Kingsport City Schools

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BOE Meeting Notes - July 14, 2026

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The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.  Several key items were discussed, including:
  • Recognition of recent Dobyns-Bennett High School graduate Emery Corpstein, who won the 2026 TSSAA Class AA Boys' Tennis Singles State Tournament Championship;
  • Approval of 2026-27 KCS Budget Amendment #2;
  • Approval of an architectural contract for Phase 3 of the new elementary school to be built in the Lynn Garden community;
  • Approval of a change order related to the renovations currently taking place at Dobyns-Bennett; and 
  • A report on potential Board policy revisions for consideration at the Board's August meeting.
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Meeting Livestream and Audio
 
View the live stream of tonight's meeting on the KCS YouTube channel.
Detailed Meeting Notes

CALL TO ORDER

The Pledge of Allegiance was led this evening by Calliope Barrett.  Calliope will be a 2nd grader at Kennedy Elementary School this coming year.

Recognitions

At the start of tonight's meeting, Board President Dr. Brandon Fletcher recognized recent Dobyns-Bennett High School graduate Emery Corpstein, who won this year's TSSAA Class AA Boys' Tennis Singles State Tournament Championship. 
  • The tournament finals took place in Chattanooga on May 15, 2026.
  • Emery is the first D-B boys' tennis player to win a state championship in 21 years and the first to win a boys' singles title.

business items

David Frye, Chief Finance Officer, presented a proposed amendment to the 2026-27 KCS Budget.
  • The proposed amendment (2026-27 Budget Amendment #2) addresses additional revenue related to TISA Growth Funds, a Ballad Health donation, and a FY 27 budget reconciliation with the City of Kingsport.  It also addresses appropriations related to the Lynn Garden Elementary School project and the Dobyns-Bennett High School renovations.
  • After review and discussion, the Board voted 5-0 to approve 2026-27 Budget Amendment #2.
Mr. Frye presented a recommendation to enter into a architectural agreement for Phase 3 of the Lynn Garden elementary school project.
  • The proposed contract with Thompson & Litton, Inc. would be for professional architectural and engineering services to provide the design development, construction documents, bidding assistance, and construction administration for Phase 3 of the new elementary school in Lynn Garden.
  • The agreeement would be for a lump sum fee of $2,265,000.  The total fee includes $188,795 for additional services for landscaping consultant, kitchen equipment consultant, furniture design consultant, furniture bidding, and cost estimating. There is also $48,000 included for reimbursable expenses.
  • Funding for Phase 3 is designated in the Lynn Garden Elementary School Project GP2507.
  • The projected completion date of the new school is scheduled for the end of May 2029, with classes starting in August 2029.
  • After review, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the agreement with Thompson & Litton, Inc.
Mr. Frye presented a recommendation to approve a change order to the current Dobyns-Bennett High School renovation project.
  • With the receipt of TISA growth funds, the recommendation is being made to accept three alternates to the project that had previously not been accepted at the time of bid acceptance:
    • Alternate 1 - $236,000 for all demolition and new work associated with renovating the old administrative area.
    • Alternate 2 - $160,000 for all demolition and new work associated with the construction of the existing building connector, which would remove the existing fire shutters and replace with an approved divider.
    • Alternate 9A - $106,000 for technology wiring in the current annex pod, which is being renovated and redesigned to add additional classroom space.
  • After review, the Board voted 5-0 to approve the recommended change order.  The change order will now go to the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen for final approval.

Reports

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Andy True presented a report to the Board regarding potential policy revisions.
  • 1.403 - Agendas
  • 4.213 - Family Life Education
  • 4.215 - Instructional Use of Digital Devices
  • 5.302 - Sick Leave
  • 5.303 - Personal and Professional Leave
  • 6.306 - Interference/Disruption of School Activities
  • 6.4053 - Outside Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy
The Board will consider adoption of presented policies at its August meeting.
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The next session of the Board of Education will be a work session on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 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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Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district). 
 
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