opening the meeting with a brief moment of silence or prayer and a pledge of allegiance to the United States flag. No one is required to participate or be present for any of these and being in this portion of the meeting is completely voluntary. Tonight's prayer and pledge is brought
to you by Miss Francis Rosales. >> Before we pray tonight, I'd just like to u all of us to remember uh the family of Anthony Adams. uh he lost his life in a uh
he's he's he's farming and he lost his life in an agricultural accident. Uh his father Andy and his uncle Robert are been made stays in this community for a long time and they've made uh tremendous
contributions to Middle Tennessee Christian School. So I just like to remember them. They're they're a great family. So, >> thank you. Bow your heads, please. Thank you, dear Lord. Thank you, God, for this day.
Thank you for allowing us to have one more day. Um, thank you, God, for all that you're doing and what you're about to do. God, I just pray that you be with each and every [clears throat] single board member that's here tonight and with Dr. Sullivan as we're getting ready
to make decisions. Lord, I pray that you give us wisdom in the sermon, but most importantly that we have peace about the things that we're about to be voting on. God, I pray that you be with all the families here tonight and those who are watching from home. You know their needs and whatever they may be, I pray that
you will answer them accordingly. We love you. We give you the glory and the power and in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> First up, we have approval of the agenda. So move. >> Thank you, Miss Sharp. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. All in favor, say
I. Yes. >> I >> got one. I'm gonna add it during consent. >> Okay. >> Next, we have the uh consent agenda. And I think you had something you needed to add to that. >> I'd like to request that we add Maddie Porter um from Central Magnet for high school volleyball. Since we don't have another meeting till the 4th, I'd
appreciate it if we could go ahead and add her to the list. >> Thank you, Mr. Von. Thank you, Miss Sharp. I'll entertain a motion. >> Thank you, Mr. Sharp. Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Bond. All in favor say I.
>> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next, we have public comment. And we have one person signed up this evening. We have Miss Sydney Bouvagei. Did I say it right? >> Hi.
>> Hi there. >> Good evening. My name isI and I am a former RCS teacher, a parent of three kids, two in our schools, and a current PhD student in education
research. Before enrolling in my current PhD program, I had the honor of teaching at Holloway High School for many years. Holloway became a home away from home for students and for teachers. It is a true community school. I have seen what
happens when adults pour into children. That is why something from last month's board meeting stayed with me. Student behavior was identified as the number one concern among Rutherford County school teachers. I appreciate that the board is
considering solutions including another alternative school. I am not here to argue against that. But I am here to ask whether it can be one part of a broader response. You see, when I was at Holloway High School, under Somata Drayton's leadership, the school felt like a family. I watched students who
had struggled in their large settings become kind, compassionate members of a community. That transformation did not happen because they were bad children who suddenly became good. It happened because caring adults supported them, held them accountable, and continually
reminded them of who they could become. For teachers, managing behavior is not simply responding to major disruptions. It means helping children regulate their emotions, redirecting attention, resolving conflicts, and meeting many different needs, all while continuing to
teach the rest of the class. Tonight, I want to talk to parents, including myself, about how we might help. During my last year at Holloway, my son's teacher expressed concerns about his progress. Instead of listening, I became defensive.
I questioned her expectations because accepting that my child needed help felt like one more thing I could not carry. And this is even being a teacher. Later, after leaving the classroom to pursue a PhD, I began volunteering at my
son's school a couple hours a week. Despite having been a [clears throat] teacher, I was so surprised by the number of decisions his teachers made every minute and the emotional energy it required to keep young ch children learning. I also discovered how parents
can help. Could a volunteer read in individually with a struggling student, organize classroom materials, help at an evening game so a teacher doesn't have to remain after hours? Not every parent can volunteer during the school day. and I was so privileged
that I could give a couple hours a week. But many of us want to contribute and simply do not know how we can help. So my request is, could Rutherford County Schools develop clearer, more flexible pathways for parents and community members to support classrooms and school
activities? Teachers and administrators cannot carry this responsibility alone. If we want better behavior, stronger schools, and teachers who remain in the profession, families must become part of the solution. Dr. Sullivan, you have
personally inspired me that teaching can be a more sustainable profession. And your leadership is inspiring. Members of the board, thank you for your leadership, your service, and for hearing me tonight. Your discussions and action show us as parents and as
teachers how much you care about our students. RCS is not just a school district. It's a community. One that I and so many parents are proud to be part of. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next, we have the director of schools
evaluation results. And I believe we have Macy. I'm gonna Campodili. >> Close. Close. Um, for those of you I have not met yet, uh, my name is Macy Campidili. I am the director of board development and a staff attorney at
TSBA. So, we were asked to assist with the superintendent evaluation for Dr. Sullivan this year. Um, you each should have a copy of the evaluation results. So, we sent out a link to to board members and to administrators to fill the evaluation out online and then we
tabulated the results. So, if you're turning to the first page, that's the overall evaluation score. So the rating scale we used was a one to five with five being significant significantly above expectations. Section one included appendix A which
was the administrator survey and appendix B which was the board observational data and then section two was appendix C which included achievement of board goals and strategic plan. Each of those sections were weighted evenly. Um we added those up.
The overall evaluation score was 4.53. If you'll turn, we have appendix A. So that's going to break down each of those sections. The overall score for the administrator survey was 4.75. And then if you'll turn, you will have
all of the comments from the administrators verbatim as we received them. Appendix B was the board observational data. I'll go quickly through each of those sections. So for board relationships, the average score was 4.24.
For community relationships, the average score is 4.64. For staff and personnel relationships, the average score is 4.53. For facilities, finance, and human resources, the average score is 4.6.
For vision, the average score is 4.48. For student achievement, the average score was 4.59. For management and operations, the average score is 4.55. For integrity, fairness, and ethics, the
average score is 4.39. And for political, social, and cultural context, the average score is 4.36. So the total average for appendix B was 4.49. That next page is just a graph with each
of those sections broken down for appendix B. Appendix C was achievement and board goals and strategic plan. For section one, for performance objective one, the average was 4.47.
For performance objective two, the average score was 4.43. For performance objective three, the average is 4.57. For performance objective four, the average was 4.43.
Performance objective five, the average was 4.43. Performance objective six, average was 4.57. Performance objective 7, the average was 4.57. And performance objective 8, the
average was 4.3. So the total average for appendix C was 4.47. Again, there's another graph breaking down each of those sections for appendix C. And then the last page will be comments from board me from board members verbatim as we receive them. Um,
so those three sections made up the superintendent evaluation um for that overall score of 4.53. Does anyone have any questions about the evaluation or how TSBA assisted in the process? >> Mel, Mr. Rosales.
>> Thank you. [clears throat] So it's clearly that Dr. Sullivan >> has done an I don't think my mic was >> it is >> oh it wasn't has done an outstanding job
now four years into it and I think his average score has been this high 4 point something and so um I'm going to read a comment of what I said into what has been the past four years for him since this will be the last time that I'll be
judging this evaluation I wanted to go ahead and do this. So, um, Dr. Sullivan has done an out outstanding job leading Rutherford County Schools over the past four years. His greatest challenge has been working with a divided board. Rather than
focusing solely on initiatives that move education forward for the benefit of students, the board has found itself split on issues that shouldn't be political and bringing national political noise at the forefront that leave little that have little to do to
do with the education of Rutherford County students. This division has become especially apparent not once but twice during discussions regarding the extension of Dr. Sullivan's contract. For a leader who has consistently delivered results year after year, as
evidenced by student achievement and district growth, one will think renewing his contract will be an easy decision. Instead, the discussion has turned into a political ba battleground disguised as fiscal responsibility. Rather than a straightforward acknowledgement of a job
well done, his contract extension has been treated as conditional with new terms that ultimately place a target on his back. How can any director effectively lead a district knowing that his job could be placed in jeopardy without just cost? What's truly being
communicated without saying is you're doing a great job and we want to keep you, but you're too expensive to to retain and keep. despite the fact that his salary remains far below the average for the directors leading districts of
similar size and complexity. Under Dr. Sullivan's leadership, Rutherford County Schools has continued to grow, improve student outcomes, attain attain low staff vacancies and higher staff retention, and maintain strong financial
stewardship. The those accomplishments should matter. board members will do a great service to our community, especially our students, teachers, and staff by supporting the director and allowing him to continue leading the
district without unnecessary political interference in division. And with that, I will say the testament of why I decided to speak up and read this is because the person that spoke here just a few seconds ago, I met her during the
trail of her campaign and she attests to how amazing and wonderful you were because when she had a a situation with a family, you value what she brought to the system and made accommodations for her to stay. And that's the type of
leadership that we have here in Weatherford County is someone who values our staff and understands that the the struggles that go to and he does a lot of work in trying to keep good staff. And the fact that we having to pick
having to argue over a contract that was already decided before I even got here makes me wonder why are we coming to to this when we have someone that is already doing the work that is necessary and bringing the results and obviously
it shows and not just in the in the outcomes but the people that he's leading and I hope that if a two-year contract comes again that it's a seven to decision. >> Thank you. >> Quick. >> Yes. >> Yeah. I just want to say thank you all for the feedback. Um it's an honor to
serve Rutherford County Schools. You know, this is my home district. Uh personally, people can have certain viewpoints of growing up in a home district and moving to become superintendent. You know, I had a tough home life that not a lot of people know about. Um but this system helped save
me. So, it is personal for me. So, appreciate everything. Y >> anything else? I'd like to do seven. I don't know if anybody could do any better job. Thank you, sir. Done. And uh >> I don't know. I get disappointed
sometime when I look at some of these scores and uh and I I don't know. It just I guess it burns me a little bit because it's not really a fair truth of evaluation of the job you've done.
Uh, for example, we're the number one achieving school system in the state of Tennessee. And over here, it's, you know, is the uh on the evaluation,
I think it's uh student achievement 4.59. I mean, I don't know how I could keep them being 5.0 when you're the best. So keep up the good work, you know. >> Thank you. >> Thank you for leading us.
