School Board · Meeting · Apr 7, 2025

Mon, Apr 7, 2025

Hickman County Board of Education meetings, including regular sessions and special called meetings.

This outline was generated by an LLM from a transcript and may contain errors or inaccuracies. Prefer the original recording when available.

Highlights:

The board approved several spending and program items, including TSBA membership dues of $6,300, an E-rate network equipment purchase totaling $293,640 with the district share at $58,728, and a welding-equipment bid for $74,428 tied to the Innovative School Models grant. It also approved a new science textbook adoption from Savvas for K–12 science, with discussion that the purchase is expected to run about $250,000–$300,000 and that state textbook funds are available.

Budget and staffing pressures dominated the latter half of the meeting. Administration outlined a coming budget gap driven by state-required teacher pay growth to a $50,000 starting salary by 2026–27, likely requiring back-to-back 4.5% certified pay raises, plus support-staff and substitute-pay increases. The district expects about $970,000 more in TISA funding and about $63,428 more from county property tax if the county maintains the school share at 58 cents, but still projects using about $1.5 million from reserves. The board also discussed storm damage at Hickman County Middle School’s gym, ESSER deadline confusion that may force return of roughly $40,000, opioid-settlement grant budgeting, attendance-zone flexibility, and controversy around the Education Freedom Act and its conditional $2,000 teacher bonus. Other notable threads included field-trip approvals, textbook-access features for students with disabilities and language needs, and a budget work session set for April 30 at 5:30 p.m.

Call to Order / Agenda / Minutes 12:37

  • 13:43 Agenda amended to add budget amendment 31 under item 10H; administration said the handout had been provided and described it as “a good thing.”
  • 14:18 Agenda approved as amended.
  • 14:27 March 3, 2025 regular meeting minutes approved without dispute.

Special Recognitions 14:43

Employees of the Month 15:01

  • Coach Chris Dawson recognized as employee of the month for teaching, mentoring students in the cafeteria, and helping rebuild school spirit through successful athletics, including state appearances in golf and basketball.
  • 16:53 Athletic director DJ Key also recognized as employee of the month; nomination cited his leadership in hosting two weeks of district and regional basketball tournaments and his broader support of athletics.

Hickman County High School boys basketball team 19:00

  • 19:15 Team recognized for a strong 2024–25 season, including a 16-game win streak, a 6–0 district record, district and region tournament wins, and a return trip to the TSSAA Class 2A state tournament.
  • 19:32 Recognition recap included a 58–40 district championship win over Harpeth, a 66–51 region win over Harlan/Harpeth? (unclear from transcript), and a 58–56 sectional win over Cannon County.

TSBA SCOPE conference student delegates 23:20

  • 23:30 Two East Hickman High School students were recognized for attending the 2025 TSBA SCOPE conference, which introduces students to school-board decision-making through activities and debate.
  • Students named were Andrew Bryant and Emily (last name unclear in transcript).

JROTC Presidential Volunteer Service Awards 24:37

  • 25:18 Cadets recognized for community service earning Presidential awards.
  • 25:18 Award thresholds described as 250 hours for gold, 200 hours for silver, and 100 hours for bronze.
  • Gold: Charles Riley, Emma Brashers.
  • Silver: Renzo Arga, Michael Maddox.
  • Bronze: Isabella Barber, Britney Carrera, Amber Lynch, Gage King, Malia Gibbs, Sawyer Rhoden, Bryley Parker, Isabella Jenkins, Kaden Cundiff.

VFW Voice of Democracy award 27:06

  • 27:24 Local VFW post commander Rick Humphrey described annual student competitions including Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy.
  • 28:11 He said the Voice of Democracy program had 26,500 entries nationwide and 700+ in Tennessee.
  • 28:20 Jake Tidwell was recognized for placing third in the state and receiving a $500 check.

Consent Agenda / ESSER discussion 29:18

  • 29:31 A board member asked about remaining ESSER spending and whether the district had finished planned work.
  • 30:10 Administration said the district may have to return about $40,000 if a funding issue is not resolved, despite having previously received an extension.
  • 30:27 Administration explained that the district had been told ESSER was extended into this year, then received a Tennessee Department of Education email at 4:00 p.m. on a Friday during spring break saying all funds had to be spent by end of workday.
  • 30:59 Work completed during spring break included installation of an air handler at East Hickman Intermediate School; administration said that project had prior ESSER approval and the district is appealing for reimbursement.
  • 31:24 Administration linked the uncertainty to federal changes in Washington and said the district is trying to maximize remaining ESSER funds and would update the board.
  • 32:16 Consent agenda approved.

