Hickman County TN

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

School Board · Meeting · May 5, 2025

Mon, May 5, 2025

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

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

The board’s substantive business centered on approvals tied to summer activities, facilities and technology contracts, and a difficult FY2026 budget shaped by declining enrollment, loss of ESSER support, rising compensation costs, and reduced property-tax support. The board approved annual bids for paving, striping, janitorial service, and bleacher work; a multi-year network redesign bid; three budget amendments including $362,755.34 for summer learning camps; and the FY2026 budget on a 6–1 vote after extended discussion about reserve use, buses, roofs, salaries, and the risk of future personnel cuts or program closures.

A second major policy item was a resolution to participate in the state’s Education Freedom Act teacher-bonus section so eligible teachers can receive a $2,000 one-time state bonus, while expressly disavowing support for the act’s broader school-voucher/private-school funding provisions. Other notable threads included annual grant-application authority for the director, job-sharing approvals, cafeteria budget and equipment planning, free-meal participation strategies, anticipated legislative policy updates, TSBA evaluation timelines, and discussion of discipline, attendance, recess, and student cell-phone limits.

Special Recognitions 16:42

Employee and educator recognitions

  • Recognition program adjusted to present multiple awards by board member and then take a group photo rather than individual photos.
  • Honorees recognized included:
    • 17:35 Tammy Carroll — employee of the month for school financial/office support work, handling deposits, purchase orders, Amazon orders, fundraisers, copier issues, and maintenance work orders.
    • 20:10 Student board representatives recognized, including Mannon Dale.
    • 20:55 Emily Ainsworth — Centerville Elementary building teacher of the year.
    • 22:02 Nikki Booth — East Hickman High School novice school teacher of the year.
    • 22:56 Rose Sides — Centerville Intermediate School principal recognition.
    • 23:54 Linda Warren — Centerville Intermediate School teacher of the year; absent due to granddaughter’s softball game.
    • 25:08 Logan Campbell — Hickman County High School novice school teacher of the year and novice district-level teacher of the year.
    • 26:37 Ben Bentley — Hickman County High School building teacher of the year.
    • 27:58 Allison Gilbert — East Hickman Elementary building teacher of the year and district teacher of the year for pre-K through 4.
    • 29:34 Dylan Shelby — East Hickman Intermediate School teacher of the year.
    • 30:43 Kelly [surname unclear in transcript] — additional recognition as a standout educator.
    • 31:33 Chrissy Carter — Hickman County Middle School building teacher of the year and district teacher of the year for grades 5–8.
    • 32:24 Spencer Harris — East Hickman Middle School novice school teacher of the year and novice district-level teacher of the year for grades 5–8.
    • 33:55 Chris Austin — East Hickman High School building teacher of the year and district teacher of the year for grades 9–12.
    • 34:50 Jenny [surname unclear in transcript; East Hickman Intermediate] — novice teacher of the year; noted absent due to shoulder surgery.
    • 35:47 Hope Clark — East Hickman Elementary novice school teacher of the year and novice district-level teacher of the year for grades pre-K through 4.
    • 36:52 Angie Manor — supervisor of the year.

Approval of Minutes and Consent Agenda 15:44

  • 15:44 Agenda approved without controversy.
  • 15:58 April 7, 2025 meeting minutes approved.
  • 16:19 April 30, 2025 meeting minutes approved.
  • 40:23 Consent agenda approved as presented; no item was pulled for separate action.

New Business / Agenda Items 40:56

Overnight trip requests 41:03

  • 41:40 Hickman County High School girls basketball requested approval for two June overnight team camps:
    • Wayne County camp, June 1–4
    • Bethel trip, June 8–11
    • Students said chaperones and school transportation would be arranged.
    • Outcome: approved by voice vote.
  • 42:47 Hickman County High School volleyball requested overnight camp approval at UT Chattanooga, July 17–19, with parent transportation, two chaperones, and 10 teammates attending.
    • Outcome: approved by voice vote.
  • 43:32 Hickman County Middle School boys basketball requested overnight stay at Bethel University camp, June 5–7.
    • Parents would transport players; coaches would use personally owned vehicles.
    • Justification: previous year’s camp helped team building and morale.
    • Outcome: approved by voice vote.
  • 44:48 Hickman County Middle School girls basketball requested approval for an overnight camp at University School of Jackson, Tennessee (school name unclear in transcript), with about 18 players, 2 coaches, and 2 parent chaperones.
    • Stated player cost was $30 each, with the basketball program covering the remainder.
    • Outcome: approved by voice vote.

Centerville Intermediate School job sharing 45:39

  • 45:52 Administration requested annual approval of two job-sharing arrangements at Centerville Intermediate:
    • Ashley Rochelle and Meredith Walls sharing an RTI position.
    • Tammy Potts and Dusty Covington sharing a support/tutoring position.
  • 46:09 Justification: the arrangements were said to work well for the school and also save district benefit costs because each employee works under 40 hours weekly.
  • 46:30 Outcome: approved by voice vote.

Director authorization to submit grants and related documents 46:49

  • 46:54 Annual agenda item to authorize the director’s office to submit grants, applications, reports, amendments, and addenda, including federal applications and budgets, as opportunities arise.
  • 47:23 Motion specifically authorized Director of Schools John Mullins to act for closeout of 2024–2025 and for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year.
  • 47:52 Outcome: approved by voice vote.

