Public Meeting Minutes: September 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Johnson City Board of Education Regular Meeting

1. CALL TO ORDER AND OPENING

Attachments: (1)

JCS Beliefs, Mission, Vision, & Goals

1.A. Call to Order and Welcome

1.B. Moment of Silence

1.C. Pledge of allegiance to the flag

1.D. Opening

1.E. Art work on display

1.F. Update on Fairmont

Discussion:

Ms. Jen Smith, the Educare program leader, presented an overview of the "Postcard Summer: Wish You Were Here" themed summer program for 94 students. The program taught students about East Tennessee's parks, landmarks, and history through teacher-led topics and weekly postcard journaling. Activities included numerous community visitors, field trips to local sites, a cookout, a talent show, and a Fourth of July celebration. Several students and a parent shared positive testimonials about the program's impact.
Dr. Dotson, provided an update on Fairmont School, now in its fourth year under the theme "Something great is going to happen today." In addition, Fairmont met all EPLAN goals in reading and math and decreased chronic absenteeism by three percentage points.

2. RECOGNITIONS

Attachments: (1)

September 2026 Recognitions

Discussion:

Science Hill High School was recently ranked the #20 High School in Tennessee by the US News and World Report.
The following teachers were granted tenure based upon their years of service and their evaluation scores. They are:
Rachel Pugh - Cherokee, Olivia Balch - Fairmont, Riley Prickett-Armstrong - Fairmont, Tyler Devault - Lake Ridge, Faith Burton - North Side, Erica Lilly - North Side, Jennifer Tucker - Towne Acres, Taylor Montgomery - Woodland, Lucy Whelan - Woodland, Christina McAdoo - Liberty Bell, Chantelle Williams - Liberty Bell, Stephan Williams - Liberty Bell, Barton Burris - SHHS, Lucinda Creech - SHHS, Justin Douglas - SHHS, Jared Forbes - SHHS, Ryan Goines - SHHS, Cori Horne - SHHS, Connie Trivette - SHHS, Dr. Christy Henegar - SHHS

3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to adopt the agenda. With a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2, the motion passed.

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion to adopt the agenda. With a motion by Mrs. Paula Treece and a second by Dr. Ginger Carter, the motion passed.

Mr. Jonathan Kinnick: Absent
Dr. Ginger Carter: YES
Mr. Tom Hager: YES
Mrs. Kathy Hall: YES
Mrs. Celia Martin: YES
Mr. Rick Smith: YES
Mrs. Paula Treece: YES

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

4. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Discussion:

The reverend Justin Hoss spoke regarding the Law on 10 commandments.
Mrs. Jessica Adams spoke regarding the BCBA Proposal.

4.A. PTA Membership Enrollment Emphasis Months Proclamation Mrs. Jennifer Bradford & Mrs. Theresa Shaw

Attachments: (1)

_Proclamation-PTA_Council 2026

5. REPORTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF

5.A. Building Projects Update

Attachments: (1)

Building Projects Update

Discussion:

Building projects Update as submitted by Mr. Brian Ross, City of Johnson City.
Towne Acres Elementary - New school building and site improvements; Demolish existing school building
In Progress: Masonry walls; Concrete floors; Door frames; Rough HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical Upcoming: All of the above; Steel framing Scheduled Completion: Phase 1 (New school) Jun 2027; Phase 2 (Demolition & Site improvements): Dec 2027
Central Office - Secure vestibule & HR office renovation Engineering in progress
Mountain View & Indian Trail - Upgrade HVAC systems Kickoff meeting with contractor scheduled for 9/11Mountain View Elementary - Replace gutters
Preparing bid specifications, with input from roofing contractor consultant
Market Street School - Replace roofing Preparing bid specifications, with input from roofing contractor consultant

5.B. Financial Report from Johnson City Schools Foundation Board

Attachments: (2)

Discussion:

Mr. Bob Parker gave an update regarding the Foundation's Financial Report.
The Foundation, established in 1989, presented its annual report, highlighting its partnership with the district.
Finances are overseen by a CPA, with investments held via the East Tennessee Foundation. The primary fundraiser is an annual spelling bee.
In 2026, the Foundation purchased 25 high-end microscopes for Science Hill's new lab, with a dedication event planned for September 28 at 4:30 PM.
The Foundation also manages teacher grants and student scholarships in coordination with school staff.

5.C. Financial Reports — June 2026

Attachments: (1)

_June 2026 Finance Report

Discussion:

The Financial Report showed revenues of $109.3M and expenditures of $107.1M, resulting in a net increase of $2.225M.
Revenues exceeded the budget by nearly $4M, driven by growth in property and local sales taxes. Expenditures were $3.255M under budget.
The year-end fund balance was $20,803,000. The board approved the report.

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion to approve the Financial Report, June 2026 as submitted by Ms. Leia Valley. With a motion by Mrs. Kathy Hall and a second by Mrs. Paula Treece, the motion passed.

Mr. Jonathan Kinnick: Absent
Dr. Ginger Carter: YES
Mr. Tom Hager: YES
Mrs. Kathy Hall: YES
Mrs. Celia Martin: YES
Mr. Rick Smith: YES
Mrs. Paula Treece: YES

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

5.D. Update on Sales Tax - PEP

Attachments: (1)

July 2026 PEP Sales Tax Report

Discussion:

July deposits totaled $486,000 ($303k city, $183k school), with a month-end account balance of $4,476,000.