Department / Official Reports

Director of Schools report 32:31

  • 32:31 Administration reported storm damage to the Hickman County Middle School gym: the roof was torn off and the gym floor was ruined.
  • 32:45 Roof repairs had made the gym dry, though trim work remained; flooring contractors were expected soon.
  • 33:04 Insurance would only replace the original 1-inch roof insulation, but current code requires 3 inches.
  • 33:32 Administration, maintenance, and Mr. Elkins chose to pay extra for the 3-inch insulation, arguing it would pay for itself over time in heating and cooling savings.
  • 33:41 That code-upgrade decision adds about $20,000.
  • 33:49 Insurance depreciation on the roof and floor leaves about $50,000 not covered.
  • 34:40 Total local cost for the project was stated as $75,000, with the district receiving a new roof and a new gym floor.
  • 34:04 The replacement floor will change from old parquet tiles directly on concrete to a floating floor on 2x4s, similar to the high-school gyms; administration said this is better for athletes and reduces injury risk such as shin splints.

New Business / Agenda Items

Hickman County High School Tennessee Strong trip 35:12

  • 35:35 Students requested approval to attend the Tennessee Youth Summit at the Chattanooga Convention Center on July 13–15.
  • 35:43 They described Tennessee Strong as a statewide student organization focused on bullying, mental health, anti-vaping, tobacco, and substance-abuse awareness.
  • 36:46 Students said the summit would help them strengthen leadership and improve an anti-vaping campaign aimed at younger students amid what they called a school vape epidemic.
  • 38:04 Trip approved.

Hickman County High School senior trip 38:24

  • 38:45 Senior-class request presented for a day trip to Holiday World in Indiana on May 14.
  • 38:45 Plan: leave at 5:00 a.m., return at 9:30 p.m., about 50 students and 5 chaperones.
  • 39:03 Students said the trip had already been fully funded through chocolate sales and other fundraising.
  • 39:12 Trip approved.

Hickman County Middle School 8th grade trip 39:42

  • 39:57 Request made for an 8th-grade trip to Beech Bend Amusement Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky on May 10.
  • 40:20 Administration said there would be around 7 chaperones.
  • 40:31 Administration explained the trip came to the board because board policy requires approval for trips exceeding a certain length even if they are not overnight.
  • 40:58 Trip approved.

HCHS JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge trip 41:15

  • 41:36 Students requested approval to attend JCLC at the Wendell H. Ford Training Center in Greenville, Kentucky from June 3–7.
  • 42:01 Location stated as 186 miles away.
  • 42:10 Participation plan: 10 cadets, 1 instructor, 1 female chaperone; 5 male and 5 female cadets.
  • 42:25 Lodging would be in barracks with one instructor and one chaperone; transportation by bus.
  • 42:44 Trip approved.

Attendance zones 43:12

  • 43:19 Administration said attendance zones had not changed for 2025–26.
  • 43:28 The district has been flexible when parents seek cross-zone attendance for convenience, especially when a parent lives in one zone and works in the other, because there is currently no overcrowding.
  • 44:01 Administration stressed that buses do not run outside attendance zones; families choosing a different zone must provide transportation.
  • 44:17 Cross-zone requests have been approved when based on convenience.
  • 44:27 Requests have been denied when they appeared intended to avoid disciplinary or attendance accountability at one school.
  • 44:51 Administration noted annual board approval is required by policy.
  • 44:58 Attendance zones approved.

TSBA membership dues 45:07

  • 45:19 Membership dues presented at $6,300.
  • 45:42 Administration said board training and continuing education are required by law and that TSBA provides legal updates, required training support, and advocacy for Tennessee public schools.
  • 46:18 Motion made to pay 2026 membership dues.
  • 46:29 Roll-call vote approved unanimously, 7–0.

