From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Schools Board of Education participated in a retreat and meeting on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. The entire retreat and meeting were streamed live on the TCS YouTube page.
Ahead of the retreat, board members participated in Whole Board Training. Principals from each school gave reports on their schools ahead of the meeting.
During the retreat, board members discussed developing a new mission statement and a new vision statement. Board member Mark Sims said he has searched for examples of mission statements for school systems and he wants to see the TCS statement to stand out.
“Only two percent of people in the world find purpose in their work,” said Sims. “If we could do that by inspiring our teachers and the members of Trussville City Schools, finding purpose of their work, then our vision statement should do that, too. It should fire them up about their work.”
The board will work on completing the statements before the next BOE meeting.
Also during the retreat, Trussville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill applauded school board members and principals for leading schools through the coronavirus pandemic.
“We never imagined the obstacles that we would face this year,” Neill said. “It’s just like a low hurdle for you guys. You know, I’m an old track girl and we are running down the track and the barriers are up, we just jump over them.”
The regular October BOE meeting was the last one for outgoing Trussville City Council member Jef Freeman, who serves as the school system liaison. Board member Steve Ward thanked Freeman for his time and service.
“We want to thank you for everything that you have done not only for the city but for the school system,” Ward said. “I can’t tell you how much you mean to all of us.”
Freeman said the meeting would be his last official visit, but not his last visit.
“I don’t plan to go away,” Freeman said. “I will just be in a little different capacity. I will just be a true citizen and not serving on the council or as liaison to your board.”
Freeman said he has enjoyed being involved with the school system and he thanked the board for all they do to make Trussville a great city.
BOE member Dr. Steve Ward was recognized for completing level three of the Alabama Association of School Boards School Board Member Academy. Neill presented Ward with a certificate.
The board approved an engagement agreement in order to improve communications with the media and community engagement. The agreement would allow for the revision of the community relations director job description. Dr. Neill said the description needs to be updated to include aspects of the job such as social media and online presence.
“I will be glad to update that particular position,” said Neill. “It’s prudent to update it as needed and I think it’s certainly time.”
A new director would handle media and community relations for the school system and all of the schools. The Hoover City School Board has a similar position. The position has already been approved in the 2020-21 budget.
The following items were approved on the consent agenda.
a. Approve Work Session Record and Board Meeting Minutes for September 21, 2020
b. Approve numbering revision to the Procurement Board Policy approved as 3.19.1 Procurement Policy should be 3.19.5
c. Approve agreement with WABM My 68 to broadcast HT vs Hoover October 2, 2020
d. Approve Child’s Play Therapy Contract Agreement
e. Approve Facility Usage Agreement for YouthBasketball for school gyms November 16, 2020, through March 12, 2021
f. Approve Contracted Services Agreement for Whole Board Training
g. Approve amending HTHS Clock Tower Naming Opportunity
h. Approve EDF 10-19-20-01 to 10-19-20-18
i. Approve signage for Magnolia Elementary School to be paid by the local school
j. Approve ESports as a Club at Hewitt-Trussville High School
k. Approve amendment to Coca Cola agreement (amended date to December 2024)
I. Approve Final Contract Change Order for Parking Lot Expansion, Baseball Field and CC Course Access
m. Approve Bid 20-06 for Cahaba Elementary Lawn Care and Ground Maintenance
n. Approve an amended contract with Katherine Scott Ingram dba Cuddle Bugs Company to meet the needs for visually impaired students
o. Approve contract agreement with Terracon for Geotechnical testing at new Central Office site
p. Approve agreement with Grand Canyon University for field experience, practicum activities and teaching internships
q. Approve renewal of Turnitin License
r. Approve bus bid 20-05 for the purchase of four school buses from Southland Transportation Group at the unit price of $90,896.34. Additional buses may be purchased later in the year using this bid and board approval at that time.
The November BOE meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Central Office. There will be a work session at 5 p.m. before the Board Meeting.
Video of the retreat and board meeting can be viewed below.