Public Meeting Minutes: May 4, 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 Lake Ridge

Discussion:

A select group of fifth graders from Lake Ridge performed two pieces using percussion instruments and recorders.
Mr. Brickey was thanked for his dedication to Lake Ridge’s music education program.
A video by the STEM teacher, Mr. Glenn and Content Creator Club showcased the "Lake Ridge mindset" (love, respect, mindfulness).

2. RECOGNITIONS

Attachments: (1)

Recognitions May 2026

Discussion:

Heather Atlee, STEM Teacher at South Side, was one of six grand prize winners selected from this year’s ETSU STEM & Art Contest. Mrs. Atlee worked with students to create an owl and now, as one of the grand prize winners, the owl will be on display at ETSU.
Tech Teacher Leader Program: Teachers from across the district were recognized for representing their schools in Cohort 10 of the Tech Teacher Leader Program for 2025-2026. Cohort member, Mrs. Brandi Sanchez, shared experiences highlighting leadership development, collaboration, and adapting to new roles.

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 Mr. Jonathan Kinnick and a second by Mrs. Paula Treece, the motion passed.

Dr. Ginger Carter: YES
Mr. Tom Hager: YES
Mrs. Kathy Hall: YES
Mr. Jonathan Kinnick: 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

5. REPORTS FROM SUPERINTENDENT AND STAFF

5.A. Building Projects Update

Attachments: (1)

Building Projects Update

Discussion:

Mr. Brian Ross, Building Services Director of the City of Johnson City, gave the Building Projects Update:
Town Acres: Ongoing grading, rock removal, and retaining wall work; first concrete slabs poured in the gym area; door frames delivered.
Secure Vestibule Improvements:
- Elementary Schools: The contractor is completing punch list items.
- Topper Academy: Delays due to the project superintendent’s absence have been resolved; the project is back on track.
- Indian Trail: Work is scheduled to begin the day after Memorial Day.
  - Liquidated Damages:
  - Damages for elementary school projects stopped upon substantial completion.
  - Damages for the Topper Academy/Market Street project are still accruing; the contract deadline is June 30, 2026.

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion to move forward and work with City Leaders to begin work on the Central Office Foyer by using any contingency funds and liquidated damages that are left after the secure vestibule completion. With a motion by Mrs. Kathy Hall and a second by Dr. Ginger Carter, the motion passed.

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

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

5.B. Financial Report Ending March 31, 2026

Attachments: (1)

March 2026 Finance Report

Discussion:

March revenues: approximately $11 million.
Expenditures: $8.671 million
General fund year-to-date increase: $7.263 million.

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion to approve the Financial Report Ending March 31, 2026 as submitted by Ms. Leia Valley. With a motion by Mr. Jonathan Kinnick and a second by Mrs. Paula Treece, the motion passed.

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

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

5.C. Update on Sales Tax - PEP

Attachments: (1)

March 2026 PEP Sales Tax Report

Discussion:

As of March 31, 2026, the Educational Facilities bank account had a balance of $4,297,574.

5.D. JCS Update

Discussion:

Dr. Slater noted that end-of-year activities are underway, including end-of-course assessments.
In addition, Special recognition was given to Dr. Greg Wallace for his service at his final board meeting.

6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

7. CONSENT AGENDA

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion to approve the Consent Agenda, Dr. Ginger Carter pulled #7.D. With a motion by Mr. Jonathan Kinnick and a second by Mrs. Paula Treece, the motion passed.

Dr. Ginger Carter: YES
Mr. Tom Hager: YES
Mrs. Kathy Hall: YES
Mr. Jonathan Kinnick: 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: (1)

_Johnson City Board of Education Regular Meeting 4 6 2026_

7.B. Proposed Fundraising Activities

Attachments: (1)

_PFA

7.C. Check Requests over $5,000

Attachments: (2)

7.D. Overnight Field Trip Requests

Attachments: (1)

_OFT

Discussion:

Dr. Ginger Carter and Mr. Jonathan KInnick made a suggestion to add lodging and destination information to the approval form.

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Dr. Ginger Carter discussed Overnight Field Trip forms with "to be determined" chaperone information, noting policy requires advance approval. Field trips were approved pending follow-up on undetermined items. With a motion by Dr. Ginger Carter and a second by Mr. Jonathan Kinnick, the motion passed.

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

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

7.E. Request to Transfer Funds

Attachments: (2)

7.F. Policy for Second Reading on 5.305 Family and Medical Leave

Attachments: (1)

5305

7.G. ITB 6898 - ITMS front foyer repairs project

Attachments: (1)

ITB 6898 - ITMS front foyer repairs project

8. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR ACTION

8.A. Recommendation for Tuition Schools for Elementary & Middle 2026-2027 School Year

Attachments: (1)

Tuition Info for 2026-27 (BOARD)

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion to approve Recommendation for Tuition Schools for Elementary & Middle 2026-2027 School Year. With a motion by Mr. Jonathan Kinnick and a second by Mrs. Celia Martin, the motion passed.

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

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

8.B. Tenure Recommendations 2025

Attachments: (1)

_Tenure 2025

Discussion: Mrs. Paula Treece read the names:

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
Christy	Henegar	SHHS

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion to approve the Tenure Recommendations 2025. With a motion by Mr. Jonathan Kinnick and a second by Mrs. Paula Treece, the motion passed.

Dr. Ginger Carter: YES
Mr. Tom Hager: YES
Mrs. Kathy Hall: YES
Mr. Jonathan Kinnick: 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. Legislative Update

Discussion:

Mrs. Paula Treece reported that the Tennessee General Assembly concluded last week. The board will continue to work with local legislators on ideas for the next session. Mr. Jonathan Kinnick noted that Tennessee ranks 51st in the nation for K-12 education funding. Dr. Ginger Carter also discussed concerns about voucher expansion and communication with three local legislators: Senator Rusty Crowe, Representative Tim Hicks (Sixth District), and Representative Rebecca Alexander (Seventh District).
The Board thanked Representative Rebecca Alexander for supporting public schools.
Mrs. Paula Treece announced that Election Day for Washington County offices is scheduled on May 5, 2026, for the Washington County primary, the general election in August with state primaries and the Johnson City Schools Board election.
Mr. Rick Smith noted that the TSBA (Tennessee School Board Association) compiles a legislative agenda from all school boards on issues like vouchers and public spending and lobbies on behalf of members.

10. INFORMATION ITEMS

Discussion: Communication:

Appreciation noted for teachers receiving tenure.
Dr. Ginger Carter praised Dr. Slater for her integrity and leadership regarding recent discussions about the Freedom Hall pool.

Action(s):

Motion passed:

Motion to Issue a letter from the board supporting Representative Rebecca Alexander for her legislative-session stance. With a motion by Mr. Tom Hager and a second by Mr. Jonathan Kinnick, the motion passed.

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