[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6270061,"mediaKeyId","3039646-74b051125635d4cf62f1ae318d59cdf8","parentId",3039646,"title","Board adopts 4% across-the-board raise, approves school-meal price increase and related nutrition budget","audioSeconds",1829,"startMs",1936000,"endMs",3765000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3039646-74b051125635d4cf62f1ae318d59cdf8&start=1936&end=3765","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3039646-74b051125635d4cf62f1ae318d59cdf8/thumbnail_1936000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6270061/Tennessee/Board-adopts-4-across-the-board-raise-approves-school-meal-price-increase-and-related-nutrition-budget","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270061-30d0135d7f5ceaf46c989bce3cca2763/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447602&Signature=dzfk5oUZgFtDuU7dMeHIbKm11rwCoSVO7kFEyPSAJNdFwWrzSyo0~l9zP1BHfOyg8rdye1JeDcSWH-o5JzPUDhgGHA5UDik~X4Wvz~WU9nhod-fIwLAylyG83J8vOx-S-y4ftPGenznsSKDY0J2RNYxtzOWM8XdsOxXt2ihed~yM-FZJ0TQMfCJb9wQyspQiei-nGUXBIFc~Mzs2dfe06M-ee4CDAwGBm6lfoFNRsUhuh7F8gBl6rhYRPj7~Zi7y8xfXJzMtXPKjC9oKC7yAZ8G7kw~jE1u0-jHADJtOLgN0n1quOExISFHMSnk1XtMNPVli8X-SCFLxOnnyFBa9DQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Coffee County Schools","date","2025-04-17T00:00:00Z","article","Coffee County Board of Education members voted to adopt a 4% across‑the‑board pay increase in the general fund and to approve a separate 4% pay increase in the nutrition (school meal) fund, and they approved raising student meal prices by 50¢ for breakfast and 50¢ for lunch.

The board’s debate, which stretched across several motions and a formal motion to reconsider, reflected concerns about fund balance, wage equity between classifications and administrators, and upcoming capital needs. After the committee and multiple roll-call votes the board adopted the 4% option for the general budget and the 4% option for the 143 nutrition fund. The board also approved raising breakfast and lunch prices by 50¢ (proposed new prices: $1.75 breakfast districtwide, $2.75 lunch for pre‑K–5, $3.00 for grades 6–12) while staff pursue federal options to provide free meals.

Board members repeatedly returned to fund‑balance targets and the district’s ongoing capital needs. “We have the largest fund balance ever … I think we’re going to need it,” a board member said during budget discussion, citing upcoming stadium, lights and building work. Other board members argued the district should continue to move to higher pay rates for lower‑paid classified staff rather than provide equal percentage raises across the payroll scale.

On meals, Food Service Director reported she had not raised prices in more than a decade and said a 50¢ increase would help offset rising food and operational costs. Several board members raised the alternative of pursuing the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or other federal options to make meals free to students; the director said she had an application window through June 30 to pursue the CEP and would seek board support. The board discussed but did not approve a board‑funded transfer from the general fund to cover universal free meals; rather, after discussion the board approved the fee increase while staff continue to pursue federal options.

The board recorded multiple roll-call votes during the session. Staff will implement the approved budget and meal price changes and return with any budget amendments or additional recommendations if federal approvals or new financial details change the district’s projection.

Ending: Board members asked staff to continue to monitor the financial impacts and to bring back any necessary budget amendments. The retroactive timeline for implementation and whether the district will move to any universal‑free plan will depend on final federal decisions and staff follow‑up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Coffee County School Board Meeting 2025-04-17","oneSentenceSummary","Coffee County Board of Education members voted to adopt a 4% across‑the‑board pay increase in the general fund and to approve a separate 4% pay increase in the nutrition (school meal) fund, and they approved raising student meal prices by 50¢ for breakfast and 50¢ for lunch.","taxTitle","Coffee County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",78394,"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},6270056,"Board recognizes SCOPE student delegates, school‑ and district‑level teachers of the year and CHS winter color guard",848,160000,1008000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3039646-74b051125635d4cf62f1ae318d59cdf8&start=160&end=1008","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3039646-74b051125635d4cf62f1ae318d59cdf8/thumbnail_160000.jpg","/articles/6270056/Tennessee/Board-recognizes-SCOPE-student-delegates-school-and-districtlevel-teachers-of-the-year-and-CHS-winter-color-guard","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270056-5b7c9ad65ab5448c05f0f6398ee48b83/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447602&Signature=L42qQzDpJWpbQ12-we2W83eRQNkPwhM-slLtW3AiTx-FmALmOj0ywLJj98pvnfJyUSxYgp-9zsh8lv0pg3xjKI7rgti4Mw1DeG9HkwDJohJ7cbeTUJD4LJfaqfytmLxAi9-8AuVY4zig~0a7lTcLyKGrK8unheH6l-uN4ayGiTM6fvfbI82Z4Au6i~n6QQHEOi18~ZlVWBB-ANcn368bjhblgHkvMVfyRK5IsJ9k3PzvjrzuAvRi5N72WAlZLbORtRWwZLFX~Bb~apg6apPXTvjcYX4Pw~QsEay0BFse2n8HaDUb1e0gD4~QbTk~XlDzrBOaPeGzkT1q5wnSiC-oMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Coffee County Board of Education opened the meeting with a series of recognitions.