>> Of course. Thank you. >> Thank you so much for putting this together and helping us. >> Next we have the RCS difference. >> I think Mr. Evans, I think this is your entire section. So, I know we have a packed agenda tonight, but uh I also know that we love
packing it with this kind of stuff. So, we have a lot of things to recognize tonight. Uh first thing I'm going to do is um call up uh Miss Tiffany, you right behind me? >> Yep. >> And Tyra, come on up. You want to come up, too? Uh just give a little
introduction here. For the past three years, I believe we've been doing this internship program over the summer. Tiffany's going to tell you more about it, but I will tell you that in the communications department, we were fortunate enough to have one of our students, uh, Joseph, who's on here, who's actually not a communications student. He is a student out of the
aviation program at Seagull. And we specifically sought that so that we could get him to shoot uh, aerial footage of using drones of all of our schools or as many as he could up during his one month. And he got about half of them done. And it's incredible footage that we're going to be able to use as
file footage for a long time. And so we have a hard time finding time to go out and do all that. We have so many schools and he dedicated the month of June to do that. But you're going to talk about the whole program. So start there. Thank you, Mr. Evans. Thank you members of the board, Dr. Sullivan um for
allowing us this moment to recognize our summer interns and talk a little bit about this program. um it has such a huge impact on the work that um RCS is doing uh especially in our central office and also at our summer learning camps. Um so it's a very important work
and I appreciate the time that we can recognize these students. Um this program as Mr. Evans referred to um just finished year three. Um and the program is a combination of industry-led and district-led opportunities. And I want
to take a moment just to recognize our industry partners. Um, our industry partners are invaluable. We could not do the work that we do without our industry partners. Um, and one of those is TWW Frierson. Um, they are a construction
company who mainly deals with commercial construction in the Middle Tennessee area. And this summer and um, as well as the last two summers as well, so three years, this is the third year. Um, TWW Frierson has hosted four Rutherford
County Construction students. Um, and uh, they are paid as TWW Frierson um, employees at $20 an hour. Could y'all imagine making $20 an hour as a high school student? Um, I as a college
student, I made $12 an hour and I thought that was amazing. Um and so they have uh just completed a six-week program um at TWW Frierson. Each student through this program is assigned to a work site where they perform various
tasks related to commercial construction and these students come from our construction programs um this summer from Oakland and Smyrna um construction programs. Now, state and federal child labor law restricts individuals under
the age of 18 from performing certain job tasks. Many of the tasks performed on a construction site fall under these restrictions in child labor law. However, there is an exemption. um TCA50-5-107
provides exemption to the child labor law if the individual under 18 is enrolled in a vocational training program. Now, that is an old term that we don't use anymore. We say career and technical education. Um but I do use that term because specifically the law
states vocational training program. Um and our program is career and technical education and of course work-based learning is a vocational training program. So to ensure the requirements of TCA50-5-107
are met, our TWW Friars students are enrolled in our summer work-based learning course which is led do by Dr. Pzo. And Dr. Pzo is here with us tonight. Um she meets with students, visits them at their work site and
facilitates course requirements to ensure that every student is in a safe working environment and is participating in exceptional work-based learning programming. So we want to thank Dr. Parzo for this work that she has done and this is her third summer um of
performing um this valuable service for uh Rutherford County students in workbased learning. So, our TWW Frierson um summer interns were Diego Boutazar. He was a rising senior at Smyrna High School. Um and I
guess I should have prefaced this by saying several of our students are unable to be with us. They were such hard workers that several of them are working tonight other jobs. Um and then the other ones are enjoying a small piece of summer vacation and are out of
town. Um we do have here with us tonight though Hidalgo and he's a 2026 graduate. Yes, you want to stand. [sighs] Um of Smyrna High School with Mr. Pitts and Mr. Pitts is here tonight too. His
construction uh teacher. So um I want to give a shout out to him. Um then we also had James King, a rising senior at Oakland High School. And we had Frank Debbage um a 2026 graduate of Oakland High
School. All right. RCS had 11 students um from several of our RCS high schools who participated as student interns within an RCS department. Um this was a
separate program from our TWW Friars program. Um this was a five-week program which started um the week after they finished their high school exams um for summer break. Students in this program
earned $12 an hour and these students were actually paid as workforce essential employees. So they were not enrolled as um RCS employees. They are actually employees of workforce essentials. Uh, Workforce Essentials is
our service provider for the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, WEOA for short. Maybe you've heard the term WEOA. Um, and these federal dollars are provided to states who in turn use them for programming through
the American Job Centers as well as youth employment programs. So, we begin this process um for the last three years of securing student interns in January. Um this is due to the nature of funding with workforce essentials and uh
traditionally they have only not been able to promise us any student positions until around the end of February to March. Um so our timeline gets crunched a little bit and every year um we are hoping and praying that um we are able
to have some interns. Um once we have those positions secured um then I reach out to central office departments to determine who has the capability to host a student intern for the summer. Um we've had a variety of departments and
special projects over the past years uh three years and I can't wait to share just a couple of those here in just a moment. Um rec recruitment begins as soon as possible. Recruitment is through our career and technical education instructors. Uh students fill out an
application, teachers recommend them, and students participate in a virtual interview. The success of these student summer interns is directly tied to the work that our CTE instructors do each and every day because they come with
skills that they are able to teach us about. We definitely learn more from our summer interns than we teach them. um and they provide a valuable service to us. Um we are very thankful for workforce essentials and the um
partnership that we have with them. They are terrific part terrific partners to work with. Um but of course this is not guaranteed um from year to year for us to be able to use. So I'd like to take a minute to um recognize our teaching as a
profession students. These students were um enrolled in teaching as a profession programs at uh many of our schools. Um and they served as um summer interns at our summer learning camps. Um they were
able to work with students um in those summer learning camps by um either helping teachers as a teacher assistant. uh they were able to um perform um tasks with small groups um lead activities um
and and help those programs. So the first one we had is Madia Amini and she served at David Yuri and is a rising senior at Smyrna High School. We had Isabella Chandler who served at Barfield Elementary and is a rising senior at
Riverdale High School. Areni Gerggas served at Walter Hill Elementary and is a rising senior at Oakland High School. Isabella Kever served at John Coleman Elementary and is a rising senior at Holloway High School.
And we have Kayn Lupo serving at Rock Springs Elementary and is a rising senior at Smyrna High School. Kayn's here tonight. She's a little shy. [laughter] Um, and then we had Isabella Padilla who
served at Rockville Elementary and is a rising senior at Riverdale High School and Grace Secker who served at Browns Chapel Elementary and is a rising senior at Riverdale High School. Um, our the last student that I want to
talk about is um our aviation student and Mr. Evans um alluded to the work that he did. Um he was an aviation student for Seagull at Seagull High School. Um and he was able to complete
his industry certification FAA part 107. Um we required that the student intern um performing the drone work for Mr. Evans and the communications team um to have this industry certification because of the legal liabilities that um come
with flying a drone and filming um while f flying that drone. And so he has his FAA Part 107 um and he was able to complete a lot of work um drone footage and it really does look amazing. I can't wait for you guys to see some of the
videos that communications will be able to produce with that footage. um and his name was Joseph Hail and he served um with our communications team and is a 2026 graduate of Seagull High School. Thank you, Joseph. >> All right, at this time I would like to
turn this over to Mr. Brandon Stewart and he is he worked with our um final two students um who served with our central office CTE team um and they were fantastic workers. Um and I I think we surv surprised them a little bit with
some of the work we asked them to do, but they just chipped in and were able to jump in and and um help with the work that we needed completed. >> Thank you, Tiffany. Opportunities. This is a word that I frequently use when I facilitate in the
mobile learning labs. I believe that RCS offers more opportunities than anyone else out there and it's something that I'm proud to be a part of. These interns took advantage of an opportunity just like that. I want to talk a little bit about my personal experience that I have with my two
interns just to kind of tell you guys how our programs are shaping students. So a while back we determined in CT that I needed some videos to help me facilitate and reach more students with these mobile learning labs. After we priced them out, we determined that that
pricing was too high and we couldn't do it at that time. However, Tiffany was able to obtain these two students that came out of AB production. One eat Simon over here. Simon Syninduro is a was a junior at Blackman High School going to be a senior. And then we also had Ethan
Marorrow. He was a senior at Steuart's Creek High School. The first day these interns came in, I looked at him and I said, "Fellas, I don't know anything about producing a video." However, I told them, I said, "Here are my expectations.
Here's what I would like the video to encompass. Here's your timeline. You guys, it's on you to do the rest." As a former employee employer, I can tell you that these two students went above and beyond. They showed up to work every day. They were professional. They
did their job. They beat their deadlines. And they went above and beyond their duties that they were required to do. That's something for us to be super proud of. So, Simon, thank you very much for a job well done. I heard nothing but good things from these
interns, all of them that did anything through all these programs. And again, it's something I hope we can continue because it speaks volumes whenever students want to come work for us. They believe in what we're doing. I believe Mr. Evans has a video clip to show you guys just a little bit about what they
were able to do for me this summer. >> That's right. >> And Simon, just so you know, Mr. Stewart was telling me that Simon was so good at what he was doing with he would get done early a lot of times and come to us in communications. What can I help you guys work on? He's that kind of guy. And his
work right now is also being featured on the homepage for Blackman High School. And principal Smith today brought him up to me out of just said he is an incredible student, is doing so much for us. I asked him to do something for our website and he just blew us away. So, we're going to show you just a piece of
this video. It's a it's about a six-inute video. We're not going to show the full thing, about a minute of it. You play it, Mr. Cooper. [music] >> Hello everyone. I'm Brandon Stewart, the mobile learning lab specialist with the career and technical education department at Rutherford County Schools. Today, we're going to explore something
that affects every single person in this room, our future. But before we get started, I want to ask everyone three questions. How many of us have ever wondered what we wanted to do after high school? How many of us have ever changed our minds about what we might want to be
one day? And how many of us have recently heard about a career that we didn't even know existed? Those questions are exactly why we're here today. Career exploration isn't about having all the answers. It's about discovering possibilities. And no, I'm not here to tell anyone what career they
should choose. I'm here to help us discover the possibilities that are out there and show why exploring careers now can make a huge difference later. We've probably heard this question hundreds of times growing up. What do you want to be? It's a big question. In fact, it can
feel overwhelming because there aren't just a few careers to choose from. There are thousands. a teacher, a welder, a pilot, software developer, physical therapist, veterinarian, the list goes on and on.
>> So, we'll stop it there. That's just a small portion of that video that I said like Simon and some of the others worked on and just did a great job. Just knocked out of the park. You might also, we're kind of combining two of the agenda items here. We're moving right into the second part two of the RCS uh
CTE mobile learning labs. Um they're the the large trailers. We don't like to call them trailers. They're mobile learning labs, but they look like a fifth wheel trailer. They are a fifth wheel trailer. Um, they're going to get me with that later. You also cannot say vocational around Tyra. She's probably already twirling
her hair right now. [laughter] Um, but we wanted to showcase this too because if you if you may have noticed, Brandon looks a little familiar. He's on the cover of the in our in our mobile labs of this year's Rutherford County Chambers Rutherford County magazine. And this is the magazine that the chamber
uses. They produce this every year. We didn't pay for that story. It's what they call earned media. Um the program has gotten such um attention, state, local, national attention that it is now being used to showcase our county. This is the magazine they show to new businesses who are coming here, new
residents. Uh our own teacher recruiter, she takes these out when we are at uh recruitment events, teacher events far and wide and hands those out to prospective teachers too, so they can learn about the county. So, it's a big honor to be not only in the magazine, which we usually are, but we are the
cover story. So, uh we Brandon is also available to sign these after the meeting if you'd like. [laughter] You still wanted to just recognize all of this together. Like Brandon said, it's all about opportunities. We refer to here as postsecary. What that just means is that what can students do after high school?
We want them to have opportunities whether it's to go into a two or fouryear university program or further or go directly into the workforce. We want to make sure they're equipped uh before they leave with these different certifications so they can move right into that workforce and do whatever they want to do. And the CTE program under
Tyra's leadership has just been doing wonderful things. And a lot of them here are represented tonight. But we also would love to bring up the interns who are here and uh get a picture with the board of K. >> Yes, >> we couldn't get them all here, but we uh want to get as many as we could. So, if you could come on up, please.
