Blount County School Board approves tenures, $1.34M summer-camps grant and series of capital budget items

The Blount County School Board approved tenure recommendations, a $1,343,290.21 state grant for summer learning camps and a package of budget and capital-project items during its regular meeting.

Josh Tidwell, who presented the tenure recommendations, told the board: "Pursuant to Tennessee code 49Dash55503 and BCS policy 5.117, these teachers have successfully completed their probationary period and achieved the required evaluation scores to be eligible for their tenure." The board then approved the tenure recommendations by roll call.

The board accepted a state grant for summer learning camps, adding $1,343,290.21 to fund 141. The grant was described by staff as a CFO recommendation and was approved after a motion and recorded roll call.

Board members also approved multiple education-capital budget increases and project expenditures, all carried with no opposition recorded. Key approved items included:
- $265,500 from Education Capital (fund 177) to replace the fire-alarm system at Mary Blunt Elementary.
- $49,400 from Education Capital for flooring improvements at William Blunt High School and Heritage High School.
- $32,680 from Education Capital for a guard check at Eagleton College and Careers Academy.
- $68,635 from Education Capital to construct a secure entrance at Frinsville Elementary.
- Reclassification of $145,000 for Heritage Middle School roof design fees from fund 141 to Education Capital (fund 177).

The board also approved award of BOE bid 2026-0083 to Waste Connections of Tennessee for solid-waste removal services.

Recognitions and announcements featured early in the meeting. Director Ridge asked Stan Burnett to bring Heritage Middle School's baseball team forward; Coach Tanner Thompson said the team "were 15 and 6 overall" and highlighted that many starters were seventh graders. Ridge also announced that the Tennessee Department of Education awarded Union Grove Elementary a STEM designation and invited Principal Christy Brewer and staff to be recognized.

Board members spoke positively about recent leadership and administrative organization. One member noted an upcoming Teacher Depot opening and a ribbon-cutting planned in July. Chair announced a community 250th celebration on June 28 and scheduled a special called July 7 board meeting.

Votes at a glance
- Tenure recommendations — approved (roll call).
- 2026 year-end budget amendment (funds 141 & 146) — approved.
- FY 2026–27 budget (January fund) — approved.
- Summer learning camps grant, fund 141 — approved, $1,343,290.21.
- BOE bid 2026-0083 (solid-waste removal) — awarded to Waste Connections of Tennessee, approved.
- Mary Blunt Elementary fire-alarm replacement — approved, $265,500.
- Flooring improvements at William Blunt & Heritage High Schools — approved, $49,400.
- Guard check at Eagleton College & Careers Academy — approved, $32,680.
- Secure entrance at Frinsville Elementary — approved, $68,635.
- Heritage Middle School roof design fee reclassification — approved, $145,000.
- 2026–2027 school fee donation schedule — approved (roll call).

The board adjourned after the announcements; a special called meeting was scheduled for July 7.