The Union County Board of Education awarded 46 commendations to Union County teachers for excellence with regards to the state assessments at the December board meeting. Educators were recognized for achievement above the state average, growth scores of 4 or 5, and attainment of Level 5 overall.

The board also expressed gratitude to the various administrators who supported the quality educational opportunities that enabled the students and teachers to achieve these honors. Director Greg Clay thanked Dr. Lauren Effler for her establishment of the Union County Book Bus and the promotion of literacy county wide. Dr. Effler, Imagination Library and the Family Resource Center have distributed thousands of books to children of all ages, especially infants through middle school during the Book Bus events.

The board approved Policy 4.700 Testing Program on second reading. The new policy changes the 9-12 percent used in final grades to five percent. Seven teachers were awarded tenure for maintaining above average evaluations for five years.

Clay reported on several capital projects and proposals. The cave at the new middle school as well as the voids have been filled and capped. The retaining wall and most of the foundation has been constructed. The board approved a $1.5M amendment to the current budget in order to pay for the additional cost of removing rocks during excavation for the sports fields. The CTE addition is being redesigned and an application for a health science grant is being explored.

The coach is finishing some additional equipment installation at the softball field. The roof contract for the central office may be below original projections. The asbestos removal from Maynardville Elementary may also be below the original estimate. Clay encouraged the board to begin to work on the Five Year Strategic Plan in January and make modifications as needed based on the report released December 19 and funding projections that begin occurring in February. A pilot project using metal detectors at the ALC and UCHS have revealed some issues with calibration, but the administrators and teachers will continue to work to improve the performance.

The board unanimously agreed with Clay’s recommendation to change the date of the January meeting to January 16. The board also set January 23 for a special called workshop to discuss a peanut policy or a procedure for serving items with peanut or peanut butter ingredients. Currently the system has no formal policy but has been peanut aware for several years. The public is welcome at all meetings including workshops but must sign up under public comments before the meeting begins in order to address the board.