School Board · Meeting · Feb 9, 2026
Mon, Feb 9, 2026
Hickman County Board of Education meetings, including regular sessions and special called meetings.
Disclaimer:
This outline was created using AI based on an automatically generated transcript. The transcript and this outline is likely to contain errors, inaccuracies, or omissions. Always refer to the original audio recording if you need to verify any details or for official purposes.
Call to Order / Opening
- Meeting held Monday, February 9, 2026.
- No one signed up for public comment.
- Moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda
- Two add-ons noted for the agenda: an action item on building/construction at East Hickman High School (listed as 11H), and 11I for director discussion and voting.
- Agenda approved as written (motion, second, voice vote).
Approval of Minutes
- Minutes for the January 12 regular meeting approved (motion, second, voice vote).
- Minutes for the January 22 special-called session approved (motion, second, voice vote).
Special Recognitions
Hickman County High School girls cross country
- Team placed fourth at sectionals and advanced to state; described as the first HCHS girls cross country team at the state meet; finished tenth as a team.
- TSSAA recognition letter read emphasizing respect, integrity, and sportsmanship.
February employee of the month
- Felicity Powell, school nurse at County Middle School, nominated with description of duties (medication, care, leadership, food drive after local explosion, head softball coach correction from football).
Consent Agenda
- Motion to approve consent agenda item number nine; second; voice vote in favor.
School / Program Updates (Information)
East Hickman Intermediate
- Priorities: chronic absenteeism (goal referenced as 15.2%; current rate stated as 10.1%) and academics/student ownership of data.
- Strategies: data chats after benchmarks, incentive “fly days,” strategic use of time before school and end of day, outreach for tier-three chronic absenteeism, focus on power standards ahead of TCAP in RTI time, emphasis on math and ELA.
Centerville Intermediate School (CIS)
- Chronic absenteeism figures discussed (including comparison to goals/AMO targets); instructional focus on differentiation via PLCs.
- Use of 2:45–3:15 window for targeted groups; emphasis on fifth-grade science for accountability testing; use of morning time where possible.
Student Trips and Competitions (Action)
All items below were presented and approved via motion/second and voice vote unless noted.
East Hickman High School FFA — state convention
- Gatlinburg; dates stated March 22–25, 2026; Courtyard by Marriott; itinerary includes convention sessions and evening activities; four students attending.
East Hickman High School FBLA — state competition
- Overnight Chattanooga, April 6–9, 2026; seven students; transportation by school vans; funding from EHS FBLA account except food/extras.
Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) — state competition
- Student Kinley Bragg to compete in public speaking at state (February 25–27); Murfreesboro DoubleTree; chaperone described as parent who is a county employee; funding through JAG.
Hickman County High School welding — state competition
- Chattanooga, March 15–17 (three nights); one student (another student not present due to work).
Hickman County High School construction / SkillsUSA — state competition
- Chattanooga, March 15–17 with awards March 18; student Jackson Mayberry; approximate costs discussed (~$2,000 hotel, ~$500 food); chaperone context and pride in student effort.
Junior/Senior Prom (Action)
- Student representative requested off-campus prom again; April 18, 7:00–11:00; Crossroads Cowboy Church pavilion/space at no charge; security plan including five county SROs and venue security; theme described as a night under the lanterns; community sponsors and ticket affordability discussed.
- Motion to approve prom plan; second; voice vote in favor (no opposition stated).
Technology — Chromebook Purchase Bid (Action)
- Staff recommended CNB Computers, HP units at $221 each ($10 more than the lowest bid, but preferred for repair/service); up to 550 units, maximum about $121,500 (purchase described as “up to,” not mandatory to buy all).
- Roll-call vote: all members recorded in favor.
Student Information System — Synergy Recommendation (Action)
- Skyward described as outdated; committee visited vendors in Chattanooga, evaluated finalists PowerSchool and Synergy; Synergy recommended for functionality, Tennessee compliance, counseling/scheduling, discipline, parent app, and integration with existing tools (Navigate 360, Raptor, Clever, Titan, Stellar mentioned with add-on costs).
- Costs (as stated in the meeting; verify in board packet / recording):
- Five-year total for implementing Synergy given as about $124,964.
- An initial slice of the projection (from signing around February 28 through June 30) was given as $22,428 (speaker corrected a prior slip on dates).
- A recurring annual amount in the projection was spoken as “25,6354” in the transcript—likely ~$25,354 or ~$25,635 with a transcription/digit error; described as continuing through fiscal year 29–30 in the same projection.
