White County School Board Meeting 4/9/2026

001Yes, 2-minute warning. We're glad you're here. Of course, we do live stream these. So, you're welcome if you miss them, you can just pick them up that way. I know you want to get great sound bites from Mr. McDonald. You have to come in person to get that. Hey, I'll tell you this. You got this one and four more to get anything from me and this old boy is check it out. No, you're not, Mr. McDonald. You need me, call. You You need me, I'll call. All right, if I can have your attention, I'm going to call the uh work session of Wake County Board of Education for April 9th uh to order. I appreciate everyone being here and taking this time to go over the items that will be considered for our consent agenda

002tonight. Uh as as always, if we there's an item that needs further discussion, um let it be known and we'll pull that out and add that to a new business item in our regular meeting agenda. So, uh we will get started with review of our uh uh of our board meeting minutes from last month. Uh included in your packet prior to the meeting was the uh the items that were covered. Uh the report, thanks Miss Thank you, Miss Sims for uh putting this together. Uh but we had our school board meeting minutes and also our work session uh meeting minutes for March 19th, 2026. Uh board members have had an opportunity to review those. Any uh comments, questions, clarifications, or corrections? Mr. Chair, I did notice something in one of the minutes on uh if

003you give me just a second, I'll find it, but I think there was a um miss minute on the Central View um vote that was taken. I think the uh Yes, that's correct, Mr. McDonald. Um brought that to our uh director's attention and worked with Miss Sims uh to review the uh recording and uh they have that corrected in the copies that you have tonight. If you look on uh what's like page 11. Yeah, okay. I I just I noticed it when I was reading through and I didn't see the updated. Correct. The MOU with Wake County Sheriff's Department Central View property has been uh correctly uh recorded with the discussion and the roll call vote and the results for that vote. And then the dating of the bonded crop property was uh was unanimous.

004You still have Young as no here on the minutes. If you look at the You're saying that your vote was No, no, no. I'm saying your vote is not correct. Cuz it says 4-3, F. Smith yes, Douglas no, McDonald no, Young no, Fowler yes, >> Oh, I'm sorry. >> Officer yes, and Stoll no. So, can we make that change? And uh we can approve it noting that change, perhaps? >> Yeah, yeah, that's fine. I just I was reading through that. That just come to my attention. So, and and I'm sorry, Mr. McDonald. We've also been talking to talk to Mr. Rest. We're working on some AI assistants and uh with our technology folks on the on the note taking and then we'll be able to go back and proof those a little closer. So, we've

005kind of run a test on that this week and we'll be trying that again this week. So, we should get some of those things cleared up, but thank you all for and good job. Gets uh that was a test. Okay, good job, board members on reading through your notes and that's a that's a good testament to testimony to the public to show that you're doing your job and reading through those. So, we apologize for the error, but we'll make sure we get that cleaned up. Thank you. Well, understanding that it was a test, it makes me feel better. That I passed. All right. Um Any other questions, comments regarding our uh our minutes from last month? Okay. Uh if not, we're going to go down to the next item and that's policy. We have seven

006policies that are before us tonight. Uh four of those are coming up for second reading. I'm going to jump down to those. It's 2802, 2803, 5110, 5304. Uh those particular minutes, allow me just a second. Pull my cheat sheet. Um just as a reminder, um there was uh on 2802, there was a meeting of a lump sum non-administrative personnel statement in our policy that was uh that was being uh removed. Um then a meeting of a paragraph in uh 2803, paragraph number two. Um then the um uh 5110, uh that was where changed where the uh we would pay the estate of any un unused accumulated leave for anybody that uh that passed during their during their time employed with the district. And then um there was a military extended leave um policy where we

007changed the days from 10 days to 15 days for approved R&R for for uh for those that were uh been affected by that. So, those are the policies that were coming up for second reading uh tonight. Um if you've had any review and have any questions or comments on those policies, haven't had a chance to look at those uh again, uh let it be known. Uh those were included in your packet and they were highlighted and and uh and edited redlined as uh as were discussed. >> Okay, if um no questions, comments on that, then I want to turn our attention to uh policies for first reading uh tonight. So, first reading policies, there are three, and uh those policies are 1404, 2400, and 6411. Um going to skip 1404 for the moment. I'll come

008back to that. Um 2400 is uh regarding revenues and monies collected by any school within our district. And uh in case you haven't heard, um we're getting away from the use of the penny as uh as currency in our uh uh in in our country, and so uh we have to have uh policy on how we're going to handle um cash transactions. And how and uh so a cash transaction's going to be rounded to the nearest 5 cent. And so included in that uh policy, um you can see that amounts ending in uh one or two is going to be rounded down. Uh amounts ending in three or four is going to be rounded up. Six and seven are going to be rounded down. And amounts ending in eight or nine will be rounded up.

009So, uh that's the breakdown of how uh how we will be handling uh uh cash transactions and the rounding of those to uh uh not to uh deal with uh the penny. Any questions on that policy? Does that mean we won't accept pennies for anything anymore? Uh I think pennies are still legal tender. So, I would say the answer to that would be yes. Okay. Um if nothing on uh on policy 2400, then go down to uh policy uh 6411. And um the uh we're allowed in a policy to include a special exemp- exemption for um school-sponsored fundraisers um that might fall uh where the product being sold for the fundraising might fall outside the scope of what our uh nutrition guidance is. Um in speaking with Mr. Drawbarger and and can confirm this, um

010but uh uh our nutrition is not they they're not doing fundraisers as as now, correct? Yeah, Miss uh Savage is not here at the moment, but she said there are no fundraisers that are going on outside of the allowable uh fundraising that goes takes place. Um there are certain number of days that school nutrition or schools are allowed to sell um items that are outside of the smart snack category. And uh but they keep those within those limits. >> So, there are no other fundraisers beyond that that would violate uh this policy. So, the question is, do we need to add language to this policy, or do we just need to leave it as is? No, that that was her advice was that we just could just delete that line and and adopt it as

011is. Uh I don't actually I don't think that would change our policy at all. I'd go back and and and cross-reference those, but there's no need to add any language according to Miss Savage. Okay. So, what that would mean is that we can we would need to go back and double-check to make sure there's that policy language is not changing. So, if if that's the case, then we would not need to take any action on 6411, correct? Okay. So, remember as we get into our meeting tonight, we'll uh make note that uh director will go back and look at that, but there uh there's no change to that policy. So, we will pull that item from our policy reports, cuz there's there will be no action taken on that. Um so, then it goes uh

012let's go back to uh 1404. So, 1404 uh is policy that uh speaks to appeals and appearances before the board, um including in the appearing before the board is the state-mandated um public comment period, where um statute says that uh passed several years ago that all of our uh each agenda uh of the board uh include a line agenda item for public comment. And in that uh comment in that policy, the way that policy was uh was uh written and adopted, um that public comment was uh strictly towards items on the agenda. So, somebody signed up for public comment um that we were wanted to be recognized at point in time in our meeting where that came up, then um they would be allowed to speak, but it'd have to be pertaining to agenda item.

013Um late March, middle of late March, um legislature passed um our our the governor signed uh legislation that came out of our the House and Senate, the state that said that um public comments are not only limited to agenda items, but they would shall also include matters that are germane to the school board's jurisdiction. So, by statute, we're going to have to adopt that language um in our policy. Now, one of the things that as a board where we do have uh have discretion is uh the amount of time that uh that we allow for those comments. Um so, we can uh we can set a time for total public comments. We have that option. And then we also have uh the option to uh set a time for the individual speaker. So, uh setting

014a time limit on that, um obviously, as you know, that was set there to facilitate uh efficiency in our in our meetings and not have them to uh uh extend into the uh uh wee hours of the morning. Um maybe uh filibuster type uh uh comments, but uh the uh but we are allowed to to set a time. So, um we need to uh we need to consider what we might want to do on that regarding our policy uh and times, but given the fact that the legislation uh the governor has signed this into uh statute now and it's taken it's it's in effect now, um in my opening comments tonight, I do plan uh regarding public comment, I do plan to speak to that, let the public know that uh of that change, and

015uh that we would recognize uh people that are wanting to speak on uh matters that are within our board's jurisdiction. And that language uh need to keep that in mind. It'd be things that uh would fall under jurisdiction of the board. Uh so, uh so, then I'll uh I'll pause right here for a moment, give you a chance to uh think on that, ask ask questions, or have some uh have uh some discussion on what you'd like to how you'd like to proceed with this policy. Mr. Chair, I I do have a quick question on that, and and I remember when we adopted this public comment um policy what, four years ago now? I believe it was. I think you're correct. And we we set a time of 5 minutes per speaker. Um and and

