Kingsport City Schools

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BOE Meeting Notes - December 12, 2023

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The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.  Several key items were discussed, including:
  • Recognition of the 4th grade student from Roosevelt Elementary School, selected as the artist of the 2023 KCS Christmas Card;
  • Recognition of KCS Coordinator of Student Information Services Becky Clark for winning the 2023 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award;
  • Recognition of John F. Kennedy Elementary School for being named a 2023 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School;
  • Approval of the 2023-24 KCS Strategic Plan;
  • Approval of 2023-24 Budget Amendment #6;
  • Approval for the KCS School Nutrition Services department to enter into a purchasing cooperative;
  • Approval of an amendment to the existing agreement for substitute staffing; and
  • Approval of several policies on first reading.
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Meeting Video
Click here to view the archived livestream of tonight's meeting.
 
Meeting Audio
Detailed Meeting Notes

CALL TO ORDER

The Pledge of Allegiance was led this evening by Dobyns-Bennett High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadet Airmen Avaleigh Thompson and Trevor Thrasher.  Avaleigh and Trevor are both freshman 1st Year Cadets in the JROTC program. Cadet Thompson is the daughter of Matthew and Megan Thompson.  Cadet Thrasher is the son of Jubilee Lawhead.
 
Cadet Captain Makenzie Howe was also present to review the unit's recently completed triennial inspection from Air Force Headquarters.   For the 16th time, the D-B AFJROTC unit received the prestigious "Exceeds Standards" rating, the highest possible grade for a unit inspection.

Recognitions

Superintendent Dr. Chris Hampton recognized Abigail Carrillo, a 4th grader at Roosevelt Elementary School, for submitting the artwork selected for the 2023 Kingsport City Schools Christmas card.  
  • Abigail is in Mrs. Hollie LaRue's art class at Roosevelt. 
 
Board member Julie Byers recognized Becky Clark, KCS Coordinator of Student Information Services, for winning the 2023 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award.
  • The RISE Award honors classified school employees for excellence and providing exemplary service to students.
  • Mrs. Clark was one of only two employees in Tennessee to win the RISE award this year.
  • After being recognized as a RISE winner at the state level, Mrs. Clark will now be considered for the RISE Award at the national level, announced by the U.S. Department of Education in Spring 2024.
 
Board Members Tim Dean and Dr. Brandon Fletcher (former graduates) recognized Kennedy Elementary School Principal Dr. Janice Irvin, school staff, and students for earning national recognition as a 2023 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School from the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.
  • Kennedy Elementary met the required criteria in nine performance areas of high performing schools:
    • Student Focus and Support
    • School Organization and Culture
    • Challenging Standard and Curriculum
    • Active Teaching and Learning
    • Technology and Integration
    • Professional Community
    • Leadership and Education Vitality
    • School, Family, and Community Partnerships
    • Indicators of Success
  • Kennedy Elementary was honored at the 24th Annual Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence National Conference in Orlando, FL on December 1, 2023.

business items

Michael Hubbard, Director of Performance Excellence, presented the proposed 2023-24 KCS Strategic Plan for review and consideration.
  • The plan highlighted six key recommended areas of focus:
    • Elementary Focus: 3rd grade Math; 3rd grade ELA
    • Middle Focus: 6th grade ELA; 6th grade Math
    • High Focus: Ready Graduate; Biology 
  • The plan also included information regarding metrics, action steps, work plans, and systems.
  • The four district were also highlighted:
    • Goal One: Provide personalized opportunities for students to develop social-emotional and academic skills and knowledge to succeed in life.
    • Goal Two: Recruit and retain diverse employees who are professional, passionate, and student-focused.
    • Goal Three: Align resources to our students’ needs and ensure safe, equitable learning environments at every school.
    • Goal Four: Engage families and stakeholders with accessible, effective supports, and meaningful communication.
  • After review, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the proposed 2023-24 KCS Strategic Plan.
David Frye, Chief Finance Officer, presented 2023-24 Budget Amendment #6 for review and consideration.
  • The amendment was related to classification of funding for HVAC projects and ESSER funds.
  • Click below to view the full Budget Amendment.
  • After review, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the Budget Amendment.
Mr. Frye and Jennifer Walker, Supervisor of School Nutrition Services, presented a recommendation for Kingsport City Schools School Nutrition Services (SNS) to join the Northeast Tennessee Cooperative (NETCO) from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
  • By joining the purchasing cooperative, the SNS department would expect to see benefits such as increased competition between manufacturers and distributors, negotiated buying power, increased quality product selections and variety, improved commodity delivery costs, and enhanced ability for commodity processing.
  • The cost to join the cooperative is approximately $18,066, which would be fully funded by the SNS budget and would be covered from savings gained by participating in the cooperative.
  • After review, the Board voted 5-0 to approve joining the NETCO cooperative.
Mr. Frye present Addendum #10 to the agreement with ESS Southeast, LLC for substitute staffing services for Kingsport City Schools for consideration and approval.
  • The proposed addendum changes the pay structure for Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) positions from an hourly rate to a daily rate.
  • Funding for this service comes from the General Purpose School Fund. 
  • After review, the Board voted 5-0 to approve Addendum #10.
Dr. Andy True, Assistant Superintendent - Administration, presented policies for approval on first reading:
  • 5.100 - Personnel Goals (revised)
    5.106 - Application and Employment (new)
    5.119 - Employment of Retirees (revised)
    5.302 - Sick Leave (revised)
    5.305 - Family and Medical Leave (revised)
    5.307 - Physical Assault Leave (revised)
    6.3041 - Title IX and Sexual Harassment (new)
  • Following review, the Board voted 5-0 to approved the proposed policies.

REPORTS

Mr. Frye presented the 1st Quarter 2023-24 Financial Update for review.
  • The report summarized revenues, expenditures, and Budget details as of Sept. 30, 2023.
  • Click below to view the full Financial update. 
 
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The next session of the Board of Education will be a meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 6 p.m.  The work session will take place in the Tennessee Room of the Administrative Support Center (400 Clinchfield Street).
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KCS has been ranked the "#1 Best Place to Teach in Tennessee" by the 2023 NICHE Best Schools Ranking and the City of Kingsport has been voted as the "Nicest Places in America" in the October 2022 Reader's Digest.
 
For more information visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or call the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (kcsdistrict), Instagram (kcs__district), Twitter (@kcs__district), LinkedIn (kcsdistrict), and check out our YouTube Channel (@kcs__district).