Van Buren Schools Enlist Therapy Dog Oakley For Morale
Van Buren County Schools launching a new therapy dog program to support the mental health and morale of students and staff. Director of Schools Katina Simmons said she researched the program by speaking with officials in other school districts that already utilize therapy animals to understand the specific advantages of the service. “Our, one of […]
Van Buren Schools Offers Students Free Dental Sealant
The Van Buren County School System will offer free dental sealant this fall for interested students. Coordinated School Health Director Kelly Lewis said sealant is applied to teeth to prevent cavities. Lewis said the Tennessee Department of Health offers this service to every school system in the state once every few years, and this year, […]
New Telehealth Services Coming To Van Buren Schools
A telehealth partnership between the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and the Van Buren County School could benefit children in the county. Director of Schools Katina Simmons said these services could help address attendance and truancy issues that come with being sick as well as provide quick care for students. Simmons said nurses can set up […]
Van Buren Discuss Limiting Short-Term Labor Contracts
The Van Buren County School Board wants to consider limiting short-term employee contracts, concerned about the potential costs. Some of the contracts are for employees who have already retired. Board Member Barry Austin said he does not have a problem with the deals if the school system needs them. However, Austin said the keeping retired […]
Funding Could End Van Buren’s Communities In Schools
The Van Buren County School Board discussed concerns Wednesday night about future funding for the Communities In Schools Program. The nationwide program works directly with students to ensure they have the resources and support they need to succeed. Van Buren County’s program continues to have trouble coverings its cost. Board Member Barry Austin said while […]
School Board Approves Roof Repairs At Elementary, High School
The Van Buren County School Board Wednesday night approved roof repairs at Van Buren County High School and Spencer Elementary. Both roofs have multiple leaks. School Board Member Benjamin Grissom asked why, saying the roofs have too many issues for such a fairly new roof. Director of Schools Katina Simmons said a contractor suggested the […]
Spencer Elementary HVAC Units Need Replacement
The Van Buren County School Board will take bids to replace HVAC units in the Spencer Elementary gym. Principal Amanda Binkley said the units have a long history of disrepair. “Off and on, there’s actually one of the units that works most of the time, and there are four in there,” Binkley said. “The seven […]
Van Buren Approves 25-26 Budget With Salary Increase
The Van Buren County School Board approved its 2025-2026 fiscal year school budget Wednesday night. Director of Schools Katina Simmons said teachers will receive a $2,400 salary increase, and hourly staff will receive a $50 increase for each year they have worked for the school system. Simmons said the new budget will have a limited […]
Three Candidates Running For Van Buren Director
Three candidates have applied for the Van Buren County School’s new director of schools. School Board Chairman Tim Hodges said the three candidates are qualified for the position and the board will interview the candidates on March 12. Meantime, Hodges said the school board has approved a contract with former Director of Schools Cheryl Cope […]
Van Buren School Board TISA Goals: Reading, Math Scores And Ready Graduates
The Van Buren Board of Education approved its new statewide accountability report Wednesday night. The report is a part of the TISA formula that requires the board to create a five-year plan for the county’s schools. Director Jared Copeland said the report allows the school board to show how taxpayer dollars are going to student […]
