Concerns expressed by Marty Gibbs, board member from first district, derailed the Skilled Services Contract at the Union County Board of Education Meeting on June 24. Gibbs expressed concerns that the contract had no performance bond, no quality controls, no schedule for completion and lacked AIA protections, yet required a 30 percent payout of the $1,337,400 up front.
The proposed contract was part of the earlier ESSER 1.0 (Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Funds). Gibbs stated that the project of replacing windows and doors in various schools with more energy efficient ones is a worthwhile project, but that the contract needs to be rewritten with some accountability.
Mary Ann Stackhouse, board attorney, will rewrite the contract since the vote failed to approve the proposal. ESSER 3.0 funding is currently being planned. All citizens are asked to participate in the planning survey by July 9 at http://www.ucps.org.schools.bz/news and click on ESSER 3.0 Survey.
The board approved the other two contracts. One contract was for lawn care at a cost of $40,032 for one year. The other was to maintain the school system website as well as school messenger for $13,800.
By action taken at the meeting, face coverings or masks will be optional during the 2021-2022 school year and follow the same procedures used during the recent summer school. According to Union County Schools Director Jimmy Carter, the policy worked well during summer school. If another outbreak of COVID-19 or a variant were to occur, the policy would be reviewed and possibly updated if needed, but the board and Carter are hoping for a more normal year.
Carolyn Murr, Union County Education Association President, remarked that the low number of flu cases may indicate that mask wearing should be reinstated during flu season, but the board did not comment.
The recent pandemic showcased the necessity of “everyday heroes,” and Mary Effler, Food Services Director, awarded plaques to each school on behalf of the school system to the “lunchroom ladies.”
She explained that their outstanding service and love for the children enabled the cafeteria ladies to serve over 281,000 lunches and prepare another 13,300 lunches and sometimes breakfasts for children on distance learning. Meals for an ever-changing number of days were cooked and packed for children to sometimes even carry home on school buses. The board and the audience gave these lunchroom ladies a standing ovation to thank them for their service.
Carter also introduced the recipients of the new teacher pre-service scholarships for graduating seniors who wish to pursue certification in one of the hardship teaching areas. The scholarship will pay $2000 for four years for a total of $8,000 and have a maximum of two recipients annually. Kathy Dykes and Emily Bentley are this year's recipients. Both plan to teach high school math and attend Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville.
In addition, Maynardville Elementary will receive two improvements. Paving that had been postponed will occur this summer, and the playground fencing contract is being bid.
In further action, the board also approved a request from the Fire Chiefs Association to bring the Safety House from Knox County to the elementary schools to have a one-day hands-on fire safety program in each school. The only cost is to provide lunch to the presenters.
The Board of Education approved the proposed settlement of the case involving the Union County Historical Society. According to the board's attorney, Mary Ann Stackhouse, Mr. Dyer has agreed to pay $100 to sublease parking space and space to enter and leave the parking area from the Union County Historical Society. The property is owned by Union County Board of Education and is leased to the Union County Historical Society. The resolution will be filed with the Chancery Court and with the Union County Register of Deeds.
The board approved budget amendments and transfers to clean up the end of the fiscal year, fund summer learning, move funds to capital projects per the fund balance policy and add revenue for the virtual school growth in enrollment.
Additionally, the board cast a favorable vote to set salary schedules for all employees. Lastly, board members will be reading some 150 pages of explanation on Tennessee School Board Association recommended changes to board policy. Proposed changes address who can play on separate sports team by gender, the credits for early graduation, tenure and certification status for teachers, alternative school options, attendance, immunizations and the New Teacher Discipline Act.
These changes and other important items will be addressed at the next regular meeting on Thursday, July 8, at 6 p.m. for the workshop with the meeting to follow.