[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6087012,"mediaKeyId","2892615-2caf178787b2a5a73ef11b51a39d78e1","parentId",2892615,"title","Board hears debate over single-vendor 403(b) contract as teachers warn of penalties","audioSeconds",2765,"startMs",2752000,"endMs",5517000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892615-2caf178787b2a5a73ef11b51a39d78e1&start=2752&end=5517","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892615-2caf178787b2a5a73ef11b51a39d78e1/thumbnail_2752000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6087012/Tennessee/Board-hears-debate-over-single-vendor-403b-contract-as-teachers-warn-of-penalties","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087012-f8650ad21c7a650315b8409a36990f9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770888088&Signature=TYl~P91xDAqZmdWogEW3oiPQK0PQuOcLr09~PY~TIZt~2WgQTs~Z9SnW1D42NpIJPUmcUBZZn3aJfR2mU7ySO63pFpihROjkRCUqDcXRgDWEF3HM6kPKF15vbjaosZ5fqCLhtSZ-6At4e151nELNaNF7yH9HvHUlZyo7sp3kX4eNBPswQy4frzAAN3CsWsGORXPfgbSDrKu2CvCS37wM1cAv5-tUnJ4W4l9xwe3YBqeYeYZYc--eTmwowQ28PXJvDxRMYWnVlvOadlfNRIXtVDthkNYhWpsM8dGdWpxUBCG4Czc1kg2skyqOgtN~K9qN7vs9f5wmHX5ZI67Bbx13jA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Knox County Schools","date","2025-04-08T04:48:03.657Z","article","The Knox County Board of Education heard extended discussion on April 7 about a proposed contract to make USI Consulting both the third-party administrator and sole vendor for the district's 403(b) plan; the item is scheduled for a vote at the board's regular meeting on Thursday, April 10.

The debate centered on whether the district should award a single, bundled contract or unbundle the administrator and vendor roles to allow multiple providers. Board member Ms. Fontenot Ridley told the board that, amid recent market volatility, \"people have lost thousands of dollars in their retirement ... I just think maybe we need to think about honoring the couple of thousand teachers who have their money invested with Value Teachers and honor their decisions\" (transcript block starting 2752.525). Legal and procurement staff said the RFQ was run to select an administrator-plus-vendor and that the district can choose another procurement path if the board declines the current recommendation.

USI representative Bob Cross, identified himself on the record as \"President of the Central and Southern Regions for USI Consulting Group,\" and described USI's product lineup and portability options: \"We do have a product or a fund that does have a guaranteed interest rate ... the principal cannot drop\" (transcript block starting 3167.94). Cross said USI would not charge surrender or transfer fees when participants move off USI and that local staff would be available for enrollment and counseling.

Public commenters, including a speaker who identified herself as Brandy Gerald during the public forum, urged the board to preserve choice for employees. Gerald said the district should \"create a platform ... maybe USI is the plan administrator, but they administer multiple plans\" and asked the board not to \"exclude\" Value Teachers (public comment, transcript block starting 5091.125). Outside counsel and a benefits attorney, Al Holyfield, told the board that about 2,100 employees currently use Value Teachers and that a large share of plan assets are with that provider; Holyfield urged the board to consider a platform solution rather than a single-provider award (public comment, transcript block starting 5432.0454).

District staff explained operational and legal trade-offs. A staff attorney said procurement had followed required procedures and that the board must make a policy decision if it prefers a different procurement structure. Staff also said the contract on the agenda lists an effective date of March 1, 2025, and that the board could add language to preserve retirement options for employees who are retiring during the school year (transcript block starting 3560.3052).

No formal vote on the contract occurred at the April 7 work session. Board members asked whether approval would mean Value Teachers accounts could remain but receive no new contributions and whether Value Teachers could reapply after the contract expires; staff said existing accounts would continue unless individual employees chose to move funds, but no new contributions could be made to Value Teachers while the contract term is in effect (transcript block starting 3830.715).

