Overton County School Board approves child‑abuse curriculum and revised 2026–27 calendar, recognizes AP Academy leaders

The Overton County School Board unanimously approved a“second step” child‑abuse prevention curriculum to comply with Aaron’s Law and adopted a revised 2026–27 school calendar during its regular meeting.

Board members also approved the consent agenda, which included multiple personnel and program revisions and two FFA travel requests: Livingston Academy’s FFA trip to Gatlinburg (March 23–25) and Lance Academy’s FFA trip to El Reno, Oklahoma (May 4–8). Board members voted “aye” on each motion, and meeting minutes and the full meeting agenda were approved earlier in the session.

The curriculum approval was moved and seconded during discussion; Ashley seconded the motion to adopt the child‑abuse curriculum. The board heard from staff that the curriculum will be provided by a local child advocacy center and was presented as meeting the requirements of Aaron’s Law.

The revised 2026–27 school calendar drew brief discussion from board members and staff. District staff said the calendar changes resulted from a districtwide survey and operational concerns: Christmas break days were shifted to provide more contiguous days before the holiday, and spring break was adjusted after coordinating bus schedules. Ricky Dodson moved the calendar revision and Ben Danner seconded the motion; the board approved it.

The meeting also included a special recognition for the new AP Academy at Livingston Academy. The presenter said the program’s inaugural year had notable outcomes: eight graduates earned AP Academy distinction; 45 students earned college credit by passing AP exams; the district’s AP pass rate rose from 31% to 63% in one year; and AP U.S. History achieved a 74% pass rate. The board presented plaques crafted by instructor Mike Johnson and FFA students to board members as part of a concurrent board appreciation segment.

The board’s actions leave the curriculum and calendar in place; staff were asked to complete implementation steps and to follow up with any scheduling or operational details required for the 2026–27 school year.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve prior meeting minutes — approved (voice vote). Consent agenda including FFA trips — approved (voice vote). Approval of second‑step child‑abuse curriculum to comply with Aaron’s Law — approved (motion seconded by Ashley; vote recorded as carried). Revised 2026–27 school calendar — approved (moved by Ricky Dodson; seconded by Ben Danner; carried).

What’s next: Staff will coordinate implementation details for the adopted calendar and curriculum and will follow up with the board on operational items such as transportation and facility scheduling.