Buses get security cameras

The full fleet of Claiborne school buses will soon be outfitted with the latest in security surveillance. The school board unanimously voted in favor of accepting a bid from Central States Sales Company, who included in their proposal the costs for doing the actual installation of the cameras – something Bob Oakes, who is the director of security for the school system, said is a vital component of the project.

During the work session, held just prior to the regular monthly meeting, Oakes said each bus will be outfitted with a two camera system allowing one at either end of the vehicle.

He said there are still a few issues with “the spares.” He suggested purchasing seven or eight additional cameras.

The purchase should not affect this year’s budget, he said, since money rolled-over from the 2014-15 safety budget will cover the cost of the project.

Those utilizing the TIPS vendor program will now have the option of using Buy Board, a national purchasing cooperative that allows the funds generated through the program to stay in the state in which the purchases are made.

As a cooperative member, the school system will have a nonexclusive license to use the electronic purchasing application that does not require a bid process – something the TIPS program mandates.

Connie Holdway, director of schools, said the system will continue to use TIPS in conjunction with the new cooperative program, wherever needed.

The local chapter for the Relay for Life program appears to have been a success. Board member Linda Fultz said the county raised a total $124,133.71.

“It is unbelievable what the schools and the children have been able to do,” said Fultz, referring to the $12,000 plus the participating students raised on behalf of the program.

The board unanimously approved updates and revisions for several sections of the school policies including procedures for granting tenure, separating practices for non-tenured teachers, student assignments and medicines.

The Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) recommended a revision to change the notice requirements for non-renewal of teachers who are not granted tenure. This revision applies also to the separation practices for non-tenured teachers. Old statutes required notice to be given prior to June 15 of the year before the beginning of the next school year.

The board adopted the practice mandated by the new law requiring that notice be given within five business days following the last instructional day of the school year.

The third revision addresses new statutes in place for separating an alleged victim of child abuse from the alleged perpetrator. Plans must be detailed that will allow this separation if the abuse occurred while the student was under the supervision or care of the school.

Under certain circumstances, the law allows a parent or guardian to request that the child be transferred to a different school.

A new state law requires that students with pancreatic insufficiency or cystic fibrosis be allowed to self-manage their medications. The board adopted this revision, as well.

Reach Jan Runions at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @scribeCP.

T. J. Sewell takes the reins as the new principal of Claiborne High School. Sewell, who is a 15-year resident of the Lone Mountain area of Claiborne County, was previously employed for ten years in the Hamblen County school system at West View Middle School and Morristown High School.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Sewell-pic.jpg T. J. Sewell takes the reins as the new principal of Claiborne High School. Sewell, who is a 15-year resident of the Lone Mountain area of Claiborne County, was previously employed for ten years in the Hamblen County school system at West View Middle School and Morristown High School.

Members of the Claiborne School Board spend some time prior to the meeting reviewing the agenda. From the left, board member Brian Pendleton, Director of Schools Connie Holdway and board members Shannon England, Dot Patterson and Neta Munsey.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Claiborne-School-Bd.-pic.jpg Members of the Claiborne School Board spend some time prior to the meeting reviewing the agenda. From the left, board member Brian Pendleton, Director of Schools Connie Holdway and board members Shannon England, Dot Patterson and Neta Munsey.

Photos by Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Richie Hoskins, school health coordinator, presents Cumberland Gap High School student Ashlyn Roney with a check for $25 for placing first in an Anti-Smoking Poster Contest. Her winning design will grace walking trails as a reminder to just say no to smoking. Roney’s high school also received a check for $100.

http://claiborneprogress.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/web1_Roney-and-Hoskins-pic.jpg Photos by Jan Runions | Claiborne Progress Richie Hoskins, school health coordinator, presents Cumberland Gap High School student Ashlyn Roney with a check for $25 for placing first in an Anti-Smoking Poster Contest. Her winning design will grace walking trails as a reminder to just say no to smoking. Roney’s high school also received a check for $100.