Loudon County board approves budgets, calendars and capital projects; honors superintendent and students

The Loudon County Board of Education on an evening meeting approved multiple routine items including proposed budgets, calendars, grants and a $45,000 ADA ramp for Eaton Elementary while also recognizing student and staff achievements.

Board members moved and seconded approval of the meeting agenda and then voted on a series of consent and action items. The board approved the consent agenda, teacher tenure actions, budget amendments, grant awards, proposed budgets for the 142 and 143 cycles, the 2627 education capital projects fund 177 and a differentiated pay plan after roll calls that recorded individual votes from board members. On calendar votes for the 2627 and 2728 cycles most members voted in favor; Mr. Newman was recorded as voting "No" on at least one calendar item and abstained on one personnel approval.

During the business portion the board also approved a $45,000 allocation for an ADA ramp at Eaton Elementary. A motion to approve the ADA ramp carried after a roll call with multiple members recorded as voting yes. Non‑faculty coach appointments and proposed school fees for the 2627 year were also approved.

The meeting opened with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance, followed by recognitions. A McCur Len Elementary student was honored for exceeding 1,000 Accelerated Reader points and received a bag of books and an award from Mr. Newman. Members of the Greenback High School baseball team and their coaches were called forward for recognition after advancing in postseason play.

Gary Lily, executive director of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS), told the board that Superintendent Garren was selected as the East Region Superintendent of the Year; Lily said the selection was made by Garren’s peers and outlined that the statewide and national selection steps remain. "Superintendent Garren has been selected as the East Region's Superintendent of the Year," Lily said, and presented a plaque noting the next steps in the award process.

In the director’s report the director stated the quarterly safety update: there were zero credible threats during the prior three months until the previous night, and one incident required parent notification this morning. The director also noted Ashley Basler is a state principal‑of‑the‑year finalist and that summer school begins May 26.

The meeting concluded with informal remarks and congratulations before the board moved toward adjournment. No new policy decisions or disputes were recorded; the evening’s business was largely routine approvals and recognitions.