Yeah. Do you want us to come in front? >> Perfect. That's okay. [laughter] >> You need to swap with somebody. >> Let's swap. him because he's so tall. It's making his face purple.
>> Okay, >> perfect. [laughter] >> All right, here we go. Ready? Fix. >> Okay, great. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you.
>> All right. Uh we have more to brag about. Uh Holloway High School, Dr. Supan. Sorry. Come on up. So Dr. Supercon, as you all know, is the new principal of Holloway High School was here a couple of months ago to talk about some of her
strategies. We have done some um we have done a promotional video which we're going to show. Right. Right. But she's done a ton of work. I know. And she's gonna I'm going to shut up in just a second as soon as we show this video.
>> Why don't you go ahead and talk and he's going to give it up. Just kind of talk about what you've been doing there. Oh, we may have it. Okay. We got It's coming up. >> Okay. >> All right. So, let's show this promotional video first for Hallway High School and then Dr. Suban's going to elaborate further.
>> Hi, I'm Dr. Jessica Subacan and I am honored to have recently been named the new principal of Holloway High School. When I talk to people across Ruford County, I often hear the same thing. I've heard of Holloway, but I'm not really sure what it is. The truth is Holloway High School is one of
Rutherford County's hidden gems. Holloway is a public tuitionfree choice high school serving students in grades 9 through 12. We offer something that can be hard to find in larger schools. A close-knit community where students are
known, valued, and supported. This school is especially meaningful to me because I graduated from Holloway myself. After graduating, I returned to teach here for 11 years, and now I have the privilege of coming back as principal. Holloway helped shape who I
am, and I couldn't be more excited about its future. One of the biggest advantages of Holloway is our size. With approximately 160 students, our teachers truly know their students. Students aren't just a number here. They build
relationships, gain confidence, and find a place where they belong. We offer unique opportunities through programs in art, music, agriculture, business, fashion design, and interior design. Students can also earn college credit through dual enrollment partnerships
with Mlo State Community College, MTSU, and TECAT while still in high school. For students interested in athletics, Holloway offers the chance to compete and be part of a team and represent their school. Some students discover that our smaller school environment
gives them the opportunity to participate in athletics when they may not have made a team at a much larger school. If you're looking for a smaller school with big opportunities and a place where students can truly thrive, I invite you to learn more about Holloway
High School. Come discover the hidden gem that's been here all along. Holloway High School, where creative learning and meets belonging. Love it. >> Well, thank you for having me. Um, and thanks [applause]
and thanks to George for making the video. It was fantastic. Um, the reason that I'm presenting and, you know, have been here before is because Holloway's enrollment has dwindled over the last several years and we put in the video 160 students. That's max capacity. We
have been right around 100 students for the last couple of years and we need to get to max capacity. So, the way to best talk about that is to um have people spread the word and so that's why I'm here. Holloway is very special. It is, you know, an awesome place. I was
surprised to see Miss Bouvaji here because she's a former teacher, but has an excellent reputation at Holloway of starting a fantastic biology and um gardening club. And that kind of speaks to what you can do at Holloway because of the size. You can do a lot of
project-based learning, which is what we're known for, and then a lot of close relationships like she spoke about. Um and so I just, you know, expect the enrollment to increase. We have been doing a lot of things over the summer. We've been doing a lot of painting.
We've been cleaning up classrooms. We have, you know, been talking to everybody that we could going and talking to the Rotary Club. So, um, we expect enrollment to increase. But if there's anyone that is watching tonight that might not have heard about Holloway before, I invite you to call me at the
school, email me. All of the information about applying, including the application, is on the website. Um, we also are having a back to school bash at Holloway on August 1st from 12 until 3. We are going to have free backpacks, food boxes, bounce houses, a dunk tank,
and we thank Hearts of Heart of Hearts organization for sponsoring that. They did that last year at Blackman and um are doing it this year at Holloway. So, we're very excited about that. Um, and if anyone's listening tonight and thinking, hm, I wonder what that's all about. Come out to the back to school
bash on August 1st and talk to us. We'll have a ton of teachers there. And we are just looking for students that need a smaller environment. That's really our niche now. We offer that small class size and you know, every teacher knows every student. So, um, thank you all for
having me tonight. >> Yes. Yes, I'm sharp. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, Dr. Tupacon, do do we offer transportation because I know that's going to be one of the things that they're going to ask about from maybe from the north end of the county to Holloway. Can you talk about that? >> Thanks for reminding me. Um, so um it is
a choice school. So transportation needs to be provided by the parents except for there are four buses that come from Smyrna and Leverne area. Um, so there is an option if you're in Smyrna or Leverne to ride the bus and you can call us to get more information about that. It's
also on our website. Um, but within Murreey'sboro, um, it is parents providing transportation or students. >> Anybody else have a question? >> I just want you to know when, uh, you came here before and you announced all the changes. I got really excited. So, I
have been, People may not know this, but I have two schools in my zone. It's not just Riverdale. I have Holloway, too. So, I have been singing your praises. The video is wonderful. I know it's going to help recruit a lot more kids. And I say exactly that. If you like all that Rutherford County Schools offer,
but you want it in a smaller package, that's what Holloway is for. So, I thank you so much. You're going to do a great job, and I know I know this is going to be successful. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else like to say anything? >> Madam Chair. >> Yes, Miss Darby.
>> I don't know who this would be better geared for, but have we pushed this out yet, the video, or is this kind of the unveiling? >> No, ma'am. It's It was pushed out at the end of June. >> Okay. We've started doing that and we'll continue to use it and reuse it and we have some other things coming up as well.
>> I have to say I'm so excited about that video. I know I've talked to several friends of mine whose kids were struggling in some of our bigger schools and they people just don't they're just unaware of Holloway. So I think if we can get the message out about the school and I think the video is a fantastic way
to do that um I think you're going to see some enrollment climb. >> Well, we've talked a lot about branding. Um Holloway's been a lot of things over the years. It's got a long storyried history of course and so um you know even in my own family I asked my wife if she knew what hollow was and she wasn't
sure and so we're trying to help Dr. Subacon do that to draw more attention so that people know what a like you said a hidden gem that it is. >> So >> thank you thank you so much. >> Okay I know we have one more bonus item that's not on the agenda.
>> We are but let's go ahead and because we have three people so let's go ahead and introduce all three of them real quick and before we get to that. So we have three of our central office staff here with us. So we have Jenna Jones, Greg Wyatt, and Steven Mlanahan. And so we have our first two are our athletic
team. And then Stephen McClanahan is our new safety director. And so you guys just real quick want to introduce yourself. I know a lot of people know you, Coach Wyatt, but just in case they don't. >> I'm Greg Wy. I'm the uh new athletic director of Rutherford County Schools.
I'm incredibly honored to be here. incredibly honored to to uh be in the role that I'm at. Um I've been in Ruford County athletics for 34 years. Um there's no better place in the state of Tennessee and I've been a lot of places than Rutherford County Schools. And I'm
not just talking about athletics. I'm talking about academics. I'm talking about the arts and the athletics involved. Um we have the best school district in the state by far. >> They didn't know I was doing this either. So this is all all [laughter] >> My name is Jenna Jones. I was hired as
the athletic supervisor, so a lot of the athletic compliance will fall under me. Um, Greg and I have actually had the honor of working together at our state association before. So, this transition has been amazing for us. Um, as somebody who's new to Ruth County Schools, not to the area, but to the schools. Um, it has
been nothing but a warm welcome and getting to know our principles and ads has been amazing. So, I'm really looking forward to all the work here. And that's really when we were looking for hiring a team. It took us a little bit longer, but we were trying to find a team. And so Greg was of course very well known in the public school world and Jen is very
well known in the private school world. So one of my biggest worries is making sure that we keep our students here in the county and don't lose them to private schools. So I figure why not pick off one of the private schools athletic directors to do it. And so that was [laughter] our strategy. So >> I'm uh Steven Mlanah, new safety
director. Uh I come from River to High School. Um, I structure setting. Um, I have previously been in law enforcement. I was a school resource officer at Leverne. Uh, early 2000s. Um, bringing that to the to the job. Um, I I second
previous two about Rutherford County. It's great. One of my sons just graduated. The other one's going to be a junior. Uh, I know some of the board members, Mr. Vaughn, um, Mr. Maxwell as well [laughter] as these guys over here. Um, yeah, we do a really good job and we're excited about it. All the
everything that's going on. If I could add, if I could add, the uh the labs, I got to tour those yesterday and uh it was way I mean just nice job. That's amazing. [laughter] So, it's a great job. But thank you very much. Thanks for having us.
>> Thank you. All right, Greg and Jenna, I think I will turn this over to you now. >> Yeah, we uh make them work start working immediately. As you all know, we have been trying to honor all of our spring sports throughout the summer. We did our track and field and things like that in uh the spring and we've done Stewart's Creek softball and then they're here to
do uh the best uh tonight and they're here to honor someone else. So I want to turn over to you guys. >> Before we get to Eagle softball, I do want to brag on uh um some schools in uh uh Rutherford County. Um TWSAA sportsmanship uh report came out last
month. Um, we have six schools in our in our district that had no disciplinary actions. Um, and that that means that we had no coaches, no players, or no fans that were ejected from these schools, [clears throat] which is an incredible
thing. Central Magnet and Eagleville High Schools were on this list. Uh, Central Magnet, Eagleville, Oakland, and Rocky Fork, and Stewart's Creek middle schools were on this list. So, I I want to congratulate those schools and uh their principles, ads, and and student
athletes um for a job well done as far as far as sportsmanship is concerned. Now, on to Eagleville High School here. Um these guys are back-to-back state champions in 1A. Uh they've won three of the last five uh state championships in
1A and they've also competed in five of the last six championship games, which is an incredible feat in in itself. Uh they finished 20 and seven on this year. They beat Mchuan uh 20 uh excuse me 2 to1 in a championship game. And this is
these are some really uh incredible stats as far as I I'm concerned. Uh from the district champion from from the time that the district tournament started all the way to the state final. Um they hit 21 home runs in that in that time. They
had 18 double plays. They scored 110 runs while only giving up 24 in that period of time. Um 110 run. That's incredible. I don't know. I've been on football teams that hadn't scored 110 points. So, [laughter] uh these the team battled through a
bunch of uh rain delays. If you followed the spring fling whatsoever, uh you know that uh there there had to be some resilience because there were a lot of games that were rescheduled, postponed, and they fought through that uh to to get to where they were. Uh they
have three members that made the D&J all Area team. Um sophomore Ellie Win, uh made first team D&J all Area, second team D&J was, uh junior uh Ashton Walker and junior Madison Davenport. uh the
Tennessee and all midstate junior Madison Kendrick uh made that team and then they had three that were uh named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association all state team [clears throat] and Ashton Walker, Madison Kendrick, and Ellie Wyn, all
three that uh um made that team. And then uh sophomore Ellie Wyn was uh also named the championship game MVP. Uh the incredible thing is they didn't start a senior. No pressure, Coach
Leman. No pressure whatsoever on you at all. Uh but hope to see you here again next summer. Um with uh with my great pleasure, I want to introduce Coach Leman and his softball team to come up here. [applause]
[applause] >> Thank y'all. I appreciate y'all having us. Uh we have four here because most of them are still playing too. So being a summer so they're still playing. But I I do want to uh reiterate what he said. Uh when Miss Oliver, if you would please stand. She's going to kill me. But this
is one of the reasons we was able to do what we did because as a schedule changes, girls have to eat. And so she made sure that our schedule was defined and where we needed to be, what we needed to do. Uh so I just want she don't ever get the recognition she deserves. So, I want to be she don't
want it, but I want to make sure she got it. Uh, so we do appreciate that and we thank we thank the board for always taking care of us. Dr. Svin, as my other hat, Mayor of Eagle, we do appreciate all you do for the city of Eagleville and for our school. So, we thank y'all. We do appreciate y'all and thank you for having us today. >> Can I get a short sleeve polo this time?