Annual bids: paving, striping, janitorial, and bleachers 47:56

Facilities and maintenance bids 48:04

  • 48:11 Administration reported six bid categories, with two receiving no bids.
  • 48:20 Annual paving and patching:
    • Only bidder was Sessions Paving.
    • Quoted examples included $18.70 per square yard for 2-inch overlay, $15 per square yard for milling, and $220 per square yard for patch paving.
    • Capital plan includes $80,000 for patching around the district, with Ballpark Road at East Hickman and Hickman County Middle areas cited as needing work.
  • 49:32 Sealing and striping:
    • Lowest bid came from American Stripers.
    • Proposed work at East Hickman High School, Centerville Elementary, and Centerville Intermediate.
  • 49:58 Janitorial contract:
    • Only bidder was Service Solutions Corporation.
    • Administration said the company had done a good job and did not increase its pricing from the prior two-year period.
  • 50:29 Bleacher service:
    • Two companies bid, but one failed to submit the requested school-by-school breakdown and was treated as incomplete.
    • Recommendation was Fisher Installation d/b/a Bleachers and Seats, a Nashville-area firm, after detailed defect lists were provided for each school’s bleachers.
  • 51:31 No bids were received for concrete pouring or painting.
    • Even without a formal painting bid, the proposed budget includes $100,000 for district painting over the summer, with local quotes expected because no single project would exceed bid thresholds.
  • 52:51 Motion approved the listed bids except the no-bid categories of concrete pouring and painting.
  • 53:20 Outcome: approved by roll-call vote, 7–0.

Resolution on teacher bonuses under the Education Freedom Act 53:40

  • 53:47 Administration explained that the state legislature passed the Education Freedom Act and that, under section 4, local boards must adopt a resolution to participate if qualifying full-time teachers are to receive a $2,000 one-time state bonus.
  • 54:39 The director emphasized the district objects to other parts of the act, especially public funds flowing to private schools, but wanted to secure the bonus for eligible teachers.
  • 55:09 Concern raised that other school employees who are also valuable to district operations are excluded from the state bonus structure.
  • 55:45 Resolution language stated the board:
    • supports teacher bonuses,
    • does not endorse other provisions of the act,
    • adopts participation strictly to secure teacher-bonus funding,
    • notes failure to pass the resolution would deny local educators those funds.
  • 57:59 Administration noted the district had already given a districtwide retention bonus in October to all employees, contrasting that local action with the state’s teacher-only bonus design.
  • 58:26 Administration said staff were already working through state guidelines to determine which teachers qualify.
  • 59:06 Board comments criticized the state’s all-or-nothing structure and the exclusion of other staff; members also warned that nearby private-school systems could feel indirect effects from the voucher-related portions of the law.
  • 1:00:12 Outcome: resolution approved by roll-call vote, 7–0.

Technology bid: district network redesign and upgrade 1:00:29

Technology and infrastructure 1:00:37

  • 1:00:44 Administration presented a bid for a major network redesign and upgrade expected to take up to two school years, with most work occurring during summers.
  • 1:01:00 Scope included equipment installation, cable management and labeling, relocation of current network points, configuration, and testing.
  • 1:01:09 Only bidder was Bluegrass Computer Systems, which already holds the district’s network support contract.
  • 1:01:17 Total bid included $25,000 for that support contract; administration characterized the effective project piece as about $157,000 beyond the existing support component.
  • 1:01:34 Justification: the network underpins security, testing, instruction, meal service, and daily operations.
  • 1:02:05 A recent substation fire/power interruption illustrated the problem: after power was cut and restored at Hickman County High School and Hickman County Middle, the antiquated network caused internet outages.
  • 1:02:51 Administration said the redesign aims to eliminate “shortcuts” and route systems directly into server rooms for more reliable infrastructure.
  • 1:03:15 Outcome: approved by roll-call vote, 7–0.

Budget amendments 1:03:45

Amendment 33 correction 1:03:53

  • 1:03:53 Before voting on the package, administration requested amendment of Budget Amendment 33 because a revenue line item had been omitted.
  • 1:04:01 The missing revenue amount was $362,755.34.
  • 1:04:20 Outcome: correction approved by roll-call vote.

Budget Amendments 32, 33, and 34 1:04:50

  • 1:04:56 Budget Amendment 32:
    • moved certain expenditures into an outside-support code so contributions can be tracked separately;
    • also shifted remaining technology funds to cover the district’s match tied to previously discussed E-Rate-related technology purchases and implementation over the next two years.
  • 1:06:05 Budget Amendment 33:
    • established the summer learning camp budget, including transportation;
    • total budget $362,755.34;
    • camps planned at four schools;
    • administration said expenditures would be reimbursed in full.
  • 1:06:42 Budget Amendment 34:
    • small CTE Perkins revision moving funds from a professional-development line to instructional supplies.
  • 1:07:06 Outcome: amendments 32, 33, and 34 approved by roll-call vote, 7–0.

FY2026 general-purpose budget 1:07:50

Budget overview and projected reserve decline 1:08:03

  • 1:09:09 Administration projected entering the school year with $8,729,492 in usable balance, about $1.4 million less than the prior year’s starting point.
  • 1:09:30 Projected operating deficit for FY2026 was stated as about $2,096,338, with projected year-end balance of $5,823,154 by June 30, 2026.
  • 1:23:27 Finance staff clarified the adopted budget figures differed from the year-end operating projection:
    • revenues budgeted at $33,100,067
    • expenditures budgeted at $39,270,696
    • budgeted deficit $6,170,629
    • projected revenues $33,615,409
    • projected expenditures $36,521,747
    • projected deficit $2,906,338
  • 1:24:11 Maintenance of effort increase described as $180,808, or 3.02%.

Drivers of the deficit 1:10:01

  • 1:10:09 State-mandated salary pressure:
    • Tennessee requires starting teacher pay of at least $50,000 by school year 2026–27.
    • Administration argued the district cannot fairly raise only new teachers without adjusting the full scale.
  • 1:11:10 Personnel costs:
    • about 78% of a roughly $36 million expenditure budget goes to salaries and benefits.
  • 1:11:58 Proposed pay actions:
    • 4.5% raise for employees making above $33,000;
    • support staff working 8 hours a day and earning less than that level would receive a $1,500 flat raise, described as greater than 4.5% for most such employees;
    • substitute pay increased from $75 to $90 to compete with neighboring districts.
  • 1:13:14 Enrollment decline:
    • district lost about 50 students, equated to roughly $350,000 less revenue, using a state estimate of $7,000 per child.
  • 1:13:32 Property-tax support decline:
    • projected loss of 6 cents, worth about $320,000.
  • 1:13:40 ESSER expiration:
    • described as a roughly $500,000 negative impact.
    • Example given: $280,000 in support-personnel salaries paid last August/September because ESSER dollars were available.
    • ESSER had also supported Chromebooks and security cameras.