- Current Skyward spending described as roughly $22,000–$23,000 (annual ballpark); staying on Skyward with its new rollout was said to end up closer to about $30,000 once implemented.
- Clever, Titan, and Stellar described as available with add-on fees (similar idea to current Skyward add-ons).
- Possible March budget amendment to fund the current-year piece; target go-live July 1 with summer training.
- Board member question about student hall pass / location features; presenter affirmed similar capabilities and benefits vs. current system.
- Roll-call vote to approve Synergy: all members recorded in favor.
Disciplinary Hearing Authorities — 2025–2026 (Action)
- Revised list read for schools/programs (names and sites as stated in transcript, including special programs chair).
- Motion to approve item 11E; second; voice vote in favor.
Budget Amendments 25–28 (Action)
- 25: Additional revenue — public school security grant (timing: approved roughly October/November) for radio system upgrades; SPED high-cost reimbursement dollars; internal moves for contracted SPED-related services (no dollar totals read aloud; details described as sensitive).
- 26: Adjustments for radio upgrades tied to security grant; ISM move of $7,000 from equipment toward instructional/other supplies.
- 27–28: Federal grants — HQIM literacy network (including $1,500 professional development) and Carl Perkins amendment moving $300 between professional-development coding areas.
- Note: part of amendment 25 may require County Commission before full implementation.
- Roll-call vote: all listed members voted yes; amendments passed.
Policies
First reading
- 1.901 — Charter school applications: additions regarding sharing per-pupil funding estimates with sponsors and a timeline for board action reporting.
- 2.804 — Expenses and reimbursements (optional policy): board attorney advised not to allow reimbursement approach involving sales tax (tracking burden); recommendation to omit that allowance.
- Motions to approve first reading for 1.901 and 2.804; seconds; voice votes in favor.
Second reading
- 1.404 — Appeals/appearances before the board: change so action requires a majority of the full board membership, not merely members present.
- Motion to approve; second; voice vote in favor.
Review cycle
- 1.503 through 1.82 marked for review; TSBA reported no updates at this time.
Construction — East Hickman High School Change Order (Action)
- Change order to add conduit and spare conduit after technology/maintenance review; rationale described as future-proofing so the building does not need to be dug up later. Speaker said they would not have requested the change if it had been about $10,000; actual cost described as small compared to doing the work later.
- Roll-call vote: all members recorded in favor.
Director of Schools — Discussion and Vote (Agenda Item 11I)
- Chair invited board comments on finalists (names as discussed: Dr. Anderson, Marcy Tidwell, Mr. Stone, Dr. Nelson).
- One member summarized outreach volumes (staff/community counts as stated in transcript) and themes of support for candidates.
- Multiple members spoke to difficulty of the decision, role of the board vs. polls or public pressure, interviews and information not available to the public, and 1992 law making the director the board’s single employee.
- Procedure: motion to proceed with vote; second; roll call by name for preferred candidate.
- Votes as transcribed immediately before the tally:
- Dr. Anderson: Miss Baker, Mr. Lane, Miss Mays/Mazize (three).
- Marcy Tidwell: Dr. C, Miss Taylor, Miss Herren, Mr. Hobbs (four).
- The spoken tally in the transcript (“Dr. Anderson four, Marcy Tidwell three”) does not match those individual votes. Closing audio also renders the chosen director’s name as “RC Timber,” which does not match any named finalist and is almost certainly a transcription error.
- Official outcome should be verified from the recording or adopted minutes.
Announcements
- Next regular board meeting: March 2.
- Legislative update (fragmentary): bills mentioned include possible election of superintendent and an SRO-related bill; details incomplete in transcript.
- Basketball: East game noted; one high school game at middle school due to floor damage at the high school.
- Saturday work session / retreat in March — date to be set.
- Chair requested a volunteer to help draft contract for the new director (process similar to prior year).
Adjournment
- Motion to adjourn; second; voice vote in favor.
Files
This document is the Director's Monthly Membership Attendance Report for the Hickman County School District, dated February 3, 2026. It provides detailed attendance data for various schools within the district for the month of January 2026, including Centerville Elementary, Centerville Intermediate, East Hickman Elementary, 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 attendance trends across the district's schools. This excerpt represents only the beginning of the report, which likely continues with additional schools and summary statistics.
- Bid_-_Chromebook_Units_and_Chrome_OS_Management_Service_License_-_January_2026.pdf
- Bid_-_Chromebook_Units_and_Chrome_OS_Management_Service_License_-_January_2026.txt
This document is an invitation to bid issued by the Hickman County Finance Office for Chromebook units and Chrome OS Management Service Licenses, with bids due on January 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The document outlines the requirements for bidders, including the necessity to submit a conflict of interest disclosure form and provides details on where to obtain bid specifications. It also mentions that the Hickman County Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any bids. The excerpt includes references to various Chromebook options and their specifications, indicating that this document is part of a procurement process for educational technology.
