[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6372075,"mediaKeyId","2148499-a08d3f297142edcd9dfcff91a1011476","parentId",2148499,"title","Ingram South principal reports 33% chronic absenteeism, low test scores and rising mental-health needs","audioSeconds",1187,"startMs",593000,"endMs",1780000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2148499-a08d3f297142edcd9dfcff91a1011476&start=593&end=1780","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2148499-a08d3f297142edcd9dfcff91a1011476/thumbnail_593000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6372075/Tennessee/Ingram-South-principal-reports-33-chronic-absenteeism-low-test-scores-and-rising-mental-health-needs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372075-a0fdfe578a7f919f2a4d44974d11ff6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775502630&Signature=Xa0FRcH04eUFcn-f-hEOzCpOXYfgoNwYKNG7mjNwB77AUulHLQ0A82dCkpQQfljdRAR08J7wxUhKLL~Jxv~eWuz79vOZneZ9Sx1q9Imw68kM2pFinkt35Hmenifv8UJBFeNBO3irhAISalBi8ISlP1Xrddy9lerTvG5nW~Gc589JAVCX1Z~PeLEp20iP9aHiWgD4xiIp-15O9jytBpCwl3R87-c0405XxicX64B91N1Cl0J4o2pJP9UuFey4E70KErQHxlo92ut46Xc0ElLP3RvqlnVUPGPeZtdYLZzOy6TGP7BI4yFtEhs6Ru6ENzRaL-PhMZq542fwosJs5lPkgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lawrence County School System","date","2025-01-24T13:12:52Z","article","Tracy Marks, principal of Ingram South Elementary, told the Lawrence County School System board on Jan. 23 that Ingram South is currently classified as an underperforming school and has a D school letter grade on statewide measures.

Marks said Ingram South’s most immediate problems are low reading scores and attendance: \"Right now we do, we're currently classified as an underperforming school. We have significant room for growth in our test scores and just overall student achievement,\" she said. Of 357 students counted for summative assessment, 285 are economically disadvantaged; 119 of those 357 students were counted as chronically absent (about 33 percent). Marks noted a large medically fragile population and said absences for legitimate medical reasons still affect the school’s accountability data.

Marks described classroom- and school-level responses: a focus on oral-reading fluency (branded locally as Reading Raptors), sight-word practice sent home for parental signatures or checked in school, targeted tutoring and interventions, before- and after-school programs with STEM elements, and a new drone team. She said the school has set a goal that students read at the 50th percentile on the AIMSweb universal screener, above the state’s 40th-percentile benchmark.

On mental health, Marks said staff are seeing more severe emotional dysregulation than in her prior 29 years in education: \"It is heartbreaking to watch a child throw things … they're in pain, they're suffering,\" she said, and she urged more counseling supports. She identified the school’s social worker and a part-time mental-health counselor as resources but added the counselor is about to go on maternity leave, which will reduce in-house capacity.

Board members asked for detail and follow-up. When asked where 26 new students came from, Marks said they had arrived from multiple places: \"They are from Wisconsin. They are from they're from everywhere.\" A board member asked how many counselors the school employs; Marks replied, \"I have 1 counselor.\" Marks described the counselor’s duties as monthly whole-school lessons (Capturing Kids’ Hearts Counselor Corner) plus work with dysregulated students and attendance follow-up.

On discipline and supports, Marks said 62 students have received office referrals this year (totaling 167 referrals because of repeat incidents). She described a range of behavioral responses, threat-risk assessments performed and use of IEP team meetings to add behavior goals for students with disabilities. The school currently has 15 students on behavior or safety plans.

Marks also outlined staffing and enrollment trends: since Christmas she said the school gained 26 students; she listed current counts by grade, said the school has 45 certified staff and 22 classified staff, and reported a rise in students with IEPs/ILPs/504 plans (about 36 percent of the building population at the date of the report).

Nut graf: Marks framed the combination of high absenteeism, large economically disadvantaged and medically fragile populations, rising mental-health needs and persistent low reading proficiency as the drivers of the school's underperforming status and explained the immediate instructional and staffing responses being used to address those problems.

