001I'll call the meeting to order. >> Thank you. >> Uh Miss Gore, will you call the role, please? >> Oh. Oh, there she is. >> Present. >> Dr. >> President. >> Mr. Benjamin, >> present. >> Mr. D, >> present. >> Thank you. I'll ask you to all stand with me. >> We'll recite the pledge of allegiance and then remain uh standing for a moment of silence. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Move seated. >> All right, Dr. Clark, presentations. >> We do have a few tonight. So tonight before I begin with the IKEA, we have what we call the class act award. And each school along with the
002district office, they select a class act, which is a classified employee, a non-educator to receive that award. And you know some people you got to be very strategic about delivering them award and because they are in tune what goes on around them. >> So we're surprising this person and the class act award for district office is Miss Valerie Spman. You see, because most we can say, "Let's gather in the lobby and they'll all come down to the lobby." Not Miss Speakman, who serves as our general counsel. She stays back in her office reading contracts. I do want to share some things that was submitted about Miss Beakman. I want to make sure I talk touched on all all of those items. So, Miss Speakman, now you think of a general counsel, all legal, maybe not
003too emotional, and as she shares, we're very warm, fuzzy people in education, but she blends so well with us. She does a phenomenal job in her role as council. She is consistently available and willing to partner with all district and school leaders to provide guidance, support, and as well as education on state laws and related matters. And if you know anything about education at the state level, they're changing those laws all the time. And so we need Miss Speakman to interpret those laws to us and help us navigate how do we implement those in the educational setting as realistic as possible. If you're an educator, you know what I mean by that. She is very receptive to our feedback and thoughtfully recommends updates to policies and procedures, making necessary adjustments prior to presenting them for
004the board for approval. She's exceptionally dependable. Regardless of the volume of work that's on her plate, she meets every deadline and it's always ahead of schedule. She's highly respected by her peers, not only locally because they all call on her in school law, but across the state of Tennessee all the way to the east side way over there in Knoxville, she is right there with the best because she is the best. Her dedication allows educational leaders to remain focused on their primary responsibilities without becoming overwhelmed by the complex legal issues. I've been extremely impressed and grateful for Miss Speakman's willingness to do this. She coaches she pulls away from her role as general counsel and she voluntarily coaches the AHS model UN students. That is a wow in my book for a non-educator to go
005out there and and teach our young people and now they all want to grow up and be like Miss Speedman. >> Me too. >> This is her second year in supporting model UN and under her leadership the students have earned recognition and awards in state and national competitions. how many non-educators would take the initiative to engage with students and apply their expertise to elevate student performance. Each year, she also leads legal updates for both new and returning employees during district inservice, helping staff understand important legal expectations in a way that is practical, accessible, and memorable. While legal updates can sometimes feel overwhelming, Valerie's approach leans on humor and real world stories. If you've ever been educated by her on all these, she does throw a lot of laughter in what she's doing and that is
006very helpful to all of us. She shares examples that connect directly to daily life in schools that relate not only to and it keeps people engaged in what she's sharing because if you have to learn about laws and things it can be a little boring but not with Miss Speakman delivering it and then in the end it helps keep people out of trouble. Each year she also volunteers her convertible to drive me through the Christmas parade. And she brings joy and holiday spirit on bright shiny wheels with her smile and her signature pageantlike way. Valerie is truly a wonderful human who values people and relationships. She authentically cares for the people in her lives and those around her. She's always quick to ask, "What's the latest in your life?" And that question is never about
007work. It's about life outside of ACS. That personal approach to both her role in law keeps her connected to real world individuals and emotions and is what makes her impact so meaningful across ACS. So congratulations and welld deserved. We did sneak in your hubby. Do you see? >> I did. >> You want any pictures, Tyler? Or you got >> You're finished. >> Finished. >> Unless you want to walk around to your pageant wave for us. That's sweet. Okay, we're going to play a little catchup because we missed January board meeting. So now we have to recognize IKEA for January and February. IKEA is our partner. They are fully committed to the end of this school year and providing that partnership. So each school uh nominates a parent who's volunteered their time to the school and
008they receive the IKEA award along with the $100 gift card to IKEA. So, first I have Miss Abby Valer who is at >> AES. Come on down. As our PTA treasure and a constant supporter of our school community, Mrs. Valer exemplifies the qualities of service, efficiency, and wholehearted dedication that is the award celebrates. She works collaboratively with PTA board to channel resources where they will have the greatest impact. Her contributions as PTA treasurer have had a measurable positive effect on our school by supporting teacher morale and encouraging stronger teacher PTA collaboration. Miss Walner consistently goes above and beyond to support her teachers. She approaches every task with a servant's heart and a deep understanding of the demands of classroom work. Teachers regularly play praise her responsiveness and organization, particularly noting how quickly and accurately she
009processes reimbursements, ensuring classrooms have what they need without delay. So congratul congratulations, Miss Balner. And here's your award. We'll keep it all together for you. And I know Mr. Hill wants to take a picture. >> You want to get on Our next one is from Arlington Elementary School. We have Miss Make sure I get the name right. Miss Summer Maul. Miss Summer Maul. >> Congratulations. So, I'm going to share some words that was submitted by about by the Arlington Elementary School administration. On any given day, Mrs. Maul can be found in the halls of AES, quietly and consistently volunteering her time and talents. Her steady presence and tireless support help countless activities run smoothly. From providing classroom assistance and overseeing room parents to coordinating event setup and cleanup along with thoughtful behind the scenes follow-through
010that teachers and staff rely on. Miss Maul models kindness, positivity, and hard work in everything she does. She's always willing to lend a hand wherever needed, never expecting recognition, but consistently making a meaningful diff difference. Her contributions, though often quiet, are deeply valued by administration, teachers, and the entire school community. With Valentine's Day in February, this month felt extremely fitting to honor Miss Maul. She truly has a huge heart for the students, teachers, and staff at AES, showing care, warmth, and steady support in every task. So, congratulations, Miss Maul. Next is AMS. We have Miss Amanda Schmidt. >> Good evening. Congratulations. Miss Schmidt has served our Ames band program for four years. First as treasure and now in her third year as band booster president. And it is impossible to imagine our program without her.
