[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6056347,"mediaKeyId","3310386-308e6b081bb10cdfc7efe4ad3c422ad7","parentId",3310386,"title","Board completes superintendent evaluation; president to meet with superintendent on contract next steps","audioSeconds",381,"startMs",7425000,"endMs",7806000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310386-308e6b081bb10cdfc7efe4ad3c422ad7&start=7425&end=7806","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310386-308e6b081bb10cdfc7efe4ad3c422ad7/thumbnail_7425000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6056347/Tennessee/Board-completes-superintendent-evaluation-president-to-meet-with-superintendent-on-contract-next-steps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056347-6a02f0aa8cdbde38b9b1c07d8bda3b82/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152392&Signature=ZzVKv~XK7zcZUbjujNOCCQa0DPqcuHBY1CEz001aJTxd7dC7Vxeic~Q1uzWMQMJdTqEol3bac6aHXIdWtWECCtEfoK0wdFVsDEwq3ejjzoa4X3peK6rzIpUGc6p4Q5qWAyF0y9X41No5D3TgUcSU~gp3uAuBeMt3gKG1o3OxOxMwn0smWFxDKqQf4Zen85XNIvR~ZFRmzMHIJZ6SenasI85a9TAhP2DkzHQ0T5vRI1L6kRRn-sO74aamwBjZGPQ3GU2u1bkz3otKsdUSaUviqX-KbgOyTMlrc3kRAJzEvmrxVYuL5qzFb-EohS8EPfAItyY12zK4WG3gPZdAU-agaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-14T12:13:00Z","article","Kingsport’s Board of Education completed its annual superintendent evaluation process on May 13 and reported overwhelmingly positive results to Dr. Chris Hampton, the district superintendent.

Board members described a survey process that included cabinet, building administrators, board members and a self‑evaluation from the superintendent. The compiled results showed high average ratings across community relations, educational leadership, staff relations, and board relations. One board summary said results were “out of 5 tended to be 4.7 and above” in most categories.

Board president (acting) reported that 14 people submitted narrative comments and that respondents praised Hampton’s student focus, leadership and team building. The president said the next step is for individual board members to meet one‑on‑one with the superintendent (already completed) and for the board president to meet with Hampton about any contract changes; any change would be returned to the full board for action in June.

Why this matters: evaluation and contract decisions shape superintendent accountability and district leadership continuity. Trustees emphasized support for Hampton and noted follow‑up on work‑life balance concerns raised in comments.

Outcome: no contract action was taken at the May meeting; the board will bring any recommended contract changes to the June business meeting for formal action to take effect in July.

Ending: trustees publicly praised the superintendent and thanked external reviewers who observed the meeting as part of the Board of Distinction process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kingsport City Schools Board of Education Meeting: 5.13.25","oneSentenceSummary","The board finalized and reviewed superintendent Chris Hampton’s evaluation results, which were strongly positive; the board president will meet with Hampton to discuss any contract changes and will bring recommendations to the June meeting.","taxTitle","Kingsport, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",38545,"location","Tennessee","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6056352,"Board authorizes $390,000 purchase of K–5 science textbooks and FY26 blanket order",251,2881000,3132000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310386-308e6b081bb10cdfc7efe4ad3c422ad7&start=2881&end=3132","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310386-308e6b081bb10cdfc7efe4ad3c422ad7/thumbnail_2881000.jpg","/articles/6056352/Tennessee/Board-authorizes-390000-purchase-of-K5-science-textbooks-and-FY26-blanket-order","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056352-c0933e6c07ceee9329ec3590b2c8defc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152392&Signature=Zv-YWPpKditlbQliZIhr-bhO9MhoAeXZGnZxs4j4nFkeVHnJnJm-R77KE2p8UQM907Y84DsG3imPfbMV9315vIkDa01G9ki~FjtXzXKH7cknG1MCpTjjU9Q9J1MfhP4YZhUUhHxptHGQcHIcX4XaqxkJgfH5Kf66UKlc6BFmoo-8mis2cKiwvBo1ddS2uMVvnyF~HvI0Chbc0gJdDcc-mvzJnpbmbuhL-ZqyyLuZnAvInVbsuGYVdcXbP0yPNPZ9yrt1wHEYJjUOODHrsBwonOMBu1b3rDcWEPxIwUScimCW74WAtHmTjDCzFWCT6TpDPHk5X6ghif5-eFEJ9l91Hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kingsport City Schools on May 13 authorized the purchase of K–5 science textbooks from Tennessee Book Company in the amount of $390,000 and approved issuing a FY2026 blanket order to Tennessee Book Company for $275,000 to cover additional textbooks, freight for consumables, and a Quavers music curriculum purchase.

