Overton Schools Prioritize Math Growth After Gains In Literacy
Overton County Schools shifting its academic focus toward middle school math performance following results from the most recent TCAP testing cycle. Secondary Curriculum Supervisor Cristy Miller said the district experienced a six percent increase in third-grade English Language Arts proficiency compared to the previous year. Miller said the school system also saw district-wide improvements in […]
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 […]
Overton Schools Starts New Agreement For Therapy Service
Overton County Schools will expand occupational and physical therapy services for students across the district. Special Education Supervisor Amanda Masters said the new contract primarily focuses on addressing fine motor and gross motor needs for children. Masters said the agreement also includes provisions for speech therapy should the school system require additional support beyond its […]
Wilson Elementary Library Promotes Reading With Greenhouse
Wilson Elementary School is constructing a new greenhouse thanks to a state-funded Innovative School Model grant. Librarian Anita Phillips said whether it is non-fiction books about plants or raised garden beds, she tries to find ways to connect kids to horticulture. “They learn a lot of trade, they learn how to finance, they learn how […]
Upper Cumberland Schools TCAP Testing Set to Begin
Schools across the Upper Cumberland will begin TCAP testing next week with an extended window to account for time lost during winter weather. Overton County Schools Testing Coordinator Cristy Miller said educators are currently helping students with test-taking skills and explaining their thought processes. Teachers are also maintaining familiar classroom routines to ensure the testing […]
Overton Pre-K Enrollment Opens Thursday, Limited Seats
Overton County families will have the opportunity to secure a spot for their children during the voluntary pre-K kickoff night Thursday, though classroom space is highly limited. Elementary Curriculum Supervisor Rebekah Hughes oversees the pre-K through sixth-grade programs for the district. She said parents attending the kickoff can meet their child’s prospective teachers and receive […]
Livingston Gets Clarity On Melvin Johnson Drive Gate
Livingston City Council got clarity Tuesday night about the gate installed on Melvin Johnson Drive, adjacent to Celina Highway. Police Chief Ray Smith said the school system installed the gate as a measure to enhance campus safety during school hours at Livingston Academy. Smith said the school’s gate is legal. “Come to find out that […]
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 […]
Directors Say Phone Policy Is Having Positive Impact
As schools begin the second semester, new cell phone policies appear to be making a positive impact. Schools across Tennessee adopted a new cell phone policy last summer, further restricting cell phone usage on school campuses. Overton County Director of Schools Kim Dillon said administrators and teachers are noticing a difference in students this year. […]
