The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education held a work session on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. Several key items were discussed, including:
- A thank you from the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen to the KCS Board of Education and staff;
- An update on the KCS LED lighting and Solar panel project proposal;
- A report on KCS Technology efforts; and
- Information related to two new and two proposed Board Policy revisions.
City of Kingsport Vice Mayor Mr. Mike McIntire presented a special "thank you" message from the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen to the KCS Board of Education and staff.
- In his remarks, Vice Mayor McIntire expressed his gratitude on behalf of the BMA for the efforts of the KCS Board and educators.
- BMA aldermen in attendance tonight to share their appreciation to KCS included Mr. McIntire, Mrs. Jennifer Adler, Mr. Joe Begley, Mrs. Betsy Cooper, Mrs. Colette George, and Mr. Tommy Olterman.
KCS Supervisor of Maintenance and Custodial Services Mr. Bill Shedden and Mr. Mike Norris, Senior Account Executive with Ameresco, presented an update to the Board on the LED lighting and solar panel project currently under consideration in KCS.
- In May of 2018, KCS entered into an agreement to explore energy savings through use of lighting improvements and solar energy. The agreement outlined guaranteed savings to the district through reduced utility costs if full implementation occurred.
- Tonight's report reflects 30% project development, including:
- A utility summary of all KCS facilities, including site visits and lighting audits.
- Recommendations related to lighting efficiency improvements, including fixture replacements and re-lamping using all LED technology.
- Evaluating all sports field lighting to identify the best value for KCS.
- Previewing potential locations for solar panel installation.
- Over a 20-30 year timespan, it is estimated that KCS could realize significant utility savings through improved lighting and solar usage.
KCS e-Learning Coordinator Mrs. Laurie Norris and Chief Technology Officer Mr. Scott Pierce provided an update on KCS technology efforts.
- Completed projects in the areas of instructional technology were reviewed, including professional learning digital library for teachers (Canvas course templates, support courses, curriculum resources, and professional learning) and for students and parents (online learning resources and support courses).
- Several technology projects have been completed in the past few months, including:
- Over 10,000 work orders.
- The purchase and deployment of 323 teacher laptops.
- Google trainings.
- Google email and calendar migration.
- Various software and data support processes.
- Installation of internet access for the Transportation building.
- Implementation of a new phone system district-wide.
- Upcoming goals and projects include additional work on instructional technology, process improvements, planning for secondary infrastructure and wireless refresh, and rollout of additional teacher laptops.
Assistant Superintendent - Administration Mr. Andy True reviewed two potential new Board policies and two recommended policy revisions to be considered at the December Board meeting.
- New Policies:
- 2.300 - Comparability of Services: Required policy by law, that districts offer comparable services to schools related to curriculum and personnel.
- 4.404 - Use of Copyrighted Materials: Covers the use of copyrighted materials for instructional purposes. (Not recommended for further consideration by the BOE)
- Revised Policies:
- 4.600 - Grading System: Give grades 9-12 semester exams a weight of 15% of the semester grade.
- 4.700 - Assessment Programs: Count state assessments and EOC results as 15% of a student's spring semester average in grades 3-8 and 15% of a student's final average in high school EOC courses.
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