001[music] >> And and >> [music] [music] >> and >> [music] [music] >> Woo! >> [music] [music] >> Woo! Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! >> [music] >> Woo! Woo! Ooh. >> [music] >> Ooh. Ooh. Ooh. [music] Ooh. >> [music] >> Ooh. Ooh. >> [music] >> Ooh. Ooh. >> [music] >> Ooh. Ooh. >> [music] >> Ooh. Ooh. >> [music] >> Ooh. Ooh. >> [music] >> Ooh. Ooh. >> [music] >> Ooh. Ooh. >> [music] >> Ooh. Ooh. >> [music] [music] >> Hey! >> [music] [music] >> Hey. >> [music] [music] >> Hey. >> [music] [music] >> Hey. >> [music] >> Hey. >> [music] [music] >> Hey. >>
002[music] [music] >> Hey. >> [music] [music] >> Hey. >> [music] >> Hey. >> [music] [music] >> Hey. >> [music] [music] >> Hey. >> [music] [music] >> Okay. Good afternoon everybody. I'll call this into session. We'll get going here. Roll call, please. >> Yes, sir. Chairman Smith? Here. Mrs. Black? Here. Mr. Connor? Here. Mr. Daughtry? Here. Mr. Graham? >> Here. Mrs. Hadden? Here. Mrs. Jones? Here. Mr. Keen? Here. Mrs. Shafer? Here. Mr. Slater? Here. Ms. Thomas? Here. Superintendent Dr. Robertson? Here. Okay, I need a motion to approve our agenda. Motion to approve. Second. I have a motion and a second. No lights. Roll call, please. Mr. Daughtry? Yes. Ms. Thomas? Yes. Mrs. Jones? Yes. Mr. Conner? Yes. Mrs. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keen? Yes. Mrs. Hadden? Yes. Mrs. Black? Yes. Mr. Slater? Yes. Chairman
003Smith? Yes. Motion carries 11-0. Mr. Greg Wilkie, PRINCIPAL EAST SIDE. >> [applause] >> YOU GOT YOU GOT A LOT OF FANS IN THE HOUSE THERE, MR. WILKIE. Depends on where I am, but >> [laughter] >> I'll take it. All right. Good evening. Um yeah, I'm Greg Wilkie, principal of East Side Elementary, and I'm here for the pledge and meditation. So, at this time, would you please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance? 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. Well, you know, um besides being a principal, I'm also a writer. So, I had to write something tonight when I was asked to do this. So, this will be a
004quick little reflection that I think is um meaningful for those of us who work in public education. For the first 15 years of my career, I was exactly where I wanted to be, in the classroom. I loved teaching. I loved the kids, still do. I loved the daily rhythm of learning, lesson planning, and pretending I knew how to fix the copier when it jammed. Leadership? No way. That was for other people. But apparently several principals saw something in me that I did not see in myself. They kept bringing up leadership opportunities and every time I laughed like they had just suggested I trained for a marathon or joined the traveling circus. I even earned my first master's degree in curriculum and instruction because I was fully committed to staying in the classroom for my career.
005Well, forever lasted about 15 years. After countless conversations, nudges, encouragements, and probably a little hallway cornering, I became an assistant principal. And honestly, I still wasn't convinced. Fast forward 10 and a half years later and one day my principal called me to her office. I don't care how old you are or what your title is, when you're called to the principal's office, you get a little nervous. I started thinking what I do, who I've said, you know, what teacher's mad at me, all the things. Um so I got to her office and uh we were talking and she lets me know that she is going to be leaving. This is mid-year, December, to move to central office. I said, "Okay, who's the principal?" She says, "You." I kind of had to sit there for a
006second. I was like, "I'm sorry, what?" She said, "No, no, they want to talk to you about it tomorrow if you were interested in maybe being principal." I said, "Okay, I'll go talk to them." I went to the next day, spoke to the superintendent. I left there, I was principal of Eastside. That was December 19th. January 4th, I was running the school. So about 3 weeks of that winter break, I really don't remember anything about Christmas or New Year's cuz I was at school trying to figure out what I just stepped into. The conversation happened, I'm sorry. And now, 9 years later, I can honestly say I love it and I've not regretted it. Um most days. No. It's a great job. I love it. I love what I do. I love the school. But
007what I have learned is this. Sometimes other people see strengths and potential in others long before we see it. Leadership often begins with someone believing in you enough to push you towards challenges that you never plan to take. And honestly, that's true across all public education. Schools are truly one of the only places where a person can spend the same day solving transportation issues, celebrating a student achievement, discussing a state mandate, helping to locate a missing Chromebook charger, calming down a nervous kindergarten partner, and try to figure out why the cafeteria has so many extra ketchups but no sporks. And somehow, we call that Tuesday. Public education requires a special kind of optimism. It's the only profession where we can have perfectly organized plan at 7:30. And by 8:15, no one knows what's going on.
008Fire drills happen, surprise assembly, technology goes down, students [clears throat] who urgently need to tell you right then about the chicken they saw on the street coming to school. But yet, we still show up. And we show up because students matter, families matter, educators matter, and communities matter. So, I want to thank you for your leadership, Dr. Robertson, school board, cuz it does matter. What we do every day is important, and we need to work together to make it happen. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Wilkey. Well, we got a we got a lot of stars in the house tonight, it looks like. And we're going to uh honor our exemplars of excellent, Robert Sharp. Uh Where you at, Robert? Tim. Chairman Smith, distinguished board members, uh it's my pleasure tonight to
009recognize three individuals who have set themselves apart in the state of Tennessee as as an athlete, scholar, or as a coach in these three cases. Unfortunately, two of our seniors who have graduated are going to be unable to attend tonight. I'm still going to recognize them. I'll recognize them first as we as we move forward. The first is Braylin Cosper. He was accomplished what a lot of people in this in the state and in the sport of wrestling never have an opportunity. But he won the state championship this year at 157 lb. He's a great competitor who battled his way all the way through the championship. In the process, he has set an example for all future Wildcats to follow. So, I would just kind of give a absentee round of applause for Braylin. >>
010[applause] >> We appreciate it. The The next is a student from Signal Mountain. I had the honor of being at the Tennessee Athletic Directors Conference back in April, and we had a student from Signal Mountain High School who had written a essay to earn a scholarship that is presented annually. There's two presented statewide, and one was presented to a student from Signal Mountain High School. His name is Samuel Edmonson. He is not just a two-sport athlete. He was the president vice president of the National Honor Society. He is a member of Mu Alpha Theta Beta Club. He was a member of Young Life, and he was also the sports editor for the newspaper. He was also a 4.0 student who scored a 35 I believe 35 on his ACT, and has received an appointment to
011the the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he will start this summer as as a first-year cadet at the at West Point. So, uh just a great honor to have these type of kids in our system and for them to be recognized at a state level. He will go on to compete at the national level and if he he is chosen at the national level, he would be presented at the conference in Phoenix, the national conference in Phoenix next fall. Not sure the army's going to let him go go to it, but we've got our fingers crossed and hope hopefully he will he will be the national winner. His achievements exemplify dedication, character, and excellence both on and off the field. So, these are the type of kids that we have in our
012system. Now, I will go ahead and give you a four warning. June is going to be a very busy month for exemplars. July is going to be a very busy month. We have had multiple student athletes win state championships in the spring fling. We have had a couple of teams that I'll just go ahead and mention, CSLA middle school won the state championship in soccer. The Tyner Ram train continues to roll over at Tyner. They won the the Class AA state track and field championship. So, and we have multiple student athletes from around the district who also were the best in the state at what they do. So, lots to celebrate coming forward. Now, with all that said, I want to uh I want to introduce this this next person. I I I I I
