White Co Schools TCAP Scores Bounce Back
It was a rebound year for the White County School System as the district’s TCAP scores saw gains across the board. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the data was a “pleasant surprise.” One in particular was 4th grade math. “That’s exciting, because that’s something that has been a low area across the state for […]
White Co Leaders Start Conversations About Improved School Safety
White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger will meet with emergency management leaders Friday to start conversations about school safety. Dronebarger gave an update to the school board on the strategy Thursday night. Dronebarger said he will work with the Sparta Police Chief, County Sheriff, Fire Chief and 9-11 Director. “This initial meeting is kind […]
Dronebarger Receives Good Evaluation From White Co BOE
White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger received a 3.089 out of four on the school board’s yearly evaluation. School Board members answered over 50 questions over a wide range of topics such as test scores and graduation rates. Before the board approved the evaluation Thursday, Member Dewayne Howard said he would like the parameters […]
Dronebarger: Fearful Of Local Tax Base Impact From New School Funding Formula
White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said he foresees local budget issues if Governor Bill Lee’s new school funding formula passes. Dronebarger told the White County School Board Thursday night school districts will initially receive more money, but state payments will eventually decrease. “The amount they are projecting to give from the state is […]
White Co Schools Considered a 1:1 District For Devices
The White County School District has achieved a 1:1 ratio for laptops in the student body. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the push began about four years ago. Dronebarger said the influx of federal COVID money sped up the process. “Some of those are in Chromebook carts, and some of those are more in […]
White Co Schools Layout Capital Projects Plan For Next Five Years
The White County School System wants to invest $300,000 annually into capital projects over the next five years. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said a new five year plan was needed with the previous one nearing completion. “With the influx of ESSER funds, we were able to check a lot of those things off of […]
White Co Schools Submit Feedback On New Education Funding Framework
Funding for needed positions, technology upgrades and teacher compensation among the feedback that White County Schools submitted as the state works on a new education funding formula. The state department of education gave one week of public comment on the new funding framework. Tuesday was the deadline. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the suggestions […]
Delta-8 Causes White Co BOE Discussion On Its Drug Policy
A student disciplinary matter involving a THC substance had some White County School Board members questioning its policy on drugs Thursday. The substance in question, Delta-8, can be legally purchased if older than 21-years-old in Tennessee. School Board Member Diana Haston said she wanted clarification on how the drug was classified. “They did a field […]
Initial Estimate On BonDeCroft School Project Over Budget, Planning Continues
Initial cost estimates to renovate BonDeCroft Elementary School in White County have came in over budget. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the architect is now working on another plan. “They did say it was going to be more expensive than what we were planning,” Dronebarger said. “We don’t know what that number is, but […]
White Co Band Fronted Cost To Perform At Outback Bowl
The White County School Board will front the cost for its High School band to perform at the Outback Bowl January 1st. Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the school board did not want fund raising to be an issue for students. “We’ve got a fantastic band program. Very proud of it here in White […]
