Washington County Schools public meetings in 2020

December 7, 2020 of Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Education approved several policy revisions on first reading and authorized a change to the Deputy Director of Schools position. Additionally, the Board voted to allow WCTV to broadcast recorded meetings at no cost to the district.

• Approval of multiple policy sections including 4.205, 4.302, and 6.200 series
• Authorization for Dr. Wright to associate an attorney regarding SCE and WWMS insurance rebuilding
• Division of Deputy Director of Schools duties into a Deputy Director of Finance and a Supervisor of Operations
• Approval of Budget Amendment 2021-05
• Permission for WCTV to broadcast recorded board meetings

The Board approved confirming an insurance offer and authorized the Director of Schools to hire an attorney to resolve insurance issues regarding the rebuilding of SCE and WWMS. The Board also approved several policy updates on first reading and a budget amendment.

• Approved confirming insurance offer and continued negotiation for SCE and WWMS rebuilding (7-0)
• Authorized Director of Schools to associate an attorney to resolve insurance situation for SCE and WWMS (7-0)
• Approved first reading of policy sections 4.205, 4.206, 4.302, 4.600, 4.604, 4.606, 4.700, 4.2031 (7-0)
• Approved first reading of Policy 5.500 (7-0)
• Approved first reading of policy sections 6.200-6.207, 6.304, 6.308, 6.309, 6.316, 6.319, 6.402, 6.405, 6.408, 6.411, 6.414, 6.4021, including 6.206 with amendment (7-0)
• Approved MOU with DTC for Watertown HS (7-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment 2021-05 with amendment (7-0)
• Approved allowing WCTV to broadcast recorded board meetings at no cost to the Board (7-0)

November 30, 2020 Special Called Meeting

The Wilson County Schools board held a special called meeting on November 30, 2020. The agenda was adopted and a report from Director Dr. Wright was presented. The board voted to approve a mask mandate for kindergarten through 5th grade, effective December 2, 2020, with a review scheduled for January 11, 2021. The motion passed and the meeting was adjourned.

• Adopt the meeting agenda
• Report from Director of Schools (Dr. Wright)
• Approve K-5 mask mandate effective Dec 2 2020, to be revisited Jan 11 2021
• Adjourn the meeting

The Board of Education approved a mask mandate for students in grades K-5. The mandate is effective December 2, 2020, and is scheduled to be revisited on January 11, 2021.

• Approved mask mandate for K-5 effective 12-2-2020 (7-0)

November 2, 2020 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County School Board approved the consent agenda including contracts, donations, the September payment report, and a request from MJPD for tornado-damaged equipment. They also approved Policy 1.805 on second reading, an emergency roof replacement for Mt. Juliet Middle School with Budget Amendment 2021-04, and a close contact resolution. The next meeting is set for December 7.

• Approved emergency roof replacement for MJMS and Budget Amendment 2021-04
• Approved Policy 1.805 on second reading
• Approved close contact resolution
• Approved consent agenda including MJPD tornado-damaged equipment request
• Heard reports from County Attorney and Director of Schools

The Board of Education approved an emergency roof replacement for MJMS and a corresponding budget amendment. Additionally, the board approved a Close Contact Resolution and a policy amendment on second reading.

• Approved Memo2020-77 MJMS Emergency Roof Replacement and Budget Amendment 2021-04 (6-0)
• Approved Close Contact Resolution (6-0)
• Approved Policy 1.805 section 8 as amended on second reading (6-0)
• Approved Report from Director of Schools (6-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda (6-0)
• Adopted the agenda (6-0)

October 1, 2020 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County School Board voted on appointments, a consent agenda, and recommendations from the director. The most significant action was approving Dr. Wright's recommendation that grades 4-5 return to traditional school after Fall Break while grades 6-12 remain in hybrid model until the end of the nine weeks, with masks required for grades 6-12 and strongly encouraged for others. The board also approved a surplus auction, a lease amendment for Vogue Towers, the 2020-21 fee schedule, renaming the operations building, budget amendments, and a policy change for board member email addresses.

