Dr. Jim Mitchell with Southern Educational Strategies, LLC told Lakeland School Board (LSB) members the new middle school is on schedule and on budget.
Speaking at the April 10 business meeting, he said that during the next three and one-half months, there will be 25 sub-contractors working on a variety of tasks to bring Lakeland Middle Preparatory School to completion.
Among the projects:
- Classroom and hall ceramic tile
- Internet wiring
- Security camera wiring
- Sound systems in the gym and cafetorium
- Kitchen equipment
- Gym and stage wooden floors
- Gym bleachers
- Library shelves and desks
- Office furniture
- Final cleaning inside the school
- Irrigation and landscaping
- Asphalt paving and lane striping
“There will be a lot of trucks and a lot of people,” he noted. “The building is important, but the people inside the building are the most important.”
Up for discussion was the 2017-18 Lakeland School System (LSS) budget. A physical education teacher from Lakeland Elementary School (LES) addressed the Board, indicating her support for the new budget. On behalf of herself and other teachers, Whitney Ross asked if the System would consider implementing a four-percent increase as suggested by Governor Bill Haslam.
Dr. Ted Horrell, LSS superintendent, spoke to her question, saying, “Our teachers do deserve more money.” He outlined the various increases given to teachers since Lakeland formed its own school system. He noted that Gov. Haslam’s four-percent bonus is for an average salary for teachers. “We are number three in the state in Lakeland for teacher salaries at $57,841. There are only pennies difference in the top state salaries.” The low end on salaries is $36,928.
“To be clear, we’re not given those funds directly,” said Dr. Horrell. “I appreciate that advocacy (speaking of Ms Ross comments). “We are very proud we are able to maintain high salary schedules. That we continue to pay teachers a competitive salary is an understatement.”
Kevin Floyd, LSB chair, noted, “We’re essentially among the top five in the state.”
The new budget was approved.
Also approved was a change to the May LSB meeting schedule. The next business meeting will be May 1 with no work session that month.
LSB members Teresa Henry and Geoff Hicks updated other members on legislation. Mr. Hicks proposed a resolution opposing partisan school board elections in Tennessee. The resolution was approved.
All items on the consent agenda were approved.
All agenda items can be viewed via this link including the resolution by Mr. Hicks. https://lakelandk12.org/about/board/agendasandminutes/