David Fry told the board the purchase will draw from both current‑year and next‑year textbook funds so books can be ordered July 1 and arrive in time for the start of school. He said $195,000 will come from this year’s textbook budget and $275,000 will be issued as a blanket order for FY26 to cover the remainder, including about $20,000 in freight for consumable materials and an approximate $60,000 music curriculum purchase from Quavers.

Board action: the motion to authorize the purchases and blanket order was moved, seconded, and approved; staff will place orders per the adopted budget schedule.

Ending: Fry said placing the order on July 1 will help ensure timely delivery for the fall semester.","Kingsport approved purchasing K–5 science textbooks from Tennessee Book Company for $390,000 and issued a fiscal‑year‑26 blanket order of $275,000 to cover additional K–5 science texts, freight, consumables, and a Quavers music curriculum purchase.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6056357,"Kingsport awards Palmer Center parking‑lot repaving and expansion contract to Watts Paving",212,2746000,2958000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310386-308e6b081bb10cdfc7efe4ad3c422ad7&start=2746&end=2958","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310386-308e6b081bb10cdfc7efe4ad3c422ad7/thumbnail_2746000.jpg","/articles/6056357/Tennessee/Kingsport-awards-Palmer-Center-parkinglot-repaving-and-expansion-contract-to-Watts-Paving","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056357-41698ffb0e6d609eaae46ccd6c1e52b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152392&Signature=CqQWyhl9FZRUCd2inEuTdqAEXQ0AWraZw3YAnHJl234i-YHtEvOW6Z-Em9yjE9gYCRP~djAc~aTGiu8LJBo0WGCxH40BkZyuJqzjPCEGKYXYgNihUCUXIdRTXLC3kw4PL8bV2-UEh0qYP0e6x6X772eCGcHku452-TbNE3IWdcv5SJnL0N45qX1MG9ZWCa6F9NwG8oEXETkonceihV~gRuXOQyg63FaiJSBBAxqvsycBPESABQWdYt4jCZ0OdqFcYqqQ4KGI0MW33xyEsAJi-Yq7Lo3x5Mgo-1vzSgDty9Zk0lGaQ6CB3XfRNLB6pCQ-eAimIM6rCNOrKkRcgS9NXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kingsport City Schools on May 13 awarded the repaving and reconfiguration contract for the Palmer Center parking lot to Watts Paving and Maintenance Incorporated, accepting the low bid of $370,823.25 and authorizing a 6 percent contingency of $22,249.

David Fry presented the item and said the district received four bids ranging from $370,823.25 to $463,315 and that the city engineering estimate had been $367,055. Fry recommended awarding to the low bidder as the amount is near the city engineering estimate.

The project will repave the lot and add additional parking spaces; fencing work was noted as excluded from this contract and will be handled separately. The total project cost, excluding separate fencing work, was reported as $444,987.25 when additional items and contingency are included.

Outcome: the board moved, seconded, and approved the contract award to Watts Paving and Maintenance Incorporated. Staff will execute the contract and manage the authorized contingency for construction change orders as needed.

