Amanda G Arnold

The meeting commenced with an introduction and performance by the Soaring Sound Choir from Johnson Elementary School. Following the pledge of allegiance led by two students, the board accepted the consent agenda. The primary business involved the approval of Budget Amendment Number Four for fiscal year 2026. This amendment included allocating a $4,500 donation from Ballot Health for a reset room and reallocating $124,500 within the technology budget to cover an overage in the student device/Chromebook purchase, by moving funds from the technology support budget to the instructional budget. Subsequent discussion focused on the district's established processes for approaching inclement weather situations, emphasizing a team approach utilizing expertise from various departments and external sources like the National Weather Service. The discussion specifically clarified recent social media rumors regarding two bus incidents, confirming that drivers safely stopped due to hazardous road conditions and called for assistance, with no accidents or students being put at risk.

The meeting commenced with special recognition for exemplary employees, administrators, and supervisors, including two students from Lincoln Elementary School who were honored as the first recipients of a special coin for saying the pledge of allegiance. Subsequent agenda items included the approval of the agenda and recognition of various Teachers of the Year across different grade levels, as well as District Level Novice Teachers of the Year. Furthermore, the Principal of Jefferson Elementary, Dr. Stephanie Potter, was named the 2026 Principal of the Year, and Mr. David Su was recognized as the 2026 Supervisor of the Year. A significant discussion involved the approval of an architect agreement with Thompson Linton Architects for the renovation project at Dobbins Bennett High School, designated as DB 2.0. This project, budgeted at approximately $3 million, will address fire safety issues, finish upgrades on the second and third floors (including floor covering replacement), renovate the old office lobby area, add classrooms in pod areas, and repair a non-compliant stairway. The estimated construction cost is $2.85 million, with the architect fee set at $193,475 plus $14,000 in reimbursable expenses.

The special called meeting focused on the urgent approval for the purchase of 1300 Dell Chromebooks for 6th and 9th grade students, which includes corresponding Google Chrome licenses. The total cost for the hardware and licenses amounted to $522,691. This item was brought to a special session to expedite the purchase due to market fluctuation impacting the quote validity, which was set to expire before the next scheduled Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting, as the expenditure exceeded the $50,000 threshold requiring subsequent approval.

This report provides an overview of the Kingsport City Schools Early Childhood programs for the 2025-2026 period, emphasizing the foundational importance of early childhood education. Key areas of focus include the current Pre-K landscape in Tennessee and Kingsport, highlighting program specifics such as curriculum and student support. The document also addresses critical challenges, particularly the lack of direct Pre-K funding within the TISA formula, and outlines the requirements for sustaining program success through ongoing funding, support for special education growth, competitive staff wages, and advocacy for state-level policy changes.

The meeting commenced with special recognition of four sisters from Washington Elementary and a presentation regarding student artwork selected for the 2025 Kingsport City Schools Christmas card. Significant time was dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements, including the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. David Fry, for being named the 2015 Outstanding Business Official of the Year by TSBO. The Board also celebrated Kingsport City Schools achieving the top composite score of five in Tennessee's Value Added Assessment System (TVAAS) for the ninth consecutive year, with nine schools recognized as Level 5 performing schools. Additionally, seven schools were designated as Reward Schools by the Tennessee Department of Education based on 2024-2025 TCAP assessment results. The Board considered a financial matter, recommending a change in the phone service provider from Zo Education LLC to United Data Technologies Incorporated, anticipating an annual cost savings of over $12,000 and enhanced features, including pinpoint 911 location services. A budget amendment was introduced to appropriate $300,000 from the unreserved fund balance to fund the second phase of the architect agreement with Thompson Littton for the new Lingard Elementary School, which includes design work for demolition of existing structures and site preparation for construction starting in the summer of 2027. Finally, the Board unanimously approved the recommendation to grant tenure to six professional educators who met all statutory requirements.