shirleyNANNEY
Editor
TLM architect Ginger French and civil engineer Robert J. Safin met with South Carroll School Board members Jan. 19 during the regular monthly school board meeting to discuss the building of a soccer field behind the baseball field and a barn building for animals.
“The soccer field must be 110 yards by 65 yards,” Safin informed the board. “We didn’t look at seating because most people bring chairs.”
There will be restrooms, a lift station and a fence around the soccer field with 25 parking spaces.
“It will be better to hire someone to build the barn,” said French. “If it is a classroom that will drive the cost up.”
Director of Schools Lisa Norris said she didn’t believe the barn should have a classroom because by the time students got there it would be time for class to be over.
“There won’t be a lot of animals,” said Norris. “The barn can be monitored with gym security cameras.”
Board members were informed that the electrical work, a lift station and to connect to the existing sewer line would costs $88,520.
Board chairman Corey Bartholomew said estimates had to be obtained before pursuing possible grants.
Board members Dr. Christi Blount and Donna McDaniel Cox were appointed to a committee to study the need and potential funding opportunities.
Board members agreed to pass a General Operational Budget Resolution that will amend the budget by $500,000 for a state grant for the barn and other items that support the Career and Technical Education Program.
Clarksburg School is in the process of being roofed by J & M Roofing due to weather related situations.
School Board members agreed to withdraw $150,000 from reserves if needed. It was noted that $391,151.02 has been paid to date. Bartholomew said it was estimated that the roof will cost a total of $480,000 when finished.
In other business, board members:
• Passed the second and final readings on three different policies. One policy concerned textbook and instruction materials that said a list of textbooks and instructional materials shall be revised annually by principals under the direction of the director of schools.
A second policy on reconsideration of textbooks and instructional material gives instructions on how a complaint can be filed if someone disagrees with the selection of books and instructional materials.
A third policy on library material says the librarian is responsible for library materials. Complaints may be filed over the selection of materials through a specified process.
• Passed a resolution to adopt a local hazard mitigation plan for Carroll County through the Carroll County Emergency Management office. Each school district and town in the county was required to pass it. It is required in order to receive Tennessee Emergency Management Agency funds.
• Discussed School Data Days for Feb. 2 and March 10. The school calendar will have to be amended for changes.
• Passed the 2023-2024 school calendar that shows days students will not attend school for holidays. It was previously discussed and approved by directors of schools of the county’s special school districts prior to coming to each special school district for passage.
• Discussed and agreed to offer to the school’s seven part time paraprofessionals full time employment. Only two were interested the offer.
• Discussed the director of schools’ evaluation. She scored a 4.73 out of a possible 5. This is above expectations which is equivalent to a 94.67. School board members were very complimentary of Norris’ performance. Some of the remarks from board members included: “She does an excellent job, significantly above expectation.” “She’s opening doors for students and teachers.” At the February 16 board meeting her contract will be considered and a bonus.
• Concerning the director’s report, RTI Coordinator Tonya Malone said that 12 students attended Beta Convention. Morgan Peterson placed second in pottery in the state. She will be going to national convention. Chloe Crum ran for president of the state Beta Club.
Principal Jenny Miller talked about Middle College. She said seven and possibly eight students at Clarksburg School are eligible to participate in the program through Jackson State, the students could have as many as 62 college credits, enough to get an associate degree.
Norris said that opportunities are trying to be created for students who want to go to college.
Supervisor of Instruction Mary Katherine Stigalldiscussed Computer Science Momentum Expedition.
Learning Loss Coordinator Dewayne Ervin discussed test scores and the means by which the school could be named a Reward School. In the past two years, Clarksburg has been both an Advancing District and an Exemplary District. Being a Reward School is the only accolade this school has not been awarded he said.
After the meeting was adjourned, school board members visited the Stem Classroom where physics, biology and chemistry is taught and to view Rocket Anna, a new piece of technology. Middle School Science teacher April Laws explained how it worked. Rocket Ana was purchased through a grant and is a valuable scientific learning tool. This digital cadaver Anatomage Table allows students to learn about anatomical structures in humans and animals. The 3D visualization allows students to look inside digital cadavers. It has programs to support physical science, physics, biology, chemistry, and agricultural science. Rocket Ana was purchased through a grant and is a valuable scientific learning tool. This digital cadaver Anatomage Table allows students to learn about anatomical structures in humans and animals. The 3D visualization allows students to look inside digital cadavers. It has programs to support physical science, physics, biology, and agriscience
