Public Meeting Minutes: September 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM - ROANE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

I. CALL TO ORDER

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report): Madam Chair Kristy Oran called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

II. PLEDGE

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report): Madam Chair Kristy Oran led the meeting with a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report): Madam Chair Kristy Oran asked Tiffanie Gresham to call roll. Upon roll call, the following Board members were present:

IV. ADOPTION OF REGULAR AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Jeremiah Cantrell for approval of the agenda and consent agenda, second by Jessica Hunsaker.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Attachments: (1)

9-23-25 Overnight Field Trips

V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM AUGUST 21, 2025, BOARD MEETING AND SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, BOARD WORKSHOP.

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Robert Herrell for approval of the minutes listed above, second by Jeremiah Cantrell.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Attachments: (2)

VI. RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

VI.1. TVAAS LEVEL 5 REWARD SCHOOLS - LAURA FISHER

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Laura Fisher recognized the following schools for being awarded TVAAS Level 5 Reward School, the highest level of achievement you can get from the state: Bowers Elementary, Dyllis Springs Elementary, Midway Elementary, Kingston Elementary, Cherokee Middle, Harriman Middle, Midway Middle and Oliver Springs High. Ms. Fisher also recognized RCS District for being rewarded as a Level 5 District by the state. Mr. Jenkins stated it is an incredible accomplishment, and we have doubled the number of Level 5 schools we have in the district. He stated he is extremely proud of our employees!

VII. HEARING OF DELEGATIONS

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Carolyn Bush-Roddy - 1125 Hartford Road, Kingston, TN 37763 - She thanked everyone for their support of the Run, Jump, Throw Event. She gave an update to the Board and stated it was a great event.

VIII. REPORTS

VIII.1. Director's Report

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Mr. Jenkins gave the following updates:
- TVAAS - Mr. Jenkins stated he couldn't be more proud of our schools for this accomplishment of Level 5 Reward. He stated scores are not everything, but it is a good indication that we are doing a lot of good things. He stated it is so hard to become Level 5, everything and everyone has to be working together, our staff is incredible.
- RFP - Mr. Jenkins stated the top 4 companies have responded and are scheduled to be here next month, October 6th & 7th, for the interview process. A copy of the interview schedule has been placed at your seat.
- Lastly, Mr. Jenkins stated an employee had to be airlifted tonight to Fort Sanders and asked everyone to keep her and her family in their prayers.

VIII.2. Business Manager's Report

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Derek Henderson stated the August monthly financial report was included in the packet, and he would be happy to answer any questions. Ms. Jackson asked how much we were able to add to the Fund Balance at the end of the year after we closed out the year. Mr. Henderson stated we were able to add about $5 million. He stated the auditors would be coming next week and once they are finished, he could give the Board a final audited number. Mr. Cox asked if we added $5 million or is that our Fund Balance now. Mr. Henderson stated we added $5 million.

Attachments: (1)

Financial Report August 2025

VIII.3. Facilities Report

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Mr. Jenkins shared the following updates:
- RCHS - Gym bathrooms and tiles are complete and ADA compliant. Casey is working on a schedule to paint that area and replace some ceiling tiles.
- MHS - Roofing contract was signed this week. The bid price was $671, 000 and will start in mid-October. The bid came in way below what was expected, and we are hearing positive reviews about this company from other school systems. He stated he was excited to get this project done and that the bid came in at least a couple of $100,000 less than expected.
- Maintenance Dpt. - Casey and his team are continuing to complete work orders and Fall Break will be a very busy time for their department. He stated they are working hard and he is proud of the department.

VIII.4. Committee Reports

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Policy Committee
- Mr. Cox stated the policies for tonight's meeting were provided in the packet for review. Mr. Cox scheduled a Policy Meeting for October 23rd at 5:30 p.m.

Attachments: (1)

08-21-25 Policy Mtg. Mins.

VIII.5. Chairman's Report

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Jeremiah Cantrell to approve the reports, second by Jessica Hunsaker.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Ms. Oran stated the October Board meeting will be on October 23, 2025, due to Fall Break. Ms. Jackson stated she would send something out to schedule a Personnel & Benefits Committee meeting.

IX. OLD BUSINESS

IX.1. Approval of Policy # 3.202 Emergency Preparedness Plan (Recommended by TSBA, 2nd Reading)

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Larry Brackett to approve 1-7, second by Nadine Jackson.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Ms. Oran asked for a motion to approve Policy #3.202 for second reading.