016I I think our amount of time was 30 minutes, if I'm not mistaken, for public comment. Let me check that real quick, Mr. uh Mr. uh McDonald, cuz you may be correct. >> But I I am um I'm in favor of keeping the speakers uh time to 3 minutes. I believe we have uh been very um diligent in um limiting that time to the 3 minutes that we had in our policy before. Um I think every speaker that comes has been very mindful of that. And and as the timekeeper that I've been over the last few years, I whenever there's questions asked of the board, I I've been enough to pause that time to allow us to respond back to them without using their time. So, I I think 3 minutes per speaker is good,

017and if you had 10 speakers, you're going to you're going to hit that 30-minute mark. So, um you got some insight for me? Yes. Yes, today, Mr. McDonald. Um current policy said uh says that speakers will be given no more than 5 minutes. >> Okay. And so, that would be um we could leave it as is or we could consider changing that. Um the the language that's not in our current policy um is uh the language that's redline matters that are germane to the school board's jurisdiction. But also um is the the comment or the the language that total public comment period shall be uh for no more than and we would insert the amount of time if we if we chose to to limit total public comment. Um so, it would be if you're

018looking at the uh uh the policy that was in your packet uh you'd be looking at the language in uh lines 17 and 18. And that's where uh where it deviates from from our existing existing policy. Um existing policy language. I mean, I don't know that we've ever limited anyone to speak uh for any amount of time um on any subject if it was on the policy or if it was on the agenda. Now, I I I'm I mean, I we're going to have to go with line 17. We're going to have to we're going to have to adopt that because that's state law now because you know, the the governor signed that into law. So, we're not going to be able to get around that, but um I'm not for sure if we want

019to limit the public's amount of time. Um I don't know. I I like the five the three to five minute per speaker. Um and I also like going down in line 20 where if there's a delegation, uh they shall you know, only only one individual to speak on behalf of the entire delegation. So, I'm I'm I'm glad we're going to leave that that in there as well. So, um I would be open to any amount of time that that the the rest of the board wanted to do there. Thank you, Mr. McDonald. Um any other thoughts comments on this? Can I ask Mr. Dronebarger. I just like to point out to the board the last segment uh says it's optional from TSBA because obviously if you know, people can come speak, they don't have to

020appear on the before the board via the previous process and get on the agenda. However, the board might want to consider some language in that last section because if I'm a parent and I am and I have something that I want to discuss in earnest and maybe I want to bring forth some documentation for you to study ahead of time and things like that, it's going to be more um prudent to go through that process and maybe get on the agenda than what it maybe I might be able to explain in 3 minutes. Um so, I it's up to the the board's prerogative, but they may want to consider some language and maybe we have TSBA reward that for us so at the end so that there is an avenue for folks that want to

021have a maybe a more in-depth conversation or at least study on some on an item. Um but that's certainly the board's prerogative. That's optional now that this other is there, but just wanted to bring that forth for your consideration. Anyone else have any thoughts or comments? Yes, Ms. Officer. So, I do like the fact that um we do put it a time limit for the total. Um I definitely want to be open for people to talk about us. 3 to 5 minutes is fine, but we do I think have to have a finite line there. Um for some subjects, some people could talk and talk and talk. Um because it is a little vague when it says germane to our jurisdiction. And so, I I do think we need to have 45 minutes I think

022is reasonable um as a time limit for the total amount. And then again, just like Mr. Dronebarger said, I really like the fact that if you're on the agenda, and that's the difference. If you're on the agenda, then you can have more time. And I do agree with that 100%. I think we need to have that in policy. Thank you, Ms. Officer. Ms. Douglas. Okay, so if you're on the agenda, you have a time limit, but if you are not on the agenda, you Uh no, ma'am. Um if you're uh so, you bring up something good. I'm going to try to walk through this and um Mr. McDonald can correct me if I'm wrong. Um there's in the public setting in our meeting um meetings that we have, there are basically three three ways in

023which members of the public can be recognized in our meeting. Um the first one in this policy starts out as appeals to the board. And appeals are the last step in a process of where some type of um some type of uh mediation has not been met at lower levels as you know, all items are preferred to be taken at the lowest level of authority, but there is options to appeal as you as you go up through the through the process, the board being the last. So, you have an appearance that would be under appeal. Of which would be an agenda item. The next and I'll just say I'm not I think the policy the the way this policy is laid out, it could be improved a little bit when we get in these discussions

024because you have then appearing before the board. And appearing before the board is different from following an appeals process. So, the appearance to the board um basically you can you can appear appear to the board in in uh two ways. You can request to be on the agenda. And if the executive committee approves that, then you'd be added onto the agenda. And to Ms. Douglas, to your point, there is no set time limit on on um being being added to to speak to the board on the agenda. And there is there are there are there is information that is required to be presented to the board prior to the meeting. And on an agenda item, if you request to be on the agenda item, um you would expect that because the board has had the

025information in front of them prior to the meeting, that the board prudence would say that that would be a situation where the board could act. However, on a public comment period, um if somebody wanted to come up and speak, even if they had information, um they would I don't think they should assume that they would that the board would take action on anything in the public comment period other than point of reference um given it to us as point of reference uh because one of the things about this policy is saying if if somebody wants to appear um prior to you know, the the statute that's saying allow the public to comment in a meeting, uh comments are comments. Appearing to the board for uh for purposes of expecting board action, there has to be

026more behind that. So, um to your if I I'm long way trying to answer your your question, Ms. Douglas. Um the the public comment the comment period um it's being recommended that there's time limits set. If somebody has to be on an agenda item, um has to be on the agenda as a as a board item, then we don't have time limits set on those. So, um does that provide a little clarity? Okay. Mr. Chair, just one thing on that appearing and adding an agenda item. You know, we have in our in our policy, we have the blank line there. Um I guess what the time that we need to we need to add there would be the days or how many how much how many days before the meeting that the material needs to

027get to the director so that it gets to the board so that we can make an informed decision. Um Ms. Douglas, I apologize. I I need to I need to correct something here. Uh Mr. Mr. McDonald, um in our current policy for individuals desiring to appear before the board, um there's a process that they go through and then their request for their materials to be provided to the director 7 days before the meeting. So, that way we have the opportunity to review the information prior to the meeting. Um as I do read down here in the minutes, we do limit those presentations to 5 minutes for them to speak. Um on when their when their item comes when it comes to the uh that moment on the agenda. Um, what in my mind, Ms. Douglas,

028when I was saying no time limit um experience has said they come to a uh to meeting and they spend their 5 minutes. Typically, that's followed by some board discussion. Um, and that that is case. So, it would be wouldn't limit the amount of time we spent on that agenda item. But, we do have in policy now that their presentation is limited to 5 minutes. But, that doesn't mean that we would say at the end of 5 minutes um Mr. Miss member of the public, you would have go be seated at that point time. The board has discretion on that because that being a agenda item. That's the way I would interpret it. I'm with you there, Mr. Mr. Chair. I The 5 to 7 days is it for is it 7 days that they

029have to have their material in? Okay, so 7 days on line 23 they would have to have their their material 7 days to the director of schools before the meeting. And then if requested approved by the executive committee the item would place on the agenda. Individuals place on agenda will recognize at the beginning of the meeting and given 5 minutes to speak when their item is addressed on the agenda. That's what our current policy reads now. That's that's correct. >> Okay. Perfect. Thank you. Okay. So, um I'm going to I'm going to suggest because this is an important policy and uh um I'm going to suggest that we slide this out of consent, put it down into our new business. Um, and then that way we can uh we can take and and uh in

030our uh regular order, uh we can address we can deliberate on the amounts of times that we want to put in on that. I would probably prefer doing that in uh a regular meeting than supposed to doing it in this work session. Everybody good with that? Okay, so we'll pull that out um of our consent consent. Then, uh so that's uh that's all of the the policies. Anything else uh regarding policies? Yes, uh Mr. Chairman, I'd like to go back to Let me find it. Student wellness 6411. Uh I've gone back and cross-referenced that to our current policy. So, excluding the recommendation um to include exemptions for those fundraisers, um that that wouldn't change your current policy at all. So, if the board just didn't take any action on that particular policy uh 6411, it

031wouldn't change anything uh because we don't have any exceptional fundraisers to add. Okay, thank you for going and checking on that. So so we'll there will be no action on uh 6411. No changes to that policy. So, we'll admit that from our our consent agenda. Um as far as our policy review. Okay. All right, thank you for bearing with us on on the those policy items. Okay, um next item on our uh as part of our consent agenda would be uh maintenance report. Uh Mr. Alley is present tonight. So, Mr. Alley, thank you for joining us. If you want to give us an update. Good afternoon. Um everything is going really well. Um we completed the uh restrooms down at the tennis courts. They're totally done. Um I think about nearly $10,000 cheaper than than