011She's definition of dependability. Mrs. Smith Schmidt is present at virtually every concert, every trip, and every event, always with a smile, a positive attitude, and a willingness to jump in wherever she is needed. She models kindness, patience, and encouragement in everything she does, and our students see that. Over the years, she has become so much more than a booster president. She's truly a band bomb to all our students, not just her own. From Miss Herring's perspective as the band director, Miss Schmidt's support has been nothing short of a blessing. She consistently lightens Miss Herring's workload in ways both big and small, often taking care of things before even realizing they need to be done. She's an incredible problem solver who approaches challenges calmly, thoughtfully, and with the best interest of her students. always at the
012center. She leads with positivity, humility, and a genuine love for the AMS band program and students. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, her heart, and constant support. And we think of no one more deserving than the recognition of Mrs. Amanda Schmidt. And I'll tell you, there's some high school band people in here, so they probably got their eyes on me. They can't wait till you get to high school. >> Congratulations, M. Another one from Arlington Middle School, Mrs. Joy Walker. Is she here tonight? Okay. I know that you'll pass that on to her. Next, we have from Arlington High School, Mrs. Lakesha Anderson. Is she here tonight? Okay. I didn't know. Consider she's known for basketball and we've had some busy nights including tonight for basketball. She's missing the game to be here tonight.
013>> She's like read fast. >> We're up 19- 16 first quarter. >> Let's go. >> Come on, Tigers. Pull it through. Arlington High School is incredibly fortunate to have Miss Anderson as the head of our basketball booster club. From making sure both girls and boys basketball teams are wellfed after every game with meals and thoughtfully prepared goodie bags to surprising the teams with treats after practice. Miss Anderson consistently goes above and beyond to make our players feel supported and appreciated. Our organization and leadership on game days are unmatched. By coordinating volunteers so seamlessly, she allows parents the opportunity to both support concessions and still enjoy watching their kids compete on the court. Her weekly basketball newsletters keeps families informed and connected, ensuring everyone knows what's happening and how they can help. Beyond her volunteer role,
014Miss Anderson is also a proud parent, Arlington parent. Her son, Nicholas Anderson, is a standout sophomore basketball player and a wide receiver on the football team. Her passion for Arlington athletics shines through in everything she does. She truly embodies what it means to support Arlington High School. Our programs are stronger, our players are happier, and our community is better because of her. So, congratulations Go. >> Thank you. Congratulations. >> Now you can go to the game, Miss Anderson. That's right. >> You're dismissed. >> Next from Arlington High School, we have Mrs. Sabrina Schultz. Congratulations. >> Arlington High School is truly better because of parents like Sabrina Schultz. As a dedicated cheer mom, Sabrina has been a constant source of encouragement and support for the Arlington High School cheer program. serving as both a volunteer and
015booster. She stepped up in meaningful ways, including help helping coordinate meals and snacks at nationals, ensuring our athletes felt cared for, energized, and celebrated during some of their most important moments. What truly sets Sabrina apart is her heart for service. She is always checking in with the cheer sponsors and coaches, asking what else they might need and how she can help. That simple but powerful question, what can I do? Has made a lasting impact and shows her genuine commitment to the success and well-being of our students. Beyond cheer, Sabrina has has been a valued member of PTSA, generously contributing to teacher appreciation efforts, supporting fundraisers, and providing thoughtful touches like snacks for our staff. Her involvement reflects the very best of Arlington High School community, commitment, kindness, and school spirit. We are incredibly grateful for
016her time, her energy, and the care she pours into our students, staff, and programs. So, congratulations Now, Donaldson Elementary School, we have Miss Rachel Silvers. >> Okay. I was thinking >> that is awesome. >> Yes. on this manly earlier. That is the cutest outfit. I just love that sweater. And then I look over, I'm like, >> is that the same sweater? >> Great. >> That's right. >> That's cute. >> Okay, Twinkies. >> Rachel Silvers embodies the heart and spirit of the Donaldson Elementary PTA. As our vice president of membership, she thoughtfully plans every DES facelift Friday, arranging small treats that brighten teachers and staff members days and lift their spirits. Rachel also leads our business sponsorships and coordinates the banners that showcase community support. Always ready to help, she handles everything from reserving spaces for
