School Board · Meeting · Mar 2, 2026

Mon, Mar 2, 2026

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

Outline

> **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, Roll, and Opening

- **Call to order and attendance**
  - Meeting identified as the March 2 regular board meeting.
  - Six board members present in person and one participating via Zoom.
- **Public comments**
  - No public comments for this meeting.
- **Moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance**
  - Board observes a moment of silence.
  - Pledge of Allegiance is recited.

---

## Approval of Agenda and Prior Minutes

- **Agenda adjustments for March 2**
  - Chair adds an informational item for Olivia Felts’ presentation after item 9E.
  - Adds discussion under item 10H regarding allowing Marcy Tidwell to begin early in a consultant role, similar to the prior director’s transition.
  - Motion and second to approve agenda changes; motion passes by voice vote.
- **Approval of amended agenda**
  - Separate motion and second to approve the full amended agenda for March 2; motion passes by voice vote.
- **Approval of prior meeting minutes**
  - **Special called session minutes – February 7**
    - Motion and second to approve minutes; motion passes (noted as six in favor).
  - **Regular meeting minutes – February 9**
    - Motion and second to approve minutes; motion passes (six in favor).

---

## Special Recognition

- **Employee of the Month – Christy McManis**
  - Recognition presented on behalf of Centerville Intermediate School, East Hickman Middle School, and East Hickman High School.
  - Citation highlights:
    - Provides extensive coaching and support to teachers.
    - Motivates, supports, and guides teachers toward excellence and positive impact on students.
    - Described as a “superstar” and essential to East Hickman Middle’s success.
    - Recognized for outstanding dedication, mentoring new teachers, problem solving, and solution-oriented leadership.
    - District instructional coach whose guidance and modeling strengthen instruction and keep schools focused on improvement goals.
    - Praised for positive attitude, commitment to excellence, and significant contributions to teachers and students.
  - Applause and photo are noted for the recognition.

---

## Consent Agenda

- **Consent agenda items 9A–9E**
  - Board considers consent agenda items labeled 9A through 9E.
  - Questions are invited; none are raised on the record.
  - Motion and second to approve the consent agenda; motion passes by voice vote.

---

## Student Trip Requests

- **Hickman County High School Volleyball Camp Trip**
  - Request from a student representative to attend summer volleyball camp at the University of North Alabama on July 17–18.
  - Purpose: team participation in summer camp and skill development.
  - Arrangements:
    - Trip for team members and coaches.
    - Chaperones mentioned; general plan presented to the board.
  - Motion and second to approve the volleyball trip request; motion passes by voice vote.
  - Board wishes the team well and encourages them to enjoy the trip.
- **JROTC (Junior ROTC) Drill Competition Trip**
  - Request to attend a 7th Brigade drill competition in Knox, Kentucky.
  - Details:
    - Approximately four hours travel time.
    - Army will provide three meals for students; remaining meals covered by students.
    - Lodging in barracks.
    - Described as a recurring annual type of trip.
  - Motion and second to approve the JROTC trip; motion passes (six in favor).
  - Board encourages participants to have a good trip.
- **East Hickman High School Senior Trip to Dollywood**
  - Senior class president presents request for senior trip.
  - Destination and logistics:
    - Day trip to Dollywood on Thursday, May 14.
    - Transportation via a charter bus with 55 seats (50 students and 5 chaperones).
    - Departure from the high school at 5:00 a.m., direct travel without stops, arrival around 10:00 a.m.
    - Departure from Dollywood at 7:00 p.m., return around 11:30 p.m.
  - Cost and participation:
    - Estimated cost no more than $35 per student, noted as significantly less than regular park ticket price.
    - Multiple polls conducted with the class; approximately 69% of the class indicates interest in participating.
    - Participation is considerably higher than in the prior year.
  - Motion and second to approve the senior trip; motion passes by voice vote.