So, I'm not wearing a sweat. >> So, I'm not wearing a sweater out there in May. He [laughter] he was part of the old changing of the old uh you know we played we started off one day playing supposed to play at 9:00 got moved to 6 then got moved back to three all in one
day >> and the girls just came back and just you know they didn't they didn't bat an eye we just went and played and played ball >> I was dressed for 9:00 [laughter] >> you know I I'd like to say one thing about that game at uh at Riverdale I tell you what I've earned a good pair of
shoes cuz it rained so so much out there. It was ankle deep where I was and I was under the the tent right there with uh uh Brian Barrett and him trying to get out of the rain and I looked down and
water was over my shoes. So, >> but I'm glad y'all won cuz at least it made it worthwhile. Yeah. But >> yes, >> congratulations. >> And last hearing lightning delay one more time. I was going to lose my mind. >> In that last championship game, I mean it all the runs were scored in the first inning. about first or second right off
the bat. And it was >> it was it was it was a great ball game for sure. Everybody got their money's worth or whatever they got worth. I don't know. I couldn't remember how many times we'd been there. So, it was just uh like I said, we rested well after that was over with. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations.
>> You're very >> I'd like to say one thing too while we're moving around. the choices for the athletic director and people like that and the safety directors really good choices. They're really good folks and
uh it's going to be good to work with them. >> Before we left, I was going to say and today's a special day for Mr. White. >> It's his birthday. >> It's his birthday. >> Yeah. He talked to principles for the first time on his birthday as athletic director. So,
>> okay, moving on. Number eight, human resources. >> All right. First, we have anou between Centerstone and Rutherford County Schools. >> I entertain a motion. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. uh Tidville. Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. All in favor say I. >> I.
>> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. >> Next is theou between volunteer behavioral healthcare and Rutherford County Schools. >> I'll entertain a motion. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Darby. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next.
>> Then third is theou between stars in Rutherford County Schools. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Ba. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. >> All right. Number four, we have 2627 tenure recommendation. These are
additions to what we did in January or February from teachers that have earned it since. Following teachers meet the criteria for tenure in accordance with tenure law. And you will see we have seven of those. >> I'll entertain a motion. >> Move to approve. >> Second.
>> Thank you, Miss Rosales. Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. >> Now we move into a couple other housekeeping. First, we have an updated job description for communication specialist 2. >> I'll entertain a motion. >> Move to approve.
>> Thank you, Mr. Bond. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Title. All in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. >> Next one is an updated job description for communication and legal associate. >> I'll entertain a motion to approve.
>> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Ba. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> And then the last one for this part is the updated job description for the family and resource manager, which was previously the family engagement facilitator for Atlas.
>> So moved. >> Thank you, Miss Sharp. Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next, we're going to go into instruction. >> First, we have the Carl D. Perkins Reserve Grant. That's presented for approval for the funding period of July
1st, 2026 to June 30th, 2027. This competitive grants for 50,000. The Carl D. Perkins Reserve Grant provides funding for Alan Bradley and Seaman's PLC trainers for the Meatronic CT program of study at Oakland High School. >> What will we do without this grant? >> Thank you, Mr. V. >> Second.
>> Thank you, Mr. Tidal. All in favor say I. Uh >> any opposed? Motion passes. Next, >> director of coordinated school health and wellness textbook adoption section E committee respectfully recommends action regarding the following instructional materials for physical education and health for K12. This has been reviewed
by the approved committee and has been approved for recommendation by Tennessee textbook and instructional material quality commission, the Tennessee State Board of Education. The committee recommends the materials below, but we do not intend to purchase. And again, that's a state law we have to adopt, but we do not have to purchase. I'll
entertain a motion. >> Oh, thank you, Mr. Bot. Thank you, Mr. Bond. All in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. >> Next, we have um according to Tennessee code anti4961304, students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade should receive child
trafficking prevention and awareness education as a component of health [clears throat] education. You'll see our plan and curriculum used for Aaron's law covers the child trafficking health standards. So, K5 is safer and smarter kids. 68 safer smarter teens with middle school and then 912 you will see that we
have safer and smarter teens for high school. We have our plans as well for parent nights. Um continue to work with the um association for human the national association for human trafficking coalition and then we will continue to send information through our communications team. You'll see we do
have that opt out option there. It is part of our online synergy enrollment but we also parents can update that at any time. I am so pleased [clears throat] we were able to work that out. >> Yeah. Move to approve this corner of the be something very important. >> Second.
>> Thank you, Mr. Rosales. Any other comments? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next we have legal. >> First on tab three. Town of Smyrna Parks and Recreation yearly lease renewal. Town of Smyrna Parks and Recreation
currently leases 35 acres behind Smyrna Elementary School. Current lease is set to expire on August 31st, 2026. However, the lease allows the town of Smyrna to request a one-year extension. Town of Smyrna has made the request which if approved, extend the lease expiration date to August 31st, 2027.
>> I'll entertain a motion. >> Thank you, Miss Sharp. Thank you, Miss Darby. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. >> This is a new job description, but not a new title. When our Title N duties were um or not a new position, sorry. Our
Title N duties were originally assigned to the parallegal position. However, we have a title nine coordinator and so we need a job description to match that. Again, not a new position already exists. >> I'll entertain a motion. Thank you, Miss Vaughn. >> Thank you, Miss Darby. All in favor say I. >> I.
>> Motion passes. >> All right. Now, we get into policy changes. We read all these on Tuesday night if it's all right with the board if I just read the number and the >> Yes. Yes. >> All right. So, first the below policy changes and new policies are recommended on the first and final reading as they
are necessary to take effect before the start of the 2627 school year. And again, I'm just going to read the number in the title. Policy 1.4 schoolboard meetings. Policy 1.403 agendas. 1.703 school attendance zones and exemptions 1.901 charter school applications 1.04
charter school intervention 1.905 charter school renewal 2.10 Fiscal Management Goals 2.2000 2000 Annual Operating Budget 4.10 Instructional Program 4.208 Adult Education Program 4.209 Alternative Credit Options 4.213
Family Life Education 4.30 Extracurricular activities 4.301 Intercolastic Athletics Policy 4.60 Grading System 4.602 Grade Point average or GPA 4.603 Promotion and Retention
4.604 Credit for prior courses 4.60 605 Graduation Requirements 4.70 Testing Programs 5.104 Equal Opportunity Employment 5.106 Application and Employment 5.20 Separation Practices for Tenure Teachers
5.201 Separation Practices for Non-tured Teachers 5.302 Sick leave 5.303 Personal and Professional Leave 5.501 Complaints and Grievances. Excuse me. Policy 5.60 staff rights and responsibilities. 5.8 801 Director of Schools Recruitment and
Selection Policy 6.2000 Attendance 6.201 Compulsory Attendance Ages 6.202 Homeschools 6.205 Student Assignments 6.301 Rights and Responsibilities of Students 6.303 Questioning Interrogations and Searches 6.304
Student Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying, Cyber Bullying, and Intimidation. 6.3041 Title 9 and Sexual Harassment. 6.306 306 interference disruption of school activities. 6.318 admission of suspended or expelled students. 6.412 emergency allergy
response plan. 6.414 Prevention and treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. 6.506 student military families. And then we have three new policies. Policy 4.215 instructional use of digital devices. Policy 6.10 student
goals. And then policy 4 6.4053 4053 outside applied behavior analyst therapy. And we would need two motions if the board's request uh that we'd recommend. First is suspend board policy 1.60 to specifically wave the two
readings requirement. And if that passes, then we would need a second one to approve and adopt on the first. >> Okay. I'll entertain a motion for the >> Thank you, Mr. Ros. This is policy 1.60 6 to spec specifically wave the two
reading readings requirement for the club policy. >> Thank you Mr. Rosales and thank you Mr. Bond for seconding it. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Okay. Motion passes. Next. >> And next we appreciate our recommended mobile approval to adopt these on a
first and final move. >> Thank you. Is that Mr. Title? >> Yes. >> Mr. Title and thank you Mr. Vaughn. All in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Next, we move on to engineering and construction. >> We've got a consumer marketing
agreement. I'm sorry. Consumer You're just trying to not give Oakland High School, aren't you? I know what you're trying to do over here. >> No, just messing with you. Consumer marketing agreement between Coca-Cola and Oakland High School. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Bond. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Tidwell.
Although, I do think Mr. Nolan at Riverdale did have this same contract. Maybe a date. Go. >> Okay. Number 11. Now, engineering. >> We didn't do it. Oh, we didn't vote yet. >> I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion [laughter] passes.
So, >> I'm really trying to think that's not intentional. >> I really I'm very happy for Oakland. Really, I am. Number 11. >> All right. Number one, we discussed on Tuesday is not an option. That was not funded in the um governor's budget.