Board members and Marks discussed specific next steps. Board members encouraged exploring grant funding and community volunteers (mentors, high-school teacher-prep students) to expand out-of-class adult reading support. A board member requested that Marks overlay year-to-year chronic-absence graphs in next year’s report so the board can compare what interventions produced measurable improvement.

Ending: Marks asked the board for continued attention to mental-health staffing and facility projects the school needs (bathroom renovations were noted as pending work). She closed by underscoring the role of adults in the building: \"I reject the notion that my children can't learn. I don't believe that we have to find the right way for them to learn,\" she said, and she asked the board to consider supports that will help teachers and counselors meet students’ needs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","LCSS BOE January 23, 2025 Regular Session Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Tracy Marks, principal of Ingram South Elementary, told the Lawrence County School System board on Jan. 23 that Ingram South is currently classified as an underperforming school and has a D school letter grade on statewide measures.","taxTitle","Lawrence County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",38236,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6372062,"Votes at a glance: tenures, stadium lighting, fencing, policies and spring sports approved",108,7176000,7284000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2148499-a08d3f297142edcd9dfcff91a1011476&start=7176&end=7284","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2148499-a08d3f297142edcd9dfcff91a1011476/thumbnail_7176000.jpg","/articles/6372062/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-tenures-stadium-lighting-fencing-policies-and-spring-sports-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372062-645e0631680603e6dbb813c5ad58458a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775502630&Signature=kl4EktzJqAnXTMZFrfahVkzyQaBRqAbEgfEBF~vd5aRvTiBj~UftNKfPWK-vFaFD7VmTmmmsOrfnLBLoGNrI5IH1bb8nAE5F6NPc7~AyrAL2ZjoP9FMdeGspvei0D1isI9xZBothTb~vWvcEO9QOZ74HBzllQmdBOLXePdLkk9RN2ay1zX6uNFv8y-VgUifdGdTiztqADFyG1gIfxVihFB0Wnv7nmF3K8DSAutPI5ok-COl7pQfD6iCPWcOm1sYeWsRP9~3OAV3PM0qSp8-ZXrM7oQjiu~BJUGPn9dt~SCu0Wt6o0wGDkQZraUFo7rbs5DlZYHKd~S7WSyTifr255w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawrence County School System board took several formal actions during its Jan. 23 meeting. Below are the motions, movers/seconders when recorded, roll‑call tallies from the transcript and short notes on each outcome.

Tenure approvals — Motion carried. The board voted to grant tenure to a list of candidates presented by human resources. Clerk called roll; the transcript records nine ayes and the motion carried. (Roll call recorded: 9 ayes; motion approved.)

Stadium lighting (vendor materials, $150,000) — Motion carried. The board approved the stadium lighting materials and expenditure via roll call (9 ayes recorded in transcript). The item was discussed as part of an executive committee report and then approved by motion.

LPS fencing (bid approval, up to $10,000 maximum) — Motion carried. The board approved the fence work at the LPS site with a maximum proposal amount listed as $10,000; roll call recorded 9 ayes.

Policy updates — Motion carried. The board approved three policy items: 5.118 (background investigation), 2.806 (bids and quotations) and 2.704 (capital assets). Roll call recorded 9 ayes and the policies were adopted \"as presented.\"

Spring sports schedules (2025) — Motion carried. Board approved spring sports schedules and reaffirmed the director's authority to make operational decisions for early dismissals, makeup games, overnight stays and tournament travel; roll call recorded 9 ayes.

Nut graf: The votes covered personnel tenure confirmations, several operational procurement items and policy updates; all recorded roll calls in the meeting transcript show unanimous support (nine ayes) for the listed motions.