---

## Behavioral Health – Mercy Tennessee School-Based Therapy Partnership

- **Presentation by Olivia Felts, Director of Behavioral Health**
  - Background:
    - Serves as director of the district’s behavioral health department for the past two years.
    - Previously worked on the Aware team as a student support specialist for about five years.
  - Existing mental health service landscape:
    - At the start of her tenure as director, the district had about “two and a half” agencies providing services (one agency was in the process of leaving).
    - Currently, there are seven agencies working with the district.
    - 394 students are receiving services through existing agency partnerships.
  - Description of Mercy Tennessee:
    - Mercy Tennessee is an integrated healthcare organization offering pediatric and lifespan healthcare.
    - Has brick-and-mortar locations in Franklin and possibly in Nashville.
    - Provides psychiatric medication management and mental health services; many district families already travel to Franklin for these services.
  - Proposed school-based therapist model:
    - Typical current agency-affiliated school-based therapists:
      - Receive referrals from the district.
      - May see only 4–6 students in a day and are not always present in schools daily.
      - Often split time among school-based services, adult therapy, and other responsibilities; school work is not always their primary role.
    - Mercy Tennessee proposal:
      - Provide school-based therapists whose primary role is to work in school buildings.
      - Long-term goal is one dedicated therapist per school building in the district.
      - Implementation expected to take time (possibly up to a couple of years) due to workforce hiring challenges but with potential to move faster.
  - Access, insurance, and cost:
    - Mercy Tennessee accepts all insurance types, including private insurance and TennCare.
    - Addresses a significant access gap for students with private insurance or no insurance at all.
    - Services would come at no cost to the school district.
    - Agency contracts specify:
      - No financial responsibility for the district.
      - Agencies must provide proof of liability insurance and assume liability for services provided.
    - Mercy’s contract would follow the same financial and liability structure.
  - Faith-based aspect and ethics:
    - Mercy Tennessee is faith-based, which makes this proposal distinct from previous agency contracts.
    - Statement from the chief behavioral health officer (summarized):
      - Therapists do not proselytize or promote religious viewpoints.
      - Services remain consistent with professional clinical ethics and school policies.
      - Faith-based identity informs organizational commitment to treating students with dignity, respect, and professionalism, without altering clinical boundaries.
    - Presenter, as a clinical professional, expresses confidence in their ethical standards.
  - Hiring and implementation considerations:
    - Hiring mental health professionals in the area is recognized as challenging.
    - Mercy believes their faith-based status and access to grants allow them to offer sign-on bonuses and relocation incentives, improving recruitment prospects.
    - Time frame:
      - Expectation of a gradual rollout, with the aim of eventually staffing each school building.
      - No expectation of full coverage in all buildings by the upcoming August.
  - Board discussion and requested action:
    - Board members indicate that the program sounds beneficial and much needed.
    - Clarifications sought on the anticipated number of therapists at startup and the projected build-up to one therapist per school.
    - Presenter explains that, like recruiting in other grants, timelines are uncertain but the goal is full coverage over time.
    - Presenter requests formal board approval specifically because of the faith-based nature of the organization, even though the contract structure matches other agencies.
  - **Decision**
    - Motion and second to approve entering into an agreement with Mercy Tennessee as a behavioral health partner.
    - Motion passes by voice vote.
    - Presenter thanks the board and notes she will move forward with the contract.

---

## Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant and Related Resolution