Number two, Blackman Middle School storage shed request. Dr. Jessica Jackson requesting to purchase a 12x4 storage shed to be used by the archery team. The cost for the shed is $5,722 and at no cost to the board. All funds have been raised by the archery team and are in their account. Engine construction review the request and has
no objections. >> I'll entertain a motion. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Sharp. Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. All in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next. >> Next, we have Middle Tennessee Electric easement request at Central Magnet. Middle Tennessee Electrics requesting an additional easement for a new pole and
anchor guywire on the corner of East Main Street and North Bil Bro Avenue. Engineering Construction has reviewed the request and has no objections. >> Move to approve. >> Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. >> Second. >> Thank you, Miss Sharp. All in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Next, you have a list of contractors
that have requested board approval to lease a bus and it would be our recommendation to approve that. >> Move to approve. >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Tidwell. Thank you, Mr. Vaughn. All in favor say I. I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next
>> number five does not need a motion. It's just for information. Uh we talked about this on Tuesday night that um the school plans to utilize $59,750 of their own money to take care of some inadequate subs soil. And if not, they may use some of their 177 funds that we allocate to
the school. No action needed. Just as an FYI. >> Okay. Next. >> All right. Next, we discussed this. This was on our consent agenda. We pulled it out. So, it's up to the board. We have bus route 330 voluntary route transfer. And so, we can see transportation
received a voluntary route termination and transfer from Gail Porter. Miss Porter states that due to financial constraints and other issues and concerns, she's requesting to transfer her contract route 330 to RAK Construction. Miss Porter states that Kelly Hobbs with RAK Transportation has managed every aspect of this route since
she has had it from the actual ownership of the bus to handling all route issues, paperwork, and anything else involved with the route, including being the driver. So, we just would like some guidance from the board either to award this or to put it to the um selection. >> Okay. >> I just make a motion we approve to
transfer >> to the pick. >> No, just transfer it to. >> Does anyone want to second that? >> That we that we approve the transfer to the RK from Kelly Hobs to RAK
transportation. Thank you, Miss Sharp. Yes, Mr. Bon. >> Now, question and kind of going back to that. This is, and I'm trying to think out loud right here. Is this similar to what we have
generally done in years past, not trying to put words in your mouth, but I'm going to direct this question to you. Is these transfers like this have been generally family members, and we've tried to honor that husband. I mean,
well, father, son, in-law, outlaw, something like that. Is that that's generally been the case, right? >> Until the Mr. Carter issue, that is correct. >> So, the and that's what's bothering me about this. Is this a another situation
like that? And I and I'm not trying to accuse anybody doing anything wrong, but are we defeating the purpose of the policy that we just created to try to level the playing field and put it back on the picker wheel anytime one
of these routes comes up? That that's my I'm trying to figure out why is this one different than anybody else's, >> okay, >> than any other voluntary transfer or give up. Is there not a family? >> That's what I'm gathering. There's no
relation. There's no family relationship. >> No family relations. >> Okay. All right. So, >> Mr. Title, did you have something to say? >> Yeah, as I understood it from the work session, this was just a request and you're trying to be transparent about that request and put it on the agenda. Uh, but I will uh echo the comments from
Mr. VA that, you know, we've set a policy in for this picker wheel to be in place. I appreciate the transparency from the transportation department. Um, but I wouldn't support the motion simply because we have a policy addressing these things. We don't want to get back into the accusations of favoritism and
all these things. If it was a family member, I think there is a little bit of a different circumstance there. Um, but I would rather see this go back to the pickle wheel and be back out so there's no accusations made around well you guys aren't following your policy or why'd
you even develop the policy. So that's my opinion. Okay. So, yes. >> And I'll go back to that, Caleb. That's that's where my brain is right now. I got a phone call yesterday that we've got one coming I think next month.
Uh probably >> it's going to be have to be before next month because we got to start routes or in two weeks or whatever. >> Be on the 4th. Um, and I forgot the people's names, tell you the truth, but I knew it was a it was a father and a daughter, right?
>> I have not seen it yet, but I've also heard that it's coming. >> Okay. They called me and I told them to call you and Tammy and and that that one I can kind of see. This one I'm not sure. So, and it I don't want this to come back and haunt us. That's what's
bothered me about it. U So, I'm kind of back with you, Mr. Tedwell, on that. Well, we do have a motion on the floor to go ahead and allow the u moving it from Miss Kelly Hobbs to RAK transportation. So, we need to go ahead
and vote on that and then you all can uh up or down. >> Okay, if you could. Yes, >> if you could restate the motion too. >> Okay, as I understand it, the motion was made by Mr. Vaughn to approve and
seconded by Miss uh Miss Sharp to approve the transfer as requested. >> Yes. Okay. Mr. Vaugh, >> no. >> Mr. Vaughn, >> yes. >> Mrs. Darby, >> no.
>> Miss Sharp. >> Mr. Tidwell? >> No. >> Mrs. Rosales? >> No. >> Mrs. Maxwell? >> Yes. Motion fails. Okay.
>> So, do we make a motion? >> Yes. >> I would so move to do that to put it back on the >> Thank you, Mr. B. Thank you, Miss Rosales. >> You want >> Yeah. Go ahead. Yeah. >> All right. This is a motion from Mr.
bought and seconded by Mrs. Rosales to send this back to the picker wheel >> this route. >> Mr. Tidwell, >> yes. >> Mrs. Rosales, >> yes. >> Miss Sharp, >> Mr. Va, >> yes.
>> Mr. Vaughn, >> yes. >> Mrs. Darby, >> yes. >> And Mrs. Maxwell, >> yes. >> Unanimous. >> Unanimous. board. I want to make I'm going to verify this
on Monday because we're off tomorrow, but the way I read it, they're requesting to transfer, not to turn it in. So, if we deny the transfer, they may still keep the route as is.
>> Mel, >> okay. It hadn't been turned in. They were requesting to transfer. >> Okay. Let me get typical person and then you Okay. >> Yeah. So, basically, you're just saying, we've made a motion here that if if the >> if they decide they want to turn it in.
>> Yeah, we have a plan. >> That is to go to the picker wheel. >> We got a plan for that. If they don't turn it in, that's up to them. >> They just keep running like they're running with a lease. >> Yeah. They can rescend it. They're they're they have the ability. Just making sure that that we're clear. >> Okay.
>> And I'm not I don't know what their intent is. Their intent was to transfer. It doesn't say turn it in. So I'll find out on Monday if they decide to keep it, they keep it >> like it is. >> Either either way we got a plan in place now. >> Yes. >> You're correct. >> Okay. >> Mr. Darby. And then right and then Mr.
Darby and then Mr. Bot. >> Just to clarify, >> they don't have a lease on file with the office currently. They do. >> They do. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, they would just have to get >> They don't have to do anything if they
if if we deny the transfer. They haven't said we're turning the route in. >> They understand that part. I was just going back to because we have all of these leases here. >> They we would they would be on the list for a lease >> for the like on the next. That's what I was just asking. Okay. Thank you.
>> Okay. Mr. Bot. >> Yeah. That to clear it up. I think that this lady has been leasing her bus uh from them and I don't know whether she doesn't want to continue to lease it or do whatever but you know she may
if I understand it right Gail may want to stay in business. Gail wants to stay in business. She can stay in business, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. So it's up to her. If she if she doesn't want to stay in business, she turns her route in. It goes back on the picker wheel. Gail may want to stay in business. >> It's her option, right?
>> Correct. Yeah, we're not throwing her off. >> No. >> All right, good. That's why I understand it. Everybody else standing. >> Any other questions? Yes, Mr. Cable. >> And just for clarity sake, I mean, this this lady that is asking for the transfer, she can put her name for the picker wheel. There may not be anybody else that puts her name in for it and she may end up getting the route
anyways. Um, but we are going to go through the policy as if the transfer goes. >> If I get paperwork to turn it in, you won't hear another thing. It'll just go on a picker wheel. >> Thank you. >> Okay, good deal. Okay, next financial matters. >> All right, so we just had this um
earlier in the summer and this is dental insurance. Either a decision to stay with the state plan for dental or move to another option. Um it was our recommendation to move to um our other option. And so if that's the will of the board, then we would need a motion to do so.
>> Wasn't the uh overwhelmingly wanted to. Yeah. >> Okay. >> And that is again only for dental, not for medical. >> It's for dental. Yes. I got you. You need a motion now. >> Yes. Because we have to notify the state by August 1st if we're leaving. >> Yes, M.
>> Madam Chair, I move to uh move our dental insurance back to Delta Dental. >> Okay. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Ba. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Okay. Director's update. >> So, a couple things. Um, first, we have
our principal meeting today and tomorrow. So, thank our teams and all of our principles. So, we have really good energy today to discuss just how we're getting the school year rolling. Uh, also ribbon cutting is 2:00 for Popular Hill Middle School on this coming Sunday. We have also rolled out, as
you've seen online, our new platform for student enrollment. Um, overall, I'm happy with where we are because there are other districts who went with a different vendor who do not have yet access to a lot of the information they need. And so we are in a district our size. The way that we rolled it out, our
notifications said 22nd or 23rd. And so we did all elementary notifications to parent emails. Then we did middle school, then we went through high school. And so those emails have been sent out. We are working through Dr. Chastain and um Tori Atwood's team with attendance. It's non-stop troubleshooting, but anytime you're
moving 52,000 kids and all of their parents and guardians, it's it's a huge task. And so Dr. Chester, anything you want to add to that? So amazing. >> Yeah, it actually has gone really well and the team's worked really hard. So, hats off to Tori and her team. Um, just
to reiterate that everybody has a seat. Uh, it is, you know, the seats are secure. Whatever issues we may be having, if they're having trouble with with getting that activation or that linkage key, stay patient. They're there. We just have to get them where they have access to see their kids
account. But everything is going well. >> Wonderful. >> All right. Couple quick other things. We talked about open bus routes and so a couple options I think that we have one um really we have two. So we know that
we have open bus routes, nine or 10 open bus routes. We discussed on Tuesday night the potential to look at changing the do job description for our bus driver position that we originally looked at. I think that is would be my recommendation tonight. We have it on
the agenda so we can vote is to make that a instead of changing pay or anything right now, make that a full-time position with benefits at 6 hours. That'll see if we can do anything before August 4th. If we don't have enough takers or anything by August 4th, um we do have options and we have been
contacted and I hope we don't have to get here by a different vendor in a different county which would be similar to what our other contractors have, but they have contacted us to see if they were interested in taking some of our open routes. Anything else you want to add to that? I don't think they want to
be disclosed yet, but I want to go down that route, but in policy on I think this policy is 3.400. It's uh on page five. It's lines 34 through 35. So that everybody knows what we're talking about. It talks about application of intent to provide
services and applications will be maintained until the director of schools determines it's necessary to award new contracts for transportation services. If we're getting to the point that we don't have applicants and we don't have any new people willing to take our bids, we've got to start looking somewhere to get our buses filled. So not an angle we
want to go down, but it's something that we may have to. >> Yes, Mr. V. And I guess it's a question time. I don't want to jump the gun here, but Okay. So, you you you've had a vendor approach you that said they might be interested. Any pricing, any number?
>> Have to go by our contract. >> Do what? >> They'd have to go by our contract. We sent them our contract. >> They'd have to sign the same contract as everybody else. >> Oh, so it's just an open vendor that that they >> It'd be just like a a bus driver that's been driving for us decides they want to become a contractor and they put in an
application to become a contractor. If they take a route, they have to sign the same contract everybody else signs. >> It's just a company instead of an individual is what you're saying. >> And most and we say individual because we're used to dealing with >> folks that we know that are contractors,
but they're a business, too, >> right? >> So, it's no different. It's just it's just a vendor who's not from our normal >> pool. Okay? So, legally or morally or whatever you want to look at, they could fall under the same ospice. They could
have up to 10 routes unless it came before the >> follow everything else. >> So, so you do have a you have that option. B, we have 10 buses, >> correct? >> City. Now, are these routes big routes or sped routes? What are
>> there? And three. Six fed, three regular. >> Okay. How And forgive me. I don't remember what we bought bus-wise. What did we buy? >> Five and three. We have eight, I think, >> there because we're waiting on one still. Yep. We've got Did we buy nine or 10? >> Believe we bought nine. I have to go
back and exactly. >> Okay. Nobody else. Okay. That makes >> No, it's not just you. No. >> Okay. Well, good. But do we have do we have the right equipment to fill the routes that are available? >> That's pretty close. Pretty close. >> Okay. So then why wouldn't since we have the equipment, why wouldn't we do
everything we can if we need a to change the route the u job description or pay more or offer benefits. It looks like to me that would be the first thing unless if we could exhaust that
>> current current competition counties around us and our system >> sure >> most of them are all six hours with benefits. >> What is our job description? >> Part-time no benefits. >> What is your recommendation >> that we go to six hours and benefits?
