready and safe and and everything. You know, we just can't say enough. Uh, also the the president has u got a bill has presented that's going to allow prayers back in school. So, that's that's a great thing. So, It's good. A lot of good things going on. >> Yes, indeed. Does anyone else have anything?
027>> Okay, this has been a fantastic meeting. I think this is break night break neck speed we found through here. >> Move to adjourn. >> Thank you. We're journed.