by K. G. Beavers, Messenger Staff Writer
The Franklin County school board met in a work session on Feb. 4 to discuss a fund raising proposal, a telemedicine grant opportunity, the school resource officers (SROs) and the 2013–14 school board budget.
Franklin County resident Scott Truslow proposed a way to raise funds for the schools through a commission-based online program. People would be able to shop online as they normally do, except they first go through the <www.localschoolfund.com> website. Parents, students and local citizens make purchases with no additional fees at nationally recognized retailers such as Walmart, Macy’s and Office Depot. The schools then receive 5 to 15 percent of the sale, depending on the retailer. The only assistance the schools will be asked for is to promote the site. Truslow said Franklin County would get 100 percent of the commission money. The board made no decision on the proposal.
The Franklin County school system has been awarded a two-year, $499,000 telemedicine grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Sharber reported “that the grant has been received. Before it is announced to the public and officially accepted, Bonita Nolan is here to answer questions.”
“Before we start on the project and officially accept the grant, we need to understand the program,” said Nolan, from the Franklin County Office of Coordinated School Health. The telemedicine program is a way to connect a student to medical providers while the student is at school.
“It is a type of walk-in clinic, where common ailments are diagnosed through audiovisual equipment connected to a doctor’s office,” said Nolan. The doctor’s office handles all insurance claims and prescriptions as needed. Parents sign up for the service at the beginning of the school year. Parents are also contacted before, during and after the service. “We do not treat unless we get permission from the parent,” said Nolan.
The school board postponed making a decision about this grant until the March meeting. The board wants more information about costs, insurance, liability issues and if there is a registered nurse requirement, before proceeding.
Franklin County Director of Schools Rebecca Sharber updated the board on the school resource officer (SRO) program.
“Interviews have been completed, and the SROs have been matched up with schools,” said Sharber.
“They are all current Franklin County sheriff department members and are academy-certified. Some have had the SRO training,” said Sharber.
“By the end of this week, approximately four SROs will be in place,” said Sharber. “By Feb. 20, all remaining SROs will be placed into the schools.”
In preparation for the budget discussion, Sharber reported that Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam is proposing to increase the state’s education budget in order to get ready for the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers assessment online testing for 2014–15.
Addressing safety and security in the schools is a budget concern. School board members asked to look into the cost of purchasing security cameras for all schools. Sharber is also in contact with all the principals to see what capital outlay funds are needed in their schools regarding safety and security.
“We also need to increase the number of social workers we have,” said school board member Chris McDonough. “If we are concerned with safety, this is an element we need to discuss, and it is certainly worth investigating.”
“Sometimes children who need help do not get it,” said school board member Cleijo Walker. “Money and resources are geared toward special education programs,” said Walker. “Considering more social workers is part of the safety solution.”
Currently, the school system has one social worker. Each school has at least one guidance counselor.
The next school board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 11, at the board office, 215 S. College St., Winchester.
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