Blue Devils Chase Historic State Championship Berth
The Jackson County Blue Devils boys basketball team looking for its first-ever state championship berth. Jackson County Schools Director of Schools Jason Hardy said the team’s tournament run has united the entire district from the elementary level up to the high school. The community gathered around the courthouse square in downtown Gainesboro to send the […]
Dodson Branch, Middle School Roof Repairs Approved
The Jackson County School Board approved repair projects at Dodson Branch Elementary and Jackson County Middle School Thursday night. Maintenance Supervisor Josh Morgan said a company evaluated the school roofs and created a plan for replacement. Morgan said both roofs leak into the buildings, causing damage to the structures and floors. “The quotes here, you […]
State Highlights Jackson Schools For ACT Improvement
The Tennessee Department of Education highlighted Jackson County Schools for a significant improvement in the percentage of students meeting ACT benchmarks last year. The state wants an ACT score of 21. Jackson County raised its percentage of students who met the benchmark score from 22 percent to 41.3 percent. Director of Schools Jason Hardy said […]
UC Schools Adjusting To Legislature’s New Recess Law
Schools across the Upper Cumberland adjusting to the new state law that requires additional recess during the school day. Most school systems previously had 30 minutes of recess scheduled. That time has been bumped to 45 minutes. Jackson County Director of Schools Jason Hardy said adjusting to the new law has not been easy, but […]
UC Schools Seeing Improvements With Third Grade Reading Law
Two years after some parents got a May surprise from the state’s third-grade reading law, local school systems are seeing benefits from the focus on reading. The Third Grade Reading Law requires third-grade students who score below proficiency levels on English Language Arts be held back or complete additional classwork. Jackson County Director of Schools […]
Bid Sought To Refurbish Dodson Branch Gym Floor
The Jackson County School Board is seeking bids to refurbish the gym floor at Dodson Branch Elementary. Dodson Branch Elementary Principal Brian Lee said the gym floor has been touched up but has not been refurbished since it was first installed back in 2012. Jackson County Director of Schools Jason Hardy said thirteen years without […]
Board Unsure On Allocating $500K Achievement Bonus
The Jackson County School Board conflicted Thursday night on how much of a state bonus for school system performance should go to employees. The system received $500,000 from the state based on having more than 50 percent of its schools finish with an “A” grade. Jackson County Director of Schools Jason Hardy said employee bonuses […]
Cell Phone Law Could Help Support Local School Rules
With a new statewide school cell phone limit, Jackson County Director Of Schools Jason Hardy said that there’s clearly a desire to limit the impact on young people. State legislators passed the bill that requires all school districts to adopt policies prohibiting student cell phone use during instructional time. Hardy said many school systems already […]
Hardy: Teacher Carry Law Very Early
Although the law permitting it has been passed, do not expect many teachers to begin carrying concealed handguns in schools this year. Jackson County Director of Schools Jason Hardy said he does not know of any school districts looking to institute the practice for the upcoming school year. Hardy said teachers interested would need to […]
Jackson Schools Give 5% Raise Across Board
The Jackson County School Board’s new budget includes a five percent raise for all employees. Jackson County Director of Schools Jason Hardy said the district-wide raise is an important step in staying competitive with other counties. Hardy said the system will receive less money from the state’s TISA formula this year because of a decrease […]