032we were going to spend on them. So, uh unfortunately, that's not our money, it's county's. So, uh Danny Wayne will be happy. Um but uh everything went well with that. Um I noticed from uh April 1st to uh today, we had already completed 60 work orders. So, there's a lot going on. There's a lot of uh little things, but uh lot going on. Everything's uh seems to be running uh pretty decently. And don't have any problems, attorney. I have not been down to Doyle this week. So, uh Mr. D, have you been down there? I have. I've uh approved the the brick repair. Um I think that's about as good as it's going to get there. Um tile has uh I come in in I think next week. They're going to start that. They said

033it'd take about three or four days to get the tile in and then the cabinetry and furniture will follow. So, we're going to be uh probably right on schedule for the end of school. So, uh any questions for me? Mr. Alley, have y'all uh what what's your plans for doing the uh silk facilities assessment? Uh I know that you've got to get a contract back, but We they do not want a contract. Um they said that uh if we decide to hire them to do some some of our the to start with the work, then we'll get a contract at that point, but they said we do not need a contract right now. Um so, what we're doing is um sending them all of our utility bills uh water, electric, gas, everything that we that

034uh we have. They're going to start assessing those, then they're going to come up and and go through the schools one by one and uh see uh what they can find that we might uh uh be interested in working on. And uh so, um you know, like I said, unless we hire them, we do not have to pay them anything or sign a contract with them. So, if we were to hire them, that would go have to go through the procurement process. Um they and they met with with Chad. Yeah. We we've already gone through all of that. Okay. So, um so I guess uh question that I would have um cuz we haven't we're going to start the budget process up and we'll need to allocate some funds for capital improvements. Um do you

035think they would have any recommendations before we get into that? Cuz that's pretty quick time frame. Um I'm not sure that they're going to be ready for that come this budget. We're probably shooting for next year's budget with all of this because it's going to take them a while to get through all of this. That's what was what was kind of going through my mind. Um just trying to figure out, but we probably shouldn't let a year go by that we don't do capital projects if something's on the agenda. So, are would you be able to look at that and have something in place for us. So, that way we're not just letting a year go by and no maintenance. Well, you could always give me all the money and you know Okay, well that

036would be a that would be a board decision. My my No, we we will have something in there. We we've already discussed a lot of things at the schools. Um and and there's quite a bit that that we can do uh while waiting basically on this. But, yes, it will be uh included in the budget for this year. But, our hope out of this assessment is that we can put a capital plan together that would be longer term. You can find fixes for the short term. Okay, great. >> Right. All right. Board members, any other question for uh Mr. Alley? All right, thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Alley. All right, next item on our agenda is uh budget report, Ms. Officer. Speaking of money thank you, Mr. Markham and your team for putting this

037report together for me. The following report is presented detailing the financial position of White County School System for the period ending March 31st, 2026. Through the end of March, total revenues for all school funds were $35,585,544. While total expenditures and encumbrances totaled totaled $33,603,789 resulting in a combined estimated fund balance. Am I echoing? You're doing fantastic. It's it's a technology demo. I'm going to turn this down a little bit. Because it sounded really bad to me, too. >> Okay, thank you. Okay. This reflects a steady increase from the beginning of the fund balance of $20,455,164 driven largely by the peak property and local option sales tax collection season. Within the general purpose school fund, revenues had an increase of .12% for the same period over last year. Expenditures and encumbrances had an increase of 7.53%

038for March of 25. This expenditure increase continued to be driven largely by salaries and wages for regular instruction which rose by over a million dollars for the prior year due to the one-time bonus paid at the beginning of the school year. Local option sales tax collections for year-to-date totaled $2,191,187 reflecting continued growth over the prior year receipts of $2,043,282. The School Federal Projects Fund shows revenue of 40 14.59% lower than the prior year, while expenditures are .42% lower. Largely due to shifts in the federal programming funding and timing. Expenditures are currently outpacing revenue, which is typical of this particular fund because it operates on a reimbursement basis where funds are requested after obligations are met leaving an estimated ending balance of $2,537,091. The central cafeteria fund revenue show an increase of 9.9.65% over prior year

039while expenditures have also increased but only 0.38%. Driven by rising cost in food and supplies. The funds estimated balance currently stands at $587,667. Overall, our school system maintains a stable financial standing through the third quarter with property tax collections now at 99.38% for the annual budget. The system's fiscal health remains consistent with the seasonal expectations and historical performances. Thank you, Mr. Officer. Um any questions, comments regarding our fiscal report for the for March 2026. Okay, if if not then we'll go down the next item budget amendments and transfers. Just double check there are no budget amendments or transfers forced to consider for this month. So we'll move on to the next item and that's personnel report personnel report for the applicants interviews and hires for the month of March and also included in your package

040is personnel changes from for the month of March which includes new hires, terminations and transfers. Any questions on those personnel reports? Okay, if if not then we'll move on to the next one is the our threat assessment report you provided with threat assessment report for the month of March. You can see that there are two items that are that are open and being monitored but all other items for the month of March have closed and so uh that's hopefully we can get those other two closed as well and find them properly handled. Any questions, comments regarding the uh threat assessment report. Okay, if not we'll go to our tail end report Mr. Smith. I'm sure it's been a busy month on the on state capital. It has Mr. Chairman and just one of point of

041clarity. I'm not on Facebook or playing Minecraft. My computer has died so I'm using my phone is my way of of communicating. Mr. Douglas, please verify that. Mr. Douglas, is that not on state bill 2310 excuse me Senate bill 2310 House bill 2393. This is the one about using digital devices for grades K through five and my understanding is originally it was to restrict use of devices K through five for instruction but the latest amendment as I read it is expecting the the LEA to produce a policy governing the age appropriate instructional use of digital devices by students to minimize unnecessary screen time. I think the idea is to prioritize in person teacher led instruction over the use of um digital devices in instruction. The other one is and forgive me but let me find

042it. Don't let your computer run out of juice. The other one is Senate bill 2247 and House bill 2532 and that has to do with uh the increase in vouchers and Mr. D I may defer to you because in your report to us you had mentioned that it had they had tagged on something regarding immigration onto that. Is that correct? So yeah, the last update that I had that there was the competing bills in the House and the Senate and there was discrepancy over because there was an amendment to make to force the schools to check for immigration status of students that are enrolling in your schools and so that had gone it'd gone back to deliberation to try and find find a settlement on that. So I think that's the last update I had

043that's where that stood. But the number that they're trying I think it's is 40,000 that they're trying to move to it's which is more than what originally was proposed but they're trying to move that to 40,000 voucher opportunities. And if you look at White County schools I don't know but one private school in White County so I'm not certain within the county the the total impact there but those that have the ability to go to Putnam County or Warren County that they could impact our enrollment. So I guess a little disappointed that it went from 20,000 with an additional five to now 25 and now to 40 scholarships that are being offered. So those are the two items I wanted to share Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. McDonald. Any other board member have a Mr.

044Smith What did I say? I promise I'm not playing a game. Mr. Smith, I apologize. Um we'll move on. Um So that really does mean you're going to miss me when I'm going, right? Mr. McDonald, I'm all from when when you're gone I will refer to every board member I'm sure is Mr. McDonald. I do have a comment on on his two legislative updates. Um seems like every bill that comes through regarding education our legislators our fine legislators and and I and I do that with a with a lot of sarcasm in my voice. Um they seem to want to add other things that they want to push through on their agenda and tie it to education when we need to be worried about educating our students to the best of their ability of the

045group of teachers and administrators not only in White County but in all the counties in the state of Tennessee and not worrying about adding all of their wants and needs onto education. Let's find somewhere else to put those and and let's fund education the way it needs to be funded and let's pay our teachers and our staff and our support staff and the people that get them to and from school. Let's pay them what they're worth. And not worry about what political game they're going to get. So I'm going to get off my political soapbox and cut it off right there. So thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. Smith. Next I'm I'm sorry. Been a long day. Um any other questions, comments regarding the legislators. No, you keep that up it's going to get

046real short. All right. Then moving on we've got two things that we two agreements that we need been asked to consider tonight. Um one of them is a copier lease for for Dole that was provided in your packet. I'll let Mr. Dramberger speak the the details on that but then also is the athletic athletic trainer agreement with Star Physical Therapy for providing our athletic trainer for for our school sporting events. So Mr. Dramberger, you speak to those quickly just would know what we're what we're doing there. Yes, Mr. Chairman. The Dole the copier leases at the schools are handled through their internal funds but the board has to approve any leases that we go into with any company. So they'd like to enter into this lease a new lease with a Canon and they they

047the schools are responsible for those. They they've run the numbers it's very comparable to what they have but they'll get new copiers and and and good service and so they just need your blessing in order to handle that and I recommend that to the board. The agreement with Star is for our trainer Brent Ryan. It'll be an increase of $1,000 for the school board for our portion and they we split that the cost of the trainer with Star and physical therapy. So we are blessed to have Brent Ryan working in that regard for for us. He does a great job and and he's one of the best in the state and so we're fortunate to have him and it's a we get it at a at a 50% discount because of our partnership with Star.