013I consider big one. Can clap for the other young man. All right, let's clap. Everybody give me a ROUND OF APPLAUSE. >> [applause] >> UH I WANT TO I WANT TO GO AHEAD AND AND TALK ABOUT THIS this next person. I I consider this this individual a friend as a fellow wrestler and and fellow wrestling coach back in the day. Um this this young man, I call him young, he's he is retiring this year. Uh but he is a he's a long time Hixson Wildcat and and he has just received a honor that very very few wrestling coaches in their career ever achieve. We do have a one other relative of yours that but Mr. Garrett Hall right back here is here with his wife Mary Pat. Garrett, if you would come up here for
014a minute, I want to read something to embarrass you. Uh Coach Hall has dedicated more than 20 years to Hixson High School building one of the premier wrestling programs in the state. In his tenure Coach Hall led the Wildcats to eight region championships and three state championships while also coaching six individual state champions in his career. His his dedication to the sport of wrestling, his athletes, and his Hixson community has made a lasting impact and reflects the very best of Hamilton County Schools and we would like to also honor him tonight as a new inductee into the Tennessee Wrestling Hall of Fame which is an extension of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Coach Hall, congratulations. We're very [applause] PROUD OF YOU. I'VE GOT A LITTLE CERTIFICATE [applause] FOR YOU. UH Coach Hall has brought
015his his award he received in Nashville couple weeks ago at the Tennessee Wrestling Hall of Fame banquet. And with that said we have something a little surprise. We have a special presentation. And for this special presentation, I would like to welcome Dr. Lee Ziegler and Mr. Lavar Brown to the podium. Good evening. I'm surprised Mr. James didn't say the joke he was going to say when he introduced me. But but I am taller and I am better looking, Mr. >> [laughter] >> Mr. James. Then just ABOUT EVERYBODY NOW. >> [laughter] >> UM MY NAME IS LEVAR BROWN. I HAVE THE privilege of serving at Hixson High School with this gentleman for this year as the assistant principal. Um I tried really hard not to like Garrett Hall. Um and it all the way up until
016graduation when I saw this young man gather his wrestlers as we they're preparing to walk out for graduation and he prayed with them. Uh and it struck me we need more like you. Um so behind your back we've been working behind the scenes to do something that you asked me not to do. Um and I want to thank the board Dr. Robinson and all parties involved to allow us the opportunity to deface Hixson High School in naming your wrestling building the Garrett HALL WRESTLING ANNEX. >> [applause] [applause] >> SO I WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU the journey on it real really quickly. Um we had to hide it from you and I I want to thank Chairman Joe Smith uh because he knew about it and I just knew he was going to let the
017cat out of the bag. >> [laughter] >> So, I I truly appreciate you not doing that, sir. Um but I wanted to give you this because this is just a small sample of the community that poured into this journey uh and how much you totally deserve this this honor and this recognition. Uh but more importantly, Mary Pat does. All right. So, thank you for everything that you do for the Hixson community. Thank you for what you did for wrestling. Thank you for acting like you're going to retire. >> [laughter] >> All right. >> [applause] [applause] >> Congratulations. Congratulations. Man, this is like 10 times in the last 12 days. Congrats. Shaking up hands. >> [clears throat] >> Yeah, and Dr. Zager has been in there. See him more than I have in my whole career.
018I wonder what he's going to do when he retires. Whatever you like, I guess. You're proud to see your father cheered here. >> [applause] [applause] >> Okay, what a pleasure. Now I need you down at the boxing gym Monday at 5:00. >> [laughter] >> Okay, we're ready for our librarian of the year award. Dr. Jamie Paris going to present this. Chairman Smith, distinguished board members, Dr. Robertson, um each year the SDCL Read 20 recognizes a Hamilton County Librarian of the Year. They go through a rigorous nomination process through uh administrators, faculty, staff, and then an even more rigorous uh process of evaluating those uh applications. Just recently, about a month ago, we were able to have a an awards uh luncheon with all the uh uh librarians through the Kelcurt Foundation, Kate Locke from Woodmen
019Life, and the Hixson Texas Roadhouse made all that possible. Here's what we know about librarians. Literacy opens doors of opportunities for students. Our HCS librarians strive every day to cultivate strong literacy skills and more importantly promote the joy of reading. They are the hub of our schools. It is my pleasure to present to you the SDCL Read 20 20 26 Librarian of the Year, Jennifer Fields from CSLA. >> [applause] >> And her principal, Dr. Gatlin, is here to say a few words about Good evening. I'm not the most eloquent speaker, so I wrote it out cuz Jennifer's amazing. So, Jennifer Fields is an extraordinary librarian and an even more exceptional human being. She's pioneered a thriving inclusive library program under challenging circumstances, applying balance, creativity, humor, and heart to enrich academics and school culture. Jennifer
020Fields has served as the librarian at CSLA since 2015. When she joined, CSLA was a K-8 and the library was tucked into a basement, yet she created magic for students. Since 2020, CSLA has more than doubled in size and relocated. During this expansion, we've added more teachers, more counselors, more administrators, but still just one librarian, Jennifer Fields. Serving 13 grade levels daily would challenge any librarian, but Mrs. Fields does it so with creativity, organization, and grace. Emily, a junior who has Mrs. Fields as her librarian since elementary school, said, "Mrs. Fields welcomes a library that's full of things students need as a part need and a part as a part of their childhood. She's lively and energetic and knows how to relate to students of all grade levels. The library is a safe space for
021me when I know I can get whatever it is I need, whether that be time for myself, a puzzle to configure, or help with a creative project." Another student, Jazib, said, "I love that Mrs. Fields has so many activities in every space of the library. She cares for all students who come into her space and knows how to relate to them. Whenever my friends and I go in there, she always has a paint by number or something like that for us to work on that's so helpful. She's great at giving advice when I need it the most." Mrs. Fields creates immersive learning experiences for all of her students, both big and small, that level the playing fields of learning. And students always leave her magical space with smiles. She also really leads book clubs for
022various variety of readers. My favorite one is the one she did this week where she developed this year for the reluctant readers in the eighth grade where they bedazzled their own copies of Twilight while she read to them and then they discussed the text. She's equally committed to supporting teachers as she is to supporting students. She's a remarkable planning partner known for her ability to think outside of the box, gather high-quality resources, and create immersive learning experiences. Just as a couple of examples, she helped sixth grade sixth graders experience the Silk Road for a hands-on simulation experiences. She brought trade, culture, and geography to life. She partnered with fifth grade teachers to stage a 1920s speakeasy experience supporting a historical research project complete with costumes, blackout curtains, period lighting, and illegal Kool-Aid. CSLA students still
023talk about these projects years later. A fifth grade teacher said, "Jennifer is truly like a co-teacher for me. She and I wrote a World War II Holocaust unit to integrate ELA and social studies in which she designed library activities such as researching Holocaust survivors who lived in Tennessee, learning about the Kinder the Kinder Kinder Transport, and she even shared the story of her grandparents and their escape from Nazi Germany with my students. They were captivated and spellbound." Another teacher tells of a writing lesson in fourth grade in in teaching fourth grade students the importance of using sensory details to engage the reader. To kick off this unit, Mrs. Fields created an entire beach scene in the library. When the students arrived, they traveled to the beach. She had Hawaiian punch, coconut for tasting, sand and
024shells for touching, tanning oil and coconut oil for smelling, and ocean sounds playing for hearing. The students wrote throughout the entire beach day experience and for the rest of the unit were able to connect to that moment and understanding what it meant to write about sensory experiences in their writing pieces. That is what librarians do. Throughout all that she does, Jennifer brings joy. Her sense of humor is beloved by staff and students alike. One teacher described her simply as her mind and sarcasm are truly elite. Her costumes during book character day or spiritual spirit week are legendary. You should see the picture of her as the Statue of Liberty. She is always eager to get into character for the kids. In every possible way, Jennifer Fields goes above and beyond the expectations of her role.
