The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education held a work session on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Several important agenda items were discussed, including:
- A request to name the football field at Dobyns-Bennett High School;
- A special education report;
- The FY 2025-26 4th Quarter Financial Report;
- A review of a potential 2027-28 KCS Calendar;
- A review of proposed Board policy revisions; and
- A review of BOE committee assignments for 2026-27.
Detailed Work Session Notes
Community member Greg Cross presented a request that the Board consider naming the Dobyns-Bennett High School football field in honor of Graham Clark, former D-B Head Football Coach. Additional comments supporting the request were provided by Betsy Cooper, Dr. Tom Rogers, and Marvin Cameron.
- Clark was head coach at D-B for 25 years and assistant coach for 11 years.
- Clark retired in 2018 as the winningest football coach in D-B history, amassing 233 wins and a 77% winning percentage.
- Clark was inducted into the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014 and the D-B Alumni Hall of Fame in 2021.
- The request is to rename the playing surface "Graham Clark Field" while retaining the stadium's "J. Fred Johnson Stadium" name.
- Per KCS Policy 3.210 - Naming Facilities, school or community groups may in writing petition the Board to name a portion of a school facility. The policy states that the Board shall not vote on a recommendation at the time of its presentation and a vote on the recommendation may occur no sooner than the next regular meeting of the Board.
Dr. Brian Cinnamon, Chief Program Officer - Curriculum & Instruction, Magen Jones, Director of Special Education, and Dr. Ben Robertson, Assistant Director of Special Education, provided a report on KCS Special Education Services.
- The purpose of KCS special education programs are to provide meaningful access to the general education curriculum and school environment for students with disabilities, to the extent possible.
- Educators assume the responsibility to ensure high levels of learning for all students and that all students can learn at high levels.
- Click below to view the full Special Education report.
David Frye, Chief Finance Officer, presented the 4th Quarter Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
- The report reviewed revenue and budget summaries for FY 2025-26, as of June 30, 2026.
- Click below to view the full 4th Quarter Financial Report.
Dr. Andy True, Assistant Superintendent - Administration, presented a draft 2027-28 KCS Calendar and Designated Holiday Schedule for review.
- The proposed 2027-28 Calendar closely algins with the 2026-27 Calendar.
- Key dates in the proposed 2027-28 Calendar include:
- First Day of School: Monday, August 2, 2027
- Fall Break: October 11-15, 2027
- Thanksgiving Break: November 24-26, 2027
- Winter Break: December 20-31, 2027
- First Day of 2nd Semester: Tuesday, January 4, 2028
- MLK Day: January 17, 2028
- Spring Break: March 20-24, 2028
- Spring Holiday: April 14, 2028
- Last Day of School: May 18, 2028
- To view the complete draft calendar and proposed designated holiday schedule, click below.
- The Board will consider approval of the official 2027-28 KCS Calendar at the October business meeting.
Dr. True presented several proposed Board policy revisions for consideration and review.
- 4.300 - Extracurricular Activities
- 4.301 - Interscholastic Activities
- 4.600 - Grading System
- 4.603 - Promotion and Retention
- 5.104 - Equal Opportunity Employment
- 6.200 - Attendance
- 6.202 - Home Schools
- 6.303 - Interrogations and Searches
- 6.304 - Student Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Intimidation
- 6.3041 - Title IX and Sexual Harassment
- 6.318 - Admission of Suspended or Expelled Students
- 6.405 - Medicines
- 6.506 - Students from Military Families
Following tonight's discussion and review, the recommend policies will be placed on the October consent agenda for approval.
Board President Melissa Woods reviewed a list of proposed Board committee assignments for the 2026-27 year.
- Click below to view the full list of Board committee assignments.
The next session of the Board of Education will be a meeting on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Tennessee Room of the Administrative Support Center (400 Clinchfield Street).
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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