[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6630885,"mediaKeyId","2688562-48d9878af6b61cb7c61c5093de7ba339","parentId",2688562,"title","Chester County Middle School showcases 'house' system; staff say it supports behavior and belonging","audioSeconds",454,"startMs",273000,"endMs",727000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688562-48d9878af6b61cb7c61c5093de7ba339&start=273&end=727","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688562-48d9878af6b61cb7c61c5093de7ba339/thumbnail_273000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6630885/Tennessee/Chester-County-Middle-School-showcases-house-system-staff-say-it-supports-behavior-and-belonging","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630885-d513a50c6c88487c4eaed8625fad3ef0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770658378&Signature=bwsNmaXylBiQ8CaxpZiBHl9dF1dnNBl7H249CR4rO4OL036ulJwu-gQafJtdvG3zTYTdAWLQKMWijxK2uvF8ocAEbgMhx8ZQFSdcjQZGTtmwWfjYyTXtEk4wY2DKLCfZjbJelnfr1lLRhHQNl-TOry9BWA76ak5mRQXNRyLE0ZoGk5yKbaMee2qpo15rPiEUjDatKvcBZNbYrt0m-NjbnReiKbk46ZpnY9sNfG-ZuzD6gPll2HqghbyG-B4yykcD9IXOoPQ67-CB-H9n5h4dDO7CHUU9RAahFWkLe5Jp2HEFf1EA8sIK-wy7eM-hS5JCISrNC0fRWfAhBTrbblfIBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Chester County Schools","date","2025-03-19T00:00:00Z","article","Chester County Middle School presented a year-in-review slideshow and described a student \"house\" system that staff say has supported school climate and student engagement.

Principal Miss Thomas and staff presented the program, showing snapshots from the year and noting the system’s intent to foster inclusiveness. \"We want them to feel like they belong in their own house, but, ultimately, we're just one big house together,\" Miss Thomas said, explaining the message behind the signs and themes used in the program.

Board members noted visible positive effects in the school’s common spaces. Staff described how students check the house standings each morning in the lobby and said the house competition motivates students to \"go above and beyond\" to earn points. When asked whether the system has improved behavior or discipline, a staff presenter replied that it has had a \"positive effect,\" pointing to student goals and noticeable smiles in the photos.

The spotlight was presented during the board’s \"spotlights and celebrations\" portion of the agenda and did not require board action.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 2025 Regularly Scheduled Board of Education Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At the meeting the district spotlighted Chester County Middle School’s house system, which staff said encourages student belonging and has produced observable positive behavior and morale.","taxTitle","Chester County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",39981,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6630890,"Chester County outlines district goals: writing instruction, math supports and a renewed focus on the ACT",312,2006000,2318000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688562-48d9878af6b61cb7c61c5093de7ba339&start=2006&end=2318","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688562-48d9878af6b61cb7c61c5093de7ba339/thumbnail_2006000.jpg","/articles/6630890/Tennessee/Chester-County-outlines-district-goals-writing-instruction-math-supports-and-a-renewed-focus-on-the-ACT","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630890-040922db938ff219e8aa7fb013c6c571/orig.mp4?Expires=1770658378&Signature=PlSx1Y2XGruPkNvCWd~~6Ot3eKLIN7QN0O80Da3rohuAB08RTSoeAXNX2WIiV5m3UVXd82zOacUaS9YOPo3CpuLsXESTiDJCilM-dBaUTiUYtViINw7lfQqhsoDXR8SD6QZHPopjXVcPBNG20TcMIReyESSUTsVfbY~ezF7Ovc1TfPYJYpqIvWu9Nf~ZxPSijLutoTLvZmi~BPuirlwwTZi3jjshJIyOisr8nx8vFcua3WBXLD2-MAB4XdVpjjjkSaAwxWh-PZTLirxCJLaUVWWO9hZDd8USPemdQHwNKc8yC0xl7nhmL2QJELWCe7TrDvQJQDDZmR0q9ujq2NqI0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District academic staff told the Chester County Board of Education they have focused the district plan on three primary goals for the year: English/language arts (with emphasis on writing), math, and ACT performance.