Ending: The board recessed after tenure recognition and later reconvened to complete votes; no failed motions were recorded during the portion of the meeting provided in the transcript.","During the Jan. 23 meeting the Lawrence County School System board approved tenure for multiple employees, awarded stadium lighting work, approved a fence bid and adopted three policies and spring sports schedules; roll calls were unanimous in each recorded vote (9 ayes recorded in the roll calls).",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6372066,"Director of Schools: Lawrence County enrollment steady, achievement mixed; staffing and facilities flagged",420,4948000,5368000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2148499-a08d3f297142edcd9dfcff91a1011476&start=4948&end=5368","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2148499-a08d3f297142edcd9dfcff91a1011476/thumbnail_4948000.jpg","/articles/6372066/Tennessee/Director-of-Schools-Lawrence-County-enrollment-steady-achievement-mixed-staffing-and-facilities-flagged","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372066-6727c432f0c04763e58461e429cf86d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775502630&Signature=aht4C-ww17rSbGKL6Vba2QFy2Vel26~rDczAXwVznx5kseR-ywUVDGIYvq0m1Vz5-7lRc8fF8AEKdLWYJUjyyonXJVV-M5ZYa3oPIERLji2xqabJAdFsplrN4pRlH0pR-uYkQ5ShurhL-eN8yCROl6Ba4JyIqz~FdR-P0ql-T~xqrldIRKwq5PRFOvr~m1eFaOhOmgMnTV7l4PXmUUu42RNs-~bizhW47gZTaWn5SE6GGbxBNV~XE1S~5~eaON~t3ER~TkTsVmsBExWVpdazywGuE7w7lg2FrN9DKW7JHJcIAj3KLSoi9ealFjV942d3DcYAm65XQx0SlqhHaBkzCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Michael Atkins, Director of Schools for Lawrence County, delivered a state‑of‑the‑system update at the Jan. 23 board meeting outlining enrollment, achievement, staffing and facilities priorities.

Atkins said total system enrollment including the Pioneer Virtual Academy stands at 6,880 students and that brick‑and‑mortar enrollment (pre‑K through 12) is 6,760. He said the district is the third‑largest by enrollment within its 16‑district south‑central core and the second largest by number of schools.

On accountability results, Atkins and the district’s academic staff described mixed performance: Lawrence County ranked fourth on achievement among the compared districts but ninth on growth. The district’s graduation rate was reported at 97.1 percent; the district’s Ready Graduate and CTE concentrator metrics were above state averages. Atkins said growth was the primary challenge for the district’s recent letter‑grade movement.

Atkins highlighted several operational priorities: a near‑term facilities study by MGT to assess capacity and capital needs in anticipation of community growth; recruitment and retention challenges in special education, secondary math and foreign language; an aging transportation and maintenance workforce; and substantial capital investments since 2020 (he cited nearly $35 million in facility investments).

On policy risks, Atkins warned of the potential impact of education‑savings accounts/voucher legislation being considered in the state special session: \"If vouchers pass, there will come a time when we're looking at class ratios that are going to be 1 teacher, 29 kids,\" he said, urging continued monitoring of legislative outcomes and potential longer‑term fiscal planning.

Nut graf: The director presented stable enrollment but uneven academic growth, flagged persistent gaps in staffing in key subjects and maintenance/transportation capacity, and asked the board to consider zoning and long‑range capital planning ahead of anticipated population growth.