048So I'd recommend approval of that contract as well. Thank thank you, Mr. Dramberger. Remember we have any questions regarding the Dole copier lease agreement. Just just a general question. Would there has any research been done to see if there's savings of any kind to centralize the copier contract that all schools will fall under the same same one. I'm not sure when Chad, if we've ever looked at that and the individual schools do that and there's various needs at different schools, so um you know, the high school's needs are very different. Yeah, okay, cuz off the state contract. Yeah, but we've never done it collectively as as one, but they they bid off of that one. Yeah, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Smith. Um any other questions on the dual copy release? All right. Um what

049about uh regarding the uh athletic trainer agreement, please, with uh athletic trainer agreement uh with Star Physical Therapy, the 50/50 split on uh on funding our athletic trainer. I I'd just like to echo what Mr. D said. Uh Brent Ryan's probably one of the best in the in the business and been doing it a long time, so we're lucky to have him and um if you see him out, he's going to be at every sporting event he can be at. So, um I think this is a great great asset for us to continue to pursue. It's been in place That agreement's been in place for what? Yeah, it's several years, so going back uh they were with um wherever the hospital was before. I was with the with the hospital and then when the hospital

050went through local hospital went through some changes, they dropped that scenario. I went to uh went to the I I personally went to Star Physical Therapy cuz I knew that they had an agreement with another district and said, "Would you take us on?" and and they did. And so, we've had a great partnership with them so for for several years. All right, thank you, Mr. Stromberger. All right. Um so, uh members, that uh concludes the uh consent agenda items for for tonight's uh meeting. Uh just as a review, uh we have everything squared away on our uh board meeting minutes uh from last month on our work session and the regular meeting. Policy 1404 is going to be moved to first item in new business. Um we're going to remove uh policy 6411 from the

051consent because no uh no action was needed on that. And had our uh our consent would be approving the reports uh that were presented and shared with us tonight. Anything else with short time we have left with for our work session? Okay, if not, we'll uh adjourn till uh 6:00 for our regular meeting. Thank you. >> This is your 2-minute warning. We'll start in 2 minutes. All right, this time I'd like to call the April 9th meeting of the White County Board of Education to order. Please rise and join me as we pledge to our flag. 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. Thank you. I'd like to welcome everyone here

052to our meeting tonight here on this lovely April evening as we consider the the work of the Board of Education in regards to our district here in White County. Thank you for being here. We have members of the public, we have our staff, board staff, teachers. We have a full agenda tonight and so appreciate you being here and your interest in our in our educational system. So before we consider tonight's agenda, please note the following. Tennessee state Tennessee statute and board policy 1400 state that every meeting of the board shall be open to the public except where law allows a closed session. The agenda for board meetings are posted on the district's website at www.whitecoschools.net and agendas are posted at least 3 days prior to each meeting. The Public Acts of 2023 chapter number 300

053and board policy 1404 state that each board meeting shall include an agenda item item reserved for public comment as well as conditions under which those wishing to comment will be recognized. A sign-up sheet is made available prior to the beginning of each regular meeting for those wishing to speak. Individuals who have signed up prior to start of our regular meeting and those wishing to speak during this portion of the agenda will be recognized in the order listed on the sign-up sheet at the designated time for public comment. Legislation recently signed into law opens public comment to include agenda items to include agenda items as well as any topic over which White County School Board has jurisdiction. That will be effective in tonight's meeting. The board meeting board meetings are streamed with the help of our

054central technology staff for live or recorded viewing. The links are provided on the district's website. And attending or speaking during tonight's meeting implies consent for comments and appearances to be used. So before we consider tonight's agenda, does anyone have a conflict of interest on the agenda that's being considered tonight? Mr. Chair, as I do each and every meeting, I do not have a conflict of interest with anything on the agenda tonight. Just want to make it for public record that my wife is an educator in our system and the the views that you hear from me tonight and and the comments that I make tonight and the votes that that come from me tonight are mine and mine alone and are for the betterment of White County Schools as a whole. Thank you, Mr. McDonald.

055Mr. Chairman. I don't have a conflict with anything on the agenda, but my spouse is employed by the district. Thank you, Ms. Officer. Mr. Chairman, same here. My wife is the bookkeeper at the high school. No conflicts for me on the agenda tonight, but wanted to make that known. Thank you, Mr. Smith. So Ms. Sims, please let the uh minute record show that Mr. McDonald, Ms. Officer and Mr. Smith all expressed that they have a spouse working for the district, but nothing on tonight's agenda that's being considered would constitute a conflict for for them. So the next item on our agenda would be approval for the agenda meeting for tonight. Board members, you've had the agenda was presented to you earlier this week for consideration. The only changes that have been uh uh made to

056the agenda from what was originally published that in our consent agenda policy 6411, that was discovered in work session that there's no change to that policy, so there won't be any action taken on that. So the consent agenda will have that item removed and we are also moving policy 1404 uh regarding public comment. We're moving that to new business as as that may need to have a little bit more deliberation. So as you look at the consent agenda items coming out of our work session, policy 1404, policy 1611 have been removed from the consent. So uh at this time we'll consider our consent agenda items and all all items that were in our consent agenda that was discussed Hold on. Hold on. You got to have a motion for the agenda first. Oh, I'm sorry.

057That's right. Thank you. Getting ahead of myself. Mr. McDonald, would you like to make a motion? >> the motion to approve the agenda for tonight's meeting. Thank you. I have a motion to approve >> With with those changes. Approve the agenda with those changes that were noted. So I have a motion, do I have a second? Second. Seconded by Ms. Douglas. Any discussion? Okay, hearing none, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes. Now we'll get into our consent agenda and the consent agenda items were discussed in our work work session at 5:00. Those included approval of the board meeting and board meeting and work session meeting minutes from our March 19th meeting. Policy reports, we have policies will be coming forward for first reading tonight. We also have policies 2802,

0582803, 5110, 5304 for second reading. If adopted, those will be going to affect after tonight's meeting. We're also given a maintenance report by Mr. Alley, a budget report by Ms. Ms. Officer with the assistance of Ms. our fiscal administrator, Mr. Chad Markham. There were no budget amendments or transfers that be considered tonight. We reviewed our personnel report, our threat assessment report. Mr. John Smith gave us an update on their 10 Tennessee legislative news. And then we also will be considering a dual copy release agreement as well as agreement with Star Physical Therapy for providing services for athletic trainer Mr. Brent Ryan. So, those are items that covered in our consent agenda and copies were provided to a board members in advance. Does any board member wish to remove any item other than 1404 from our

059consent agenda? Okay, if if there's no objection, then the consent agenda will be adopted by unanimous vote as as presented. Hearing no objection, the consent agenda is adopted. So, next we'll move into student spotlights. So, we are tonight we have some special guests with us and want to recognize anytime that we have students in our district that go above and beyond. We love the opportunity to to address that and tonight we uh we do. First, we would like to recognize Bianca Bellano, a White County Middle School softball player. Ms. Bellano is being recognized for a for demonstrating a act of kindness that was not just recognized by her peers. This was recognized with somebody outside our district and so I would like to share a uh a a letter that was sent to the TSSAA

060who awards awards excellence in in athletics. But, it says, "Want to share a story that reflects the best of what youth athletics and more importantly young people can represent." I would also like to nominate the student athlete for the NFHS Award of Excellence. Recently, a softball player from White County Middle School Bianca Bellano made the selfless decision to donate her birthday and Christmas money totaling $100 to support a Prescott South softball family whose father is courageously battling an aggressive form of cancer. This act of generosity is especially meaningful because she knows the family personally and felt called to step in and help during that time great time of need. In the world of softball, rivals rivalries certainly exist, but they are often overshadowed by something far greater. Many of these athletic athletes compete together on

061regional travel teams forming friendships and bonds that extend well beyond colors of school or game day competition. This young lady's actions are more a more or a powerful reminder that the rivalry is in truth secondary to the shared respect, compassion, and connection within the softball community. Her willingness to give so sacrificially at such a young age speaks volume about her character. It also reflects the values being instilled through her family, coaches, and communities. Values of kindness, humility, and service to others. In a time when it's easy to focus on competition and outcome, this act reminds us that the true measure of success is found in how we care for one another. This young athlete has set an example for her peers and for all of us demonstrating that even the smallest acts of generosity can