Dr. Maurice said the teams crosswalked the district plan to the board’s strategic plan and federal requirements, then identified ELA, math and the ACT as focus areas based on testing and benchmark analyses. \"Our main focus was looking at the district's strategic plan... and then figuring out a way to meet the requirements of the federal government,\" Dr. Maurice said. \"In doing that, we came up with 3 categories, ELA, math, and ACT.\"

Staff described specific supports planned for writing instruction, including development of a district writing framework and teacher collaboration to teach writing consistently across grades. The presentation said the district will bolster teacher professional development and parent engagement tied to Title I requirements; staff suggested more frequent parent meetings and outreach so families understand the ACT pathway and how it relates to college and career readiness.

Officials cited the high school's ready-graduate percentage as an area of strength: the district reported an 89% ready-graduate rate for the last recorded year (2023–24) compared with a state average of 49%, largely driven by career and technical opportunities and early postsecondary credits. On the ACT composite, district leaders reported a current district composite of about 18.6 compared with a state average near 19.0; staff said the district is focusing on raising student performance to the benchmark of a 21, which is used to measure \"ready graduate\" status when achieved.

Staff also noted partnerships with TCAT Jackson, Jackson State and other local businesses to provide work-based learning and dual-enrollment options. The board asked clarifying questions about resources; staff said two ACT administrations are paid for by the district and additional retakes are available at student expense.

No board action was required; staff asked board members to consider the district plan goals and offered to provide additional data and meetings on request.

","District leaders presented three target areas — ELA (writing), math and ACT performance — tying the district plan to the broader strategic plan and federal Title I requirements and noting the high school's ready-graduate rate compared with state averages.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6630895,"Board hears progress and site concerns on Chester County multipurpose building and adjacent field house",356,1470000,1826000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688562-48d9878af6b61cb7c61c5093de7ba339&start=1470&end=1826","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688562-48d9878af6b61cb7c61c5093de7ba339/thumbnail_1470000.jpg","/articles/6630895/Tennessee/Board-hears-progress-and-site-concerns-on-Chester-County-multipurpose-building-and-adjacent-field-house","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630895-42d87fc1f3921e21e79ada798fdfbf1c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770658378&Signature=VER5UPa7-c4LxQHGD4hBL07NC5q~jrPJnQ2-kw6Q86oXaDI2~TkHhys~vJYvcPNv9QeHe2O4k-DyEN48WaHN5UaBLWvqlN4i955q2myFMqcmbrEf5erA4c~wkSoVrx1sCsIsyQ~pEv3eFkqmkTsbs7vBs-hVFIUzgi6gv01EQ3~P8sZ3el2OmJuXvHXXYamRD3ZOGUaEnHZ8JID~AwFoqi9xMyk8essePVQxRd1PHRyLB5iZmjX7SB7sqYPM8hnuBCX5d5BjoTQBRNM-9cRnyJ94lBE37aVTysMv9E4SU0n~kHHT1nninOnwbFE-yeAjmVKc~wQ0pXXgAIGmb3ZHag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff told the Chester County Board of Education that construction at the new multipurpose building has advanced rapidly in recent days, but soil conditions at the adjacent field house may require additional work before final surfacing.

\"As of the last few days, some significant progress [has been] made in really short fashion,\" Mr. Kilzer said, summarizing photos and updates provided by project leadership and subcontractor Zach Malone. Staff said the exterior siding and roof lines are near completion and interior metal framing is in place.

The board discussed ongoing concerns about site drainage and soil compaction for the nearby field house. Staff said crews have been testing the subsurface to determine whether the existing soils can support turf or whether excavation and replacement will be necessary. During discussion, a staff member referenced recommendations that removal depths could range from a few inches up to about 18 inches depending on the compression test results.

District staff said the vendor proposing synthetic turf will not install the surface until soil compatibility is confirmed. Questions from board members also prompted staff to note cleanup around perimeter areas where ponding has occurred and to say that additional site work has continued since the photographic update included in the packet.

The board heard that TCAT Jackson will oversee dual-enrollment activity for the facility’s automotive and agricultural shop spaces; John Hodgson, TCAT vice president, toured the space with district leaders and called the shop area larger than what TCAT currently operates at its main campus. Subcontractor Zach Malone provided recent construction photos to the district that show the wrapping and siding details for the field house.

No board vote was taken on construction matters during the meeting. District staff said they will obtain compression-test results and provide follow-up updates to the board as work progresses.