017PTA summer meetings to ensuring each event is fully staffed with volunteers. She consistently attends both board and general meetings and her steady commitment, cheerful support, and tireless service make her an invaluable and beloved volunteer at Donaldson Elementary School. So congratulations, Miss Silvers. >> There you go. Y'all need to get Dr. Clark one of those. Then you can take the picture again. >> I know. Really cute. >> That's cute. >> Next from DonaldElsson Elementary School, we have Miss Ashley Walker. She's here. Okay, there you go. >> Okay, that concludes our awards and recognition for our parents. I will turn it over to the principles for board appreciation. Actually, January was board appreciation month, but you all know we are on our little snow break for nine days, so we're shifting it to February. >> Yeah. Can
018you hear me? Check. Check. Oh, I sound good in this. I like this. Need at the school. Um, I Yes. Turn it over to the principles. Me being the only male principal, I get volunttoed sometimes by the three ladies I get ganged up on. That's okay. >> Oh, yeah. That's what they told me. That's what they told me. I'm I'm beginning to see what principal of the year gets me. Yeah. No worries. I made myself a script cuz so so I'll get rolling. All right. So, um, good evening. Um, we, uh, we know it's a lengthy meeting, so we won't take a whole lot of time, but we wanted to take a moment to make sure each of you feels the love and appreciation we all have for you. Uh, we have gifts from each
019school. I think you already have some of those. Uh, but this year, we wanted to do something a little different to go along with those gifts. Something that truly involves those. It's all about our students. Uh so each school uh or at each school, our students created something special for you and we have students tonight to present uh and to share a few words with you as well. So the high school's going to go first and we've got your uh honorary board member who's going to share a few words and we got a couple other ladies up here that's going to give you a few more gifts um as Miss Abby is talking. So I'll stand I'll get out of the way. Might need to lower this a little bit, Mr. Avis. All righty. Good
020meeting. Good morning. Oh my gosh. Good evening. Good evening and a happy belated schoolboard appreciation. I cannot even begin to put into words just how much you have done to support each and every student in our district. You show up to be a smiling face in the crowd for student performances. You engage with students on a personal level, and you allow students to pursue their interests. I know many students that would not be on the path they're on today if it weren't for your support through the legacy grant and I cannot wait to see how you continue to shape the future by enriching the lives of the students in Arlington. Personally, I am so incredibly grateful for being able to sit alongside you and be able to learn just how much you you can support
021education. With the help from the AHS STEM department and their very fancy glow flow machine, two students in the STEM program, junior Ansley Miller and and senior Renee Earwood, we are presenting you with three of your very own digital business cards. Very fancy. >> Very cool. >> There's a QR code on the back where you can scan them and it takes you directly to your information. And additionally, they have created some very fancy engraved pens and notebooks personalized completely to you courtesy of the amazing AHS STEM department. >> Love it. Thank you. >> Love it. Well, I I also echo the fantastic um support that we have from um the school board and I have some eighth grade students here that will be presenting um their work to you, but we're going to have Miss
022Gupton share a little bit about what it is before before they pass it out. >> Hi, I'm Kinsley. Um, I am one of the AMS Art One students and we were handpicked to present to you a art project we were working on and it incorporates all of the things we've learned so far this year. And I'm sorry I don't have anything um pre-written to say to you. So, I just want to thank you for everything you do for our school and all the other schools. and we are truly thankful for just giving us the opportunity to grow and learn and um I hope you enjoy like all of our um art pieces cuz we work very hard on them. >> Thank you. >> Good job. Oh my go. >> So the students um took a
023>> they drew themselves or they drew the buildings of all of the fronts of all of our buildings. So, those were handd designed by our art one students. First um time offering that at AMS this year. >> That is so cool. That is great. >> I know. >> Okay. So, students, Mr. Hill would like for you to >> just here. >> Scoot in. >> Sit down or sit. >> Scoot in. >> All right. Let's make sure I can get one. >> If you could like really hold yours up there. >> Yeah, there we go. That way we can see at least one full. Okay, here we go. >> Okay, >> awesome. >> That is neat. >> That is so cool. >> Y'all did a great job. Right. Good evening. >> To get out of here.