Attachments: (1)

3.202 Updated

IX.2. Approval of Policy #4.601 Reporting Student Progress (Recommended by TSBA, 2nd Reading)

Attachments: (1)

4601 Updated

IX.3. Approval of Policy #6.200 Attendance (Recommended by TSBA, 2nd Reading)

Attachments: (1)

6200 Updated

IX.4. Approval of Policy #6.200.6 Released Time Course Providers (Recommended by TSBA, 2nd Reading)

Attachments: (1)

6.200.6 Updated

IX.5. Approval of Policy #6.303 Questioning Students and Searches (Recommended by TSBA, 2nd Reading)

Attachments: (1)

6303 Updated

IX.6. Approval of Policy #6.411 Student Wellness (Recommended by TSBA, 2nd Reading)

Attachments: (1)

6411 Updated

IX.7. Approval of Policy #6.303.1 Searches by School Personnel (Recommended by TSBA, 2nd Reading)

Attachments: (1)

6.303.1 Updated

X. NEW BUSINESS

X.1. Approval of Policy #6.600 Student Records (Recommended by TSBA, 1st Reading)

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Larry Brackett to approve policies #1-11 for first reading, second by Nadine Jackson.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Ms. Oran asked for a motion to approve Policy #6.600 for first reading.

Mr. Cox stated these policies are being updated due to the new law changes that occurred with the legislation.

Attachments: (1)

6600

X.2. Approval of Policy #6.600.2 Request for Records Transfer (Recommended by TSBA, 1st Reading)

Attachments: (1)

6.600.2

X.3. Approval of Policy #4.100 Instructional Program (Recommended by TSBA, 1st Reading)

Attachments: (1)

4.100

X.4. Approval of Policy #5.500 Discrimination/Harassment of Employees (Sexual, Racial, Ethnic, Religious) (Recommended by TSBA, 1st Reading)

Attachments: (1)

5.500

X.5. Approval of Policy #6.304 Student Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying, Cyber-bullying, and Intimidation (Recommended by TSBA, 1st Reading)

Attachments: (1)

6.304

X.6. Approval of Policy #2.403 Surplus Property Sales (Recommended by TSBA, 1st Reading)

Attachments: (1)

2.403

X.7. Approval of Policy #2.403.2 News and Information Website for Legal Notices (Recommended by TSBA, 1st Reading)

Attachments: (1)

2.403.2

X.8. Approval of Policy #4.212.1 Remote Instruction (Recommended by TSBA, 1st Reading)

Attachments: (1)

4.212.1

X.9. Approval of Policy #4.212.2 Hybrid Learning (Recommended by TSBA, 1st Reading)

Attachments: (1)

4.212.2

X.10. Approval of Policy #4.301 Interscholastic Athletics (Recommended by TSBA, 1st Reading)

Attachments: (1)

4.301

X.11. Approval of Policy #4.403 Library Materials (Recommended by TSBA, 1st Reading)

Attachments: (1)

4.403

X.12. Approval to Surplus Technology/Non-Technology Equipment items from the following: (MES, RMS, HHS, RCHS and RHS-CTE).

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Sam Cox to approve, second by Jeremiah Cantrell.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Ms. Oran asked for a motion to approve the surplus of Technology/Non-Technology Equipment.

Attachments: (1)

9-23-25 Surplus

X.13. Approval of Budget Amendments: 141 (General Purpose School Fund)

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Sam Cox to approve, second by Danny Wright.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Ms. Oran asked for a motion to approve the Budget Amendments.

Mr. Henderson reviewed the Budget Amendments with the Board.

Attachments: (1)

September 2025 Budget Amendment

X.14. Approval of SAVE ACT/Public School Safety Grant Compliance.

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Sam Cox to approve, second by Jessica Hunsaker.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Ms. Oran asked for a motion to approve the SAVE ACT/Public School Safety Grant Compliance.

Mr. Clower reviewed the SAVE ACT/Public School Safety Grant with the Board.

Attachments: (1)

SAVE ACT

X.15. Consideration of "Live Streaming" RCS Board Meetings.

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Danny Wright to DEFER, second by Jessica Hunsaker.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Ms. Oran asked for a motion for Consideration of "Live-Streaming" RCS Board Meetings.
Motion was made by Mr. Cantrell with a second by Mr. Brackett to discuss consideration of live-streaming of Board meetings. (MOTION to DEFER passed, a vote was not needed on this MOTION.)