>> So do you need that? Do you need a motion from us to do that? >> Yeah, it would change the job description for that. Yeah, >> I would so move to do that then because this I feel like this needs to be expedited is what you're getting at. I don't I don't want to jump the gun, but I'm I'm kind of looking at both of y'all right here. >> If you don't get any applicants, I think
that changes where we're going with >> So, if you don't get any applicants, then we either I mean, it's supply. My simple mind works like this. It's supply and demand. If you raise the price high enough, I'll do anything myself, you know?
>> Um, right. I mean, that's what it is. It's supply and demand. So we we the the supply is limited. So and we've got greater demand. So you just raise the price of it. Now at some point in time, I guess we we get to paying so much, you
know, that it becomes redundant and it's cheaper to contract out with somebody else. But right now, I' I've personally feel like to be prudent watching taxpayer dollars, we went to bat, we bought the new buses. We need to get drivers in those buses and utilize that
equipment and see because the whole idea was let's see how it's going to work. Do we want to you know start migrating toward the the system you know some type of hybrid system where we own you know 20% of the I say we this the board own
20% of the buses or 30% of the buses or 10% of the buses or whatever. Um so that I would I would move to do that. Let's expedite it. So before we get to Mr. Darby, I haven't forgotten you. Mr. VA has a motion to approve the change uh the job description to six hours with
benefits. And Mr. Vaughn has seconded. Okay, Miss Darby, you're next. >> Dr. Svin, what is the the pay for that job description currently? >> It's R. Give me just a second. I'll pull it up. >> 25 or >> It starts at 24 >> something. I'm pulling it up real quick.
Don't keep having discussion about >> where where is the do we know where that is in line with surrounding counties and most of them >> and six hours benefits >> that's what's getting us is we're a little bit lower than Murphy'sboro city at the very beginning but we do a lot
more years of experience so they could earn a lot more if it's a veteran driver but the without >> but that's only going to be if we have veteran drivers better further down that experience So, do we need to look at changing that
starting level? Let me pull it real quick. I would think our next step is the six hours with our current level and the benefits. And if we don't get
the reactions that we're looking for, then that would be the next step. We're going to be on a we're going to be on a pretty close to even, but if they've got 15 or 20 years, we're probably going to be ahead. >> Well, that's what I figured that >> making the change that you just made the
motion for kind of puts us on level playing field >> or ahead depending on years. >> Yeah, we have bus. >> Go ahead. >> We have bus drivers at R 107 and 107 starts at 2324
and ends all the way at 30 sure I'm following that 34.89. >> So I guess my next question would be as close as we are to the start of the school year, how long do we want to give
this to see results before you talk about or do we just do it all in one and see if that produces the applicants? I mean because we're looking at nine people. >> Yep. Madam Chair. >> Yes, Mr. Fidel.
>> I didn't mean to cut your question off. >> Okay. Um, so right now, say we don't get any of these routes filled. You know, we don't have enough applicants or we have applicants, but they don't have the the proper licensing, whatever. Um, do we have coverage that we are splitting
between routes? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, there is there is a contingent backup plan. And I'm not saying we're not in desperate mode, but I'm sure there's a contingency plan. So, you know, starting with the description, perhaps if we don't get anything between
now and the 4th, which would be our next board meeting. I know we're very close to to schools opening back up, but there is a plan in place, then maybe we can move on to the next step. And it sounds like the next step would be offering this potential vendor. So, I don't know. Just make sure we had a plan in place.
But I appreciate that. >> Can I real quick? >> Yes, Mr. Dr. S. just to compare uh I hate to call a district out but it's public knowledge. So city um schools city schools are at part-time 259 and it stays 259 all the way through but
fulltime starts at 2248 and goes all the way to 2880. >> So you can see we're we're right there in the middle. Um but we also haven't had any hits. >> All right, I'm fixing I'm I'm fix another rabbit right here. Can anybody
HR can you tell me what the benefit package cost? >> It depends on what package they pick. If they have a family plan or individual plan, uh they'd have choices within those levels. So, >> can you give me a range?
>> I know that's on the spot off the cuff, right? >> Between 2,000 and 24,000. >> That's a good range. It could be as low as an individual plan with HSA to a family plan. whether they're individual HSA family choosing the full. It could be anywhere between.
>> The reason I send that I almost and and this may get us all in trouble doing this, but I'm sitting here thinking out loud if if let's say there's a I don't know expecting you to think if there's a retired truck driver out there that's 65
plus that's already on Medicare, still got his health card or she still got her health card, she doesn't need the benefit package. Could we increase the pay as an incentive? >> I mean, that that's I'm trying to put a
dollar figure on what the benefit package would. Hey, they just they don't need it. They just need an hourly job. Can we jack the rate up there to where we get those good depend and the reason I say that you know it's kind of good dependable people that may be looking
for some you know maybe they'd come off the road you know at 65 or something but they're piddling their thumbs at home and they don't hey this pretty good gig you know 6 hours I'm I don't I'm thinking out loud with you Trey that's the reason I keep looking at you
>> another one of my hairrained ideas >> I think my recommendation would be just like we have on some of our other positions. We have if it's classified or certified, we could do if it is somebody with benefits R 107 6 hours with benefits and if they are not with benefits then we could do R 109 which
starts instead of 23 24 is 2563. >> Can I amend my motion? >> Sure. >> Y >> I'd say we offer either or >> that's what I'm thinking. >> Okay. Who seconded?
>> Gives us options. Mr. Vaughn, a second. >> You good with that? You see what I'm doing? Is that good with everybody? >> I think that's a nice compromise. >> Thank you. >> Okay, we have a motion. We have a second. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes.
>> All right, so next we're going to talk about TECAP performance because our students are truly what matters. And so I am going to go over this. Let this works. Yep, we're good. All right. So, one, I I talked to Representative Terry just a little while ago to make sure I have permission to use this, but he wrote an excellent
>> amazing article a couple months ago that really talked about assessment and how assessment should work. And so, I'm going to quote a little bit of his. And so he talks about TECAP and assessment and how one of the things, this is me adding, not him, but one of the things as school systems we get is that we have
pundit pundits and critics who often like to target public schools and districts when we celebrate being 50% proficient. And we do acknowledge that proficiency and how many students are on grade level. And so before we really go down this road of showing some of this data
because it's a celebration, one of the questions and it's a simple question is the work we're asking our students to do today. Is that the same work that we were asked to do? And I'd argue no. Um I see that work. I see the work at home. I see the work in our classrooms. It is
much more rigorous. And so often we hear from various people who say that the work today is much harder. We didn't do that in school. I don't know how to do that. I don't know how to help my kid. And so really two things can't be true. One, our education system can't be dumbing it down, but the work is getting
harder for our kids. Those two just don't go together. And really, Brian Terry had a great um article again. He talked about what happened in 2007 is that, and those of us in education know this very well because we lived it. We went from 90% of our kids were proficient overnight to the next year
20% of our kids our kids were proficient. So in 2007, state assessments reported in Tennessee that 90% of our kids were proficient. Yet, when students took that national test, which is NAPE, only about 25% of our kids were proficient. In response, Tennessee went through a series of
rigorous reforms to strengthen academic standards, increase rigor, and better align our assessments. Uh, I actually served as one of those educators um personally that worked with legislators in 2016 that rewrote from proficient to advanced to mastered and on track under Commissioner McQueen. She was my teacher
mentor at Lipkcom, so I missed that connection when she was the commissioner. And I think Dr. Tany, you worked for her too at the commissioner. I thought so. And so that was some rewarding work. So when I nerd out sometimes about academics and testing, it's because I was on the ground level of helping set some of this. And so we
reclassify that as mastered and on track, demonstrating command of grade level standards, and this is what's different. I know when I took TCAP or Teranova or whatever they called it the year that we took assessments in this state, I know I went way back on that one. Our questions would be to answer A
through D and you'd have to spell a word right, pick the right version of there, or maybe do math, a very simple equation without any type of calculator whatsoever. That's not the way TCAP looks anymore. If you want to look at sample questions, they're online. You can go look at those. And so instead,
our kids now have to master grade level standards and demonstrate they can do those with analytical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, complex problem solving. It is a lot more than just an A through a D answer that they have to do. He talks further about one of the most cons common misconceptions is that
proficiency ranks should approach a rate should be 80 to 90%. When really our strongest states in the United States perform at the 40 to 50% rate and that's where our strongest states across the nation are. We're about in the middle. We've improved from being 49th 48th to
49th to the mid-30s and even in the high 20s now. And I loved what he said next. This doesn't indicate failure. It reflects the rigor of assessment and a state reporting 50% proficiency may be outperforming a state substantially performing with a higher percentage that
assessments require a higher order thinking to apply, analyze, evaluate and create instead of just remember and understand. And then one of the last things I wanted to hit was he had proficiency should not be confused with basic grade level readiness. So we hear a lot of times and see a lot of times
online where people say this kid's not proficient. Only 30% of their kids are proficient. they're not ready for the next grade level. Uh that's not what it stands for. Kids very well could possess that foundational knowledge necessary to advance to the next grade level. They just can't do the analytical, the complex thinking yet. So they've got the
skill set. They don't know how to apply it yet. And so our district, and I'm going to go over this pretty quickly, we continue to to shine. Um we, as you all know, have had a huge change in demographic. So since 2017, our ESL enrollment has doubled. And that's we
love serving our students, but there's also reason at the same time to believe if you are learning English, it is going to be hard at that same time to be proficient on an English language arts assessment. Yeah, we continue to move forward and outpace some of our peers. Right now, we have 8,400 English
language learners ending last year. So, it's very stayed consistent with where we've been, about 17 to 19% of our population. We then have about 10% of our district who are served under special education with IEPs. Again, that doesn't change what we believe. We have a lot of our students who may be served
under speech impairment or vision or gifted. It's not just what you think of special education means a kid's going to struggle. And so, we have to take that into account. That's about 30% of our population. Overall, Rutherford County Schools was over 50% in all subjects. There were 147
or there are 147 districts in the state. Only 30 districts scored over 50% um in all grade levels. That's even a bigger deal when you take into account that most districts that are that are performing well don't have high school. Um whether you we like to say that or
not, but your highest performing grade levels, elementary is your highest, middle is your second, high school is your lowest. You're dealing with motivation, work, all kinds of different things. So scores usually decline as you get to high school. So, we are one of the 30 districts that has over 50% proficient. Um, but it'd be even smaller
if you took out the high school kids. So, I think and I'm going to go into stats. I think Mr. Tidwell, do you have a question? >> I was going to ask you to repeat that statistic. You said over 50%. >> Yeah, we have 147 districts. Only 30 of them, including us, have over 50% of our students that are at have met or
exceeded expectations, which means proficient in all subject areas. >> Thank you. And so just quickly, I'll show you and you're going to be able to see a trend from 2021 to 2026. ELA 2021 36.7 to right now we're at 48.9
in third through fifth grade. 6 through 8 we go from 33.7 and I'll send this to everybody to 45.5. The difference for us is we actually do really well at English at the high school level. We go from 39.2 in English
one in 2021 to 52.2 2 and then in English 2 we are at 47% and now we're at 65.2 >> and so we're really starting to excel in a lot of those areas. So overall ELA you'll see we've gone from 37.3 to 50.3
so a 13% increase in 5 years and I know that 13 we would always love to have it more but what does that represent? As big as we are we're talking about thousands of kids who were proficient who were not proficient beforehand. So that's a credit to our teachers, our staff, just the entire school system, our school board for working in the
right directions. So we're over 50% in ELA. Math, same thing. Third through fifth grade, you're going to see 41 to 54%. 6th through 8, 35.8 to 53. And then algebra 1, we're not where we want to be, but we are so moving in the
right direction compared to where we were. Uh we went from integrated back to algebra 1, and you'll see we're at 17.8% 8% and we are now at 39.9. And so that 17.8 was pretty embarrassing. Uh that's why we moved away from integrated. It wasn't working. There were some other things we need to do. So we moved back
to the traditional algebra 1 geometry 2. And we're really starting to see that progress. Same thing for geometry. We are at 26.5 to now 47.7. And then algebra 2 17.6 to 47.1. And so you will see some of that is as we have
focused more at the elementary and the middle level, we've doubled the amount of time instruction time our students get in middle school for math. We're starting to see that progress transition as they have a better background and understanding. And so overall math is 50.2. So 50.3 for ELA, 50.2 for math.