Proposed solutions and operational strategy 1:14:36

  • 1:14:39 Enrollment stabilization and growth identified as essential.
  • 1:15:01 Administration linked enrollment retention to better attendance, school improvement, and stricter response to severe student misconduct.
  • 1:16:08 The director said the district had relied heavily on grace and empathy but now intends to enforce full consequences under school board policy and Tennessee law for outlandish or safety-threatening behavior.
  • 1:17:33 Program quality, including athletics and other attractive offerings, was identified as another factor in whether families remain in the district.
  • 1:18:11 Administration also said adults in the system must be more professional because staff incidents and social-media controversies harm public reputation.
  • 1:18:50 Shopping locally was urged because the district receives 50% of local sales tax under Tennessee law.
  • 1:19:57 Administration said the district must absorb positions when possible rather than automatically replacing departing staff.
    • 1:20:15 Two positions tied to the departures of Wavon Daniel and Gail Matthysse were cited as examples where principals believed the work could be absorbed.
    • 1:20:30 Estimated savings were about $70,000 per position including benefits, or roughly $140,000 total.
    • 1:20:47 Administration said the current budget reflects a net reduction of about five positions.
  • 1:21:01 District leaders also said property-tax support needs to be more stable and fair over time.

Risks if conditions do not improve 1:21:16

  • 1:21:26 Administration warned that failure of the proposed solutions would force “draconian” personnel cuts and program closures.
  • 1:21:38 The district is budgeting to spend about 33% of reserve in this plan.
  • 1:22:00 Administration said that if trends do not improve, the district could be broke in about three years.

Discussion of reserves, taxes, buses, roofs, and county funding 1:24:46

  • 1:24:53 A 6-cent property-tax reduction was again discussed as roughly $320,000 down from expectations.
  • 1:25:09 Local option sales tax was budgeted at $2,975,000, while current-year receipts were projected around $3.1–3.2 million or slightly more.
  • 1:26:13 Administration said it had historically budgeted sales tax conservatively to avoid recession risk and to avoid unnecessarily increasing maintenance of effort pressure on the county.
  • 1:26:41 The district had budgeted sales tax at $2 million two years ago, $2.5 million last year, and $2.9 million this year, showing a more assertive approach.
  • 1:27:39 Property-tax budgeting was described as using 93% of projected collections.
  • 1:28:19 Finance staff reported three TISA estimates:
    • February state portion about $25,221,000
    • March down about $41,000 to roughly $25.18 million, tied to ADM decline
    • April down an additional amount due to enrollment and county economic data changes
  • 1:30:30 Board discussion noted the county’s limited retail base makes local-sales-tax growth harder than in neighboring counties.
  • 1:32:35 Concern raised that skipping bus purchases only defers larger costs later.
    • 1:32:44 Buses were said to have risen from around $92,000 a few years ago to $140,000-plus now.
    • 1:36:10 Administration said a bus grant had reopened.
    • 1:36:23 District previously bought 13 propane buses under a buy-one/get-one/half-reimbursement style grant.
    • 1:36:46 If approved again, the grant would cover 50% of a bus cost.
    • 1:37:26 Administration estimated district share for one bus at about $75,000 and recommended leaving the budget unchanged now, then amending if the grant is awarded.
  • 1:33:17 Roof and facility concerns:
    • a long-running effort begun around 2007 to keep roofs current was cited;
    • East Hickman High School roof and gym leaks were specifically mentioned;
    • concern raised that roof systems nearing 20 years of life are aging into another costly replacement cycle.
  • 1:37:40 Administration said one county commissioner had floated the possibility that school capital improvements might be funded through county bonds without increasing maintenance of effort.
    • School buses were discussed as potentially fitting that concept, though this was described only as exploratory conversation, not a formal proposal.

Board action on FY2026 budget 1:40:59

  • 1:40:59 Administration noted the budget had to be presented to the county on Thursday at 5:30 and the board needed an approved plan to take forward.
  • 1:41:44 Motion made to approve the FY2026 budget as presented.
  • 1:42:02 Outcome: approved by roll-call vote, 6–1; Mr. Hobbs voted no.

Post-vote implementation discussion 1:42:29

  • 1:43:03 Administration said budget management would continue after approval.
  • 1:43:29 Leaders were considering an administrative directive for schools/departments not to exceed 90% of their line-item allocations where possible, to protect remaining reserves.
  • 1:44:10 Board members stressed that ESSER-funded capital work had preserved reserves in recent years and that reserve figures can be misunderstood without that context.
  • 1:44:50 Finance staff distinguished the operational fund balance from OPEB-related reserves that cannot be freely spent.
    • OPEB reserve discussed as about $3 million.
    • Operational balance was described as around $10 million before projected year-end changes.
  • 1:45:51 State minimum fund-balance requirement noted as 3%, while best practice was described as 3–4 months of operating funds.
  • 1:47:16 Administration reiterated that the larger total balance number includes restricted OPEB funds for retiree health benefits and should not be treated as all available cash.

Cafeteria / School Nutrition budget 1:50:37

  • 1:50:37 Finance staff also presented the 143 central cafeteria balance budget for FY2026.
  • 1:50:53 Free breakfast and lunch continue districtwide; students still pay for extra meals and à la carte items.
  • 1:51:19 À la carte revenue was increasing both in budget and in practice.
  • 1:51:26 Staff raises in cafeteria were prorated based on hours worked; personnel count stays the same.
  • 1:52:00 Nutrition department reportedly purchased about $280,000 in new equipment this year using accumulated surplus tied in part to COVID-era support.
  • 1:52:26 Proposed FY2026 budget includes another $100,000 in food-service equipment purchases.
    • Needs mentioned included a walk-in freezer replacement and serving-line replacements.
  • 1:52:53 A $500,000 reserve is set aside for cafeteria cash flow.
  • 1:53:22 Additional cafeteria reserves were projected at about $350,000, reflected in an $850,000 combined figure.
  • 1:54:10 Administration proposed a grab-and-go breakfast after first period at the district’s four upper schools to improve breakfast participation because late-arriving bus riders and car riders often miss breakfast.
  • 1:55:16 Discussion noted much lunchroom equipment had become antiquated and had not been replaced for a long time.
  • 1:56:07 Board members realized the 143 budget had already effectively been approved with the earlier FY2026 budget action; no separate new vote is reflected after the discussion.