024>> Today I would like to present to you Jenny Morgan. She has written a special note for you. And then also continuing with the arts, we have a special um song that our second graders and Mrs. Whizzler wrote just for you. So, I'm going to let Jenny go and then we'll play you a song. Dear ACS board members, as many of you know, last month was board member appreciation month, but we had some snow. >> My principal, Miss Manley, asked us to celebrate and recognize our board. We appreciate how y'all spend money whether we know it or not. How you support our teachers to be the best that they can be and how y'all keep our iPads up to date and making sure we have the best apps and the to better our education whether
025it's inside or out in the community. Thank you. We love you. Arlington school board, we thank you for all that you do. Benjamin, you work hard to show us that we can all learn. You help us grow and support us in learning each day. You give us the tools to be great and guide us to be the best kids in the state. Some people say that we're small. Some people say we couldn't do it all along. >> But we stood tall and firmly in us at every turn. Your concerns were concerned with how to make us love. Arlington, we thank you for all that we do. Benjamin, you work hard to show us that we can all learn. You help us grow and support us in learning each day. You give us the tools to
026be great, no mistake, and guide us to be the best kids in the state. We sure thank you. You help us. >> Thank you. >> Thank y'all. >> That's awesome. >> I love that. >> Look at this guy. >> Always all about the kids. Good evening, y'all. Um, tonight AES has a presentation for you. We'll be the tail end of the thank yous tonight, but I'll introduce you to AJ Hall, who is our student council president. He's going to take over from here. >> He looks like the president. >> Good evening. My name is AJ Hall and I am the president of a student council. On behalf of all the students, I want to say a big thank you for everything you do for our school. You make important decisions that help our classrooms and
027our learning. You listen to teachers and students. You make our school a safer, happier place to learn and grow. Because of you, we have the best program, supplies, field trips, and other opportunities that make school better every day. Our students learned about our school award during our January tiger time classes to show our appreciation. Students could enter a portrait contest. Students drew pictures of each of you to say thank you in a special way. The winners worked hard to capture your kindness and leadership. Now, I'd like to introduce the portrait winners. When I call your name, the student who drew your portrait will come forward to give you the frame picture. Miss Lyall Connley, drawn by Cadence Phillips, fourth grade. >> See that? We need We need to come down and take Let's see. >>
028Yeah, let's see it. >> Let's see your selfportrait. >> I love it. >> Oh, look at that. >> That's awesome. >> Oh, that's good. Let's go. That's really good. >> Mr. Jonathan Dunn by drawn by Riley Matthews, first grade. >> All right. See this one. Mr. >> I love it. >> Yes. Awesome. >> So cute. >> Y'all see that? >> That's amazing. >> Fantastic. Mr. Scott Benjamin drawn by Fred Fry kindergarten. Fredo, sorry. >> Come on. >> Thank you. Thanks for correcting me. >> You draw this. >> Awesome. >> Okay. >> That is I mean that is >> Yes. That is like >> love it. >> Amazing. >> Big jug head and a bow tie. >> Dr. Dale Vio drawn by Reese Alup. Fifth grade. >> Let's see. All right. >> Dr. Vio, >> let's
029go. Look at that. That's awesome. >> I think you got that suit on now. >> Great. >> Good job. That's awesome. >> Thank you. >> Mrs. Courtney Barnes, drawn by Delaney Sherman, third grade. >> Oh my goodness. It's She did a better job on me than it is me. Look at this. Isn't that >> cute? I do only say one thing. Um, I'm not in the microphone, but Delaney, I helped their family move here, their military family, and she drew me a card when I helped them move here that said, "Thank you for making me a tiger." >> So, the fact that she won this and was able to do it means a lot to me. So, thank you, >> Delaney. ACS board members, thank you for your time, your care, and helping our school
030be the best it can be. We hope you enjoyed the portraits. They made they were made with lots of gratitude and school spirit. Thank you again. Have a great night. >> Okay, so 3124 at half. We're up. >> Um, as you can see, we truly value and sincerely appreciate all you do. Thank you again for everything you do for us, our students, our staff. Uh, you are the best board in the state of Tennessee. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank y'all. >> That's awesome. >> Absolutely. >> This is the best board meeting yet. That's >> right. Good >> for sure. >> All right, we will move ahead. Hey, we'll give you an opportunity if you don't want to sit through long arduous board meetings. This would be your time to exit stage left. Uh, >>
031actually stage behind. >> No judgment. >> Yeah, none at all. >> Not taking that. >> Hey, Miss Barnes, that doesn't mean you >> Yeah, Miss Barnes, you can't leave. >> She's leaving anyway. >> Thank you guys. >> Thank you. Hey, we can still roll, can't we? >> Jonathan, you are 100% that South Park teacher. >> Okay. What was his name? >> That's amazing. Incredible. >> Look, Aby's laughing cuz he knows. >> Hang on. I got to take a picture of this, bro. >> That's that South Park picture. I promise you. It's got grin to it. >> Cracks me up that she drew you in that suit and you're wearing it, >> right? >> Oh my goodness. That's great. >> That is literally the best gift I've ever gotten. >> Wait, hang on. >> Jonathan's picture
032is the best gift I've ever got. >> What are we doing? >> Hang on. Hang on. Hey, what are we doing here? Courtney's out signing autographs or something. >> Yeah, I don't know what Courtney get in trouble classroom in management. >> Yeah, clearly terrible. >> What are you doing? >> That's why I'm not a teacher. >> We're trying to get to the basketball game. >> That's right. All right, here we go. We'll keep going. Uh, citizens comments. The score none tonight. All right, we will move on to the approval of the agenda. Do I have a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Motion by Dr. Vox. Second, >> second by Mr. Dunn. Any oppose? >> All in favor say I. I. Any oppose? Eyes have it. And the motion passes. We'll move to reports.
