Lewis County Board of Education met

The Lewis County Board of Education met in a special called session on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lewis County Board of Education Board Meeting room located at 206 South Court St., Hohenwald, Tn. With the exception of Phyllis Townsend all board members were present: Chair Glenda Atkinson, Vice-Chair Johnny Clayton, Derek Cotham, Paula Dyer, Blake Farr, Lindsey Himes, and Jackie Holt.

The invocation was given by Mr. Billy Dyer. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ms. Sallie Pollock.

Chair Atkinson called the meeting to order and reminded everyone that this was a special called meeting which has only one business and that business was to negotiate the contract for the newly elected Director of Schools, Dr. Tracy McAbee. She asked that the public to silence their cell phones and remain silent during the meeting and that there would be no public input. Chair Atkinson stated that she had provided the board members a copy of the contract. She stated that it was similar to the one that she and Dr. McAbee had worked on over the weekend. Chair Atkinson stated that there had been some changes that had been made by the school’s attorney Jack Heath. Mrs. Atkinson opened the floor for discussion. Ms. Couch questioned the governing law section. Mr. Clayton explained that if there was a problem with Dr. McAbee then it would go to Chancery Court. Chair Atkinson informed the board members that she had given Dr. McAbee a copy of the contract and that he is waiting in the Central Office. Mrs. Atkinson stated that Dr. McAbee was not very happy with item 3b (Duties) and 18b (Contract termination) in the contract. He felt that it sounded as if he were rude to someone that he could lose his job. Chair Atkinson stated that she and Dr. McAbee had also worked on the contract with state attorney Chuck Cagle. She stated that Mr. Cagle called her back earlier today and he said that he did not have any problem with the one that Chair Atkinson and Dr. McAbee had worked on. Mrs. Atkinson explained that this was the contract that she had sent to the board members earlier. Mr. Clayton asked if the contract that they have before them and the contract that was sent earlier was the additions that the school attorney Jack Heath had presented. Mrs. Atkinson stated that this was correct. These additions were on part 3B that Dr. McAbee was concerned about. Mr. Clayton stated that what one person may see a person being rude may be seen differently by another person and that he understood Dr. McAbee’s concern. Mrs. Atkinson stated that the board could strike out item 3b if they so choose. Mr. Clayton stated that he thought the first part of 3b was ok, but he thought the second part could be omitted. All board members agreed for the omission that Mr. Clayton recommended. Discussion was turned to item 18b on the contract which included the breach of a contract. Chair Atkinson stated that she thought that it would be a good idea to discuss this with Dr. McAbee once he comes over to talk with them. Board members agreed. The discussion was then turned to the number of years for the contract. All board members suggested a four-year contract. Mrs. Himes stated that this would mean that the contract would end on June 30, 2026. Chair Atkinson stated that the next subject to discuss would be the compensation for the contract. She stated that she had sent the information about the BEP funding to each board member that she had received from Director of Schools Benny Pace. She stated that the salary would be $125,200, $12,000 for insurance, and $21,134 for Social Security and Retirement. Ms. Couch made a motion and was seconded by Mrs. Himes, the motion was unanimously approved. Ms. Couch explained that in the current contract that Dr. McAbee stated that he did not want the 3% increase each year built into the contract. Mrs. Himes stated that in her conversation with Dr. McAbee that he indicated that he did not want a raise each year unless the teachers are given a raise. Chair Atkinson suggested a roll call on the compensation. The roll call went as follows:

Cassie Couch-Yes

Lindsey Himes-Yes

Derek Cotham -Yes

Johnny Clayton-Yes

Glenda Atkinson-Yes

Jack Holt-Yes

Paula Dyer-Yes

Blake Farr-Yes

Chair Atkinson stated that the vacations days on this contract were the same as Mr. Pace’s. Ms. Couch brought to the attention of performance evaluation. She stated that within ninety days after the effective date of the contract, the Board, after consultation with the Director, shall establish a performance evaluation. Discussion was then turned to Dr. McAbee’s moving expenses. Ms. Couch informed members that the contract states that if the director terminates the contract with 24 months of the effective date the Director shall reimburse the board for all moving expenses paid. Mr. Clayton suggested a moving expense of $3000. Chair Atkinson asked for a roll call vote. The roll call went as follows:

Cassie Couch-Yes

Lindsey Himes-Yes

Derek Cotham -Yes

Johnny Clayton-Yes

Glenda Atkinson-Yes

Jack Holt-Yes

Paula Dyer-Yes

Blake Farr-Yes

Chair Atkinson asked that Dr. McAbee be brought over to the board meeting. Dr. McAbee was welcomed by the board members. Chair Atkinson explained to Dr. McAbee that the board had looked over the contract that was presented to them by school attorney Jack Heath. She stated that the board was in agreeance with him on item 3b. Dr. McAbee explained that on 3b and relates to 18b that is if someone thought that he was being rude, that would cause for the board to fire him. He stated that about everyone in the lifetime will think that a person may be rude and that 3b and 18b may be a little of an overreach. Mrs. Himes explained to Dr. McAbee that the board had decided to omit the underlined part in 18b. Dr. McAbee agree to that. Mrs. Himes asked him what about the added part to 3b. Dr. McAbee explained that he trusted attorney Chuck Cagle and that he was ok with the original part of 3b, and he would like to leave 3b the way it was originally presented. Chair Atkinson once again reminded board members that she had been in contact with Chuck Cagle, and he was ok with the original contract that was presented to him. Chair Atkinson explained to Dr. McAbee that the board had agreed upon a compensation of $125,000 and asked him if he was ok with that amount. Dr. McAbee stated that he was ok with that. Mrs. Atkinson also informed Dr. McAbee that his contract would end on June 30, 2026, unless it was renewed. Chair Atkinson brought the attention to Dr. McAbee that if he terminates his contract within 24 months of the effective date of this contract that he shall reimburse the board for all moving expenses. Dr. McAbee agreed to this. Chair Atkinson informed Dr. McAbee that the board had agreed upon $3000 moving expenses. Dr. McAbee agreed to this also. Dr. McAbee stated that he was in agreeance with the contract except for the additional wording to 3b and 18b. Mr. Clayton welcome Dr. McAbee and he stated that he was excited. Chair Atkinson asked Dr. McAbee if he accepts the contract that the board has presented to him today. Dr. McAbee stated “absolutely.” Mrs. Himes made a motion and was seconded by Mrs. Dyer to enter into the contract with Dr. McAbee. Motion was approved unanimously.

Chair Atkinson asked everyone to be in prayer for one of our bus drivers, Jim Nutt and stated that he was very ill and needed prayers. Chair Atkinson stated that each of the board members had received a letter from one of the other bus drivers that Mrs. Dyer handed out and that the board needs to read this letter.

Chair Atkinson asked for a motion to adjourn. Mr. Cotham made and a motion to adjourn and was seconded by Mr. Farr. Motion was approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.