Board policy review 1:56:44

  • 1:56:44 Policies were presented for review only, with more changes expected next month because of legislative updates.
  • 1:57:20 Outcome: board approved the policy reviews by voice vote.

Announcements 1:57:58

  • 1:57:58 Next regular board meeting scheduled for June 2.
  • 1:58:08 Director evaluation will be sent out through TSBA because it is required by law; board self-evaluation was described as advisable though not legally required.
  • 1:59:13 Members were encouraged to attend the budget presentation to the county legislative body.

Board Comments and Closing Discussion 1:59:41

Revenue and local development 1:59:41

  • 1:59:41 Board comments argued that the county needs more revenue generally, despite praise for local efforts to control waste.
  • 2:00:21 Comment referenced new electric-related development in East Hickman and additional industrial construction/sales along Highway 46, including a proposed water-processing/bottling operation, as possible long-term local economic positives.

Legislative and school-operations updates 2:01:11

  • 2:01:19 Members referenced recent TSSAA matters and legislative changes that would not immediately affect Hickman County.
  • 2:01:53 New recess requirements for elementary students were noted as an upcoming implementation issue.
  • 2:02:21 Possible movement toward restricting student cell-phone use in schools was discussed as part of a broader national trend.
  • 2:02:46 Administration said phones contribute to disciplinary problems, after-hours conflicts spilling into school, attendance issues, and direct parent-student communication that bypasses school procedures.
  • 2:03:29 Board members also mentioned a TSBA attorney presentation on AI, with concerns including plagiarism and broader school impacts.

Other comments and adjournment 2:04:36

  • 2:04:36 A departing board member was thanked for faithful service.
  • 2:05:03 Discussion briefly mentioned a legislative change around student medical-consent forms, with a light example about being able to apply a bandage.
  • 2:05:23 Board members observed National Teacher Appreciation Week and thanked teachers, especially veteran educators who have remained in Hickman County.
  • 2:05:52 Meeting adjourned by motion and second.