E-rate network equipment purchase 46:47

  • 46:56 Administration said the district conducted a mini-bid for network equipment upgrades across all 9 buildings.
  • 47:03 Under E-rate, 80% would be covered by the FCC, leaving the district to pay 20%.
  • 47:11 Only one response was received, from Central Technologies.
  • 47:11 Total bid amount: $293,640; district share: $58,728.
  • 47:35 Administration explained the project as an upgrade to the district’s technology backbone by replacing an accumulated patchwork of switches and hubs added over time.
  • 48:15 Administration framed the deal as major infrastructure improvement at a heavily subsidized local cost.
  • 48:50 A board member asked whether the amount was budgeted; administration said yes, with available technology funds to be moved from line items not expected to be spent this year.
  • 49:13 Purchase approved by roll-call vote, unanimously 7–0.

Welding equipment bids 49:38

  • 49:45 Administration requested approval of welding equipment bids for Hickman County High School using the Innovative School Models grant.
  • 49:45 Equipment types included TIG welders, plasma cutters, multiprocess welders, and stick/TIG welders, selected based on advice from industry partners consulted by instructor David Carter.
  • 50:13 Three bids were received, but one was incomplete.
  • 50:22 Two qualified bids:
    • Learning Labs: $74,428
    • Service Welding Supply: $74,534
  • 50:31 Price difference was about $105.
  • 50:37 Learning Labs also offered a faster 15–30 day turnaround versus 30 days from Service Welding Supply.
  • 50:59 Both vendors included one-year warranties.
  • 51:13 Board approved Learning Labs by roll-call vote, unanimously 7–0, based on slightly lower price and quicker delivery.

Budget committee / all board members 51:40

  • 51:51 Administration proposed appointing all board members to the budget committee, continuing a process adopted the previous year.
  • 52:00 Rationale: if multiple budget meetings are needed, the board can recess and reconvene more simply, and all members participate rather than limiting discussion to a smaller budget committee.
  • 52:25 Motion to appoint all board members approved.

Science textbook adoption 53:03

  • 53:14 Administration outlined the state textbook-adoption timeline: state review ran from roughly late April through mid-summer, the Tennessee Textbook Commission and Department of Education made recommendations, and the State Board finalized the approved list in November.
  • 54:02 Schools then received sample materials by grade band and a local committee reviewed them.
  • 54:13 Each school had one vote, and special education had a vote to ensure accessibility considerations; there were 9 voting members, with only classroom teachers voting.
  • 54:52 Savvas received 5 of 9 votes.
  • 54:59 Administration provided the board with a letter stating the materials are free from prohibited concepts, responding to a prior board request.
  • 55:29 A board member praised the review process and said the selected curriculum could adjust reading levels downward, provide other languages, and read aloud to students.
  • 56:07 Administration confirmed the program includes both physical and digital books.
  • 56:20 Discussion estimated cost at about $250,000–$300,000; K–2 materials would be free, so paid purchases would mainly be for grades 3–12.
  • 57:05 Administration said students who need physical access at home would still have books available.
  • 57:51 State funds are available because there was no textbook adoption last year; the previous adoption was math two years ago at just over $400,000.
  • 58:04 Science textbook adoption approved by roll-call vote, unanimously 7–0.

Budget amendments 58:46

  • 58:54 Budget amendment 29 adds revenue and expenditures, including insurance recovery for the Hickman County Middle School gym project.
  • 59:03 Insurance recovery amount stated as $212,962 for budgeting into capital outlay.
  • 59:19 Amendment 29 also included an additional private donation to be dispersed to schools.
  • 59:38 It also budgets TCAT/CTE revenue tied to enrollment, to be distributed back to schools and CTE programs; administration said fall enrollment produced a larger amount than in prior years, with more expected from spring enrollment.
  • 1:00:15 Budget amendment 30 moves funds related to outside donations so those expenditures can be tracked correctly in the proper line item.
  • 1:00:40 Budget amendment 31 adds opioid-settlement grant funds previously approved in December by the county opioid board but not received until February.
  • 1:01:21 Administration said the item was delayed by a postponed January board meeting and then slipped through until this meeting.
  • 1:01:36 Backup documentation for the opioid-related requests was provided, with later adjustments expected as line items are refined.
  • 1:02:02 Budget amendments 29, 30, and 31 approved by roll-call vote; one member voted no, final vote 6–1.

