By CONNIE ESH
The Wilson Post

Another chapter was written Tuesday night in the ongoing saga of the possible new Lebanon High School, when Board Chair Teddy Cook, moved to rescind all previous agreements regarding the construction of the new school and to reject any and all bids previously received or accepted.

The board voted 3-2 to pass the motion at its regular meeting, with Zone 1 member Don Weathers and Zone 2 member Greg Lasater opposed.

By CONNIE ESH
The Wilson Post

Another chapter was written Tuesday night in the ongoing saga of the possible new Lebanon High School, when Board Chair Teddy Cook, moved to rescind all previous agreements regarding the construction of the new school and to reject any and all bids previously received or accepted.

The board voted 3-2 to pass the motion at its regular meeting, with Zone 1 member Don Weathers and Zone 2 member Greg Lasater opposed.

Cook said she was proposing this change to “clear the slate” before the joint meeting with the county Budget and Education Committees scheduled for June 8.

She also moved to pay Hewlett-Spencer the “$45,000 which the board clearly owes them.” That motion also passed 3-2, with the same two opposed.

The board passed a “zero change” school budget and (with some changes) a statement of needs, which were felt to be vital as well.

The board also approved applications for almost $5.5 million in federal grants.

Members approved one application for $3.3 million from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) stimulus fund for special education. If approved, the funds for this program will be disbursed during the next two years.

The board also approved an application for a No Child Left Behind federal grant of nearly $2.2 million.

The board agreed to extend its sports medicine agreement with University Medical Center, its contract with Well Child Inc. and its contract for advanced placement classes with Volunteer State Community College.

However, the board deferred action on a contract with Centerstone of Tennessee to provide counseling services at LHS. Cook made the motion to defer, saying she really wanted to know more about Centerstone before deciding. The board also had some questions as to why only LHS was included in the contract.

Students and teachers received special recognition from the school board at the regular end-of-year meeting.

Among those honored were the newly elected Future Farmers of America state president-elect and vice president-elect, both of whom made county history.

Andy Ligon, the vice president-elect, is the first state FFA officer from Watertown High School in 52 years. James Flatt, the president-elect, is the second in a row elected from Wilson Central High School, an event that has only happened once before in the FFA’s 81-year history in Tennessee.

Also included in the honors was Audrey Joines, who was named this year’s state FFA Star Farmer for her activity raising horses and working them in rodeos. Joines is also the Tennessee state champion in barrel racing and break-away roping.

Jasmine Hassell from WCHS was recognized for her prowess at basketball. She has been Tennessee’s Miss Basketball for the past two years and has signed to attend the University of Georgia as a Lady Bulldog.

Teachers of the Year from each school were recognized with each one receiving a $1,000 bonus. And Catherine Hobbs was recognized as system-wide Teacher of the Year as well.

Connie Esh may be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .