Monday, Aug. 8, the Franklin County Community School Corporation Board of Trustees met to discuss the latest updates regarding the school policies. Starting off, superintendent Tammy Chavis and business manager Kendra Franks listed out multiple plans they recommended to advertise. Finalizations will be made in a few days. There was no further discussion made on the financial fund balance or the corporate financial reports.

The board would like to remind guests wishing to speak that they need to sign in upon arrival. Guests have three to five minutes to speak and are asked to be concise and avoid repetition. Last night's guests were Bob and Kathy O'Bryan. 

First and foremost, take a moment to applaud Bob O'Bryan. This is his 50th year working with the soccer league. Everybody knows that when soccer is involved, Bob is right in the center to coordinate, prep the fields, and work with the teams to have a great league. Bob took the podium during the meeting to express concern over solar panels taking the place of some fields and asked how this will affect the soccer league. For those who are unaware, the youth league uses a lot of space behind the high school and middle school for the multiple fields needed to accommodate the youth teams.

Patrick Poer and Kelly Hipskind of SolarFunded were present during the meeting to explain location sites for solar panels. The original site was off Smith Street, but after various days of measuring and intense debate, the two felt that the geothermal field (i.e., the junior varsity field) would be the best option. Hipskind went on to explain that the geothermal field placement was non-intrusive to the subdivision, as the panels can sit low. The savings cost was much higher, stating that this field is not only the better option, but will save more money in the long run. The request to have some shrubbery placed around the panels for a sleek and gorgeous setting was put in place. Hipskind and Poer spoke about the initial contract made, stating that the deadline for this project was Dec. 31, 2022. While nothing was set in stone and negotiations need to be made to adhere to all costs included in the construction, the board moved to approve the location of solar panels on the geothermal field. Bob O'Bryan is willing to work with the board to move some fields around for the youth league. Updates on this project will be discussed later.

School starts Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022. Just a reminder that there will be no eLearning days this year. School policies will return to their regular, pre-pandemic state. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the main office.

Chavis would like to remind parents of those who requested transportation, information should have been sent out already. Should you have questions or have not received anything regarding transportation for your children, please call the main office.

Lastly, Chavis and the board recognized two staff members Monday morning. Jacque Barricklow was awarded Educator of the Year and Rick Linville as Support Staff of the Year. Both have given much dedication to their jobs, the students, and fellow staff. Congratulations to both on their awards.