Eric Craig

The board meeting included recognitions for regional drone competition winners and participants in the robotics competition. Additionally, the board recognized a high school student for archery accomplishments and two student ambassadors for their school communication initiatives. The Director presented the proposed budget, focusing on teacher salary increases, competitive pay for support personnel, and funding for curriculum materials and special education services. The board also discussed the conclusion of TCAP and EOCC testing with no significant issues reported and acknowledged ongoing end-of-year school activities.

The board meeting agenda covers character trait recognition, the election of officers, and a capital projects update regarding ESG. Consent items include the business report, approval of volunteers, and numerous overnight field trips for school athletic teams and Beta Clubs, as well as the adoption of school district goals. Reporting items feature safety and personnel updates, a director's report, and legislative network information. Budgetary discussions include 2026 health insurance premiums and federal program funding for general education behavioral support. Additional agenda items involve the approval to add land for an ambulance station, naming the high school stadium, adoption of the annual agenda, the Ingram Sowell medication pilot program, and the review of winter sports schedules.

This Foundational Literacy Skills Plan outlines how Lawrence County Schools will meet the requirements of the Tennessee Literacy Success Act, focusing on daily foundational literacy skills instruction in Grades K-5. Key strategies include utilizing Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) with designated instructional blocks, implementing coaching cycles, and providing ongoing professional development through programs like Reading 360 and LETRS. The plan details universal reading screening for K-5 students, tiered intervention structures for at-risk students and those with dyslexia, and a comprehensive parent notification and home literacy reporting system. The overarching goal is to improve students' foundational literacy skills and address skill gaps.

The agenda includes several key discussion and action items, such as character trait recognition, a capital projects update, and public comments. Consent items cover the business report, approval of volunteers, and overnight field trips. Report items involve safety, personnel, and director updates, along with reports from the Tennessee Legislative Network. Significant consideration is given to budget items, including the three-year capital projects list, the Education Freedom Scholarship Act, janitorial and fuel bids, the purchase of the Ethridge Daycare building, and the renovation of the Loretto High School football concession stand. Additionally, a comprehensive review of numerous school policies is scheduled, followed by discussions on school fees, fall sports schedules, and retention appeals.

This document outlines the Foundational Literacy Skills Plan for Lawrence County Schools, approved by the Tennessee Department of Education and compliant with the Tennessee Literacy Success Act. The plan details the implementation of daily foundational literacy skills instruction using Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) in Grades K-2 (60 minutes) and an integrated literacy block in Grades 3-5 (90 minutes, with 30 minutes for foundational skills). Key strategic elements include continuous professional development, additional supports through various networks and district coaches, universal reading screeners for K-5, and a comprehensive intervention structure for students with significant reading deficiencies, including those with characteristics of dyslexia. The plan also emphasizes parent notification and communication regarding student progress and support.