BOE discusses resolution in opposition of School voucher system

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Campbell County School Director Jennifer Fields briefly discussed the resolution in opposition to the state’s Education Freedom Scholarship Act at Tuesday’s School Board meeting. 

This resolution was a joint resolution with the Campbell County Commission, which passed its resolution of opposition last month. The school board had passed its resolution through executive action last month as well so that it could join in the resolution with the county commission. 

“That was a good stand we took together to support public schools and oppose school vouchers,” said Director of Schools Jennifer Fields.

She explained private schools would not be held to the same standards as public schools and that it would be detrimental to students and the public school system. 

“These private schools are not required to implement the same state approved instructional material as public schools.

They are not required to take annual testing, they are not required to receive letter grades, and they are not required to adhere to the grade three retention and they are not held to the same level of accountability as public schools. Hopefully that gets repealed and goes nowhere.” Fields said.

She also gave her director’s report to school board members at Tuesday’s meeting.

According to Fields, the Homeland Security visits are scheduled for completion this month and the Alternative Elementary School is up and running. It is called the PLUS Academy, which stands for Positive Learning Unlocking Success.

“The building looks very nice, and Mrs. Hendricks has done a wonderful job,” Fields said. 

She also reported the school district was working on coordinating its camera systems with 911 emergency. 

Camera installation has begun for LaFollette Middle School and Jellico High School and the fencing project will begin soon start at Jellico Elementary School and soon be finished at Jellico High school.

The Jellico welding shop project is underway and the culinary arts class at Jellico High School had a new griddle and oven installed. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 01/10/2024-6AM)