New high school projected to break ground March 2022

The Lewis County Board of Education met in a regular called session on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at 6:17 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.

Prior to the meeting, members of the LCHS band played a few Christmas songs for the board members.

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

Consent Agenda

Upon motion by Mrs. Dyer and seconded by Mrs. Townsend, the Consent Agenda was approved:

• Approved minutes of the November 9, 2021 regular called meeting.

• Adopted agenda

Director’s Report

• Approved leave of absence for Mary Boyd, LCES Paraprofessional, effective November 3, 2021 through November 18, 2021.

• Approved leave of absence for Patricia Middleton, LCES Custodian, effective October 25, 2021 through unknown.

• Accepted the resignation of Chelsie Roland, LCMS Cafeteria worker, effective November 12, 2021.

• Shannon Denton, Coordinated School Heath Assistant, accepted the position as Family Resource Center Coordinator.

• Jerilynn Ashmore, LCIS Paraprofessional, turned in her letter of resignation effective December 17, 2021.

• Employed Elizabeth Redmon, Interim for Michelle Reasons.

• Director Pace asked LCHS Principal Stacey Graves to give an update on the Ayers Foundation Rural Expansion. Mrs. Graves handed out a report to each board member. Mrs. Graves informed board members that according to the commissioner’s report on December 9, 2021, that Lewis County High School was listed as one of the “most notable takeaways” because there was an improved graduation rate by 5% points or more. Overall Tennessee’s statewide graduation rate declined. However, Lewis county’s graduation for 2019-2020 was 91.3% and increased to 98.01 for the 2020-2021 school year. She also reported that as of December 9, 2021, approximately 65% of seniors have completed the FAFSA with a comparison of only 37.7% statewide being completed.

• Mr. Pace informed board members that he had recently attended another meeting regarding the new funding sources for public schools. He stated that he was certain that the vouchers are going to happen in the near future. He explained that there would be a certain about of money that would be allotted for each student and that money would follow them in their education if they stayed in public school or chose to go to a private school or homeschool. He reminded members about the funding of the current BEP system. He stated that we currently have over 20 teachers that are not covered by the BEP funds. He further stated that there would be no change in funding for this budget year.

• Director Pace asked Mr. Trull to give an update on the new high school. Mr. Trull informed board members that he and Mr. Pace met with Brad Martin recently. He stated that Mr. Martin had gone over the more detailed aspects of the drawings for the new high school. He informed board members that the groundbreaking is still being projected for March 2022 and a completion date of August 2023.

• Mr. Pace stated that he was glad to report that there were no current COVID cases in the schools.

• Director Pace asked Kevin Martin, of Stephen Ward & Associates, Inc., to give his proposals for the replacement of the Lewis County Intermediate Schools’ windows. Mr. Pace stated that the board would be voting on these proposals under new business. Mr. Turner gave each board member a handout with the bids that he had received for the replacements of the Intermediate School windows. JCL Construction gave a quote of $835,546.00. This price included all the work as defined by the SWA project design documents. Mullins Construction gave a quote of $493,934.00. This price included all work as defined by the SWA project design document. However, the price excluded the metal wall panel installation and roof remedial repairs. Porter Roofing Company gave a quote of $540,000.00. This price included all work as defined by the SWA project design documents. However, the price excluded the metal wall panel installation and roof remedial repairs. An alternate price for the metal panels and roof repairs was offered at $139,000.00. Mr. Turner explained that all the quotes that were presented are guaranteed for 30 days. Mr. Turner also reminded board members that Stephen Ward & Associates would receive 8% payment of the total job cost. Mr. Clayton asked Mr. Turner if he thought that the amount of the projected roof repairs could be bid out separately to try and get that cost down. Mr. Turner stated that he would try to do that if the board wanted him to. He again reminded board members that the current quotes were only guaranteed for 30 days, and he was afraid that if they waited until the next board meeting to vote on this that the price would be increased. He stated the construction companies are having difficulties getting building supplies. Mr. Turner suggested that the board go ahead and vote on the window replacements and then they could vote at the next meeting on the roof repairs. Mr. Farr stated that he thought that the roof repairs should be done first and then the windows replaced. Mr. Turner stated that he would work with the construction company that they choose and try to get a lower price on the roof repairs.

Unfinished Business – There was no unfinished business to discuss.

New Business

a) Intermediate School windows replacement

After much discussion amongst board members, the board decided to accept the quote from Mullins Construction in the amount of $493,934.00 for the window removal/replacement and inside incidental work. The metal panels and roof repairs will be voted on at the January 11, 2021 board meeting. Mrs. Couch made a motion to approve the quotes and was seconded by Mr. Farr. Chair Atkinson asked for a roll call of the board members. The roll call vote went as follows: Cassie Couch-Yes, Lindsey Himes-No, Derek Cotham-Yes, Johnny Clayton-Yes, Blake Farr-Yes, Paula Dyer-Yes, Jackie Holt-Yes, Phyllis Townsend-Yes, Glenda Atkinson-Yes.

Announcements

Chair Atkinson reminded everyone to keep Renee Dalton in their prayers with the recent death of her mother.

Chair Atkinson announced that the next regular monthly meeting is scheduled for January 11, 2022. She also reminded board members that there would be a Christmas dinner for everyone immediately following the adjournment of the meeting in the Middle School cafeteria.

Adjournment

Upon motion by Mrs. Himes and seconded by Mrs. Townsend, the meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.