The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, November 5, 2015. Several key items were discussed, including:
- A report by the Lincoln Elementary 21st century Science class.
- A review of the new sensory room at Johnson Elementary.
- The recognition of six Dobyns-Bennett students named as "Commended" in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program.
- The recognition of an additional eight D-B students identified as National Merit semi-finalists.
- The recognition of D-B senior Theresa Cahill for earning a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT.
- Consideration of a bid and contract to provide Dippin' Dots Beaded Yogurt in KCS middle schools and at D-B.
- Consideration of a one-year waiver related to state assessment scores being used in end-of-year grade calculations.
- Receipt of the quarterly financial update.
Please note: Continuing with tonight’s meeting, following the Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance delivered by a KCS student, each meeting will begin with a specific focus on the students and programs of KCS. Reports will be provided by students and staff highlighting student work and achievements, innovative classroom practices, and information of interest to parents. Following the Student/Parent Interest section of the meeting, a short recess will be held prior to the business portion of the agenda. KCS students, parents, and community stakeholders are invited and encouraged to attend!
Call to Order
The Pledge of Allegiance was led tonight by members of Boy Scout Troop #250. Participating were Dobyns-Bennett students Konner Beck, Micah Clark, and Joseph Frazier; John Sevier students Aidan Brammer, Sean Eldridge, Adam Gaskill, and Joshua Lockhart; Robinson student Nick Mize; and John Adams Elementary students Cooper Cleek and Matt Munsey.
KCS is proud and appreciative of the Boy Scouts' long heritage of character development and support of the students of Kingsport!
Student Focus Report
Mrs. Kaitlyn Fleenor, 5th grade Science and Social Studies teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, spoke about the role of student engagement and voice in a 21st century classroom. Mrs. Fleenor was joined by several students who shared information about their Science class and a video they recently created about photosynthesis.
- 21st century science classrooms, such as Mrs. Fleenor's, emphasize student engagement, creativity, exploration of personal interests, and immersive project-based experiences.
Parent Interest Report
Ms. Kelly Hernandez, Special Education teacher at Johnson Elementary School, led a presentation about the new "sensory room" at Johnson.
- The sensory room was funded by a grant from the Palmer Center Foundation and contains special equipment to stimulate the senses of students who have a sensory impairment.
- Sensory equipment can help develop life skills including vocalization, gross motor skills, and fine motor skills.
- The Johnson sensory room promotes and supports self-organization, resilience, and recovery in a safe environment.
Recognitions
Board Vice President Mrs. Susan Lodal recognized six Seniors from Dobyns-Bennett High School who have been named Commended Students in the 61st Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. This program is designed to identify and honor the top high school students in the United States. These six students are among the top five percent in the nation for academic performance. The students recognized were:
- Owen Barbour, son of William and Sarah Barbour.
- Michael Taylor Bunch, son of Michael and Karen Bunch.
- Hannah Burgess, daughter of Charles and Sherry Burgess.
- Katherine P. Lawrence, daughter of Paul and Vanessa Wendy Laurence.
- Gibson T. Mills, son of Cort and Lori Mills. And,
- Kaylea Brooke Mohr, daughter of Doug and Becky Mohr.
BOE member Mr. Eric Hyche recognized eight D-B seniors who have been named as Semi-Finalists in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students will compete with the top high school students in the nation for a share of approximately $32 million in scholarship funds. Noted as being in the top one percent of all U.S. high school seniors, the eight students recognized were:
- Emily Baker, daughter of Leslie Boucher and Russell Baker.
- Samantha and Theresa Cahill, twin daughters of John and Paul Cahill.
- Alexander Caviness, son of John Caviness and Sabrina Yu.
- Jennifer Garland, daughter of Wayne and Carol Garland.
- Sarah Homoky, daughter of Doug and Carri Homoky.
- Kaylie Richard, daughter of Kevin and Shelly Richard. And,
- Charlotte Schodowski, daughter of Paul Schodowski and Sharon Ziegler-Schodowski.
BOE member Karen Reed-Wright recognized D-B high school senior Theresa Cahill for earning a perfect composite score of 36 on the ACT.
- Less than one-tenth of one percent of all students who take the ACT achieve this perfect score.
- The ACT consists of tests in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with the composite score calculated as an average of the four component test scores.
Mrs. Jennifer Walker, Supervisor of School Nutrition Services, presented a recommendation regarding a bid and contract with KBC Distributing, LLC for Dippin' Dots Beaded Yogurt sales in KCS middle schools and at D-B.
- The agreement would be from 11/18/15 to 6/30/16, with an option for a three year renewal.
- After review and discussion, the Board approved the recommendation and contract by a vote of 4-0.
Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Andy True and Director of Performance Excellence Mr. Michael Hubbard reviewed and recommended a one-year policy waiver regarding student test scores and calculation of a final grades.
- TCA 49-1-617 requires districts to have a grading policy which incorporates student scores on state achievement tests as a percentage of the final grade in mathematics, reading/language arts, science, and social studies.
- The code allows for districts to not include state test scores in the computation of final grades if those scores are not received at least five instructional days before the end of the school year
- KCS administration recommends that pursuant to guidance received from the Tennessee Department of Education related to the implementation of TNReady assessments and the potential expected timing of student results reporting, the Kingsport Board of Education waive the requirement to include achievement test scores for the 2015-16 school year if student scores are not received by KCS within five instructional days before the end of the school year.
- After review and consideration, the Board voted to approve the recommendation by a vote of 4-0.
Dr. Ailshie reviewed the 1st quarter financial report for fiscal year 2015-2016.
- Expenditures for the 1st quarter were approximately 22% of the budget, in-line with expectations.
- State BEP funds received in early July were $98,000 less than anticipated. A recommendation to adjust budgeted estimated BEP funds will follow at a later date.
- Revenue from Sullivan County property taxes and local sales tax totals are both expected to increase, which will be monitored and will potentially involve a budget adjustment at a later date.
- Other current revenue and expenditures appear to be line with expectations.
The next meeting of the Board of Education will be a work session on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 6 p.m. The work session will take place in the Tennessee Room of the Administrative Support Center (400 Clinchfield Street).
Read and follow our blog, "We Are KCS" to learn more about the great people and programs of Kingsport City Schools. Check it out at www.WeAreKCS.com.
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