Kelli Nelson

The meeting addressed updates on Knoxville High School signage and Community Circle meetings. Concerns were raised regarding staff retention due to salary, benefits, and insurance. BLDD Architects introduced their work on the Mable Woolsey Elementary study for replacement/repairs. The superintendent discussed the possibility of removing student growth from teacher/principal evaluations, a change in payroll structure, online registration, and the district's facility use agreement. The board also reviewed and approved the first reading of several press policy revisions and policy 4:200 regarding capital assets. Agreements with Knox County Nursing Home and ROE #33 for ALOP Services were approved. A presentation on the district budget revenues for the 2025-2026 school year was given, with a budget hearing set for September 22, 2025. Future agenda items include Mable Woolsey replacement, occupancy permit for the west end of Mable Woolsey Elementary, and a board vacancy interview.

The Board of Education convened in a special meeting, which included a closed executive session to discuss the selection of a person to fill a public office and potentially address the discipline, performance, or removal of a public office occupant. Following the closed session, the board returned to open session and adjourned the meeting.

The Board of Education convened to discuss and act on several key items, including the approval of non-certified employee wage increases for FY26, the approval of administrative assignments, contracts, and salary increases for FY26, the approval of a certified staff member to fill a KJHS classroom vacancy, and the approval of an internal transfer of a KJHS special education teacher to a Mable Woolsey special education teacher.

The meeting included a presentation on the fall summary versus the amended budget. The board recognized and thanked individuals for their work during the administrative transition and welcomed the Interim Superintendent. They also discussed and approved the amended FY25 School District Budget and the KEA Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2025-2026. The board also discussed the approval of FFA trips for the 2025-2026 school year and the Student Handbook for the 2025-2026 school year. Several items, including the athletic fee increase, non-certified employee wage increases, and administrative salary increases for FY26, were tabled for further review. The review or implementation of an employee handbook and further discussion regarding the Facility Use Agreement were requested.

The meeting included a special presentation by the District Accountant regarding the Amended Budget for FY25. The board also considered the approval of the second reading of Policy 6.19 concerning extracurricular activities and academic criteria for participation. Further discussion involved the approval of the Amended FY25 School District Budget, the KEA Collective Bargaining Agreement for 25/26, increased athletic fees, FFA trips for FY26, the Student Handbook for FY26, wage increases for non-certified employees, and administrative salary increases for FY26. An executive session was held to discuss employee matters and collective bargaining.