Key figures and statistics

Figure Type Context / topic Timestamp
June 1–4 Date range HCHS girls basketball Wayne County camp 41:54
June 8–11 Date range HCHS girls basketball Bethel camp 41:54
July 17–19 Date range HCHS volleyball UT Chattanooga camp 42:51
10 Headcount Volleyball teammates attending camp 43:01
June 5–7 Date range HCMS boys basketball Bethel camp 43:48
18 Headcount Approximate HCMS girls basketball players attending camp 44:56
2 Headcount HCMS girls basketball coaches 44:56
2 Headcount HCMS girls basketball parent chaperones 45:04
$30 Fee HCMS girls basketball camp cost per player 45:04
40 Hours threshold Job sharers work less than this, reducing benefit costs 46:18
2024–2025 Fiscal year Grant authority covers closeout of current year 47:32
2025–2026 Fiscal year Grant authority covers upcoming year 47:41
6 Count Bid categories reported 48:04
2 Count Bid categories with no submissions 48:11
$18.70 Unit cost Paving bid, 2-inch overlay per square yard 48:26
$15 Unit cost Paving bid, milling per square yard 48:34
$220 Unit cost Paving bid, patch paving per square yard 48:41
$80,000 Budget item Proposed capital-plan paving/patching allocation 48:57
$100,000 Budget item Proposed summer painting allocation despite no formal bid 51:44
7–0 Vote Facilities bid approvals 53:20
$2,000 Bonus One-time state teacher bonus under Education Freedom Act 54:20
7–0 Vote Education Freedom Act resolution approval 1:00:12
2 Time period Network redesign expected to take up to two school years 1:00:44
$25,000 Contract value Existing network support included in technology bid 1:01:17
$157,000 Project amount Effective network project cost excluding support contract component 1:01:26
7–0 Vote Network redesign bid approval 1:03:17
$362,755.34 Revenue / budget Added missing revenue line in Budget Amendment 33 1:04:01
2 Count Parts of Budget Amendment 32 1:04:56
2 Time period Technology implementation spread over two years 1:05:44
$362,755.34 Grant / budget Summer learning camps and transportation 1:06:12
4 Count Schools hosting summer learning camps 1:06:28
7–0 Vote Budget amendments 32–34 approval 1:07:25
$8,729,492 Fund balance Projected starting usable balance for FY2026 1:09:09
$1.4 million Change Lower than prior year starting balance 1:09:19
$2,096,338 Deficit Projected operating shortfall, as initially described 1:09:30
June 30, 2026 Date Projected FY2026 year-end point 1:09:45
$5,823,154 Fund balance Projected ending balance 1:09:55
2026–27 School year State deadline for $50,000 starting teacher salary 1:10:09
$50,000 Salary floor Mandated starting teacher salary target 1:10:15
78% Percentage Share of expenditures devoted to salaries/benefits 1:11:01
$36 million Budget size Approximate expenditure total discussed 1:11:10
4.5% Raise Proposed pay increase for employees above threshold 1:11:58
$33,000 Salary threshold Cutoff for percentage raise discussion 1:12:07
$20,000 Salary level Most support employees said to earn less than this 1:12:22
$1,500 Raise Flat-rate increase for many support employees 1:12:29
$75 Pay rate Old substitute teacher daily pay 1:12:51
$90 Pay rate New substitute teacher daily pay 1:12:51
50 Headcount Approximate student enrollment decline 1:13:23
$350,000 Revenue loss Estimated impact of losing about 50 students 1:13:23
$7,000 Per-pupil funding State amount cited per child 1:13:23
6 cents Tax rate Projected property-tax support reduction 1:13:32
$320,000 Revenue loss Estimated value of 6-cent property-tax decline 1:13:40
$500,000 Revenue loss / burden Negative effect from ESSER ending 1:13:49
$280,000 Salary cost Support personnel salaries paid with ESSER last Aug./Sept. 1:13:56
$2,670,000 Total impact Combined negative impacts cited 1:14:27
95% Percentage Students said to behave appropriately 1:15:12
5% Percentage Students described as causing major behavior problems 1:15:21
50% Percentage Share of local sales tax schools receive 1:19:04
$70,000 Savings Approximate savings per absorbed position including benefits 1:20:30
$140,000 Savings Combined savings from two absorbed positions 1:20:39
5 Count Net positions being absorbed/reduced in budget 1:20:47
33% Percentage Share of reserve being spent in this budget 1:21:38
3 years Time period Warning of when district could be broke if trends continue 1:22:00
$33,100,067 Revenue FY2026 budgeted revenues 1:23:27
$39,270,696 Expenditure FY2026 budgeted expenditures 1:23:37
$6,170,629 Deficit FY2026 budgeted deficit 1:23:37
$33,615,409 Revenue FY2026 projected revenues 1:23:50
$36,521,747 Expenditure FY2026 projected expenditures 1:24:00
$2,906,338 Deficit FY2026 projected deficit 1:24:11
$180,808 Maintenance of effort Increase discussed in budget 1:24:11
3.02% Percentage Maintenance-of-effort increase rate 1:24:20
$320,000 Revenue loss Value of six-cent reduction restated 1:24:53
$259,315 Revenue loss Net reduction compared with prior property-tax budget estimate 1:25:02
$2,975,000 Revenue budget Local option sales tax budgeted amount 1:25:09
$3.1 million Revenue projection Expected current-year local sales tax, lower estimate 1:25:20
$3.2 million Revenue projection Expected current-year local sales tax, upper estimate 1:25:20
$2 million Revenue budget Sales tax budget from two years ago 1:26:41
$2.5 million Revenue budget Sales tax budget from last year 1:26:48
$2.9 million Revenue budget Sales tax budget this year 1:26:48
93% Percentage Property-tax collection rate used for budgeting 1:27:39
3 Count Number of TISA estimates received so far 1:28:19
$25,221,000 State funding estimate February TISA state portion 1:28:29
$41,000 Change March TISA decrease 1:28:39
$92,000 Vehicle cost School bus cost a few years ago 1:32:44
$140,000-plus Vehicle cost Current school bus cost estimate 1:32:44
2007 Year Start of earlier roof-maintenance push referenced 1:33:08
20 years Lifespan Roof life expectancy discussed 1:33:44
18 years Age Current age of some roof systems 1:33:56
13 Vehicle count Propane buses previously purchased under grant 1:36:23
50% Percentage Potential bus-grant reimbursement rate 1:36:46
$75,000 Vehicle cost Estimated district share for one bus if grant awarded 1:37:26
5:30 Time County budget presentation time Thursday 1:40:59
6–1 Vote FY2026 budget approval 1:42:02
90% Spending cap target Proposed administrative limit on line-item spending 1:43:36
$3 million Restricted reserve Approximate OPEB funds not freely spendable 1:47:16
2015 Year Reference point for certified staff OPEB benefit structure 1:47:24
60 Age Example retirement age used in OPEB explanation 1:47:48
143 Fund number Central cafeteria budget 1:50:37
$280,000 Equipment spending Food-service equipment bought this year 1:52:00
$100,000 Equipment budget Planned food-service equipment purchases next year 1:52:26
$500,000 Reserve Cafeteria cash-flow reserve 1:52:53
$350,000 Reserve Additional projected cafeteria reserves 1:53:22
$850,000 Reserve total Combined cafeteria reserve figure shown 1:53:30
4 Count Upper schools targeted for grab-and-go breakfast 1:54:10
June 2 Date Next board meeting 1:57:58
46 Highway number Location referenced in industrial-development comments 2:00:37

External vendors, brands, and software

Name Type Context / topic Timestamp
Amazon Company Employee-of-the-month recognition referenced school ordering duties 18:19
Austin Peay State University Company Degrees cited in multiple recognitions 22:19
Arkansas State Company Degrees cited in recognitions 27:00
Middle Tennessee State University Company Degree cited for Allison Gilbert; also abbreviated in remarks 28:15
UT Martin Company Degrees cited for honorees and staff comments 32:36
WGU Company Degree cited in recognition for Jenny 35:04
UT Chattanooga Company Volleyball overnight camp location 42:51
Bethel University Company Basketball camp location for middle school boys 43:48
Sessions Paving Company Sole bidder for annual paving and patching 48:20
American Stripers Company Low bidder for sealing and striping 49:40
Service Solutions Corporation Company Sole bidder for janitorial contract 50:06
Fisher Installation Company Recommended bleacher contractor 51:10
Bleachers and Seats Brand DBA name for Fisher Installation on bleacher bid 51:10
Bluegrass Computer Systems Company Sole bidder for network redesign and existing network support provider 1:01:09
MLEC Company Utility involved in substation outage example affecting school network 1:02:13
Chromebooks Brand Devices previously replaced with ESSER funds 1:14:03
Medicare Brand Referenced in OPEB retiree health explanation 1:47:56
TSBA Company Director evaluation process, board self-evaluation, and attorney presentation 1:58:08
TSSAA Company Athletic/legislative discussion item 2:01:19
Dave Ramsey Individual Mentioned as analogy for emergency-fund thinking 1:46:07

