Huntingdon Schools Add Positions

HUNTINGDON (April 17) — The Huntingdon Special School District Board of Education met Wednesday with a short agenda including requests for additional positions at the primary and high schools.

Director of Schools Dr. Jonathan Kee requested a JAG (Jobs After Graduation) position for freshmen and sophomores to bolster the existing program for juniors and seniors.

JAG is a CTE course funded through TISA that prepares students for the real world via a three-part student-centered program focused on project-based learning, employer engagement and trauma-informed care with a curriculum emphasizing leadership, job interview skills, resume writing, financial responsibility, dress etiquette and community service.

Dr. Kee noted the addition will not affect the budget.

Board members approved the request unanimously.

Dr. Kee also requested an additional Special Education position at the primary school. Second grade special education is currently contracted to retired teacher Denise Lankford, who wishes to step away from the role after this school year. A motion to add the position was approved unanimously.

The board also approved membership in the Tennessee School Board Association for the coming year for $4,036. Board Chairman Dr. Lee Carter noted there was action in the State Senate to attempt to preclude tax dollars from being spent on TSBA membership. “[The bill] was pulled, but could be potentially dropped back in [during the] next session.”

Dr. Kee gave several updates on various subjects.

The high school sustained some roof damage, fortunately on the portion of the roof that has not been replaced. Further action is awaiting estimates to repair or replace the damage section.

Two rising seniors, Madison Dill and Paige Costello, will be interviewed for the newly-created position of school board student representative. Dr. Carter, fellow board members Morgan Butler and Shawna Smith, Dr. Kee and a member of the high school administration will participate in the selection process.

The district recently received two TVA classrooms grants of $5,000 each, one each for the primary and high schools.

A $10,000 donation was received from Gränges to be split among the three schools.

Huntingdon High School’s graduation is Saturday, May 17 at 6 p.m. at Paul Ward Stadium. Baccalaureate is Sunday, May 10 at 6 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

The meeting adjourned after 15 minutes.

The board meets next on Wednesday, May 21 at 5 p.m.