Washington County Schools public meetings in 2021

Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County Board of Education met on December 6, 2021, and voted unanimously on all action items. They approved consent agenda items including minutes, donations, contracts, and payment reports. The board also approved first and second readings of several policies, a program of studies for 2022-2023, a retirement benefit, bids for school buses and a tire alignment machine, and a budget amendment. Old business items included discussing COVID, a land RFP, and ESS, while new business awarded a roof bid at Mt. Juliet Elementary to Marion & Green and a furniture and fixtures bid to American Paper and Twine and Ernie Morris Enterprises.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, donations, contracts (e.g., GHHS The Mill at Lebanon), and October 2021 payment report
• Approved first reading of policies 4.200, 4.206, 4.208, 4.403, 4.607 and others, plus second reading of policies 1.104, 4.600, 6.4082
• Approved Bid 2022-06 for school buses and Bid 2022-07 for a tire alignment machine at Lebanon High School
• Awarded Bid 2022-09 for a new roof at Mt. Juliet Elementary (MJE) to Marion & Green
• Approved Bid 2022-05 for furniture and fixtures at Stoner Creek Elementary (SCE), splitting awards between American Paper and Twine and Ernie Morris Enterprises

The Board approved the Program of Studies for the 2022-23 school year and several procurement bids for school buses, a tire alignment machine, and roofing. Multiple school policies were approved on first and second readings. The Board also voted to reinstate policy 6.502 for the 2022 semester.

• Approved Program of Studies for SY 2022-223 (7-0)
• Approved Bid 2022-06 for School Buses (7-0)
• Awarded Bid 2022-09 for MJE new roof to Marion & Green (7-0)
• Awarded Bid 2022-05 for SCE furniture and fixtures to American Paper and Twine and Ernie Morris Enterprises (7-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment 2022-06 (7-0)
• Reinstated policy 6.502 for semester beginning 2022 (4-3)
• Approved first reading of policies 4.200, 4.206, 4.208, 4.403, 4.607, 4.203, 4.204, 4.210, 4.301, 4.302, 4.608, 4.609, 4.2031, 4.603, 6.203, 6.205, 6.206, and 6.506 (7-0)
• Approved second reading of policies 1.104, 4.600, and 6.4082 (7-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County Board of Education voted to recommend making face coverings optional in school buildings and amended policy 6.403 to align with Tennessee state law. The board also approved several policies on first and second reading, a budget amendment (2022-05), a naming of the MJHS football field, and rejected current land RFP bids to reissue by November 30, 2021. Additionally, they entered into a co-op agreement with ESS and approved a smallwares bid for Stoner Creek Elementary.

• Voted to recommend face coverings optional in school buildings (policy 6.403 amended)
• Approved naming of MJHS football field
• Approved Budget Amendment 2022-05
• Rejected current land RFP bids and reissued with response deadline Nov 30, 2021
• Entered into a co-op agreement with ESS

The Board approved a recommendation to make face coverings optional in school buildings. Other actions included approving several school policies, a budget amendment, and a co-op agreement with ESS. The Board also voted to reject current Land RFP bids and reissue the request.

• Made face coverings optional in school buildings (5-2)
• Approved Budget Amendment 2022-05 (7-0)
• Rejected current Land RFP bids and voted to reissue RFP (7-0)
• Approved co-op agreement with ESS (7-0)
• Approved naming of MJHS Football Field (7-0)
• Approved BID 2022-04 for Stoner Creek Elementary smallwares (7-0)
• Approved 2021 LEA Compliance Report (7-0)
• Approved Policy 4.602 on second reading (7-0)

Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County Schools Board of Education approved consent agenda items, director's reports, and policy changes. A motion to approve the 2022-2023 school calendar failed, but the board adopted a COVID-19 protocol extension through November 1, 2021.

• Adopted Wilson County Schools Calendar 2022-2023 (failed)
• Extended COVID-19 protocol until November 1, 2021
• Approved tenure for SY 2020-2021
• Approved Van Usage Accounting Manual
• Approved Policy 4.602 changes on first reading

The Board approved a hybrid calendar for the 2022-2023 school year and granted 10 days of COVID leave for every employee. Other actions included approving tenure for the 2020-2021 school year and the termination of a tenured teacher.