Budget update / staffing and salary pressures 1:02:20

  • 1:03:02 Administration said 1 cent of property tax in Hickman County is worth $53,381, up $1,094 or 2% from the prior year.
  • 1:03:19 If the county legislative body continues the school district’s share at 58 cents of property tax, the district would receive an additional $63,428.
  • 1:03:48 Updated TISA projections show about $970,000 in additional funding, though administration noted the number had recently fallen by about $30,000 because the number of socioeconomically challenged students declined.
  • 1:04:40 Administration said state law requires certified teachers to reach a starting salary of $50,000 by school year 2026–27.
  • 1:04:57 Their proposal to meet that requirement is back-to-back 4.5% raises.
  • 1:05:13 A 4.5% increase for certified employees would cost about $1.2 million.
  • 1:05:59 Administration argued support employees also need stronger raises and said a percentage raise would be too small; using a flat amount instead would cost about $235,000–$275,000.
  • 1:06:57 Raising substitute pay from $75/day to around $90/day for non-certified substitutes and to $125/day for certified substitutes would cost about $40,000.
  • 1:07:18 Combined added costs discussed were about $1.475 million.
  • 1:07:32 Administration said they are also looking for expense cuts and still may face capital projects.
  • 1:08:15 Deadlines noted: board budget approval on May 5 and presentation to the county legislative body on May 8.
  • 1:09:52 After scheduling discussion, the board set a public budget work session for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
  • 1:11:28 Administration noted student board representatives do not participate in monetary matters by policy, though the meeting itself is public.

Education Freedom Act / possible resolution and bonus debate 1:12:11

  • 1:12:17 A board member raised the governor’s plan to provide a $2,000 teacher payment and noted concern that some employees would get it and others would not.
  • 1:12:54 Administration identified the law as the Education Freedom Act, saying it provides about $7,000 per year for selected students attending private schools.
  • 1:13:18 Administration said districts are effectively being asked to pass a resolution supporting the law in order for full-time teachers to receive a one-time $2,000 bonus.
  • 1:13:43 Administration objected that part-time teachers, principals, counselors, maintenance staff, and others would not receive that money.
  • 1:13:59 Administration contrasted that with the district’s earlier all-employee ESSER-funded bonus, saying it had been inclusive.
  • 1:14:30 Administration said the district receives “not one ounce” of benefit from the law itself and is being asked to support something that does not help the district.
  • 1:15:07 Staff polling had been considered at a board member’s request, but administration worried that even polling could become divisive.
  • 1:15:22 The board plans to discuss the matter further at the April 30 budget work session.
  • 1:15:33 Administration said another district had drafted a resolution stating it does not agree with the law but wants teachers to receive the money; administration was unsure whether that would legally satisfy the state’s requirement.
  • 1:16:29 Administration said including everyone in an equivalent local bonus would cost several hundred thousand dollars.
  • 1:17:17 Based on an earlier similar action, administration estimated an inclusive district-funded bonus had previously cost about $840,000 on top of $128,000 provided by the state; they expected this scenario to be somewhat less, but still substantial, and promised a firmer number later.

Fund balance / reserves explanation 1:17:49

  • 1:17:58 Last year’s budget build assumed about $34.6 million in expenditures and $32.1 million in revenues, allowing for a possible $2.5 million deficit by board approval.
  • 1:18:53 Current projections now estimate about $34.2 million in expenditures, about $400,000 lower than earlier budgeted.
  • 1:19:16 Revenues are projected about $600,000 higher than previously expected.
  • 1:19:38 Even so, the district expects to use about $1.5 million from reserves this year.
  • 1:20:07 Administration said the reserve figure is often misunderstood because about $3 million is in OPEB and can only be used for retiree insurance-related obligations for eligible long-term employees hired before 2015.
  • 1:22:04 Tennessee also requires the district to keep 3% of its budget in reserve, roughly another $1 million.
  • 1:21:57 Administration said total books show about $13 million, but after backing out OPEB and the required reserve, practical unrestricted reserves are closer to $9 million.
  • 1:22:18 After using $1.5 million, administration expects to begin the next budget year around $7.5 million in reserves, assuming no further major disruptions.
  • 1:22:58 Administration urged the county commission not to reduce the property-tax support and said district growth, local economic growth, and enrollment growth are all necessary to avoid recurring deficit budgets.

