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School Board Approves Issuance of Debt, Pursues New Seating at MHS Gymnasium

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McKENZIE (May 3) — The construction of a new multi-purpose building is one step closer following the action of the Board of Education of the McKenzie Special School District. The Board approved the issuance of debt, which allows the bond agent to seek buyers for the debt.

The Tennessee General Assembly approved the school district’s request to borrow up to $4 million to construct a new indoor facility, which will be used for physical education, and sports and band practice. The school retired its only long-term debt for the high school’s construction in 1998.

The Board acknowledged the retirement of Jackie Carr, a high school teacher of more than 30 years. Carr is retiring at the end of this school year. Along with Derrinda Thomas, a school secretary at McKenzie Elementary School, are both retiring after long careers.

Replacement seat tops in the MHS Gymnasium are needed, said Kelly Spivey, MHS Principal. He indicated the plastic tops were weakened after 25 years of use. The estimated cost is approximately $60,000 to replace the 1,139 plastic tops on the otherwise structural sound bleachers. Spivey presented examples of replacement seat tops and told school board members the new design is stronger, yet is 10” deep compared to the existing 12” seats, which will provide more legroom.

The Board approved a request to seek bids on replacement seat tops.

In the June meeting, the Board will also consider replacing some of the McKenzie Middle School Gymnasium seating.

The number of attendees per graduate during commencement will be limited to 12, up from 10 last year and six in 2020. Spivey presented the request, noting the gymnasium is less crowded with limited attendees and the overall audience decorum improves with fewer attendees. The class of 2022 has 68 graduates, down from recent years. While 12 tickets might not be enough for some graduates, some need fewer. Students are permitted to swap tickets as they wish. The Board approved the request for 12 tickets each for the Sunday, May 15 graduation.

Summer school includes four weeks of four-day classes operating from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lynn Watkins, director of schools, said the extended summer school, referenced as ‘summer learning camps’, is offered as a mandate from the state, which provided $170,660 to fund the summer program.

The Board approved lunch prices and school fees for the 2022-23 school year. Lunch fees are BREAKFAST - free for students, $3 for teachers and visitors. LUNCH - $1.75 (MES), $2.00 (MMS and MHS), reduced price $.40 for all grades. Teachers and visitors pay $3.25.

Instructional fees are $10 for each student in grades Kindergarten to 4th grade; $10 for science labs at MMS. MHS fees are: $15 for science lab, art, and STEM classes; $45 for Drivers’ Education; $26 for diploma and diploma cover; $10 for health science; $40 for health science scrubs; $15 for student professional health liability insurance; $5 for computer; and $70 for cap and gown.

In the Director’s Report, Watkins commended the professional educators at McKenzie Special School District. They were honored for their service during Teacher Appreciation Week with gifts and other activities.

“The community is very fortunate to have them,” said Watkins of the educators.

The director also announced the resignation of Ashley Lowe (MHS History), Amy Talley (Pre-K), and Michael Pershell (Educational Assistant).

The Board commended Jaden Barton in absentia for her service as the student representative to the school board. Rising senior Skylar Deloach is the 2022-23 school year representative. She was introduced to the Board.

Mandy Drewry, supervisor of the Coordinated School Health in Carroll County, gave her annual summary of students’ health at MSSD.