062have a profound impact. And that letter was sent by Nathan Twitty, assistant principal and athletic director of Prescott South Middle School in Putnam County. So, Ms. Bellano, we are just impressed by your selflessness and your willingness to show love and compassion to those that that you can reach and so we just want to congratulate you and thank you for representing what's best of White County and the White County student body. I'd like to also congratulate the parents too. You've done a wonderful job in setting example for your daughter. So, thank you. Next, um I'd like to like to recognize Dalton Hickey. Dalton would come forward, please. So, Dalton was part of a contest that where students were given the opportunity to create some artwork and submit it to a to for a book. And so,

063thousands of students across the US did their artwork and submitted into the organization. Mr. John Burger, if I could have that so I can Thank you. Um So, it was to send into to a an organization that was putting a book together. And so, I'll read this and this what we're we're giving Dalton tonight, but it was an after after school program and they were participating the Young Artists Monster Madness Contest which challenged children aged 4 to 12 to use their imagination to invent, draw, and name their own unique monster. And so, Ms. Teresa Holman was recently notified that the Huskies artwork was was selected to be published in the contest official full color book. And the excitement was was even exemplified more by out of the thousand entries, Dalton's was selected. His artwork was

064selected to be the coveted favorite artist award and was was his artwork was chosen to be on the front cover of the published book. So, in recognition of that outstanding artistic artistry and imagination, Dalton received a special goody bag packed with creative supplies for the from the contest organizers. So, what we want to do tonight is recognize Dalton and congratulate him amongst all the talented students in our district for the fact that he he has published cover artwork. And we just want to thank him for again representing our county and our district well with his special talents. So, Dalton, thank you. Yeah, at uh at this time this special time during our board meeting so we get to recognize people. We would like parents, if you would, um let's allow them to take a recess

065and if you all wouldn't mind come up and we could get a picture with all of you and your and your child in front of our board with our director. Oh, okay. You want to do all that at one time. Okay, so we'll recess and we'll take out care of all this at one time. That's more efficient. Thank you for that. All right. So, we'll move on to the next item as we're talking about artists and and and artistry tonight. We'd like to spotlight our school, Woodland Park Elementary, and recognize Ms. Julie Johnson tonight. She is going to be presenting some Artist of the Year award and I think she has some staff joining her tonight and along with Ms. Officer. So, Ms. Johnson, we like to recognize you at this time. We are pleased

066to recognize tonight several of our Woodland Park students. Ms. Brooks also helped me pick these students out as well. The first one is Ms. Ellie Newman. Ellie has a wonderful talent for drawing. Her sketches are always so full of detail. So, if Ellie would come forward. Caden Brown You can always find Caden with a pencil and some paper ready to draw. We love his dedication to getting even better than he already is. Great job, Caden. Ryder Birch Ryder is such an attentive musician. He always wants to make sure he understands the concepts and he often brings insightful questions to our conversations about music. Great job, Ryder. Joelle Lopez Lopez Joelle is so thorough with his art. Anytime he is asked to draw or color, he gives his best effort and makes some wonderful masterpieces. And

067the last student is Ms. Kaylin Lindsey. She is a bright little musician. She blows me away with her use of her singing voice and her ability to catch on to any song quickly. And last but not least, if you ever get the chance to come and sit in on Miss Brooks' music class, you will not be disappointed. She is very creative and brings much passion to our program at Woodlawn Park. Our students are met with excitement and encouragement, and I can't tell you how many times I've left the classroom with a smile on my face because everything she does is positive and the students are always engaged. So, Miss Brooks, we are so lucky to have you. Thank you, Ms. Johnson, and congratulations to all those that have been recognized. Um, so at this time,

068we're going to take uh recess, and we're going to allow for some photo shoots of our uh uh Woodlawn Park recipients, award recipients, and also um we want to uh ask uh Ms. Milano and Mr. Hickey and their families to come up and we can get uh pictures with them, too. So, we'll recess and re- re- uh join our meeting here shortly. So, as always, always say uh members are welcome to stay for the entirety of meeting, but if you need to be excused, you can do so at this time. All right, this time we'll uh call our meeting back to order. Uh takes us down to the next item on our agenda, and that is our student representative report. Uh Ms. uh Callie Odell and Ms. Liz uh Isabel Sackett is are have a

069report, so ladies, if you would. Okay. We would like to begin by highlighting some exciting things happening across White County Schools. First, our JROTC program at the high school will be competing in the Mountain Man Memorial March in Gatlinburg, where cadets participate in a 13.5 mile hike. This event challenges students both physically and mentally and reflects the discipline and resilience and leadership being developed within the program. We are proud of their dedication and how they continue to represent our school. Our tennis program is also having an outstanding season. The boys' team is currently 10 and 0, and the girls' team is 8 and 1. The program continues to grow with many JV athletes stepping up at the varsity level and contributing to its success. In speaking with Coach Hawkins, she says the tennis the tennis

070is a lifelong sport, and these student athletes are working to build a strong foundation that will allow the program to be successful for years to come. They've made several improvements, including the addition of bathrooms and electrical upgrades to the pavilion, and through fundraising, they were able to purchase new windscreens, which enhance the overall appearance of campus, and the team is excited about the future and committed to making White County proud. As we get closer to the end of the school year, we are selling senior supper tickets at the high school. Each senior is allowed to bring two parents, but additional tickets for other family members can be purchased as well. Those are for sale right now, and the tickets are $15 from Ms. Broyles in the library. Academically, students across the district are soon to

071be entering testing season. Elementary schools are preparing for TCAP testing, while middle school and high school students are completing their end-of-course exams and other assignments. This is an important time that reflects the hard work of both students and teachers throughout the year. Overall, our Wednesday club days have been a really great success. Our student organizations and clubs like Beta, FFA, and FCCLA continue to stay active and successful. Students are consistently finding ways to get involved, serve their community, and grow as leaders. Lastly, prom tickets are on sale now. It's $25 for a single ticket and $40 for couples. We hope to see students there April 25th from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., and we also want to mention that if you are in need of a dress or a suit, please never hesitate to ask us,

072and we can get you hooked up. The clothing closet at the high school has lots to offer. There are many positive things happening across White County Schools, and it's exciting to see both academic and extracurricular success continuing to grow. Thank you, ladies. Well done. Board members, have any questions, comments for uh uh Ms. Sackett or Ms. Odell? So, the clothes closet. Mhm. Could y'all speak to that for just a second? So, actually, I was blessed with the opportunity to kind of develop the clothing closet into what it is now, and it's really turned into a great place for students to get some community service hours and helping organize that closet, but truly, if you need anything ever at all, you can go to any administrator in the high school, any teacher, um and they can

073direct you to the clothing closet. There's tons to offer and no limit on what you need to get, you can get it. Um there's hygiene products, and they can get you in contact with our family resource center to get you food bags, uh food pantry, so we can get you the help you need, and it's uh super easy to find downstairs, first door on the right. So, how is that uh how is that stocked? Donations? That's stocked mainly by donations. Um the family resource center does a good job of making sure that we're filtering things from the Board of Education here to the high school, but we do receive a lot of donations from community members, and we're always asking for more donations. Um so, it's mainly a lot of a lot of my closet

074is in there, to be honest. A lot of a lot of my closet is in there, too. That's great. Mr. Chairman, I do have one one quick question for Ms. Sackett. Um two things FFA related. Um can you speak to the tractor and truck show that's happening this weekend at the fairgrounds, and then also the FFA banquet that's coming up? I can do my best to speak to the truck and tractor show. Um off the top of my head, I'm not quite sure what time that's at, but I know that it's going to be a lot of fun, and our alumni um are really doing a great job of helping us fundraise and putting on events like that for us. It's been a great asset having them partner with us these past few years, and

075then our annual awards banquet is April 21st at 6:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:30. There'll be yummy food, Templeton's barbecue, and they're smoking the chicken that our students raised at the barn. So, it's going to be really yummy, and we invite you guys to come out. I do actually have tickets for all the board members, so you'll get those after um the meeting, but we invite you guys to come out and celebrate with us. It'll be a lot of fun. Thank you, ladies. Any other questions, comments for our student representatives? Sounds like it'd be a fun time to be a high schooler right now. Y'all have a lot going on. All right. Um if nothing else, then we'll go down to our district update uh Mr. Dronebarger. If we must. Um personnel reports are in

076your packets. Um spent the last 2 weeks interviewing uh and offering employment to several new talented educators. We're excited about these new hires and the quality of education they'll bring to our district. Um more changes forthcoming. Uh then we'll look forward to the opportunity to strengthen our already award-winning staff. Academically, TCAP testing is here. It begins next week. Our students and staff have been working all year for this event. Uh White County Schools has a recent history of great success on state assessments, and we expect nothing but the same this year. Best wishes to all of our students, staff, and families in the coming days of testing. Legislatively, the General Assembly is wrapping up its business for the session. Uh we're still eagerly awaiting the decision on a bill which would redefine and better fund