033First is chairman report. Uh just a couple things that I want to say. Um we just went to legal and legislative work workshop. Uh Miss Connley, uh the Reverend Dunn and myself. Uh we all went there. Dr. Clark was there as well after a long uh week of meeting before that. And so she was on the tail end of that trip. Uh it's always a good it's always a good time and always a good informative time to be there. So I'm uh I'm thankful you're doing that. I really uh it helps for uh us boardsmanship wise. I just want to encourage you board to >> continue on in boardsmanship. Uh keep pursuing those things. Um uh even if you hit your numbers just keep going. That's uh that's what I'm keen to do. You know
034I've kind of hit all the points that are necessary but just keep going and keep doing things. It'll just make us all better boards people uh in the future for this district for sure. So, thank you for showing up for that. Um uh and kudos to all our schools. I really appreciate all y'all being here. Uh it's it's really nice and I'll say it to you for specifically principles. Um after being here a little while now and um and just uh hearing in the past just things that seemed like there was always something going on. when I would hear something at this school and the other school and you guys are just leading very well. I'm very thankful for that. Thankful for you. Uh we don't get we don't always get to see it as
035much because we're not here dayto day, but when we do come uh it it's just running really well and I'm very thankful for you, your leadership, your leadership to your teams, your leadership to uh just in the building, the the culture you're uh trying to continue to create. Uh so I'm just very thankful for you. So thank you. Thank you for what you do. It's hard jobs. Thank you. >> Uh many times thankless jobs. All of us, I think, would agree with that. And so, thank you for what you do. Really, really appreciate you guys a lot. >> Thank you. >> Uh and then lastly, um our board of distinction, uh plaque came in. >> Yes. >> And so, uh for those of you who don't know, we uh we received a board of distinction
036because what that meant was we all had to do some things and meet some markers, uh to be a board of distinction. And so, uh this board met them. I think we talked about this before, but since the plaque is here, I'll display it uh for the record. Uh, and so this will go up in a very prominent place, of course. Just kidding. I don't know where it'll go up. Probably in here somewhere, I guess. Yeah, probably in here somewhere. Uh, it's just a really cool thing. So, I appreciate you board doing what you are uh uh were asked to do and and so I want us to keep doing that. There's no reason we shouldn't be a board of distinction. Now, again, uh somebody said that about the board, but this board is fantastic.
037Um uh just the personalities on this board mesh well together. Uh we're not all yesmen to one another. uh and and we voice our opinions and I'm very thankful for that. Uh but we work really well as a team and we do it for the right reasons and so I really appreciate all of what we all do. So >> appreciate your leadership, sir. >> Yep. >> Absolutely. >> And that wraps up for me. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> All right, >> superintendent. >> All righty. Well, as always, I like to highlight what takes place in the school, and I feel like you received a good glimpse of it tonight because that creativity, student le is what I see all the time in the schools. >> So, I love the way they recognized you tonight.
038Student le, very creative. That was really >> As I highlight these events and accomplishments over the past few months, I want you to think about the pillars of our strategic plan, portrait of an ACS graduate. We communicate effectively, collaborate intentionally, cultivate creativity. I think you saw that tonight. And be resilient, and lead with empathy. So, I'll started out with district learning day. So, with district learning day over the summer, I met with each principal. They submitted a plan. Uh Mr. Go forth, Miss Kim Douglas, and Mr. Jason Winkler were part of that team with me and we met with each principal really saying, "Okay, what are you doing at your level right now that's future ready?" And so there's a lot of great work that I had seen go on in the school last year.
039I just wanted us to be very intentional about future ready and how that streamlines into the great programs we offer at Arlington High School. Well, the problem is Arlington High School is quite large and we have teachers who don't often times see what these other programs are doing. I mean, they're over here teaching Spanish, second floor, way over. They don't always get the opportunity to see what's taking place in machining and welding and and different programs like that and our health occupation and our media communication. Well, elementary is even more removed and so is middle school. So really to help the teachers buy in and know that the work they're doing every single day is meaningful with all their projectbased learning. Uh they're we have been more intentional about our field trips in elementary and
040middle. I want them to have some buy in. And the only way you can have buyin is they got to see it. Well, our students showed up and showed out at district learning day. Our high school students led district learning day. Matter of fact, of course, I had to be my own work. I thought interesting how the national superintendence conference is on future ready. What a great coincident but knows we're on the right path there is that I received a text saying uh one of your students redirected a teacher put up their cell phone. I said I love it. Love it. >> So future uh you probably saw on Facebook our future ready district learning day. It was a great hit. I received so many phone calls, text messages, you know, people saying, "I really
041wanted to sit at my desk that day, like the classified as well as district office because they do all this work at district office, but they don't know what they're ordering it for. Now they do, and they said it was time well spent." So, district learning day, a great success. Kudos to Mr. Go forth and Miss Douglas making sure logistically everything came together. And of course, Kim Douglas and Jason Winkler have been very intentional this year in leading that vision. So I kudos to all of them. Then we had our open house. Our open house was for non-residents to continue to build our district and so we can sustain all these wonderful programs. And once again, our student council students, they rocked it. They were knowledgeable. They were friendly. They were welcoming. Their presentations were
042not only by the students but by the adults. The adults did a wonderful job. We had 34 families check in which equated to about 100 115 students with 32% of those coming from private school. So the voucher is not beating us. We're going to beat the voucher. >> Let's go. And one family, they said they had been to several private school open houses and this one was phenomenal >> and they were impressed by the way our students could speak and represent the school and the district so well. So kudos to all of them. And then we also had our uh job there. Kudos to Miss Walker and her team, Sally Lucas, Vicky Hazes, Stephanie Moore, Jeremy Yao, and Brad Turner, several others. The principles were a part of that along with the assistant principles uh
043did a great job. We had 34 uh candidates interviewed. At this time, we have about five positions and 34 people wanting to come to our district. So, it it was a great night. It continues to show off our district and what we're all about. They felt comfortable. I love two things that Miss Walker, she tweaked this year and added to the principles were in the ratunda where they could visit with the uh candidates who are interested in our district while the assistant principles and the supervisors interviewed. So that was great. Also, we added Miss Stephanie Moore, our benefits specialist. She had a table so people could ask about our benefits because we're very proud of those benefits because those set us apart. So those are two great additions and kudos to her staff as well.
