The Union County Board of Education continues to dispense with business in record time, according to Chairman David Coppock. The bulk of the meeting dealt with Tennessee School Board Association recommended amendments to the board policies.
One policy recommendation was postponed in order to refine the restorative practices for returning a suspended student, and the various disciplinary procedures that should be considered before any action is taken.
In addition, the board added a policy for bereavement leave that was formulated from reviewing the policies in other systems. As Dr. Ronnie Mincey commented, " We found one that met our needs."
Jimmy Carter, Director of Schools, updated the board on personnel changes since school began in August. He noted that two HMMS employees, Cynthia Hensley and Cynthia Smith, had recently died, and Joyce Meltabarger, an assistant at Maynardville Elementary, was recovering from a stroke.
In the workshop, Carter disclosed as is required by state law, that he would be hiring his sister to fill a new position as recommended by the special education department. The special ed department had requested that a person be hired with a CDL (commercial driver's license) to help oversee transportation and perform some bookkeeping and clerical duties. After holding interviews, the department chose the director's sister.
Finance Director Ann Dyer reported that expenditures were as expected for the budget. The board approved the Budget Amendments and Transfer that included changes due to the Gear Up Grant, longevity pay and other routine changes in the general purpose fund.
With no school trips, bids, contracts, or legal updates, the board adjourned until its next meeting on Thursday, February 13, with the workshop to begin at 6 p.m. and the meeting to follow.