BOE Work Session Notes - February 23, 2021

The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education held a called meeting and work session on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Several key items were discussed, including:
  • Consideration of revisions to the 2021-22 KCS Calendar during a special called meeting;
  • School reports from George Washington Elementary School and John Sevier Middle School;
  • An update on KCS Special Education Services programming; and 
  • A report and update on the vision for the future of Indian Highland Park.
Called Meeting & Work Session Audio
Detailed Called Meeting Notes
The purpose of tonight's called meeting was to consider revision to the 2021-22 KCS Calendar.
  • Dr. Andy True, Assistant Superintendent - Administration, presented two items:
    • Revision to the dates of Fall Break 2021:  Changing the placement of this week in the calendar was tabled during the February 9, 2021 Board meeting to allow for further review and input.
      • Citing ongoing review and community feedback, Dr. True proposed the withdrawl of the administrative recommendation to revise the existing dates of Fall Break, to which the Board agreed.  Thus, the date of the 2021 Fall Break will remain on October 11-15, 2021 as previously scheduled.
    • Due to the previous rescheduling of the 2022 Spring Break (now March 14-18, 2022), it was necessary to reschedule the in-service professional learning day originally scheduled for Monday, March 14, 2022.
      • After discussion, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the placement of the Spring in-service day on Monday, March 21, 2022.
Detailed Work Session Notes
Two school reports were presented at tonight's work session:
  • Heather Wolf, George Washington Elementary Principal, presented a school report regarding information and areas of focus at Washington.
    • The report, titlied "Portriait of a Patriot," highlighted the relationships, relevance, and rich opportunities taking place at Washington.  
    • Click below to view the full Washington presentation.
  • Dr. Kelli Seymour, John Sevier Middle School Principal, presented a school report regarding information and areas of focus at Sevier.
    • The report reviewed how the culture of Sevier focuses on responding to student needs, highlighted the Way of the Warrior, and explored other athletic and arts activites. 
    • Click below to view the full Washington presentation.
Dr. Jacki Wolfe, Director of Special Education, provided an overview of the supports and services provided for students with disabilities.
  • The report included a review of department goals, a look at student acitivies, funding, and how services have been impacted due to COVID-19 over the past year.
  • Click below to view Dr. Wolfe's full report.
Dr. True and Jim Nash, Chief Student Services Officer, provided a report and update on the vision for the future of Indian Highland Park.
  • Located across Center Street from Dobyns-Bennett High School, Indian Highland Park is currently utilized for parking and other uses, such as for soccer and softball.  Additional facilities include concessions, restrooms, softball batting cages, and the soccer field house. 
  • Since 2003, KCS has purchased seven properties on the east side of Park Street to provide for future programming and expansion of what can be offered at Indian Highland Park.  Tonight's presentation is to update the Board on the vision for the potential future of the park and Dobyns-Bennett, including possible athletic and academic opportunities that could occur with continuation of the park expansion project in the coming years. 
The next meeting of the Board of Education will on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 6 p.m.  The meeting will take place in the Tennessee Room of the Administrative Support Center (400 Clinchfield Street).
For more information on KCS, visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, download our mobile app for Apple/Android devices or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District), Instagram (@kcs_district), LinkedIn (Kingsport City Schools), and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).