Cheatham County commissioners voted unanimously Monday to send plans for a proposed school bus garage to bid and to approve a resolution asking state officials to release Basic Education Program (BEP) funding numbers earlier to help local budgeting.

The commission approved a motion to send the bus garage project out for bids; the roll call was 12 yes, 0 no. The motion was made by Commissioner David Anderson and seconded by a commissioner who confirmed support; the action followed a recommendation from the county's education committee that had forwarded the project to the full commission for bidding.

Separately, the commission unanimously adopted a resolution, moved in form by Commissioner Jim Williams and seconded by a member of the education committee, directing the county to send a formal request to the county's state representative, state senator, the Department of Education commissioner and the governor asking that BEP (Basic Education Program) estimates be released sooner. The resolution reflected concerns raised by school officials that final BEP numbers typically arrive in mid-July and hamper accurate local school budgeting.

School district leaders also briefed commissioners on COVID-era operations and planning. Director of Schools Doctor Beck said the district will end its use of school meal distribution in its current form at the end of the week and transition to a new model led by local partners; thereafter families will be offered food packages intended to cover two weeks at a time, with continued weekly food assistance arranged through churches, the food bank and other community partners.

Doctor Beck said the district is working on a three-phase reopening plan; phases one and two are in place and the district is drafting phase three as it prepares for August. Officials said CARES Act funding guidance is expected in June and that will affect distance-learning and reopening plans. The district also reported graduation plans: Sycamore and Cheatham high schools will hold graduation-related events the first week in June; Harpeth High School expected to move plans after Lipscomb University cancelled a venue agreement.

The district celebrated Ashland City Elementary School's completion of a STEM certification; Becky said the school is one of 44 schools in the state with that certification.

Commissioners said the BEP-resolution was intended to press lawmakers for earlier and clearer figures so local school budgeting can be more accurate and reduce the need for mid-year budget amendments.