TOP PHOTO: Campbell County’s Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening.

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – The Campbell County Board of Education held its meeting Tuesday evening at the Campbell County Courthouse, approving multiple business items.

Agenda items included the approval of the 2023 School Nutrition Feeding program, consideration of the Finalsite website contract, parking lot sealing and striping projects, and other business. 

The summer Nutrition Feeding program was approved unanimously. “We’ve done this program for the last couple years and it’s good,” said school board chair Sharon Ridenour.

The Finalsite contract for the website for the school system was approved as well.

The BOE met Monday evening and approved the summer nutrition program, bids for parking lot projects and other business.

A May 19th Jellico Elementary first grade class trip to the Tri-County Cineplex and McDonald’s in Corbin was approved, as was an amendment to the school calendar changing several days from instructional days to a stockpile day for professional development. 

School Board members heard the monthly financial reports as well, approving budget amendments. One amendment regarded the school system receiving state funds to be used in summer learning camp programs. 

They also reviewed bids regarding the sealing and striping at Jacksboro Elementary, Jacksboro Middle School, Caryville Elementary front parking lot, BOE Central Office and BOE Annex. 

The only bid received was from Roger’s Group at $70,380 and was accepted unanimously by the board.

Other business on the agenda included the adoption of a math textbook and the approval of the STOPit Solutions and Emotional learning for counselors in grades 5-12.  

“Our counselors are in need of a stronger program for emotional learning. It’s based on need that varies. The counselors were in on the discussion about this program, and they are for it,” Director of Schools Jennier Fields said.

The board approved the “Capturing Kids’ Hearts Service Agreement”, which has been a program adopted by the district in the past.

Also approved was a $1,100 payment for lodging overage, taxes and fees for four teachers to attend the NCCEP Gear Up conference in San Francisco from July 15 through July 19, 2023.

Director of Schools Fields expressed gratitude to teachers in honor of teacher appreciation week.

“I would like to thank everyone here and wish you a happy teacher appreciation week. You all play a huge role in what we do for our students. It takes a village,” Director of Jennifer Fields said. BOE Chairman Sharon Ridenour is on the left.

She also reported the school district had sent out its rehire letters to employees and is also beginning to work on the budget process. 

The director of schools gave a brief update on the building project at Jacksboro Elementary School.

“They are doing soil samples and waiting on results from the survey. They won’t move forward until all is done,” Fields said. Updates on other projects included the completion of the shade structure at Jacksboro Elementary. The CCHS baseball steps have been completed and the Jacksboro Elementary dilapidated trailer removal project is also complete.

The striping and sealing of parking lots should be completed over the summer.

The district is proceeding with the bid process of painting the gym at Wynn Elementary School. The bathroom renovation at Valley View Elementary School will be completed over the summer and other HVAC projects at schools will be finished this summer as well. Fields commented on the recent Special Olympics event and said it was great to have the program back in Campbell County. 

“I am so excited to announce yesterday we had our first special Olympics in years. The turnout and community support was amazing,” Fields said. Other school board members commented on the success of the Special Olympics event as well. 

Board members also heard from Tom Chadwell and another representative with the Statewide Organization for Community Empowerment (SOCM). They informed the BOE of the organization’s efforts to support public education in Tennessee and local communities and left contact information with the board. 

“We hope to bring local educators and parents and local school board members together to make sure we have strong thriving school districts,” Chadwell said. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/10/2023-6AM)