Lauren Maness-Effler

The meeting included public comments primarily regarding insurance adjustments and the Middle College program. The student representative detailed upcoming events such as the winter formal and band/choir concerts, emphasizing the importance of promoting a veterans event. Significant discussion centered on the Middle College program, noting student anxieties about the online format and required college readiness activities, alongside the program's benefits. Updates were provided on legislative matters, including bills of concern for the district. Discussions also covered school trip requests for Union County High School's travel club to major East Coast cities and Harris Minor Middle School's Junior Beta Club to Nashville. Contract reviews involved the engagement letter for the firm Louiswis Thomasson and the renewal of the Waste Connections contract for campus waste services. Budget amendments focused on moving funds within the appropriated budget and incorporating state-funded grants for tutoring and STEM programs, as well as entering a settlement regarding capital property mediation. Maintenance updates reported a flood incident at the central office affecting John Smith's office, and progress on capital projects, including the gymnasium nearing roof completion and the football turf installation.

The meeting primarily focused on recognizing achievements across various schools and students. Special recognition was given to a board member for 16 years of service. The event featured a performance by the eighth-grade band, with special recognition for the band teacher who secured a $40,000 grant for new musical instruments. Awards were presented to Beta Club winners from multiple schools (Horseman Middle School, Big Ridge Elementary School, Lutrell Elementary, Sharps Chapel Elementary, and Pette Elementary) for achievements in spelling, social studies, art, photography, and robotics. Horseman Middle School was celebrated for successfully exiting the ATSI list. Maynardville Elementary was recognized as a TBOS Level Five school for high student academic growth. Union County High School was also recognized as a T-Boss Level Five school for significant student growth. Several students from local elementary schools received recognition for perfect scores on the teacup assessment. Pette Elementary received multiple awards, including School of Merit, School of Distinction, and achieving national convention awards in Digital Portfolio and Beta Surge, and was recognized as a Reward School, the highest honor in Tennessee, signifying top-tier academic achievement and growth.

The Union County Schools Foundational Literacy Skills Plan focuses on improving literacy for all students, particularly in grades K-5. The plan emphasizes a sounds-first approach to reading instruction grounded in the science of reading and aligned with Tennessee English Language Arts standards. Key initiatives include a dedicated foundational reading skills block (60 minutes daily in K-2, 90 minutes in 3-5), the use of approved curriculum materials (CKLA for K-2, Wit and Wisdom for 3-5), and supplemental programs to address specific skill gaps (Sonday System Essentials, IXL). The plan also outlines a multi-tiered system of support (RTI) to address the needs of at-risk and struggling readers, including universal screening, diagnostic assessments, targeted interventions, and progress monitoring. Professional development for teachers focuses on the science of reading and effective instructional practices. The plan includes a parent notification system to keep families informed of their child's progress and the interventions provided.