Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telico Plain Track topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Monroe County Board of Education adopts resolution to support Telico Plains track project
Summary
After a public request from a Telico Plains parent and noting a $500,000 state appropriation to Monroe County, the board adopted a resolution that affirms cooperation with the county and the Wisman family while noting legal limits on gifting board general funds to nonprofits.
The Monroe County Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution backing progress on a proposed regulation track at Telico Plains High School, saying it will cooperate with Monroe County and the Wisman family while preserving board ownership and oversight of any school property.
Chris Weisman, a Telico Plains parent, told the board the family and community have raised significant funds and completed engineering and surveying work, and asked the board to allow the project to proceed to a formal bid process so contractors can submit proposals. "We respectfully request approval to begin the official bid process so that qualified contractors could submit proposals and the project can move forward using the funds that we already have raised," Weisman said during public comment.
Board members referenced a 2025 General Assembly appropriation that directed $500,000 to Monroe County to assist the project and included text noting the state's recognition of the Wisman family's efforts. The board's resolution reiterates that the appropriation was made to Monroe County (not to the board) and states the board remains prepared to lease or provide access to board‑owned property, with the board retaining ownership and control at all times and approving contractors and designs before construction proceeds.
The resolution also cites a prior Tennessee Attorney General opinion that local school boards do not have authority to donate from their general fund to a 501(c)(3). The board's adopted language preserves cooperation with county officials while acknowledging that spending constraints limit direct donations from the board's general fund. Sharon Freeman moved to adopt the resolution; the measure was adopted on a roll-call vote with board members recorded in the affirmative.
The board said any construction on board property must not restrict other school sports or seasons at Telico Plains High School. The resolution directs continued coordination with Monroe County and the Wisman family and contemplates lease or access agreements that preserve the board's ownership and control.
Next steps: the board signaled willingness to continue working with county officials and the Wisman family as county-led funding and contracting proceed; the resolution does not itself authorize direct expenditure of board general funds to a nonprofit.
