Board approves insurance caps, new bus purchase and security contract

On Sept. 23 the Tullahoma City Schools Board approved a set of routine operational items: updated caps on district contributions to employee health insurance premiums for 2026, a new 78-passenger bus purchase to maintain the transportation fleet, and acceptance of a contractor proposal to upgrade interior door locks at East Middle School under a public school security grant.

District finance and facilities staff presented proposed premium caps and recommended modest increases to continue the district practice of covering the employee-only limited-plan premium. The board approved the recommended caps, which staff presented as increases to the district contribution limits (employee only from $662 to $695 monthly; employee + children from $873 to $917 monthly; employee + spouse and family caps were also adjusted as proposed).

Transportation staff recommended ordering an additional 78-passenger 2026 Thomas Safe-T-Liner bus at a quoted price of $165,600 due to long delivery lead times and ongoing transportation demand. Board members approved the purchase; when delivered, the bus will bring the fleet to 11 buses.

Under safety funding, Mr. Jordan reported the district received a $72,429 public school security grant and recommended using the funds to install a master key system at East Middle. McCarthy, Jones & Woodard submitted a proposal under the state contract for $90,649.44 to install the master key system; the board approved accepting that proposal with the grant covering most of the cost and the remainder to be paid from the general-purpose budget.

All three measures were approved by motions and recorded votes on the meeting floor. The insurance changes will be implemented for 2026 plan caps; the bus order will be placed immediately with delivery projected for 2026; the security project will proceed per the state contract and project timeline.