The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. Several key items were discussed, including:
- A musical performance by Adams Elementary 4th graders;
- A presentation on the Realize Digital Toolbox;
- Consideration of a Board resolution opposing vouchers in Tennessee;
- Consideration of a Work Ready Diploma;
- Consideration of two revised Board policies.
Tonight's reports and recognitions were broadcast live on the KCS Facebook Page! Click here to view this video from tonight's meeting.
CALL TO ORDER
The Pledge of Allegiance was led tonight by Brody Cox and Sophia Nielson, students at Kennedy Elementary School. Brody, a 3rd grader, is the son of April Crosby. Sophia, a 1st grader, is the daughter of Roberta Nielson.
STUDENT FOCUS REPORT
Fourth grade students from Adams Elementary School performed a song from the John Jacobson musical, "Wright! Celebrate the Beginning of Flight."
- The entire 4th grade, working in conjunction with parents and members of the PTA, will present this musical at Adams on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. as part of the Flight Night social studies event.
- The musical, under the direction of Adams music teacher Ms. Carole Makowski, uses rappers, music, and movement to tell the story of the Wright brothers.
PARENT INTEREST REPORT
Mrs. Theresa Feliu, Instructional Design Specialist at Kennedy and Jefferson Elementary Schools, shared information about the Realize Digital Toolbox, an online learning management system containing Investigations 3 math digital resources, content, assessments, data, and planning tools.
- The system is designed to support family academic involvement at home by offering K-5 teachers, parents, and students instant access to all resources and activities.
- The tools support inquiry-based mathematics and help students make sense of mathematical ideas, utilize reasoning, and communicate mathematical thinking.
BUSINESS ITEMS
Assistant Superintendent - Administration Mr. Andy True presented for Board consideration a resolution opposing the use of public funds in Tennessee for private schools unless certain conditions are met. The conditions outlined in the resolution include:
- Approval by the local Board of Education,
- The establishment of a "level playing field" in which private schools receiving funds must comply with the same curriciulum and testing standards required of public schools,
- Full funding of the Basic Education Program by the Tennessee General Assembly, and
- School vouchers would fully fund standard rates of tuition for all school systems.
After review and consideration, the Board voted 3-1 to approve the resolution and send it to the City of Kingsport legislative delegation.
Dr. Brian Cinnamon, Chief Academic Officer - Secondary, provided an update on the Work Ready Diploma, first brought before the Board in October 2016. KCS has revised the work ethic criteria to focus on work readiness and, pending Board approval, plans to implement the diploma for the 2017-18 school year.
- Students who meet criteria regarding attendance and punctuality, discipline, GPA, coursework, community service, and industry awareness may earn a Work Ethic Diploma in the State of Tennessee.
- The Work Ready Diploma is aligned with two of the Core Values (What we believe) found in the KCS Guiding Tenets: "Engaged families and the community" and "Exemplary student learning."
- Partnerships with regional businesses and industries play a key role, as KCS works to prepare students for the work force and post-secondary success.
Following consideration and discussion, the Board voted 4-0 to approve the Work Ready Diploma for use in Kingsport City Schools beginning with the 2017-18 school year.
Mr. True presented two revised policies for Board consideration.
- Policy 1.703 - Attendance Zones was revised to clarify wording related to continuation of zoning exemptions pending a review of attendance, behavior, and academic records.
- Policy 6.204 - Tuition Students was revised to add wording regarding consideration of financial standing related to payment of KCS fees as part of the criteria for tuition re-admission.
Following consideration and discussion, the Board voted to approve the revised policies on first and final reading by a vote of 4-0.
The next meeting of the Board of Education will be a Work Session on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Tennessee Room of the Administrative Support Center (400 Clinchfield Street).
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