Board of Education meeting

The Lewis County Board of Education met in a special called session on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the Lewis County Courthouse located at 110 North Park St, Hohenwald, Tn. Board members were present were; Chair Lindsey Himes, Vice Chair Paula Dyer, Glenda Atkinson, Matthew Adkins, Cassie Couch, Jackie Holt, Cody Mitchell, and Sallie Pollock. Derek Cotham joined the meeting via Facetime.

The invocation was given by Mr. Cody Mitchell. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Matthew Adkins.

Upon motion by Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Mrs. Pollock, the consent agenda was unanimously approved.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Approved November 14, 2023, board meeting minutes.

• Adopted agenda.

DIRECTORS REPORT

• Director McAbee stated that he had no report at this meeting and that he wanted to save time for the Lewis County Commissioners meeting that would follow the special called board meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS- There was no unfinished business to discuss.

NEW BUSINESS

Prior to the vote for item a) under new business, Dr. McAbee explained the Lewis County High School Final budget. He stated that Mr. Clardy had done had fantastic job including everything in this final budget so that there would be no surprises for the board or the commissioners about the prices. Director McAbee stated that the board will be making a payment of $13,000,000.00 towards the construction of the new high school from the fund balance, $999,346.00 ESSER funds to pay for the furnishings, FFE $700,000.00, Low Voltage Wiring $600,000.00 would zero out the balance.

Upon motion by Mrs. Atkinson and seconded by Ms. Couch, item a) under new business was unanimously approved.

• Discussion/Action to approve budget for high school construction. Chair Himes asked for a roll call vote on item a) under new business: All voted yes.

Prior to the vote on item b) under new business, Director McAbee informed board members that a copy of the MOU between the Lewis County Board of Education and Lewis County Board of Commissioners was included in their packet. He stated that Mayor Keltner was marvelous to get the latest version of the MOU. He stated that the main thing that the commissioners wanted to get out to the public is that this funding plan could be done without raising property taxes.

Upon motion by Mrs. Dyer and seconded by Ms. Couch, item b) was approved unanimously.

•Discussion/Action to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between Lewis County School Board and Lewis County Commission regarding the funding plan for the new high school.

Chair Himes asked for a roll call vote on item b) under new business: All voted yes.

ANNOUNCEMENTS -There were no further announcements.

ADJOURNMENT

Upon motion by Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Mrs. Dyer, the meeting was adjourned at 5:07 p.m.