025She serves as a teacher, collaborator, counselor, creator, community builder, and friend. She ensures equitable access access to resource, fosters belonging, and makes learning unforgettable. Her influence touches more than a thousand students and dozens of teachers every day across 13 grade levels. Jennifer Fields' work embodies the heart of librarianship, ensuring access, sparking curiosity, nurturing community, and empowering leaders. She is, without question, one of the finest librarians in the profession and a kind of amazing lady to work with. So, did I make you cry? YOU'RE WELCOME. >> [applause] >> I AM NOT AN ORATOR, SO I'M GOING TO keep this short, but thank you so much for this incredible honor of being recognized. Being named the Librarian of the Year means so much to me. There are so many deserving librarians in our system, and I'm grateful
026that this award shines a light on the work happening in school libraries every single day. School librarians are so much more than people who check out books. They are the heart of the school. They build strong readers and lifelong learners. They teach research, critical thinking, and digital literacy skills. They collaborate with teachers. They create a safe, welcoming space for students. They improve overall academic success. I have the privilege of serving as the sole librarian in a K-12 school. Meeting the needs of 13 grade levels is very challenging, but it's also very rewarding. I meet many of my students when they walk into school for the very first time as kindergarteners, and then years later I get to watch them walk across the stage at graduation. In between those moments, I really get to know them
027as students and readers. I learn what excites them, what challenges them, and what stories help them feel seen. The library is one of the few places in the school where every student comes through year after year. Because of that, I have the opportunity to build connections that last, to encourage a love of reading, and to help students grow into thoughtful, curious learners. Working across all grade levels also gives me a unique perspective. I see what's being taught in every classroom, which allows me to support teachers and students in meaningful ways. I get to participate in grade level and vertical planning, ensuring what we're doing in the library supports the learning happening throughout the entire school. I am incredibly grateful to be part of a district that values this work. Programs like Read 20 make a
028real difference by showing that literacy matters, that access to books matters, and that school libraries and librarians are essential to student success. Thank you for recognizing the importance of school libraries. It is an honor to do this work and to be a part of something that helps shape the lives of students from their very first story time to their final chapter in high school. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you for what you did. Come on, they are talking about my library. This is my district. I love my district. This is your district. Welcome to the center. Come on, get out. You're in my I wouldn't know. Get away. I love my district. >> [applause] [applause] >> Okay, that takes us down to our 2026 Novice Teacher of the Year. Good evening members of
029the board, Dr. Robertson, families, and guests joining us tonight. I'm Erin Kirby, your induction coordinator, and it is my absolute honor to stand before you this evening to celebrate a truly exceptional group of educators. Our 2026 Hamilton County Schools Novice Teachers of the Year, sponsored annually by the Tennessee Department of Education, this program recognizes outstanding new educators who demonstrate a commitment to excellence across elementary, middle, and high school bands. Beginning a career in education is a profound act of dedication, one that requires courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief that we're here to light the way for the next generation. The exceptional educators we're honoring tonight have not just survived their first few years in the classroom, they've soared, bringing a fresh energy and a deep heart for service that acts like a beacon of hope,
030curiosity, and stability for our students. By blending innovative ideas with high expectations, these novice teachers are illuminating paths towards futures without limits. By their they're also providing that even at the start of the at their journeys, they're already brilliant leaders for our children. Tonight, I'm proud to formally introduce our three district winners and share a glimpse of the incredible light they're bringing to Hamilton County. From our pre-K through fourth grade, Come on then. we honor Lauren Cardenas Ogle. She's a music teacher from DuPont Elementary. Lauren brings an incredible energy to her music program, seamlessly blending music with literacy and and critical thinking skills to help her students grow academically. She brilliantly embodies a warm demander approach in her classroom and has extended her leadership to the superintendent's teacher council and the innovative songbirds project, where
031her students write and compose their own original music. On behalf of her principal Torshia Hayes, her community superintendent Dr. Lee Ziegler, and her board member Dr. Joe Smith, I I extend a sincere congrat- congratulations to Lauren Cardenas Ogle. >> [applause] [applause] >> You just wait your turn. Okay. All right. Well, then we'll wait and we'll do them all three at once. >> [laughter] >> From our fifth grade through eighth grade bands, we've got Reagan Lowry, a sixth grade math teacher at Sale Creek Middle School. Reagan helps her students move beyond memorization to truly understanding the why behind mathematical patterns. Built on trust and high expectations, her data-driven classroom drives strong student growth while her reach extends far beyond academics as she collaborates with families and serves her community as a middle school softball coach. She's
032also progressed onto the regionals for the Tennessee State Teacher Novice Teacher of the Year. What? So, on behalf of her principal Dr. Meredith Leanne Welch, community superintendent Dr. Lee Ziegler, and board member Steven or Steve Slater, I'm so sorry. I extend a sincere congratulations to Mrs. Reagan Miss Reagan Lowry. >> [applause] >> And from our 9th through 12th grade band, we honor Michaela Hawkins. Right? >> [applause] >> Yes. >> [laughter] >> She's got some East Ridge High School fans in the house. She's an algebra two teacher at East Ridge High School. Michaela brings a fearless student first mindset to high school mathematics, delivering rigorous learning and real-world connections. By also teaching at Chattanooga State, she brings invaluable higher ed perspectives back to her high schoolers. She models a strong growth mindset and inspires her students
033to see a clear path to success well beyond her classroom walls. On behalf of our principal Dr. Juan Moreno, community superintendent Dr. Marquez Stewart, and board member Larry Grohn, I I extend extend a sincere congratulations to Michaela Hawkins. >> [applause] >> Board I'm NOT DONE YET. >> [laughter] >> I HAVE MORE TO SAY ABOUT THESE wonderful people. Board members, these educators represent the bright future of our district. Their early success is a direct reflection of our district's commitment to Opportunity 2030 strategic plan, specifically our promise that every employee is valued. We know that to take care of our students, we must intentionally invest in, support, and uplift uplift the professionals who stand before them every day. Their achievements also speak volumes about the strength of our HCS induction community of new teachers, mentors, and new
034teacher coaches. By grounding our newest educators in our core induction values of collaboration, continuous growth, and connection, we don't just hand them a classroom, we surround them with community. So, to our novice teachers of the year, thank you for choosing Hamilton County Schools. Thank you for your late nights, your bright smiles, and your dedication. You don't just teach curriculum, you're lighting the way for the next generation of thinkers, creators, and learners. We value you, we're incredibly proud of you, and we can't wait to see how your light continues to grow. >> [applause] [applause] >> Congratulations. Congratulations for the Congratulations. >> [laughter] >> It just It goes to a Milan. No, you the energy. Steve you and >> [laughter] >> Thank you. Thank you. Saturday to see a picture of So pretty. Oh, you both of
035them. You got two pictures. Easterly Oh, she was looking Oh, Joe. Oh, God. pictures All right, Steve. Okay. >> [applause] [applause] >> Oh, good. Jared Smith, uh we're also celebrating our principals of the year. We were able to do this about 3 weeks ago at at UTC and just wanted to bring both of these uh principals of the year to the board. Fortunately, uh our secondary principal of the year, Dr. Welds from Sale Creek, is unable to be here tonight. She has a very good reason, though. Her uh really impressive daughter, Molly, is graduating this weekend uh from Navy. A real really big deal. So, uh super proud of Molly and and Dr. Welds. Do want to celebrate our elementary principal of the year, Lindsey Hagan from Red Bank Elementary School, LINDSEY. >> [applause] >>
036SO, I'M GOING TO SAY A FEW words and then ask Mr. Gordy to to chime in and then, Lindsey, see if you have any words of wisdom for us. Uh if you've ever been to Red Bank Elementary, it it's an incredible place. It's a place that builds leadership in kids, builds belonging in kids. She's expanded programs that were already there. Red Bank Elementary had uh the first forest kindergarten uh program in Hamilton County Schools. Uh Lindsey has expanded that and turned it into things that are even more impressive. She has a culinary arts program that has started at Red Bank Elementary and not just culinary arts, but they've also extended it to growing their own food on campus that can help kids learn about the culinary arts. What's to me most impressive though is you
037walk in the school, culture of the school is unbelievable and it really reflects the type of leader that Lindsay is and she has done an amazing job at Red Bank Elementary and we're super proud to announce her as the 2026 Principal of the Year. Mr. Doughty. Yeah, thank you, Dr. Robertson. Lindsay, on behalf of this board, we we wanted to just thank you for your service. You represent everything that works well within the system and to echo what Dr. Robertson said, when you do go into that school, you can feel something and it's energy. And when you look at those kids' faces, this is what's always stood out to me. When you look at those kids' faces, they look right back at you with clear eyes and it's it's it's a you can feel it