• Approved Hybrid Calendar 2022-2023 with PD on Oct 5 and Fall Break Oct 6-14 (6-0)
• Approved 10 days of COVID leave for every employee (6-0)
• Extended current COVID protocol until November 1, 2021 (6-0)
• Approved tenure for SY 2020-2021 (6-0)
• Approved termination of tenured teacher (6-0)
• Approved surplus auction (6-0)
• Approved Van Usage Accounting Manual (6-0)
• Approved changes to Policy 4.602 on first reading (6-0)

September 8, 2021

The Wilson County School Board approved a COVID-19 face covering requirement for all students, employees, and adults on school properties starting Sept. 10, 2021, with an opt-out provision, following TDH guidance. The board also elected Larry Tomlinson as chair and Linda Armistead as vice chair, approved multiple policy changes including a nepotism policy, and adopted budget amendment 2022-03. Several citizens spoke during the public comment period about masks and COVID-19 policies.

• Approved face covering requirement with opt-out from Sept. 10 to Oct. 4, 2021
• Elected Larry Tomlinson as Board Chair and Linda Armistead as Vice Chair
• Approved Policy 5.119 (nepotism) on first and final reading
• Approved FY22 ESSER 3.0 application and budget amendment 2022-03
• Approved Policy 6.403 on COVID-19 procedures on first and final reading

The Board elected a new Chair and Vice Chair and appointed members to various committees. The Board also approved temporary face covering requirements for students and employees from September 10 to October 4, 2021, and expanded the Virtual Learning Academy to grades K-12.

• Elected Larry Tomlinson as Chairman (6-0)
• Elected Linda Armistead as Vice Chair (6-0)
• Approved face covering requirements from Sept. 10 to Oct. 4, 2021 (6-0)
• Approved expanding Virtual Learning Academy to K-12 (6-0)
• Approved FY22 ESSER 3.0 (6-0)
• Approved Budget Amendments 2022-03 and 2022-04 (6-0)
• Adopted Policy 6.403 on first and final reading (6-0)
• Approved Occupational Safety and Health Program Plan (6-0)

Special Called Meeting

The Wilson County Schools Board held a special called meeting to consider and approve COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols for the 2021-2022 school year. The board voted to amend a previous motion so that symptom checks will be conducted only for students in grades 6-12 once per week. The final set of procedures was then approved on a 6-1 vote, with one member dissenting in each vote.

• Approval of COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols for the 2021-2022 school year
• Amendment limiting symptom checks to grades 6-12 once per week
• Motion to amend passed 6-1 (Bill Robinson voting no)
• Final approval passed 6-1 (Carrie Pfeiffer voting no)
• Vote on call for the question also passed 6-1

Special Called Meeting

The Wilson County Board of Education accepted low construction bids for Stoner Creek Elementary and authorized the superintendent to explore relocating the Bobcat Village project to West Wilson Middle if costs remain neutral.

• Accepted low bid for Stoner Creek Elementary construction
• Authorized relocation of Bobcat Village to West Wilson Middle if cost neutral
• Meeting adjourned after passing two motions

The Board accepted the low bid for Stoner Creek Elementary, including Alternate 1 and Alternate 2. Additionally, the Director of Schools was authorized to explore moving Bobcat Village to West Wilson Middle if the move is cost neutral or better.

• Approved low bid for Bid 2022-01 for Stoner Creek Elementary (7-0)
• Authorized Director of Schools to explore moving Bobcat Village to West Wilson Middle if cost neutral or better (7-0)

August 2, 2021 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County School Board met to approve several administrative items including the 2021-2022 meeting schedule and a budget amendment. The board also approved a request from One Church and addressed multiple citizen statements regarding masks.

• Approval of a $2,000 settlement pending recommendation of attorney
• Approval of the 2021-2022 Annual School Board Meetings Schedule
• Approval of Budget Amendment 2022-02
• Provision of 4 buses to Wilson County Fair/Tennessee State Fair for shuttle use
• Approval of various contracts including WCHS yearbook and MJMS contracts

The Board approved a budget amendment and a $2,000 settlement payment. Other actions included approving the 2021-2022 meeting schedule and providing shuttle buses for the Wilson County/Tennessee State Fair.

• Approved $2,000 settlement payment (7-0)
• Approved budget amendment (7-0)
• Approved 2021-2022 Annual School Board Meetings Schedule (7-0)
• Approved Policy 3.400 on first reading (7-0)
• Approved providing 4 buses as shuttles for Wilson County Fair/Tennessee State Fair with reimbursement (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda (7-0)

July 12, 2021 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County Board of Education approved a consent agenda including contracts and donations, adopted second-reading policies, and approved budget amendments for summer camps and general operations. The board also approved the 2021-22 COVID-19 safety procedures and the Kids Club handbook.