077economically disadvantaged students across the state. Uh this definition was changed in recent years by the state government, which adversely affected funding for all districts, but specifically those like White County that have a large population of economically disadvantaged students. We're hopeful this bill would be funded based on the federal definition, which has not changed. Uh and TSBA and TOSS will provide summaries of the legislative session in the near future. Financially, I recently held meetings with all of our department heads and school administrators to discuss the budget needs for next year. Uh the main focus of these conversations are personnel, maintenance equipment, and furniture. We expect this year to have a limited capital outlay uh projects, uh but we'll uh plan for larger projects in subsequent years. Athletically, spring sports teams are in mid mid to later

078stages of the district schedules. District tournaments will begin at the beginning of May. Several of our teams are top contenders, and all of our squads are representing our school system very well. Boys soccer is 7 and 2, by the way, just saying. Um building projects, we have received uh several bids for replacement of the wall panels at WCHS Career Academy. We'll be selecting a contractor soon and begin this project and bring it to an end. Uh the floor tiles at Doyle, as I said, are arriving, should be installed next week, and this will allow for the crews to install cabinetry around the walls and install the furniture. Uh today, Leadership Sparta, we met with representatives from a program called Leadership Sparta. This program is hosted by the White County Chamber of Commerce. Um they consist

079of groups of young community leaders who desire to learn more about their community and grow in their leadership knowledge and capabilities. Uh the central office staff here presented a great did a great job presenting about their departments and overall school district success. The group was led on a tour of several district facilities and programs, and they were very complimentary and impressed and impressed. Uh special thanks to Ms. Vera Griffith for spearheading that uh that event, and thanks to all of our central office staff for their efforts in making that a success. Uh quick calendar update. Hard to believe, but there are only 6 weeks of school remaining in this school year. Uh the next 2 and 1/2 weeks will be crucial as we embark on state assessments, and afterwards we'll we will review prior learning,

080we'll preview next year's standards, and we'll participate in field trips and other fun activities down the stretch. Uh great things continue to happen in White County Schools, and that concludes my director's report. I'll be glad to answer any questions that you have. Thank you, Mr. Dronebarger. Any uh questions, comments uh from board members regarding our district update? I'm going to assume that with Doyle, the the the project at Doyle is not going to um be affected by TCAP. TCAP is not They're not going to be affected as far as the installation there and and the noise that might be going on, and there won't be any movement on that into those new classrooms before summer break. Uh on the first part of your question, no. We we've uh communicated explicitly with the uh construction company

081of when testing is, when they could and could not be making noise, and so uh um not to say there won't be some activity, but they we've been very clear, and they understand that uh they're past their the deadline, so they understand at this point that they may have to uh press pause in order for us to get testing in. Um And then uh what was your second part of your question? Uh just there there won't be any movement as far as classrooms from from the end of school into summer break. >> No, thank you. No, I I don't imagine there if they finish in the next several weeks, which we imagine they will, um there will certainly be some excitement, and they'll move some items. Teachers will be excited to move some items, but

082not in earnest. We won't be I don't think moving entire classes. What is exciting about that prog pro Excuse me, that project is in the future. This time next year, Doyle will be able to pretty much close those doors and have testing on that whole wing while the rest of the school can can continue on. So, that they'll have second through fifth grade on that wing, and they can do all their testing, and like I said, the kindergarten, pre-K could go on about their first grade, could go about their day in the rest of the building. So, that'll be a neat feature of that design. Any other questions for our director regarding our district update report? Okay, if not, we'll move down to the next item on our agenda, and that's public comment. Uh pub-

083policy 1404 uh says that we uh states we have an agenda item open for public comment. Uh sign-up sheet prior to each meeting. Uh Mr. Thorpe confirms me that there is no one has signed up to be recognized tonight for public comment. So, that takes us down to the new business, and new business we did move an item out of consent consent agenda. Uh and it is policy 1404. Uh legislature uh passed and our governor signed into law uh new legislation regarding the public comments um and appearances before the board, which affect our policy 1404. The addition is that uh original statute said that uh public comments would be limited to or shall be limited to items listed on the agenda. Uh but since legislation has expanded that to say that uh topics are listed

084on the agenda and matters that are germane to the school board's jurisdiction. So, um going forward, we will um abide by that statute and so that um would not limit anyone to uh uh speak if regardless if it was a whether it was an agenda item or not um on uh but if it was a matter that uh fell under the school board's jurisdiction, then we would uh allow that recognize them at during public comment. Um we had some discussion in our work session uh regarding uh appearances appeals and appearances to the board, which policy 1404 uh covers. And there is there are basically uh in three ways in which uh the public can appear uh before the board and be recognized on on the on the agenda. Um three different ways. One is an

085appeal that is part of a uh a process where uh uh regarding any matter relating to the operation of uh school or some type of disciplinary procedure uh that has not been satisfied at the lowest level of uh of uh of authority. Uh those appeals can rise through uh through policy to the board, and so there's uh that would be those items would be come on our agenda and would be handled as as an appeal. Uh then there is appearing before the board, and the appearances on the board happen in two ways, can happen in two ways. One is through the public comment period uh which we just uh we just mentioned. The other is uh requesting to be on the the agenda and uh speaking before the board uh on on the agenda. A-

086and as to be have a be recognized as part of the agenda. And so uh that uh the agenda, adding to the agenda process, um we do have an a policy where uh those that wish to uh uh appear before the board uh would uh have to provide written requests and materials to uh the office of our director of schools 7 days before the meeting uh to give time for that information to be distributed out to the board meeting the board members, and so but that that information is reviewed by the executive committee, and if uh if agreed upon, then that would be placed on the agenda, and then they would be recognized as listed on the agenda. Um and and the beginning of meet at the meeting, and we would uh give them their

087turn to speak 5 minutes uh to address their item. And so uh that would be an uh situation where uh somebody from the public could be recognized uh to the board. Um then there's the public comment, and that's uh the third way that which the public can be recognized in a meeting such as this. And again, we've been uh consistent when it was adopted uh uh statute was adopted uh comments would be uh added to our agenda that we that we have to have an agenda item to allow for public comment, but those were limited to items listed on the agenda. Now it's expanded to to items that are under Germain to the board's jurisdiction. So board members uh we pulled this out because we there's a couple of things that we need to have

088some some deliberation on and and take action. Um and that is whether or not we want to limit the total time for public comment, which we have the prerogative to do. And also if we want to limit the amount of time that an an individual would be speak would allowed to speak during the public comment period. Currently we have each speaker is given no more than 5 minutes. This is in our policy now during the public comment period. So each speaker is given no more than 5 minutes and we also um have in our in our policy that if there's a delegation, we'd recognize one member to be to speak on behalf of that designation unless this board we determine otherwise. So currently in place we do have a time limit on the on the

089amount of time we would give someone for for public comment at 5 minutes. Um but we do not have anything regarding the total public comment period time. And so in the model policy that was provided for us for consideration from TSBA, it does have that language in there. So we need to we need to re consider whether or not we want to adopt a time limit for total public comment and if we want to uh adjust any of the time given for allowed for public comment. So board members, this is your time to to comment on if we want to make any changes to this policy. Mr. Chair, I think I'll I'll start here. Um with the changes that's come from the governor's office and and our and our legislation um I don't know about

090I I would think 30 minutes um maximum time of public comment would be a good place for us to start, but I don't want to limit that to just 30 minutes. I want I would like to see it if we do um adopt something like that um be at the the chairman's discretion to to let that go longer. That's going to give you um 3 to 5 minutes per uh per speaker. If we did 5 minutes per speaker, we would probably need to bump that to 50 minutes. And if you cuz you have 10 minutes you if you have you have 10 speakers that come at 5 minutes, that's going to be you know 50 minutes. So we're going to go over that 30 minutes. So I would be open to anywhere from 30 minutes

091to 45 to 50 minutes of a of amount of time at the chairman's discretion. We've not had many times that our public comment has went over 30 minutes in my tenure on this board. So uh I don't necessarily know that we have to put a put a time on it, but I would be in favor of 30 to 45 to 50 minutes with 5 minutes per per speaker. All right, Mr. McDonald has expressed his thought on on an option. Um Other board members have like to comment. I don't always like to do this, but I agree with Mr. McDonald. Um But let's just make a good round number. So 50 minutes, 5 minutes per speaker. That gives 10 speakers. And that seems reasonable to me. Other comments? Ms. Officer? It's reasonable. Student representatives? It's reasonable.