- **Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLTM) Grant Agreement**
  - Background:
    - Grant originally developed and submitted by staff (notably Barbara Brooks).
    - Purpose is to fund distance learning and telemedicine equipment and related items in schools.
    - Board had been informed earlier (around January) that this grant was pending.
  - Grant details:
    - Total grant award: $532,328.
    - Local match required: $79,926.
    - Implementation period:
      - Up to three years to fully implement, but administration intends to proceed as quickly as possible within the next year.
      - Additional paperwork is required before funds are fully available.
  - Requested action:
    - Approval of the DLTM grant agreement and required match.
  - **Decision**
    - Motion and second to approve the distance learning and telemedicine grant agreement.
    - Roll call vote:
      - All six board members vote “yes”.
    - Motion passes unanimously.
- **Resolution Designating Authorized Officials for DLTM Grant Administration**
  - Requirement:
    - Grant requires a formal board resolution naming specific individuals to submit paperwork, reimbursement requests, ordering documents, and other grant-related forms.
  - Proposed designees:
    - Two administrators (including the presenter and Derek) are named as authorized officials.
    - Rationale:
      - Provides continuity; changes to designated officials would require a new resolution.
      - Duties are divided, with one individual handling the bulk of the detailed work.
  - Requested action:
    - Approval of Resolution 26-1 establishing DT (distance learning/telemedicine) agency relationship and authorizing the named individuals.
  - **Decision**
    - Motion and second to approve Resolution 26-1.
    - Voice vote in favor; motion passes.

---

## Budget Amendment and Financial Items

- **Budget Amendment 29 – CTE Perkins Basic Funding**
  - New funding:
    - Additional CTE Perkins basic funds in the amount of $33,415.56 (figure in transcript approximated; detailed line items not read aloud).
  - Use of funds:
    - CTE administrator (Ms. Turpin) has distributed the additional funds into appropriate line items for expenditures.
  - Requested action:
    - Approval of Budget Amendment 29 to recognize and allocate the additional CTE Perkins funds.
  - **Decision**
    - Motion and second to approve Budget Amendment 29.
    - Roll call vote:
      - All six members vote “yes”.
    - Amendment passes unanimously.

---

## Policy Actions

- **Second Reading – Policy 1.901 (Charter School Applications)**
  - Summary of change:
    - Adds requirement that the board provide charter sponsors with state and federal per-pupil funding estimates within a specified timeline.
    - Change highlighted in the policy draft.
  - Requested action:
    - Approval of Policy 1.901 on second reading.
  - **Decision**
    - Motion and second to approve Policy 1.901 on second reading.
    - Voice vote in favor; motion passes (six in favor noted).
- **Policy Review Group – Policies 1.803 through 2.400**
  - Policies 1.803 through 2.400 are up for review.
  - This agenda item is an acknowledgment of review status rather than a second reading.
  - Requested action:
    - Motion that the board approve these policies as reviewed.
  - **Decision**
    - Motion and second to approve the review of policies 1.803 through 2.400.
    - Voice vote in favor; motion passes.

---

## Board Member Resignation and Vacancy

- **Resignation notification**
  - Board members receive a resignation letter from a sitting board member (identified in discussion as Sherry).
  - It is noted that she is an elected official and that the board initially is unsure what formal action is required.
- **Initial handling and clarification**
  - Discussion on whether the board needs to accept the resignation or if the county commission alone acts.
  - At first, the item is tabled pending clarification.
- **Procedural clarification**
  - A board member references guidance indicating:
    - After formal notice is given, the board typically votes to accept the resignation and declare the seat vacant.
    - This enables the county commission to proceed with appointing a replacement.
- **Acceptance of resignation and vacancy**
  - Board revisits the item after clarification.
  - Motion and second to accept the resignation.
  - Voice vote in favor; motion passes, and the seat is considered vacant.
- **Next steps for filling vacancy**
  - Chair reports:
    - County commissioners he has spoken with prefer to act at their March meeting.
    - There is one declared candidate running for the seat.
    - Appointment by the commission would fill the seat until the election, after which the elected person (including a potential write-in) would hold the seat.