Science this uh we had standard setting which means that there was a new assessment last year, new standards and new adoption. So, we don't yet have the scores, but you can see it's once we get these, I'll go over it. This is just 21 to 25. Went from 46 to 53.2. I'm going
to give a caveat because don't um lose your minds when you see high school math here in just a second. Our high school science 6th grade, 6th through 8th grade science, 44.4 to 54.4. And then biology, we did not fall off the side of the world. It looks like it.
We are at 72.9 for one year. We changed our sequencing. And so we changed how we were doing biology. So for that one year, all of our advanced students ended up in biology instead of was it physical science that we were doing? And so we switched environmental science. That's
what we were doing. We were switching environmental science and physical science and biology alto together. And now we are back on that track of having the students on the right track that we want them to do. So we did a that one year was a huge misnomer and it'd be an outlier in our data. And so all grade
science still though we've gone from 46.5 to 53.8 social studies huge celebrations we do not test third through fifth grade social studies it's not a tested grade it's not a tested subject in the state of Tennessee and so sixth through 8th grade is when we test the first time
it's 47.8 to 60.9 US histories 36.7 to 50.1 and all grade social studies has gone from 45.6 to 58.8 So we really do growth is what we focus on the mo most because we talk about we can't control where
students have come to us but we need to make sure they learn while they're with us but that doesn't mean we don't also look at proficiency all the time and so our we're extremely proud of that work. Thank you Dr. Chastain our principles because that's a huge huge increase they've made. >> Any questions on that? I can nerd out on this all.
>> I just want to make a comment. In 2007, I had uh four children in school and I had one that was going to be a freshman in high school. I had one in sixth grade and I had two in third grade. And literally, I remember this and they were changing things almost overnight. It was going to be harder for the older kids.
They they were not worried about my third graders. They're going to get they're going to be okay. But literally, my son Mitchell's math teacher was literally crying. He said, "I feel terrible for you guys. They've changed this almost overnight and it's going to but eventually it it's going to be okay.
And it's good to see that over time that it did slowly but slowly even with the COVID bl we we were able to get it back up again. But people don't realize that's exactly what happened in 2007. everything changed and uh so I have to like when people say we were you know
especially the third grade retention law and I was like no no no wait a minute now this the the testing is a lot harder what we're asking of these kids is a lot harder so thank you for reminding everyone about that because it seems like we kind of we talked about it in 2007 everybody all the parents knew that
had kids in school we heard about it it's like we forgot and we need to be reminded that you know our our kids are are are doing much better than we think they Miss Maxwell. >> Yes, Mr. Rosales. >> So, I read an article this past week that there's been a major overhaul
overhaul of the ELA standards where they're taking away um a lot of them and then bring back some that were done in the past. So, how is that going to impact the TCAT scoring since we're having to change something that's been
done now for the past, I don't know, 10 years or so? Yeah, they do this anytime they have a standards adoption. And so this is typical. They're now on an 8-year cycle. And so they will have to do field testing once we get closer. So that goes into effect in 2930. We'll
have an adoption cycle or adopt new textbooks. With ELA, it's going to cost tens of millions of dollars, but that's a different conversation. And then we will the kids the year before will start doing field test items. They won't know which ones are real assessment items. Some will depending on the test, but which one's a real assessment, which
one's not before they can actually use them on an actual TCAP test. And so, same thing is going on with science right now. It's why we don't have scores yet. I wouldn't expect the scores to change a whole lot unless they change the entire accountability model, which they sometimes do. >> So, why is there always why is why are
these standards constantly evolving, especially on the ELA side? Like I can see social studies because you know history changes whatever but the ELA side I don't understand why it is always >> yeah so >> evolving changing >> two reasons one is because we do need to
constantly evolve as our students are evolving um so we've added standards around technology that weren't there previously because technology has evolved second and this is just the business aspect of it uh new textbooks get printed which they're more money for vendors and companies
>> was I not supposed to say that Dr. Chastain. >> Yeah. >> And then do we do we take an inventory of the teachers who are actually using the textbooks in the classroom? >> Yes. Yes, we do. >> Okay. >> And we have a new textbook um coordinator job description and he is loving life right now counting all the
textbooks, but he's doing great. >> Mr. Pedigo is at Eagleville. He's doing great. >> Yes, Mr. T. >> I think those are great results. This just shows how great a school system we do have. And I appreciate I shared that article uh from Dr. Brian Terry just
because it gives some enlightening information to everybody who who likes to argue well things used to be so much better in the past but you're not comparing apples to apples in any sort. So I appreciate you bringing that out in the meeting as well uh so that people can see that things have changed since then. And if you think about education
you're only adding more to it like you're never taking away le you're always adding to it. So it's going to continue to get more difficult. Yep. Agreed. Completely. >> Is there anything else? >> That was excellent. >> Thank you. And then last thing I want to bring up and I will read this because it
is important. Um I have on here director of schools professional development. You all know I appreciate the um evaluation but something I always want to try to do is always try to improve. And so being the director of schools is a large task. However, I always feel like it's important to continually improve. Large
belief amongst some people that educators shouldn't serve as a CEO of a school system. Um, I believe it's imperative that someone with an educational background is always charged with leading a school system. Without that focus on people and that shared experience, it can be really hard for non-educators or staff to respect um, a
leader that's from that in the educational community. But I also realize this is a business. Uh, this is a over $600 million huge business with resources each year. Uh, what's different though is our
outcomes are students. uh they're not a bottom line somewhere. Our outcomes are kids and the difference is there is no revenue that we've talked about that we get get to control. So the CEO of a school system doesn't get to have those same tools. Makes my perspective a little bit unique. Uh upon getting this
position I enrolled in the national superintendent certification program. Um at that time I was only director at the time to hold that credential in Tennessee. Uh my contract also mentions in the interest of continuous growth, promotion, development, and advancement of the school system. The board encourages within pre-approved limits set by the board the continued
professional growth of the director. And so it has a couple things. One, it says in operations, programs, other activities conducted or sponsored by local, state, and national school administration. Um second talks about seminars, courses offered by public or private educational institutions. I
think it goes to say you all know how serious I take this position. Um, I'm dedicated to the school system and continued professional development. Something that's exciting for me and I hope it's exciting for the district. Um, I've been accepted to a prestigious cohort at Vanderbilt University in the
executive masters in business administration program. And so that'll be surrounded by some of the brightest people in the country. Uh, example Jeff Hollings from Smyrna Readymix. He just graduated I think a year and a half or two years ago. Um, I'm paying for it personally. Uh it's outside of the it's
always on Saturdays except intensive at the very beginning of semester um that I have to take care of. Um I'm proud of this opportunity uh because it's built for working executives. That's why it's an executive MBA program. Um but I'm hoping that this will give me the skills gained to further impact my ability to
utilize our resources, also advocate and investigate other resource allocations because with the county commission, you all know sometimes we're we're very respected. Um, but it's it's going to be nice to have that knowledge to talk about bond rates and bond ratings and how all of those things work when we're talking about the need for a jail versus
a school system. And so that's that's going to be great and I hope it helps with our um credibility. I'm happy to answer any questions or there's any concerns from board members, I'm happy to answer it, but I'm I'm excited for it. >> Mr. Vaughn got one. >> Yeah, I think it's a great thing. I think that
um continuing, you know, with education I think is always something that's very important in my opinion. I don't think you ever get too much of it. >> I don't either. Yep. My wife may think so. >> And I think, you know, being around
being around other educators and sharing ideas is is great. I'm just glad you have the opportunity to do that. And I'm the only educator in this group that there may be one teacher, but the rest of it is all business defense and astronaut pilots. I mean, it is a a
different group of people that I'm not usually around. So, >> don't let them recruit you. >> I'm not I'm not going anywhere. [laughter] This is home. This is why I'm doing it. >> Well, you're doing us proud. Thank you. And good luck to you. >> Thank you. >> Does anybody else have any comments? >> Yes, Mr. Vot.
>> Congratulations on that. That is an excellent us myself having a Vanderbilt graduate in the in the house. It's it's an interesting thing and I'll speak ju just a tidbit about Jackson and his connections. [clears throat] He is uh in
Pennsylvania tonight or today and presenting to Open AI as one of his new clients and and he was in a nuclear uh plant day before yesterday. I mean, the kid he's I don't ever know where he is.
He's been to Greenland and and Iceland and all the No, he goes everywhere. I don't know where he is. His mother keeps up with him. I don't. But anyway, I I I said all that to say this, those contacts, the reason he is where he is is because of the people that he was
around in Vanderbilt and his his world view is so large now. So, I congratulate you. That's that's fantastic. And speaking of that, this and I'm going to be a little bit of a downer out here right here if I I hate to end us on this, but I I think we have to be aware
of this as a society. There was an article in Baron's uh yesterday uh chat GPT maker Open AI said Tuesday that its advanced artificial artificial intelligence model had gone rogue during security testing, hacking into a popular
platform for pro programmers on its own. >> Wow. So it is thinking on its own now. They didn't turn it loose. It turned itself loose. So I I said that not to scare everybody but to make everybody aware of how fast this is all moving
right now. I mean after we had the security hack we had last year and and and Open AI has the ability, it's taught itself how to do this. Uh and and I will send this article. Anybody wants to read it, I'll forward it to you if you want
to see it. But it it's when you start thinking how deep this is going right now. It is I want to say it's scary a little bit, but it's it's it's it's also um all inspiring too about how fast we'll go and and how things fast things
are changing. And I I know in agriculture there's phenomenal every year that you know different varieties of seed corn or whatever we're planting and and the herbicide technology is moving fast pace and you know the automation tractors driving their
yourself. You know it's going to be one of these deals where I I'll never see it but you know my kids may be sitting he Jackson may be in New York and be running the farm from there in five more years or 10 more years. So anyway, they've got to have a good education.
