McKenzie School Board Approves Budget, No Tax Increase

McKENZIE (June 11) — McKenzie Special School District Board of Education approved the 2024-25 fiscal year budget during its June 11 regular monthly meeting. The budget includes no tax increase to fund the nearly $15 million budget. The tax rate is $1.1844 per $100 in assessed value on real property.

Teachers, administrators and staff members will each receive a four-percent increase in pay plus a $1,000 one-time bonus.

The General Purpose Fund is estimated at $12,472,539 of the total budget. That’s an increase of 6.8 percent as compared to the previous fiscal year. It funds 126.7 full-time equivalent employment positions.

The school’s budget is funded through federal, state and local taxes.

The budget includes $513,279 in school maintenance and upgrades. Dr. Justin Barden, director of schools, said these funds are allocated for projects that may arise through the course of the year. As happens every year, air conditioning units fail, water lines burst, doors need to be replaced, and other projects have to be considered, so we have those funds available to use, if needed. If those funds are not used, they will be rolled into Fund Balance at the end of the 24-25 school year. Summer maintenance projects include some painting at the elementary and middle, updating some restrooms at the elementary, repairing the visitor’s press box at the football field, some replacement windows at the middle school gym, adding furniture at the elementary and middle, and other items.

The Banner asked if there are any significant changes in the number of staff and faculty. Barden said, “Overall, there is no significant change in our staff numbers. We did add a few positions in the fall of 2023 using funds obtained through a STOP grant funded by the US Dept of Justice. Thanks to these and other federal funds, as well as a partnership with Carey Counseling, we now have a social workers and a behavior interventionist in each building. We will have these funds for two more years. In 2024-25, through a partnership with Jobs for American Graduates, we will partially fund a JAG position at McKenzie High School. According to their website, JAG is “a national, non-profit organization that empowers our youth with the skills and support to succeed in education, employment, and life.”

Earlier this year, the Board heard a report concerning the possibility of providing free lunches to students. Breakfast is already free for all students. However, that is not being implemented.

Barden said, “We explored a program called Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) which would have allowed us to provide students with free lunches, but we did not qualify for the program (several factors are included in that determination) and thus MSSD would have lost a significant amount of money should we have still chosen to participate. We will continue to consider options to support our students in eating quality breakfasts and lunches, and if possible, without incurring costs to the family. Breakfast will continue to be free for all students in the 24-25 school year. We do encourage all families to complete the Free/Reduced Application each year to see if they qualify.”

The Board voted to make pave the parking lots and drives at McKenzie High School and McKenzie Middle School at a total cost of $695,430. That includes enhancements to the bus circle at MHS and construction of a sidewalk at MHS. The funds will come from the fund balance, said Barden. The Board denied a proposal to create additional paved parking behind MMS at a cost of $208,100.

Some improvements are needed at Rebel Stadium. One idea floated in the community was the installation of a video scoreboard, similar to Henry County, Huntingdon, and Milan. However, that was not in this year’s budget.

Dr. Barden addressed the issue. “While some would love to see that happen, it’s not really an option for us. However, we are always exploring our options to see what can be done. Our football field is used by various teams in the district, as well as teams in the community, so the scoreboard is used a lot. Repairs to the current board are needed, but there is also consideration being given to replace the scoreboard with a new unit. While not a Jumbotron, the inclusion of some type of digital screen could allow us options when considering advertising for sponsors and sharing other information with fans in attendance.”

The Board approved a random drug-screening policy during its June meeting. The policy affects students who participate in extracurricular activities.

Dr. Barden said of the policy, “Students who participate in any extracurricular activities (sports, cheer, clubs, student leadership, etc.) are subject to the random drug testing program...Parents will have to complete a consent form before their student participates in the activity. Since the policy and program was approved at the June 11 board meeting, we will be working to implement the program as we move into the 24-25 school year. “

One revised policy allows students from other districts to transfer to McKenzie Special School District. That policy allows a student to “apply” to transfer with a $50 fee. School administrators will then review the student’s school records, discipline records, and other factors. The school is not obligated to accept the student. The policy is modeled after the policy at Huntingdon. TSSAA has statewide restrictions on students transferring and continuing in sports. Generally, the student-athlete is prohibited from TSSAA-sanctioned sports for the first year of transfer if he or she was already playing high school sports elsewhere. One section of the previous policy was eliminated from the current policy. That was a provision that allowed non-resident students to attend if their parents or guardians owned real estate within the school district.

If a student’s parent is an employee of the McKenzie Special School District and resides outside of the district zone, the student shall be allowed to attend school in the District. To continue enrollment, the student must remain in good standing with the attendance and discipline policies.

The pay schedule for licensed teachers was also released. Starting pay for a new teacher is $45,500 with a bachelor’s degree and $56,295 with a doctorate. The highest paid teacher is one with 20 years or more experience at $55,850 with a bachelor’s and $74,680 with a doctorate. Additional benefits include a pension and partially funded health insurance.

High school instructional fees for the 2024-2025 school year: Science Lab classes $15, Computer $5, Art $15, TN Ready Test Prep $5, Driver’s Education $45, Cap and Gown $75, Stem Class $15, Health Science $10, Health Science Scrubs $40, English I Novel $12, Student Professional Health Liability Insurance $15.

McKenzie Middle School: Science Lab classes $10, Physical Education $10.

McKenzie Elementary School: $10 per student.

Personnel changes are as follows.
At the end of the 2023-24 school year, retirements included: Tiffany Smith — MES; Amy Wilkes — MES; Vera Shipp (nurse) — MMS; Beth Bailey — district-wide; Kim Lowe (MHS) and Jeannine Lowe (MHS); and Keith Breeden (MMS and MHS Band).

Resignations include: Jamey Romey (MHS); Wade Comer (MHS); Bryant Comer (MHS); Alex Hayes (MES); John Wilkins (MHS); Virginia Arnesen (MHS Cafeteria); Cindy Williams (MHS Cafeteria); Brittany Standridge (MMS); John Walker-MMS; Betsy Flynt (MMS).

Newly Hired Personnel: Keith Hodge — MHS Business and Head Football Coach; Janet Esch — MHS ELA; Justin Lowery — MHS Wellness and Head Boys’ Basketball; Ben Carter — MHS History and Assistant Football Coach; Merritt Spence — MHS Driver’s Ed/P.E. and Assistant Football Coach; Kelly Allen — MES Nurse; Daniel Capua — MMS/MHS Band Director; Cameron Kee — MMS Math, Assistant Coach; Hannah Whitworth — MMS Behavior Interventionist; Collin Williams — MES Physical Education; Molly Wilson — MMS ELA; retired teacher Misti Cooper — MMS (first semester only).

In-House Appointments: Dru Emerson — MHS Head Girls Basketball Coach; Ashley Lowe — MHS Assistant Girls Basketball Coach; and Gale Edwards — MMS Nurse.