---

## Director of Schools Contract and Transition

- **Approval of Director’s Contract – Marcy Tidwell**
  - Contract overview:
    - Contract is for the new director of schools, Marcy Tidwell.
    - Board members and legal counsel have reviewed the contract text.
    - Term as written:
      - Commences June 1 and ends May 31, 2030.
      - Discussion notes that actual practice often aligns contracts with end of June / beginning of July, so wording may be adjusted later.
    - Statutory constraints:
      - Cannot exceed four years.
      - Contract can be extended in the future but not reduced below terms once established.
  - Comparison to prior director’s contract:
    - Board confirms the contract is essentially the same as the prior director’s contract (Mr. Mullins), with adjustments only where necessary (e.g., name, dates).
    - Intention is not to “reinvent the wheel”.
  - Legal review:
    - Board’s attorney has reviewed and approved the contract, after some delay due to schedule.
  - Requested action:
    - Approval of the director’s contract for Marcy Tidwell, including signatures by the chair and board members.
  - **Decision**
    - Motion and second to approve the contract.
    - Voice vote in favor; motion passes (six in favor, none opposed).
    - Board agrees to sign the contract at the conclusion of the meeting.
- **Discussion of Early Start as Consultant**
  - Rationale:
    - The board previously arranged for the outgoing director (Mr. Mullins) to start early as a consultant before his official term to allow for overlap and smoother transition.
    - Chair emphasizes importance of transition time in any organization:
      - Helps new leaders understand operations before being fully responsible.
      - Avoids a “here’s your keys, go to work” approach.
  - Proposed consultant arrangement:
    - Marcy Tidwell would begin serving as a consultant prior to June 1.
    - Date discussed:
      - Initially referenced as starting April 1, but then clarified to April 6 as the formal starting date for the consultant role.
    - Purpose of consultant period:
      - Visit all schools with the current director (Ms. Anderson).
      - Attend budget committee meetings and become familiar with the budget that will govern her first year.
      - Provide suggestions and input (similar to how the previous director offered suggestions while still in transition).
  - Compensation and funding:
    - Consultant compensation structure:
      - Calculated using a one-month equivalent of her normal annual pay (based on a 12-month breakdown), applied to the early period (two months discussed).
    - Funding:
      - Remaining funds in the budget line used previously for the outgoing director’s early consultant period are available.
      - Board is assured there is sufficient funding left in that account.
  - Action status:
    - Discussion suggests that a separate consultant contract will be drafted.
    - At this point in the transcript, the item is characterized as a discussion rather than a final formal action, but:
      - Chair indicates intent to get a contract written and to make the consultant start date April 6.
      - No explicit recorded vote on the consultant agreement is captured in the provided transcript.

---

## Budget Planning and Work Sessions

- **Upcoming regular meeting**
  - Next regular board meeting scheduled for April 13.
- **Budget retreat vs. work sessions**
  - Discussion on how to handle the upcoming budget cycle:
    - Historically, the board has sometimes held a Saturday retreat to focus on the budget.
    - Alternate approach is to hold a series of evening work sessions.
  - Board member preferences:
    - Several members express preference for work sessions since evenings are already blocked and better fit family schedules.
    - Experience suggests incremental work sessions allow for adjustments as budget elements evolve.
  - Tentative plan:
    - Consensus to proceed with work sessions, e.g., scheduled from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on selected dates.
    - Administration will propose dates and structure.
  - Budget priorities and constraints:
    - Major focus for the board will be employee raises, especially:
      - Meeting the state-mandated $50,000 minimum for entry-level teachers.
      - Considering the Governor’s proposed 2% raise and how it translates into actual pay increases.
    - Discussion notes:
      - State may have provided enough funds to cover raises for entry-level teachers but not necessarily for all staff.
      - Concerns that small raises can push employees into higher tax brackets without significantly improving take-home pay.
      - Increases in funding are embedded in the student-based funding amount:
        - Example figure mentioned: increase from approximately $7,295 to $7,530 per pupil (combined state and local requirement), with state share lower than the total.
      - ADMs (average daily membership) and other enrollment-based factors will influence available funding.
    - Local funding context:
      - Board anticipates little or no new local funding from the county for the coming year because it is an election year and county officials are reluctant to raise funding levels.
      - Strategy discussed:
        - Working with county officials to fund needed items on the county side without increasing maintenance of effort where possible.
        - Completing remaining obligations related to the $50,000 entry-level pay requirement within tight local constraints.

