White County Schools, No Change In Cell Phone Policy
The White County School Board Thursday decided the new state law regarding cell phone usage will not prompt them to make any changes to their current cell phone usage policy. White County School Director Kurt Dronebarger said the school already bans cell phone usage during instruction time. Dronebarger said he is not hearing that the […]
Elementary Schedules Will Change, Longer Recess
Elementary school students will get a longer recess starting this fall. White County Schools Director Kurt Dronebarger told the School Board Thursday night state lawmakers passed the measure to increase recess for elementary school students to 40 minutes per day. “There’s just no more minutes in the day,” Dronebarger said. “We keep conveying this to […]
White Board Of Education Faces $3.1 Million Budget Deficit
The White County Board of Education approaching a budget decision Thursday with a $3.1 million deficit in its new fiscal year budget. Director Kurt Dronebarger told the School Board during a work session Tuesday the district usually budgets to save money each year, but this year is a “terrible storm” of different financial problems facing […]
BonDeCroft Expansion Will Not Be Completed Until Summer Break
The BonDeCroft Elementary School expansion project will not be completed this school year. White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger told the School Board Thursday night that the original estimate had the project finishing around the county’s spring break but small delays have pushed the completion date into April. He said that trying to integrate […]
White County Director of Schools Asks To Renew Contract Early
White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger formally requested a review of his contract Thursday night. Dronebarger is in the last year of his current four-year agreement. He said he wants to negotiate six months ahead of schedule. Dronebarger said he presented the board with a summary of his performance to justify his request. “I’ve […]
Woodland Park Elementary Wrapping Up Summer With Compressor Issues
Woodland Park Elementary suffered a shutdown of three out of four compressors in the school’s air conditioning chiller. White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the remaining compressor has worked inconsistently throughout the remaining hot days of summer. Dronebarger said he is hopeful the worst of the hot weather is behind them. “We’ve added […]
UC School Systems Seeing Positive Change In Substitute Teacher Shortages
Upper Cumberland School Districts seeing more success in keeping substitute teachers on their roster. Putnam County Schools Communication Director Hannah Davis said while they always need more, their concern about having enough have lessened as applications have increased. She said they attribute that to putting more effort into supporting current subs in hopes of learning […]
White Co. HS Upgrading Gymnasium Bleachers
White County High School in the process of upgrading its gym bleachers. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the school is looking to replace the chairs on the lower floor that is used as reserved seating. “We’ve had a lot of broken seats, we’ve been piecing them together and they’ve been there for many many […]
White Co. School Board Approves Interim Strategic Plan
White County School Board approved an interim district strategic plan at its Thursday night meeting. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said a strategic plan is now a major component when applying for grant monies, particularly at the federal level. He said in order to keep that funding flowing, he formed a committee and solicited input […]
Upper Cumberland School Leaders Reflect On Annual Leadership Conference
Upper Cumberland School leaders say that the annual Fall Creek Falls Leadership Conference was a major success. School Directors, Central Office Staff, and School Principals heard from state officials about the new funding formula, CTE updates and other topics. Clay Director of Schools Diana Monroe said that as a new director, she plans to take […]
