November 20, 2025 at 5:30 PM - Board Meeting Agenda

Discussion:  Note: Facility use prior to 11/20/25 has been granted pending Board action. A certificate of insurance with $2,000,000.00 limits ($1,000,000.00 if approved) is required by each user. Each group must forward any renewals of insurance to the Board on time; otherwise, approval is terminated at the end of the policy period. All approvals are for no more than a 1-year period.
 

Discussion:  Lindsey Hebden concerns with Elementary re-zoning.  
Julie Bodine asking that the Board consider grandfathering for 8th graders when re-zoning.
Corinna Maldonado to discuss re-zoning and the effects of students moving from Siegel to Oakland Middle School.
SaraJade Burda opposes re-zoning Stewarts Creek Elementary students to Brown's Chapel Elementary..
Laura Montanez Miller opposes re-zoning Stewarts Creek Elementary students to Brown's Chapel Elementary.

Discussion:  Work Session: Shanna Groom, School Nursing Coordinator, spoke at the Board's request about a resolution, put forth by Tammy Sharp, regarding adequate funding for school nurses.  This resolution was passed by the TSBA delegate assembly last week. 

Work Session: The Eagleville Volleyball Team ended their season with a record of 43-5. On October 24 they won their first state title. 

Board Meeting: The Stones River Brigade Cadet Leadership Team each shared an overview of RCS JROTC 2025-206 accomplishments and highlights.
Commander Cadet: Colonel Kathryn Wolvington
Executive Officer: Cadet Mackenzie McCoy
Command Sergeant Major: Cadet Lydia Knight

Discussion:  Administrator: Principal Justin Smith, Blackman High School
Teacher: Candace Thomspon, Oakland High School
Central Office: Emily Marshall, CTE
Support Staff: Ashley Fitzgerald, Walter Hill Elementary
Transportation: Bus Driver Chai Dackerman

Discussion:  Rob Schwarz joined us via zoom on November 20, 2025, to give an overview of updated maps on Elementary re-zoning options based on discussions with the Board during the Work Session on Tuesday.  Mrs. Darby requested RSP to provide a chart keeping zoning as it is currently for Stewarts Creek Elementary but capping it for in-coming students. The data for this school has grown dramatically since we began in 2022, based on growth per housing unit and number of school-aged children per unit.  During this time, the Brown's Chapel zone has not experienced the same type of growth. Mr. Tidwell asked RSP if most new developments are going up in the north or south ends of the Stewarts Creek zone.  RSP responded that there is an equal amount of growth in both areas. Mrs. Rosales and Mr. Vaughn urged parents as well as the Board to meet with County and City leaders to encourage stopping the overgrowth in our County.

Discussion:  Mrs. Darby read a statement from the parents who appealed to the Board, stating they were sorry they could not be at the meeting in person, but asked for an appeal hearing before the Board.

Discussion:  Work Session:  Trey Lee asked the Board to make a decision on Thursday on how Transportation should proceed.

Board Meeting: Butch Vaughn said this motion is unfair to the eleven contractors who responded the first time.  Everyone has already been given two chances to respond.

Discussion:  The CTE Mobile Labs have been a big hit in the District.
Additional signage to advertise re-zoning have made a big impact by placing these at schools that will be effected.
Information from parent survey is being compiled and will soon be shared with the Board.

Discussion:  Mrs. Maxwell recommended closing the Central Office on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, as a paid holiday for the Payroll Dept. The District is open on Veterans Day with programs honoring our Vets at several schools and this is a holiday when the County offices are closed 

 

Discussion:  Rutherford County Schools lunch debt is significantly lower than last year at the same time.

Transportation sent out two letters on route descriptions that have not been turned in per their contract.  Mr. Reed read that portion of the contract to the Board.
Butch Vaughn & Caleb Tidwell made a motion that we enforce the contract and withhold their pay per the contract.  Frances Rosales &Stan Vaught Motion amended the motion to begin withholding their pay immediately beginning in November and continuing until the routes are turned in.

The amended motion passed.
Mr. Tidwell seconded this original motion and it passed.

Discussion:  Mrs. Rosales made a recommendation to the Board that if we begin looking at building a new school, then start discussing zoning or potential changes to zoning lines. Delay the vote on zoning until the school is about to open.
Mrs. Rosales has received questions from parents asking if the new middle school opening will offer sports and activities in line with our other schools and if those being re-zoned have the opportunity to try out.  TSSAA requires tryouts for all new students, even those who are re-zoned. The new MS will have all sports and clubs just like the other MS.
BHS football has a game against Maryville on Friday night at home.
Mr. Tidwell clarified that he doesn't support collaborative conferencing.  It is required by the state and his has nothing against the individuals.
Mr. Vaughn brought up FFA National representation across the District in Indianapolis.
Ms. Sharp was at the DECA competition and judged Nashville and Davidson County students and announced news to come on JazzFest.
Mrs. Darby discussed RSP and re-zoning and the original goals of the Board.  We tried to keep feeder schools. She doesn't think re-zoning is what is best for children.  Asked people to reach out with new ideas similar to what she asked for with capping Stewarts Creek Elementary. She asked that we ask the County Commission for what we need not what we think will pass.
Mrs. Maxwell agreed with the Board advocating for what we need as a District.
Dr. Sullivan stated that building utilization needs to stay at the forefront and suggested the Board give RSP new guidance.
We have the highest number of reward schools in the state.
 

Discussion:  Mrs. Maxwell gaveled out at 7:42 pm.