Laws and policies

Citation / name Level Type Context / topic Timestamp
Education Freedom Act State Law State act tied to teacher bonuses and broader objections over private-school funding 53:47
Section 4 of the Education Freedom Act State Law Resolution required to participate in teacher-bonus funding 56:10
Tennessee law on local option sales tax distribution State Law District receives 50% of local sales tax 1:18:50
Tennessee state law State Law Director said stricter discipline would follow consequences prescribed by state law 1:16:22
School board policy School Policy Director said severe misconduct would draw full consequences under board policy 1:16:22
TISA State Law State funding formula estimates discussed in FY2026 budget presentation 1:28:19
Maintenance of effort State Policy Budget discussion on county funding baseline and implications of budgeting choices 1:24:11
ESSER Federal Law Expiration of federal relief funds described as a major budget pressure 1:13:40
CTE Perkins Federal Law Budget Amendment 34 shifted funds within Perkins-supported CTE budget lines 1:06:42
Required director evaluation State Policy Board stated director evaluation is required by law and handled through TSBA 1:58:08
Elementary recess requirements State Law Legislative update noted new required outdoor/activity time 2:01:53

Files

This document is a proposed fundraising activities application for the HCMS Cheerleading squad, dated April 17, 2025. It outlines a planned Peach Sale fundraiser intended to raise funds for purchasing equipment and participating in various cheer opportunities. The application indicates that ten students will be involved in the fundraising effort, with profits received in cash or check. The proposal has been approved by Principal Jina S. Lugper and Director of Schools John Mullins on April 21, 2025. This excerpt provides an overview of the fundraising initiative and the necessary approvals required for school-wide participation.

This document is a compilation of approved fundraiser requests for various school activities, dated April 2025. It outlines proposed fundraising activities such as yearbook sales, Kona Ice sales, and a calendar fundraiser for the HCMS Cheerleading Squad, along with their intended uses for the funds raised, which include general supplies and student incentives. Each request includes details about expected student involvement, methods of profit collection, and the necessary approvals from school principals and the Director of Schools. The excerpt provides a glimpse into the fundraising initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement and supporting school programs.

This document is an agenda item request submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board by the Maintenance Department, dated April 16, 2025. It outlines the results of the annual paving and patching bid process, indicating that Sessions Paving was the sole bidder. The document includes details about the bidding process, requirements for bidders, and specifications for the paving work to be performed. Additionally, it mentions the opening of bids scheduled for April 15, 2025, and includes various compliance certifications required from the bidding company. This excerpt provides an overview of the bid request and associated procedural requirements but does not contain the complete details of the bid results or any decisions made.

This document is a bid packet for the Schools Janitorial Contract submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board, dated April 16, 2025. It outlines the results of the janitorial contract bidding process, indicating that SSC was the only bidder for the contract covering the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. The document includes details about the bid requirements, such as necessary qualifications for bidders, and specifies that sealed bids were to be opened on April 14, 2025. Additionally, it provides a summary of the financial offering from SSC, including proposed costs and adjustments related to service fees and labor changes. The excerpt suggests that further details about the bid results and contract specifications are included in the complete document.

This document is an agenda item request submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board for the meeting on April 16, 2025. It outlines the results of the annual sealing and striping bid, indicating that four bids were received, with American Stripers being the lowest bidder. The document includes details about the bid specifications, including the scope of work for seal coating, crack filling, and re-striping of parking lots at various schools. Additionally, it mentions the requirements for bidders, such as submitting a conflict-of-interest disclosure form and complying with state and federal guidelines. The excerpt provides a glimpse into the bidding process and the anticipated maintenance work for the upcoming school year.

This document is a bid packet for the Bleacher Services Contract for Hickman County Schools, dated April 23, 2025. It outlines the request for proposals received by the Maintenance Department, detailing two bids for bleacher services, including a complete bid from Bleachers and Seats and an incomplete bid from FaciliServ. The packet includes specifications for inspection, maintenance, and repair of bleachers and basketball goals across all schools in the district, with a contract period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028. Additionally, it specifies the requirements for bidders, including necessary certifications and insurance documentation. The excerpt provides insight into the bidding process and the scope of work expected from the contractors.

This document is a bid packet for the "School Network Re-Design & Upgrades" project issued by Hickman County Schools, with a submission deadline of 10:00 AM on April 28, 2025. It outlines the general terms and conditions for sealed bids, including submission requirements, bid withdrawal policies, and compliance with various legal and regulatory standards. The packet includes information on the scope of work expected from bidders, specifically regarding the design and implementation of a new network infrastructure utilizing a 10G fiber connection across multiple school locations. The document also emphasizes the importance of adhering to specific forms and affidavits, such as the Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form and the Affidavit Acknowledgment, which must be completed and submitted with the bid.

This document is the agenda for the Hickman County Board of Education's regular meeting scheduled for May 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Library of Hickman County High School. The agenda outlines various items for discussion, including public comments, special recognitions for employees and students, and consent agenda items such as reports from the Board Chair and Director. Additionally, it includes items requiring board action, such as trip requests, job share requests, and budget amendments. The document provides a comprehensive overview of the meeting's structure and key topics to be addressed.

This document is a Board Policy Information Sheet dated May 2025, prepared by Misty Shelton, the VPK Supervisor/Licensure Coordinator for Hickman County Schools. It addresses the school board members and outlines various policies that are up for review, including topics such as home schools, school admissions, attendance of non-resident students, and student rights and responsibilities. The excerpt indicates that some policies have been added from a canceled board meeting, highlighting the ongoing review process of these important educational policies. The document also includes a statement regarding non-discrimination in educational programs and practices.

This document is a packet from the Hickman County Board of Education, issued in May 2025, containing policy descriptors related to home schools, school admissions, attendance of non-resident students, student assignments, and transfers within the system. The excerpt includes detailed regulations and requirements for home schooling, such as the need for annual notice to the director of schools and maintaining attendance records. It also outlines the conditions under which non-resident students may attend schools within the district and the process for student assignments and transfers. The information provided is based on the beginning of the file only, and further details may be available in the complete document.