• Adopted second-reading policies 6.200, 6.317, 6.406, 1.600, and 1.602
• Approved budget amendment memo 2022-01
• Approved budget amendment for summer camps
• Approved 2021-22 COVID-19 safety procedures
• Approved SY 2021-2022 Kids Club handbook

The Board approved the 2021-22 COVID-19 Safety Procedures and several school policies on second reading. Other actions included approving a school nutrition bid, budget amendments, and two student transfers.

• Approved 2021-22 COVID-19 Safety Procedures (7-0)
• Approved Policies 6.200, 6.317, and 6.406 on second reading (7-0)
• Approved Policy 1.600 on second reading with one calendar year term (7-0)
• Approved Policy 1.602 on second reading (7-0)
• Approved School Nutrition Bid 2019-08 for food, supplies, milk and ice cream (7-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment Memo 2022-01 and Summer Camp budget amendment (7-0)
• Approved student transfers for Daniel Beard to WCHS and student Cesaretti to WHS (7-0)
• Approved SY 2021-2022 Kids Club Handbook (7-0)

June 28, 2021 Special Called Meeting

The board met for a special called meeting to vote on financial and personnel updates. The board approved a revised budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year and changes to staffing.

• Approval of FY 2021-2022 Revised Budget
• Approval of abolished positions
• Approval of Early Retirement Incentive

The board approved the revised budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Members also voted to approve abolished positions and an early retirement incentive.

• Approved FY 2021-2022 Revised Budget (6-0)
• Approved abolished positions (6-0)
• Approved early retirement incentive (6-0)

June 7, 2021 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County Schools Board considered and approved several items, including a resolution honoring Dr. Donna Wright, a zoning exemption hearing request, and a ground lease for Vogue Towers at Lakeview Elementary. The board also adopted multiple budget amendments for summer camp, federal projects, and student insurance, and approved a contract for Mr. Luttrell. All motions were passed by vote.

• Resolution honoring Dr. Donna Wright
• Zoning exemption hearing request (policy 6.206) approved
• Ground lease approval for Vogue Towers at Lakeview Elementary
• Budget amendment approval for Summer Camp (2021‑10)
• Contract approval for Mr. Luttrell

The board approved three budget amendments, including one for summer camp, and several policy changes on second reading. The board also granted a zone exemption appeal and affirmed a Director of Schools' decision regarding an expulsion modification.

• Approved Budget Amendment 2021-10 for Summer Camp (5-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment 2021-11 (5-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment 2021 School Federal Projects (5-0)
• Approved policy changes 1.100, 1.106, 1.204, 1.404, 1.406, 1.407, and 1.704 (5-0)
• Approved policy 1.503 on second reading (5-0)
• Approved policies 6.200, 6.317, and 6.406 on first reading (5-0)
• Granted Zone Exemption Appeal contingent on student enrollment not offered at GHHS (4-1)
• Affirmed Director of Schools' decision on appeal of modification of expulsion (5-0)

Special Called Meeting

The Wilson County School Board approved a bid for asbestos abatement at West Wilson Middle School during a special called meeting on June 3, 2021. The board voted unanimously to approve the project as presented.

• Approved Asbestos Abatement Project at West Wilson Middle School
• Motion passed unanimously by Linda Armistead and Kimberly McGee
• Meeting held on Thursday, June 3, 2021

The board met for a special called meeting to review a project recommendation. The board approved the bid for an asbestos abatement project.

• Approved asbestos abatement project bid (6-0)

Special Called Meeting May 18, 2021 at 6:00 pm.

The Wilson County Schools board voted to approve the 2021-2022 budget as presented, with an amendment to include $5,000 for the City of Watertown for field use. The board also approved a Needs Assessment with a plan to replace PTAC units. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved 2021-2022 budget as presented
• Amended budget to include $5,000 for City of Watertown field use
• Approved Needs Assessment with plan to replace PTAC units

The Board approved the 2021-2022 budget as presented and amended. They also approved a Needs Assessment regarding the replacement of PTAC units.

• Approved 2021-2022 Budget as presented (7-0)
• Approved budget amendment to include $5,000 for the City of Watertown for field use (7-0)
• Approved Needs Assessment with plan to replace PTAC units (7-0)

Special Called Work Session

The Wilson County School Board will hold a special called work session to discuss the preliminary budget. The meeting agenda lists only procedural items, including a call to order, the budget discussion, and adjournment.

