The LSB (Lakeland School Board) tonight (6.11.18) approved a new contract for Dr. Ted Horrell, superintendent for the Lakeland School System (LSS).
Link to the four-year contract: https://lakelandk12.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Horrell-2018-19-Contract-Final.pdf
His annual compensation for the first year is $153,000 which can be adjusted or increased by amendment for any subsequent fiscal year during the term of the agreement. The contract includes language about compensations, expenses, insurance, vacation and sick leave. The contract runs from July 1 to June 30, 2022.
Vice Chair Laura Harrison, who negotiated with Dr. Horrell, said the Board is aware of the interest in Dr. Horrell from school systems across the state.
Link to meeting agenda: https://lakelandk12.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/6.11.18-Business-Meeting-Agenda.pdf
In other business at the monthly meeting, two items were removed from discussion: The Fiscal Year 18-19 budget amendments and action on a communications coordinator.
The budget discussion was carried to July and the suggested new positon was tabled, according to School Board Member Geoff Hicks until or unless it becomes necessary.
Mr. Hicks introduced the idea of a new position, communications coordinator, at a May meeting. He had concerns about shortcomings of communications during the just completed school year. However, tonight he reviewed a meeting he had today with Dr. Horrell and said he believes progress is being made.
“My recommendation is to table this to a future date,” said Mr. Hicks.
Dr. Horrell outlined some of the plans to more effectively communicate with parents. He said there will be a new website design and all activities and events will be placed on the master calendar as well as an expansion of the email database. He commented, “We are doing a postmortem on the past year. We know things we need to do better.”
Chairman Kevin Floyd asked if the plans will be made public once finalized and Dr. Horrell replied they will.
Other items on the agenda were approved:
- An interlocal agreement for transportation services and a contract with Durham for bus service, both for three years. LSB Member Teresa Henry asked about cost increases for bus service. Dr. Horrell said yes there are increases but the System will save a bit because of five fewer instructional days on the calendar. School Board Attorney Eric Plumley gave updates on the two contracts to Board members.
- A contract with Legacy Construction Services for the renovation and expansion of Lakeland Elementary School (LES) was approved. The total construction contract is for $2,936,578 including a contingency fund of $140,000. The scope of work includes 12 new classrooms, 4 offices, an expansion to the cafeteria, a new secure entrance, landscaping and irrigation, and resurfacing and restriping of the parking lots. Renaissance Group of Lakeland is the architect for the project and Mike Terry, partner and senior vice president, was asked about a plan in place to protect children during the construction which will likely last until January 2019. He said the team will work with the Tennessee Fire Marshal’s office and all workers will wear badges identifying them as part of the project. Horrell said the workers will do their best to minimize impact on the students and faculty. The parking lot work and secure entrance are to be ready for the new school year which starts in August.
- A laptop lease memorandum of agreement for LES teachers. The laptops are leased from the City of Lakeland but LSS is responsible for the costs.
- Authorization of the LMPS (Lakeland Middle Preparatory School) cheer booster club.
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents.
Link to livestream of meeting: https://livestream.com/lakeland/events/8245389
