JMC School Board meets for second time for the new school year

JACKSON, Tenn— In a meeting lasting for 4 hours, the Jackson-Madison County School Board not only heard proposals for the vacant properties but also heard concerns about schools reaching the limit with students.

The board listened and approved a proposal made by Vicki Lake to tour the old JCM campus to possibly turn it into a multi-use space that could possible house a satellite farmers market, senior care facility and thrift store.

Bob Alvey was elected as the new chair of the board and Janice Hampton was elected as vice chair.

The issue of class sizes and reports of classes being held in the hallway at Thelma Barker Elementary School was brought up to the board.

Superintendent Verna Ruffin said that is simply not the case.

“Absolutely not. We do have quite a few, across the district,  pull out programs that are being held and as a result of that, this particular school chose to be able to set up an area that students who may not meet but two times a week have an opportunity to do that,” said Dr. Ruffin.

Another big issue of the night was traffic at both East Elementary and Thelma Barker Elementary School.

“It’s a combination of large number of students being transported by car and I think that’s a good thing because parents should be able to transport their children to school, but with that comes very long line of traffic in the morning,” said Ruffin.

The board also heard an update from the insurance committee. Starting January 2017, all employees will see major changes to insurance coverage due to the state no longer providing the gap and limited plan.

Current board chair Jim Campbell said they need to plan for the future.

The school board is also looking at West Middle School and weighing options over what to do with that property.