038and it's amazing and I think it's testament to what you're doing from a leadership perspective at that school. You're setting the bar, you're setting the culture. So, we thank you and we appreciate everything you're doing. >> [applause] >> Thank you so much, Dr. Robertson. Thank you, board, for this incredible honor. While I'm incredibly honored by this recognition, I know that effective leadership is collective leadership. And this award truly reflects the work that is happening in our extraordinary community at Red Bank Elementary and in our Hamilton County Schools District. The vision of Red Bank Elementary is to be a nationally recognized community school in the areas of academic achievement, leadership development, and innovation. When we established this vision, it was to establish direction to a compelling and meaningful future for our community. It was a big
039dream. Some even argued too big. Why do we need to be nationally recognized? But our students and their opportunities were at the center of it. So, we put it into action. Four years later, I stand before you having seen this vision almost completely realized. Red Bank Elementary's pioneering forest program now partners with the National Park City initiative and serves as a lighthouse for expanding outdoor learning in Chattanooga and beyond. We were the first elementary school to be a certif- to be certified with a leading e-lab because of our school-wide commitment to developing essential and technical skills in all students. We established a culinary arts program and a 9,000 square-foot learning garden to experientially connect farm and culture to table and share it on a national stage. We were recognized as an exemplary community school by
040the National Center of Community Schools and have spent the past 18 months collaborating with a dozen other community schools around the country. We have earned countless grants, the Governor's Civic Seal four years in a row, and we continue to grow opportunities for all of our students in our second year as a Unified Champion School participating in all events in the Special Olympics. We also just recently earned STEM designation for the second time with a perfect score and model status with the Tennessee Department of Education. All this was done with the daily commitment to our mission and values. We exist to ensure that all students learn at high levels through the provision of high-quality instruction, that academic press, and a positive culture, that personalization piece, where we model and develop kids in leadership, innovation, ownership, and
041never give up grit, or as you may have heard, our lion tenants. We like to lead like a lion. At Red Bank, our students don't just learn. They explore, they create, perform, compete, lead, problem-solve, and they truly make a difference in their community. This year they be they built roller coasters, bird feeders, instruments, putt putt courses, animal habitats, and engineered prototypes in the e-lab to solve real problems in the community. They coded robots and drones, competed in the green pea green pre-electric car race, earned awards in Science Olympiad, and our lunar lands robotics team brought home the top overall score at the national level. They observed butterflies hatch, released ladybugs into the learning gardens, studied erosion in the forest, tracked birds, cared for and adopted trees, and led environmental stewardship through our stream team partnered
042with waterways and TVA. With some of our fifth graders even being selected to appear in a global educational series called Wild Guardians because of the difference they're making in the world around them. But what makes me most proud is not simply the recognition or the accomplishments. It's who our students are becoming. At Red Bank, our students are learning that their voices matter. That leadership is not a title, it's a choice, and that innovation is not reserved for a select few. They're learning to collaborate, persevere, think critically, care deeply for others, and believe that they have the power to shape the future around them. And that's the kind of education that every child deserves. And none of this happens alone. It happens because of extraordinary teachers and staff members and community members who show up each
043and every day. They believe in the children and they believe in one another. It happens because of the families who trust us with what matters most to them. Their sweet children. It happens because of our community partners who continually pour into our school, not just to provide sustainability resources, but to expand innovative programs that private schools highly seek after. It happens because of district leaders and a board of education who creates space for schools to dream boldly, innovate courageously, and lead differently. One of my core beliefs that guides my leadership personally is that innovation starts and is only possible with empathy. I have a quote hanging in my office that says, "Because you have power, who is empowered?" Because before people can grow, lead, create, take risks, or change things for the better, they have
044to feel connected, supported, and empowered. And that's true for our students. It's true for our teachers, it's true for our families, and it's true for our leaders. So, thank you. Thank you for empowering me as a leader in Hamilton County Schools, for trusting me to do this meaningful work alongside the incredible community of Red Bank Elementary and the other leaders here in Hamilton County. It's truly the honor of my life to serve our students and families and help create opportunities that won't just impact today, but will ultimately impact our future. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Lindsey, we have a couple of small things for you. So, um Tennessee Valley Robotics is proud to help support exemplary in education um principals are the backbone of our schools. So, I don't have a plaque, but I
045have a thousand dollars. >> [applause] >> So, we all we also want to celebrate novice teachers. About 20 years ago, I taught for a year at Signal Mountain Middle School. And if this program had been in place, maybe I would have taught more than one year. >> [laughter] >> But, I didn't. Just as I as I talked to robotic students and their parents, y'all are the future of education. And we need to do everything in the community to support you through your successes and failures that are going to happen because you are probably the three most important people in this room because you're the future. So, I have a thousand dollar check for each OF Y'ALL. >> [applause] >> I'M TRYING TO MAKE A GOOD CHOICE. >> [applause] >> YES. BEFORE Y'ALL get away, just
046hold on just 1 second here. >> Mr. Spencer. Hi. Hi. I just wanted to say thank you. >> [laughter] >> I just wanted to say thank you. Over the course of the years, I've watched you come in every spring around this time and recognize the teachers and their various teachers and principals as they are receiving their awards. And I want to say thank you because I remember when you first started you worked for TVA. You retired. You still come back from Tennessee Valley Robotics. I want to say thank you for that because you are a true example of what community partnership looks like beyond an organization, but just someone believing in the work that public education Sorry, the public educators do and the value in it. And I wanted to say thank you for that.
047THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> LET LET LET ME LET'S ALSO thank Miss Barclay, Corita Barclay, from the foundation all the amazing work that >> [applause] >> she's done over there. Thank y'all so much. Okay, that takes us down to our fourth annual George Kilgore Initiative Award. It's a mouthful. Good evening, board members. My name is Olivia Bagby and I serve Hamilton County Schools as the director of Teacher Ready Students. I'm joined here tonight with Shay Kilgore, the wife of George Kilgore. It is my pleasure to be here tonight to spotlight Hamilton County Schools George Kilgore Initiative Award and recognize an outstanding career in technical education student who has demonstrated exceptional initiative throughout their pro- program of study and plans to continue in their chosen pathway beyond high school. This award reflects the hard work, dedication,
048and commitment required to excel in career and technical education. The George Kilgore Initiative Award is named in honor in honor of a valued colleague and friend who dedicated his life to advancing CTE. George Kilgore was a passionate advocate who believed every student deserved the opportunity to pursue their goals regardless of their background or circumstance. A proud Soddy-Daisy High School graduate, George Kilgore served Hamilton County Schools in Career and Technical Education for 24 years. He began as a graphic arts teacher at Sequoyah High School, where he taught for 15 years before he moved moved into a district the district office as a teacher on special assignment. In 2021, he became the CTE program lead. Throughout his career, George championed both teachers and students, ensuring educators had the resources they need, and advocating for meaningful pathways to
049student success. His initiative, leadership, and commitment left a lasting impact on this district. This year, we received many impressive applications from students dedicated to their CTE pathways. After careful review, one student was selected who truly embodies the spirit of this award. Tonight, I am honored to recognize one that one student. Please join me in congratulating this year's recipient, Ashley Rendo. >> [applause] [applause] >> Ashley is a health science student at Hixson High School. Ashley has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in both her academic and professional pursuits. Her passion for health science is evident in many projects and initiatives she has undertaken throughout her high school career. She has shown strong leadership, initiative, and thinking, and dedicated work ethic. Qualities that will serve her well as she continues in the health science field beyond graduation.