This document is a breakdown of bids for the annual sealing and striping project for the year 2025-2026. It includes detailed bid results from various contractors such as Jet Set LLC, American Stripers, Turner Asphalt, and Sessions Paving, outlining their proposed costs for crack sealing and striping by school. The excerpt provides specific pricing per linear foot and square foot, as well as total amounts for each contractor across multiple schools. This information is crucial for evaluating the bids received for the project and making informed decisions regarding contract awards.

This document is a budget amendment for the Hickman County Board of Education, dated May 5, 2025. It outlines adjustments to Fund 141 - General Purpose, detailing various account changes including debits and credits for categories such as Other Supplies & Materials, Maintenance & Repair Equipment, Internet Connectivity, and Other Contracted Services. The total adjustments amount to $38,010.76, reflecting both increases and decreases across several line items. Justifications for these changes are provided, indicating the purpose of the expenditures, including tracking outside support and board approvals from a previous meeting.

This document is a budget amendment for the Hickman County Board of Education, dated May 5, 2025. It outlines Budget Amendment - 33 for Fund 141, which pertains to the General Purpose budget. The excerpt includes detailed financial entries related to various accounts, such as teachers, educational assistants, medical personnel, and transportation costs, indicating adjustments in debits and credits totaling $362,755.34. The document appears to serve as a formal record of financial modifications necessary for the board's operational needs.

This document is a budget amendment from the Hickman County Board of Education dated May 5, 2025. It outlines Budget Amendment - 34 for Fund 142, which pertains to Federal Programs. The excerpt includes details on specific accounts, including Inservice/PD and Instructional Supplies, along with their respective debit and credit amounts totaling $1,032.12. The justification provided indicates that the amendment is intended to bring the CTE Perkins program into agreement with ePlan. The document is signed by the Board Chair, John Mullins, indicating approval.

This document is a job share request application submitted by Ashley Rochelle and Meredith Qualls for the 2025-2026 school year at Centerville Intermediate School, dated April 12, 2025. The request outlines their intention to continue a job share arrangement that has been successfully implemented in previous years, emphasizing the benefits of this approach for both educators and students. The application includes a detailed job-share plan, highlighting the teaching schedule, responsibilities, and communication strategies between the two teachers. Additionally, it presents positive feedback from parents and past experiences to support their request, indicating the educational value and effectiveness of job sharing in enhancing student learning.

This document is a job share request for the 2025-2026 school year submitted to the Hickman County Board by Dusty Covington and Tammy Potts, dated April 21, 2025. The request outlines their intention to share a teaching position at Centerville Intermediate School (CIS) to continue providing intervention and support for students while accommodating their family obligations. The document details their qualifications, previous experience, and the proposed schedule for their job share arrangement, including specific duties and responsibilities they plan to undertake collaboratively. Additionally, it highlights the educational benefits of job sharing and the positive impact on student learning, as well as the financial advantages for the school system.

This document is a payment register from the Hickman County Finance Department, detailing transactions for various vendors and accounts for the month of April 2025. The register includes multiple entries with payment numbers, vendor names, payment dates, cash accounts, and amounts, indicating financial activities related to the county's general purpose and cafeteria funds. The excerpt captures transactions dated from April 3 to April 24, 2025, with a focus on payments made to vendors such as Four Seasons Outdoors & Sports, Apple, Inc., and Amazon, among others. The document serves as a record of expenditures for the county, reflecting the financial management and obligations of Hickman County during this period.

This document is an agenda item request submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board regarding the bid results for concrete pouring at schools, dated April 16, 2025. The request indicates that no bids were received for the project, which is intended for the 2025-2026 school year. The document outlines the requirements for bidders, including necessary certifications and insurance, and specifies that sealed bids were to be opened on April 14, 2025. The request is made by Bill Lynch, the Maintenance Director, and includes a signature line for the building principal. This excerpt provides an overview of the bid process and the lack of responses received.

This document is the Director's Monthly Membership Attendance Report for the Hickman County School District, dated May 1, 2025. It provides detailed attendance data for various schools within the district for the month of April 2025, including Centerville Elementary School, Centerville Intermediate School, East Hickman Elementary School, and others. The report includes metrics such as net enrollment, average daily membership, and attendance figures broken down by grade level. The data reflects the number of days in session and summarizes the overall attendance trends for the district during the specified period.

This document is a memorandum titled "May Director's Report" from John Mullins, addressed to the Board Members, dated April 29, 2025. It outlines various personnel matters including leave of absence requests for staff members Megan Brewer and Chelsea Mathis, both on FMLA from April 8, 2025, to May 23, 2025. Additionally, it addresses hiring, resignations, retirements, transfers, and appointments related to professional and support staff, as well as open positions for bus drivers and a special education teacher. The excerpt indicates that all applicants mentioned are qualified for the positions under board policy 1.108.

This document is the agenda for the regular meeting of the Hickman County Board of Education scheduled for May 5, 2025, at 6:30 PM, to be held in the library of Hickman County High School. The agenda outlines key items for discussion, including public comments, special recognitions for employees and students, and various reports such as the Director's Report and Financial Report. Additionally, it lists items requiring board action, including trip requests, budget amendments, and reviews of board policies. This excerpt provides a glimpse into the meeting's structure and anticipated topics, though it does not include specific details or outcomes from the discussions.

This document is the HCBOE ESSER Report for May 2025, which provides an overview of the allocation and status of funds related to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) program. It includes a summary of the total allocations for ESSER 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0, along with deadlines for fund obligation and amounts reimbursed. The report also mentions recent developments, such as an extension request submitted to the Federal Department of Education, and outlines next steps regarding personnel funding related to ESSER. This excerpt primarily covers the allocation summary and some upcoming actions, indicating that further details may be present in the complete document.

This document is the proposed budget for the General Purpose School Fund 141 of Hickman County, Tennessee, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It includes detailed estimates of revenues and expenditures, highlighting various funding sources such as local taxes, state education funds, and federal contributions. The budget outlines anticipated revenues, including local taxes and state funding, alongside projected expenditures across different educational programs and services. This excerpt represents the beginning of the budget document, providing insight into the financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year.

