UC School Districts Trying To Buck Growing Teacher Loss
Upper Cumberland school districts working to retain teachers, hopeful of bucking the national trend of teachers leaving the profession. White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said the district maintains well above a 90 percent teacher retention rate through fostering an atmosphere of cohesion. “We try and support one another,” Dronebarger said. “We don’t differentiate […]
Overton County Schools Overcome Construction, Closures
Overton County Schools ended the academic year navigating a series of construction projects and winter closings through a focus on teamwork and collaboration. Director of Schools Kim Dillon said the system managed to maintain its schedule of testing and end-of-year trips despite the consistent presence of on-campus construction. “We certainly have a lot going on […]
Livingston Academy Gym Primed For $1.4 Million Upgrade
Overton County Schools awarded a bid to modernize the Livingston Academy gym, the first major upgrade since its 1976 construction. Director of Schools Kim Dillon said work from Midstate Construction on the $1.4 million-project is scheduled to begin on May 18 following the conclusion of graduation and awards ceremonies. “The gym floor we’ve had issue after […]
Virtual Learning For Livingston Students Monday As Water Issues Continue
Overton County Schools will hold an Emergency Flex and Virtual Learning and Community Support Day on Monday, February 9, 2026, with food, water, and learning resources available for students and families across the district. Overton County Director of Schools Kim Dillon said the day is designed to support families after recent disruptions and to help […]
Overton More Work To Do To Improve School Letter Grades
Overton County Director of Schools Kim Dillon said the state’s education report card released this week shows there is more work to do to educational outcomes. Overton County Schools received three B’s, three C’s, and one D. Dillon said every school saw some growth, with four schools moving up a letter grade. Dillon said it […]
Overton Approves Changes To Help Fill Difficult Positions
The Overton County School Board will implement a differentiated pay plan, designed to help fill hard-to-staff positions. Overton County Director of Schools Kim Dillon said this year’s plan pays out stipends ranging from $1,000-$5,000. Dillon said she hopes the stipends are enough to fill and keep behavior, CDC, and special education teachers. “We have found […]
Overton 3rd-Grade ELA Regression In Latest TISA Report
The latest TISA accountability report showed Overton County Schools regressed last year in trying to reach 70 percent third grade ELA proficiency by 2030. In the 2024-2025 school year, Overton County dropped from 39.2 percent proficiency to 32.4 percent. Director of Schools Kim Dillon said it is a challenge to improve third grade ELA proficiency. […]
Overton School Board: Productive Retreat, Morale Good
Some Overton County School Board members said meeting with teachers and staff during its annual board retreat provided valuable insight. School Board Chairman Mitch Stonecipher said he feels like retreats are always productive, as a retreat is a more laid-back environment. Stonecipher said he left impressed by the investment that principals are making into the […]
Overton Considering Adding Flag Football, Budget Concerns
The Overton County School Board is considering adding a Livingston Academy girls flag football team this spring. Several schools across the Upper Cumberland, including Stone Memorial High School and Upperman High School, have already added the sport. Director of Schools Kim Dillon said the sport is gaining interest. “Apparently, it’s become a big thing, and […]
Overton Board Working Strategic Plan During Retreat
The Overton County School Board will work together to form a five-year strategic plan during a retreat Tuesday. Director of Schools Kim Dillon said forming a strategic plan serves as the starting point for the school board to set expectations for the system. Dillon said she wants to make improvements across the board. “There’s always […]
