Mike Mansfield

The Warren County Board of Education approved the General Purpose Budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The budget includes staff compensation and bonuses, such as salary increases for certified and classified staff, and state and locally funded bonuses for eligible employees. It also covers instructional and program support, including instructional coaches in schools, classroom supplies, funding for athletics and band, and ESSER-funded programming transitioned to the General Purpose fund. Capital projects and safety measures are addressed with funding for capital improvements, a new School Resource Officer, and SRO vehicles. The budget also supports strategic grants and health services, including the Employee Health Clinic.

The board meeting covered various agenda items, including the approval of consent agendas, financial matters (checks, bids, contracts, resolutions), surplus listings, and public comments. Employee recognitions were given, and facilities and resources updates were provided. The meeting also included discussion and approval of the 2024-2025 School Nutrition Budget, a budget amendment, and a contract extension with Durham Transportation Services. Additional items approved included a NIET Statement of Work, General Purpose Fund line item transfers, and several policies on first and second readings. Personnel matters, including hires, rehires, coaching hires, additional duties, transfers, resignations, retirements, terminations, and curriculum and achievement updates were also addressed. Finally, discussion included updates on electric buses, test scores, and the Senior Center property acquisition.

The Warren County Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution opposing Governor Bill Lee's proposed "Education Freedom Act" and Education Savings Accounts (school vouchers). Concerns were raised about the potential negative impacts on public education funding, student resources, and local school districts. The resolution highlights the potential diversion of critical funding from public schools to private education providers and reaffirms the board's commitment to supporting public schools and providing equitable, high-quality education for all students. The resolution was sent to the Tennessee General Assembly.

The action plan focuses on improving digital learning and collaboration for all students. Key areas include developing a digital learning curriculum leading to keyboarding proficiency, providing access to new technologies and devices, and maximizing time on task through improved scheduling and resource allocation. The plan involves collaboration among principals, teachers, and technology supervisors to implement action steps with timelines, responsibilities, resource requirements, and evaluation strategies. Targeted outcomes include improved student proficiency in keyboarding, increased engagement in technology and arts, and a more well-rounded education.