044Dees had literacy night and as always they do an outstanding job. We had hundreds of families learn together on that night. Also we have perennial math. you'll see uh placing big with five first place finishes and that is at Arlington Middle School that we had that perennial math. Then we had two of our educators get highly recognized. Emily Collins received the All West Tennessee theater teacher of the year at the same conference. We had five students receive all West Tennessee distinction for theater. Also, Miss Anley Hill, Apple Distinguished Educator. This is the second in our district to receive this prestigious award. An educator has to demonstrate how they continuously train teachers to increase their instructional practices and use technology and they have to do that through video evidence. So it is a rigorous process through
045that only 120 people are selected globally each year for this distinguished award. So kudos to her as well. Then as we have shared, let's see. Oh, can't forget this one. >> Now, let's talk about a another person on our staff that we have to sneak around and be so sneaky about surprising them. Uh, Mr. Hill and Miss Speakman. Sneaking around those two. But we did it and we surprised both of them. So, mission accomplished. We'll never be able to do it again. Tyler Hill, as I mentioned, the video that was shared at district learning day that he was in honored in front of our employees. He does a phenomenal job in working with every single person in this district, finding their voice and highlighting this district. And when uh we had our open house, people
046that signed up for it, 53% of them saw it from Facebook. So that's kudos to Mr. Hill and his team. But he does a fantastic job and he is welld deserving of that award. So he is the best communicator in Tennessee and we have him. Awesome. >> We agree. We agree. Then let's talk about our sports. We have the Arlington High School Wrestling Claim state champion, fourth place and 10th place in individuals. So kudos to Coach Simpson and the boys for wrestling. We have Arlington High School boys and girls basketball to compete in regions after a tough district matchups. And so Mr. Davis has been reporting. Last night our girls finished fourth in district coached by Miss Smith. And then the boys tonight coached by Mr. Smith. What's the score update? Do we have one?
047>> Awesome. >> There we go. Then our Arlington High School swim places third overall in Shelby County tournament. Sends four Tigers to state. >> AHS and AMS dance teams host band night after second and third place national finishes in hiphop and game day performances. So, we're very proud of all of our students because they grow up to be Super Bowl teams. >> So, there you go. That's that's their goal. That's and we'll have many more, I'm sure, to come to uh highlight the district. >> Uh nine years running. So for nine consecutive years, we have reached a top workplace and were the top ranked school district in large business division. We also earned the uh direction award which is a powerful reflection of our team's confidence in our mission and our path ahead. So I
048would just like to wrap up and close up as we close and looping back to portrait of a graduate which is our strategic plan. the strategies that lie in there. I hope when I say these, you can connect back with what I shared. And this is just in a few months. It's every single month. >> You know, a strategy that stands out is identify and develop K through 12 college and career platform that helps learners discover interest, strengths, and post ACS goals to create long-term roadmap from the moment they enter the district. Another strategy I noticed was define and implement student center approaches to teaching where teachers are facilitators. Well, we've had them out there representing us. I told one, I said, "Now, I hope you don't think you need to go on the payroll
049because you're doing so much for us." So they do a great job and we want them engaged in their learning, take ownership of real world learning and they are the continue rigorous and inclusive PD is another strategy and that's what we did on district learning day. Build essential student skills. One of those strategies is you know they talk about soft skills. If we aren't teaching them how to communicate and communicate professionally you saw it tonight, you see it in district learning day. You're going to see it at Lead Arlington next Friday. You'll see it at the chamber meeting. So, we're real proud of our students from our youngest learners, middle and our oldest learners. So, uh that's what I have to share. Now, Miss Douglas, she's going to give you a snippet from the executive
050staff. Uh Mr. Yao has been very instrumental in implementing. It is the alert system that we now are walking around with this. You will receive one of these at before your next board meeting. You'll have a little training on this. >> And so, Miss Douglas is going to highlight what that does. Mr. Yao, >> he's taking care of mama tonight, which we all want him to do. And so, that's why he couldn't be with us. >> All right. Thank you, Dr. Clark. Again, just giving you guys a quick update on where we are with our safety measures. Um, this slide here just kind of highlights the things that you've seen before, the things that we've implemented over the past two years. So, I won't read each bullet point, but it's the reminder about the cameras
051and the different measures we have in place currently for safety. And I'm pausing just for a moment so you can glance at some of those as a reminder. >> I wanted you to see how we're leveling up our safety and security throughout the years and strategics is the top level. And so with that being said, as Dr. Clark has mentioned, we're um we've implemented a new system, a new crisis alert system, Centigg. And all of our staff has currently been trained on that and it's actually um implemented and effective as of this past week. And so what you'll find with Cinti, and again, you guys will receive your training in the next few weeks. It takes about 10 minutes, but upon that training, you'll receive a badge as we are all wearing tonight. And you
052have two alert systems. Um the first alert system will you push a sequence of buttons and it's going to alert the school safety team that you have some kind of crisis or medical emergency >> and then they'll all come to assist. So that's one alert. And then the second alert again there's another sequence of buttons that we push. We've been trained and it's actually going to implement a larger scale mass shutdown for the building and it's going to alert the Shelby County Sheriff's Office up to 11 high ranking officials so that they all know we're having an emergency and that they need to respond. So again, we've all been trained on this. You guys will receive training soon and we know the different sequences of how we can press our buttons to get the help
053that we need. And that's about it for strategic. Just wanted you guys to know what we had going on in our district. >> And we have maps, administration, it'll digital map and it'll show exactly where that alert gives question so they know some somebody knows it somewhere. >> Yes. Yes. And then like with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department, they'll know exactly where it's at. so they can come and they can respond. And we're working with ourou to where those 11 ranking officials would have access into our building immediately. >> And so we've worked we're working through that. Um >> at the high school because it's a large complex even in our sports facilities >> that we have access points there. I I do want to kudo Mr. Russell Overby working with Jeremy Yao. They have
054spent a lot of time and Mr. Overby spent a lot of time working with strategics and making sure that system is up to Mr. OverB's expectations. So we know that is high ranking. Thank you. Kudos to Mr. Overby. And even in our sports facilities, they'll be able to alert. So a coach is out there on the field coaching be able to alert. So, we have uh that extra layer of safety, >> well-being for students and employees. >> That's awesome. It's great. >> Great. >> Does it do any shutdown or just is the alert then does anything lock up or shut down? >> The second alert shuts everything down. Computers, screens. You want to speak to that, Mr. Overby? >> Yeah. So, um there are strobes that are placed uh inside and outside. Um uh there
055will be an intercom message that plays. There will be a desktop takeover and uh for the response team it will uh show up on their cell phone uh their computer um and uh the for a school lockdown uh it also uh shows um it sends a uh a message to 911 the rapid SOS they get that um and then uh like Dr. Clark was speaking of earlier. It goes to um uh several uh 11 um high ranking officials and the sheriff's department. It goes to their cell phone as well. So they will know immediately uh when there is a a widescale um alert lockdown at any one of our campuses. >> That's awesome. >> And we've done drills on that with Shelby County Sheriff's Department to make sure that's in sync and it is working.
