Thursday night, TNT Primary School welcomed the school board for their monthly meeting. The first item on the agenda concerned the Stimulus Plan being negotiated by Congress. If the Plan is passed it could possibly provide an opportunity for schools to receive money for construction. The board viewed the Stimulus Plan as a potential option to correct the serious overcrowding problem at Midway Elementary School. In the possibility money does become available, the school board wants to be ahead of the game and have everything in order to be first in line. In preparation, Chairman— Sam Owens, asked the board to purchase land for Midway School. The board agreed to secure the land and designated board member, Bobby Drummonds and Director of Schools, Dr. Shoffner to proceed. The board hopes to expand at Midway Elementary School without any cost to tax payers, but in the event this fails and the Plan is denied, future options will be reviewed. The Chairman stressed this is not a commitment by the board to expand at Midway; it is just simply a preparation to insure Claiborne County Schools receive all of the funding available.

Some schools in the district have succeeded in being more energy efficient by reducing the amount of Kilowatt hours used. The total savings added up to $30,000. The board granted $15, 000, to be divided by the schools which saved money, for their activity funds. The schools reduced the Kilowatt hours used by awareness. Principals, teachers, and personnel turned off lights not being used, closed doors when possible, and took advantage of any and every opportunity to save their school money. And according to the numbers, their efforts have definitely added up.

Richie Hoskins presented a free program by Mercy out of Knoxville to the board called Cardiac Kids. It offers fourth and fifth graders an opportunity to have their blood pressure, cholesterol, and other screenings available. The board agreed to implement the program.

There have been several problems that have occurred over the course of five years with the new High Schools. To date all of the problems have been corrected with the exception of the carpet at Cumberland Gap. Their carpet was put down with the wrong glue. Mr. Lloyd has been working to correct the problem. The only solution is to remove the carpet, clean the surface, and install new carpet. Contractors have agreed to provide the labor and materials, excluding the cost of the carpet, at no charge. Mr. Lloyd estimated the total cost to the board at approximately $20,000. The board agreed to place the project up for bids.

Dr. Ellis mentioned the need for a Drug Hotline implemented in all schools to eliminate drugs and weapons. Dr. Ellis assured the board the Sheriff’s Department will cooperate with the school system. Dr. Shoffner agreed to work on a plan for the next meeting.