New Scoreboard, Tennis Approved During McKenzie Schools Meeting

McKENZIE (August 6) — The McKenzie Special School District Board of Education approved tennis as a new high school sport and new scoreboards at Rebel Stadium and McKenzie Middle School Gymnasium during the August 6 meeting.

The Board also approved a plethora of new policies, which the state General Assembly mandated during its 2024 term.

Dr. Justin Barden, director of schools, said the school system has secured enough sponsors to pay for new scoreboards at Rebel Stadium and at the McKenzie Middle School Gymnasium. No school funds will be used.

A new video scoreboard will be installed by the first home high school football game. Sponsors include Granges, Pepsi, Carroll Bank and Trust, McKenzie Banking Company, and 4Front Promotions. The scoreboards will be purchased from Varsity in Kentucky. The Board unanimously approved the purchase with a budget $110,000, all donated funds.

Tennis will again be added to the varsity sports offerings at McKenzie High School. Barden said the recommendation came from Kelly Spivey, principal, to again offer the sport. It was presented as a low-cost sport requiring only uniforms and minimal equipment. Bethel University’s tennis courts are available for practice and competition. The courts are the home courts for Bethel and Huntingdon High School. Eventually, the sport will transition to pickleball, said Spivey. McKenzie has six regulation-size pickleball courts.

The Board voted to seek competitive bids for repainting the exterior of McKenzie Elementary School.

Prior to competitive bidding, a courtesy estimate of $48,500 was given as a reference point.

Bleachers in the McKenzie Middle School Gymnasium were also discussed. One side has plastic seating, the other wood. The Board is seeking bids to replace both sides with plastic seating.

The Board also approved a mandatory Code of Conduct for campus visitors.

The Board approved an emergency preparedness policy requiring schools to develop emergency plans with local police and fire departments. The policy includes a provision for students not to immediately exit the classrooms when the fire alarm is activated, a state law that arose after an armed intruder activated the fire alarms to force students into the hallways.

A state-mandated policy also requires school officials to report any assaults or threats of mass violence to law enforcement. Teachers or staff members who are assaulted while at school are eligible for a leave of absence in certain conditions. The new law adds staff members, while teachers were already included in the law.

Dr. Barden said all substitute teachers must participate in safety training. Substitutes are required to be familiar with the school’s safety procedures, including a new state law requiring students to remain in the classroom momentarily after the sounding of the fire alarm. School officials first determine if it’s a real emergency or a false alarm prior to students exiting the classrooms and buildings.

A policy was approved to comply with new state laws concerning the retention of third and fourth graders if they do not meet certain criteria on the standard test. The state law improves on the law’s language. Parents can also choose to retain their child in a grade.

Family life education must include a state-approved video of the development of a child.

Narcan may be carried at the school, according to a new law. Each school nurse may administer Narcan.

Janyla Pico, a freshman at McKenzie High School, addressed board members and asked for permission to construct a viewing tower for the MHS Band field commander. The project is part of her Eagle Scout project. She proposed to locate it next to the bus loop facing the faculty parking lot, where the marching band practices. She is to work with Dr. Barden to address safety concerns.

Leighann Horne, supervisor of instruction, is one of nine supervisors across the state to be nominated for the Tennessee Department of Education’s Supervisor of the Year. The goal of the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year program is to recognize and celebrate the wealth of excellent district leaders that exist across the state. An outstanding public school supervisor earns distinction as the Tennessee Department of Education Supervisor of the Year (SOY) each year. This honor is reserved for leaders who demonstrate superior abilities in: managing and motivating students and faculties; evoking high standards; demonstrating a commitment to excellence; implementing innovative programs; and having a track record of exceptional gains in student learning.

Supervisors of the Year are selected competitively through four cycles: district, region, grand division, and state.

Supervisors selected at each cycle receive local recognition and awards underwritten by local sources. State recognition and awards include a banquet honoring the nine region-level Supervisors of the Year.

Baylee Barden, a senior at McKenzie High School, was welcomed as the student representative to the Board of Education. She will attend the monthly meetings. Chairman LaShonda Williams asked Miss Barden to provide updates about MHS to the Board.

Baylee is a cheerleader and a member of the Student Council. She is the daughter of Dr. Justin and Allyson Barden.