School Board Extends Director Dronebarger’s Contract
The White County School Board approved a new four-year contract for Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger Thursday, extending his leadership through June, 2030. Board Chairman Bob Young said the decision serves as a gesture of goodwill to recognize the district’s high performance on state testing over the past several years. Young said the school system […]
Homeschooling Surge, Flexibility Nationally Echoed In UC
The national rise in homeschooling being seen across the Upper Cumberland as parents seek more freedom and responsibility for the education and upbringing of their children. Daniel 1 Academy Principal Darrin Crockett said the growth of alternative education is driven by an increased awareness of the flexibility and individualized learning plans available to families. Crockett […]
Upper Cumberland Counties Secure Perkins CTE Grants
Nine school districts and institutions across the Upper Cumberland have secured a portion of more than $2.6 million in Perkins Reserve Grant funds to support Career and Technical Education for the 2026-2027 school year. Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds said the grant recipients submitted applications outlining action steps to support the FutureReadyTN state plan. Reynolds […]
TCAT Upper Cumberland Streamlines Skilled Trades Access
TCAT Upper Cumberland offering immediate enrollment opportunities for students to enter workforce training programs, streamlining access to skilled trades. TCAT Upper Cumberland President Cliff Wightman said immediate enrollment is available for every program except Surgical Tech and Nursing, which utilize cohort enrollment. Wightman said the institution serves as a primary provider of workforce training for […]
Jackson Schools Secure Grant For Facility Improvement
Jackson County Schools securing funding through a public school construction and maintenance grant to help with facility improvements at Dodson Branch School. Director of Schools Jason Hardy said the funding serves as an additional allocation to help the school system meet specific requirements. Hardy said the grant will specifically be used to offset the costs […]
Putnam County Students Outperform State TCAP Averages
Putnam County Schools outperformed state averages in several key subjects during the spring TCAP assessment, according to data just released by the state. Data and Testing Supervisor Jason Stickler said the school district saw consistent gains across multiple grade levels that reinforce the current instructional focus. Stickler said the district has outperformed state levels in […]
Overton Schools Balance Budget Amid Funding Changes
The Overton County Board of Education is prioritizing staff retention and recruitment while navigating the new TISA funding formula. Board Chairman Mitchell Stonecipher said the board is working to maintain consistent funding levels following the state legislature’s shift away from the Basic Education Program. Stonecipher said the state now verifies student enrollment nearly once a […]
Overton Schools Boost Pay To Ensure Substitute Coverage
The Overton County School Board discussed Tuesday night plans to increase substitute teacher pay for the upcoming school year. The move will help the system remain competitive with neighboring districts and ensure consistent classroom coverage.Board member William Abston said the district previously struggled with no-call, no-shows when neighboring Putnam County offered higher rates. “It came […]
Tech Secures Consecutive Perfect Reaccreditation Review
Tennessee Tech secured its second consecutive perfect reaccreditation review following a comprehensive evaluation. Associate Provost Sharon Huo said the university achieved full compliance with zero recommendations for improvement from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Huo said most institutions receive findings they must address over several months or years to maintain […]
State Index Leads To Putnam Schools Funding Reduction
Putnam County’s ability to pay for its students’ education led to a reduction in state funding. Director of Schools Corby King said the TISA formula uses an index from the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations and the Center for Business and Economic Research. The index calculatse local funding capacity. “We have a higher ability […]
