GCSSD Board votes not to consolidate schools
Board votes not to consolidate
GCSSD to invest in schools
By Logan Watson
In a surprise move, the Gibson County Special School District’s Board of Trustees voted last Thursday night against consolidating the elementary and middle schools in the Northern part of the district, choosing to focus on improving the existing schools.
The outcome of the vote was never truly in question, as many of the Board members had repeatedly stated that they were firmly against consolidation since the discussion began almost two years ago. Board member Treva Maitland told parents and teachers at Spring Hill School earlier this month that she did not expect a vote to happen until August or September, after the Board had heard from each school’s individual Feasibility Study Committees.
Board Chairman Tom Lannom pressed the issue early in the meeting, making a motion to keep the schools open and “invest in the individual schools by repairing and upgrading.” Lannom’s motion was met with audible gasps by several of those in attendance.
Lannom’s lengthy motion also included continuing the Feasibility Study meetings at each school so that representatives could bring needs to the Board outside of a regular Board meeting.
Board members did not immediately cast their votes. Benny Boals stated that, in the past, many in the community were against consolidating the high schools on the North end of the district, but it was ultimately beneficial, bringing about the creation of Gibson County High School.
“We have a lot of opportunities that are available to us because of the end result of consolidation,” Boals said. “No one wants to see a school close. It is difficult for the community. But with a large percentage of the student base being on the South end and a large percentage of your tax dollars coming from the South end, how long can we continue to invest in buildings that are older?”
Boals said that he was merely representing his constituents in Medina and was not attacking the schools on the North end.
“I want what’s best for the students in North Gibson County,” he continued. “I want them to have every opportunity that students on the South end have.”
Board member John Campbell stated that there were times that he had to remind some members of the anti-consolidation crowd that they would need to compromise if they wanted to keep their smaller schools—the district could not just simply provide students at Yorkville and Spring Hill with the same opportunities that students have at larger schools like SGC Middle School or even Dyer School.
“I said, ‘If you really want what everybody else has, then there’s one way to get it,’” he said. “Which do you want more?”
Board member Treva Maitland stated that she felt the vote should not be made until the members of the community were able to present to the Board, but Lannom said he did not believe the vote would have been any different in August and that the community will still be able to present their findings to help guide the renovations.
“We don’t know that,” Maitland said of Lannom’s beliefs on the vote. “We think it, but we don’t know it.”
Lannom’s motion passed 5-1, with Boals voting against the measure.
“As an advocate for the students of North Gibson County, I vote ‘nay,’” he said.
Before the vote, Boals raised questions about whether test scores at the schools support the theory that smaller class sizes are better than larger schools and what the ‘point of no return’ was for a school with declining enrollment.
Board member Dr. Richard Addo was not in attendance.
Maitland suggested that the district keep minutes for work sessions so that members of the community could stay informed on the Board’s actions and be more transparent. Lannom agreed, noting that the work sessions are open to the public. A schedule with dates, times and locations for work sessions and regular board meetings, as well as tentative agenda items, is available on the district’s website.
Lannom also suggested that the schools have yearly committee meetings in order to address needs each year, keep track of progress being made and discuss new opportunities for students, facilities and the community, such as preschools.
The Board will hear from the school committees at 5:30 p.m. on August 13. The meeting will be held at Gibson County High School prior to the regular board meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Other Business
The Board recognized Student School Board member Jack Ball for his service over the past year. Ball graduated from Gibson County High School last month and will be attending Belmont University on a full scholarship.
“He represented Gibson County well,” said Director Pruett. “I will say, he provided a lot of insight. You surprised me and I think you added significant value to the school board. We are proud of you.”
The Board voted to continue health insurance payments for retirees. The max payment from the district is $225 per month. Retirees must be certified and have a minimum of 10 consecutive years of employment. The total cost for the coverage is $35,694—an increase over last year’s amount.The Board also approved a $3,000 raise for certified teachers and a five-percent raise for all non-certified employees.
Finance Director Rory Hinson informed the Board that the 2026-27 budget’s projected revenues for the fiscal year are $44,387,001.50 and that the expenditures have been reduced by $50,000 thanks to a contract negotiation with Le Bonheur. The new budget will also include a funding for a new maintenance position. Expenditures are expected to be $44,434,442.45. Hinson said that after applying the surplus from the 2025-26 budget and reducing food supply costs, the district is passing a balanced budget with no property tax increase.
The Board voted to amend the budget and purchase a new maintenance truck for $48,628.
There will be a small increase of roughly $4 per month for some employee-plus-spouse insurance plans that will not be covered by the district. In January, the GCSSD will begin offering a co-pay plan to employees. Open enrollment will begin in October.
Board member John Campbell thanked Finance Director Rory Hinson for his work on the budget.
The Board voted to approve the application of Connor Simpson, a rising junior at Gibson County High School, to serve as the school’s next Student School Board member. SGCHS’ Student School Board member Isaac Scherer, will continue to serve on the Board. Ball spoke highly of his time on the Board and said that he felt having a voice for students on the Board was beneficial. He also recommended Simpson for the position.
Neither Ball nor Scherer had much news to share with the Board, considering that the school year ended weeks ago, but Scherer did applaud his Hornets boys soccer team for making school history with their run at the state tournament this season.