050In recognition of her achievements, Ashley will receive a $1,000 scholarship to support her post secondary journey. These funds will assist her with the tools and resources she needs as she continues her education and training. Congratulations, Ashley, on a well-deserved honor. We wish you a continued success in all that lies ahead. I also want to commend all applicants of for their dedicated and pursuit of excellence in career and technical educations. Your efforts are building a stronger future, and George Kilgore would be proud. Congratulations. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Congratulations. >> [laughter] [applause] >> Thank you. >> We're a lot of stars in the house tonight. We're We're really blessed. Okay, it takes us down to our American Heart Association Award. Good evening, Chairman Smith, Dr. Robertson, and members of the board. Um my name is Robin Bambury
051and I'm excited to be here on behalf of Dr. Freeman to speak about the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge. I remember it as Jump Rope for Heart. Um I'm also here to introduce some very special people. Ms. Jean Saunders, the development director of school engagement with the American Heart Association, and from Allen Elementary, Principal Haley Brown, Ms. Katrina Jenkins, and two of Allen's fantastic students, Henry Pendergrass and Avery Hill. But before I turn it over to Ms. Saunders, I'd like to first say, let's see where you are. Thank you so much for your continued partnership with us. It means It means a whole lot. This year we had 19 schools participate and uh 55% of our students and families to participate. So, I'd really like to turn it over to Ms. Saunders so she
052can speak a little bit more about the Kids Heart Challenge and recognize our top Hamilton County school. Thank you so much for for having us here today. I am super excited to celebrate um not only Allen Elementary, but all of our Hamilton County schools. Um as she said, we had 19 schools that participated in a Heart Challenge this year, um which is amazing. And um specifically, Allen Elementary, um who we can count on every single year. For For 27 years, Katrina Jenkins has been the leader of the program at Allen Elementary. Um and this year I get to honor her here tonight um as well as leadership at Allen Elementary and Principal Brown. Um but this isn't the first time that that I've had the chance to honor uh Katrina um as our our top
053school in Hamilton County Schools because every single year um I don't know if you know Katrina, but she um she likes to be on top. And so every single year um she's battling it out for uh being the top school um in fundraising. But but this year is very special because not only were they the top fundraising school, but they were the top school. They had 55% of their um school population actually participate in the Kids Heart Challenge. And so the aim of the Kids Heart Challenge is to inspire students for better health around nutrition and being active and learning hands-only CPR. And so um it's not only the the students in the school that we want um learning all of these important things around their heart health, but we want them to get excited
054and go home and share it with the family. So we want all of our community learning hands-only CPR. And so to have 55% of a community that is participating is amazing. And I will tell you normally we have about 10 to 15% of any school community that participates. And so I just wanted to quantify that that 55% and what that really means. Um so I am so excited. Um I I have a little story and and I don't want to I'm not saying this to point out that Katrina didn't do the event one year. But um so so every year um in her 27 years she has done um a Kids Heart Challenge previously um a Jump Rope for Heart event at her school. And so she dedicates one week during Heart Month in February
055every year and makes it a huge huge event. And her students at the beginning of the year come back saying, "When are we going to When are we going to kick off Jump Rope for Heart? When are we going to kick off the Kids' Heart Challenge?" And so, this one year in 2010, um she was busy at home with family um um having having a couple of of uh children, and so she didn't do the event. And I'm saying that not to remind her that there was that year that she didn't do it, but to tell you that to this day she still frets about that year that she did not do the Kids' Heart Challenge. And so, um I am so excited um $240,000 later that the uh that Allen Elementary has raised in
056the lifetime of doing this event. They raised over $16,000 this year for the American Heart Association in that one week dedicated to heart health and the mission of the American Heart Association. So, I am so excited to be here today to present to Allen Elementary, uh Ms. Brown, Katrina Jenkins, our top school award for not only um the most money raised in a school in Hamilton County, but also for having 55% of their students and families participating. So, thank you all very much. >> [applause] >> I'm going to turn it over TO KATRINA BROWN. THANK YOU. LET ME RAISE THIS JUST a little bit here. Um thank you so much. It's an honor to be here tonight. Um as she said, I've been the physical education teacher at Allen for 27 years. And um all
057at Allen, my whole career. And Allen to me is kind of like the hidden gem of Hamilton County. I love the community that I teach in. I love the students, the families. Uh these two students right here are just um amazing kids, and they work so hard. Avery was our top fundraiser. She raised over $1,100 this year for >> [applause] >> And Henry's been in the top two for the past 2 years. He raised over $600. So, Henry Pendergrass. [applause] Um and she is Jean is correct. Uh it was 2009. I was having twins that year. And so, we didn't get to do it that year, but um it's really important to me uh to do the Kids Heart Challenge just because I think heart health is so important for students to learn about when
058they're young, carry with them for the rest of their lives. And that's kind of what I try to instill in them. Um we do fun games, and it was called Jump Rope for Heart. We still do jump rope. I get out there at 48 years old, and I'm still uh trying to beat students in speed jumping and all of that. So, it's just a great time, and it doesn't hurt that I also include inflatables to make it a little bit more fun and to uh to help us win first place every year. So, um she is right. I am competitive, but it is for a great cause. And um all of the $16,000 that we raised this year, it goes it it's not something that our school gets, but it goes to the American Heart
059Association, and it funds research, and it just helps families who um have dealt with heart issues. And every year I ask students, um do you know someone who has been affected, whether it's it's a heart attack, a stroke, or just heart disease? And almost every student raises their hands. So, it's something that's tangible. It's something that they know personally. And uh something that they can participate in and feel so good. And we call every student who participates a heart hero. And I'll finish with this. Uh about being at Allen, it's just a wonderful place to be, but this especially makes me proud because we're considered a small school. So, we're competing against schools that have eight and 900 students, and we have 420 maybe. And so, for us to raise this amount of money, it's
060a true testament to the families and the students and our leadership at Allen just to be a wonderful place to be and to want to participate in this every year. So, thank you again. Thank you. >> [applause] [laughter] >> Congratulations. It's lighter. >> [laughter] [applause] >> Okay, thank you. Now, our Hampton City Schools blood assurance. Good evening, members of the board. It's my distinct pleasure to talk about our blood drive we had this fall in partnership with the Blood Assurance Group. We had students do a blood drive to to raise to get donations of blood for the community tied to our portrait of a graduate where students are being culturally aware and community involved and so we're really proud of many schools. $75,000 was up for grabs for schools that did this and I'm proud
061to say it was led by student groups initiatives, student government associations, our JROTC. These students and groups really grabbed the reins. So we're going to announce the winners. We'll announce all of them and then they can come up for a group picture at the end. But we're thrilled to have Jerry Summers here who helped sponsor this award on behalf of our schools. So Jerry. Mr. Chairman, members of the board, superintendent, I know when a lawyer stands up you get nervous. You going to talk to them. I promise you I'll be short. I want to thank you first of all for this this special last year when we did a kind of experiment on what we're going to talk about and I'm only going to talk about two things mainly in regard to hopefully support a
062crazy idea that I got last year. We tried it and it resulted in contribution by the students and I want to thank the school system and the principals in the schools for the units we raised and I think it's the tip of of the iceberg. I got to do a disclaimer in regard trying to get people to participate in this program. If I've ever prosecuted, defended, or sued, or judged anybody, don't hold that against me. Don't hold it against this project that we're going to talk about in just a moment. [laughter] You know, in November 24th when when Hurricane Helene fortunately took a swerve to the right and went to tour of Asheville. I thought about what, you know, what if that come through Chattanooga? And I'm not trying to put I put my mouth
063where my blood put my blood where my mouth is. That way I can bring up jokes about lawyers. I realize that. But basically, I've given somewhere between 12 and 15 gallons of blood before I got on blood thinners. And I think this is a good project and Mr. Gary Allison will tell you about it. But basically, there's two things that I really would want to to do with blood assurance always needs units of blood. And the project that we started was creating a competition among the 18 high schools and there are more high schools that to see who could get the the most units of blood doing with their students and parents and coaches and people that nature. And it turned out a lot better than we thought. We made mistakes, but we believe it's
064been greatly improved. And I asked that's what we will talk about this evening very much. The second reason is that the schools through the principals will have an incentive because I know money is always a problem with the school board, but this is a little bit of contribution through the schools. And regard to have a competition made for giving blood instead of playing football, basketball, or soccer. That's basically all I wanted to say. I appreciate very much the opportunity and I'll turn it over to Mr. Allison. Certificate of appreciation Certificate of appreciation for Mr. Summers and his contribution. >> [applause] >> I don't get many of those. All right. So, I'm Gary Allison, the senior vice president of Blood Assurance. And I just want to thank not only the school board, the administration, and then