Students who attended the Tennessee School Boards Association Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) — Riley Clark, Mallory Rogers, Kira McInturf and Lucas Turner — described the conference and mock school‑board debates. The students briefed the board on debate topics, including proposals on post‑secondary course requirements, uniforms, school‑year length and community‑service graduation requirements; the SCOPE delegates said the majority of participating students opposed mandatory post‑secondary credit, uniforms and a lengthened school calendar, and most opposed a mandatory 30‑hour community‑service graduation requirement (approximate percentages supplied by the students as reported to the board).

The board presented school‑level teacher‑of‑the‑year recognitions across multiple elementary and secondary campuses (selected names read aloud by administration). District‑level teachers of the year were named: Dr. Melanie Banks (Pre‑K–4, East Coffee), Michelle Feller (5–8, Deerfield) and Josh Barnard Sr. (secondary, Coffee County Central High School). The CHS winter color guard was also recognized after finishing first in a competition of 17 groups and being named Tennessee state champions.

Ending: The board thanked students, teachers and the color guard; several board members encouraged community members to attend upcoming school events and to congratulate the honorees.","The board honored students who attended the Tennessee SCOPE conference, announced school‑level and district teachers of the year across grade bands, and recognized Coffee County Central High School’s winter color guard for winning a state championship.",{"_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},6270058,"Board approves furniture, high‑school paving and hires demographer to study enrollment",205,5905000,6110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3039646-74b051125635d4cf62f1ae318d59cdf8&start=5905&end=6110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3039646-74b051125635d4cf62f1ae318d59cdf8/thumbnail_5905000.jpg","/articles/6270058/Tennessee/Board-approves-furniture-highschool-paving-and-hires-demographer-to-study-enrollment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270058-8ba613fe9ca1c827b195ac90d7a573d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447602&Signature=F8amwySxxKL1L1rIbCZF0VAEwntOXLS5Oao0SZHJJ4iN2abgsxfKBShdPcGau4LnBvA3XO5VElxTRmV2es2hW-uUSO0vZti~Dex9NajUVaARdYb7C7B0c5SSBQy8OnxF29iN5UllEb024Z8K7SsEAMjfAY4qnGtnqMmp5KJ6kZFHlr-1zjGNqJuoX63TWmNDMug4tl7cmrUxHze-aj8kDGE8KkJJ2NF48KfGY-iZ-HZTutH~XdqajSDj8HZuBm8WVm-Sv671FTHGdMtjPydoHXQRcKw9w1C87AuzZf1d47Fm18Rq1m0lO43xkEMbX0lP0O3SvqifmB-BXPHoI~d5tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Coffee County Board of Education approved a series of facilities and planning contracts: a full furniture purchase estimated at $136,168.76 to serve the high school, central office and a cost center; a paving, restriping and storm‑drainage project at Coffee County Central High School awarded to Tinsley Asphalt for $272,000; and engagement of Harpeth Research to perform demographer work for district enrollment projections.

Board members said each procurement had been reviewed during the spring retreat and work session. The furniture package covers multiple locations; April (business office) confirmed available funds in the capital/furniture line to cover the purchase. Tinsley confirmed availability to complete the high‑school paving project in summer and the bid was recommended by administration. For demography, the board selected Harpeth Research (a Tennessee‑based firm) following staff review of proposals; staff said consultant work can proceed remotely or include an on‑site presentation if the firm’s travel is required.

Ending: The board authorized staff to finalize contracts and proceed with the projects; staff said they will coordinate schedules for summer work and return if any timing or budget adjustments are required.","The board approved a $136,168 furniture purchase covering high school, central office and cost center needs; accepted a $272,000 paving and storm‑drainage bid for Coffee County Central High School; and selected Harpeth Research as the district demographer to produce enrollment projections.",{"_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},6270059,"April accountability update: district testing strategy, dual‑enrollment expansion and NIET supports",414,1126000,1540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3039646-74b051125635d4cf62f1ae318d59cdf8&start=1126&end=1540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3039646-74b051125635d4cf62f1ae318d59cdf8/thumbnail_1126000.jpg","/articles/6270059/Tennessee/April-accountability-update-district-testing-strategy-dualenrollment-expansion-and-NIET-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270059-65625203221d5efc6bf3d18ced7a0006/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447602&Signature=WXFqlKJYZkPHn7SkEDKHYyYu43xHemjrj13IhTwD8qoTWt5tYfg5j4b94eTwftwe6S-wrHp1WVd6AyCRoVvKsCKviLOYw9e4tciEFvVP8SXj1jr-q8DXNnKCZB5ZDX~DK8YuhxndurEh2jkayVFuEfzzb3l4c55U8N3b-NVOjOlkgBqUB3KP02wefZe1YEE7nrLV~fHJqTKJkEaUd2SN1C4rw1Cz8CdgI~6AfK~EvpOeWo-ETBPtrk6tal8UsByle0EDzGq8pzOV3T7wx2zYX3eByjd4cHYrQFxwxir5q4YUaIiAJGy2JbfxQiHl8hIfXwKi9e0YgeNMGU9be37YAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Cornelius presented the district’s April accountability update, summarizing preparations for TCAP testing and initiatives the district is using to meet targeted outcomes.