Ending: Atkins thanked staff and said district teams will continue implementing professional learning communities, targeted grant spending for interventions (tutoring, RTI) and facility repairs; he said federal monitoring documents were pending and would be presented to the board when finalized.","Director Michael Atkins told the board Lawrence County has about 6,880 students (6,760 brick-and-mortar), ranked 3rd by enrollment in the south‑central core and flagged growth, teacher shortages in math, foreign language and special education, transportation and facility needs, plus pending state voucher legislation as a financial risk.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6372071,"JC Barnett principal says alternative programs cut transfers, cites Delta‑8 vapes and state law on expulsions",1013,2517000,3530000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2148499-a08d3f297142edcd9dfcff91a1011476&start=2517&end=3530","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2148499-a08d3f297142edcd9dfcff91a1011476/thumbnail_2517000.jpg","/articles/6372071/Tennessee/JC-Barnett-principal-says-alternative-programs-cut-transfers-cites-Delta8-vapes-and-state-law-on-expulsions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372071-37c5944f87ebef87186eb37de3e91d95/orig.mp4?Expires=1775502630&Signature=Pz1HMQyWP~yQnG0GwLEg9XWmCQr6TLfOLl8sgWQU8T0P0vJZYPRJfSBDLJdWREri3pWnJi5BcGdSTAiBnv5Tuc2eWoZWdill2qvALCU5jy62k8IYz66LfiXqt2UIHe8i5BSs9~sWpgnRGnflLfQNfO5thFYYQPNos5IOhzMwT9563AF1~D9eTPQuN85~raftQIclWCOoAMa~CHOJ1~w7W4mlB6dmBwj8IrA4eB0K-it6AR-o7gSkcVCt5~usPXJvIlDa3fJlNhzUjgXx6sE6LkmnEPbQ5bFmFDWOWJ~44yxM0r8Sf0~KG3ElKiP8hGOBS8I23DvgeKcQn2l8qz~F-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Evan White, principal of the JC Barnett Center (the district’s alternative and adult‑education campus), described the center’s programs and rising behavioral needs during the Jan. 23 Lawrence County School System board meeting.

White described three program strands: an Adult High School for age 17+ and adults finishing credits (he reported 53 adult-high-school students this year, about 35 graduates so far), an Achievement Academy for recouping credits and disciplinary placements (White said about 76 students have been served this year in the Achievement Academy), and the Stepping Stones program for elementary‑age students with extreme behavioral needs (typically six to seven students per classroom with intensive supports).

On student behavior and substance incidents, White said possession and on‑campus use of THC/Delta‑8 products are a growing issue: \"The majority of that's gonna be … under the influence, on campus of a THC or a Delta 8 of some type, or it's gonna be physical possession of a DAP cart,\" he said. White and board members identified easy retail availability of vape/Delta‑8 products as a contributing factor.

Director of Schools Michael Atkins outlined the district’s legal framework for responses to illegal‑substance possession by students: \"So it is actually a state law. State law tells us that when a student is caught with an illegal substance, that they get, a calendar year of expulsion,\" he said, adding that the district may use the alternative school placement in lieu of expulsion and that district leadership has latitude in first‑offense decisions (the school system can place students for shorter periods, such as 12 weeks, at the director’s discretion).

White explained the center’s point system and transition process for students assigned for disciplinary reasons: students accumulate points (10 points per day) and must reach a threshold (commonly described as a \"level out\" at 300 or 600 points depending on the placement) and meet transition conditions (attendance, behavior, academic progress) before returning to traditional schools. White said placements that previously required out‑of‑county residential treatment are now being managed in the JC Barnett Center, reducing costs and keeping students in district oversight.

On attendance, White said his campus enforces the same attendance policies used districtwide and uses automated text/email notifications when students are absent; he described escalation steps that can lead to petitions for truancy after unexcused absences persist. He reported that transportation disruptions have not been a main driver of absences at JC Barnett.

Nut graf: White’s report presented JC Barnett as a multi‑tier alternative site that handles both disciplinary and non‑disciplinary cases, while district leaders warned that Delta‑8/THC availability is increasing substance incidents and that state law sets a year‑long expulsion floor for illegal‑substance possession, which the district mitigates through alternative placements and director discretion.

Ending: Board members asked for further detail on recidivism and program outcomes; White said repeats occur but not at a quantified rate in his remarks and offered to provide more data on recidivism and program completion if requested.","At the Jan. 23 board meeting, JC Barnett Center Principal Evan White described the alternative and adult high‑school programs, outcomes and behavior challenges; Director Michael Atkins and White discussed marijuana/Delta‑8 possession, state law on expulsion and county practices for placing students in the alternative program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Ingram South principal reports 33% chronic absenteeism, low test scores and rising mental-health needs

Votes at a glance: tenures, stadium lighting, fencing, policies and spring sports approved

Director of Schools: Lawrence County enrollment steady, achievement mixed; staffing and facilities flagged

JC Barnett principal says alternative programs cut transfers, cites Delta‑8 vapes and state law on expulsions