092Ms. Douglas? I think that's reasonable as well. Um You need that in form of a motion? Well, I know I wanted to share my thoughts. >> Okay. All Get ready, folks. This really started started 30 minutes ago. Um I I think I think we will discover whether what time is reasonable the more we get into this. Um my thoughts on this would be um set the public comment period time period for 30 minutes and speakers the opportunity to to speak for three. Um Because my thought on this is that public comment period um we we should as a board we should not take action on items that has come up in our public comment period because at that point in time we would be making decisions without having the opportunity to properly review information. Um

093and the board could make motion to extend extend public comment time uh longer uh in the course that that came up that could that could be uh be approved, but um I would think that to me 30 minutes and 3 minutes seems reasonable because now um in a 30-minute time frame if if it's three, you could get eight to 10 people wanted to comment with option for extension. Um that's my thought, but I can be voted down on that because everybody else seems to think that's reasonable. So I had a question about that. Okay. So 3 minutes for the public comment and then 5 minutes for the agenda piece? Because I do think that that needs to be larger amount of time. Yeah, currently we do have currently we do have 5 minutes for the

094for agenda. for an agenda item. Correct. So if this if you're on the agenda to speak you get you get an extra time. Is that me? Um So so if I'm understanding this correct in lines 23, 4, and 5, we're making no change in that portion of our of our policy. It's going to stay at 7 days before uh the materials got to be submitted 7 days to the director of schools, goes through the executive committee, uh then that item if approved by the executive committee will be placed on the agenda and the speaker will be given 5 minutes to speak there. That That is no change >> portion. >> That is that is correct. That was the second way I mentioned as far as appearing to the board and being on the agenda. And

095so this would not change. This is only we're really only looking at that period of public comment that we've had to add to our agenda. So it is an agenda item, but it's the public comment agenda item. So to your point Ms. Ms. Officer, if somebody wanted to appear before the board and it was approved that they would do that to be added to the agenda, you you give that and that really that 5 minutes is for their presentation. And then you know the board can have discussion after that, but the public comment period is more as a courtesy to the public to come and speak to the board. But the action that would be expected would not take place in a public comment. It would be board action would come out of item on

096the agenda. So much like my colleague to my right, I'm I'm going to have to maybe agree with you and I don't like doing that, but I'm going to have to agree with you. I'm going to put this in form of a motion that um we set the time of of public comment uh in line item number 18 of 1404 to 30 minutes with a 3-minute time per speaker with the provision of the chairman's uh discretion to extend the amount of time of public comment as we see fit or the number of people that show up. Okay. So Mr. McDonald has made a motion made a motion that uh that we uh set the the total public comment period for 30 minutes uh giving each speaker the opportunity to speak for three uh and the

097chairman's discretion on that time that total time to be extended. That was a motion. Do I have a second? Second. Seconded by Mr. Smith. Discussion on that motion. I have a question. Yes, ma'am. So if you're wording it that it's up to your discretion to let the time go longer, would that mean that a board member couldn't make a motion to extend the time or am I correct? No, um that is a great question. That is a great question. Um and so in this policy the board could give that to the chat the give the the chairman the opportunity to extend that. But the other the board can also vote to overrule the chairman if he said no and they wanted to extend it the board does that. So that is in in policy that

098they can do that. It's not in this policy but it is in another operational policy where the board can do that. Okay. So that's a great question. You've been paying attention to these meetings. Thank you. Any other discussion? All right. Um Mr. Stromberger, do you have any questions, comments? Okay. All right. Uh motion is second if any no other further discussion, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Motion passes. Next item on our business is an old business item. Um, last month we had as an agenda item to consider snow day pay for staff. Um, something that we've wrestled with for for some time now. And so we tabled that to tonight's meeting and so in your packet you were provided with a director and so Miss Rigsby has been doing some

099work on this too. I'd recommend those those efforts. They have come up with a proposal for how we deal with a a snow days for those that are for those that are affected by weather inclement weather and that would impact them for for their ability to to come up show up to work. So you were you were provided with a policy recommendation for how we handle to try to mitigate the financial impact on our non-salaried employees that lose those wages during school closure and don't have the opportunity to to to work as maybe some of the other staff does. So that was provided in packet. So before we get into some some discussion and then take any action on that, Mr. Stromberger, just like to give you the opportunity to speak to this what's been

100shared with us. So if we've explained many times there are some employees that don't have the opportunity to work on snow days cuz there's not work for them to do. But however, you know, and they miss out on paychecks during that time. However, we have people who do have work to do on snow days and so it's always been a dilemma that we can't pay those people who aren't working when we're paying people that are on those days. So the long story short what we've come up with is we have some employees that have some specific benefits to their position. Maybe they're hard to staff positions so they have special incentives or benefits involved with their position. So what we've done is created an inclement weather wage assistance benefit. And so what we want to

101do is liken it to unemployment. And if these let's take teachers aids for example. If they're out you know 10 days throughout the year for snow, if it was 10 consecutive days they would be able to apply for unemployment. Um, there would be a five-day waiting period in which they would not get unemployment but picking up on day six if it was consecutive then they'd be eligible for unemployment compensation. So what we're proposing is just that. Even though it's not consecutive, we would like to institute a a procedure in which a benefit for those folks in which on day six day five one through five where we're going to exclude the fact that it's not consecutive. But on day six one through five would be their waiting period. On day six we would pick up

102and we'll pay the rate for what they would receive for would have received for unemployment had they been eligible for it. The bottom line I want to say here is that these folks are going to get more money than they would out of the old process because the old process was we fixed an accounting issue that we had as well. They were banking time almost comping time and then banking on the on the fact that the board was going to give them five days of makeup time later. And so they were staying 15 minutes and working 15 minutes extra and doing these things banking up this time and then the board would pay them for the five days of snow like they have in the past. That covered that 15 minutes that they were working

103extra every day already. We have now front-loaded them fixed an accounting issue. We're not no longer banking any time. There's no comp time or anything like that. We're paying them up front for that five days that they're excuse me for that 15 minutes extra days. So that covers that five days technically that they were getting granted before. So they're they're at a net loss at that point. But now even with that five-day window that were if we talk about that five-day waiting period they've already got money for that time that they served before. That 15 minutes has already been paid. So that technically is kind of covered that five-day waiting period. Now what we're saying is that day six what the board hasn't traditionally done is day six through 10 they're going to get an

104extra compensation based on the rate that they would receive for unemployment. So in a sense they're really getting more. I know it seems counterproductive that they're not getting paid for that five days but we're paying them up front and that's the correct accounting procedure bookkeeping procedure. They're getting paid for that now but now on day six they're in beyond up to 13 they're going to get an extra benefit for their position. So they're actually going to get more pay than they had under the old system. We're just doing it the more correct book better bookkeeping practice and we're using a really good I think procedure based on some sound financial strategy. We're not just pulling this out of the air. We're actually using because technically had these been consecutive days they would have legally been

105able to apply for unemployment. So we don't want to doubly punish them one because it snowed and they couldn't work and then two just because it wasn't consecutive they couldn't apply for unemployment. So in the end this is going to mean more money for them than it did under the old system. We're just doing it in in a more correct bookkeeping procedure. And Mr. Markham and Miss Rigsby you can correct me on any of that if I've misspoke. Thank you, Mr. Stromberger. Um Board members, what questions, comments would you like to make on what's been presented to us? Quick or few questions. Do the staff have to do anything apply for this or it just happens? No, if they if it's approved by the if the board approves this procedure then no. They would just

106they would just it would be a benefit that they earn. Okay. for position. You mentioned up to 13 days. Can you explain that side of it? Well, there are 13 days built into the calendar and in the snow days and so it's based on those. Those are the only days that anyone would be paid out for those. Beyond that we would have to go into forgiveness days from the state and that sort of thing. So it's based on those 13 days. We we haven't knock on wood gone beyond that in in my tenure. So hopefully we will not. And can they apply for unemployment and as well as get this benefit? No, because under unemployment the days had to be consecutive and they're not. So we're we're we're instituting our own local unemployment benefit just

107to these positions try to try and help them. They're being penalized once because there's no work for them to do when it snowed. So we don't want to penalize them again because those days aren't consecutive. Okay. So um at this point in the school year we seem to be past all the inclement weather. Um, hopefully barring any kind of mother nature getting mad at us for something. Um where do we stand? How many days are we at now? Nine? I'm at nine? I think we're at nine. Um, I'd have to go back and check my records but yeah. She's saying eight but we'll check. I'll check that. So Um, bless you. So yeah, so that's if it is eight then that means that they're do three days. They would be under this procedure they would

108get three more days of of pay. So the waiting period of the first five remember they've worked extra in the past they worked extra 15 minutes. They banked all that time and then the board gave them five. We're already counting that five. We're already paying them up front for that 15. So they really haven't lost that five. We're just adding Okay. beyond five a benefit that they didn't have before. So they're actually going to get more money than they than they would have before cuz under the old policy if the board would have just given five days and we have eight that would be three days they would get nothing. Under this procedure they're going to get some unemployment pay or based on that rate for three days. >> Okay. So so help me understand