I'll go back to it. The foundation of everything comes back to education and roads in this state. Those are the two main things that have to drive our economy. So that's my sermon and I'll hush after that. >> Yes. >> Dr. Sullivan, >> last thing I wanted to add is brag on our team here. So we had our summer
summit on July 21st, 22nd. So Tuesday, Wednesday, which if those of us who have been in this district, some of our board members, we used to contract this out. it was three four $500,000 that we were paying for our conference. Uh we now do it ourselves and so we just pay basically for setup and and snacks and
that's about it. And Marcy Leman with our professional development and instruction department and her team kind of run it all. We had 156 of our teachers and district spe specialists uh step into leadership roles and provide the training instead of us paying anybody else. And we had 1,400 educators
across our district participate the last two days. And so that is huge numbers. Can we share the theme? >> Yes, please. >> I don't know if it's right to share the theme after what uh Mr. >> I think it's even more relevant to share. >> Okay. >> The theme was this year was staying
student centered in an AI world. >> Gotcha. >> I'd just like to say something about that AI. I'm telling you, we learned a lesson when I was teaching up the university. We had a kid that couldn't hardly spell his name. And but all of a
sudden, man, he turned in a paper that I promised you. Uh Einstein couldn't have done any better. And the poor boy didn't have enough sense to realize he needed to doctor it down just a little bit. But it just goes
show you the opportunity that hey, I was going to give a lot of people this. And you almost have to be careful because you know uh there's so much stuff can be fraudulently done by AI that you got to
be aware and be careful with it. You know, >> so I probably would have done pretty good in school if they had that when I was back. But >> Miss Maxwell, >> Mr. Thank you. Um congratulations Dr. Sullivan um in in getting accepted to
that prestigious um program. So I wanted to bring up for discussion. So um during CO I remember hearing parents speak at the podium because of the way well it was because of COVID but they showed
interest in wanting to come into the classrooms and kind of volunteer in some form capacity and just hearing um the idea of how can we make a parents more involved in that setting not just allowing you know there there are
opportunities today where if you're part of the PTO or PTA group, you do get those options, but that's just for like decorating the classroom and things like that. Um, I don't know if there's any legal um legal aspect to it that would
prevent adults being in the building because they're going to be around minors. So, that's something to consider and I understand. But if we can explore some ideas how parents could be a little bit more involved and possibly even I don't know maybe have a survey sent out
to the parents to see in what capacity and manner they would like to be involved because I know as you know when you're in elementary school you have a lot of enthusiasm from parents that are wanting to be involved but as they get older like in middle school and high school sometimes that enthusiasm doesn't
really last all the way through. So, I'd be it'd be interesting to see if there are um parents that are be willing to be more involved in a different setting than just coming to, you know, decorate because I I have been talking about the
whole and bringing up the the issue of behavior disruptions that are prevalent in our classrooms that are sometimes a little heavy to deal with depending on on the on the on the issue or in the in the situation. So, um I am a firm
believer that if we can alleviate that by helping the child, then I think that's a win for everyone. >> We'll for sure look into that. One of our things if it's going to be a parent that's going to volunteer normally, we would definitely want to run them through our um wrapback program and all
that type of stuff. But we're definitely open to that. >> Oh, good. Will it be possible to get some ideas? >> Yeah. in the next four meeting and see if we can implement something in this upcoming school year possibly perhaps. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> Okay.
>> Anybody else? Yes, Mr. Title. >> Yeah. On that note, I had heard there are some mentorship programs that different school districts have done. I don't know if it's something we can look into. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. On that. Uh and then touching on the AI thing. So, I read the article or read an article about it as well and you
know they they put that open AI in a sandbox. what they got like a digital sandbox so it couldn't escape out and it figured out the code and still got out and so it's very interesting you bring that up but what I was going to talk about on that is you know as much as we would like to
probably avoid that a lot there's no way we're going to be able to we're going to have to adapt to AI I mean it is coming and it's going to drastically change the world over the next 10 years so I'm just wondering how as our district is leading in so many categories ories. I don't
want to fall behind on this one particular category that's probably going to change their lives, our students lives far more than it I mean it's going to do for everybody, but our students lives going into the workforce is going to look way different potentially than what it is for us today.
So, two years ago, and I'll give um we have a small but mighty instructional technology team, but two years ago, we started putting together committees of teachers and and tech folks to address this very issue. And it's evolved
rapidly in terms of the conversations and the needs for what we need to be looking at and producing to support. Really our angle is how do we support the teachers to be aware and um efficient and effective enough in the use of AI to help our students use it
safely and appropriately. So one of the outcomes of that is this year um we have a handbooks our handbook has changed a little bit in terms of even we talked briefly about this a while back but even like discipline and appropriate guidance for
students in using AI for assignments and helping our teachers be a little more direct for this on this assignment this is how you can use technology on this assignment this is what we expect you know just really clear guidelines kind of took some cues from higher ed on that they they kind of saw that first. Uh so
that we have it broken down by grade bands in terms of teacher guidance for what is effective and appropriate at each grade band to talk to students about when it comes to AI. Like in our younger grades, it it is just kind of modeling use. And then you get into
higher elementary and into middle, we kind of are clear about this is not a human, you know, that that kind of specific stuff. And then as you get into high school where they are onetoone with devices being really intentional about appropriate use. I mean we the we want them to be native users and we want them
to be set apart in being able to use the technology and also being able to look you in the eye and shake your hand. So that that really is what we're trying to that's the goal. But it is evolving so quickly um that we are continuously meeting and updating those parameters. I will say that another huge thing that
can't be lost is that we are constantly addressing our procedures in terms of student safety. So I I read that same article and was like, oh, you know, and and really looking at that specifically and this comes to our teachers and our students in terms of not putting individual and student level data into
AI. So just continuous reminders before our teachers are able to use certain programs that they have to go through training to know what is and is not appropriate in terms of information to put into the models. Uh so all that is is locked down pretty pretty effectively
as effective as we can be. Obviously there's no perfect system but knowledge is is what we're after in terms of just being being intelligent users. >> Yeah. you know, um I'd be interested to see some of that so I can kind of learn myself of how we're adapting because
growing up, you know, the encyclopedia of Britannica, that was like the big thing. You know, if you had one of those or your friend had one, you'd use that for your research and your paperwork. And I'm sure they're using it today to kind of expedite that process a little bit more. So, it's be interesting just to see because, you know, growing up,
they told us, well, you need to learn math really well because you're never not going to have a calculator all the time. Well, you got much more than a calculator with you now. So, and and uh I appreciate that. So, I'd like to see whatever we have on that >> and some of it's available. I'll have to find I'm not I have I'll have to find
all the links on where they are in our new website, but some of that's where we could just share it pretty pretty easily in terms of the the guidelines for our teachers and some of that stuff. Um, also I wanted to mention, and this is a little bit of a tangent, but related, uh, we are, you you'll see more and more
of this as the chamber gets involved, and some news articles I think are going to be pushed out soon. Mr. Evans, I talk to you about that. But, uh, we are partnering with MTSU and Quantum. And so, we had, uh, Dr. Hannah Turleta came and spoke at our summer summit, did a
whole session. I was able to sit there for a couple hours and talk about something that really blows your mind in terms of, you know, cyber security and ability to model new materials and pharmaceutical all like quantum it I I
know enough to know I know nothing but I know that that's going to be another thing that we we're trying to be the first district to have a pathway set up when it's time for CTE to really be able to feed into to 2-year and to MTSU in terms of quantum Um, so that's the next
thing to kind of put on the radar, >> Miss Maxwell. >> Yes, M. >> Um, so this is all great conversation. Um, I don't know if there's any legislators that are listening, but I'm just going ahead and go for it. So, um, so with technology, there's always risk
and with that risk can also come there's some good things and there's also some bad things. And the thing I want to bring up is when um back in the early 2000s there was a a a um in the science
world there was a huge breakthrough within the DNA where um the first dolly well the first sheet was um duplicated um called a dolly and at the time there was so so many um unknowns to what that
world could be and what that implicated. And so on the federal side, the um there was uh on the federal side, the president at the time, who happened to be President Bill Clinton, decided to put a guard rail in protection of human
life by making by um creating a law that protected humans where you could only go so far. This was amaz advancement was amazing, but you can only go so far. Um and so now it's it's prevents with this technology that you cannot clone a human
body. With that being said, there needs to be guard rails within the whole thing with AI because as you look into um the cost of education is very labor intex intensive. It's it requires more people
in capital than it requires the technology. So I hope that there is um some um appetite coming where we put guard rails where we do not replace teachers in the classroom with AI instruction. There is and the reason why
I'm bringing this is because there is already a state in here in the state of Tennessee in in United States that is already doing that. They are um there's a district and I believe it's in Texas. Where's it? It's in New York. Thank you.
that is using a who's that is replacing teachers in the classroom with AI instruction and I don't believe that is a good pathway for us to take um like I said technology is amazing the
advancement is incredible but what AI cannot do with having a human present is the emotional aspect where it builds emotional intelligence the touch the feeling the communication all of that. You're not going to get that with an AI
instruction. So, um I hope that our legislators will look into how do we safeguard and use AI in the best form that is better suited to serve our children so that they can be productive citizens once they graduate. So, that's
what I would like. That's my soap box right now in my spiel. Okay. Anybody else? >> Maybe I can help New York. >> [laughter] >> Yes, Mr. Tidville. >> Uh, different subject here, but I just want to give a shout out to Miss
Pilgrim. Um, we see so much from our CTE programs and just underappreciated. I I as someone who, you know, did the whole education route and then went back into a career that didn't require as much of that education as I paid for, um, but
end up being a really good career. I I just I can't under appre or I can't appreciate enough how much we are focusing on that in our district. Um so it's a really it's a really really good thing and I I'll just leave you with this little tidbit. You know they used
to tell everybody over the past five or 10 years they said you need to get into computer science. You need to get into coding. Get into coding. Get into coding. Get into coding. And the first jobs the AI replaced was coding. >> Coding. Yeah. >> You know what they're not replacing is the plumbers. the guys crawling your
crawl space, you know, roofers, guys, carpenter, these guys that are doing some of this manual labor and ladies that are doing that as well. Those are skills. Engineers, you hear about all these data centers that are going to be popping up. Well, there's massive amounts of uh opportunities for
engineers and software developers to help run those things, including in construction as well. So, the things are always adapting and changing and we're about to go through a massive change. But again, Miss Pilgrim, I certainly appreciate your leadership in CTE and I
noticed that you let everybody else speak tonight while your department is getting all the praise. So, I I think that uh I can shower a little praise on you and that would be appropriate. >> Okay. Thank you. Like I say, the CTE program, you know, so many of our people graduate that
don't go to college and, you know, we've got to teach them skill and again to keep them in this community and keep making county thrive and skilled people like that that, you know, my hats off to the work y'all are
doing and uh, you know, we just we can't do enough of it. I just I just hope that we just keep making uh uh strides and making it better and helping any way we can. So,
>> it missed. >> Thank you. We're done.