065all the school leaders and and teams that are here today. At Blood Assurance, we need over 540 donors to walk through our doors every day to keep our hospitals stocked. We are the sole supplier for Middle Tennessee, Central Tennessee, and the Southeast Tennessee for all four children's hospitals, all level one hospitals, the ambulances, the helicopters, etc. And over 22% of our blood comes from youth under 19 years of age. And so that's something that they do on a day-to-day basis that is absolutely amazing. And the blood drive to us isn't just about collecting blood. It's also collect It's also about creating awareness and education on how we use blood as medicine and the milestones that that creates and creating that pathway for them to be good stewards throughout the rest of their lives because after
066students donate blood in high school, there's only a 30% chance they will ever donate blood again in their entire life. And so we really want to continue that education. I am really ecstatic Mr. Summers and his team, you know, approached us about the program, uh sponsored it. We were we were very ecstatic about that. Um last year, we this school district saved over 4,707 lives impacted from the blood that they donated here locally. So thank you for that. >> [applause] >> The impact was 1,046 more donations than what we had pre- the previous year from this competition. And so I I I want to say to Mr. Summers and his team, thank you for that. Um I will recognize who the who the um um winners are, but I do want to recognize two individuals
067real quick from the team who are the local account managers who actually do all the work. Jerry and I just get up here and get to celebrate. But uh Carol Lawson and Ryan Brandenburg, they are the two account managers work hand-in-hand day in day with the schools to ensure that the much needed blood education and awareness is there. So So thank you all as well. >> [applause] >> But this year, we divided it up into three different levels. Um the small schools, larger schools, and then um or middle schools and then large schools. So, division one, uh first place was East Hamilton High School winning $30,000. So, congratulations. [applause] Second place was Ooltewah at 10,000. Ooltewah Ooltewah, I said Ooltewah. Ooltewah. So. Um And then we'll we'll call it for pictures here in just a
068second. Division two was East Ridge at 15,000. >> [applause] >> Uh second place, Tyner at 5,000. >> [applause] >> And for division three, we had CSAS at 10,000. And for second place, CSLA for 5,000. And I am happy to announce uh because of the um dedication for Mr. Summers and his team, he has um agreed to fund this program again for us next year with growing it. Um this year we were able to give out $75,000. Next year uh because of his generosity, we're going to be able to give out $120,000 to the school districts. >> [applause] >> Um And so, Mr. Summers, thank you for that. And again, on behalf of um Blood Assurance, the hospitals that we serve, the patients that we serve, and the community members that um Milestones are able to
069be able to be saved because of the much-needed blood from this school district, we thank you. And the last thing is we also have a program for our middle schools and our elementary schools moving into next year where they can receive um educational awards too. So, we're looking for those programs to future grow. So, um we can continue to pour more funding in the Hamilton County schools. So, thank you all for your support. >> [applause] >> Congratulations. Great job, Mr. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you very Mr. Graham, you're okay? Thank you. >> [laughter] >> Thank you, sir. Thank you. Congratulations. Oh. Oh, yes, I'm coming. Thank you. You too. You're welcome. Yes, I am. Absolutely. Yes, LA. See, oh, I'm sorry. Thank you
070for the Probably. Yeah, I don't know. Yeah, I don't know. >> [applause] >> Okay, thank you. Nice to meet you. First of So, we're ready for our House Joint Resolution 1192. Dr. Robert Sharp. Thank you, Chairman. Thank you, Chairman Smith, members of the board. Um I'm going to ask uh at this time if Assistant Chief Rusty Morrison with the Tennessee Police Department will come forward and Leslie Parker from our Facilities and Maintenance team. Chief Chief Morrison here Assistant Chief Morrison's here uh tonight to uh uh inform you of a recent recognition that uh we were awarded by the Chattanooga Police Department as Community Partner of the Year Award. And uh I've asked Leslie uh to be here uh this evening as well. She is from our Facilities team, and many of you may not know
071Leslie, but I can tell you that she's one of the key people in our school district that makes this thing go, makes it work. And uh back last fall, we were contacted by Chattanooga Police Department, uh and they were needing some space to house some of their offices. And um when we agreed to work with them, I immediately called Leslie, because I knew Leslie could fit the logistics together to make it work, and she did. So, I think it's important that that you all know that Leslie had a big role to play in that, and that's why she's here tonight. So, I'll turn it over to Chief Morrison at this time. Thank you. Good evening, board members. I have the honor this evening to present you uh House Rep House Representative Joint Resolution introduced by
072Representative Michelle Renaud. Uh before we get in there, as Dr. Sharp mentioned, I would like to kind of give a background of how we got to this resolution. In October 2025, the Chattanooga Police Department, unfortunately, we found out we had mold in our building. And we had to find immediate resolution to to move over 100 employees. It was kind of scary. We're like we need to move them immediately and it was tough. Uh met Dr. Sharp and he brought Ms. Parker along with him and they opened their doors. They said we're here to help you and he said Leslie can help you. She will take care of you and has she had I mean so much has she taken care of us. She is a true servant leader. I've called her numerous times and said
073hey we need this and we need that and every time she's been responsive. It's uh I don't know if you know this about police officers. We're kind of needy sometimes. And I would call her at 9:00 in the morning and says hey all the employees saying it's super hot out there. Within 5 minutes she goes hey we got the air turned down or or whatever the situation was. And if it wasn't 30 minutes later I would call her back and say hey now they're hot. Can we uh fix it again and every time she she has met that. So H Hamilton County Schools immediately again open open their door. They provided our staff with [clears throat] clean, a secure, and a fully functional workspace. Their leadership and dedication to public service was instrumental in sharing
074our operations. And it's important that we continue our operations. The support provided by Ms. Parker and ACS made a meaningful and lasting impact on our department and truly exemplifying the spirit of collaboration and service. For these reasons Hamilton County uh Schools received uh the Chattanooga Police Department Community Partner of the Year Award. And this is what led to our resolution that was introduced by Representative Michelle Renault and I'll read that now. House Joint Resolution 1192. A resolution to honor and commend Hamilton County Schools upon its receipt of the Community Partner of the Year Award. Whereas our nation was conceived by individuals who were willing to sacrifice their personal concerns to ensure the public safety and welfare and the volunteer state is especially proud to be the home of so many individuals who have performed above
075and beyond the call of duty in service of public safety. And whereas such individuals comprise the staff of Hamilton County Schools who were recently honored with the Chattanooga Police Department Community Partner of the Year Award in recognition of HCS's long-standing partnership with CPD through school resource officers and initiatives such as Handle With Care. And whereas in 2025, HCS [clears throat] truly excelled offering personnel from the police service center a clean, secure, and functional workplace when the CPD staff members were required to vacate their premises due to mold. And whereas the support provided by HCS made a lasting impact on the Chattanooga Police Department. Now, therefore be it resolved by the House of Representatives on the 1 14th General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, the Senate concurring, that we honor and commend Hamilton County Schools
076upon its receipt of the Community Partner of the Year Award from the Chattanooga Police Department. Adopted April the 2nd 2026. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID. THAT'S OKAY. YOU CAN SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH. Thank you. Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you. You're welcome. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> How are you doing? I'm doing good. Me too. Thank you. Ready for a photo op? Y'all be good to me in a minute. I'm always good to you, Jeff. >> [laughter] >> Yeah. Thank you. I'm trying to stay up, y'all. I'm sorry. >> [applause] >> Okay. I think we have one board member that the disclaimer applies to, maybe. I mean dog. I declare that I have a relative who works for the school system and
077and that the board's vote on budget policies, etc. may have an effect on my relative's employment. Even so, I hereby certify that I will cast my vote in the best interest of the school system. Okay, thank you. So, I need a a motion to approve our consent agenda. So moved. Second. I got a motion and a second. Second. I second all No lights, roll call. Uh Mr. Daughtry? Yes. Ms. Thomas? Yes. Ms. Jones? Yes. Mr. Connor? Yes. Ms. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keen? Yes. Ms. Haden? Yes. Ms. Black? Yes. Mr. Slater? Yes. Chairman Smith? >> Yes. Motion carries 11-0. It takes us down to administrative business matters. I need a motion to approve request for new and updated job class descriptions. So moved. Second. Motion and second. I see no lights. Roll call.
078Mr. Daughtry? Yes. Ms. Thomas? >> Yes. Ms. Jones? >> Yes. Mr. Connor? Yes. Ms. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keen? Yes. Ms. Haden? Yes. Ms. Black? Yes. Mr. Slater? Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes. Motion carries 11-0. I need a motion to authorize a CMAR procurement for Gateway Career Technical Education Building. Motion to approve. Second. Got a motion and a second. I see no lights. Roll call. Mr. Daughtry? Yes. Ms. Thomas? Yes. Ms. Jones? Yes. Mr. Connor? Yes. Ms. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keen? Yes. Ms. Haden? Yes. Ms. Black? Yes. Mr. Slater? Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes. Motion carries 11-0. Need a motion to approve a Clifton Hills apartment >> So moved. Second. >> Please bill Clifton Hills. >> Second, second, third, fourth, fifth, and tenth. Okay. Got them all now. No lights. Mr. Daughtry?
