Ryan Collins

The board meeting addressed several key business items, including the approval of financial and legacy reports, the reactivation of an access control improvement project, and the authorization of student field trips. Additionally, the board recognized a teacher with tenure status and approved memoranda of understanding regarding private duty nursing services, school resource officers, and a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club. The board also approved a transportation contract with Rocky Top Tours, held a first reading for an update to the student attendance policy, and passed a resolution to transfer funds from the closed extended day program into general purpose and capital projects accounts.

This Foundational Literacy Skills Plan outlines how Alcoa City Schools meets the requirements of the Tennessee Literacy Success Act. It details the implementation of a comprehensive foundational literacy skills program across Grades K-5, utilizing Amplify CKLA as primary instructional material, supplemented by other evidence-based resources. Key components include daily instructional blocks, continuous teacher professional development through Reading 360 and ongoing coaching, a robust intervention system with progress monitoring, and comprehensive family engagement strategies, all aimed at improving student literacy outcomes.

The board meeting featured a student presentation on a proposed AI-powered homework assistance app, followed by a personnel report detailing new hires and transfers. Key board business included the postponement of the director of schools' contract discussion, approval of tenure status for several teachers, authorization for multiple upcoming school field trips, and the approval of a resolution nominating a student member to the State Board of Education. Additionally, the board conducted first readings for updates to policies regarding public comment procedures, revenue payment practices, and the coordinated school health program. The board also reviewed and approved the general purpose budget, while noting ongoing maintenance of effort challenges.

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.