Local revenue and “shop local” discussion 1:23:43

  • 1:23:43 Administration said student enrollment matters because the district receives about $7,000 per student.
  • 1:23:51 The district receives 50% of county sales tax.
  • 1:23:58 Discussion cited new businesses including O’Reilly Auto Parts and Wendy’s in East Hickman as future local tax generators.
  • 1:24:43 Administration said the district must use reserves in part because it must comply with state law on pay, but argued long-term stabilization depends on school improvement, local shopping, economic growth, and increasing enrollment.
  • 1:30:35 A board member stressed that even though the school system itself does not pay sales tax on purchases, buying within the county still matters because it supports local businesses, volume pricing, and later sponsorship capacity for schools and athletics.
  • 1:31:22 Administration agreed the district shops locally but acknowledged it could improve the percentage where price differences are small; they said large price gaps may still require buying elsewhere.
  • 1:33:50 Administration clarified the support-staff flat-raise examples: $235,000 would correspond to about $1,250 per employee and $275,000 to about $1,500 per employee.

Board policies 1:34:32

  • 1:34:39 A listed action item identified in the transcript as “board policies” was approved without substantive debate.
  • 1:35:08 Administration then said the remaining policies were up for review only, with no first or second readings.
  • 1:35:28 Administration said TSBA had been consulted and confirmed the district has the latest model policies and updates.
  • 1:35:43 Discussion emphasized that TSBA helps ensure local policies are revised when state law changes.
  • 1:36:17 The board approved review of policy sections identified in the transcript as 5.701 through 6.2011, 5.400, 5.42, and 5.43.

Announcements 1:36:48

  • 1:36:48 Next regular board meeting set for May 5 at 5:00 p.m., described as a supportive/special budget meeting where the board expects to vote on the budget.
  • 1:37:02 Budget will be presented to the county on May 8.
  • 1:37:11 Teacher of the Year recognitions noted for the May meeting.
  • 1:37:19 Budget work session confirmed for April 30 at 5:30 p.m.

Closing Comments 1:37:27

Legislative update 1:37:27

  • 1:37:34 A board member criticized the district’s state representative for voting contrary to local sentiment and said the issue had drawn strong public response.
  • 1:37:46 He attributed advocacy pressure to the American Federation of Schools as heard in the transcript, though the exact organization name may be misstated there.
  • 1:38:16 He said the legislature was mainly trying to adjourn and mentioned a bill concerning school-board and county-commission election cycles.
  • 1:38:30 He reported that bill had passed with amendments he had not yet reviewed, and said he would share major details later.
  • 1:39:12 He argued staggered terms matter because board service has a learning curve and the board, unlike county commissioners, is expected to train and study continuously.

Board member comments and weather / school operations 1:40:42

  • 1:40:42 The chair agreed staggered board elections are beneficial because new members learn from experienced members.
  • 1:41:22 Another newer member echoed that concern, saying a fully new board would be difficult because there is still much to learn.
  • 1:41:46 Student representative comments highlighted a strong sports season, weather challenges, and the view that county government should invest in schools during economic stress.
  • 1:43:54 Administration confirmed school would be in session the next day at normal hours.
  • 1:44:02 Administration explained recent weather closures by noting the district crosses 14 water crossings/“fords” daily on bus routes, making high water unsafe.
  • 1:44:27 Administration said the district is 2 days beyond its 11 stockpile days and plans to ask the commissioner of education for leniency so additional time would not need to be made up.
  • 1:44:51 A board member cited recent flood-related tragedies, including a vehicle incident and a child being washed away, to support cautious school-closing decisions.

Adjournment 1:45:08

  • Motion to adjourn approved.

