March 13, 2014) Jackson TN – At the opening of the Jackson Madison County School Board meeting board members got a chance to see the 2013 State Champion Madison Academic Decathlon team and meet their coach.

Paula Hatcher told board members about the dedication and work it takes to be on a winning Academic Decathlon team.  Members practice and drill every week day and on weekends for most of the year.  The work is rigorous and demands are high.  The payoff is championships and bragging rights of being the smartest students in the competition. Right now these kids can boast about their state title but what they reall want is another national trophy. This years National Competiton is in Honolulu Hawaii

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The board insurance committee made a committee recommendation tot he board that the system's insurance agent of record be moved from Browning and Graves to 5 Points Insurance.  The carrier, US Able, will remain the same and there will be no change in premium or coverage.  The decision comes as part of the preparation for implementing Affordable Care Act safeguards.  The board felt there were several situation specific needs that the school system has and 5 Points presentation showed they were best prepared for the job.  The additional services provided will save the system over $130,000.

Board member Dave Bratcher opposed the switch of agents

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The motion passed, with only on no vote

The board voted to send back to the city of Jackson and to Madison County two buildings it deems as no longer usable property,  They are West Jackson School (former alternative school) and Diamond Grove School

Board members also passed a resolution that opposes TN House Bill #2293, Essentially the bill gives County Commission line item veto over school system budget line items such as lobbying.  The school board opposes the legislation and is sending a resolution to legisaltors and other officials.  Bob Alvey helped with this motion and resolution

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