February 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  In attendance: Dr. Trey Duke, Sheri Arnette, Lisa Trail, Angela Fairchild, Don Bartch, Maria Johnson, Daniel Owens, Ken Rocha, Luke Dickerson, Teresa Rotella, Kristy Mall, DeeDee Potter, Ty Batts, Tara Bowker, Jeremy Lewis, M'Lisa Miffleton, Shae Miga, Brandy Cheatham, Robin Newell, Michelle Harnish, Amanda Harnish, Emily Weber, Dr. Caitlin Bullard, Emily Spencer, Liz Ruebyand several tenured teachers.

Assistant City Attorney Lauren Bush and City Liaison Bill Shacklett 

Discussion:  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by 4th grade students Kherington Bryant and Izzy Brown at Northfield Elementary and Emery Bowker, a 2nd grade student at Salem Elementary.  

Discussion: 

We successfully started the year with our Parent University events by partnering with MTSU to host family-focused activities.   In January at MTSU’s Walker Library, families and students joined together and enjoyed a shared story time experience followed by an engaging scavenger hunt designed to build early literacy connections. It was wonderful to see families learning and exploring together. 
 

We are grateful for our continued partnership with Middle Tennessee State University this year as we work together to strengthen family engagement across our district. Several additional Parent University events are scheduled for this spring, with our next session taking place at the MTSU Dairy Farm. 
 

We would also like to recognize the community partners who help ensure our students have access to food through our Backpack Program and Food Pantry. Overall Creek Elementary led an outstanding schoolwide food drive this month, collecting a large number of snacks for our Backpack Program. This annual effort, organized by the school counselors, will allow us to fill hundreds of bags for students in need. 
 

We also appreciate the Murfreesboro Police Department for hosting a Mac and Cheese Drive this month to further support the program. Our Backpack program is successful due to the generosity of those who step up to support our students and families,we are thankful for every donation. 

African American Cultural Celebration on Feb 26 featuring Bradley Academy as well as students from across the district performing at Patterson Park.

March is Music in the Schools month so there are plenty of opportunities to see our students perform including:
Choir Festival on March 21 at Overall Creek featuring six of our schools.
The City Schools Honor Band festival is Monday, March 23 with the concert beginning at 6 p.m. at Hobgood.
Matilda Jr. hits the Washington Theatre in March.
 

Discussion:  Drama teacher Kristen McMullin and the drama students of Bradley Academy presented a preview of Matilda Jr. for the Board. The production will be performed for the public on March 13 at 6:00 p.m. and March 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Discussion:  Sheri Arnette introduced Brandy Cheatham as the new Science and Social Studies Coordinator. Ms. Arnette explained that Ms. Cheatham is currently transitioning into the role and will assume full responsibilities following TCAP testing. Ms. Cheatham shared that she appreciates the opportunity and looks forward to supporting teachers and students in Science and Social Studies.

Discussion: 

Mr. Jimmy Jobe with Jobe Hastings and Associates presented the FY25 district audit report to the Board, and each Board member received a copy of the report. Mr. Jobe expressed appreciation to Dr. Duke, Daniel Owens, Beth Prater, and the entire Finance staff for their cooperation and professionalism throughout the audit process.

Mr. Jobe reviewed the letter issued to Murfreesboro City Schools, noting that the district received a clean audit report with no findings, and that Jobe Hastings issued an unmodified (clean) opinion. He further reported that there were no instances of non-compliance related to the grants included in the audit, including school nutrition, ESP, and instructional programs.

Mr. Jobe informed the Board that the district currently maintains approximately two and one-half months of operating expenses in fund balance, which he described as a healthy position.

Mr. Bill Shacklett asked for clarification regarding the district’s designation as a low-risk auditee. Mr. Jobe explained that this designation is based on the results of prior audits and allows for reduced testing requirements during the audit process.

Dr. Duke thanked Jobe Hastings and auditor Molly Patrykus for their close collaboration with Daniel Owens and his team. He stated that receiving a clean opinion is a significant accomplishment for the district and expressed appreciation to the central office staff and principals for adhering to established guidelines. Dr. Duke added that the district is entrusted with taxpayer dollars and has demonstrated responsible stewardship of those funds.

Ms. Amanda Moore also commented that the district continues to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Discussion: 

Several tenured teachers were in attendance at the meeting.

Dr. Maria Johnson and Sheri Arnette called each teacher individually to the podium and presented them with a tenure certificate. Dr. Duke formally requested that the Board award tenure to the teachers presented. Following the presentation, the teachers were asked to wait in the rotunda for a group photograph.

Board member Karen Dodd congratulated the teachers and noted that achieving tenure is more rigorous today than in years past.

 

Discussion:  Dr. Duke recognized the members of the Collaborative Conferencing Team and expressed his appreciation for their work in developing and presenting the Memorandum of Understanding for the Board’s approval.

Discussion:  Amanda Moore thanked the staff for gathering feedback from parents after this agenda item was tabled at the last Board meeting.  She said that the Board wanted to have more information to make an informed decision.  

Vice Chair Butch Campbell asked Dr. Duke to inform the audience of where 6th grade classes would be housed in the district.  

Dr. Duke explained that 6th grade will be housed at the following locations for the 2026-2027 school year:  

• John Pittard Elementary: John Pittard and Erma Siegel
• Hobgood Elementary: Hobgood and Reeves-Rogers
• Bradley Academy - Bradley
• Northfield Elementary: Northfield and Mitchell-Neilson
• Black Fox Elementary: Black Fox
• Cason Lane Academy: Cason Lane, Overall Creek, Scales, and Salem

Board Member Jeanette Price asked if bus transportation would be provided to students affected by these changes and Dr. Duke confirmed that transpiration would be provided.   
 

Discussion: 

Daniel Owens presented the December portion of the report to the Board and commended the Finance team for their outstanding work on the recent audit.

Vice Chair Butch Campbell inquired whether Mr. Owens had received any information regarding the county taking additional pennies this year. Mr. Owens stated that he had not.

 

 

Discussion: 

Dr. Duke informed the Board that he is monitoring the legislative session and will provide updates as new measures are passed.

He noted that with tonight’s celebrations, including the Bradley drama performance, recognition of tenured teachers, and approval of the Collaborative Conferencing MOU, these events demonstrate the collaborative spirit within the district.

Dr. Duke expressed appreciation to the principals who attended the meeting to support their teachers and schools.

 

Discussion: 

Board Member David Settles thanked the schools for recognizing the Board during School Board Appreciation Week. He noted that at the last meeting, the Board received "above and beyond" recognition, for which he was truly grateful.

Board Member Barbara Long requested an overview of the district’s bus operations. Don Bartch explained that Mr. Brian Rome serves as Supervisor of Transportation and, along with three maintenance personnel, oversees the buses. He stated that the transportation department operates through the general purpose budget, with buses purchased using various funding sources, and confirmed that the department is self-contained.

Vice Chair Butch Campbell inquired about legislation concerning the election or appointment of Superintendents. Ms. Bush responded that TSBA is hosting an attorney session on Thursday, which she will attend, and she will gather more information regarding the legislation. She also indicated she may provide a recap of bills passed that affect the district.

Mr. Shacklett suggested that during the current election season, with new commissioners running, Board members could take the opportunity to inform candidates about the transfer of pennies and its impact on the district. He noted that this would be an appropriate time to raise awareness of the issue.

Board Member David Settles requested the information previously shared by Dr. Duke earlier in the year outlining the impact of the penny transfer to date. Dr. Duke said that he would send that information to the Board. 
 

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.