Mr. Brackett stated the Board has talked about it, but they have not had a discussion. He asked if that was what they needed to do and if the Board was equipped to do "live-streaming." Mr. Wright stated he thought the first step would be for Shannon (Kamer) to find out what the technology needs would be and the cost. He stated then the Board could make a decision on whether they wanted to do live-streaming of the meetings. He stated he thought it should be deferred until that information could be brought back to the Board.

X.16. Consideration of Property Purchase.

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Ms. Oran asked for a motion on the "Consideration of Property Purchase."
Mr. Brackett stated the Board has talked about this for a long time. He stated the Board had some meetings and talked about land, and we have $7 million saved and put aside. Mr. Brackett made a MOTION to allow Russell (Jenkins) to identify and negotiate the purchase of property near RSCC or TCAT facilities suitable for an approximate 1400 student school after a property study is done to make sure the property is suitable, and to report back with the study and price (due diligence), with a second by Mr. Wright. Mr. Wright stated this motion doesn't authorize Mr. Jenkins to make the purchase, but to enter into negotiations for the property purchase and bring it back to the Board. Mr. Mioduski stated his original thought is to make a motion to defer because he does not think there is enough information at this time. He stated, as the Board knows, he is passionate about this issue, and he appreciated wanting to move forward, and it was quicker than he thought would happen. He stated he would like to make the MOTION to DEFER because of two items, 1. Special Called meeting on August 4th, the Board asked the Director to go out and look at property in the county and bring back some information. His understanding is that it is still in process. 2. The RFQ, the companies are coming to do their interviews in two weeks. So, based on that, he would like to make the motion to defer this item. Mr. Herrell made a second to the motion. Mr. Mioduski stated we are not voting on purchasing, are we voting on that specific property at this time? Mr. Wright stated the way he understands the motion is "in that area", not a specific parcel of land. It is only to gather the information to bring back to the Board following the suitable study, and bring back a potential price on a parcel in that area. Mr. Brackett stated that is when we would vote to buy or not to buy. Mr. Mioduski stated there is only one parcel of land in that area. Mr. Brackett stated that was not true.

Mr. Mioduski stated he would still like to make a MOTION to DEFER, with a second by Mr. Herrell. MOTION FAILED; Voting YES: Jody Mioduski, Robert Herrell and Kristy Oran; Voting NO: Larry Brackett, Jeremiah Cantrell, Sam Cox, Jessica Hunsaker, Nadine Jackson and Danny Wright.

Ms. Oran stated that since the motion to defer failed, it goes back to the original motion by Mr. Brackett. Mr. Cox asked to discuss the original motion. Mr. Wright stated again all we are doing with the original motion is for Mr. Jenkins to gather the information with a potential purchase price and bring it back to the Board. He stated it is not to purchase, just to gather information. He stated he knows they have talked about the parcel across from Roane County Park, but he would like to see if there are other parcels in that area. Mr. Cox asked what study would be done, a geological study? Mr. Brackett stated it is drilling and making sure the site is suitable for building. Mr. Cox stated that is what he wanted to know. Mr. Jenkins stated the way he understands it, that it is called due diligence, contains geological and contamination etc. It would be a contracted service through our architectural group. He asked if that is what he is being charged to do? Mr. Cox stated if he is not mistaken, if it does not pass that study, we would not be held liable to buy that property. Mr. Brackett said he thinks that is correct. Mr. Wright stated you could put that in the contingency of the contract. Mr. Mioduski said if they come back and say it is not buildable, do we have to come back and do this again? He stated he thought the "ask" from the August 4th meeting was for Mr. Jenkins to look at multiple pieces of property, not one specific. Was that not the "ask"? Mr. Brackett stated he does not know what the "ask" was from August 4th. Mr. Herrell stated that was his understanding as well that he would bring back properties from the east and west back to us to discuss. Ms. Hunsaker stated she just had in her notes to look at land acquisition. She stated she did not have anything saying we charged him with negotiating the purchase, looking at suitability or due diligence. Mr. Mioduski asked Tiffanie (Gresham) if there were notes from the 4th that we could pull up. She stated they were on her desktop computer. There was some discussion among the Board. Ms. Oran asked if there were any more questions or discussion. Mr. Mioduski asked if he could have a moment. He stated, so the deferred failed. Mr. Wright stated what we are doing here does not bind us to any purchase. All it does is formalize Director Jenkins to identify a parcel or parcels based on the due diligence of the study that we may enter into a contract. Nothing can be done until we have that information in the next meeting. We are just voting on the authorization for him to begin that process and bring it back to us to entertain should we want that property. He stated he is not an engineer, Mr. Cox is an engineer. Mr. Cox stated that most of the time you get the study after you get the property terms settled and then, if it does not pass the geological study, both parties are free to go. Mr. Wright stated he is not trying to muddy the water, he just wants to make it clear we are not agreeing to buy the property tonight. Mr. Mioduski stated he appreciates that, but wouldn't we want to do that for the entire county and look at other properties, not just that area? He stated we would go through this whole process again if you can't build on it. Mr. Wright stated that he could amend the motion to include that if he wanted to. He stated he wasn't trying to tell him what to do, but he could amend it if he wanted to.