Elementary principals used February SchoolNet mock tests for standards analysis and teacher PLC work ahead of the state TCAP ELA tests (in progress during the meeting) and scheduled math testing next week. Middle schools are running Mastery Connect assessments three times per year and using the platform’s pacing and standards breakdown. High school juniors completed the ACT in April; Dr. Cornelius reported roughly 25% of the tested juniors scored 21 or higher on the ACT so far and noted additional retake opportunities for seniors.

To raise outcomes the district plans several initiatives: expand dual‑enrollment offerings (college algebra, statistics, CTE dual enrollments with TCAT and Motlow), use some TISA outcome bonus funds for industrial certifications and exam fees, and roll out NIET (National Institute for Excellence in Teaching) supports in several schools and grade bands (elementary literacy NIET in Deerfield/Hillsborough/Hickerson; expansion at middle and high schools for instructional supports). Dr. Cornelius said district leaders met with principals and instructional supervisors to allocate the outcome funds to school‑level priorities and would return with results in July as state releases permit.

Ending: Dr. Cornelius said CCR (career, college, and readiness) appeals had been submitted and preliminary CCR numbers might be available in late June; he committed to returning to the board in July with available accountability data.
","Assistant superintendent Dr. Cornelius reviewed the district’s April TISA/TCAP preparation and outcome strategies: use of SchoolNet and Mastery Connect diagnostics, more dual‑enrollment opportunities at the high school, and expanding NIET coaching in some schools.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":44,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":50,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6270060,"Board approves director contract template; residency clause flagged for negotiation",561,2497000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3039646-74b051125635d4cf62f1ae318d59cdf8&start=1936&end=2497","/articles/6270060/Tennessee/Board-approves-director-contract-template-residency-clause-flagged-for-negotiation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6270060-eadf3e28137d962d53e0fa0d94f5f52c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447602&Signature=a8odwMaNh4ZmmStqdMrfy8vQ~r0TpoYRNxCTEevDLK5kXsUJ2kdnXGj5s3r4gUhsI-Va57I~aPv-w6J7oolc14vdhL4m1w~w9l1U-OHw9pDPP9S6nw5hHmrBLOztuaRIAUOrfjFxiTctb-VAAd9zkqTeuYG05JwH7f0IW0iQFa51zwJxc2eHlEnLjuq2JUa1ICP7toZB9TWtxgfwIhNIwCUZMh5nY2C9HwiemP6LmbBgVq1HqEY9Bw9ZnV2ylATixLKNOgGv-RmaHRKA27zHEjHwhvKkterCNspaFXDRqq8dxlyB3fhyXXlD2DdMYQu4RT-u0KMl8w~EuyrJ9LXkEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Coffee County Board of Education approved a director contract template that the director search committee prepared, directing minor non‑substantive cleanup to remove gendered wording and noting that residency language could be negotiated for finalists.

Board members discussed a residency clause in the draft contract that said the director must live within Coffee County. Several members said multiple finalists live outside the county but near its borders and argued that the board could suspend the residency policy or negotiate the provision for a chosen candidate. One board member said the contract is a starting point and that negotiated changes would be brought back to the board for final approval. “All contracts are negotiable,” a board member said during the discussion.

The board voted to approve the contract as the template to be offered to the successful candidate, with the understanding that final terms would be negotiated and returned to the board for final sign‑off.

Ending: The motion passed on roll call. The search committee will proceed with finalist negotiations using the approved template and return any negotiated amendments to the board for final action.","The Coffee County Board of Education approved the director contract template to be used in negotiations with the selected superintendent candidate, instructing staff to clean up gendered language and noting the residency requirement can be negotiated or suspended if necessary.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board adopts 4% across-the-board raise, approves school-meal price increase and related nutrition budget

Board recognizes SCOPE student delegates, school‑ and district‑level teachers of the year and CHS winter color guard

Board approves furniture, high‑school paving and hires demographer to study enrollment

April accountability update: district testing strategy, dual‑enrollment expansion and NIET supports

Board approves director contract template; residency clause flagged for negotiation