This document is the agenda for the Hickman County Board of Education's regular meeting scheduled for February 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in RM 203 of the Central Office Complex. It outlines the meeting's structure, including a call to order, public comment opportunities, and a moment of silence, as well as the Pledge of Allegiance. Key items on the agenda include special recognitions for athletic teams and the Employee of the Month, various trip requests, and several items requiring board action such as budget amendments and policy revisions. The agenda also notes the upcoming regular board meeting on March 2, 2026.
- Board_Policies_Review_-_1.503--1.802_-_February_2026.pdf
- Board_Policies_Review_-_1.503--1.802_-_February_2026.txt
This document is a compilation of board policies from the Hickman County Board of Education, issued on December 4, 2023, and includes policies numbered 1.503 through 1.700. The policies cover various topics such as news releases, policy development and adoption, administrative procedures, and school district goals. The excerpt outlines the responsibilities of the board and the director of schools in relation to communication, policy formulation, and the establishment of educational goals. This is based on the beginning of the file only, and further details may be present in the complete document.
- Board_Policy_1.404_2nd_Reading_-_February_2026.pdf
- Board_Policy_1.404_2nd_Reading_-_February_2026.txt
This document is a board policy from the Hickman County Board of Education, specifically Descriptor Code 1.404, titled "Appeals to and Appearances Before the Board." Issued on December 4, 2023, this policy outlines the procedures for appealing matters related to the school system and the protocol for public comments during board meetings. Key topics include the process for individuals wishing to address the Board, the time allocated for public comments, and the authority of the chairman in managing these interactions. The document also references legal and cross-references related policies, indicating its context within the broader framework of school governance. This excerpt represents the beginning of the policy and provides foundational information on its intent and structure.
- Board_Policy_1.901_1st_Reading_-_February_2026.pdf
- Board_Policy_1.901_1st_Reading_-_February_2026.txt
This document is a policy from the Hickman County Board of Education regarding Charter School Applications, designated as Descriptor Code 1.901 and issued on July 7, 2025. It outlines the application process for sponsors of newly created public charter schools, including requirements for submission, review procedures, and criteria for approval or denial of applications. The policy specifies that it does not apply to charter schools converted from existing public schools and details the responsibilities of both the sponsors and the Board in the application process. This excerpt represents the initial sections of the policy, which includes definitions, application procedures, and the formation of a review team.
- Board_Policy_2.804_-_1st_Reading_-_February_2026.pdf
- Board_Policy_2.804_-_1st_Reading_-_February_2026.txt
This document is a board policy titled "Expenses and Reimbursements" from the Hickman County Board of Education, issued on March 11, 2024. It outlines the guidelines for expense allowances and reimbursement procedures for school personnel and board members. Key topics include the process for submitting expenses, the requirement for advance authorization for travel, and the reimbursement rates applicable to both staff and board members. The policy also mentions compliance with state law and references to legal guidelines. This excerpt represents the beginning of the policy document, providing an overview of its intent and structure.
This document is a budget amendment for the Hickman County Board of Education, specifically Budget Amendment No. 25, dated February 9, 2026. It outlines adjustments to the general purpose budget, detailing various accounts and their corresponding debits and credits, including a Public School Security Grant and funding for special education services. The total adjustments amount to $176,099.31, with justifications provided for the changes, particularly regarding projected increases in contracted services related to the SPED Program. The document includes an approval section, indicating it has been attested by the Board Chair, Dr. Belinda Anderson.
This document is a budget amendment report from the Hickman County Board of Education, specifically Budget Amendment No. 26, dated February 9, 2026. It outlines adjustments to various accounts within the General Purpose budget, detailing debits and credits for items such as other equipment, administration equipment, instructional supplies, and CTE instructional equipment. The total adjustments amount to $10,000.00 in both debits and credits, with justifications provided for each line item. The document appears to be in the early stages, focusing on financial adjustments necessary for the school system's operations.
This document is a budget amendment report from the Hickman County Board of Education, dated February 9, 2026. It includes Budget Amendment No. 27 and Budget Amendment No. 28, both related to Federal Programs. Amendment No. 27 details adjustments involving a total of $74,500 for revenue and various contracted services, while Amendment No. 28 outlines a $600 adjustment for professional development to align with ePlan requirements. The report is signed by the Board Chair, Dr. Belinda Anderson, indicating approval of the amendments. This excerpt provides insight into the financial adjustments being made for educational programs within the county.
