December 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  In attendance:  Dr. Trey Duke, Maria Johnson, Roxanna Dove, Emily Spencer, Robin Newell, Daniel Owens, Don Bartch, Ken Rocha, Sheri Arnette, Angela Fairchild, Taylor Brown, Lisa Trail, Jeremy Lewis, Caitlin Bullard, Kelly Blanchard 

Assistant City Attorney Lauren Bush and City Liaison Bill Shacklett

Discussion:  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Colton Taylor and Caroline Weaver, Council President and Vice President at Discovery School and Crockett Hale, a student at Erma Siegel Elementary. 

Discussion:  It’s been an incredible season of giving from both our community and our school family.  We have received generous donations to help support our Backpack and Food Pantry programs.  Thank you to our many faith based partners, Republic Services, Scales PTO, The Berkshire Neighborhood, and Erma Siegel.  Because of their support we have been able to add extra healthy snacks to our weekly Backpack bags.
 
Our Season of Sharing is also underway.  Businesses and individuals are working together to ensure students in need experience the joy of the holiday season.  Special thanks to Onward Realty, Band of Brothers, Murfreesboro Flower Shop, Yoplait, and North Boulevard Church of Christ for helping to make this possible.
 
We also want to thank The Tracey Lawrence foundation for delivering 100 turkey dinners to Cason Lane Academy and Mitchell-Neilson and ensuring families enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal over the break.  This annual partnership means so much to our community.
 
Finally, the United Way Giving Campaign just wrapped up, and the district raised a little over $15,000 to support local needs.  Each year we recognize the school with the highest donation per employee, and for 2025, the winner is The Discovery School. Thank you to their campaign manager, Lori Turnbow, for leading the way!

Discussion: 

Ms. Arnette thanked the Board for approving the purchase of the science curriculum and introduced Taylor Brown, Science and Social Studies Coordinator. Ms. Brown presented an overview of the Science program and outlined the goals for implementation of the materials. She reported increased classroom engagement since the adoption of the curriculum, noting that teachers have embraced authentic scientific practices and demonstrated renewed enthusiasm. Ms. Brown added that this instructional approach to science also naturally strengthens learning in other subject areas. She concluded her presentation by sharing a video with the Board.

Mr. Jimmy Richardson commented on the excitement he observed from students and appreciated seeing them learn as true scientists with the integration of technology. He thanked Ms. Brown for her work.

Ms. Barbara Long noted that the curriculum appeared to be highly cross-curricular. Ms. Brown responded that the curriculum actually helps "buy back" instructional time for both teachers and students.

Ms. Amanda Moore asked what components are funded through the curriculum purchase. Ms. Brown explained that each teacher receives three totes of instructional materials and that professional development is also included to ensure effective implementation.

Dr. Duke thanked Ms. Brown and shared that during recent roundtable discussions, teachers expressed appreciation for her work. He stated that the curriculum is very manageable for teachers and that student engagement has been strong. He expressed his gratitude for Ms. Brown’s efforts in making the program successful.

Discussion: 

Dr. Duke introduced Macy Barrett, a teacher at Bradley Academy and a member of this year’s Teacher Advisory Council (TAC). He explained that the TAC serves as the primary voice representing teachers across the district, particularly in matters related to the development of the school calendar.

Ms. Barrett presented an overview of the calendar development process and described the role and input of the Teacher Advisory Council in that process.

Ms. Barbara Long, Ms. Amanda Moore, and Mr. Jimmy Richardson each commented on the quality of Ms. Barrett’s presentation and expressed appreciation for her work.

 

Discussion: 

Mr. David Settles asked who would be responsible for driving the MKV van. Mr. Bartch responded, explaining that the van would be driven by a member of the district’s bus driver team and reviewed the required qualifications.

Mr. Bartch stated that the position requires a passenger endorsement but does not require a CDL. He also noted that the van will be equipped with a camera and radio system.

Discussion: 

Mr. David Settles asked about the status of IDEA funding and whether the district is anticipating any funding cuts.

Dr. Duke responded that the district has not received any information indicating that there will be cuts to IDEA funding. He explained that while Title I funding will be moving to the Department of Labor, IDEA funding will continue to be housed under the Department of Education.

 

Discussion:  Dr. Duke told the Board that this should complete the vehicle purchases for awhile. 

Discussion: 

Dr. Duke informed the Board that the timeline for submission had passed and that the district had not received any intents to apply. He asked Ms. Bush to explain the recent changes to the law.

Ms. Bush explained that under Public Chapter 518, charter schools may utilize a building within the city that is authorized by the county, provided there is evidence of a legitimate need. This process does not require approval from the school board. Dr. Duke noted that these changes have been closely monitored by the district and emphasized that, although no intents to apply were received this year, that does not preclude future applications.

Mr. David Settles and Mr. Jimmy Richardson expressed concern that neither county officials nor members of the state legislature had consulted the Board for input regarding these changes.

Ms. Bush offered to provide the Board with a copy of Public Chapter 518 for review.

Ms. Amanda Moore commented that this committee has no formal authority or input in the process.

Background: Public Chapter 518, enacted by the Tennessee General Assembly, allows charter schools to occupy county-authorized buildings within city limits if a legitimate need is demonstrated. The law does not require school board approval for such arrangements, effectively reducing local board oversight for certain charter school facilities decisions.

Discussion:  Daniel Owens reviewed the information that the Board was provided from Matlock Clements regarding the audit. He informed the Board that the audit was a result of no findings.  He acknowledged the hard work of the bookkeepers at each school as well as his staff.  

Jimmy Richardson expressed gratitude to Matlock Clements for always providing a very thorough report and expressed that they are a wonderful team to work with. 






 

Discussion: 

Ms. Amanda Moore provided a report on the recent TSBA Leadership Conference and Annual Convention, which she attended along with Ms. Karen Dodd, Ms. Barbara Long, and Ms. Jeanette Price as representatives of the Board. She noted that the conference provided valuable opportunities to collaborate with board members from other districts.

Ms. Barbara Long agreed, stating that the conference was very informative and that she particularly enjoyed the keynote speakers. She added that she is always grateful for the work of their own Board when hearing about the experiences of other boards.

 

Discussion: 

Dr. Duke informed the Board that a Budget Input sheet had been placed at their stations and explained that the FY27 budget process would begin soon. He noted that this would be the Board’s first opportunity to identify priorities or flag items for next year’s budget.

Dr. Duke also highlighted recent celebrations within the district. He congratulated Mrs. Emily Spencer, principal at Erma Siegel, for being named Principal of the Year. He recognized last year’s Principal of the Year, Dr. Caitlin Bullard, who was recently named Middle Tennessee Principal of the Year. Dr. Duke noted that, over the past four years, all supervisors such as Mr. Don Bartch and Dr. Cathy Pressnell and principals from the district who were nominated locally have received state-level recognition. He further acknowledged Ms. Julie Seymour, a classified employee, who recently received the RISE Award and will advance to compete at the national level.

 

Discussion:  Chair Campbell asked that we remember Ms. Jeanette Price's husband's family as they mourn the loss of his grandmother.  

Mr. Shacklett invited everyone to the Christmas parade this Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

 

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.