---

## Announcements and Adjournment

- **Announcements**
  - Regular April board meeting confirmed for April 13.
  - Anticipation of attending county commission budget hearings, likely in May (date discussed informally as around the 12th, following the board’s early May meeting).
- **Adjournment**
  - Motion and second to adjourn the meeting.
  - Voice vote in favor.
  - Meeting adjourned.

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, Roll, and Opening

Call to order and attendance
- Meeting identified as the March 2 regular board meeting.
- Six board members present in person and one participating via Zoom.
Public comments
- No public comments for this meeting.
Moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance
- Board observes a moment of silence.
- Pledge of Allegiance is recited.

Approval of Agenda and Prior Minutes

Agenda adjustments for March 2
- Chair adds an informational item for Olivia Felts’ presentation after item 9E.
- Adds discussion under item 10H regarding allowing Marcy Tidwell to begin early in a consultant role, similar to the prior director’s transition.
- Motion and second to approve agenda changes; motion passes by voice vote.
Approval of amended agenda
- Separate motion and second to approve the full amended agenda for March 2; motion passes by voice vote.
Approval of prior meeting minutes
- Special called session minutes – February 7
  - Motion and second to approve minutes; motion passes (noted as six in favor).
- Regular meeting minutes – February 9
  - Motion and second to approve minutes; motion passes (six in favor).

Special Recognition

Employee of the Month – Christy McManis
- Recognition presented on behalf of Centerville Intermediate School, East Hickman Middle School, and East Hickman High School.
- Citation highlights:
  - Provides extensive coaching and support to teachers.
  - Motivates, supports, and guides teachers toward excellence and positive impact on students.
  - Described as a “superstar” and essential to East Hickman Middle’s success.
  - Recognized for outstanding dedication, mentoring new teachers, problem solving, and solution-oriented leadership.
  - District instructional coach whose guidance and modeling strengthen instruction and keep schools focused on improvement goals.
  - Praised for positive attitude, commitment to excellence, and significant contributions to teachers and students.
- Applause and photo are noted for the recognition.

Consent Agenda

Consent agenda items 9A–9E
- Board considers consent agenda items labeled 9A through 9E.
- Questions are invited; none are raised on the record.
- Motion and second to approve the consent agenda; motion passes by voice vote.

Student Trip Requests

Hickman County High School Volleyball Camp Trip
- Request from a student representative to attend summer volleyball camp at the University of North Alabama on July 17–18.
- Purpose: team participation in summer camp and skill development.
- Arrangements:
  - Trip for team members and coaches.
  - Chaperones mentioned; general plan presented to the board.
- Motion and second to approve the volleyball trip request; motion passes by voice vote.
- Board wishes the team well and encourages them to enjoy the trip.
JROTC (Junior ROTC) Drill Competition Trip
- Request to attend a 7th Brigade drill competition in Knox, Kentucky.
- Details:
  - Approximately four hours travel time.
  - Army will provide three meals for students; remaining meals covered by students.
  - Lodging in barracks.
  - Described as a recurring annual type of trip.
- Motion and second to approve the JROTC trip; motion passes (six in favor).
- Board encourages participants to have a good trip.
East Hickman High School Senior Trip to Dollywood
- Senior class president presents request for senior trip.
- Destination and logistics:
  - Day trip to Dollywood on Thursday, May 14.
  - Transportation via a charter bus with 55 seats (50 students and 5 chaperones).
  - Departure from the high school at 5:00 a.m., direct travel without stops, arrival around 10:00 a.m.
  - Departure from Dollywood at 7:00 p.m., return around 11:30 p.m.
- Cost and participation:
  - Estimated cost no more than $35 per student, noted as significantly less than regular park ticket price.
  - Multiple polls conducted with the class; approximately 69% of the class indicates interest in participating.
  - Participation is considerably higher than in the prior year.
- Motion and second to approve the senior trip; motion passes by voice vote.