056Have you talked about drills with the students? Like what does that look like if there is a a shutdown of that nature? What the protocol is for teachers to do? And >> they know an intruder drill, but we just implemented this and went live. So that would be something that we would embed into our intruder drill. >> Okay. >> If I could jump in with a quick question. I just wanted to know if the signals like is it notified whether or not it would be a medical emergency or an active threat or is it just >> if it's a medical emergency you as a student will not know. You won't know it's not the administration. >> Would the administration know whether or not it's an active threat or a medical emergency? >> Yes. Yes. But
057when it's the greater one, everybody's going to know. >> Thank you. Thank you, M. >> All right, Miss Walker. >> Good evening. I'll just update you on staffing. Uh, currently we have four open positions that we're looking to hire for this year and then like Dr. Clark said, uh, we have five jobs posted for next school year. Um, we did complete the intent survey this year and just to let you know that the ones not coming back are either retiring or their spouse has relocated. So, felt that was positive in our favor. >> Yes, our attendance rate currently is at 95% so it's maintaining and our substitute rate is ticking up. We're at 88%. >> That's it. Awesome. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Lisa, >> Mr. Go forth. Miss Sappinsley, >> Miss Spakeman, >> right?
058>> Yay. They did their job. >> Right. >> Mr. Pette, >> no report, >> Mr. Heel. >> Our school board appreciation to you, >> well, that concludes my report. Uh thank you Dr. Clark. Uh we'll move to legislative liaison. I'm Mr. Doug. >> Yeah. So I sent this uh little summary to each of you in an email. Just wanted you all to look at it. So I didn't read it to you. Uh I will state one of the things that I learned from this because it's my first time on the board during an election cycle is how that typically they try to keep these legislative sessions shorter because they can't raise money while they're in session. So I thought that was an interesting little note. So, this will be a short um I think it's
059going to be a short session from what I've been told. Uh there are a number of bills on here. A few though I wanted to just note stood out to me the presidential fitness test to be administered to students. I thought that was interesting getting placed back on here as a bill uh possibly a uh the food diet and the foods that foods that are provided by the school uh that some of those would be prohibited. That's interesting to me. Uh, also one I think's very important to all of us is requiring universal prek provided at school districts subject to appropriation to be funded by the state. That's one I think of note. And then a couple of the others, one was the u digital devices in schools for students in grades K through five
060being prohibited. Um, wasn't one of the children I think one of the students earlier mentioned something about that earlier. So I don't know how that would affect them, but that's one of the bills. The last one was on the vouchers and wanting to increase that from 20,000 to 40,000 vouchers for this next school year. Uh so as Dr. Clark said, we're still winning. So we're not really concerned personally, but we still believe in principle. That's not a wise investment of resources. >> Resources. >> Yeah. >> So that's just some notes. I don't know if you guys have any comments or thoughts, but there are some of the bills that stood out to me. >> I do have something interesting that I learned today. So, all of the people in middle and east Tennessee that voted
061no on vouchers, all of them that said no to vouchers, not a single one received a primary challenge >> from their party. >> Oh, >> think about that. >> You know, we opposed it. TSBA opposed it. Um, not one that voted no received a primary challenger. >> This thing was fantastic. >> For real. heard that today. >> Huh. >> So, we'll see. >> Yeah. >> On that one. >> Yeah. >> Well, thank you, Mr. D. >> Yeah. Appreciate that. >> Glad to be back in the meeting with you. >> Good to have you back. Did y'all introduce yourselves? >> It's good to be back. >> All right, we'll move ahead to our student board representative, Miss Miss Abigail. All right. So, I recently got put into like a connection with um through the state board
062of education where I'm able to meet monthly with different u members of school boards from across the state of Tennessee that is chaired by the student member of the state board of education. So, to catch you guys up from January, one thing that the state department of education is looking to kind of do is change the world language requirement from one down to two and then allowing students to intern uh be able to take four elective credits with three being in their focus area and one being of the students choosing. Um, so I did talk to a lot of the students at the high school to kind of get their inputs on that because world language is directly affecting our high school students. So they had a lot of varying opinions about that. A lot
063were really excited to um about the possibility of going down to maybe only one year of a foreign language while others kind of saw the uh benefit in maintaining like a language proficiency um gaining new cultural awareness. So, I did share all the different viewpoints that I received with the student member of the board and they are actually voting on that on Thursday uh February on Friday, February 27th. So, we'll see what happens with that. And then, uh last Thursday they introduced to us the one that they will be voting on next month regarding AI. So, they want to adopt an AI literacy framework that outlines uh skills and competencies um in within students, teachers, and leaders and how they should learn from AI. They want to align AI literary skills with core standards, update
