The Chester County School Board met in regular session Tuesday, Sept. 19, with all members in attendance.
The first item on the agenda was to elect Chairman, Vice Chairman and Tennessee Legislative Representative for the 2023-2024 school year. Shane Connor, 22-23 Chairman, was the sole nominee and will continue in the position with a unanimous vote. Ben Cupples was named vice chair by acclamation, receiving the only nomination and unanimous vote. Brandy Cherry will be the uncontested legislative representative by unanimous vote.
The consent agenda was approved unanimously, which included budget amendments in addition to the previous meeting’s minutes.
Community member, James Finch, addressed the board requesting transparency in relation to fundraising profit margins. According to Finch, he participated in the band’s strawberry fundraiser last year, understanding the proceeds would go toward the band banquet. However, he said, the banquet was held on school grounds and the meal was “potluck,” which left him wondering what portion of the funds raised went toward banquet costs. Finch said he would like to see the margin of profit for fundraisers, the donations being broken down into the amount or percentage which would go to the product and how much the school receives for each. Chairman Connor and Superintendent Troy Kilzer addressed Finch’s concerns, saying they would encourage fundraiser organizers to include profit data along with fundraiser information. Kilzer explained each fundraiser is required to have a minimum of 30% profit margin to be approved.
In actional agenda items, the board:
- Unanimously approved a recommendation from TSBA for revision of board policy 4.700, concerning testing programs. Kilzer said students would have an opportunity to take up to four tests similar to a CLEP test, allowing the student to pass the course with a passing test score. Tests must be taken during the first two weeks of each semester, and students would have a one-time opportunity to score a minimum of 80% to receive credit. Passing test scores go toward GPA calculations. This opportunity is available for any grade level. This is just one of the opportunities students will have moving toward the innovative school program, providing more time to take advantage of work based learning or other programs.
- Unanimously approved ESSR 3.0 plan funding, which will be used toward curriculum, learning loss and instructional supports. Payout must be completed by the end of this fiscal year.
- Unanimously approved 2023-2024 Fundraisers. Each fundraising proposal includes a community service project. Fundraisers including food products which do not meet state health requirements, are limited to two, one per semester.
The next Chester County School Board meeting will be Oct. 19 at Chester County Junior High School.