5.E. Attendance / Enrollment Report

Discussion:

The report showed smaller incoming cohorts, particularly in kindergarten, aligning with national trends.
The board requested further data on tuition students by school of attendance and origin, as well as tracking of students newly entering from private schools or moving within zones.

5.F. JCS Update

Discussion:

Dr. Slater emphasized the value of its partnerships with parents, businesses, and ministries.
The Ballad Health Academy was highlighted as a flagship program, and Ballad Health donated an anatomy table to Science Hill High School.
In addition, the district was accepted into the Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI), facilitating collaboration with business and industry leaders.

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

7. CONSENT AGENDA

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. With a motion by Mrs. Kathy Hall and a second by Mrs. Paula Treece, the motion passed.

Mr. Jonathan Kinnick: Absent
Dr. Ginger Carter: YES
Mr. Tom Hager: YES
Mrs. Kathy Hall: YES
Mrs. Celia Martin: YES
Mr. Rick Smith: YES
Mrs. Paula Treece: YES

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

7.A. Approval of Minutes

Attachments: (3)

7.B. Proposed Fundraising Activities

Attachments: (2)

7.C. Request to write checks over $5,000

Attachments: (1)

CHECKS

7.D. Request to Transfer Funds

Attachments: (1)

ITMS.TRANSFER FUNDS FOR ORCHESTRA EQUIPMENT.REQUEST (002)

7.E. Overnight Field trip Requests

Attachments: (1)

_OFT updated

7.F. Overnight Field Trip Requests Spreadsheet

Attachments: (1)

_____Overnight Field Trip Requests - Sheet1

8. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR ACTION

8.A. Recommendation to add the position of Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to replace a behavior specialist position

Attachments: (1)

Job Description BCBA

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion to approve the Recommendation to add the position of Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to replace a behavior specialist position. With a motion by Mrs. Paula Treece and a second by Dr. Ginger Carter, the motion passed.

Mr. Jonathan Kinnick: Absent
Dr. Ginger Carter: YES
Mr. Tom Hager: YES
Mrs. Kathy Hall: YES
Mrs. Celia Martin: YES
Mr. Rick Smith: YES
Mrs. Paula Treece: YES

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

9. NEW BUSINESS

9.A. Request to approve Policy 5.600,Staff Rights & Responsibilities
and Policy 4.501, School Volunteers

Attachments: (2)

5600
4501

Action(s):

Motion 1 passed:

Motion to approve the Policy 5.600,Staff Rights & Responsibilities (with original language) and Policy 4.501, School Volunteers. With a motion by Mrs. Paula Treece and a second by Mrs. Celia Martin, the motion passed.

Mr. Jonathan Kinnick: Absent
Dr. Ginger Carter: YES
Mr. Tom Hager: YES
Mrs. Kathy Hall: YES
Mrs. Celia Martin: YES
Mr. Rick Smith: YES
Mrs. Paula Treece: YES

Motion 2 passed:

Motion to resend the resolution that passed at the September 8, 2026 BOE Meeting regarding policy 5.600. With a motion by Mrs. Kathy Hall and a second by Dr. Ginger Carter, the motion passed.

Mr. Jonathan Kinnick: Absent
Dr. Ginger Carter: YES
Mr. Tom Hager: YES
Mrs. Kathy Hall: YES
Mrs. Celia Martin: YES
Mr. Rick Smith: YES
Mrs. Paula Treece: YES

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

9.B. Recommendation from the Superintendent & Compensation Committee

Attachments: (2)

Discussion: Mr. Rick Smith noted the positive evaluation results and thank Dr. Slater for her hard work.

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion to approve Dr. Slater's contract as recommended by the Superintendent & Compensation Committee. With a motion by Mrs. Paula Treece and a second by Dr. Ginger Carter, the motion passed.

Mr. Jonathan Kinnick: Absent
Dr. Ginger Carter: YES
Mr. Tom Hager: YES
Mrs. Kathy Hall: YES
Mrs. Celia Martin: YES
Mr. Rick Smith: YES
Mrs. Paula Treece: YES

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

9.C. Legislative Update

Discussion:

Mrs. Paula Treece commented that the legislators are not in session.
Mrs. Treece also announced the newest members of the Hall of Fame will be honored on Saturday, October 3rd at 10:00 am at Science Hill. Honorees Include: Mildred Goines, Howard McCorkle, Mary Hardin McCown, Jerry Cole, Cathy Glenn, Matt Rice and Elvin Little

9.D. Communications Update

Discussion:

Recognitions
Hall of Fame

10. INFORMATION ITEMS

10.A. BOE Calendar of Events

Attachments: (1)

BOECalendarOfEvents2026_2027

10.B. Personnel Items

Attachments: (1)

_26-27 Staffing Updated_

10.C. Donations

Attachments: (1)

_Donations_

11. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Attachments: (2)

12. BOARD UPDATES AND DISCUSSION

13. ADJOURNMENT

Discussion: 7:05 PM

Recommended Motion(s): Motion to Adjourn. With a motion by Board Member #1 and a second by Board Member #2, the motion passed.

September 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Johnson City Board of Education Regular Meeting

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