Russell D Darley

This document outlines the strategic growth plan for the Office of Postsecondary Coordination & Alignment, aiming to enhance postsecondary attainment for high school students in Tennessee. Aligning with the "Tennessee Succeeds" strategic plan and the ESSA State Plan, it identifies five core priorities: expanding access to early postsecondary opportunities (EPSOs), improving their quality and relevance, increasing the number of students earning and articulating postsecondary credit, boosting stakeholder awareness, and developing robust data practices. The overarching vision is for the majority of public school graduates by 2020 to seamlessly enter postsecondary education with credits.

This document outlines the ESSER 3.0 federal funding allocated to Tennessee Public Schools, focusing specifically on Putnam County Schools' plan for utilizing approximately $20.6 million. The plan mandates allocating a minimum of 20% of funds to address learning loss in grades K-12, with the remaining funds dedicated to ensuring schools are safe for in-person learning. The strategy emphasizes the careful and sustainable use of these one-time funds to ensure long-term impact.

The Putnam County Board of Education meeting addressed several key agenda items. These included approvals for various purchases and payments related to the Prescott South Elementary and Middle Schools project, such as instructional technology equipment, dumpsters, and security services. The board also approved budget amendments and line item transfers, reviewed policy changes related to the instructional program, and received updates on the Algood Gang Toilet Renovation Project. Additionally, the meeting included presentations on grant reports, value-added data, and the Putnam County Report Card.

The meeting addressed the election of board officers, approval of consent agenda items including various purchases, payments, bids, budget amendments, and field trip and grant reports. Discussion included updates on the Prescott South Elementary and Middle School projects, payments to contractors, and the Baxter Elementary School electrical system evaluation. Other key topics were the approval of supplemental coaching positions, the adoption of a mascot for Prescott South Elementary, the purchase of additional equipment, and the reinstatement of a drug testing policy for high school student athletes and cheerleaders. The board also discussed the addition of cross country as a middle school sport and wrestling as a high school club sport. Finally, approval was given to hire an additional JROTC instructor and a student data report was presented, including a decision on the percentage of TCAP scores to count toward student grades.

The Putnam County Board of Education meeting addressed various agenda items, including the approval of purchases and payments, budget amendments, and bids. Discussions included updates on several school construction projects (Prescott South Elementary and Middle Schools, Baxter Middle School, Monterey High School, Upperman High School, Baxter Elementary School, Burks Middle School, and Algood Middle School), along with the approval of teacher tenure and a beverage service contract. The board also considered the naming committee for new Monterey schools and an Eagle Scout project proposal.