Ending: the board recorded unanimous approval and the project will proceed to scheduling and construction coordination with city engineering and Watts Paving.","Board approved the low bid from Watts Paving & Maintenance Inc. for Palmer Center parking lot improvements at $370,823.25 with a 6% contingency ($22,249), authorizing reconfiguration and additional parking.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6056362,"Board approves Holston Engineering contract for Washington Elementary HVAC and playground purchase from PlayWorld",294,2471000,2765000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310386-308e6b081bb10cdfc7efe4ad3c422ad7&start=2471&end=2765","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310386-308e6b081bb10cdfc7efe4ad3c422ad7/thumbnail_2471000.jpg","/articles/6056362/Tennessee/Board-approves-Holston-Engineering-contract-for-Washington-Elementary-HVAC-and-playground-purchase-from-PlayWorld","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056362-ae8515c4015393c13774eeb427e8b692/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152392&Signature=Dp4ZPpetGSDGiI4TSs22pCMIAvcIH3oGsDeLDSyIjcY00zlHHcxwBMiRUihgNNXEFdT~0U80nq2SiOA5A6IbIcstM2w2vTTBBHHSs~~tq7mDrcvvhOuYxpZ7CsmhQTDkOZ~Y5SXUEo1TJg~RCkyiqkM7miIJogYOQxBkl7tKe2b7dHbjpX21fOD-A8kSW-dTWuOLIrNA-DiTRXMWVoOkWTNOmbaPPUbKKY0vUuWXnTKkgxVf2soxS~NakNdLwGKzUHtTfeZDEvMH65TynDZ78OrGnpVXv5GrT6BdyLPZcMAZT42WK9AzQYUYt6UrZ-xzqoZSFHdhjwO4n~mNsinNbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kingsport City Schools Board on May 13 authorized an agreement with Holston Engineering for architectural and engineering services for the Washington Elementary School HVAC replacement project and approved purchase and installation of new playground equipment for the same school.

David Fry, presenting the projects, recommended selecting Holston Engineering from four proposals and said the firm had previously done HVAC work for the district. Fry told the board the agreement is a fee of 6 percent of construction cost, not to exceed $240,000, based on an estimated construction cost of $4,000,000.

The board separately approved purchasing inclusive playground equipment and installation from PlayWorld Preferred Incorporated for $108,028.06 under Sourcewell cooperative contract 010521LTSDash8. Fry said the purchase will be funded through a combination of existing general‑purpose school fund budget and money raised by the Washington PTA from internal activity accounts.

Why this matters: the HVAC replacement is a capital project that will affect building comfort and systems at Washington Elementary; the playground purchase was described as accessible and inclusive by board members and uses local PTA funds combined with budgeted district funds.

Outcome: motions to approve the Holston Engineering agreement and the PlayWorld purchase were moved, seconded, and recorded as approved. The Holston Engineering agreement is to be executed with the not‑to‑exceed fee and the playground purchase will proceed under the Sourcewell cooperative pricing and installation contract.

Implementation notes: Fry indicated the Holston fee is 6 percent of the final construction cost (capped at $240,000) and the district will complete the related budget amendment to place the funding in the project account. For the playground, the board approved the purchase and directed staff to proceed with project procurement and installation under the Sourcewell contract.

Ending: the board thanked presenters and noted the projects will proceed to implementation and invoicing in the coming weeks.","Kingsport board authorized an architectural/engineering agreement with Holston Engineering for Washington Elementary HVAC replacement (fee not to exceed $240,000) and approved purchase and installation of inclusive playground equipment from PlayWorld for $108,028.06 using a Sourcewell cooperative contract and PTA funds.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6056366,"Kingsport board adopts $105 million FY2025–26 budget after financial update and amendments",4461,3018000,7479000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310386-308e6b081bb10cdfc7efe4ad3c422ad7&start=3018&end=7479","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310386-308e6b081bb10cdfc7efe4ad3c422ad7/thumbnail_3018000.jpg","/articles/6056366/Tennessee/Kingsport-board-adopts-105-million-FY202526-budget-after-financial-update-and-amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6056366-65bba4aa97261ba0fd12abedc9a5f11c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152392&Signature=gSU4ZIYlWKRLVEQC5gZmXGBuXLrv32EuMgCZtv1k9GXNl6xIT61wrqK59csvifyqbHpiLof-aB5Nq31bSfIr92kA3Xf~9AJQLe8MOl06TJXJ1~IAloJjnSjigI9PBL5FuxvR4D8TsU-GBQ19E08ad59ywp5KYRHSUkLZpJwhKkyVyD3vyEA84pTym-9lhcP8XOK19~j3Cn6UDJ~17OZn~30vdQYF3HJuPRRZOVVulkAjg7CLcDGc-CwAIo0KP2jmXlRHjRCXNBmQXDUk2j00QnTEoHwDKZ9AKo9V6i53vU4R~Acqw9MDdvuRCGwiF-L-Bm6B0ikOC3HYJ1hXr2ZZkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kingsport City Schools on May 13 approved its fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget of $105,002,300 and adopted Budget Amendment No. 5 following a quarter‑end financial briefing and debate about school nutrition shortfalls, federal and state grants, and one‑time fund‑balance uses.