Behavioral Health – Mercy Tennessee School-Based Therapy Partnership

Presentation by Olivia Felts, Director of Behavioral Health
- Background:
  - Serves as director of the district’s behavioral health department for the past two years.
  - Previously worked on the Aware team as a student support specialist for about five years.
- Existing mental health service landscape:
  - At the start of her tenure as director, the district had about “two and a half” agencies providing services (one agency was in the process of leaving).
  - Currently, there are seven agencies working with the district.
  - 394 students are receiving services through existing agency partnerships.
- Description of Mercy Tennessee:
  - Mercy Tennessee is an integrated healthcare organization offering pediatric and lifespan healthcare.
  - Has brick-and-mortar locations in Franklin and possibly in Nashville.
  - Provides psychiatric medication management and mental health services; many district families already travel to Franklin for these services.
- Proposed school-based therapist model:
  - Typical current agency-affiliated school-based therapists:
    - Receive referrals from the district.
    - May see only 4–6 students in a day and are not always present in schools daily.
    - Often split time among school-based services, adult therapy, and other responsibilities; school work is not always their primary role.
  - Mercy Tennessee proposal:
    - Provide school-based therapists whose primary role is to work in school buildings.
    - Long-term goal is one dedicated therapist per school building in the district.
    - Implementation expected to take time (possibly up to a couple of years) due to workforce hiring challenges but with potential to move faster.
- Access, insurance, and cost:
  - Mercy Tennessee accepts all insurance types, including private insurance and TennCare.
  - Addresses a significant access gap for students with private insurance or no insurance at all.
  - Services would come at no cost to the school district.
  - Agency contracts specify:
    - No financial responsibility for the district.
    - Agencies must provide proof of liability insurance and assume liability for services provided.
  - Mercy’s contract would follow the same financial and liability structure.
- Faith-based aspect and ethics:
  - Mercy Tennessee is faith-based, which makes this proposal distinct from previous agency contracts.
  - Statement from the chief behavioral health officer (summarized):
    - Therapists do not proselytize or promote religious viewpoints.
    - Services remain consistent with professional clinical ethics and school policies.
    - Faith-based identity informs organizational commitment to treating students with dignity, respect, and professionalism, without altering clinical boundaries.
  - Presenter, as a clinical professional, expresses confidence in their ethical standards.
- Hiring and implementation considerations:
  - Hiring mental health professionals in the area is recognized as challenging.
  - Mercy believes their faith-based status and access to grants allow them to offer sign-on bonuses and relocation incentives, improving recruitment prospects.
  - Time frame:
    - Expectation of a gradual rollout, with the aim of eventually staffing each school building.
    - No expectation of full coverage in all buildings by the upcoming August.
- Board discussion and requested action:
  - Board members indicate that the program sounds beneficial and much needed.
  - Clarifications sought on the anticipated number of therapists at startup and the projected build-up to one therapist per school.
  - Presenter explains that, like recruiting in other grants, timelines are uncertain but the goal is full coverage over time.
  - Presenter requests formal board approval specifically because of the faith-based nature of the organization, even though the contract structure matches other agencies.
- Decision
  - Motion and second to approve entering into an agreement with Mercy Tennessee as a behavioral health partner.
  - Motion passes by voice vote.
  - Presenter thanks the board and notes she will move forward with the contract.

