Two Putnam Educators Named State Award Finalists
Two Putnam County educators named state finalists for the Tennessee Department of Education’s Principal and Teacher of the Year awards. Burks Elementary School Principal Heather Tinch and Northeast Elementary School physical education teacher Jared Zachary selected to represent the Upper Cumberland region. Director Of Schools Corby King said both finalists serve as examples of the […]
Putnam Board Penalizes Contractor Over ELA Delays
The Putnam County School Board voted Thursday to penalize a contractor for ongoing construction delays at the new Early Learning Academy, deducting $39,000 in liquidated damages from the company’s latest pay approval. Director of Schools Corby King said the school system is struggling to provide a set schedule to families and staff as the project […]
State Index Leads To Putnam Schools Funding Reduction
Putnam County’s ability to pay for its students’ education led to a reduction in state funding. Director of Schools Corby King said the TISA formula uses an index from the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations and the Center for Business and Economic Research. The index calculatse local funding capacity. “We have a higher ability […]
Putnam County Schools Approve “Difficult” Budget Cuts
The Putnam County School Board approved a new budget Thursday that addresses a significant state funding shortfall while attempting to avoid a local tax increase. Director of Schools Corby King said the district is facing a $2.5 million decrease in expected state revenue compared to initial estimates provided earlier this year. “This has been the […]
Putnam Schools Close Year Academically On The Rise
The books closed, the technology off as the Putnam County Schools wrapped up the school year Friday. Communications and Marketing Supervisor Buddy Pearson said the district earned more reward school designations and higher school letter grades during the 2025-2026 term than in previous years. Pearson said the school year ended with issues the system wish […]
CHS Student-Built House Expands Independence Program
Putnam County School Officials joined community leaders Thursday for the ribbon cutting of the new Independence House, an expansion project for special education students. The house helps teach students with autism and other disabilities life skills, such as grocery shopping, cooking, and washing clothes. Supervisor of Special Education Sheri Roberson said the program helps move […]
Early Learning Academy Construction Nears Completion
The Putnam County schools early learning Academy is nearing its final stage of construction. Energy Systems Group Engineering Manager John Waddle said he was confident the renovation project was close to completion in Thursday’s board meeting and the council unanimously approved to pay Energy Systems Group some $702,000 for the renovation project. Waddle said he […]
Putnam Schools Facing $5 Million New Fiscal Budget Gap
Putnam County Schools officials are facing a $5.1 million budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year as the board approved the first draft of the budget Thursday night. Director of Schools Corby King said the school system is entering the fourth year of a five-year strategic plan that prioritizes academic achievement and personnel retention. King […]
Putnam Students Provide Further Feedback On Detectors
Student Advisory Committee members shared mixed feedback on the use of metal detectors in the Putnam County Schools at Thursday’s monthly school board meeting Thursday. Upperman High School Student Abby Brown said students understand why some residents want the detectors. “Out of the students that supported the metal detectors in the school the majority said that they […]
Hodges Retiring, Nearly Four Decade Legacy With Schools
Jere Whitson Elementary School Principal Tina Francis Hodges is retiring after a 38-year career in the Putnam County School System. Putnam County School System Director of Schools Corby King announced the departure of the longtime educator. Francis Hodges spent the last decade at Jere Whitson Elementary School, serving five years as an assistant principal and […]
