Elected as Chairman of the Greeneville City Board of Education during the September meeting, Josh Quillen served in that capacity for the first time during the October meeting of the board Tuesday.
SCHOOL REPORT – TUSCULUM VIEW
Tusculum View Principal Lana Luttrell updated the board on activities during the current school year and music teacher Jessica Ricker led the 4th graders in two songs.
SCHOOL BUS PURCHASE
The purchase of a new school bus to replace another was approved by the board. The lone bid of $166,377.63 was from Cumberland. Assistant Director of Schools for Administration Dr. Jason Horne reported to the board the cost of a school bus has gone up by 70% over the past six years since 2019-2020. He attributes that to inflation, the supply chain and the EPA requirement for certain diesel engines.
ELECTRIC BUS USE BEGINS MONDAY
Horne also stated the cost of an electric bus is two and half times more than a diesel. The new electric bus purchased by the school system last year will begin running routes next Monday morning. The $401,000 electric school bus ultimately will only cost the school system just over $1,400.
In December when the electric bus purchase was approved, City Schools Operations Manager Phillip Graham outlined specifics of a competitive EPA Grant proposal, awarded to Greeneville and written and secured by Director of Transportation Kristen Rollins. The grant covers $345,000 of the $401,410.24 cost of the bus. A federal tax credit of $40,000 after one years use would bring total cost for the purchase to $1410.04
GRADUATION RATES
The Tennessee Department of Education Graduation Rates released Monday indicated Greeneville City Schools had a rate of 97.9, which is 5.6% above the state average. Director of Schools Steve Starnes says graduation rates have remained near or above 98% over the past five years. (See Director update below)
GHS STATE CHAMPION GOLF TEAM RECOGNIZED
GHS Lady Devil’s Golf Team members and coaches were recognized by Greeneville City Schools at tonight’s Board Meeting for capturing the TSSAA State Championship.
DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS COMMENTS