064computer science and digital readiness standards, and ensure teachers uh teacher candidates gain skills to leverage and model effective, responsible use of AI. So, this was just introduced on Thursday. So, I'm going to uh talk to some students maybe from all four schools because AI is becoming pretty prominent um within everybody's lives. So, we'll see um what Arlington students think about AI and I can uh shoot that over to the state board. And then um I did see on the business recommended action items. So, I just wanted to throw my input out on that one. Um under the African-American literature and humanities honors courses. I do think that those are some pretty valuable courses to bring back to Arlington High School. I think it would allow um our students to kind of gain new perspectives and
065take classes and gain new knowledge that they wouldn't have already done. So, but that concludes my report. >> Awesome. Good job. >> Thank you. >> Hey, will you let us know how that vote goes? Will you send something out to all of us and let us know how that goes? I'd be interested in how that turns out. >> Yeah. Thank you. Thank you very much. >> Uh, okay. We'll move ahead to our consent agenda. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Motion by M. Barnes, second by Dr. Box. Any discussion? >> All in favor say I. >> Any oppose? >> Eyes have it. The motion passes. I'll move ahead to business recommended action items. Uh Dr. Clark. >> Yes. I'd like the for uh I
066recommend for you approve the renewal of special courses African-American literature and humanities honors at Arlington High School. >> Okay. You've heard the recommendation by the superintendent. Is there any discussion? Oh, do I have a motion to approve? >> So move. >> Motion by Dr. Box, second by Miss Connley. Uh any discussion, Dr. Clark? Just to share with you, these are special courses that have already been approved by the state. We have been offering them at Arlington High School. It's part of the process that every three years we just have to have board approval to renew it. >> Any questions? >> All right. All in favor say I. >> I. Any oppose? >> Eyes have it. The motion passes. There you go, Abigail. >> You sold it to us. >> 8B. Dr. Clark. Um recommending approval
067of the 2027 2028 instructional calendar. How are we here? >> Okay. Uh there is a motion. Oh well that's you've heard uh our next item and so do I have a motion to approve? >> Motion to approve. >> Yep. Second. A motion by Miss Barnes. Second by Dr. Vio. >> Uh is there any discussion? >> Uh Dr. Clark tell us a little bit about that. just to share with you about this process. Our superintendent leadership roundt that is part of their responsibilities and Mr. Hill is a guest at one of the meetings. He comes he explains the whole um structure of the instructional calendar and honestly it gets right down to it. 175 days is 175 days no matter how you slice it or dice it. and we have to meet those certain state criteria
068of the number of district learning days, administrative parent teacher conferences. So when you narrow that down, what has come about is we vetted this process so well that we are very satisfied with the instructional calendar we're on this year that will be for next year and with this approval the year after. Some of those highlights of that calendar is a week off for fall break, a week off for spring break, a week off for Thanksgiving, two weeks off for Christmas. And at the rate we've been going, we had a little snow break after that. Uh, you know, having a day after you come back from Christmas break, just all those intermittent type holidays and those breaks have served well. Starting as late as we can, but we must get out before Memorial Day. So, making
069sure that balance is in there. And when you've looked at that year after year, what has always been the preferred is this calendar and 73% of the respondents have been uh with our community has been uh appreciative of this calendar in this structure. So that's where it comes about. >> Thank you. I this calendar makes the most sense to me. I mean it it just Yeah. Just with with a teacher and just thinking about it as a student even, it just makes a lot of sense to me. Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, going forward, can we just call it like this is it? >> I don't know. M >> Speman, can we just declare that today? >> Recently, so we're just >> Okay, >> we're going to keep asking. >> All right, we'll keep >>
070we'll keep doing the official thing, >> but I'm calling >> cuz they did. >> They did wave all nine days. >> They did. So, my stockpile day. So, I'm back. >> So, I mean, we got five more. >> AES. >> We have We start out with a AES has six. >> Okay. >> AMS has eight. >> DEES and AHS has seven. >> Okay. >> So, we get out early. >> I'm kidding. I'm kidding. >> Doesn't work that way, Mr. Benjamin. >> I'm kidding. All right. You've heard the recommendation. Uh, all in favor say I. I. >> Any oppose? Eyes have it. The motion passes. Mr. Fav, how's that fieldhouse coming? >> Great. >> Looking good. >> Good. >> All need to come on out and look at it. >> Yeah. >> Easy. >> Lights in.
071>> Oh, nice. >> There you go. There you go. That matters. >> Let's go. Let's go. Matters a lot. >> I appreciate that. All right. Hey, thanks everybody. This is great.