• Preliminary Budget Discussion
• Call to Order
• Adjournment

May 3, 2021 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County Board of Education approved a four-year contract for a new director of schools at $170,000 per year plus payout of accrued leave. The board also approved first reading of multiple policy changes, the 2021-2022 student handbook, a ground lease for a tower at Lakeview Elementary, and a budget amendment. A motion to strongly encourage masks for the remainder of the school year failed.

• Approved 4-year director contract at $170,000/year plus $6,394.23 leave payout
• Approved first reading of policy changes (1.100, 1.106, 1.204, 1.404, 1.406, 1.407, 1.503, 1.600, 1.602, 1.704)
• Approved student handbook for 2021-2022 school year
• Approved Vogue Towers ground lease at Lakeview Elementary
• Motion to strongly encourage masks for remainder of year failed (3 yes, 4 no)

The Board approved a four-year contract for the Director of Schools and passed several budget amendments, bids, and policy changes. Multiple student zoning exemption requests were decided, with some approved and others denied. A motion to strongly encourage masks for the remainder of the year failed.

• Approved 4-year Director's contract at $170,000 per year (7-0)
• Approved Student Handbook for 2021-2022 school year (7-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment 2021-09 (7-0)
• Approved first reading of policy changes 1.100 through 1.704 (6-1)
• Approved Gym Floor Bid and Processed Commodity Foods Bid (7-0)
• Approved Stop Loss Policy Proposal Option 1 (7-0)
• Denied motion to strongly encourage masks for remainder of year (3-4)
• Approved blueprint plan A-3 with a flat roof (7-0)

Special Called Meeting

The Board of Education met for a special called meeting to consider a recommendation from the Director of Schools. The board voted to approve a contract to lease portable classrooms, subject to changes requested by attorneys Mike Jennings and Lauren Bush.

• Approval of contract to lease portable classrooms

The board approved a contract to lease portable classrooms. The approval is subject to changes requested and approved by attorneys Mike Jennings and Lauren Bush.

• Approved contract to lease portable classrooms (7-0)

Recalled in to Session from April 5, 2021

The Wilson County School Board recalled a meeting to approve a $53,747,077.31 insurance settlement for tornado damage to South Cumberland Elementary and West Wilson Middle School. The board also voted to bid the demolition of both schools alongside the rebuilding of the first phase of South Cumberland Elementary and to add 20 temporary classrooms on the school site.

• Approved $53,747,077.31 insurance settlement for tornado damage
• Voted to bid demolition of SCE and WWMS with rebuilding of phase one
• Approved 20 temporary classrooms on SCE site
• Recalled in to Session from April 5, 2021

The board approved an insurance settlement for tornado damage to SCE and WWMS. They also decided to bid the demolition of both schools and the first phase of rebuilding together. Additionally, the board approved adding 20 temporary units to the SCE site.

• Accepted insurance settlement of $53,747,077.31 for tornado damage to SCE and WWMS (7-0)
• Approved bidding WWMS demolition with SCE demolition and phase one rebuilding (7-0)
• Approved adding 20 temporary units (40 classrooms) on SCE site (7-0)

April 5, 2021 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County Schools Board voted to approve a $1,000 stipend for all employees (excluding board members and certain others), along with numerous consent-agenda items and policy changes. The board also approved a budget amendment, a new fee schedule for 2021-2022, and the continuation of the Virtual Learning Program and Barry Tatum Academy. A special education transportation agreement with ATS was authorized, and a mowing bid for 2021 was awarded.

• Approval of a $1,000 stipend for every WCS employee excluding board members, Dr. Wright, non-faculty volunteers, non-faculty coaches, PRN nurses, and contracted services
• Approval of policy changes to 27 policies (Section 5 series including 5.102, 5.105, 5.106, etc.)
• Approval of Fee Schedule for 2021-2022
• Approval of Virtual Learning Program and Barry Tatum Academy for 2021-2022
• Approval of Special Education Transportation Agreement with ATS (funded by federal funds)

The Board approved a wide range of administrative items, including a series of policy changes, a new fee schedule for 2021-2022, and the Virtual Learning and Barry Tatum Academy programs. Members also approved a mowing bid, a budget amendment, and a stipend for employees.