Key figures and statistics

Figure Type Context / topic Timestamp
31 Budget amendment number Added agenda item for budget amendment 31 13:43
16-game Streak HCHS boys basketball winning streak 19:15
6–0 Record HCHS boys basketball district record 19:23
58–40 Score District championship win over Harpeth 19:32
66–51 Score Region tournament win mentioned in team recognition 19:46
58–56 Score Sectional win over Cannon County 19:53
200 hours Service threshold Presidential award gold/silver discussion as spoken 25:18
250 hours Service threshold Presidential award gold threshold as clarified in remarks 25:18
100 hours Service threshold Presidential award bronze threshold 25:28
26,500 Entry count Nationwide Voice of Democracy entries 28:11
700+ Entry count Tennessee Voice of Democracy entries 28:20
$500 Award Jake Tidwell state VFW award check 28:20
$40,000 Potential returned funds ESSER funds that may have to be returned 30:10
4:00 p.m. Time Friday email deadline notice on ESSER spending 30:40
1 inch Facility specification Original gym roof insulation 33:18
3 inches Facility specification Current code-required gym roof insulation 33:10
$20,000 Expense Added local cost for upgraded insulation 33:41
$50,000 Insurance shortfall Depreciation on gym roof and floor 33:49
$75,000 Expense Total local share for new gym roof/floor project 34:40
July 13–15 Dates Tennessee Strong Youth Summit trip 36:53
May 14 Date HCHS senior trip date 38:45
5:00 a.m. Departure time HCHS senior trip departure 38:45
9:30 p.m. Return time HCHS senior trip return 38:45
50 Headcount Approximate HCHS senior trip students 38:55
5 Headcount HCHS senior trip chaperones 38:55
May 10 Date HCMS 8th grade trip date 40:13
7 Headcount Approximate HCMS trip chaperones 40:20
June 3–7 Dates JCLC trip dates 41:44
186 miles Distance JCLC trip location distance 42:01
10 Headcount JCLC cadets attending 42:10
5 male / 5 female Headcount JCLC cadet split 42:10
$6,300 Dues TSBA membership dues 45:19
2026 Year Membership dues year approved 46:18
9 Building count Buildings covered by network equipment bid 46:56
80% Reimbursement rate FCC share of E-rate purchase 47:03
20% Local share rate District share of E-rate purchase 47:03
$293,640 Contract amount Total E-rate network equipment bid 47:11
$58,728 Expense District share of E-rate network purchase 47:20
$74,428 Bid Learning Labs welding equipment bid 50:22
$74,534 Bid Service Welding Supply welding equipment bid 50:31
$105 Difference Price gap between qualified welding bids 50:31
15–30 days Delivery time Learning Labs turnaround 50:45
30 days Delivery time Service Welding Supply turnaround 50:45
1 year Warranty term Welding equipment warranty 50:59
9 Vote count Voting members on science textbook committee 54:35
5 of 9 Vote tally Savvas textbook committee support 54:52
$400,000+ Expense Prior math textbook adoption cost 56:37
K–2 Grade span Science materials free in early grades 56:44
3–12 Grade span Paid science textbook purchase range discussed 56:44
$250,000 Estimated expense Low estimate for science textbook purchase 56:56
$300,000 Estimated expense High estimate for science textbook purchase 56:58
29 Budget amendment number Additional revenue / insurance / donations / CTE 58:54
$212,962 Revenue Insurance recovery budgeted for middle school gym project 59:03
30 Budget amendment number Donation-tracking line-item adjustment 1:00:15
31 Budget amendment number Opioid-settlement grant budgeting 1:00:40
6–1 Vote Budget amendments approved with one no vote 1:02:02
1 cent Tax rate Value measure for property tax calculation 1:03:02
$53,381 Revenue value Worth of 1 cent of property tax 1:03:02
$1,094 Increase Year-over-year increase in value of 1 cent of tax 1:03:12
2% Percentage Increase in value of 1 cent of tax 1:03:12
58 cents Tax rate Current school share of property tax the board hopes to maintain 1:03:25
$63,428 Revenue Additional county funding if 58-cent share is maintained 1:03:39
$970,000 Revenue Additional projected TISA funding 1:04:01
$30,000 Decrease Drop in TISA projection from prior estimate 1:04:01
$50,000 Salary target Required starting teacher salary by 2026–27 1:04:40
2026–27 School year Deadline for required starting teacher salary 1:04:48
4.5% Raise rate Proposed certified employee raise, year 1 1:04:57
4.5% Raise rate Proposed certified employee raise, year 2 1:05:03
$1,200,000 Expense Estimated cost of 4.5% certified raises 1:05:13
$20,000 Salary example Approximate average support salary used in explanation 1:05:59
$900 Raise example 4.5% raise on $20,000 support salary 1:06:16
$235,000 Expense Low estimate for flat-rate support raises 1:06:31
$275,000 Expense High estimate for flat-rate support raises 1:06:31
$90/day Pay rate Proposed non-certified substitute pay 1:06:57
$75/day Pay rate Current/previous non-certified substitute pay 1:06:57
$125/day Pay rate Proposed certified substitute pay 1:07:07
$40,000 Expense Estimated cost of substitute-pay increase 1:07:09
$1,475,000 Expense Combined added budget pressures discussed 1:07:18
May 5 Date Budget approval target meeting 1:08:15
May 8 Date County presentation date for school budget 1:08:15
April 30 Date Budget work session date 1:10:57
5:30 p.m. Time Budget work session time 1:11:54
$2,000 Bonus One-time teacher bonus tied to Education Freedom Act support 1:12:24
$7,000 per year Scholarship amount Approximate private-school funding under Education Freedom Act 1:13:09
$840,000 Expense Prior district cost to include everyone in similar bonus scenario 1:17:17
$128,000 Revenue Prior state contribution in similar bonus scenario 1:17:17
$34,600,000 Budget projection Last year’s projected expenditures at budget-build time 1:17:58
$32,100,000 Budget projection Last year’s projected revenues at budget-build time 1:18:07
$2,500,000 Deficit projection Last year’s possible deficit budget approved 1:18:15
$34,200,000 Projection Current projected expenditures 1:19:01
$400,000 Reduction Expenditure projection below earlier budget 1:19:09
$600,000 Increase Revenue projection above earlier expectation 1:19:16
$1,500,000 Reserve use Projected amount to be spent from reserves 1:19:38
$3,000,000 Restricted reserve OPEB amount on the books 1:20:13
2015 Year Eligibility cutoff mentioned for OPEB benefit structure 1:20:36
3% Reserve requirement State-mandated reserve minimum 1:22:04
$1,000,000 Reserve amount Approximate 3% required reserve 1:22:10
$13,000,000 Fund balance Approximate total shown on books 1:21:57
$9,000,000 Available reserve estimate Reserve after excluding OPEB and required minimum 1:22:18
$7,500,000 Projected reserve Estimated starting reserve for next budget year 1:22:24
50% Tax share Portion of county sales tax going to schools 1:23:51
$1,250 Raise amount Example flat-rate support raise tied to low estimate 1:33:58
$1,500 Raise amount Example flat-rate support raise tied to high estimate 1:33:58
14 Route count Water crossings/fords buses cross daily 1:44:10
2 days Calendar overage Days beyond stockpile days used 1:44:27
11 Day count Stockpile days referenced 1:44:36