109this. A lot of times when the school when school's over the last day of school parapros and and and aids don't work in the summer. They don't they don't get paid during the summer. I understand that. A lot of times those these days are deducted at the last check. So, will these three days, three to four days that we have here, will they be added to that last check or is that the first check in June or how how does that work? I know we've gone direct deposit across the board. Uh maybe I don't we we're not all the way across the board, I don't think, but um would that be their last check and they're still going to get some because some would miss an entire paycheck? So, that'll be done at the end

110of the of the year because we don't know like I said, we could have a tornado day or something like that. So, we wait till the end of the year and then we tally all those up. So, so there are five days that are coming off automatically, but there's and if you know, but if the board paid those back as they had in the past, we've already front-loaded that. So, that's already those five days have been taken care of. So, even though technically that's a waiting period, if it was unemployment, they would have a waiting period and they would they wouldn't get those five days. So, we went ahead and front-loaded that and paid them up front for the 15 minutes they were staying extra because that was the correct accounting practice. Um so, beyond

111that those any additional days, which at this point is three or four, we'll double-check. Um those will be added to them. It would have been money that they wouldn't have received under the old system. But this it's going to be extra money >> And that's a and that's a portion of their their current rate. It won't be the full day's rate, right? >> No, it's based on the rate that they would have received for unemployment. And that's what's what we like about this is it's it's based on a real procedure that's already enacted. Uh we didn't just pull this out of the air. I thank credit Miss Rigsby for thinking this through and helping me uh get it on paper, but um yeah, it's based on that. And so, as that rate changes, that's what

112their rate So, it's not going to be their full rate of pay for the day, but it's more than they would have received under the previous uh practice. Well, I think there's some things we need to talk about at budget time and and we need to we need to get our our para pros and our um our aides, we need to get that pay increased. Uh there's there's the the rate of the rate of pay is uh is not where it needs to be and I and I think I made that statement earlier. Um you know, our legislature has has included too many things um on education and I and I think we need to pay these folks a living wage. Uh right now, I don't think they're making a living wage. Um to be

113a if if we have single single households that are raising kids uh that are um and a teacher's aide and and they're not doing it because of the money, they're doing it because they love the kids and they love to be involved in these kids' lives. I understand that, but I think when it comes budget time, I think we need to we need to do some serious talking about increasing that hourly rate for for those folks. Um to me that just makes sense. Thank you, Mr. McDonald and Mr. Starnes Barger. Let's get back to the matter on the table and that's the inclement inclement weather wage assistant benefit that we're that's uh being recommended to us and this is being recommended for approval, correct? Yes. Okay. So, this is um benefit I have one other

114question. So, we're talking about the 15 minutes a minute ago that they're working. So, they're working um teachers' aides, all those folks are working 7 and 1/4 hours a day. Is that right? >> Yes. Okay. So, um my dull math adds up, that's about 6.2 days that they're getting paid, correct? For a 180-day contract. So, that's not going to be deducted out of their their those three that are going to be they're going to get that way they're they're already earning that 7 and 1/4 hours uh on their check now. Yes. And then we're if this is approved tonight, we will pay them an unemployment rate for up to however many days that we're out of school. Over five days. Okay. All right. Sounds great. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, is is there a budget impact

115here? Is this net zero or No, it'll be because we had snow days, we we saved that money that that wasn't paid out during that. So, and this won't be full payment of their their daily rate of pay as well. So, it won't be it'll be money that we wouldn't have spent otherwise, but it was money that was budgeted and is there. Any other questions, comments? Okay. Um I'll just let say Miss Rigsby, Mr. Starnes Barger, Mr. Markham, thank you for working on this. I think it does provide clarity. It takes the pressure off the board to have to make a decision on paying people out of no fault of their own, but they're not they're not working. And so, it provides clarity on that. So, um I think this it makes sense. It's not

116um it's not 100% uh uh uh reimbursed for what they would they would have gotten if they had been able to work, but it's also more than they would get in and it takes ambiguity out of it. You know, you you you know what you're you're going to get and that should help them plan and prepare. It should also take pressure off the board and to be uh consistent in the way we handle that. And it so, it's not just whatever we decide to do this year. One one other thing one other question. Um have we thought about the above and beyond extra time that these folks put in that maybe goes past the 15 minutes that they're required to be there? I would speculate to say the answer on that, Mr. McDonald, would be

117no because we're talking about snow day pay. And we're not talking about above and beyond pay. Okay. So, you know, this is an attempt to you know, show respect to a group of people that we know are working very hard and that are being uh disadvantaged by the fact that it snowed. Um but you know, we respect all of our all of our positions, all of our personnel and um that's why we're being trying to be very careful about this and this incentive um because you know, there are people that are they're having to come to work on those snow days and they're working very hard as well and uh as I certainly think our our teachers' aides are valuable, they're very important. Uh you know, as a principal, I understood just how important they

118were and as a director, I understand that as well. Um but all of our personnel are important and if we go adjusting pay scales, then we need to be ready to look at everybody's pay scales because um you know, that's one thing in White County we've done well over the years. We win and lose as a team. And when we start singling out groups and saying this group's more important than another, that's when we've had some real difficult times. So, um but I'm always open to the board's wishes of looking at payroll and looking at um scales. We've done a lot of work in that in that area over the past few years to make it to be competitive, stay competitive and we are. Um but always open to looking to increase that. Um but

119it would it would be something I'd want to look at across the board to make sure that we're um respecting all of our employees in similar fashion. Yeah, I just want to make sure that all of our our teachers' aides, all of those folks that don't have the opportunity to come know that they're valued and they're they're needed and they're wanted and they need um they need that help and and if it a lot of times if it wasn't for those teachers' aides and it and if it wasn't for um those professional paraprofessionals, nurses, um custodians, these kids wouldn't they wouldn't get as good an education because the classroom teacher can only do so much. Um and they and these folks are if you've ever been in those schools and I know everybody in this

120building has probably been in those schools, you see what those folks do and and I just think that we need to take care of them and we need to make sure that we're keeping the best that we uh that we have out there. So, that's that's all my comments. Yeah, thank you, Mr. McDonald. I just want to say that that's what that's where this came from. You know, we we were under no obligation to do anything. Um you know, with those those when those folks are hired, they know if it snows, you're not getting paid. And so, that we were the board is under no obligation and the district was really under no obligation, but out of respect for these people, uh we wanted to make sure we did something made some attempt to uh

121to rectify the situation that is no fault of their own. So, I appreciate your comments and they're they're well received. All right. Um Back to the item on the table, inclement inclement weather wage assistance um benefit. Now, if you could correct me if I'm wrong, but I see this we do have this department's this been a policy. But it's administrative policy, not board policy. But just like salary scales are policy, they're administrative policy, not board policy. Board approves them, but not um administrative procedure. So, this would be the same as administrative procedure, correct? Okay. So, what we're doing though because it's does doesn't include I have a financial impact. Board is approving would be approving this benefit. So just make sure we're all clear that if we take action on this that we're approving the

122benefit. I have a clarifying question. Yes, ma'am. So because there's room in the adopted budget for the 25-26 school year, does this take effect on 25-26 school year paychecks or does it have to wait till the 26-27 school year payroll? That's another great question. Thank you for paying attention. We should be clear on that. Um but this policy would go into effect this year. And sorry we did not make that clear, but this would this would go into effect this year. So we would not have to wait till the end of the year to decide what we want to do about snow day pay. It's all right. We're establishing that right now with this approval of this benefit. Okay. Are we clear on that? Okay. Great question. Any other uh questions or comments? Okay, if

123none um then I would entertain a moment a motion to adopt the inclement weather wage assistant benefit as presented. So moved. Motion by Mr. Smith. Do I have a second? Seconded by Ms. Officer. Any discussion? Okay, hearing none, all those in favor signify by saying I. I. Opposed? Motion passes. That leads us that next to the next item on our agenda and that's chairman's comments. Our next uh school board meeting will be on May 7th here at the Board of Education. We'll have a work session at at 5:00 and a regular board meeting at 6:00. Board members just uh keep in mind that we have uh when you get into the month of May we have several activities coming up. Uh couple graduations. Uh Warrior Academy as long as with uh our uh high school.

124And uh so we know have some people that uh are looking forward to that very much. And then also keep in mind that we do have budget uh budget uh schedules for the latter part of May. So please check your calendar. If you have any questions, reach out to Mr. Johnbarger on that. So that uh takes care of the chairman's com- comments. The next item is adjourn minute. Entertain a motion for adjournment. Motion. Have a second by Mr. McDonald and Mr. Smith. All those in favor signify by saying I. Thank you. We will consider ourselves adjourned.