NEWPORT-During their meeting Thursday night, members of the Cocke County Board of Education approved a partnership with the Cocke County Health Department to provide "free and voluntary" flu vaccines for students ages 5-18 who fall into "high risk groups."

Jana Chambers, Health Department Director, added, "By the time we get the vaccine, we'll probably have enough to cover the employees who fall into these categories, too. These would be teachers who are asthmatic or pregnant or other high risk situations who would be considered high risk."

She also emphasized that the vaccines will be given on a "completely voluntary basis."

Chambers added, "By the time we get the vaccine, there will probably be enough to cover all employees."

In related health news regarding the school system, Cocke County Director of Schools Manney Moore told members attendance figures for the first months have been good. "Today's reports show that 92 percent of our children were in school," he said.

Board members also approved a request by Pam Lunsford, president of Unity in the Community, for a special field trip for Northwest Elementary School students in grades K-4 to attend the city's Santa Land on Dec. 4.

Lunsford said that the group plans to invite one elementary school per year.

School board members approved the following 2009-2010 budgets: General Purpose, Federal Projects, Transportation, and Cafeteria.

They also okayed the purchase of 21 Computer Lab Workstations from PCS, Inc. at a cost of $715 each for a total of $15,015. Money for the purchase will come from Federal Perkins funds. The workstations are for Ben W. Hooper Vocational School.

Brockwell Construction Company's low bid of $21,778 for the replacement of 4128 square feet of roofing, as well as flashing, at Edgemont Elementary School was accepted.

A request by Del Rio Elementary School officials to hold a memorial service for the late Russell Shepherd on Friday, Oct. 23, was approved as was a second request to name the school's library in his memory.

Julie Daniels, representing Florence Crittenton Agency, received approval to offer CAPS/VOCA services in CCHS and CHS. The program consists of Child and Parenting Skills classes offered free to students.

Robin Gabbard addressed the board requesting them to consider the banning of corporal punishment in all county schools. No action on her request was taken.

Steven Swann was recognized for having attained tenure.

All board members were present for Thursday's meeting.