[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6486407,"mediaKeyId","5588450-29882e587ae4464eef675b48cd0beea1","parentId",5588450,"title","Board authorizes superintendent to negotiate postage-machine lease with Memphis Communications Co.","audioSeconds",175,"startMs",1991000,"endMs",2166000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588450-29882e587ae4464eef675b48cd0beea1&start=1991&end=2166","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588450-29882e587ae4464eef675b48cd0beea1/thumbnail_1991000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6486407/Tennessee/Board-authorizes-superintendent-to-negotiate-postage-machine-lease-with-Memphis-Communications-Co","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486407-7ddab899e10817df3a502b43d213d969/orig.mp4?Expires=1775356681&Signature=fP0BS7Nz3werZ0MqAxHAD1rfA9IvBRvGF-nZnBL8HJOXrXHy0x~OjwPGLhhY0cdWw6NsduTktAtip5zvmqciN7jkegwaiLXZVLGdHrZZfIPjfas3UWqUMuPrlmBZFALJb-Nj7CjI9Ft0JI6V0w9H~62BvcThulBqeNUWP4BSH4UPmtFBtGwtlEBQL4FL9mT8CXtS1F~dzcOcIh~Mv2m9VvfX4I~E8~9O9PRBuDALXsFmDpg7VftbfZVhe9MRbSMlqWuIwnS6F7L9XL6BdtniD6GwxZEPqN9pxwdA219KUQRLOIg0Xx-0M40zF9-P9nfglOdif9Kpi6aDtjB81F3KEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tipton County Schools","date","2025-08-14T22:31:47Z","article","The board voted Aug. 12 to authorize the superintendent (or his designee) to negotiate and execute a lease renewal for the district’s digital postage machine with Memphis Communications Company (MCC).

Finance staff presented three lease options — three-, four- or five-year terms — and recommended a five-year agreement on cost-saving grounds. Staff said the monthly lease price would increase about $15–$20 compared with the current agreement but that the longer term reduces the monthly payment; staff cited a projected $900 net savings over five years if the district selects the 60-month option. Estimated monthly cost under the 60‑month proposal was presented as about $193 per month.

Board members asked about annual postage usage; staff said the district typically loads about $3,000–$3,500 per year on the machine for postage, and that usage frequency was about 14 months between prior reloads. The board moved and approved a motion authorizing the superintendent to negotiate and execute the lease; staff will proceed with the five-year recommendation unless the board directs otherwise.

Ending

The board approved the authorization by voice vote; staff said the modest cost increase was budgeted and could be absorbed in current operating funds.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tipton County Board of Education - August 14th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board authorized the superintendent to negotiate and execute a lease extension for the district postage machine; staff recommended a five‑year term to reduce monthly cost increases.","taxTitle","Tipton County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",14977,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":42,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486413,"District reports SACC enrollment, Project Succeed grant and staffing; announces Covington HS assistant principal",993000,1168000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588450-29882e587ae4464eef675b48cd0beea1&start=993&end=1168","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588450-29882e587ae4464eef675b48cd0beea1/thumbnail_993000.jpg","/articles/6486413/Tennessee/District-reports-SACC-enrollment-Project-Succeed-grant-and-staffing-announces-Covington-HS-assistant-principal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486413-b5128ee79d2c6f3226eb2715886d02a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775356681&Signature=RVcSC1b7XeVTdujN3ELuTZYOSJLOvT4jnIswU7myEAcf1mvfnLuqcDAzWUNZg1QYW76IPNDOctYdsfP9ASrj9WTSdaE~FqMUpgf4WmavkJ~VRNHQ2j~bw~zkApVbMcfaPtI7l20PCOhRNQCrEFBMKvwl~ToklItHT2JeY-Hz1Ud1rZBcVuo4lmihCBdN6PxADkcFhK9Ni~6e0ceJOwi-cWhguQ7K8xJhI~tQ5yqyb15QDB29-vz7mPFXyQLiR0BxBBcMs5XT7oPacaKj93rlilhba6B8OWEJ8Xhxbw7TTzaYmlTxRTYxbRqGPaYH9WfQRoAxMONzkDHcZDW4zYtN~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Operations and instructional staff updated the board on enrollment, after-school programs, grants and personnel during the Aug. 12 meeting.

Operations staff said the SACC (after-school care) program had 250 enrolled for June and July and 256 enrolled for fall with site-specific waitlists: AES (3 waiting), DES (5–6 waiting depending on school), MES (22 waiting). The county reported 92 out-of-district students are enrolled in SACC and the program is recruiting about 20 new caregivers to replace college students who left for classes. Staff said they expect to resolve waiting lists by September after hiring additional caregivers.

The district’s Project Succeed program — funded through a five-year “21st Century” grant — will provide $3,224,860 focused on STEM and after-school tutoring, staff said. Officials said schools that participate in Succeed have shown substantial TCAP gains historically and that the program will support mandatory tutoring requirements tied to third-grade retention law.

Nutrition staff reported serving 24,128 breakfasts and 31,081 lunches during June 2–July 25 meals service. Transportation staff said there is one open bus route and the district is training a driver; the department ran defensive-driving training during summer in-service.

In instructional news, Dr. Byrd announced the hire of a new assistant principal at Covington High School, Kiana Narcisse, a 1996 graduate of Covington High who will begin in early September. Dr. Byrd also said the district hired 62 teachers for the year and reported five current open teaching positions. New teachers began a three-day orientation in late July with follow-up training scheduled for Sept. 4 on classroom management; the district will run a year-long new-teacher academy and other professional learning opportunities.

Ending

Staff said they will continue active recruitment for SACC caregivers and classroom teachers and will bring grant implementation details for Project Succeed to upcoming work sessions.","Operations staff reported SACC enrollment and waitlists, Project Succeed five-year grant of $3,224,860 for STEM and after-school tutoring, nutrition and transportation stats, and that the district hired 62 teachers with five openings; Covington High will add assistant principal Kiana Narcisse.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486418,"District outlines internet-safety measures, monitors and training tied to policy 4.406",150,675000,825000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588450-29882e587ae4464eef675b48cd0beea1&start=675&end=825","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588450-29882e587ae4464eef675b48cd0beea1/thumbnail_675000.jpg","/articles/6486418/Tennessee/District-outlines-internet-safety-measures-monitors-and-training-tied-to-policy-4406","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486418-d0234283e5116987227787609df7b1d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775356681&Signature=Hf71TCn3DOBQ3bzPUEaSwyDRkxku9pDZ6rQOfHnkgcWPextkWvNZgsB5FmiUyDJJ9vgUAmo6IAxUYe4g6OOEu2q41Y7nj09IVN4XDIZaOWrAPHcmA45CMd-1JnsX2C1OAzMTGNx10OjvibTPN~vjtb-Ap~k2NGOEXmg44Y3dNQra4vpweH65W6x0Ka6-KgOpqeQRuXoumxrfoPbzm30Ao3D4gOqvG5dFp0qbjY91F94kppiMdM2sSU4lJ6IzpC3~ZQw5lyx3mD456ZFFLpTmSWR8yt3Zy~hvdys~NYiNWgag3ONr6kaKdvPk3J2YRPS51undORx4h2F7SP3Pgsi5Pg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District instructional staff presented the board with a summary of internet-safety measures the district uses to comply with board policy 4.406 and federal Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requirements.

Melissa Chippen (presenter) told the board the district requires acceptable-use agreements for students and staff and conducts technology compliance training for teachers at the start of each school year. The district requires teachers to include at least one internet-safety lesson in lesson plans; the presenter recommended repeating internet-safety instruction after winter break to reach students who enroll midyear.

Chippen described the technical tools the district uses: Zayo for network filtering, Content Keeper to block inappropriate websites, and Aristotle K12 for device monitoring and classroom control. She said Aristotle K12 allows teachers to see student activity, push sites to student devices, lock students on a single site during class and, in the district’s configuration, monitor keystrokes and locate lost devices. Staff noted the district uses these tools to balance instruction with student safety.

The presenter said the district hosts resources for parents under the district website’s Parents > Technology Resources area and that staff are committed to protecting students while allowing classroom use of technology.

