Ashley Capehart

The meeting included recognition of elected officials and began with the consent agenda. The Director of Schools reported on the opening assembly, the welcoming of students, and the addition of new educators and staff. Updates were provided on the Hopewell project and recognition was given to a Lake Forest Middle School athlete. The board also acknowledged the state champion Walker Valley High School girls softball team and discussed the Family Resource Agency East Cleveland lease, focusing on an addition to the lease agreement regarding insurance coverage.

The meeting included a presentation of the TSBA Board of Distinctions award to the Bradley County Board of Education. Discussions covered the continuous learning plan, back-to-school plans, and safety measures. The back-to-school plan included multiple scenarios, including all students in school, a hybrid situation, and potential school closures. Transportation protocols, cleaning protocols, and minimizing movement in the building were also addressed.

The meeting included recognizing students from Bradley Central High School and Walker Valley High School who scored 30 and above on their ACTs. The board also introduced the new Junior ROTC instructor for Bradley Central High School, First Sergeant Mark Williams.

The board addressed several key items, including the evaluation of Dr. Cash, her contract extension, and the summer school program. The summer school program, known as the "Best Summer Camp Ever", will be held at multiple locations, providing transportation, breakfast, and lunch for elementary and middle school students. The high schools will continue with credit recovery programs, virtual school, and ACT boot camps. Open enrollment is ongoing, and efforts are being made to encourage students to return to in-person learning. The board also discussed the general-purpose budget, which includes step increases and a three percent raise for all salaried employees.

The meeting addressed policy 6.312 regarding the use of wireless communication devices and electronic devices, in compliance with Tennessee law. Discussion included exceptions for device use, penalties for violations, and emergency communication protocols. A parent expressed concerns about the policy's impact on student safety, low-income families, and potential legal issues. The board reviewed updates to the high school communication device plan for 2025-2026, including rules, exceptions, and consequences for violations.