The protection provided so far. We ask, lord, you be with us tonight as we make decisions, that you give us guidance on future things that may arise, that we may continue to do the things that the taxpayers have asked us to do. We ask father for your protection this night. Thank you for your goodness and mercy. In Jesus' name, amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance To the flag of The United States Of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for
all. First, we have the approval of the agenda. Move to approve. Thank you, mister Tidwell. Thank you, miss Sharp. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Then we have the approval of the consent agenda. Move to approve. Thank you Mr. Vaughn. Thank you Mr. Rosales. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. I believe we have no public comment tonight. So we'll move right to Rutherford Proud. Doctor Halford. Doctor Halford, you? Yep. So I think we had our, band director last time who talked to us about his experience with, marching in the Rose Parade.
So we have doctor Halford, our fine arts coordinator here to introduce our students and tell us about their experience. We have three students here with us tonight that were in the one hundred and thirty seventh tournament of roses parade this year. We have Gianna Castle from Oakland High School, Tegan Shabbat from Segal High School, and Caleb Howell from Rockville High School. Not able to be with us tonight, we had a fourth student, Aiden Absher from Rockville High School. Gianna and Tegan play the flute, and Caleb plays the trumpet.
None of them play tuba. James was really sad about that because he wanted to know what it was like to carry the tuba the whole way. So we'll have to try to find one of those in a future year. The Tournament of Roses Parade is historic. This was the 130, the first time in twenty years that it rained and one of only 10 times in the history of parade that it rained. So these students truly had a unique and historic experience. They were in the bands of America honor band, which is a 300 piece national ensemble made of students from across The United States.
They had one week for rehearsals and performances and special activities before the big event. Each of them will just tell you a little bit tonight about their experience. Whenever I got to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl, it was basically immediately getting to work, but it was really fun and probably the best band experience I've had because everybody who was there wanted to be there, and they weren't forced to. So it was very fun and very engaging. The staff that they hired was probably the best that they could ever get.
Overall, really fun experience. Awesome. Awesome. The staff and peers that I got to learn from and gained a lot of leadership experience from was an unforgettable and life changing experience. And I was very grateful to have the opportunity to do something like this, which I would have never dreamed of before. And I got to bring back a lot of lessons that I learned. Awesome. I would say, like, meeting all the people that, like, I marched with and played
with was definitely a learning experience. But it was really fun because, like, as they kind of said, like, everyone wanted to be there. And it was fun to be in an ensemble where everyone wanted to play in a march. And just gaining that experience was life changing and something like, I'll definitely hold forever. And making new friends, and, honestly, I just had a lot of fun. It was so fun to be able to do that, and I'll always remember doing that. Thank you and congratulations to Caleb, Teagan, and Gianna. And thank you all for supporting our arts programs that allows our students to have
great opportunities. Can I ask a quick question? How are these I'm sorry. How are these how are they chosen? Because I'm sure there are lots of kids that would like to Absolutely. So students apply for the positions and then their directors are sent recommendation forms. The directors have to quickly turn around recommendations and score their students and give recommendations based on a number of factors and they select the students from from those recommendations. Thank you. Do you think we can get mister Evans in the next Rose Bowl parade to catch the tuba? He played percussion in middle school, so I think we could probably high school.
High school. So, yeah, I mean, he he could probably get his chops up. Can he walk that far? That's the question. That's a question for him. I have I have marched in many parades, mister Vaughn, carrying very heavy drums. And I don't wanna point out that Abner, who's not here tonight from, Rockwell High School. Did I say that? Aidan. I'm sorry. I I don't have my glasses. Aidan, he is also a drummer. And and so I I respect that. I like these flute players and trumpet players too, but I gotta give a shout out to them. Sir. Take so by the didn't it? Madam chair? Absolutely. Yes, miss Sharkey. I'd like to thank the parents for supporting the children.
I'm sure financially they had some layout on that. So thank the parents and grandparents and the family extended family because this is a once in a lifetime thing for the students. Thank you so much. Thank you all. Thank you. Okay. So this is national school counseling week and Christine Brian was gonna do a presentation tonight, but she has a sickness in her family and so, she's asked me to feel implore. I am not worthy, but I'm happy to try. Today this week is National School Counseling Week, February. It gives us an important opportunity to recognize the essential work of our school counselors.
While the week is quickly ending, our appreciation extends far beyond these five days. This year's theme is school counselors amplify student success. It reflects the difference, that counselors make at every level of our district. And, in our elementary schools, counselors lay the foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. They help young students build social skills, learn how to manage big feelings, develop positive peer relationships, and establish healthy habits of for success in the classroom. They're often, they're often among the first trusted adult students turn to as they develop
confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. In our middle schools, counselors guide students through one of the most important stages of growth and transition. They support students as they navigate changing social dynamics, build organizational skills, explore emerging interests, and prepare for the increased academic expectations of high school. They help students understand themselves, advocate for their needs, and make informed choices as they begin thinking about their futures. And in our high schools, counselors continue that progression, helping students stay on track academically, explore post secondary options, navigate financial aid, and develop plans for life after graduation.