The approval followed a presentation by David Fry, a school system staff member who led the financial update and budget discussion. Fry told the board that revenues and expenditures were “pretty much breakeven” overall but that several one‑time and recurring pressures required board action, including using fund balance for targeted needs. \"I do think that we'll end up, you know, somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 plus million dollars in our fund balance at the end of the year, which is a good thing,\" Fry said during the update.

The board’s decision matters because it sets pay increases, program funding, and operating plans for the coming school year. The FY26 budget includes state and local revenue projections, a teacher pay increase tied to a state allocation, a locally funded classified‑staff bonus, and a $300,000 appropriation from fund balance to support special‑education operations.

Most important facts: the budget includes a required teacher salary improvement funded by the state, local appropriations requested from the City of Kingsport, and an appropriation of fund balance for one‑time classified bonuses and for special education. Fry told the board that the teacher bonus money is in the state budget but \"we will not get the money until after July 1,\" and the district planned to pay bonuses after funds are received. The board also approved Budget Amendment No. 5, which adjusts multiple grant accounts, increases school nutrition spending, records new donations, and moves donated playground funds into appropriate project accounts.

Supporting details and fiscal drivers: Fry said TISA (state funding) estimates were slightly higher than earlier forecasts because of an April state estimate, adding roughly $240,000 in state funds. The budget assumes $15,000,000 in local property tax revenue and projects modest sales‑tax growth (2 percent). The package funds certified‑staff increases (a 1 percent cost‑of‑living increase plus required step/teacher improvements) and classified staff steps and a proposed one‑time classified bonus estimated not to exceed $631,000, funded from fund balance.

School nutrition and CEP: Fry gave extended detail on the school nutrition fund after systemwide adoption of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). He said CEP increased federal reimbursement revenue but reduced meal sales revenue and that food‑cost inflation has driven a projected operating deficit in the nutrition fund. The board approved a nutrition fund budget increase of $488,217 and a food‑cost line‑item increase of about $473,600; the revised nutrition budget includes a $59,500 fund‑balance appropriation for staff bonuses and roughly $670,000 of fund‑balance use overall in that fund for FY26.

Other adjustments included increases tied to grants and donations: a Niswonger Foundation adjustment to add $44,645 (including $10,450 in additional supplies and reimbursement of benefits), summer learning program funding of $895,140, an additional John Adams PTO donation for playground equipment, and transfers to reflect new state preschool and state special‑education preschool grants.

Board action and votes: the board moved, seconded, and voted to approve Budget Amendment No. 5 and to adopt the FY2025–26 budget; the motions passed unanimously.

What the board discussed but did not decide: several board members pressed for more detail on the school nutrition finances (a la carte revenue, commodity shortfalls and the timing of federal reimbursement) and asked staff to provide historical comparisons of food‑service spending and to continue exploring revenue and menu strategies. Fry said staff would continue to pursue savings through a cooperative buying group (NETCO) and menu adjustments.

Looking ahead: the board asked staff to monitor the school nutrition fund closely and to return with additional detail on a la carte and second‑meal revenues, and trustees indicated they would revisit any need to change CEP participation if reimbursements or food costs make the program unsustainable.

Ending note: the board’s action balances one‑time fund‑balance uses with recurring pay and program commitments; several trustees thanked Fry for the detailed work that shaped the proposal.","Kingsport City Schools adopted a $105,002,300 fiscal year 2025–26 budget and approved Budget Amendment No. 5 after a detailed financial update that flagged school nutrition shortfalls, use of fund balance for special education and classified bonuses, and state teacher-bonus timing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board completes superintendent evaluation; president to meet with superintendent on contract next steps

Board authorizes $390,000 purchase of K–5 science textbooks and FY26 blanket order

Kingsport awards Palmer Center parking‑lot repaving and expansion contract to Watts Paving

Board approves Holston Engineering contract for Washington Elementary HVAC and playground purchase from PlayWorld

Kingsport board adopts $105 million FY2025–26 budget after financial update and amendments