The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Several key items were discussed, including:
- A report on the KCS Early Learning program;
- Recognition of Dobyns-Bennett's state champion and runner-up wrestlers, as well as the Tennessee Wrestling Coach of the Year;
- Approval of a grant application related to mentoring teacher candidates;
- Approval of a grant application related to physical fitness equipment at Jefferson Elementary School;
- Approval to purchase two new school buses;
- Approval of a contract to provide maintenance and custodial services uniforms;
- Approval of bids for beef and peanut commodity processing; and
- Approval of a Board Policy revision related to Substitute Teachers.
CALL TO ORDER
The Pledge of Allegiance was led this evening by Lincoln and Shaylyn Thornsbury. Lincoln is in 3rd grade and Shaylyn is in Kindergarten at Washington Elementary School.
Community Interest Report
Dr. Amy Doran, KCS Coordinator of Early Childhood/Grant Writer, presented an update to the Board reviewing early learning programs throughout KCS.
- The programs for toddlers through pre-k provide engaging math, connected science, authentic literacy, and social-emotional development opportunities.
- Pre-K screening for the 2020-21 school year will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Click below to view Dr. Doran's full presentation from this evening.
REcognitions
Board member Eric Hyche recognized two recently crowned D-B Wrestling State Champions, as well as one State Runner-Up.
- Jackson Hurst was the champion of the Class AAA 145 pound classification.
- Tre Morrisette was the champion of the Class AAA 160 pound classification.
- Brennan Watkins was the state runner-up in the Class AAA 126 pound classification.
It was also announced this evening that D-B Head Coach Wesley Idlette has also been named this year's Tennessee State Wrestling Coach of the Year. Congratulations to these outstanding members of the Tribe!
business items
Dr. Doran presented a request to approve a Mentors Matter Training Initiative grant through the Tennessee Department of Education.
- The grant is designed to improve the preparation of teacher candidates through a partnership with the University of Michigan.
- The goal of the initiative is to provide high quality modeling of teaching, opportunities to practice teaching, and better coaching and feedback.
- After discussion, the grant application was approved by a vote of 5-0.
Dr. Stephanie Potter, principal at Jefferson Elementary School, presented a request to approve a Project Fit America grant.
- The grant is designed to enhance physical fitness programming already in place.
- The grant will provide $16,000 in indoor and outdoor fitness equipment for use at Jefferson.
- After discussion, the Board approved the grant application by a vote of 5-0.
David Frye, KCS Chief Finance Officer, presented a recommendation to purchase two additional school buses.
- The Thomas Saf-T-Liner buses, costing approximately $106,000 and $120,000, would be added to the KCS fleet.
- After review and consideration, the Board approved the purchase by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Frye also presented a request to enter into an agreement to provide maintenance and custodial services uniforms for KCS employees.
- The agreement with Centas for uniform rental services would provide uniforms that meet the requirements of the US Internal Revenue Service.
- The cost of the service includes delivery and pickup of uniforms, cleaning, repair, and replacement of damaged garments.
- The Board approved the agreement by a vote of 5-0.
Mr. Frye also recommended accepting a recently opened bid to provide beef and peanut commodity processing for KCS School Nutrition.
- The bids from Tyson and Smuckers provides items such as peanut butter and uncrusted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
- The Board approved the bids by a vote of 5-0.
Andy True, KCS Assistant Superintendent - Administration, presented one proposed Board Policy revision for review:
- Policy 5.702 - Substitute Teachers
- Due to the district entering into an agreement with ESS to provide substitute staffing services,
wording in current Policy 5.702 needs to be revised to align with this new staffing arrangement.
Revisions reflect changes to procedures regarding the application process, certification of
substitutes, listing of substitutes, employment terms, and responsibilities.
- The Board approved the Policy revision by a vote of 5-0.
The next meeting of the Board of Education will be a work session on Tuesday, March 31, 2019 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.