During the Coffee County School Board Spring Retreat held on April 11, 2025, significant discussions centered around the district's strategic planning and the ongoing challenges in improving student performance, particularly in mathematics. The meeting highlighted the need for a streamlined approach to educational goals and accountability measures as the district prepares to submit its plans to the state.

One of the primary topics was the potential establishment of three-year goals that would be revisited annually. This approach aims to create a long-term vision while allowing for adjustments based on annual performance metrics. The district is currently navigating the complexities of merging the Inform Tennessee (Inform TN) goals with the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) accountability goals. This merger is expected to simplify the planning process, reducing the number of disparate plans and aligning district objectives more closely with state requirements.

The district's focus remains on improving literacy and math scores, with specific goals set for the upcoming school year. The board discussed the importance of maintaining a high level of performance in third-grade English Language Arts (ELA) while also addressing the challenges faced in mathematics, which have not fully recovered from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting underscored the necessity of analyzing data to identify strengths and weaknesses, with a commitment to developing actionable strategies based on this analysis.

In addition to academic goals, the board addressed the condition of school facilities, particularly the need for new furniture at the high school. Concerns were raised about the outdated and deteriorating furniture, which has not been replaced in many years. The board expressed a desire to revisit previous discussions on funding for furniture replacement, emphasizing the importance of providing a conducive learning environment for students and staff.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the district's improvement plans and ensuring that all stakeholders, including teachers and parents, are involved in the planning process. As the district awaits feedback from the state on its submitted plans, the board remains focused on enhancing educational outcomes and addressing the pressing needs within the school system.