This document is the proposed budget for the Central Cafeteria Fund 143 of Hickman County, Tennessee, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It outlines estimated revenues and expenditures, including detailed account descriptions and financial projections for various services such as food services, lunch payments, and federal funding through programs like the USDA School Lunch Program. The budget includes comparisons of actual and estimated figures for the previous fiscal years, highlighting changes and differences in revenue and expenditure estimates. This excerpt provides a comprehensive overview of the financial planning for the cafeteria operations, although it is based only on the beginning of the file.

This document is a financial report for Hickman County, specifically a summary financial statement for the General Purpose School for April 2025. Created by Michael Elkins and generated on May 2, 2025, the report includes detailed year-to-date and month-to-date revenue and expenditure figures across various accounts. Key topics covered include current property tax revenues, expenditures for regular instruction programs, and various federal and state grants. The document provides insights into the financial health of the school system, detailing actual amounts against budget estimates and percentages of budget utilized.

This document is the Budget Committee Schedule for the Hickman County Legislative Body for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026. It outlines a series of meetings scheduled from April 10th to June 23rd, 2025, including regular meetings, work sessions, and presentations related to various budgetary topics such as the County General, Drug Fund, Solid Waste, and school presentations. Key dates include a public hearing on the budget and the final budget presentation to the County Commission. The schedule indicates a structured approach to budget discussions and approvals leading up to the publication of the budget in the local newspaper.

This document is a trip request submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board, dated April 17, 2025. It outlines a proposal for the HCHS Girls Basketball team to attend two overnight summer camps, one at Wayne County from June 1-4 and another at Bethel University from June 8-11. The request indicates that school transportation will be used and that there will be female chaperones for each camp. The document includes signatures from the person requesting the agenda item and the building principal, Roby Einerson.

This document is a trip request submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board, dated April 1, 2025. It pertains to a request from Hickman County High School for permission to attend the UTC Volleyball Camp in Chattanooga, TN, scheduled for July 17-19, 2025. The request outlines that 10 athletes and 2 coaches will participate in the camp, which aims to strengthen their skills and team culture. The document includes signatures from the person requesting the agenda item, Rachel Hudgins, and the building principal, Rob Mason. This excerpt provides an overview of the trip request but does not include additional details or attachments that may be present in the complete document.

This document is a request for an agenda item submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board on April 8, 2025. It pertains to an overnight basketball camp for the HCMS boys' basketball team, scheduled for June 5th to 7th at Bethel's summer basketball camp. The request is made by the team's coach, and it includes signatures from both the coach and the building principal, indicating approval for the agenda item. This excerpt provides an overview of the request but does not include additional details or discussions that may be present in the full document.

This document is a request for an agenda item submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board, dated April 23, 2025. It pertains to a proposal from Coach Ron Puckett for the HCMS Girls Basketball Team to attend an overnight camp at Bethel University from June 12-14, 2025. The request includes signatures from the person submitting the item and the building principal, Jina S. Hugpin. The excerpt provides an overview of the camp request but does not include additional details or attachments that may be present in the complete document.

This document is the minutes from the Hickman County Board of Education Budget Committee meeting held on April 30, 2025, at 5:30 PM in Central Office - RM 102. The meeting included a call to order, a moment of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a detailed budget discussion for fiscal year 2026. Key topics covered in the discussion included projections for FY 25, operational fund balances, proposed compensation increases for certified and select support employees, and total capital project funding. The minutes reflect the committee's focus on financial planning and budgetary considerations for the upcoming fiscal year.

This document is the minutes from the Hickman County Board of Education's regular board meeting held on April 7, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Central Office - Room 203. The minutes detail the proceedings of the meeting, including the approval of the agenda, public comments, and various motions passed by the board members. Key topics include special recognitions, updates on gym repairs, trip requests for students, budget amendments, and the approval of board policies. The document captures the decisions made during the meeting, reflecting the board's activities and discussions.

This document is a proposed budget for the fiscal year 2026, detailing various budget items and programs within the educational system. It outlines general budget items such as step increases for certified personnel and support staff, projected increases in medical benefits, and specific allocations for programs including Regular Instruction, Special Education, and Career and Technical Education. The document also includes notes on capital outlay projects, with detailed costs for maintenance and improvements to school facilities. This excerpt provides an overview of the budgetary considerations and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, although it is based only on the beginning of the file.

This document is the OPEB Quarterly Statement for the period from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. It provides a detailed account activity summary for the Hickman investment accounts, including beginning and ending values, contributions, dividends, interest income, and withdrawals. Key figures include a total beginning value of $3,104,612.32 and an ending value of $3,092,016.55. The report outlines various transactions, including dividends received from multiple investments and fees incurred during the reporting period. This excerpt represents only the beginning of the file, indicating that further details may be available in the complete document.

This document is an agenda item request submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board on April 16, 2025, concerning the bid results for a painting project at schools. The request indicates that no bids were received for the painting at schools bid, which was intended for the 2025-2026 school year. The document outlines the requirements for bidders, including necessary certifications and insurance, and specifies that sealed bids were to be opened on April 14, 2025. The request is signed by Bill Lynch, the Maintenance Director, and includes details about the bidding process and compliance requirements for contractors.

This document is a draft resolution from the Hickman County Board of Education regarding the "Education Freedom Act of 2025." It outlines the Board's intention to participate in a provision of the Act that provides one-time bonuses to qualifying public school teachers in Tennessee, while explicitly stating that the Board does not endorse other aspects of the Act. The resolution emphasizes the importance of these funds for supporting educators and highlights the necessity of adopting this resolution to secure access to the bonus funds. The document is dated for adoption in 2025 and includes signatures from the Chairperson and the Director of Schools.

This document is a sample motion intended for the Hickman County School System, dated May 2025. It authorizes the Director of Schools to submit various grants, applications, reports, amendments, and addenda, including federal applications and budgets, related to the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year and for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. The excerpt provides insight into the administrative responsibilities and actions being proposed for the school system's funding and grant management.