During a recent meeting of the Bradley County Board of Education, significant discussions centered around educational initiatives, employee grievances, and safety measures within the district.

The meeting commenced with a warm welcome to the third cohort of the fellowship program, which aims to unite educators, administrators, and community leaders to enhance the school system. Board members expressed gratitude for the fellows' commitment to leadership in education, emphasizing the positive impact of the program on local schools.

A notable grievance was presented by Lori Sentel, a teacher with 33 years of experience, who addressed concerns regarding her evaluation process and the non-renewal of her contract. Sentel claimed that required post-observation feedback was not provided, which she argued compromised her evaluation. The board acknowledged her comments but ultimately decided to deny her request for a formal hearing, citing that the grievances did not meet the threshold for a formal challenge under state board rules.

In a show of community support, Dr. Linda Cash, the director of schools, highlighted September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. She encouraged the community to rally around families affected by childhood cancer and announced partnerships with local foundations to provide resources and support.

The board also approved a memorandum of understanding with the I Love You Guys Foundation, aimed at enhancing emergency response protocols in schools at no cost to the district. This initiative seeks to streamline communication during critical incidents, ensuring clarity for students and parents.

Additionally, the board approved the purchase of 15 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for $40,173.65, which will be distributed throughout the district to enhance student safety during events and field trips.

In infrastructure updates, the board received positive news regarding the Bradley Central High School running track, with the county commission agreeing to fund up to $1.8 million for its renovation. The timeline for the project will depend on the availability of funds.

Lastly, the board awarded a contract for the Ocoee Middle School expansion to Wilder Contracting LLC, which submitted the lowest bid and has received favorable reviews from previous projects.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to improving educational outcomes, ensuring safety, and addressing community concerns within the Bradley County school system.