Mr. Mioduski made a MOTION to AMEND the original motion to include looking at other properties in the county, not to be tied to just one part of the county, with a second by Mr. Herrell. Mr. Herrell stated he was still confused on the study. He stated Mr. Brackett has asked for a study to be done on the property at the Roane State area, is that correct? Mr. Jenkins stated he understands it to be a "due diligence" study, which would require him to get some assistance. Mr. Brackett stated that was correct. Mr. Herrell asked what the time frame would be for that to be done. Mr. Jenkins stated he would think 60-90 days if they have to do core sampling, it will take some time. Mr. Herrell stated he is not against getting properties he would just like to see the information up front. Mr. Wright stated this is what the motion is, asking for Mr. Jenkins to come back to the Board. Ms. Oran stated now it is time to vote on the amendment.
MOTION FAILED; Voting YES: Jody Mioduski, Robert Herrell, Danny Wright and Kristy Oran; Voting NO: Larry Brackett, Jeremiah Cantrell, Sam Cox, Jessica Hunsaker and Nadine Jackson.

Ms. Oran stated now we are back to the original motion.
(Original Motion) Mr. Brackett made a MOTION to allow Russell (Jenkins) to identify and negotiate the purchase of property near RSCC or TCAT facilities suitable for an approximate 1400 student school after a property study is done to make sure the property is suitable, and to report back with the study and price (due diligence), with a second by Mr. Wright.
MOTION PASSED; Voting YES: Larry Brackett, Jeremiah Cantrell, Sam Cox, Jessica Hunsaker, Nadine Jackson and Danny Wright; Voting NO: Jody Mioduski, Robert Herrell and Kristy Oran

X.17. Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board for 2025-2026.

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Nadine Jackson to nominate Danny Wright as Chairman and Sam Cox as Vice Chairman and nominations cease, second by Larry Brackett.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Ms. Oran asked for a motion for the Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board for 2025-2026.

X.18. Consideration of 2025-2026 Student Board Representative.

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Larry Brackett to approve the Student Board Representative for Harriman High to be elected, second by Sam Cox.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Ms. Oran asked for a motion for Consideration of 2025-2026 Student Board Representative.

Mr. Jenkins stated two years ago this Board adopted a policy on Student Board Representatives and it stated the representative would follow the Board Chair. He stated Ms. Lowery will conduct elections at her school. He stated Mr. Branham will also conduct an election at his school in case the HHS representative is unable to participate. He stated the representative should be present at the next meeting.

X.19. Board Member Recognitions - Russell K. Jenkins, Director of Schools.

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Jeremiah Cantrell for Mr. Jenkins to recognize Board Members for TSBA Boardsmanship Award, second by Sam Cox.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Mr. Jenkins recognized Jody Mioduski (Level 1), Robert Herrell (Level 1) and Kristy Oran (Level IV) for completing levels in the TSBA Boardsmanship Program. They were recognized at the TSBA Fall District Meeting for their accomplishment.

XI. COMMENTS

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report): The next Regular School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Central office, 105 Bluff Road, Kingston, TN 37763.

XII. ADJOURNMENT

Action(s):

Motion PASSED:

MOTION was made by Danny Wright motion to adjourn at 8:12 p.m., second by Larry Brackett.
Motion PASSED YES: 9, NO: 0.

Larry Brackett: YES
Jeremiah Cantrell: YES
Sam Cox: YES
Robert Herrell: YES
Jessica Hunsaker: YES
Nadine Jackson: YES
Jody Mioduski: YES
Kristy Oran: YES
Danny Wright: YES

No Action(s) have been added to this Agenda Item.

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report):

Ms. Oran asked for a motion to adjourn.

XIII. SIGNATURE PAGE

Discussion (Visible on Minutes Report): Respectfully submitted,


Kristy Oran, Madam Chair


Russell K. Jenkins, Ed.S., Director of Schools


Tiffanie Gresham, Board Secretary

September 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM - ROANE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

Web Viewer