The Henry County School Board met on July 8, 2010 at 6:00 PM. 

 Sam Tharpe was introduced as the new principal at E. W. Grove School. Director of Schools Sam Miles stated Tharpe will continue to do a tremendous job as an educational leader.

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The adoption of a new agenda was made due to the addition of Race to the Top budget approval and the cancellation of the Spotlight Recognition, which will resume in August, after vacation time has passed.

• Madam Chairman Reimold discussed old business, reminding board members of the Board Retreat July 23-24 at Paris Landing Inn when the district's 5-Year Plan will be updated.
• Race to the Top expenditures of $179,500 for year 1 was approved. The district and the state have approved Henry County School System's scope of work and are now waiting on federal approval before any funds are distributed. Director Miles stated the system must spend at least 25% of the award during the first year. He also stated that he is very proud of the work our teachers have done during summer training sessions. There were 12 teachers who attended the new standards' training, 21 of our educators, as well as PSSD administators, who attended the TVAAS training conducted by Asst. Commissioner Dr. Connie Smith and Colleen Goss, and 90 teachers involved in developing common Pacing Guides. Miles stated it has been a great summer of training for teachers and administrators.
• A request was approved for Grove to surplus cheerleading uniforms.
• Tim Mason reported on the high school curriculum, stating that Bridge Math will be offered for seniors who have scored a math composite score of 19 or below on the ACT college entance exam. It is speculated that the Bridge Math will increase student achievement in math and help them raise their score, therefore; it will allow students to enter a 4-year college without taking a remedial math course. The Tennessee Diploma Project requires that all students take a math each year of high school. It should be noted that HCSS approved last year that all seniors will take a math class, before it was mandated by the state department.
• Stephen Geller asked for the approval of the student handbook for HCHS. The school would like to align the body piercing policy with Grove's policy of ear piercings only, due to safety reasons. Also, the school day will begin with 1st block at 8:00 AM followed by a Homeroom, and then 2nd-4th blocks, with lunch sessions beginning earlier. Cell phone policy was again discussed and Geller stated they would like to use Board policy of level 3/4 offense (resulting in remandment to the Alternative School) after a second violation. The Board approved the handbook and asked that it be put on-line as well as paper copies.
• The Henry Principal vacancy will be filled after all interviews are completed next week.
• The next school board meeting will be August 12, 2010 at 6:00 PM unless otherwise noted