","District staff reported recent progress on the multipurpose building but said subsurface issues at the adjacent field house remain under study; astroturf installation and final site work are contingent on soil compatibility and compression testing.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6630900,"Chester County board approves change to advanced-course enrollment policy, declares tech surplus and grants five teachers tenure",549,806000,1355000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688562-48d9878af6b61cb7c61c5093de7ba339&start=806&end=1355","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688562-48d9878af6b61cb7c61c5093de7ba339/thumbnail_806000.jpg","/articles/6630900/Tennessee/Chester-County-board-approves-change-to-advanced-course-enrollment-policy-declares-tech-surplus-and-grants-five-teachers-tenure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630900-eadcf2ba628d4e153d4712153c28ea01/orig.mp4?Expires=1770658378&Signature=R3agHS9T5PzMa8eWVFUL9EgkctMd2yIgyOjLzUtqTPGAfSyp2PYlM09GOUL38n~mYFD71afNikYft~MgitAWg3NCtFBHEEwCB9R6yl4mZZhFhkXk7Nvcro5ufKib9LWqA7YjmkFMpNjV94Hbywe0wW2GW5HhMjG-bcsShi3UXUai~EQQ7oU6pz1dhXFiUhDHCTMnZ01xIsOjPQMozNHBTcMzIkfcb0PCvd45z4kv71WLnPARBOmZm~jpzKDTU2rGE~7AzE9Ja~OjxF~25hznX4DjAYGo-VeVw3lmLY-YOXhyXnFJ4oSy3Iy8RZ9WhARHJ6tJDvld01puJgUGBiPEUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chester County Board of Education approved three personnel and administrative items: a revision to board policy 4.205 governing enrollment in advanced courses, a designation of outdated technology as surplus property to allow disposal, and tenure for five educators.

The policy change, presented by Mr. Kilzer, clarifies the district’s procedures for vetting and enrolling students in honors, Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment classes. \"We have increased the vetting of students who are taking at the high school, honors courses,\" Mr. Kilzer said, describing the revised draft as adding guidance so students and families understand the commitment and benefits of advanced coursework.

Board members approved the policy change by voice vote with no recorded roll-call tally. The board then voted to designate a list of technology items as surplus property so they can be removed or disposed of through a vendor process. The district said it will follow procurement procedures for disposal and that some equipment may be auctioned separately.

Board members raised a question about data on devices slated for disposal. District staff said technology equipment has been cycled and that the technology lead, Dusty Carroll, has been intentional in handling and storing equipment. The staff presentation noted Chromebooks and laptops are placed on a three-year cycle and that the district expects no student-identifying data to remain on items when they are transferred for disposal, but staff did not produce a site-specific purge log during the discussion.

On personnel, the board approved tenure recommendations for five employees after principals and the administration vetted their files. The teachers recommended for tenure were Ashley Fletcher (East Chester), Kyle Newsome (Chester County Middle School, special education), Brandy Welch (school counselor, Jacks Creek and Westchester), Michael Bolton (Chester County High School, social studies) and Joshua Moore (Chester County High School, Spanish). The board approved the list by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript.

Votes at a glance
- Board Policy 4.205 (enrollment in advanced courses): Approved (motion made and seconded; voice vote). Motion text: replace existing policy 4.205 with revised draft; mover/second not specified in transcript.
- Surplus property designation (technology inventory): Approved (motion made and seconded; voice vote). Motion text: recognize listed items as surplus property to enable disposal; mover/second not specified in transcript.
- Tenure approvals (five educators): Approved (motion made and seconded; voice vote). Motion text: grant tenure to the five named educators; mover/second not specified in transcript.

The board concluded the action items and moved to informational updates, including capital projects and the district strategic plan.

","At a meeting with no public comment, the Chester County Board of Education approved a revised board policy on enrollment in advanced courses, designated outdated technology equipment as surplus property for disposal, and granted tenure to five teachers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Chester County Middle School showcases 'house' system; staff say it supports behavior and belonging

Chester County outlines district goals: writing instruction, math supports and a renewed focus on the ACT

Board hears progress and site concerns on Chester County multipurpose building and adjacent field house

Chester County board approves change to advanced-course enrollment policy, declares tech surplus and grants five teachers tenure