• Approved grade-level return plan: 4th-5th to traditional school after Fall Break, 6-12 hybrid until end of nine weeks, masks required for 6-12
• Appointed Special Question Committee members: Brittany Koehn, Sarah Koby, Denise Defevers, Jon White, Linda Armistead, Jason Dunn
• Approved surplus auction of school property via Memo 2020-70
• Approved first amendment to option and lease agreement for Vogue Towers
• Approved policy change: board member email defaults to WCS email if personal not provided

The Board decided that 4th and 5th grade students will return to traditional school after Fall Break, while grades 6-12 remain in a hybrid model. Other approved actions included budget amendments, a new fee schedule, and the appointment of a Special Question Committee.

• Approved return to traditional school for 4th and 5th grades after Fall Break (7-0)
• Approved maintaining hybrid model for grades 6-12 until end of nine weeks (7-0)
• Approved Budget Amendments 2021-02 and 2021-03 (7-0)
• Approved Fee Schedule 2020-2021 (7-0)
• Appointed Brittany Koehn, Sarah Koby, Denise Defevers, Jon White, Linda Armistead and Jason Dunn to Special Question Committee (7-0)
• Approved WCEA Members Sarah Koby and James Peach as Educator Sick Bank Committee representatives (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved first reading of Policy 1.805 section 8 regarding board member email defaults (7-0)
• Approved request for Daniel Duran to attend LHS (7-0)

September 8, 2020 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County School Board elected Larry Tomlinson as Chair and Linda Armistead as Vice Chair, and approved several committee appointments. The board voted to allow students in grades PK-3 to begin traditional in-person learning on September 21, 2020, and amended face covering procedures for grades 6-12 to comply with the governor's executive order. A student transfer request from WCHS to MJHS was denied. The consent agenda, including contracts and donations, was approved unanimously.

• Elected Larry Tomlinson as Board Chair and Linda Armistead as Vice Chair
• Approved PK-3 students returning to traditional classes on September 21, 2020
• Amended face covering procedures for grades 6-12 in line with Executive Order #54
• Denied student transfer request from WCHS to MJHS (vote 3-4)
• Approved consent agenda including July 2020 payment report, contracts, and donations

The Board elected Larry Tomlinson as Chair and Linda Armistead as Vice Chair. Members approved for students in grades PK-3 to begin traditional learning on September 21, 2020, and updated face covering procedures for grades 6-12. The Board also accepted a report recommending the public censure of Board Member Wayne McNeese.

• Elected Larry Tomlinson as Board Chair (6-0-1)
• Elected Linda Armistead as Vice Chair (5-1-1)
• Approved transfer of Gehan Wickremasinghe from WCHS to MJHS denied (3-4)
• Approved consent agenda including public censure of Board Member Wayne McNeese (7-0)
• Approved for students in grades PK-3 to begin traditional learning on 9/21/2020 (5-1)
• Approved amendment to face coverings procedure for grades 6-12 per Governor's Executive Order #54 (6-1)
• Approved Policy 6.409 - Emergency Provision on first and final reading (7-0)
• Approved TSBA School of the Year Award Nomination for GHHS (7-0)

August 3, 2020 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County Board of Education approved a motion requiring face coverings for all staff and students until the action is rescinded. They also passed multiple policies, extended the SRO contract through June 2025, approved extensions of ESS and SMS contracts, and adopted Budget Amendment 2021-01.

• Motion requiring face coverings for all staff and students (passed 5-2)
• Approval of SRO contract extension through June 2025
• Approval of ESS contract extension through December 31, 2021
• Approval of SMS contract extension through June 1, 2022
• Adoption of Budget Amendment 2021-01

The Board approved a requirement for staff and students to wear face coverings or shields. Other key actions included adopting a budget amendment and extending contracts for ESS and SMS. Several student transfer requests were also decided.

