The workshop occurs prior to the meeting to provide information on business items and discussion by board members. No votes are taken during the workshop, only the meeting.

During the workshop, Dr. Jimmy Carter, Director of Schools, informed board members of field trips by clubs or classes that would have students travel out of county or stay overnight. Finance Director Ann Dyer had no budget amendments and reported that bills were being paid as expected. Lenny Holt, Special Education Coordinator, explained the physical therapy contract which also includes a trainer for various sports. Dr. Carter stated that tenure would not be on the agenda since he received the eligibility list from the state just prior to the meeting. There was not time to review the list and meet the agenda notice.

Most of the workshop consisted of an explanation of TN Ready State Testing. Dr. Lauren Effler, Supervisor of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction, stated that our district overall is improving, but falling short of expected goals. The state sets goals in achievement, growth, and non-academic areas like attendance. For the most part, non-academic goals are being met with Big Ridge, Maynardville, Luttrell, Sharps Chapel, Paulette, and Union County High scoring a 4, Horace Maynard Middle School a 3, and TNVA a 1. Academic achievement was met by BRES and MES with a 3. All other schools scored below average on achievement with a 1. Dr. Effler noted that science was figured in the scores this year. The low science scores at some schools and the lack of progress impacted the achievement and the growth. Union County High made a 3 and was the only school that achieved the expected growth. Paulette was slightly below expectations with a 2 and HMMS was improving with a 1. Others did not make expected growth.

Dr. Effler outlined supports and initiatives for each school. Initiatives include early literacy, math and reading unit starters, higher level questioning, and science support and professional development. The district will also offer PACE, a program that offers pre and post testing for skills by semester and according to the pacing guides. Teachers will also meet monthly in cohort planning sessions and resource sharing. Attendance will still be a focus to maintain and continue to encourage students to come to school and achieve daily.

The final item at the workshop was a discussion on moving the sick leave of Josh Orrick to Union County from Knox County.

The short meeting opened with prayer, the pledge and announcements. Dr. Carter encouraged everyone to attend the football game. Union County is in line to participate in the first round of state play-offs with their seventh win. All contracts, the policy updates, the textbook committee and Orrick's sick leave days were approved.

The next Board of Education Meeting will be on Thursday, December 13 at 6:00 pm for the workshop and the board meeting will follow.