February 17, 2025

Bristol Tennessee Board of Education: Left to right: Jim Butcher, Debbie Darnell, Charlie Taylor, Jennifer Henson, and Eric Cuddy.

• Fairmount Red Hawk Musicians led the Pledge of Allegiance.

• The board approved the following:

  1. Financial Reports, Revenues, and Expenditures and listings of bills paid in December for General Purpose, Federal Projects, School Nutrition, and School Capital Projects Funds. January reports for all funds will be reported at the next meeting.

  2. Capital Projects Fund - Budget Journal #2 for December 2024.

• The board approved a listing of surplus and obsolete items.

The Red Hawk Musicians perform for board members and attendees.

The Red Hawk Musicians from Fairmount Elementary began the presentation with an outstanding musical performance. This talented ensemble is composed of volunteer vocalists and instrumentalists, who meet before school under the direction of music teacher Dennis Cumbow. Following the performance, Principal Trey Arrington presented how the Fairmount school community embraces the theme of "Rowing Together," inspired by The Hawks Nest motto: "We are not here to be average. We are here to be extraordinary!" This theme emphasizes the development of soft skills and life skills essential for student success, now and in the future. Central to this approach is the Hawks Nest Code of Conduct, which focuses on respect and positive behavior. Mr. Arrington also highlighted special events designed to foster family engagement, including All Pro Dad and Breakfast with Someone You Love, which strengthen connections between the school and home to help students feel supported and be successful.

• The board approved the following policies on second reading: Policy 4.603, Promotion and Retention and Policy 5.118, Background Checks.

• The board approved the Voluntary Pre-K Application, Fiscal Year 2026.

• The Report from the Director of Schools was given by Dr. Annette Tudor.

• Board Members heard comments from County Commissioner Andrew Cross.

• Board members heard comments from City Council Liaison Rae Akard.

• The Bristol Tennessee Board of Education provided individual comments.