School Board hears concern over Covid-related sick days

Lewis County Board of Education met Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lewis County Middle School Auditorium for their regular monthly meeting. All members, with the exception of Cassie Couch, were present: Chairman Glenda Atkinson, Vice-Chairman Johnny Clayton, Derek Cotham, Paula Dyer, Blake Farr, Lindsey Himes, Jackie Holt, and Phyllis Townsend.

Lewis County School Bus Driver Billy Dyer addressed the board about his concerns for COVID related sick days. Each board member was presented an Employee Rights from the U.S. Department of Labor by Mr. Dyer. He indicated that he had symptoms of COVID and went to the local health department to get tested. He stated that the employee rights information indicated that if an employee is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis, then that employee is entitled to use COVID-19 days instead of sick days.

He stated that he was informed by central office staff to stay home until he received the results of his test. Once he found out that his results were negative, he went back to his bus route. Once he returned to work, he was told that he would have to use his sick leave since his results were negative. He asked the board to look at this policy to make sure that employees do not have to use their own sick days instead of COVID-19 days.

Director Benny Pace reported the resignation of Renee Mulanax, Elementary School Paraprofessional. He also stated that, due to Covid, the second grade Veterans Day program had been cancelled.

Mr. Pace informed members he had been notified that the county audit had been completed and there were no findings for Lewis County Schools.

Director Pace met with Vance Hamilton and Fay McEwen, representatives of the USDA Department of Agriculture Rural Development about financing the new high school. He stated that Mr. Tracy felt that Lewis County would qualify for this program. Mr. Pace reminded board members that the Lewis County Government will be responsible for obtaining the loan. He stated that the interest rate would be 2.2 percent for up to a 40-year loan. The estimated yearly payment on a $15 million dollar loan would be $560,000 per year. The next step would be to meet with Hewlett Spencer to move forward with the planning process. He further stated that he is always open for other options to finance the new high school.

The work on the high school gymnasium floor was to be completed by Monday, November 16.

LCHS has now gone to a hybrid schedule due to the increase in the number of students being quarantined. Principal Stacey Graves explained the process of the hybrid schedule at the school. She stated this has been in their plans since the beginning of March. The students began practicing on the google classroom and the teachers were being very positive about this transition. Graves stated that Google does offer an offline course for students who do not have internet services. Mr. Pace stated that the hybrid schedule will be used through the Thanksgiving holiday.

Mrs. Atkinson asked about the TCAT students. Mrs. Graves stated that the TCAT school does have a virtual program and they are working together to get something available for the LCHS students.

Mrs. Dyer stated she had sat in on a webinar with state representatives and one thing that the General Assembly is looking at is to offer a stipend for teachers who are doing after school tutoring.

Mr. Pace informed the members that teachers who are doing after school tutoring are being compensated and that if the school should receive funds for this, maybe the payments that are being made by our schools could be used for other needs in the school.

Lewis County Middle School Principal Brandi Feichtinger presented her virtual plan, if needed.

Director Pace discussed the Covid numbers of quarantined students and staff and those who had tested positive. Mrs. Dyer inquired about the availability of Chromebooks for the students. Mr. Pace stated there is enough for all of the high school students. He stated that as money becomes available, additional Chromebooks would be purchased for the lower grade students.

Mr. Pace informed members that there was a memo from Wayne Qualls, Executive Director of TSSE (Tennessee School Systems for Equity), in their board packets. He stated that he thought that it would be important for the board to meet with Mr. Qualls to explain the TSSE program.

In new business, the board unanimously approved the revision of Board Policy 6.3041 Title IX and Sexual Harassment and the submission of the yearly Compliance Report, certification of compliance with all Tennessee statutes and State Board of Education rules.

The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.