Michelle Childs became the latest addition to the LSB (Lakeland School Board) tonight (8.5.19) in a swearing-in ceremony by Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright.
Before beginning the LSB work session at City Hall, Mrs. Childs took the oath to join LSB, following Jeremy Burnett who was selected to a Board position June 26th and sworn in July 1st. There was a reception following tonight’s ceremony.
Board member Childs was joined by her husband, Craig, and children Trey, 5th grade, and Kedron, 8th grade, both at Lakeland Middle Preparatory School (LMPS).
Link to the agenda: https://lakelandk12.org/res/web/08.05.19%20WS/08.05.19%20Work%20Session%20Agenda.pdf
Link to Livestream: https://livestream.com/lakeland/events/8773126
Both new Board members replaced LSB members who recently moved from Lakeland before the end of their terms. Mrs. Childs replaced Teresa Henry who resigned July 1st. Mr. Burnett took Geoff Hicks’ seat after he announced his resignation in May.
Mrs. Henry attended tonight’s meeting and was recognized for her work as one of the founding members of the Lakeland School System (LSS). Dr. Ted Horrell, LSS superintendent, said five years ago yesterday (8.4.19) was the first day of school for the newly formed LSS as well as other municipal schools in Shelby County.
He noted Mrs. Henry was one of the founding members of the School Board and said he was truly grateful for her hard work and her advocacy for teachers, students and the School System. Close to tears, Vice Chair Laura Harrison (also a founding member of LSS along with Chair Kevin Floyd) said she had been with Mrs. Henry through the highs and lows, many nights at City Hall until 11 p.m. “It’s been an incredible ride,” she said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Chair Floyd and Board Member Deborah Thomas echoed similar sentiments about Mrs. Henry’s tenure on the LSB.
Mrs. Henry was presented with an acrylic award symbolizing her five+ years with LSB from December 2013 to June 2019.
Link to Google album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/LTao7kg2tRD7Gn4k9
And the rest of the evening
Chair Floyd said it is exciting time for the LSS approaching a new school year. Registration is tomorrow and school starts in Lakeland Monday (8.12.19).
Dr. Jim Mitchell, foundering partner of Southern Educational Strategies, LLC, was recognized by Dr. Horrell, who said Dr. Mitchell continues to support the LSS and has agreed to stay as a consultant. “He has saved the district significant amounts of money,” said Dr. Horrell. Dr. Mitchell recognized both LSS principals in the audience, Matt Adler and Joretha Lockhart, for their accomplishments. He thanked the School Board for the opportunity to work with the System in the past and future endeavors.
In his monthly report, Dr. said LSS teachers started returning to school last month for professional development and he expects a successful kickoff to the school year. He expects to receive data from the State Department of Education Aug. 15th on testing scores. He said right now the focus is on registration which is tomorrow (8.6.19).
Asked about preliminary numbers for the schools, Dr. Horrell said there are 810 students at LMPS but isn’t sure how many new students will come during registration. The System planned for 830 students. At LES the projection is 920 students.
There was discussion on 18 items including Fiscal Year 19-20 budget amendments and 11 policy reviews. Policy 6.506 dealing with students from military families is new.
Board Member Childs offered to serve as the TLN (Tennessee Legislative Network) representative and Board Member Thomas said she would continue on the Policy Review Committee.
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