They provide stability, encouragement, and guidance during moments when students are making some of the biggest making some of their biggest decisions. Across all levels, our counselors are a steady supportive presence, advocating for students, strengthening families, collaborating with staff, and creating environments where all students can learn and thrive. On behalf of our district, we extend our sincere gratitude for our school counselors for the care, guidance, and leadership they provide every single day. Their work strengthens our classrooms, our communities, and the long term success of our students. We invite everyone to in joining us, recognizing and celebrating our elementary, middle, and high
school counselors for the meaningful difference they make throughout our district. Do we have any counselors here? Come on up, please. Miss Brian invited them. She told me she was gonna have a few here and that they love to speak. So if you guys can have a few here, I'd like to know a little bit more of those. Seriously, come on up. Please. I love people putting me on the spot too. It's just one of the perks one of the perks of the job. Come on up, please, and tell us who you are, where and where you work. I'm Amy McCann, and I'm a school counselor at Las Casas Elementary. Missy Blizzard. Work at Oakland High School. One of the best right there is gonna take you. Thank you, mister White.
We do appreciate all you do. I, Russell. Yeah. I was saying school counselors a lot of, just information. Our school counselors all have master's degree, so it is a complete separate pathway than mental health counselors. So they're specifically trained in school counseling to where that is helping kids develop those skills that are so unique in the different age groups and they are k 12, but usually they work with a specialty of area. But I know a lot of our counselors have been at different grade levels, but without our counselors and what we ask them to do with the student loads is
truly unfair, but it's how we're we're funded and I hate that, but it's truly unfair. They have four or five, six hundred kids to a to a caseload and to try to get to know that many kids is just it's unrealistic. And so I wish there was something we could do about that. But thank you guys for reaching. Appreciate your support. Yeah. If there's anything you need from the board, this is a good time to ask. It's time to ask. Yep. But all we do is ask. Good luck. Thank you. Thank you for all you do. Thank you so much for all you do. Oh, That's fine. I was just gonna say that, school counselors are responsible for bringing one of my
favorite programs to this, district and that's the Amazing Shake competition, which, those finals are coming up soon around the corner. And they work with BizTown too. Yep. Similar to you, Maze and Shakes. It's both great. Maze and Shake finals are next Thursday, mister. Yep. That's correct. Okay. Next, we have human resources. So we talked about this on Tuesday. So this is presented our human resources twenty six six twenty seven signing bonus incentive. So recommended for approval. I'll entertain a motion. So moved. Thank you, mister Voss. Second. Thank you, mister Vaughn.
All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next, we have legal. First, we have transfer student under discipline number one. The board's been requested to admit a transfer student from another school system under discipline. The student was expelled for possession of drugs according to policy 6.318. The board made to die admissions of any student except those in state custody when a student transfers from another school system under suspension or expulsion. Director of schools recommendation is to deny admission. I'll entertain a motion. Move to approve. Thank you. Move to deny. Is that what you would like? Yes. Okay. Second to deny.
Thank you, mister Vaughn. Thank you, miss Sharp. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. This is to transfer student under discipline two. The board's been requested to amend a transfer student from another school system under discipline. The students expel for possession of a weapon in possession of a dangerous object. According to policy 6.318, the board may deny admission of any student except those in state custody when a student transfers from another school system while under suspension or expulsion. Again, director of schools recommendation in this case is to deny. Thank you, miss Sharp. Thank you, miss Darby. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
Motion passes. Next, we have instruction. This is a request for our textbook adoption committee request under schedule e career and technical education for CTE textbook adoption committee. The education or the educator members, parent members, parent representative, and industry representative. And upon approval, they will begin their review process and move forward with the CTE textbook adoption in alignment with both state and district guidelines and then bring those recommendations back to the board for final approval. I'll entertain a motion. Move to approve. Thank you, miss, Sharp. Thank you, miss Darby. Oh, I'm sorry.
Was it okay. Tidwell. I'm sorry. I think it was Darby and Tidwell. It's hard sometimes when y'all chime in together. Yeah. It does. It's hard. Motion. All of favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next, we have special course request. These are the twenty six twenty seven special courses request. The instruction department's requesting permission to make an application to offer credit for special courses under their following guidelines. Rule zero five two zero dash one dash three dash dot zero five dash two a local school systems may offer special courses not listed in zero five two zero
dash one dash three dash d dot zero six on an experimental basis. The commissioner of education must approve courses in in advance each year. Rutherford County High Schools are requesting approval for the following special courses. New courses, advanced grammar, fine arts appreciation, and survey advanced topics, courses for renewal, intro to linguistics, infectious diseases, intro to microbiology, neuroscience and society, and then sports psychology. I'll entertain a motion. So moved. Thank you, miss Darby. Thank you, miss Sharp. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes.
10 financial matters. First, we have Wilson Bank and Trust in Riverdale High School and Riverdale Baseball Booster Club agreements. So Riverdale High, Riverdale Base baseball booster club in partnership with Wilson Bank to provide and maintain a video scoreboard and signage partnership. I'll entertain a motion. Thank you, mister Vaughn. Second. Thank you, mister Tipple. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any post? Motion passes. Next, we have engineering and construction. First, we have Eagleville baseball fence request. Principal Tim Pedego is requesting to utilize baseball account funds to replace the fence at the baseball field.
