Katelynn Carrington

Alcoa Connects is a four-year digital transformation plan implemented by Alcoa City Schools. The plan focuses on enhancing the teaching and learning experience by integrating technology into instructional design through 1:1 device deployment and comprehensive teacher training. Its objectives include fostering student engagement, providing flexible and individualized learning opportunities, offering quick academic feedback, and equipping students with digital tools and habits essential for future studies and careers.

Key discussions and actions taken included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which confirmed an additional Interim Special Education Teacher at Alcoa Elementary and approved the financial report for October 2025. School reports highlighted Alcoa Middle School's recent basketball homecoming, recognition of retiring coaches, and the academic achievement of receiving an "A" letter grade from the state. Board business involved approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Alcoa for school zone monitoring and traffic calming, approving several AHS Spring Sports 2026 TSSAA tournament field trips, and approving the naming of the Vernon Osborne Gymnasium Press Box as the "Pat Flynn Pressbox." Additionally, field trip approval was granted for the AHS SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference. Two Board policies received their first reading and subsequent approval: Policy 1.901 regarding Charter School Applications and Policy 2.804 concerning Expenses and Reimbursements. Finance items approved included the purchase of Chromebooks for FY27 and increasing a part-time nurse position to full-time. The Director's Report addressed school safety measures, including conducting a School Campus Assessment, adding exterior cameras, and coordinating with the City on traffic control systems.

The meeting agenda included routine opening procedures such as the Pledge of Allegiance and comments from the audience. Key discussion points involved confirming the naming of the cheerleading dressing room to the "The Stevenson Locker Room" under the Executive Committee Decision. Board Business required approval for multiple field trips for AHS and AMS Choir/Math Club events, and the approval of a Surety Bond for the upcoming year. Policy discussions included the second reading of updates for Board Policy 1.901 (Charter School Applications) and Board Policy 2.804 (Expenses and Reimbursements). The Finance section required approval for the bid process for purchasing a combi oven for the AES Cafeteria.

The meeting involved the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included financial reports for June, August, and September 2025. School reports featured an update from the Alcoa Intermediate Principal regarding enrollment, performance goals, a PTO-run Holiday Market, and recent choir and basketball events. Student spotlights recognized Biz Town Representatives, a Prosthetic Leg Project team, and 5th Grade Dancers. Board business included the approval of two field trips for the AHS Swim Team and AHS Singers in early 2026. Several board policies were approved on second reading, including updates to policies on Revenues, Parent & Family Engagement, Transcript Alterations, Student Searches, Zero Tolerance Offenses, Student Communicable Diseases, and Safe Relocation of Students. A major item involved the unanimous approval to suspend the rules to add consideration of a settlement agreement in the Fund 177 litigation between the City of Alcoa and the School Board, which resulted in an approved motion to accept the settlement agreement and the payment of $15,000 from Blount County Schools to the City of Alcoa. The Director's Report concluded with scheduling updates for upcoming student and staff days.

The meeting agenda included several key items. Under the consent agenda, the board addressed confirming an additional Interim Special Education Teacher at Alcoa Elementary. Discussions in School and Other Reports covered reports from Alcoa Middle School (AMS) and the Family Resource Center. Board Business involved approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Alcoa regarding school zone monitoring and traffic calming, approving multiple field trips for AHS sports teams and SkillsUSA participants, and approving the naming of the Vernon Osborne Gymnasium Press Box as the "Pat Flynn Pressbox." Board Policy review included first readings for updates on Charter School Applications and Expenses and Reimbursements. Finance items included the approval of Chromebook purchases for FY27 and increasing a current part-time nurse position to full-time.