079Yes. Ms. Thomas? Yes. Ms. Jones? Yes. Mr. Connor? Yes. Ms. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keen? Yes. Ms. Haden? Yes. Ms. Black? Yes. Mr. Slater? Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes. Motion carries 11-0. Need a motion to approve a lease option for Chattanooga Police Department. >> So moved. Second. No lights. Roll call. Mr. Dorty? Yes. Mrs. Thomas? >> Yes. Mrs. Jones? Yes. Mr. Connor? Yes. Mrs. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keen? Yes. Mrs. Haden? Yes. Mrs. Black? Yes. Mr. Slater? Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes. Need >> Motion carries 11-0. Motion to approve the Gateway architect fee increase. Motion to approve. Second. I've got a motion and a second and I do have a light, Ms. Chaunce. So, this amount that we're approving, is this coming from us or from the county government? Yeah, it's going to
080be a combination. Mr. McClendon, I think he's still here. Ask him to come up and and give an update. The building, as we've moved forward, is is almost been divided into two halves essentially and so there are different aspects of it but the same architect is going to be designing the entirety of the building and so that's what's led to the increase. So, is the increase Oh, wait a minute. So, is the increase because we're splitting it up or the like The increase is because instead of just doing the first and second floor, which is going to be the school. >> the Franklin Robert Teacher Readiness Center, we're doing the entire building now. Oh, okay. And so that's why the >> So, why y'all not paying for the incubator piece? Okay, we're just having a
081Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, we're just the same architect's doing it and for some cost saving, we didn't want to do designs on the first floor and second floor or the third floor and so anything on the third and fourth floor is not coming is not being paid for out of bond funds set aside for school system. So, it's different county funds etc. Okay. All right, thank you. Okay, no more lights, roll call. Mr. Dorty? Yes. Ms. Thomas? Yes. Mrs. Jones? Yes. Mr. Connor? Yes. Mrs. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keen? Yes. Mrs. Hadden? Yes. Mrs. Black? Yes. >> Mr. Slater? Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes. Motion carries 11-0. A motion to approve to allow Lookout Mountain to turf their field up there. It's a donation. Second. Motion and second. I do have one light. Go
082ahead, Mr. Keen. Yeah. Just curious, who's the donation from? Yeah. I I believe it's coming from Town of Lookout Mountain. We had a conversation about a year ago with you know, they have actually elected school board members up there about the field that's directly behind elementary. It's really a community field. They play flag football, soccer. It's one of the only fields that they have up there. It's often unusable if it rains. And so, they are paying for it, but it's on our property. And so, therefore, you guys have to approve the partnership for them to improve that field. Right. Okay. Roll call. Mr. Daugherty? Yes. >> Ms. Thomas? >> Yes. Mrs. Jones? Yes. Mr. Connor? Yes. Mrs. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keen? Yes. Mrs. Hadden? Yes. Mrs. Black? Yes. Mr. Slater? Yes. Chairman
083Smith? Yes. Motion carries 11-0. Okay. I need a motion to approve the stream restoration. So moved. >> So moved. Second. Got a motion and second and a couple of lights. Mr. Connor? Thank you, Chair. I just want to say this is some needed repair work that is being like paid for by other folks to fix the stream. And it will help at the base there where the field is at Red Bank. So, it's a very good thing all around. I used to fish in that creek when I was about 6 years old. So, that's that's been about 40 years ago. >> [laughter] >> Okay. And they probably told you to stay out of there. You was down there anyway. Okay, [laughter] no more lights. Roll call. Mr. Daughtry? Yes. Ms. Thomas? Yes. Mrs. Jones? Yes.
084Mr. Connor? Yes. Mrs. Shafer? Yes. >> Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keene? Yes. >> Mrs. Hatton? Yes. Mrs. Black? Yes. >> Mr. Slater? Yes. >> Chairman Smith? Yes. >> Motion carries 11-0. Okay, we got four policies there on second and final reading. Without objection, I'd like to just vote on all four of them at the same time. So, I need a motion to approve those four policies. Motion. Second. Motion and second. No lights. Roll call. Mr. Daughtry? Yes. Ms. Thomas? Yes. Mrs. Jones? Yes. Mr. Connor? Yes. Mrs. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keene? Yes. Mrs. Hatton? Yes. Mrs. Black? Yes. Mr. Slater? Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes. Motion carries 11-0. Okay, I need a motion to approve fiscal year 2026 budget for our capital projects fund. Motion to approve. Second. >> Second. No lights. Roll call.
085Mr. Daughtry? Yes. >> Yes. Ms. Thomas? Yes. Mrs. Jones? Yes. Mr. Connor? Yes. Mrs. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keene? Yes. Mrs. Hatton? Yes. Mrs. Black? Yes. Mr. Slater? Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes. Motion carries 11-0. I need a motion to approve fiscal year capital projects for presentation to the Hamilton County Commission. Motion to approve. Second. No lights. Roll call. Mr. Daughtry? Yes. Ms. Thomas? >> Yes. Ms. Jones? Yes. >> Mr. Connor? Yes. Ms. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keen? Yes. Ms. Haden? Yes. Ms. Black? Yes. Mr. Slater? Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes. Motion carries 11 to 0. Yeah, I need a motion to approve our fiscal year 2027 budget for presentation to the Hamilton County Commission. So moved. Second the motion. Got a motion and a second. I don't have any lights, but I'm
086going to ask I'm going to ask our financial chair, he didn't know I was going to do this, to just speak to it cuz you've done such a great job. But before you do that, I do have a light. Yeah, you go go ahead. >> No, you go ahead and I'd like to and have last blast. Oh. Okay. Well, okay. So, I I was just wanting I'm kind of wanting them to go through the our special like I want them to read aloud the special statement of like where we put the extra $2 million that we pulled out to make sure that we say that out loud on the record before we vote on it. Yeah, can you do that, Dr. Robertson? Yes, sir. So, as we've talked about the board priorities, the $2 million,
087we have put those into three different categories. So, $1.1 million going towards athletics. It'll be a combination of improving stipends for coaches and also support for operational pieces in the athletics department. Also, half a million, 500,000 towards fine arts to include band, other activities that students are doing. And then 400,000 towards the main maintenance department specifically to replace some capital equipment pieces that are in dire need of replacing. Okay, thank you. Okay, I've been doing this for a decade now and I I know that I've I've ever seen a finance chair so thorough and on point and so speak to this before we vote, Mr. Finance Chair. >> Well, I'm sorry. I'm not done. You're not? >> [laughter] >> You're good. I just want I know you want him to go last, so I didn't
088want to get stepped on your toes. So, okay. Well, I just want to I want to say that like in our finance meeting, I specifically brought up the fact that this is the inverse of what the community survey results said. Community survey results, obviously we are first thing on there is staffing model, which 14 and a half million is going to the staffing model. But the next thing up was facilities and maintenance, then technology, then athletics. Um so, I just we've inverted this and we had talked about how we were going to discuss it further, but we never did. Um I specifically asked in that meeting if this was the list in order that we wanted it or if it was a list of what we wanted to talk about. So, we didn't actually really
089talk through that. So, I just want to point out that we we need to more thoroughly address our buildings. Especially Yeah, I I say this a lot, but I've got some of the oldest buildings in the in the school system save uh Jill school that just got a turf field. [clears throat] Um and so, it there I mean, again, they're like we need to address these things. I know that we're working towards it, but there's there's a lot of schools that they're crumbling around our kids that we need to be thinking about. Um and then I'll leave I'll I'll leave that cuz I know that the this is what has been presented to us, but I want to say also that we had a lot of conversation about trying to get to get to talk
090to our county commissioners um and meet with them before as our funding body. I know that that meeting didn't happen, so I just want to press again for us to get a chance to meet with them in an open forum and talk to them about this budget that we're putting in front of them. Uh not just with Dr. Robertson getting to present it, although he does a great job presenting what we put in front of him. I think it we need the opportunity to have open discussion with our county commissioners who are our funding members. And I will keep saying that over and over again. I know that the community has asked for it. We all have the emails from them. So, that's important. I talked to mine about it every day. Okay, Mr. Doherty.
