Four Moore County teachers have been approved for tenure at May’s School Board meeting. Jennifer Bird, Debbie Sitlow, Holly White, and Chris White all met state qualifications for tenure, and were all approved by unanimous vote, with Jamie Cashion being absent.

Director of Schools Chad Moorehead discussed the proposed budget with the board. He first emphasized that the budget will not require a tax increase. The Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) funding has not yet been announced, but Moorehead does not expect any reduction in funds. The increase in enrollment this year for the school system will result in an increase of $630,000 in state funding.

The increase will allow the purchase of a need new bus, costing $160,000, and will cover new textbooks costing $75,000. There will be a state mandated teacher raise, and some cost of living raises for other staff. Health insurance costs have increased 10%. There is some paving needed at Lynchburg Elementary School, and a seal coat needed at the high school. A weapon detection system will be put in place at the high school at a cost of approximately $90,000. The copier lease will end in August, and will need to be renewed.

Moorehead told the board that he would like to increase the fund balance to 6%, as it is now at only 3%, and reminded the board that there would likely be increases in fuel and utilities. The board voted to approve the budget.

The board approved upcoming overnight field trips for students. One student will attend the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) National Competition in Indianapolis, IN. Both the girls and the boy’s teams will attend basketball camps.

Summer hours for administration will be from 7:30 until 2:30, four days a week. Summer Learning Camp will begin four days after Memorial Day.