by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“This is a bigger concern to me than anything,” said Human Resources Supervisor Linda Foster, alerting the Franklin County School Board to a staffing shortage at the June 14 school board meeting. The board also took up several policy issues.

Foster listed openings for two assistant principals, two guidance counselors, two art teachers, one regular teacher at Sewanee Elementary, two custodial positions, and four or five special education teachers. “We lost three teachers to Tullahoma last year,” Foster said.

The 2021–22 budget calls for a 2.5 percent cost of living wage increase for all school system employees. Certified teachers also receive step increases for years of service and degree advancement. Foster explained, with the step increases, all certified teachers will receive at least a 3.5 percent wage increase, while those with more than 20 years of experience will receive a 4.5 percent increase, a hiring perk Foster incorporated into the budget this year. “This is a major plus for us right now,” Foster said. Director of Schools Stanley Bean said the county finance committee had passed the budget on first reading.

Foster directed the board’s attention to the new state minimum salary for certified teachers. With the 2021–22 budget increases, Franklin County surpasses the state minimum at all levels. Starting salary for teachers is $39,158, while the state minimum is $38,000. Foster expressed concern, however, that for teachers with six and 11 years of experience, the county wage was only slightly above the minimum.

Foster also expressed concern about the shortage of special education teachers. In April, the board approved a differentiated pay scale for special education assistants depending on the demands of the role. Foster suggested the board might consider a differentiated pay scale for special education teachers depending on the challenges posed by the group the teacher instructed.

Foster outlined the certified staff hiring option available to the school system. All teachers must have a practitioner’s license. People pursuing licensure by enrollment in a preparatory program in a state university may apply for a “job imbedded practitioner’s license,” Foster said. As a last resort, the school can hire an unlicensed person with a bachelor’s degree, but the director of schools must sign a permit allowing the practice, and the school must be able to demonstrate it actively pursued filling the position.

Turning to policy, Foster reminded the board the provision allowing for 10 days of paid COVID leave expired May 28. The board discussed the possibility of reinstating the provision if necessary.

The board approved a revised Student Disciplinary Hearing Authority policy, which provides for the director of schools to grant a second hearing if a review is requested. Foster noted the original policy contained this provision, but the amended version adopted last year, at the Tennessee School Board Association’s (TSBA) recommendation, removed the director of schools from the process.

Looking ahead, Foster advised the board the TSBA had recommended more than 30 policy amendments for the coming school year. The board will take up the amendments at a special called meeting 6 p.m., Thursday, July 8.

Bean announced the Zoom format meetings would not continue going forward. Board member Sarah Marhevsky suggested recording the meetings via Zoom and making them available on Facebook or the website to promote community outreach. Bean will investigate the possibility.

The board approved the sale of Franklin County High School old band uniforms, equipment, and instruments no longer typically used by marching bands. Band Director Chris Crumley said he would reach out to other county schools to determine if any of the equipment or instruments might find a home there. Crumley pointed to the “nostalgia value” of some items that might bring a high price and provide money to the band for future purchases.