Board Discusses Budget, Upcoming Facility Repairs

McKENZIE (April 9) — McKenzie Special School District (MSSD) met at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the McKenzie Middle School Library for their regular monthly meeting to discuss budget amendments, and roofing and paving updates.

Budget amendment #16, amended the school-wide pool budget to reallocate $8,000 from equipment to additional medical insurance for special education employees.

Budget amendment #17, amended the general purpose budget to reallocate $20,000 to mowing, including $18,150 for tree cutting and stump grinding at the elementary and middle schools; $50,000 was added to building maintenance and $5,000 for technology software.

MSSD purchased four automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for $7,832 and is working with Baptist Memorial Hospital on reimbursement for one AED, a donation valued at $1,958.

MSSD Director Dr. Justin Barden stated that ESSER 3 is paying $51,100 for extended contracts this year and $47,974 was saved on medical insurance for the year.

Budget amendment #18, a revenue increase of $15,000 from Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) was reallocated to the office of the principal (other charges).

Budget amendment #19, amended the budget to replace 14 damaged condenser coils on HVAC units at the high school after hail damaged almost every HVAC unit on the roof. The insurance, Tennessee Risk Management Trust, covered the cost of $68,887 to replace the units. The district paid a $500 deductible.

Dr. Barden requested that the board surplus 100 metal student desks and two metal teacher desks.

Chairwoman LaShonda Williams asked if the desks can be donated. Dr. Barden said some desks are damaged, but some might be able to be donated and the usable desks will be kept. Board Member Misty Aird made the motion to surplus and Vice Chairman Chad Brown seconded.

Roofing for the high school and paving for the high school and middle school were discussed.

MSSD is working with TLM, an architect firm from Jackson and Lashlee-Rich to put together a bid packet for roof repair at the high school. Dr. Barden said because of the scope of work, an architect is needed.

Martin Paving of Medina offered a courtesy estimate of $750,000 to help prepare a bid packet for paving. The scope of work includes culverts, curbing, repaving, and resurfacing of the parking lots.

The board hopes to have the bid packages ready by the summer.

McKenzie Middle School students made a presentation about the Ron Clark Academy (RCA) House System. The Ron Clark Academy House System features eight houses, McKenzie utilizes six of the houses: Altruismo, Isibindi, Rêveur, Sollevare, Nukumori, and Onraka. The houses are learning and leadership communities for students. Each House has unique properties such as its own color, symbols, nation of heritage, history, and more.

According to the Ron Clark Academy website, Schools around the world have implemented the RCA House System, a dynamic, exciting way to create a powerful and positive school climate. Students are celebrated for their efforts through a process that builds character, empowers academic excellence, fosters school spirit, enhances relationships, and promotes a culture of belonging for all. The website offers downloads, histories, quick facts, cheers, and more for each house.