This document is a payment register for Hickman County Finance, dated January 8, 2026. It includes a detailed list of payments made to various vendors, categorized by bank accounts such as General Purpose, Federal, and Cafeteria. The excerpt highlights transactions for multiple vendors, including American Fidelity Administrative Services, LLC, AT&T, and Hickman County Trustee, with payment amounts totaling over $407,787.41 for the General Purpose account alone. The document appears to be part of a larger financial report, providing insight into the county's expenditures during this period. Further details may be found in the complete document.
- February_9_2026_at_6_30_PM_-_REGULAR_BOARD_MEETING.pdf
- February_9_2026_at_6_30_PM_-_REGULAR_BOARD_MEETING.txt
This document is the agenda for the Hickman County Board of Education's regular meeting scheduled for February 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Room 203 of the Central Office. It outlines the meeting's structure, including items such as public comment, a moment of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda also includes special recognitions, consent agenda items, and various topics requiring board action, such as trip requests, budget amendments, and revisions to board policies. This excerpt provides an overview of the planned discussions and decisions for the upcoming meeting.
This document is a trip request submitted by Cindi Morgan, the East Hickman High School (EHHS) FBLA Advisor, to the Hickman County School Board, dated January 21, 2026. It requests permission for qualifying students to attend the FBLA State Conference in Chattanooga, TN, from April 6-9, 2026. The request includes details about the trip, such as the number of students attending, transportation arrangements, and a breakdown of associated costs. Additionally, the document outlines expectations and conduct guidelines for participants, as well as a commitment contract for students and their parents. This excerpt provides an overview of the trip's logistics and requirements based on the beginning of the file only.
This document is a trip request packet for the East Hickman High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) seeking approval from the Hickman County Schools Board for an overnight trip to the Tennessee FFA State Convention scheduled from March 22 to March 25, 2026. The request, dated January 8, 2026, outlines that four students will be receiving the Tennessee FFA State Degree during the convention. The packet includes details about the itinerary, hotel accommodations, and a behavior agreement for students attending the convention. Additionally, it highlights the importance of the trip in relation to the students' educational experience in agriculture and FFA activities.
This document is a request for an agenda item submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board for the February board meeting. It pertains to a proposal from East Hickman High School (EHHS) to hold their prom off campus at the Cowboy Church on Saturday, April 18th. The request includes a brief explanation of the event and is signed by the individual requesting the item, Shelly Maturney, along with the signature of the building principal. This excerpt provides an overview of the request but does not include additional details or attachments that may be present in the complete document.
- EHHS-HCHS_Welding_-_Construction_Trip_Request_-_February_2026.pdf
- EHHS-HCHS_Welding_-_Construction_Trip_Request_-_February_2026.txt
This document is a trip request submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board, dated January 22, 2026. It seeks permission for students from East Hickman High School (EHHS) and Hickman County High School (HCHS) to attend a state competition in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from March 15 to March 18. The request highlights the achievements of HCHS freshman Jackson Mayberry, who placed second in the Skills USA Region Competition, as well as EHHS senior Robert Dunkelburger, who placed fifth. The document includes signatures from the requester, Wesley Whitaker, and the building principal, Robyn Emason.
- EHHS-HCHS_Welding_-_Construction_Trip_Request_-_February_2026.pdf
- EHHS-HCHS_Welding_-_Construction_Trip_Request_-_February_2026.txt
This document is a trip request submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board, dated January 22, 2026. It seeks permission for students from East Hickman High School (EHHS) and Hickman County High School (HCHS) to attend a state competition in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from March 15 to March 18. The request highlights that a freshman student from HCHS, Jackson Mayberry, placed second in the Skills USA Region Competition and has advanced to the state level. The document includes signatures from the requester, Wesley Whitaker, and the building principal, Robyn Emason, indicating formal approval for the agenda item.
This document is the February Personnel Report prepared by Dr. Belinda Anderson for the Board Members, dated January 23, 2026. It outlines various personnel matters including leaves of absence, hiring, resignations, retirements, transfers, appointments, and open positions within the county schools. The report highlights specific staff members affected by these changes, such as Abby Beard's leave under FMLA and the hiring of Angie Lane as a teacher. This excerpt provides an overview of personnel actions but does not include detailed outcomes or discussions that may be present in the complete report.
