Recap of the Greene County Board of Education meeting

The Greene County Board of Education met at their regular meeting on Monday, October 25, 2021, at the Greene County Tech Center. During the meeting, several community members addressed the board in regard to Greene Early College Students being eligible for sports a Greene Central and on the mask mandate at all schools.

Following the community comments, superintendent Dr. Patrick Miller, recommended the board continue the current Mask Mandate in effect in the school district. Joey Rackley, board member, commented that he felt like the mask mandate was working and that the effort to keep the schools open and kids in school was his reason for voting in favor. The board voted 4-1 to keep the mandate in place. Brandon Johnson, board member, was the lone dissenting vote stating that he felt as though the decision to mask or not mask should be that of the parents, not the schools. 

Following the mask mandate vote, Mr. Raymond Smith, the district’s Director of Human Resources, presented to the board the Principal and Assistant Principals of the Year. Dr. Patrick Greene, principal of Greene Central High School was named Greene County’s Principal of the year. Dr. Greene in his interview talked about how his management style had changed from direct leadership to more of a facilitated leadership. Mr. Smith described Greene’s passion for his students and finding ways to help all of them be successful. 

For Assistant Principal of the Year, the county was asked to select an Elementary and Secondary AP. For the Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year, the county selected Mr. Taylor Moore, Assistant Principal of Greene County Intermediate School. For the Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year, the county chose Mrs. Yvonne Willis, Assistant Principal of Greene Central High School. Mr. Smith described both as dedicated to the county and the success of their schools and students. 

Following the presentation of the Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year awards, Mr. Smith moved on to present a suggested calendar change for the board to approve. Mr. Smith presented a revised school calendar for both traditional and early college that would make Friday, November 12, 2021 a wellness day for all students and staff. Dr. Miller stated that several surrounding counties had already taken this step and recommended that the board do like wise. The board voted unanimously for the change. 

After the board voted, Dr. Miller stated in a message to staff:

 “The Greene County Board of Education recognizes the incredible effort expended by the faculty, staff, and administration of Greene County Schools during the pandemic, especially over the summer and into the start of this school year.  Converting Friday, November 12 from a school day to a Wellness Day for all students and staff is a small way the Board can express their appreciation to our school system family.  It is our hope that everyone will use this much-needed break for resting and for spending time with family and friends”

Following the vote, each school presented its Strategic Improvement plans which were passed by the board. These plans highlighted what each school was targeting to support students who had learning loss and to increase students’ social-emotional wellbeing. 

Following that vote and a short closed session the board adjourned. The next Greene County Board of Education meeting will be on November 23, 2021.