• Required face coverings or shields for all staff and students (5-2)
• Adopted Budget Amendment 2021-01 (7-0)
• Approved ESS contract extension through December 31, 2021 (6-1)
• Approved SMS contract extension through June 1, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved Policy 5.311 Families First Coronavirus Response Act (6-1)
• Approved SRO contract extension Memo 2020-55 (7-0)
• Approved student transfers for Sean and Andrea Butler, Mia Wellington, and Mia Carpenter (7-0)
• Denied student transfer for Isaiah Wickremasinghe (3-4)

July 25, 2020 Special Called Meeting

The Wilson County Schools Board held a special called meeting on July 25, 2020. The board adopted the meeting agenda, approved the recommended calendar changes for the 2020‑2021 school year, and then adjourned. All motions were passed.

• Adopt the agenda
• Approve calendar changes for school year 2020‑2021
• Adjourn the meeting

The Board of Education met for a special called meeting to address the school calendar. The board voted to approve the recommended calendar changes for the 2020-2021 school year.

• Approved calendar changes for school year 2020-2021 (5-2)

July 16, 2020 Special Called Meeting

The board voted 6-1 to approve the Wilson County Schools Re-Entry Plan for the 2020-2021 school year, allowing the Director of Schools to revise it as necessary subject to board review. A motion to require face coverings in high-risk areas failed 2-4, but a subsequent motion to strongly encourage masks passed 6-0. The board also approved changes to the certified staff work schedule, including adding July 27 and 28 as administrative and professional development days respectively.

• Approved Re-Entry Plan 2020-2021 with revisions allowed by Director of Schools
• Motion to require face coverings in high-risk areas (bus, arrival, dismissal, crowded hallways) failed 2-4
• Motion to strongly encourage face coverings passed 6-0
• Added July 27 as Administrative Day and July 28 as Professional Development Day for certified staff
• Changed August 6 from stockpile day to holiday and January 4 from Administrative Day to stockpile day

The Board approved the re-entry plan for the 2020-2021 school year and updated the certified staff work schedule. A proposal to require face coverings in high-risk areas was denied, though the Board voted to strongly encourage mask use for all persons entering buildings.

• Approved Wilson County Schools Re-Entry Plan 2020-2021 (5-1-1)
• Denied requirement for face coverings in high-risk areas (2-4-1)
• Approved motion to strongly encourage masks for students, parents, and visitors (6-0-1)
• Approved changes to certified staff work schedule including new administrative and professional development days (6-0-1)

July 6, 2020 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County Schools board approved multiple policy changes on second reading (except policies 1.400 and 1.403 which failed) and on first reading for Policy 4.208 (Adult Programs) and Policy 6.317 (Student Disciplinary Hearing Authority). The board also approved the consent agenda including trips, contracts, donations, payment reports, and prior meeting minutes. A request from Bridge Fellowship to appear was granted.

• Second-reading approval of 16 policy changes, with policies 1.400 and 1.403 failing
• First-reading approval of Policy 4.208 (Adult Programs) and Policy 6.317 (Student Disciplinary Hearing Authority)
• Approval of consent agenda containing trips, contracts, donations, and May 2020 payment report
• Bridge Fellowship granted request to appear as part of public statements
• Next work session set for July 30, 2020; next board meeting August 3, 2020

The Board approved a series of policy changes on second reading, though policies 1.400 and 1.403 were denied. Two new policies regarding adult programs and student disciplinary authority were approved on first reading. The Board also approved several individual student and project requests.

• Approved second reading of 16 policy changes (6-0-1)
• Denied second reading of policy 1.400 (3-3-1)
• Denied second reading of policy 1.403 (1-6-0)
• Approved first reading of Policy 4.208, Adult Programs (7-0-0)
• Approved first reading of Policy 6.317, Student Disciplinary Hearing Authority (7-0-0)
• Approved Daniel Hurley Eagle Scout Project (7-0-0)
• Approved student transfer for Tess Boyce (7-0-0)
• Approved requests from Bridge Fellowship, Shad & Suzie Davis, Tracy Stepp, and Meka Pillows (7-0-0)

June 22, 2020 Special Called Meeting

The Wilson County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve Jackson, Shields, Yeiser and Holt as legal counsel to work with the board's Ethics Committee. The motion passed with all seven members voting yes.

• Approval of Jackson, Shields, Yeiser and Holt as counsel for the Wilson County Board of Education Ethics Committee

The Wilson County Board of Education held a special called meeting to appoint legal representation. The board voted to approve a specific law firm to assist the Ethics Committee.