This project is requested and not to exceed $18,000. It is no cost to the board. Engineer construction has reviewed the request and has no objections. I'll entertain a motion. So moved. Thank you, mister Vaughn. Thank you, miss Dart. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. Smyrna High ROTC obstacle course request. Doctor Sherry Sutherland is requesting to install an ROTC obstacle course to be funded by CTE. This project will be funded through the CTE funds and is not expected to exceed 4,000. Engineering construction has reviewed the request and has no objection. Recommend motions to approve.
Thank you, miss Sharp. Thank you, miss Darby. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. Next is Whitworth Buchanan scoreboard relocation request. Principal Chris Butner is requesting to be allowed to receive the existing baseball scoreboard from Segal High School to replace the one currently on campus. Anticipated cost to replace the existing support structure as well. The project we funded through baseball funds is not expected to exceed 3,000. Engineering construction has reviewed the request and has no objection. Thank you, mister Vaughn. Second. Thank you, mister Tickle.
All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. Is Smyrna Primary School soccer goal request? Doctor Amy Perry's requested to purchase permanent soccer goals for Smyrna Primary utilizing fundraiser funds. The cost for this request is $6,757.08. Engineering construction has reviewed the request and has no objection. Thank you, mister Vaughn. Thank you, miss Short. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next, we have financial updates. And just so everyone knows, we have to approve those in order for them to
go on our insurance. And so that is what our county government requests. So the audience wonder why are we approving every one of these little amounts that So they're approved by insurance if something happens. Financial updates, we talked Tuesday and so we talked about potential board, priorities of being the coal increase two to two and a half percent funding for a new high school and fund one seventy seven. Again, we are a little bit less in students and we talked about our, economical disadvantage numbers dropping, our concentrated poverty dropping.
So we're becoming a little bit more of a fluent of a district according to the coding changes. So if you have any other ideas or things you want us to to look at priorities, please let us know because Brian and I will start really working on the budget here very shortly. I know Brian's already working, but, I'll really start getting involved in the budget very soon. Gotcha. Any comments or questions? Okay. Next, director's update. Only thing new, just the things from Tuesday, miss Williams, if you would include those in the minutes from Tuesday, the things I went over. And then best of luck to all of our cheer teams again who were all
in Orlando along with When do we find out who how they get? Saturday, Sunday. Saturday, Sunday. Okay. Excellent. Mister Vaught, do you have anything? Okay. Nothing else. Yeah. Next we have general discussion. Miss Maxwell. Yes, mister Zales. Yes. Thank you so much. I just wanna remind the board that, February 12, everyone on the board is invited to go down to this town and see for themselves what this town is all about. They're ready to host us. I was under the impression there was gonna be an email sent out.
If not, no worries. I will make sure that email sent out with a special invitation. And so, hopefully, everyone can make it if we if there's some that needing, carpool or transportation or whatever, we can make it happen and work it out. But it'll be a good experience for us to go, and I believe there's gonna be one of our schools that's gonna be there. So okay. Yeah. Well, it's we can make it before the awards. The awards is in the evening time. This is during the day, but we can leave early to make it to the
amazing shakes. So, we could do both if you wanted to. Okay. I have okay. Yes. Mister Tidwell. Go ahead. That's fine. Sorry. I didn't mean to jump out in front of you. I just wanna remind everybody as well that, tomorrow night at World Outreach Church, we have the all county band concert. Yes. It has been amazing. You'll see some true talent. Put that on your calendar tomorrow. Okay. And I got a call from one of our county commissioners and, he would like for all of us if we can make it to come February 24 to, the county commission meeting. They will be taking up our resolution for financial literacy and supporting that.
Great. So he would like to encourage everyone to come if we can. In health and education I'm guessing? Oh, yeah. Health and I'm sorry. That's, that's we had, when the the, when, the tenant the department of finance, I forget the the I don't wanna mispronounce the name or anyway, when they were here, we had quite a few of commissioners that attended the session that I was that I was there as well. So I'm so glad that they are doing that as well because they had two different resolutions.
One for the school board and another one for the the commissioner the county commission or the council. So I'm glad that they're doing that as well. Mister Vaughn. Yeah. I'd like to again just thank our counselors that have done a great job in getting the schools going, and anybody's ever been around school business know how important they are. Also, our cheerleaders in Florida, we wanna wish them the best of luck. And mister White, I hope he makes it back alright. I'd like to also thank our lineman, the from Middle Tennessee Electric that did an
amazing job during a nice storm and and got everything up to up to speed and kept us kept us open and with with electricity. And our maintenance department, we can't say enough for what they did to, keep the schools ready and safe and and everything. You know, we just can't say enough. Also, the the president has, got a bill, he's presented that's gonna allow prayers back
in school. So that's that's a great thing. So it's good. A lot of good things going on. Yes. Indeed. Does anyone else have anything? Okay. This has been a fantastic meeting. I think this is a break night breakneck speed we mount through here. Move to adjourn. Thank you. We're adjourned.