Unicoi County school board reviews snow days, state bills

Director of Schools John English said Unicoi County schools have five snow days remaining this winter and that they are already considering virtual options as weather uncertainties continue. "We're always going to err on the side of caution and safety," English said. "If it gets to a point where we have to make up days, we'll figure it out. I do not feel optimistic that we will get through March with days in our pocket, so we're exploring virtual options and make up options." The update came during the Unicoi County Board of Education's monthly meeting Thursday, Jan. 15, where state Rep. Renea Jones also attended to discuss education-related legislation she is working on ahead of the Tennessee General Assembly session. Jones outlined a substance abuse prevention proposal she said would require evidence-based programming in schools if approved and funded. "The first one that I'm working on is what I actually brought last year, and it's a mandatory drug abuse prevention bill… If we get it passed, it will be funded," Jones said. "We know that we can break the cycle of addiction and substance abuse if we start early, and if we repeat. This bill would start with third grade, and it would lead as an evidence based program." The bill, HB0902, would require local education agencies and public charter schools to implement annual substance abuse and violence prevention programs for students in grades three through 12. Jones also discussed legislation related to classroom supplies and sales tax relief for educators. HB1540 would exempt certain school supplies and instructional materials from sales and use tax when purchased by teachers, including an option that would apply year-round. She said she has been working with English on issues related to homeschooling and truancy, including proposed language aimed at preventing students from being withdrawn from school due to attendance violations while also protecting parental rights. One measure, HB 455 and its Senate companion SB 417, would prohibit parents or guardians of students with five or more unexcused absences who are subject to tier three of a district's truancy plan from withdrawing the student except in certain circumstances. Jones also presented an award to Unicoi County High School head football coach Drew Rice, recognizing him as the winningest football coach in county history. "We honor and commend Drew Rice for his leadership and dedication to football player safety and the Unicoi County community," Jones said. "We extend to him our best wishes for continued success…" In other business, Love Chapel Elementary School Principal Sarah Malone and Assistant Principal Brandon Broyles provided a program update, reporting improvements in attendance and academic performance. "Our reading and math both show double digit growth in students performing on or above grade level," Broyles said. "The number of students in the most severe academic categories have decreased significantly. Early grades, K-2 showed the strongest gains in all of our data, which validated our focus on early intervention." The school's Tennessee Department of Education State Report Card grade improved from a C to a B this year. Malone credited programs such as Leader in Me and the use of Wildly Important Goals for helping students take ownership of their learning. "WIGs help students take ownership of their learning, and they have become more intrinsically motivated," Malone said. "They are growing closer to finding their voice..." The next Unicoi County Board of Education meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at the Unicoi County Superintendent Office, 100 Nolichucky Ave. in Erwin.