• Approved Jackson, Shields, Yeiser, Holt, Owen and Bryan as Counsel to work with Ethics Committee (7-0)

June 17, 2020 Special Called Meeting

At a special called meeting, the Wilson County Schools board voted unanimously to confirm Linda Armistead, Kimberly McGee, and Bill Robinson as members of the Ethics Committee. The agenda contained only this action item and adjournment.

• Motion to confirm Ethics Committee Appointments of Linda Armistead, Kimberly McGee and Bill Robinson — approved unanimously.

The Board of Education met for a special called meeting to appoint members to the Ethics Committee. The board voted unanimously to confirm the appointments.

• Confirmed Ethics Committee appointments of Linda Armistead, Kimberly McGee, and Bill Robinson (7-0)

June 8, 2020 of Regular Board Meeting

The board approved the Director's report, which included the Wilson County Schools Re-Opening of Schools Plan for 2020-2021, along with staff updates and a sports update. It also approved a COVID-19 LEA waiver application, tenure for educators, a retiree list, a budget amendment (Memo 2020-43), and textbook adoptions for the upcoming school year.

• Approved Wilson County Schools Re-Opening of Schools Plan for 2020-2021
• Approved State Board of Education COVID-19 LEA Waiver Application
• Approved Memo 2020-43 Budget Amendment 2020-07
• Approved tenure for educators and retiree list
• Approved textbook adoption for school year 2020-2021

The Board approved a State Board of Education COVID-19 LEA Waiver Application and textbook adoptions for the 2020-2021 school year. Other actions included approving a budget amendment, insurance renewals, and the appointment of a new ethics committee to hear a specific complaint.

• Approved State Board of Education COVID-19 LEA Waiver Application (7-0)
• Approved Textbook Adoption for School Year 2020-2021 (7-0)
• Approved Memo 2020-43 Budget Amendment 2020-07 (7-0)
• Approved Memo 2020-40 Property and Casualty Insurance Renewal (6-1)
• Approved tenure and retiree lists (7-0)
• Approved first reading of Policy change 6.209 (7-0)
• Approved Memo 2020-42 Non Sanctioned Sports MOA (7-0)
• Appointed Bill Robinson, Linda Armistead, and Kimberly McGee to a new ethics committee

May 28, 2020 Special Called Meeting

The board held a special called meeting on May 28, 2020, voting on two items: the FY2021 Budget Summary (GPSF) and the Needs Assessment. The budget was approved unanimously, while the needs assessment passed 5-2 with two dissenting votes.

• Approval of Memo 2020-34: FY2021 Budget Summary for GPSF as presented (unanimous)
• Approval of Memo 2020-35: Needs Assessment for FY2021 as presented (passed 5-2)
• Budget motion by Linda Armistead, second by Chad Karl
• Needs assessment motion by Mike Gwaltney, second by Linda Armistead
• Meeting adjourned after action items

The board approved the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Summary - GPSF and the FY 2021 Needs Assessment. Both items were passed following motions and votes by the members present.

• Approved Memo 2020-34 Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Summary - GPSF (7-0)
• Approved Memo 2020-35 Needs Assessment for FY 2021 (5-2)

May 14, 2020 Special Called Meeting

The Wilson County School Board approved several budget memos for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, including the General Purpose School Fund, Central Cafeteria Fund, and various federal and capital projects funds. The meeting also adopted the agenda and adjourned.

• Adopted agenda
• Approved Memo #2020-30 Educational Capital Projects Fund FY 2020-2021
• Approved Memo #2020-31 Extended School Program Fund FY 2020-2021
• Approved Memo #2020-32 Central Cafeteria Fund FY 2020-2021
• Approved Memo #2020-34 General Purpose School Fund FY 2020-2021

The board approved several funding memos for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, including the General Purpose School Fund and Educational Capital Projects Fund. Other approved items included the Central Cafeteria Fund, School Federal Projects Fund, and a Needs Assessment.

