Board of Education employs new personnel

The Lewis County Board of Education met in a regular called session on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lewis County Board of Education Board Meeting Room located at 206 South Court Street. All board members were present: Chair Glenda Atkinson, Vice-Chair Johnny Clayton, Derek Cotham, Cassie Couch, Paula Dyer, Blake Farr, Lindsey Himes, Jackie Holt, and Phyllis Townsend.

The invocation was given by Mr. Clayton. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Farr.

During public input Karen Rentschler asked to speak to the board. She stated that she was coming before the board as a concerned citizen in regard to the CRT being taught in schools. She stated that she was really concerned about the CRT being introduced into the Lewis County Schools.

Consent Agenda

Upon motion by Mr. Farr and seconded by Mr. Cotham, the Consent Agenda was approved:

Approved minutes of the July 13, 2021, board meeting.

Adopted agenda.

Regular Agenda

The Director’s Report was given and the following was discussed:

Cindy Bailey rescinded her job offer of LCMS Special Education teacher on July 15, 2021.

Employed Jo E. Johnston, LCMS Special Ed, effective August 3, 2021. She is the late replacement for Cindy Bailey and will be teaching on a waiver.

Employed Neyland Paxson Spears, LCHS History, effective August 3, 2021. He will be teaching on a waiver.

Employed Emily James, LCMS 7th grade math, effective August 3, 2021. Mrs. James is in the process of finishing her certification.

Transferred Tara Tiller, LCMS 7th grade math to Instructional Coach effective August 3, 2021.

Accepted the resignation of Brandy Rhinehart Franks, LCES Special Education teacher, effective July 27, 2021.

Employed Alicia Hobbs, LCES Special Education teacher, effective August 3, 2021.

Employed Terri Potts, Cafeteria worker, effective August 3, 2021.

Employed Kimberlee Tripp, Middle School Cafeteria worker, effective August 3, 2021.

Employed Shiloh Skelton, LCIS Special Education Paraprofessional, effective August 3, 2021.

Employed Kandra Barnes, LCIS Special Education Paraprofessional, effective August 3, 2021.

Employed Cortni Isbell, LCMS Paraprofessional, effective August 3, 2021.

Employed Brian Vargas, full-time bus driver, effective August 3, 2021.

Employed Delicia Hull, LCHS nurse, effective August 3, 2021.

Employed Kenda Carter, LCIS nurse, effective August 3, 2021.

Director Pace asked Stacy Graves, LCHS Principal, to explain the Ayers Foundation Scholars Program that is now being implemented at the LCHS.

Mrs. Graves gave each board member a handout that explains the purpose of the AFSP. She told board members that Ashley Forrester would be the counselor that would be working with the students at the high school. She stated that she was so excited for the students at LCHS to have the opportunity to participate in this program.

Mr. Pace turned the discussion to the increase in Covid cases. He stated that he was so hoping that the new school year would not have cases so soon but he stated that each school has a plan set in place if cases continue to rise. He stated that the success of last year’s school year was contributed to the school’s staff and the board to not panic and take each day as it came. He asked Sasha Powers to talk a little more on this subject. Ms. Powers informed board members that currently the school system has 16 positive cases. 13 are students and 3 are staff members. She stated 4 of the 13 students had been exposed to Covid prior to returning to school. She stated that contract tracing is in place and that parents are being contacted. Mrs. Powers complimented the new nurses that were hired through the ELC grant for each school has been a tremendous help so far. She stated there have been 5 PCR tests, which means they have been sent out to the lab, and they are sent off by 1:00 pm and they receive the results by the next day. She stated that the rapid test is available, but the nurses are doing the PCR test as much as possible. She further stated that the parents must be present whenever the test is done on the students.

Board member Blake Farr asked if teachers and staff will be using their sick leave for Covid days and Director Pace informed the board that the staff will be using their own sick days.

Board member Lindsey Himes asked if the schools knew how many of their staff have been vaccinated. Director Pace stated that we do not have that data at this time.

Board member Paula Dyer asked if the teacher is quarantined can they teach remotely. Director Pace explained that they could not do that at this time. Mr. Pace explained that the only way to teach now virtually is if you have a virtual school.

Director Pace informed board members that he and Mr. Trull will be meeting with members of Hewlett Spencer, LLC in Franklin to go over the cost of the new high school. He stated that he was hoping for a final estimated cost of the high school so that the board can proceed for approval to move forward in the process of building the new high school. Director Pace told board members that he would keep them informed of the results of the meeting.

Director Pace asked Mr. Trull to explain the annual bullying report that is submitted to the state. Mr. Trull informed the board that this report has been done for several years.

Director Pace informed board members that the test scores have been released. He stated that not every teacher performed above state average but many of our teachers were and that he was very proud of them. He stated that there would be more information that would be available later and that he would be glad to discuss these results if they wanted to discuss them. He stated that the strategic plan was not being updated due to not receiving these test scores until now.

Announcements

Chair Atkinson announced that the next regular monthly meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2021. She informed board members that this date will be in conflict with Director Pace’s schedule as he will be attending the Superintendent Conference in Gatlinburg. She suggested that the meeting be moved to September 21, 2021. All members agreed the board meeting be changed to September 21, 2021.

Chair Atkinson reminded everyone to keep board member Phyllis Townsend in your prayers with the recent death of her husband and board member Cassie Couch who is going through illness for now.

Adjournment

Upon motion by Ms. Townsend and seconded by Mr. Farr, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.