Board of Education Meets

The Lewis County Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lewis County Board of Education board meeting room located at 206 South Court Street, Hohenwald, Tn. Board members present were Board Chair Lindsey Himes, Vice Chair Paula Dyer, Glenda Atkinson, Derek Cotham, Jackie Holt, Cody Mitchell, and Sallie Pollock. Matthew Adkins joined the board meeting via Facetime. Cassie Couch was absent. Prior to the meeting there was a workshop. During the workshop Gary and Jesse Clardy gave a presentation of the progress of the new high school.

The invocation was given by Mr. Cody Mitchell. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Derek Cotham.

During public input Shannon Lane addressed the board with the progress of establishing a high school track team. She stated that the last day of eligibility for the track team was March 5, 2024. She stated that since the deadline was missed that this would give her more time to get inquiries from high school students about interest in the track team and other important information to present to the board for approval. Mr. Mitchell mentioned that the board would like to have information about the interest from students. Mrs. Atkinson recommended that a booster club be established.

Debbie Landers from the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce asked members of the Leadership Lewis program to introduce themselves to the board members. Kathy Duncan from the Elephant Sanctuary, Lee Riley from TCAT, Tawnee Preisner from the Horse Plus Humane Society, and high school student Andie Starcher. Mrs. Landers stated that Tommy Preisner was not able to attend.

Student high school advisory board committee member Ryder Ward addressed the board on behalf of the high school students. Ryder reported several issues that had been previously presented to the board. He also wanted to thank the board for giving him, Raylee Baker, Kylie Runions, and Rylee Roberson the opportunity to attend the SCOPE conference on March 5, 2024.

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

Consent agenda:

• Approved previous minutes from the February 13, 2024 regular called meeting.

• Adopted agenda.

• Approve payroll and miscellaneous warrants.

Regular agenda:

Director’s Report

• Employed Mallory Odom, LCES 1st grade teacher, effective February 6, 2024.

• Employed Abbigail Powers, LCES 1ST grade teacher, effective January 8, 2024.

• Accepted the resignation of Brooklyn Howard, LCIS Paraprofessional, effective February 19, 2024.

• Employed Addison Hinson, LCIS Paraprofessional, effective March 1, 2024.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS- There was no unfinished business to discuss.

NEW BUSINESS

• Approve travel of HOSA students and chaperones to Chattanooga, March 24-27, 2024.

Upon motion by Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Mrs. Dyer, item (1) was unanimously approved.

• Approve Stephen Tanner, LCHS assistant volunteer softball coach.

Upon motion by Mrs. Pollock and seconded by Mr. Mitchell, item (2) was unanimously approved.

• Approve TSBA 2025 Membership dues in the amount of $4,549.00.

Upon motion by Mrs. Dyer and seconded by Mrs. Pollock, item (3) was unanimously approved.

• Approve board policy 6.4052 Opioid Antagonist

Upon motion by Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Mr. Holt, item (4) was unanimously approved.

• Discussion/Action regarding a track team at Lewis County High School.

Mr. Mitchell made a motion to table the discussion regarding a track team until the board receives additional information. Mrs. Dyer seconded the motion. Motion was unanimously approved.

• Approve 2024-2025 school year calendar.

Upon motion by Mrs. Atkinson and seconded by Mrs. Pollock, item(5) was unanimously approved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

Mr. Mitchell gave an update on the progress of the voucher bill.

Chair Himes announced that the next regular scheduled meeting will be April 9, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. There will be a workshop at 5:30 p.m. prior to the regular scheduled meeting. She also asked if board members would be able to reschedule the May meeting. After some discussion, it was decided to discuss this at the April board meeting. Chair Himes also announced that there will be a special called meeting on March 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Upon motion by Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Mrs. Dyer, the meeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m.