The Lewis County Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 6:03 p.m. at the Lewis County Board of Education board meeting room located at 206 South Court Street, Hohenwald, Tn. Board members present were Board Chair Lindsey Himes, Vice Chair Paula Dyer, Matthew Adkins, Glenda Atkinson, Derek Cotham, Cassie Couch, Jackie Holt, Cody Mitchell, and Sallie Pollock.

The invocation was given by Don Pollock. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jack Holt.

Student advisory Committee member Andie Starcher addressed the board on behalf of the students at Lewis County High School. She stated that the connection between students and teachers is impeccable. The students wanted to give a big shout out to Mr. Grey , Algebra 2 teacher and Big Mike in the cafeteria. Students are excited about the new classes that have been added. She stated that the students would like to see another foreign language offered. Students would like to see free lunches being offered again. She stated that there were much needed upgrades to the girls’ and boys’ bathrooms.

Recognized teachers of the year Lori Cogdill, Jan Mayes, Rachel Riley and Lauren Hamm. Dr. Taylor presented each teacher a certificate of appreciation from the board of education and gift cards from TRANE and American Fidelity.

Dr. McAbee presented a certificate, from the board, of appreciation to Ashley Pollock for volunteering at the football games to help when she was needed.

Approval of Consent Agenda

Upon motion by Mrs. Atkinson and seconded by Mrs. Pollock, to approve the add-on to the consent agenda, was unanimously approved.

Upon motion by Mr. Adkins and seconded by Ms. Couch, the consent agenda with the add-on was unanimously approved.

• Approved previous minutes from the January 9, 2024, regular called meeting.

• Adopted agenda.

• Approve payroll and miscellaneous warrants.

• Add-on: approve resolution opposing Governor Lee’s Education Freedom Act.

Regular agenda:

Director’s Report

• Transferred Peggy French, substitute teacher, to LCES Special Ed. Paraprofessional effective January 10, 2024.

• Dr. McAbee stated that the weather has delayed the construction of the new high school a little. He stated that he was going to be meeting with the construction team and Justin Hildenbrant about choosing the technology for the doors. The construction team informed Dr. McAbee that when there is rain like we have had in the past few days it gets them at least 3 days behind. Director McAbee stated that the construction team informed him that they were hoping to start pouring concrete on March 18, 2024.

• Mrs. Atkinson stated that she was at the high school over the weekend and that there was a leak in the new roof at the high school gym. Dr. McAbee stated that he would be contacting Tony Cotham to update on this leak.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS- There was no unfinished business to discuss.

NEW BUSINESS

• Approve board policy 4.210-Credit Recovery

Upon motion by Mrs. Adkinson and seconded by Mrs. Dyer, to approve #1 under new business was unanimously approved.

• Discussion/Approve Work Force Development Mentorship Program.

Prior to the vote for #2 under new business, Dr. McAbee asked Brandi Feichtinger and Trina Weaks to explain the Work Force Development Mentorship Program. After their presentation, Mrs. Atkinson made a motion and was seconded by Mrs. Pollock to approve #2 under new business was unanimously approved.

• Approve resolution opposing Governor Lee’s Education Freedom Act.

There was much discussion amongst the board members prior to voting on #3 under new business. The major concerns were voting on something that has not been approved by the Tennessee house committees and the majority vote of the board.

Upon motion by Mrs. Atkinson and seconded by Mr. Adkins, to approve #3 under new business was presented. Chair Himes asked for a roll-call vote. All members voted yes except for Cody Mitchell who voted no.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

Mrs. Dyer read thank you notes from Amanda Pennington and Dana Davis.

Mrs. Himes wanted to publicly thank all the schools for the nice gifts that were presented to the board members during School Board Appreciation week.

Mr. Mitchell stated that he was glad the fellow board member Jack Holt, was feeling better and able to be with them tonight.

Chair Himes announced that the next regular scheduled meeting will be March 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a workshop prior to the meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

Upon motion by Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Mrs. Dyer, the meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.

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