Board of Education meeting

The Lewis County Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, November 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. With the exception of Cassie Couch, all board members present were Board Chair Lindsey Himes, Vice Chair Paula Dyer, Matthew Adkins, Glenda Atkinson, Jackie Holt, Cody Mitchell, Sallie Pollock, and Morgan Spicer. There was a workshop at 5:30 p.m. During the workshop, Randy Mauldin Business Development Manager with TRANE, gave a power point presentation to the board regarding the infrastructure improvements and energy conservation program funded with guaranteed savings.

The invocation was given by Mr. Matthew Adkins. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mrs. Morgan Spicer.

Andie Starcher, from the Student Advisory Committee, presented the great things happening at the Lewis County High School. She stated that the basketball team will begin their season beginning November 21st at Clifton. She stated that she wanted to give a shout out to Mrs. Hamm and Mrs. Clayton for orchestrating the fantastic homecoming activities. She further stated that she wanted to recognize the maintenance team for their hard work in renovating the bathrooms. Another shout out to Dr. Burney for stepping up and managing a lot of responsibilities while Mr. Fite was away. She stated that the students are so excited about seeing the progress of the new high school being built. Her final shout out was to the amazing band and their accomplishments this year. At the division 1 state championship on November 2nd the band made it to the finals. This was a feat the band had not achieved since 1999. Out of the 10 finalists the band placed 8th overall in the state.

CONSENT AGENDA

• Approve previous minutes from the October 21, 2024, special called meeting.

• Adopt agenda.

• Approve payroll and miscellaneous warrants.

• Add-on: Approve bid out for Lewis County High School Agricultural Program 50 horsepower tractor with canopy and front-end loader.

• Add-on: Approve TRANE Facilities Improvement Program with Guaranteed Savings and authorization of Dr. McAbee to pursue agreement documents and approve funding for the program.

Upon motion by Mrs. Himes and seconded by Mr. Mitchell, the add-ons to the consent agenda were unanimously approved.

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

REGULAR AGENDA

Director’s report

• Employed Sydnie Henderson, Full-time cafeteria worker, effective October 21, 2024.

• Accepted the resignation of Charity Couch, LCES 2nd grade teacher, effective November 1, 2024.

• Dr. McAbee stated that he thought the topping out ceremony at the new high school went very well and he appreciated everyone being there today.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS- There was no unfinished business to discuss.

New business

• Submission of Compliance Report, certification of compliance with all Tennessee statutes and State Board of Education rules.

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

• Add-on: Approve bid out for Lewis County High School Agricultural Program 50 horsepower tractor with canopy and front-end loader.

Upon motion by Mr. Akins and seconded by Mr. Mitchell, item b) under new business was unanimously approved.

• Add-on: Approve TRANE Facilities Improvement Program with Guaranteed Savings and authorization of Dr. McAbee to pursue agreement documents and approve funding for the program.

Upon motion by Mrs. Pollock and seconded by Mrs. Atkinson, item c) under new business was unanimously approved.

Announcements

Paula Dyer read the thank you note from Vicki Halfacre for the gift from the board during the recent loss of her father. She read a thank you note from the Elementary School for the participation of the board at the trick or treat festivities.

Cody Mitchell gave an update on the voucher bill that is now being presented. He stated that he did have concerns about how this bill was going to be funded. He further stated that he had reached out to Dr. Joey Hensley and that he was on vacation this week and he hoped to meet with him next week regarding the voucher bill.

Chair Himes informed board members that the next regular scheduled meeting will be December 10, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. There will be a workshop prior to the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Chair Himes asked Mrs. Leigh about the meeting details. She informed board members that she had talked with Mr. Medford, the high school band director, and he said that the band would be there to perform their Christmas music for the board beginning at 5:40 p.m. Ms. Leigh further explained that she had arranged for the board meeting to be moved to the Middle School Auditorium so that there would be plenty of room for the band members and their families. She stated that there will be a special recognition of the bands accomplishments after the meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Leigh reminded board members that there will be a dinner immediately following the meeting at the Junkyard dog and that the board members have a copy of the menu for them to choose what they would like to order. She also reminded board members to brainstorm about the board retreat location that will be held in January 2025.

Adjourn

Upon motion by Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Mrs. Pollock, the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.