External vendors, brands, and software

Name Type Context / topic Timestamp
TSBA Company Board training, policy support, and annual membership dues 23:20
TSSAA Company State basketball tournament recognition 20:01
VFW Company Student Voice of Democracy award program 27:24
Holiday World Brand HCHS senior trip destination 38:45
Beech Bend Amusement Park Brand HCMS 8th grade trip destination 40:04
Wendell H. Ford Training Center Brand JROTC JCLC trip location 42:01
Central Technologies Company Sole bidder on E-rate network equipment purchase 47:11
FCC Company E-rate reimbursement source mentioned in network purchase 47:03
Learning Labs Company Recommended vendor for welding equipment bid 50:22
Service Welding Supply Company Competing qualified welding equipment bid 50:31
Savvas Company Selected science textbook publisher 54:52
Google Classroom Software Mentioned in discussion of high school textbook/digital use 57:24
O’Reilly Auto Parts Company New local business cited in sales/property tax discussion 1:23:58
Wendy’s Brand New local business cited in tax-base discussion 1:24:12
Walmart Brand Used in discussion of local shopping and online sales-tax effects 1:28:46
walmart.com Software Referenced in “shop and ship local” tax discussion 1:28:54

Laws and policies

Citation / name Level Type Context / topic Timestamp
Board policy on trip approval for extended trips School Policy Board approval required for trips over a certain number of hours, even when not overnight 40:31
Attendance-zone annual approval policy School Policy Attendance zones must be approved annually by the board 44:51
E-rate Federal Program FCC-supported reimbursement structure for network equipment purchase 47:03
Prohibited concepts requirement State Policy Science-text adoption letter provided to certify materials are free from prohibited concepts 54:59
Education Freedom Act State Law Voucher/private-school scholarship law tied to debated $2,000 teacher bonus resolution 1:12:54
3% reserve requirement State Policy Tennessee requirement that districts keep 3% of budget in reserve 1:22:04