Clay Schools Replace Football Stadium Sewer Pump
The bathrooms at the Clay County High School football stadium are open again after the school system replaced a failing sewer pump. School Board Chairman Benji Bailey said the pump’s warning mechanism of potential failure was not working properly. The pump went out without much warning. Bailey said the pump has since been replaced. “We […]
Clay Schools TISA Scores Below State Requirements
The Clay County Schools TISA Accountability report revealed state testing scores did not make expected progress toward academic goals this fiscal year. The report showed grades three through eight under performed on the spring Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, as results fell below state requirements. According to the report, there has been a decline in third […]
Clay Approves Bonuses For Non-Teachers, $221K Price
The Clay County School Board approved a $2,000 one-time bonus for non-teachers during Thursday’s board meeting. The bonuses will go to all employees who are excluded from the 2025 Education Freedom Act passed by state legislators. School Board Chairman Benji Bailey said the voucher bill left out too many employees. “In our opinion, these folks […]
Clay School Board Hires New Attorney
The Clay County School Board approved the hiring of a new attorney during Thursday night’s board meeting. The board will replace current School Board Attorney Jamie Winkler with Knoxville Attorney Chris McCarty. School Board Chair Benji Bailey said over the past few months the school system consulted with McCarty on several items and were satisfied […]
Some 50% Clay 3rd, 4th Graders ELA Proficient
Roughly half of Clay County’s third and fourth graders hit Language Arts proficiency on their April TCAP scores. Clay County Schools Instructional Supervisor Misty Strong said 37 of 69 total third graders scored proficient or better, with 31 of 65 fourth graders hitting the mark. She said only two third graders will be retained, as […]
Clay Schools Budget Tightening, But Solid
Clay County School Board approved the first draft of a new fiscal year budget Thursday night with a move to “tighten up” spending. Finance Director Ashley White said the plan includes a $45,000 salary for teachers, as the system moves toward the new state mandate. For non-certified personnel, the proposal includes a $1 per hour […]
Clay Trying To Expand Its Before/After School Programs
The Clay County Schools want to extend the system’s grant for 21st Century Community Learning Centers to include both Celina K-8 and Hermitage Springs School. Supervisor of Instruction Misty Strong said the renewal process is underway. The program targets high-need communities to provide before and after school enrichment, tutoring, and remediation. “We hope, to provide […]
First Lady Lee Works With Hermitage Springs Students
Students at Clay County’s Hermitage Springs School met with First Lady Maria Lee Tuesday to design a playground to be built at Hermitage Springs Park. Hermitage Springs School Principal Donatta Birdwell said students from Pre-K through eighth grade were asked to draw a design of what they hoped the playground might look like. She said […]
Clay School Board Approves Bids For K-8 Kitchen Project; New Roofs
Clay County School Board moved three building projects forward Thursday accepting construction bids. Roof repairs at both Hermitage Springs School and the School Board building approved. The board also approved the construction numbers on the kitchen at Celina K-8. Board Chair Benji Bailey said the system ready to get that project finished. “It’s something that […]
Clay County Schools Honor Former Employee
Clay County School System remembers a long-time Hermitage Springs custodian Junior Bean. Bean was laid to rest Monday afternoon. Hermitage Springs Principal Donatta Birdwell said that Bean was a kind and sweet character at the school for the 21-years he worked there. Pre-K teacher Scarlett Gentry said that he could always be found uplifting the […]