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant and Related Resolution

Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLTM) Grant Agreement
- Background:
  - Grant originally developed and submitted by staff (notably Barbara Brooks).
  - Purpose is to fund distance learning and telemedicine equipment and related items in schools.
  - Board had been informed earlier (around January) that this grant was pending.
- Grant details:
  - Total grant award: $532,328.
  - Local match required: $79,926.
  - Implementation period:
    - Up to three years to fully implement, but administration intends to proceed as quickly as possible within the next year.
    - Additional paperwork is required before funds are fully available.
- Requested action:
  - Approval of the DLTM grant agreement and required match.
- Decision
  - Motion and second to approve the distance learning and telemedicine grant agreement.
  - Roll call vote:
    - All six board members vote “yes”.
  - Motion passes unanimously.
Resolution Designating Authorized Officials for DLTM Grant Administration
- Requirement:
  - Grant requires a formal board resolution naming specific individuals to submit paperwork, reimbursement requests, ordering documents, and other grant-related forms.
- Proposed designees:
  - Two administrators (including the presenter and Derek) are named as authorized officials.
  - Rationale:
    - Provides continuity; changes to designated officials would require a new resolution.
    - Duties are divided, with one individual handling the bulk of the detailed work.
- Requested action:
  - Approval of Resolution 26-1 establishing DT (distance learning/telemedicine) agency relationship and authorizing the named individuals.
- Decision
  - Motion and second to approve Resolution 26-1.
  - Voice vote in favor; motion passes.

Budget Amendment and Financial Items

Budget Amendment 29 – CTE Perkins Basic Funding
- New funding:
  - Additional CTE Perkins basic funds in the amount of $33,415.56 (figure in transcript approximated; detailed line items not read aloud).
- Use of funds:
  - CTE administrator (Ms. Turpin) has distributed the additional funds into appropriate line items for expenditures.
- Requested action:
  - Approval of Budget Amendment 29 to recognize and allocate the additional CTE Perkins funds.
- Decision
  - Motion and second to approve Budget Amendment 29.
  - Roll call vote:
    - All six members vote “yes”.
  - Amendment passes unanimously.

Policy Actions

Second Reading – Policy 1.901 (Charter School Applications)
- Summary of change:
  - Adds requirement that the board provide charter sponsors with state and federal per-pupil funding estimates within a specified timeline.
  - Change highlighted in the policy draft.
- Requested action:
  - Approval of Policy 1.901 on second reading.
- Decision
  - Motion and second to approve Policy 1.901 on second reading.
  - Voice vote in favor; motion passes (six in favor noted).
Policy Review Group – Policies 1.803 through 2.400
- Policies 1.803 through 2.400 are up for review.
- This agenda item is an acknowledgment of review status rather than a second reading.
- Requested action:
  - Motion that the board approve these policies as reviewed.
- Decision
  - Motion and second to approve the review of policies 1.803 through 2.400.
  - Voice vote in favor; motion passes.

Board Member Resignation and Vacancy

Resignation notification
- Board members receive a resignation letter from a sitting board member (identified in discussion as Sherry).
- It is noted that she is an elected official and that the board initially is unsure what formal action is required.
Initial handling and clarification
- Discussion on whether the board needs to accept the resignation or if the county commission alone acts.
- At first, the item is tabled pending clarification.
Procedural clarification
- A board member references guidance indicating:
  - After formal notice is given, the board typically votes to accept the resignation and declare the seat vacant.
  - This enables the county commission to proceed with appointing a replacement.
Acceptance of resignation and vacancy
- Board revisits the item after clarification.
- Motion and second to accept the resignation.
- Voice vote in favor; motion passes, and the seat is considered vacant.
Next steps for filling vacancy
- Chair reports:
  - County commissioners he has spoken with prefer to act at their March meeting.
  - There is one declared candidate running for the seat.
  - Appointment by the commission would fill the seat until the election, after which the elected person (including a potential write-in) would hold the seat.