• Approved Memo #2020-30 Educational Capital Projects Fund FY 2020-2021 (7-0)
• Approved Memo #2020-31 Extended School Program Fund FY 2020-2021 (5-2)
• Approved Memo #2020-32 Central Cafeteria Fund FY 2020-2021 (7-0)
• Approved Memo #2020-33 School Federal Projects Fund FY 2020-2021 (6-1)
• Approved Memo #2020-34 General Purpose School Fund FY 2020-2021 as amended (5-2)
• Approved amended Memo #2020-35 Needs Assessment (5-2)

May 4, 2020 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County Schools Board adopted the meeting agenda and approved the consent agenda. The board approved a series of first‑reading policy changes (including policies 1.101, 1.201, 1.400, 1.403, 1.406, 1.701, 1.704, 1.801, 2.200, 2.400, 2.700, 2.701, 2.805, 2.806, 2.900, 3.201, 3.202, 3.602) and later approved policy 4.805. The board also approved multiple 2020 budget amendments (GPSF, Central Cafeteria Fund, Education Capital Plans, Energy Performance Contract, and the 2020‑2021 fee schedule) and set dates for the next work session and regular board meeting.

• Approved first‑reading policy changes 1.101, 1.201, 1.400, 1.403, 1.406, 1.701, 1.704, 1.801, 2.200, 2.400, 2.700, 2.701, 2.805, 2.806, 2.900, 3.201, 3.202, 3.602
• Approved first and final reading of policy 4.805
• Approved Budget Amendment 2020-02 GPSF
• Approved Budget Amendment 2020-03 Central Cafeteria Fund
• Approved Energy Performance Contract (Memo #2020-19)

The Board approved several budget amendments for the GPSF, Central Cafeteria Fund, and Education Capital Plans. Members also passed a series of policy changes on first reading and approved the 2020-2021 school year fee schedule. Additionally, the Board approved an energy performance contract and medical and dental renewals.

• Approved first reading of multiple policy changes (6-1)
• Approved Policy 4.805 on first and final reading (7-0)
• Approved Budget Amendments 2020-02, 2020-06 GPSF, and 2020-05 Education Capital Projects Fund
• Approved Budget Amendments 2020-03 Central Cafeteria Fund and 2020-04 Education Capital Plans
• Approved Memo 2020-19 Energy Performance Contract (Perfection Group Agreement) (5-2)
• Approved Memo 2020-20 Medical and Dental Renewal (6-1)
• Approved Wilson County Schools Fee Schedule 2020-2021 SY (7-0)
• Approved requests to appear for Reimert, E. Lewis, and Fitzgibbons (7-0)

April 13, 2020 Special Called Meeting at 5:00 P.M.

The Wilson County Board of Education will convene a special called meeting to receive a report from the Director of Schools. The agenda includes a single action item regarding this report.

• Report from Director of Schools (Action)

The meeting was called to order at 6:06 PM. The record contains no substantive decisions, approvals, or votes.

March 20, 2020 Special Called Meeting

The Wilson County Schools board adopted its agenda and heard the Director's report. It approved engaging National Fire Adjustors as the district liaison with the insurance company, and approved a design team (KBJM Architects, Engineering Services Group, American Geotechnical, Civil Site Design Group) to work with NFA and the insurer. The board also declared all tornado‑damage repairs an emergency, allowing negotiations with NFA and the insurance company. The meeting was adjourned after noting the cancellation of a work session scheduled for March 31 due to the pandemic.

• Adopted the agenda as presented (motion passed).
• Approved engagement of National Fire Adjustors as liaison with the insurance company.
• Approved engagement of a design team (KBJM Architects, Engineering Services Group, American Geotechnical, Civil Site Design Group) to work with NFA and the insurer.
• Declared all tornado‑damage repair work an emergency and authorized negotiations with NFA and the insurance company.
• Noted cancellation of the work session scheduled for March 31 because of the pandemic.

The Board approved the engagement of National Fire Adjustors and a specific design team to manage insurance claims and repairs. It also declared an emergency for work required to secure school district facilities and equipment damaged by the March 3, 2020 tornado.