Ending

Board members thanked the presenter; no formal action was required and staff said the measures described implement policy 4.406 and current CIPA obligations.","Instructional staff described filtering, classroom monitoring tools, compliance training and student acceptable-use requirements tied to board policy 4.406 and the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486423,"Board hears update on 'super school' construction, insurance mediation and cash flow",215,2229000,2444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588450-29882e587ae4464eef675b48cd0beea1&start=2229&end=2444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588450-29882e587ae4464eef675b48cd0beea1/thumbnail_2229000.jpg","/articles/6486423/Tennessee/Board-hears-update-on-super-school-construction-insurance-mediation-and-cash-flow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486423-5877b6d7a3c210a71cf48ac2623aee31/orig.mp4?Expires=1775356681&Signature=gXMx0orNv6AmfQD-jZBNFtvvg2XmTN0eHPupXRUa3Zns-qovliA2jgKN0vx~1jOIW5pnTZOU8UmyxpAZB9trnG1vlT~Y30DCMN7gTYje935RmvEUUYfGE7x5GJPsTDfxdYSMzV5kwZxvRbIJUOyfavvoUdC7mf82gBez6B2Ip~1WiobP1j1yYhga2NKFotdtJCLXOWLyMFr~RGZFMojKL8tD5DI8wLH~vQcoqlWcFLHYvKeRW-y5cVLmihqrb2guh7VhnpUmjq6CGFwdSEF7j-wNsIR4f7f2MBWZcbhpENyKxF6j6JKQCc~sXXvCJ8WNBpGZ9TZtmjYs5o5nui5yDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District finance and facilities staff told the Tipton County Board of Education on Aug. 12 that construction on the new combined campus — the “super school” project — is in late-stage work and the district has paid $44.3 million to date, with roughly $21 million remaining on the contract.

Finance staff reported a construction payout of about $2.3 million for July and said $2.1 million of the July payout was to Linkus (retention and pay application as recorded). Staff provided a monthly cash-flow forecast in board materials and said they will continue to send monthly updates to the board.

The meeting included an extended discussion of the district’s insurance claim and mediation with the local insurer and reinsurers. District representatives said the insurer’s replacement-cost offer is $52 million under the current mediation, while district estimates to rebuild on the original footprints are in the low $70 million range. The board was told the district has asked that the matter go directly to arbitration if mediation does not produce an acceptable result soon; staff said reinsurers (entities such as syndicated reinsurance) are now the primary decision-makers.

Finance staff said the district has paid two cash advances tied to the project and is awaiting insurance reimbursement for one payout that has not yet been returned. That uncertainty and the pace of reimbursements led district leaders to freeze all nonessential capital projects until they have clearer funding assurance. The finance presenter said current unrestricted fund balance at July stood at about $27.6 million, with restricted balances lowering the effectively available balance to about $24.5 million; staff warned that if reimbursements do not come through and the remaining project obligations are $21 million or more, operations could face tight cash conditions.

Facilities staff gave a construction status report: sidewalks, concrete, interior doors, interior finishes and kitchen equipment installation timelines were discussed and a two-week look-ahead was presented. Project management said roofing is complete, interior finishes are nearing completion, and some site grading and landscaping work will extend into September. Staff emphasized they are coordinating with the fire marshal to release finished sections of the building as they are completed so contents and furniture can be moved in.

Board members asked what the district’s options would be if reimbursements do not arrive and were told the board could need to consider use of fund balance or other financial adjustments; staff reiterated the district’s goal is to keep at least two months of operating funds as a minimum reserve.

