October 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM - Bradley County Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Chairman Beaty called the meeting to order and welcomed dignitaries in attendance. 

Discussion:  The pledge to the flag was led by Mr. Ted Bryson. 

Discussion: 

Dr. Cash highlighted the continuation of safety-related purchases in item 4.e, noting that entrance upgrades modeled in June were funded through a state safety grant that Mr. Pike applied for. He emphasized that the district actively seeks grant opportunities for safety improvements. Mr. Pike also thanked Mrs. Presswood for her assistance with the project.

Discussion:  No public comment was given.

Discussion:  Mrs. Yost discussed the work of the calendar committee, explaining that two calendar options were developed and faculty members voted on their preferred choice. Mrs. Goins asked about May 26 being listed as a half day when the previous day is marked as out of school. Yost clarified that the prior day is an abbreviated day designated for professional development.

Discussion:  Mrs. Yost explained that the LEA report showed the district is in full compliance and no action is required. Mr.Taylor thanked her for her hard work, and Chairman Beaty added that it represents the combined efforts of all federal programs—a significant task involving many people.

Discussion:  Mrs. Smith stated that we have three budget amendments. All three are new revenues for grants that have been awarded since the original budget was passed.  

Budget amendment number 19 is the aforementioned mentioned public school safety security grant that Mr. Pike and Mrs. Presswood applied for and had been awarded. 

Budget amendment number 20 is our fourth year on our innovative school model grant through our CTE program with Mrs. Robinson. 

Budget amendment number 21 is a grant through the Public Education Foundation that Mr Webb applied for to do a STEM Lab for some of our schools. They awarded us $65,000 for that project. 

 

Discussion: 

Mr. Collins requested board approval of the required annual TDOE report, an 18-page document designed to connect TISA spending with the district’s educational goals. This is the third year of completing the report, which requires board approval. Mrs. Casson asked about accountability of the funds, and Mr. Collins confirmed that certain funds are excluded.

Discussion: 

Mrs. Presswood presented plans to establish a Junior Achievement (JA) Hub at the PIE Center to serve middle, high, and potentially elementary students. She explained that funding efforts are underway, including an application for a $500,000 grant and exploration of private funding sources. Mrs. Presswood requested $150,000 for the upcoming school year and another $150,000 for the following year, for a total district contribution of $300,000 toward the $1.5 million project.

When Mr. Bryson asked what the program would provide, Mrs. Presswood described it as an immersive capstone experience focused on financial literacy and career exploration. Students will participate in BizTown, a simulated city where they assume real-world roles, manage finances, and serve the community. Middle school students will be assigned careers, incomes, and budgets, while high school students will connect directly with local businesses to bridge the gap between school and future careers. Dr. Cash confirmed that the requested funds are available from additional state allocations received after the budget was approved and noted that the district’s contribution could help secure matching grants, potentially leveraging the total investment to $500,000.

Mrs. Casson praised the program, sharing that she has witnessed its success in other districts. She described how students engage in a 13-lesson curriculum that builds into the BizTown simulation, developing leadership and soft skills in the process. BizTown in Clinton has been established for years and continues to generate excitement among students and educators alike. Dr. Cash encouraged board members to visit BizTown. 

Discussion: 

Mrs. Robinson requested approval for Walker Valley High School to construct a pole barn beside the existing greenhouse, within the fenced area. She provided a sample image of the proposed structure and noted that the total cost would be under $10,000. The request was simply for permission to move forward with the construction.

Dr. Cash shared that this project has long been a teacher’s dream and expressed excitement about the opportunity it provides for students to gain more hands-on, specialized training. She noted that when the teacher learned the budget would allow for this addition, he was thrilled. Dr. Cash commended the teacher’s dedication to enhancing the program and providing valuable learning experiences for students.

Discussion: 

Mrs.  Robinson requested approval to enter into a three-year contract with Pathful, a career exploration and assessment platform that meets all Tennessee CTE and accountability requirements. The program includes features such as career assessments, virtual job shadowing, and interactive career exploration tools. The cost is approximately $2 per student, and it will initially be funded through ISM funds for the next couple of years before being incorporated into other district and Perkins funding sources, since it is a state requirement.

Mr. Taylor commented that the current system appears to be the better option, and Mrs. Robinson agreed, highlighting that Pathful offers advanced AI features beneficial for ESL students. The program can provide audio versions of information, ensuring accessibility equal to that of English-speaking students—a significant improvement over the current platform.

Mrs. Robinson also noted that Pathful provided a $66,000 discount by matching the price of Clarity, the district’s existing system. Additionally, the company has Tennessee-based representatives who will provide local support, which has been lacking with the current provider. She added that their new representative is a former CTE instructor, further strengthening the partnership.

Discussion: 

Mr. Drew reported that the front façade of the BCHS field house is now complete, with work progressing on the interior walls. The project remains on schedule for completion by January 1. The second BCHS project—the new science wing—has cleared its final permits and discretionary approvals and is awaiting confirmation from FEMA. Cope Architecture has recommended the design revisions, originally created to incorporate storm shelter requirements in order to qualify for grant funding. Once FEMA approval is received, an updated project timeline will be provided. Regarding the entry vestibule, the certificate of occupancy has been closed out, with one aesthetic punch-list item being reassigned to a different contractor. Funds from the original contract were withheld to cover this correction. Chairman Beaty noted that this work enhances safety and expressed her appreciation for the progress.

At Hopewell Elementary, Phase 1 construction is underway. Over fall break, wall panels were set, the floor slab poured, and masonry began this week. The project is on track for completion in summer 2026, with an early finish targeted to allow time for classroom relocation before the school year begins. Phase 2 will begin once the existing lower-level ("dungeon") area is vacated. At Ocoee Middle, interior renovations are complete and under budget. Work continues on an outdoor turf area designed to give students a space for fresh air and recreation, with final grading and elevation work expected to wrap up within six weeks.
 

At Park View, playground installation is ongoing. Integrated Build has prepared the play pads, though an issue arose involving the placement of playground towers. The taller tower was installed on the K-2 side instead of the intended 3-5 area, and the smaller structure was placed on the older-grade side. Both structures meet safety standards for ages 5-12, but the team is working with contingencies to correct placement. Chairman Beaty asked for clarification about the structures, and it was noted that the swings are fine and no additional dirt work will be needed—only minor adjustments such as relocating black boxes. The discrepancy stemmed from a miscommunication between the vendor, civil engineer, and installers. Mrs. Lee assured the board that they will follow up to resolve the issue and ensure accountability, with Mrs. Goins noting that whoever caused the error should cover the related costs. Dr. Cash added that the playground includes multiple components, and adjustments will be made to ensure proper placement near the CDC and grade-level areas.

Discussion: 




                                                                      
Vicki Beaty, Chairman



                                                                      
Dr. Linda Cash, Director of Schools