School Board Covers Policy Updates, Budget Recommendations, and Science Textbooks
The school board held its regular monthly meeting at the Hardeman County Schools main office on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Present were school board members Kenny Atkins, Jennifer Aylor, Patricia Carter, Johnny Davis, Anthony Ford, Bobby Henderson, Gene Ross, Stacey Swift, and Director of Schools Christy Smith.
CALL TO ORDER
Agenda Approval {1:13 minute mark in the video}
Consent Agenda {1:36 minute mark in the video}
- Approval of Minutes from January 7, 2025 Board Meeting
- Approval of Minutes from February 11, 2025 DHA Review
- Approval of Minutes from February 20, 2025 Special Called Meeting
Public Comment {2:02 minute mark in the video}
Policy Updates {2:17 minute mark in the video}
- Addressed finance policies with eight updates. Some of the updates were regarding how online payments (ex: GoFan, etc.) are made; fundraising events now require approval from the director of schools and the finance department; schools must go through the finance department before setting up online purchasing; federal grant funds may not be used by people with a conflict of interest. Other matters covered were regarding requisitions, and expenses and reimbursement. This was the first reading of the proposed updates.
Textbook Adoption {8:17 minute mark in the video}
- Approved a textbook adoption for the subject of science to use Savvas Learning Company curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade, and Biology and Chemistry, both requirements, for ninth through twelfth grade.
District Office Calendar {9:27 minute mark in the video}
- Approved district calendar.
Appeal Review {10:20 minute mark in the video}
- Approved the decision regarding Dr. Smith’s decision to suspend April Lawrence.
Surplus Approval {12:01 minute mark in the video}
- Approved items to be surplussed, which include lawn mowers, power tools, school buses, so they can be sold at the Hardeman County auction on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
City of Bolivar Chief Lynn Price asked for a bus to be donated to the Tennessee Fireman’s Association for extrication and rescue training.
Committee Reports {13:55 minute mark in the video}
- Budget Committee discussion included recommendations on issues pertaining to the innovative high school grant; bus schedule and purchase of three buses, which have risen to $135,000; Gear Up budget, and more. The board gave the budget committee authorization, if needed, to offer retirement bonuses to qualified support staff.
- Evaluation Committee {20:36 minute mark in the video}
ADJOURN
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