091Gretchen Dowling. Gretchen, sorry. Yeah. I just want to echo the sentiments of having the conversation with the commission and not how it was presented to us last year like Oh, [clears throat] yeah, I remember that. Like, let's do this and then we'll come back and talk about it. No, I think we should talk about it. Um so, that would be nice. I'm not going to tell you that I talk to my commissioner every day cuz I don't. Haven't in 12 eight of the 12 years. We don't have that type of relationship, just for transparency. So, I would like to talk to the commission as a whole like we did before, you know, just to put it out there so they understand what what why our ask is our ask. And I do think Dr. Robertson
092[clears throat] and every other previous superintendent does a great job with that. But, Justin is hired by us to to to that's his job, but he's not elected and I think the two elected bodies should have that type of conversation. Um that's just my take on that. And if it doesn't happen this year, then um I will be talking to my predecessor about pushing that forward because that needs to happen. Okay? Okay. Do you want me to come back to you uh then? >> Okay. All right, Mr. Doherty. Yeah, thank you, Chairman. Um Mrs. Jones, thank you for your comments. Mr. Connor, thank you for your consistent spirit of collaboration. I think um as I look back on this, I was talking about with this to Justin the other day. I mean, the juxtaposition from
093this year and last year was night and day. And I think it there was a lot of factors that went into that. But, I think first and foremost, we did a lot of conversations on the front end. [clears throat] Uh we met together proactively and we I felt we aligned as a board earlier. We gave Dr. Robinson kind of a clear direction of what this board ultimately wanted to see in the budget. And I think the work that Mary Ellen and her team did put us in a position where we were able to um deliver a balanced budget, provide a $14 million raise to our teachers. Uh and through that, we were able to to look at a board priority from $2 million that we had allocated. Um Dr. Robert Sharp, keep me honest here,
094but I mean uh you know, as far as maintenance goes, if you were to look at a new school or new new roof, cost can be anywhere between 15 $25 a square foot. I think we did one recently that was between 1 and 1.2 million dollars recently. So, while $2 million may certainly seem like a lot of money, most people know that it is uh in the grand scheme of things. The reality is from a maintenance perspective, it's tough for that to to to really make a big dent in in in what is happening across the county. So, when I looked at this and when the board looked at this from a majority perspective, uh this is an opportunity for us to make I what I believe to be an historical investment in two key
095areas that directly impact all students. And that's athletics, fine arts, and band. And just put in perspective, uh this this increase in athletics is, you know, roughly a 25% increase in their budget. But with fine arts and band, this this represents nearly an 80% increase in that that organization's budget. Uh an historical investment in something that [clears throat] so many of our kids contribute to and and participate in that has a lasting impact on the community and the school system as a whole. So, I think it's testament to what this board has worked hard uh to to do as a body and uh the direction we're going. I'll be the first to tell you I think there's still work to do. And I and I and I I'm I'm confident in that though because I
096feel like we've got the right leadership right now, the right support uh cuz ultimately, everything always comes back to finances. Uh we we can have amazing visions and dreams, but ultimately, if we can't make the dollars stretch to do it we're in a very difficult position. So while I had to say in it this board had a massive say in it and and I want to you know you know tip my hat to Mary Helen as well because she was collaborative she was creative and she was thoughtful and I think Principal Hagan said the great word stuck out empathy and I think Mary Helen has that in strides because you do have to be empathetic empathetic with this budget because you can't do everything right and that's the hard thing we have in this role
097public education is trying to create an individual education plan for everybody with a set amount of money. So Mary Helen thank you Dr. Roberts thank you everybody else that participated thank you. Okay thank you. Uh Steve Slater. >> [clears throat] >> Thanks um as the chair of the athletic committee I can uh I can speak on that um if this passes the athletics would still only be point seven percent of the budget. Uh athletics has always taken a backseat to pretty much everything and um I have an advisory committee it's middle schools high schools big schools small schools and look looking at this and giving Coach James a little bit more leeway a little bit more money was a unanimous decision from that advisory committee. Um just to update it's been 29 years since stipends
098for these coaches have been looked at. 29 years so that's why we're looking at increasing some stipend we're looking at transportation we're looking at security um >> [snorts] >> we want to give some schools um money for more security. It's $60 an hour >> [clears throat] >> for the sheriff's department to come out and be security at an athletic event. Some of the schools have to have more than one. So, when you look at some of the schools having to have six, eight deputies out there, we're talking a lot of money for security. And that's some of the things that this 1.1 million is what we're looking at. Security, transportation and um I guess I'm open for questions if somebody wants to ask me a question. Okay. Roll call. Mr. Daughtry? Yes. Ms. Thomas? Yes.
099Ms. Jones? Ooh, this feels so good. Yes. Mr. Connor? Last one. >> [laughter] >> Yes. Ms. Shafer? Yes. Mr. Graham? Yes. Mr. Keen? Yes. Ms. Hadden? Yes. Ms. Black? Yes. Mr. Slater? Yes. Chairman Smith? Yes. Motion passes 11-0. Okay. You'll uh >> [applause] >> But I wanted to be able to uh present these two awards with uh being able to look at our two recipients. Yes. Ryan and Star, uh I've been doing this for a minute. Uh Crutch has been doing it longer than me. Yeah, watch it, Joe. I think she she will agree with me. >> [clears throat] >> We've never had student representatives like you two. And it's just been incredible. You've been here every meeting. You've uh had good participation. You've represented your students peer students well, and that's what you were
100called to do. And it's going to be fun to watch what God does with you two young people. And uh so we're just so thankful for what you've done for us this year. So, you come forward and we have a a plaque and a certificate for you in appreciation for your exceptional leadership and service to the 25-26 student representative to the Hamilton County Board of Education. Thank you, guys. >> [applause] >> Don't leave me out. We got >> [applause] >> You guys might if you if you have words to offer, Ryan, I know you do. >> [clears throat] >> I just want to say thank you to um you know, the students who gave us this opportunity, but I also want to say thank you to all of you guys. I'd planned on saying this
101at the end of the meeting tonight anyway, but it was really special to see Soddy-Daisy Middle School um as something on the consent agenda tonight. You know, since I've been in middle school, the Soddy-Daisy Middle School project is the project that I've been vocal about in my community, and I can't even begin to add up the amount of times I've called Gino and Rhonda and now Steve about that project, you know, giving my opinion, asking questions. So, to see that on the agenda as a Soddy-Daisy Middle School student and as a student that just left Soddy-Daisy High School, you know, I feel like it's so good to actually see um to see that project in action myself as a project that I chose to follow along. So, I appreciate everybody um the school system and
102the county on that. And again, just thank you to everyone who, um, believed in us as the student representatives and helped us be successful. Thank you. Thank you, all. >> [applause] >> Well, I never really have as many words as Ryan does. >> [laughter] >> But, I do want to say thank you to everyone, especially, um, Rachel and Brekken for their support, um, throughout this process. And I never really had a passion for anything. I didn't know what I was going into school and going to do, but this role has definitely helped me figure out what I wanted to do. So, thank you guys. Hey, WILL YOU TELL US >> [applause] >> HEY, WILL Y'ALL TAKE A MINUTE AND TELL us what your plans are after graduation so the community knows? >> [laughter] >> Um,
103I'm going to Belmont University and I'm going to study public advocacy. Okay. I don't know where I'm going, but I'm going to study politics and music education. YEAH. >> [applause] >> RYAN WILL BE YOUR GOVERNOR ONE DAY. And maybe even a higher office. >> He might be star. >> [laughter] >> He could be lieutenant. Okay, we're going to do a group picture, she said. Thank you. Thank you. >> to you. Thank you. Good luck [clears throat] to you. Are we all getting in the picture? No, I'm quite y'all. >> [laughter] [laughter] [applause] [laughter] >> Okay. >> [laughter] >> Just a few events announcements there. May 22nd is administrative in-service day. May 25th central office is closed. June the 18th work session 4:30 and our regular board meeting on June the 18th at 6:00. Anything else?
104Chairman Smith, we present the budget to county commission next Wednesday. It's supposed to start at 2:00. It will be at the McDaniel >> the McDaniel center? We'll get it. It's either at county commission office or at the McDaniel building. But >> You'll send us calendars. Yeah. So and just also wanted to say the board uh budget season getting started early and though it it felt like a long process, it was a really positive process. Appreciate the very clear direction and want to reiterate Mr. Daughtry's words to Mary Ellen did an amazing. It's not just her, it's her team. >> [applause] >> AND SARAH GALLANT BEEN A BIG PART OF IT. Congrats to her. Had a baby last Tuesday night. Uh so, congratulations to her, but Mary Ellen's entire team just did a great job through
105this season and I again appreciate the board, your partnership in getting us to a place. I I think it may be a historic moment. I'll have to ask Mr. Bennett to go back through the archives. I think it's possibly the first time in the history of the school district that we've had an 11-0 vote uh on a budget. So, appreciate Wow. Hey, yep. Yep. Okay. We stand adjourned.