Director of Schools Contract and Transition

Approval of Director’s Contract – Marcy Tidwell
- Contract overview:
  - Contract is for the new director of schools, Marcy Tidwell.
  - Board members and legal counsel have reviewed the contract text.
  - Term as written:
    - Commences June 1 and ends May 31, 2030.
    - Discussion notes that actual practice often aligns contracts with end of June / beginning of July, so wording may be adjusted later.
  - Statutory constraints:
    - Cannot exceed four years.
    - Contract can be extended in the future but not reduced below terms once established.
- Comparison to prior director’s contract:
  - Board confirms the contract is essentially the same as the prior director’s contract (Mr. Mullins), with adjustments only where necessary (e.g., name, dates).
  - Intention is not to “reinvent the wheel”.
- Legal review:
  - Board’s attorney has reviewed and approved the contract, after some delay due to schedule.
- Requested action:
  - Approval of the director’s contract for Marcy Tidwell, including signatures by the chair and board members.
- Decision
  - Motion and second to approve the contract.
  - Voice vote in favor; motion passes (six in favor, none opposed).
  - Board agrees to sign the contract at the conclusion of the meeting.
Discussion of Early Start as Consultant
- Rationale:
  - The board previously arranged for the outgoing director (Mr. Mullins) to start early as a consultant before his official term to allow for overlap and smoother transition.
  - Chair emphasizes importance of transition time in any organization:
    - Helps new leaders understand operations before being fully responsible.
    - Avoids a “here’s your keys, go to work” approach.
- Proposed consultant arrangement:
  - Marcy Tidwell would begin serving as a consultant prior to June 1.
  - Date discussed:
    - Initially referenced as starting April 1, but then clarified to April 6 as the formal starting date for the consultant role.
  - Purpose of consultant period:
    - Visit all schools with the current director (Ms. Anderson).
    - Attend budget committee meetings and become familiar with the budget that will govern her first year.
    - Provide suggestions and input (similar to how the previous director offered suggestions while still in transition).
- Compensation and funding:
  - Consultant compensation structure:
    - Calculated using a one-month equivalent of her normal annual pay (based on a 12-month breakdown), applied to the early period (two months discussed).
  - Funding:
    - Remaining funds in the budget line used previously for the outgoing director’s early consultant period are available.
    - Board is assured there is sufficient funding left in that account.
- Action status:
  - Discussion suggests that a separate consultant contract will be drafted.
  - At this point in the transcript, the item is characterized as a discussion rather than a final formal action, but:
    - Chair indicates intent to get a contract written and to make the consultant start date April 6.
    - No explicit recorded vote on the consultant agreement is captured in the provided transcript.

Budget Planning and Work Sessions

Upcoming regular meeting
- Next regular board meeting scheduled for April 13.
Budget retreat vs. work sessions
- Discussion on how to handle the upcoming budget cycle:
  - Historically, the board has sometimes held a Saturday retreat to focus on the budget.
  - Alternate approach is to hold a series of evening work sessions.
- Board member preferences:
  - Several members express preference for work sessions since evenings are already blocked and better fit family schedules.
  - Experience suggests incremental work sessions allow for adjustments as budget elements evolve.
- Tentative plan:
  - Consensus to proceed with work sessions, e.g., scheduled from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on selected dates.
  - Administration will propose dates and structure.
- Budget priorities and constraints:
  - Major focus for the board will be employee raises, especially:
    - Meeting the state-mandated $50,000 minimum for entry-level teachers.
    - Considering the Governor’s proposed 2% raise and how it translates into actual pay increases.
  - Discussion notes:
    - State may have provided enough funds to cover raises for entry-level teachers but not necessarily for all staff.
    - Concerns that small raises can push employees into higher tax brackets without significantly improving take-home pay.
    - Increases in funding are embedded in the student-based funding amount:
      - Example figure mentioned: increase from approximately $7,295 to $7,530 per pupil (combined state and local requirement), with state share lower than the total.
    - ADMs (average daily membership) and other enrollment-based factors will influence available funding.
  - Local funding context:
    - Board anticipates little or no new local funding from the county for the coming year because it is an election year and county officials are reluctant to raise funding levels.
    - Strategy discussed:
      - Working with county officials to fund needed items on the county side without increasing maintenance of effort where possible.
      - Completing remaining obligations related to the $50,000 entry-level pay requirement within tight local constraints.

Announcements and Adjournment

Announcements
- Regular April board meeting confirmed for April 13.
- Anticipation of attending county commission budget hearings, likely in May (date discussed informally as around the 12th, following the board’s early May meeting).
Adjournment
- Motion and second to adjourn the meeting.
- Voice vote in favor.
- Meeting adjourned.