• Approved hearing for EL (5-2)
• Approved policy changes 5.102 through 5.311 (7-0)
• Approved stipend for WCS employees (7-0)
• Approved Mowing Bid 2021-01 (7-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment Memo 2021-08 (7-0)
• Approved Special Education Transportation Agreement- ATS (7-0)
• Approved Fee Schedule 2021-2022 (7-0)
• Approved Virtual Learning and Barry Tatum Academy Programs 2021-2022 (7-0)

March 1, 2021 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County Schools Board discussed a director search and approved final two candidates for the Director of Schools position. The board also approved a consent agenda covering contracts, donations, minutes, and student trips, along with naming tennis courts at Mt. Juliet High School, E-Rate technology funding, multiple policy changes on first reading, and two budget amendments.

• Approved naming tennis courts at Mt. Juliet High School
• Approved E-Rate Category 1 and Category 2 technology funding
• Approved policy changes (5.102, 5.105, etc.) on first reading
• Approved Budget Amendments 2021-06 and 2021-07
• Discussed and approved final two candidates for Director of Schools

The Board approved two budget amendments and a series of policy changes on first reading. Other actions included approving E-Rate categories and the naming of tennis courts at MJHS.

• Approved naming of tennis courts at MJHS (7-0)
• Approved E-Rate Category 1 (7-0)
• Approved E-Rate Category 2 (7-0)
• Approved first reading of policy changes 5.102 through 5.311 (7-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment 2021-06 (7-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment 2021-07 (7-0)
• Approved proceeding with general parameters from Executive Session (7-0)

February 1, 2021 of Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Education met to approve student conduct policies for the 2021-2022 school year. The body also reviewed reports from the County Attorney and the Director of Schools.

• Approved 2021-2022 Student Code of Conduct
• Approved 2021-2022 Bus Conduct
• Approved Watertown Elem. YEARBOOK AGREEMENT 2020-2021
• Approved Zoom Redline Adjustments contract
• Approved December 2020 Payment Report

The Board of Education approved the Student Code of Conduct and the Bus Conduct guidelines for the 2021-2022 school year. The board also approved the agenda, consent agenda, and reports from the County Attorney and Director of Schools.

• Approved Student Code of Conduct 2021-2022 (7-0)
• Approved Bus Conduct 2021-2022 (7-0)
• Adopted the agenda (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda (7-0)
• Approved Report from County Attorney (7-0)
• Approved Report from the Director of Schools (7-0)
• Passed motion to recess for discussion regarding SCE and WWMS (7-0)

Special Called Meeting

The Wilson County School Board voted to bid the reconstruction of Stoner Creek Elementary and West Wilson Middle School on their existing footprints and authorized the Safety Director to file FEMA claims after bids are submitted.

• Stoner Creek Elementary and West Wilson Middle School rebuild bids
• Authority granted to Safety Director Steve Spencer for FEMA claims
• Motion to adjourn passed

The Board decided to bid the rebuilding of Stoner Creek Elementary and West Wilson Middle School on their existing footprints. Additionally, the Safety Director was authorized to submit FEMA claims after bids are received.

• Approved bidding to rebuild Stoner Creek Elementary and West Wilson Middle School on existing footprints (7-0)
• Authorized Safety Director Steve Spencer to submit FEMA claims once all bids are submitted (7-0)

January 11, 2021 of Regular Board Meeting

The Wilson County School Board held a regular meeting on January 11, 2021, approving a consent agenda that included contracts, donations, and trips. They voted to extend an agreement with Church of Christ to use West Elementary's gymnasium for worship, approved an Eagle Scout project at LVE, and authorized construction of a barn at Lebanon High School. The board also approved a volunteer early retirement incentive for 2021, the program of studies for 2021-2022, and second reading of numerous policies. A memorandum of understanding with VBHCS was also approved.

• Extend agreement with Church of Christ to use West Elementary gymnasium for worship Jan–May 2021
• Approve construction of a barn at Lebanon High School
• Approve Volunteer Early Retirement Incentive 2021
• Approve Program of Studies 2021-2022
• Approve MOU with VBHCS (Veterans Benefits Health Care System) and Wilson County Schools

The Board of Education voted to conduct a self-search for the Director of Schools after a motion to engage the TSBA failed. Other actions included approving the 2021-2022 Program of Studies and a volunteer early retirement incentive.

• Approved self-search for Director of Schools (6-1)
• Denied engaging TSBA for Director of Schools search (2-5)
• Approved 2021-2022 Program of Studies (5-2)
• Approved Volunteer Early Retirement Incentive 2021 (7-0)
• Approved MOU between VBHCS and WCS (7-0)
• Approved construction of barn at Lebanon High School (7-0)
• Approved extension of Church of Christ agreement with West Elementary (7-0)
• Approved Christian Butorac Eagle Scout Project LVE (7-0)