By Kara Crump
Staff Writer
The Chester County Board of Education met at the board of education conference room on Tuesday, Oct. 22. All members were present with board legislative representative Becky Hutcherson attending virtually. This meeting had a large crowd in attendance with nearly all seats filled.
Jessica Conaway Donovan addressed the board on behalf of all Chester County students, concerning the school’s nutrition program. “My mission today is to influence the board to provide pressure in healthier meals for our students,” she stated. Donovan detailed the nutritional aspect of current school menu items and encouraged the board to consider healthier options for the children. She also requested the board consider a free lunch program for all students. See the related article on page 1-A for more details from Donovan’s presentation.
The recommendation to approve the revision of policy 5.6001 (staff tattoo policy) to the CCBOE Policy Manual was discussed as per last meeting; a faculty member addressed the board on this specific issue. Director of School Troy Kilzer II said that he reached out to superintendents across the state. He recalled the overwhelming majority had stated no problems if the tattoos are not distracting the students from learning or their education. A number of superintendents stated that some of their best teachers have tattoos, which is why there is no bias held against their district faculty members on tattoos.
“As long as somebody’s doing their job and they’re not distracting to the learning environment…I don’t have a tattoo—nor want a tattoo—but more power to you if you do,” stated board member Kim Scott. The update to the rules states that no tattoos should be visible on the face, chest, neck, excluding cosmetic tattoos — such as permanent make-up, and must not have any inappropriate language and/or images. The rules also stated that if any faculty member has a tattoo that the administrator believes needs to be covered for distracting/inappropriate reasons then the faculty member must comply and cover the tattoo. The recommendation was approved with all voting in favor.
The board then discussed the Health Insurance Plan for 2025, which is the health insurance plan for district employees. A survey was given out to district employees asking whether to stay with private insurance or return to state insurance. Private insurance includes Cigna only, but the state insurance includes both Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Out of 175 people, 87.4% (approximately 153 out of 175) voted to go back to state insurance. It was mentioned that GAP insurance is not available to go back to state insurance and that this would be a two-year commitment. It was unanimously approved with all voting in favor.
The board then addressed the recommendation to accept the ESSER 3.0 application. ESSER 3.0 is monetary federal assistance from the pandemic for COVID. ESSER 3.0 was the third assistance that was received after ESSER 1.0 and 2.0 and had run its course in June 2024. “We were fortunate to receive from carry-over funds and allocation from Tennessee Department of Education,” mentioned board Chairman Shane Connor to the members. “It was realized there were resources that were not expended as budgeted. It goes back to the feds, and then giving us the opportunity to repurpose that,” stated Kilzer. It was approved with all in favor.
The board next moved to the recommendation to accept the TISA Accountability Report. Kilzer explained that the TISA Accountability Report goes to fund the board of education, but in return the board must give evidence of achievement in the previously selected areas of English/Language Arts and Algebra I. The evidence is then shown and proven through the TCAP test scores. There is a five-year mark for 2028 and must reach a score of 70.1 in reading proficiency of third grade students. This is specifically important because during that grade there is a risk of being retained if TCAP is not passed in English/Language Arts. Algebra I is the second goal that was created last year. It was discussed that TCAP and public opinion are two huge factors concerning this issue. All voted in favor with none opposed in approval.
The board next looked at the recommendation to approve the 2024-2025 LEA Compliance Report. This is a report on the state rules and compliance. The report is a formality that must be done and approved by the board and then sent back to the Department of Education. It was voted on and approved with no one opposed.
There was an update on the construction of the two Capitol buildings (Ag/Auto-mechanic building and the indoor football training field). The projected time of completion will be mid-February of 2025. The staff and students are choosing between multiple names and are narrowing down the options to five names specifically. From there, the five names will be administered publicly for the community to choose the final name.
Board member Clay Rodgers turned in his resignation from the Board of Education due to interfering travel obligations for work. This included his work in Montanna, North Dakota and Nashville for his business. The guidelines were updated at the last meeting to only allow board members to attend virtually twice within the school year.
“I’ve only been here 10% percent of the year, maybe. I don’t feel like I can justly serve our community as a school board member anymore. After this meeting, I would ask that you accept my resignation,” said Rodgers. The board members voted and unanimously approved the resignation request.
Board member Brandi Cherry and board Vice Chairman Ben Cupples said that they were sad to see Rodgers leave but understood his need to work to take care of his family. They gave him best wishes moving forward. Chester County Mayor Barry Hutcherson will have to move the motion forward and find a replacement for Rodgers for the remaining of the two years.
The next board of education meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Chester County High School.