• Approved engagement of National Fire Adjustors as insurance liaison (6-0)
• Approved engagement of Design Team (KBJM Architects, Engineering Services Group, American Geotechnical, and Civil Site Design Group) (5-1)
• Declared emergency for repairs to facilities and equipment related to March 3, 2020 tornado damage (5-1)

March 2, 2020Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Education reviewed and approved multiple policy updates in Section 6 and the student and bus codes of conduct for the 2020-2021 school year. The body also voted on several service contracts and retirement plan approvals.

• Approval of Code of Conduct 2020-2021 and Bus Code of Conduct 2020-2021
• Approval of Copier Bid #2020-03 (Memo #2020-9)
• Approval of Johnson Controls Planned Service Proposal (Memo #2020-10)
• Approval of State of Tennessee Retirement Plans (Memo #2020-12)
• Approval of multiple Section 6 policy updates including 6.200 through 6.702

The Board approved a series of updates to Section 6 policies on second reading and adopted the 2020-2021 Code of Conduct and Bus Code of Conduct. Additionally, the Board approved a copier bid, a service proposal from Johnson Controls, and state retirement plans.

• Approved 2020-2021 Code of Conduct (6-1)
• Approved 2020-2021 Bus Code of Conduct (6-1)
• Approved multiple Section 6 policy updates including 6.200, 6.202, 6.203, 6.204, 6.205, 6.206, 6.207, 6.208, 6.316, 6.319, 6.4081, 6.405, 6.503, 6.702, 6.209, and 6.308
• Approved Copier Bid #2020-03 via Memo #2020-9 (7-0)
• Approved Johnson Controls Planned Service Proposal via Memo #2020-10 (6-1)
• Approved State of Tennessee Retirement Plans via Memo #2020-12 (7-0)
• Approved NSBA trip (4-3)
• Approved IT trip to Washington DC (5-2)

February 3, 2020 Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County Board of Education approved a budget amendment, policy revisions, and several administrative recommendations, including a scoreboard purchase and a pharmacy benefit manager renewal. The meeting also included public statements and student board member communications.

• Approved Memo #2020-06 Budget Amendment 2020-01
• Approved Policy Revisions Section 6 (first reading)
• Approved Green Hill High School scoreboard purchase
• Approved ESP Pharmacy Benefit Manager Renewal
• Approved Providence/RES sidewalk connector project

The Board approved a budget amendment and several facility projects, including a scoreboard for Green Hill High School and a sidewalk connector at Providence. Policy revisions for Section 6 were approved on first reading. The Board also accepted the evaluation of Dr. Wright.

• Approved Memo #2020-01 for Green Hill High Scoreboard (7-0)
• Approved Memo #2020-02 for Providence-RES sidewalk connector (7-0)
• Approved Memo #2020-04 for ESP Pharmacy Benefit Manager Renewal (7-0)
• Approved on first reading policy revisions for Section 6 (5-2)
• Approved Memo #2020-06 Budget Amendment 2020-01 (7-0)
• Accepted Dr. Wright's evaluation as presented (7-0)

January 6, 2020 Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County School Board approved consent items, policy revisions, and a donation to TCAT. A proposal to allow sophomores and juniors to stay at their current schools for the next year failed to pass, though a motion to approve an agreement with Journey Church passed.

• Policy revisions 4.602, 5.205, 5.600, 5.702, 5.905 approved
• TCAT donation of equipment approved
• Agreement with Journey Church approved
• Sophomore/junior school choice motion failed
• Student trip to ATC approved

The Board approved a settlement presented by the County Attorney regarding the Mt. Juliet City Commission. Other actions included approving policy revisions and an agreement between WWMS and Journey Church. A motion to allow certain students to remain at their current schools for the next year failed.

• Adopted January 6, 2020 Agenda (6-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda (6-0)
• Approved Report from County Attorney (6-0)
• Adopted settlement regarding Mt. Juliet City Commission (5-1)
• Approved Report from Director of Schools (6-0)
• Approved Policy Revisions 4.602, 5.205, 5.600, 5.702, 5.905 on second reading (6-0)
• Approved TCAT Donation (5-1)
• Denied motion to allow sophomores/juniors to remain at current school (2-4)