Ending

The board received the update as informational and directed staff to continue monthly reporting on construction pay applications, insurance mediation status and fund-balance projections. Capital project spending remains frozen pending clearer reimbursement commitments.","District staff reported $44.3 million paid to date on the new school project, ongoing mediation with insurers over replacement cost, a July payout of about $2.3 million and a freeze on nonessential capital spending until reimbursements are resolved.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6486427,"Tipton County board approves dozens of school support organizations and calls for clearer SSO guidance",1541,2906000,4447000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5588450-29882e587ae4464eef675b48cd0beea1&start=2906&end=4447","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5588450-29882e587ae4464eef675b48cd0beea1/thumbnail_2906000.jpg","/articles/6486427/Tennessee/Tipton-County-board-approves-dozens-of-school-support-organizations-and-calls-for-clearer-SSO-guidance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486427-157f2c4b18416ef456dd70ac9226a1a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775356681&Signature=Vtiu~sS-KG4-MdZBgghblMCSf1KkETtz~j~2cvyOkVBjpp9KhGcUKAYFbwFU3hDhntf47SospW2-4mybpTsBjgNzT2OW0KL819-v3nQSE9lmp7uKnvZoRKy1KVssokyEnvOBM6ng3mUQZnwLROpEXkFBUK02jfh1qwSWLCqoejA6Ke-GikMOp4ugjSItMtlpmCT5vIBBXr7PQjX3IUu6YnIr95-Uaug06gEqaOFvWOrD7kiHwHNyOuCRhPa0TQNGA9n1HjqPK6kZoTqCW6Pm-yhKHrxMsXDNCqWJcP5iRqemCjL5XIZlVE4SLrdfKoI8BFRycnyK9uCf9Pntxhoydg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tipton County Board of Education on Aug. 12 approved the paperwork for multiple school support organizations across the district and discussed steps to tighten oversight, increase training and clarify policy language about volunteer groups.

Board members voted to approve SSOs presented by principals from several schools, including five organizations for Mulford High School (Mumford Band Boosters, Mumford Touchdown Club, South Tipton Dugout Club, Mumford Home Run Club and Mumford FFA Alumni), four at Brighton High School (Brighton High Bridal Crew, Football Booster Club, Brighton Choir Boosters and Brighton Baseball Boosters), CHS Ace Volleyball and CHS Home Run Club, Charter Academy PTO and Arts (Arch/Arts) Booster, Mumford Middle School Motivators, and Brighton Elementary PTO. Each group submitted the paperwork required by state law and board policy, and principals said submissions had been reviewed and verified.

The approvals were routine motions followed by unanimous voice votes. For Mulford High’s packet, the board took a motion from Mr. Jenkins with a second from Ms. Reed; for other schools the motions were made and seconded on the floor and carried with the standard “all in favor” voice vote.

The meeting’s substantive discussion centered on compliance and operational risks associated with SSOs. Dr. Combs and district staff emphasized that SSOs must follow the state SSO rules and the board’s policy. As a reminder of potential liability, a district attorney’s summary cited in the meeting noted that while the board is not automatically liable for SSO misconduct, liability can arise where a board or school official “knowingly allows SSOs to violate the law or become aware of legal or fraudulent practices.”

Principal Courtney Fee of Mulford High described the organizations’ fundraising and volunteer contributions and said the groups provide “business, labor and money, about a million dollars” to support school programs in a low year. Brighton High principal Brian Croson and other principals described efforts to educate SSO officers, noting that leadership changes and turnover make repeated training necessary.

Board members and principals discussed several recurring issues that the district plans to address: clearer, locally specific guidance in board policy (Section 2), annual or periodic training for SSO officers, and specific handling of adult-oriented fundraisers that may include alcohol. Chairman (unnamed in the record) and Dr. Combs said the superintendent must be able to justify district actions to the Comptroller and that the district will enforce rules that reduce legal risk. Several board members urged adding targeted training for presidents and treasurers and emphasizing the required verification and sign-off forms included in the SSO packet.

The board directed staff to include a review of policy Section 2 at an upcoming policy meeting so the board can consider changes that are permissible under state law. District staff and principals said they would supply specific suggested changes for the board’s review.

The board’s approvals cleared the listed SSOs to operate for fiscal year 2026 under the current district procedures; principals said the groups will continue standard fundraising and volunteer activities while district staff follow up on the suggested policy clarifications and training schedule.

Ending

Board members said they expect to bring improvements to the SSO process to the policy committee in September and to continue outreach to SSO leaders so volunteers understand the legal and financial expectations for operating alongside district schools.","The Tipton County Board of Education approved school support organization (SSO) paperwork for multiple schools and discussed clearer policy language, required training and liability risks tied to SSOs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board authorizes superintendent to negotiate postage-machine lease with Memphis Communications Co.

District reports SACC enrollment, Project Succeed grant and staffing; announces Covington HS assistant principal

District outlines internet-safety measures, monitors and training tied to policy 4.406

Board hears update on 'super school' construction, insurance mediation and cash flow

Tipton County board approves dozens of school support organizations and calls for clearer SSO guidance