November 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting
| Regular Board | |
| Attendance Taken on 11/11/2025 at 6:02 PM | |
| Mr. Butch Campbell | Present |
| Ms. Karen Dodd | Present |
| Ms. Barbara Long | Present |
| Ms. Amanda Moore | Present |
| Mrs. Jeanette Price | Present |
| Mr. Jimmy Richardson III | Present |
| Mr. David Settles | Absent |
| Present: 6, Absent: 1 | |
| Minutes | |
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Speaker(s):
Chair Amanda Moore
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
Discussion:
In attendance: Dr. Trey Duke, Sheri Arnette, Angela Fairchild, Don Bartch, Lisa Trail, Maria Johnson, Andrea Oakley, Robin Newell, Jaci Saunders, Beth Prater, April Zavisa, Tres Holmes, Raven Brooks, Jessica Sorth
Assistant City Attorney Lauren Bush and City Liaison Bill Shacklett |
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I.A. Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
Rationale:
The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Eva Brooks, a student at Cason Lane PreK and Jeremiah and Jacob Sorth, students at Scales Elementary.
Discussion:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Eva Brooks, a student at Cason Lane PreK and Jeremiah and Jacob Sorth, students at Scales Elementary.
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I.B. Moment of Silence
Agenda Item Type:
Procedural Item
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II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Speaker(s):
Chair Amanda Moore
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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III. PUBLIC COMMENT
Speaker(s):
Chair Amanda Moore
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Rationale:
American Education Week
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IV. CONSENT ITEMS
Speaker(s):
Chair Amanda Moore
Agenda Item Type:
Consent Agenda
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
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IV.A. Approval of 10-28-25 Board Minutes
Agenda Item Type:
Consent Item
Attachments:
()
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IV.B. Approval of Surplus Property Disposal
Agenda Item Type:
Consent Item
Attachments:
()
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V. ACTION ITEMS
Speaker(s):
Chair Amanda Moore
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
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V.A. Approval of Board Policy 5.106, Application and Employment, on First Reading
Speaker(s):
Ms. Lauren Bush
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
()
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V.B. Approval of Additional MDA Position at Erma Siegel
Speaker(s):
Dr. Trey Duke
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Barbara Long asked whether this position is for one year. Dr. Duke explained that the district currently has 23 one-on-one positions and that these are reassessed annually. He noted that continuation depends on factors such as whether the student remains in the district and continues to require one-on-one support. He also added that the district budgets the same amount each year for these positions. Jimmy Richardson thanked Dr. Duke and the central office staff for their conservative approach to budgeting for positions of this nature.
Attachments:
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V.C. Approval of Additional BEST Behavior Classroom
Speaker(s):
Dr. Trey Duke
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Angela Fairchild provided an overview of the BEST program and highlighted significant changes implemented since last year. She noted that these adjustments have produced positive results. Ms. Fairchild recognized Karissa Rogers, the new BEST Coordinator, for her outstanding support to principals. She expressed appreciation for the training and continuity Ms. Rogers has brought to the program. During the presentation, Ms. Fairchild emphasized the importance of maintaining classroom sizes at five students, with a maximum of six, citing the additional strain on staff and challenges posed by incompatible behaviors. Discussion:
Attachments:
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V.D. Approval of Additional Duties Stipend
Speaker(s):
Dr. Trey Duke
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
Karen Dodd asked if Dr. Duke plans to hire another 6th grade teacher for next year. Dr. Duke explained that he and his staff have begun initial planning for 6th grade next year and will present their plan to the board in January. Jeanette Price thanked Dr. Duke and the staff for developing a creative solution to the issue and for providing a stipend for the teacher’s additional work. She noted that this solution works well for everyone.
Attachments:
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V.E. Approval of Surety Bond for Finance Director
Speaker(s):
Dr. Trey Duke
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
()
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V.F. Approval of Contract-Pass Through Heated and Refrigerated Cabinets for Nutrition Department
Speaker(s):
Dr. Trey Duke
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
()
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V.G. Approval of Contract-Nutrition Vans
Speaker(s):
Dr. Trey Duke
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Attachments:
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VI. REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Speaker(s):
Chair Amanda Moore
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
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VI.A. Discussion of Internet Safety Measures as per Board Policy 4.406
Speaker(s):
Ms. April Zavisa
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Discussion:
Ms. Zavisa presented an overview of current internet safety measures. Dr. Duke commended her work, noting that she has done an excellent job keeping the district safe and secure, and he expressed his appreciation for her efforts.
Attachments:
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VI.B. Budget Preparation Calendar
Speaker(s):
Dr. Trey Duke
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Discussion:
Dr. Duke presented the 2026-2027 budget preparation calendar and informed the Board that budget request forms would be distributed to schools the following day. He explained that the timeline was structured to allow the district to submit its budget to the city by April, with final approval expected in June. He also noted that feedback sessions with the Teacher Advisory Council, principals, and parents had been incorporated into the calendar. Vice Chair Campbell thanked the central office staff for their work on the ongoing budget process.
Attachments:
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VI.C. Director's Update
Speaker(s):
Dr. Trey Duke
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Discussion:
Dr. Duke reported that the planning process for the 2026-2027 school calendar has begun and that he expects to present a draft to the Board for review and approval at the first meeting in December. He noted that the Teacher Advisory Council will review the proposed calendar and provide feedback at its meeting next week, and that input will also be gathered from principals and parents prior to presentation to the Board. He announced that the Special Olympics event will be held at Lanes, Trains, and Automobiles on Friday from 9:00-11:00 a.m., with students from all schools participating. Board members were invited to attend. Dr. Duke also invited the Board to an unofficial Robotics Competition hosted by Overall Creek Elementary on Saturday, November 22. He informed the Board that Discovery School will accept applications from December 1 through February 1 and invited members to attend the Discovery School Parent Night this Thursday. He noted that three parent events—held in November, December, and January—will provide school tours and information on the application process. Some sessions will be offered via Zoom, using a virtual tour format. Dr. Duke further recognized Discovery School Principal Dr. Caitlin Bullard, who was named one of nine finalists for Principal of the Year, and Julie Seymour, who received the Tennessee RISE Award honoring exceptional classified school employees. He noted that Julie’s nomination will advance to the federal level. He added that these recognitions coincide with Discovery School’s 20th anniversary celebration. |
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VII. OTHER BUSINESS
Speaker(s):
Chair Amanda Moore
Agenda Item Type:
Information Item
Discussion:
Chair Amanda Moore announced that the Board meeting scheduled for November 25 would be canceled due to the Thanksgiving holiday week. She also reminded the Board that the TSBA Leadership Conference and Annual Convention would take place November 13-16, and noted that the female contingents would be representing the Board at the event. |
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VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Speaker(s):
Chair Amanda Moore
Agenda Item Type:
Action Item
Action(s):
No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.
Discussion:
The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
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