This document is a financial report for Hickman County's General Purpose School, created by Michael Elkins on February 4, 2026, covering the financial activities for January 2026. It includes a summary of revenues and expenditures, detailing various accounts such as current property tax, local option sales tax, and expenditures related to instructional programs. The report provides year-to-date and month-to-date actual figures alongside budget estimates, highlighting the financial performance of the school system. This excerpt represents the beginning of the report, which spans multiple pages and includes detailed financial data.
- HCHS_Girls_Cross_Country_Team_Recognition_-_February_2026.pdf
- HCHS_Girls_Cross_Country_Team_Recognition_-_February_2026.txt
This document is a recognition letter for the Hickman County High School Girls Cross Country team, celebrating their achievements during the February 2026 season. The excerpt highlights the team's impressive 4th place finish at the sectionals, which qualified them for the state meet, where they made history by being the first girls cross-country team from Hickman County to compete, ultimately finishing 10th overall. Additionally, the document lists the team members by grade and acknowledges their coaches, Ben Bentley and Clay Chessor. This recognition serves to honor the team's accomplishments and contributions to the school's athletic program.
This document is a trip request form from Hickman County High School for the Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) program, seeking approval for participation in the Tennessee State Career Development Competition scheduled from February 25 to February 27, 2026. The request outlines the purpose of the trip, which is for a student, Kinleigh Bragg, who qualified for the state competition after placing third in a regional event. It includes details about the number of students and chaperones, transportation arrangements, and associated costs, which are noted as $0. The document also mentions the need for prior approval from the Hickman County Board of Education for overnight trips, and it provides a preliminary itinerary for the event, highlighting key activities and meals planned during the competition.
- Hickman_County_Schools_-_REGULAR_BOARD_MEETING_MINUTES_-_January_12_2026.pdf
- Hickman_County_Schools_-_REGULAR_BOARD_MEETING_MINUTES_-_January_12_2026.txt
This document is the minutes from the Hickman County Board of Education's regular board meeting held on January 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Central Office - Room 203. The minutes detail the proceedings of the meeting, including the approval of the agenda, previous meeting minutes, and various motions related to trip requests, budget amendments, and board policies. Key topics discussed include special recognition for the Employee of the Month, updates on the strategic plan, and considerations for grant applications for propane buses. The document captures the motions made, seconded, and the unanimous votes in favor of the actions taken during the meeting.
- Hickman_County_Schools_-_Special_Called_Session_Minutes_-_January_22_2026.pdf
- Hickman_County_Schools_-_Special_Called_Session_Minutes_-_January_22_2026.txt
This document is the minutes from a special called session of the Hickman County Board of Education held on January 22, 2026, at 6:15 PM in Central Office - Room 203. The minutes include the call to order, a moment of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda for the meeting. Key discussion topics noted in this excerpt are OPEB and director applicants, with a subsequent motion to adjourn the meeting. The document captures the motions made, seconded, and the unanimous votes in favor from all present members.
- OPEB_Quarterly_Report_-_10-1-2025--12-31-2025_-_January_2026.pdf
- OPEB_Quarterly_Report_-_10-1-2025--12-31-2025_-_January_2026.txt
This document is the OPEB Quarterly Report for the period from October 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, prepared in January 2026. It provides a detailed account activity summary, including the beginning and ending values of investment accounts, contributions, dividends, interest, and withdrawals. The report outlines the financial performance of the accounts managed by Morgan Stanley, detailing specific transactions such as dividends received from various funds and service fees incurred during the reporting period. The information is intended for illustrative purposes and emphasizes the importance of verifying the data against official monthly statements.
- Revised_-_Disciplinary_Hearing_Authority_-_February_2026.pdf
- Revised_-_Disciplinary_Hearing_Authority_-_February_2026.txt
This document is a roster for the Disciplinary Hearing Authority for the 2025-2026 academic year. It includes the names of members associated with various educational institutions, such as Beth Robinson from EHHS and Kristin Dunn from EHMS, among others. Dr. Marc Dunlap is identified as the Chair of the authority. This excerpt provides a glimpse into the composition of the authority but does not include specific details about their functions or upcoming meetings.
- Two_Mascots_One_Heart_School_Spotlight_-_CIS_EHIS_-_February_2026.pdf
- Two_Mascots_One_Heart_School_Spotlight_-_CIS_EHIS_-_February_2026.txt
This document is a school spotlight report for February 2026, focusing on Centerville Intermediate School and East Hickman Intermediate School. It highlights initiatives aimed at improving student attendance and instructional strategies, including efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism and support Tier 3 students. The report outlines successful practices such as feedback loops for teachers, targeted support for students, and schoolwide incentives to encourage participation. The excerpt provides an overview of the schools' current attendance rates and goals, as well as strategies being implemented to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.