Why it matters: board action would change the vendor landscape for 403(b) retirement savings for thousands of Knox County employees. Public commenters and an attorney representing employee interests said moving to a single vendor could trigger surrender charges or reduce retirement compounding for employees who cannot or choose not to move funds, while staff argued an awarded contract protects fiduciary obligations and could reduce administrative costs if bundled.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4/7/25 KCS BOE Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","The Knox County Board of Education heard extended discussion on April 7 about a proposed contract to make USI Consulting both the third-party administrator and sole vendor for the district's 403(b) plan; the item is scheduled for a vote at the board's regular meeting on Thursday, April 10.","taxTitle","Knox County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",13502,"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},6086992,"Board hears timeline and cost questions for Rocky Hill portable replacement",131,4356000,4487000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892615-2caf178787b2a5a73ef11b51a39d78e1&start=4356&end=4487","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892615-2caf178787b2a5a73ef11b51a39d78e1/thumbnail_4356000.jpg","/articles/6086992/Tennessee/Board-hears-timeline-and-cost-questions-for-Rocky-Hill-portable-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086992-8c3c2744281247a9ed208d0241e3ab28/orig.mp4?Expires=1770888088&Signature=IPMnEdnqU9XMPwM16ecobr0FDAMLPXJgXqjm7cjlQ41AVmM6vMA3QW7LOvdkcqxAqLmpBANuadHJZRHYvTVIjNGt4x2VjLOY3Z91gecMhTeWlrFI-gPhicO~ghUsNn9woZEbulkHXXn39jxmCpzTU4ne6vXqkXw2J3g8Yic4wsgXuo7qWQ~txu79wR-zdjrqrT3O3C5GI5ps1c8yRVzJI~Nb3x0P~FgDlPHUOrtbcJsrwBVBq9ROhqLFYsfUId3hkeEtBDROrJccbRElOQhoOEK9iCrJTD1U3xDYlWRyB-aGtDynNb~Uqu85KJBp6uZ5pIre~xoUAn-kHOoNsfFk9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members asked for a timeline and cost context on April 7 for a replacement portable proposed for Rocky Hill Elementary School; staff said a firm schedule depends on board approval and site construction work and that they will provide an update at the May meeting if the board approves the item.

Board member Ms. Pike asked when the portable could be delivered; staff said the district must first approve the purchase and then consult the vendor for timeline details and site work. Facilities staff noted that market conditions have previously delayed portable delivery and that several years ago a new portable could cost between $800,000 and $1 million, while used portables were often around $625,000. Board members were told the current vendor is a term-bid contractor and can sometimes deliver lower-cost new units (transcript blocks starting 4356.81 and 4446.3).

Ms. Pike requested an age report for portables serving District 4; staff said they maintain inventory and will share ages. No formal action occurred during the work session; the portable purchase will come to the board for approval on the regular agenda and then to the County Commission for final action, at which point staff will provide a projected timeline to members.","Board members asked staff about timing and cost for a replacement portable at Rocky Hill Elementary; staff said approval by the board is required before a vendor timeline can be firmed, and discussed market-driven price variability for portables.",{"_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},6086997,"Special education department reports progress, PCG final analysis delayed until May",292,2335000,2627000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892615-2caf178787b2a5a73ef11b51a39d78e1&start=2335&end=2627","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892615-2caf178787b2a5a73ef11b51a39d78e1/thumbnail_2335000.jpg","/articles/6086997/Tennessee/Special-education-department-reports-progress-PCG-final-analysis-delayed-until-May","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6086997-2a62dd9d58ffb65ee92608324e684bd8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770888088&Signature=KIm8DWkPx8-GyCGs~ZW1OzCjPQ7BIC9734n~ftG7iKHqgW6OtGKIqZoNB61fYEg50Mxi1pSJUJ05X76xbHdjGM6mEX7lYvViTiJ13jmiVVwg80YeqQIFiQdd6it3TxC0R~EycytELq7mhbe5BZdLTArcwA2ErwReF4gyp3AxUez8jvwY~ovCntyrd7Frg-uZcAJECG6jN9MzuBKQ1fIxkT6hHYNm6GeeY9ns6Xx2owqvLDhuFvOP4XIVG30nhwKwdOzQ6oZyD~jsQSw4uDdJys3SvUiqoyekqcu0EvWb4Vi4gzuMAYDGh63wHkRvQ1wLVpL-xuKXrEEp4iJ54htQOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Brown, the district's special education leader, updated the board on April 7, saying the final report from consulting firm PCG will be presented at the May 5 work session and that PCG has been meeting weekly with district staff to ensure data integrity.

Dr. Brown told the board that annual state monitoring reviewed 14 indicators and praised the district's data analysis and quarterly reviews: district staff \"meet every 3 months to discuss every single child who has a reading or a math goal\" and were asked to present to regional directors because of the work (transcript block starting 2382.0798). The director said state monitoring produced a positive review overall but identified transition plans as an area for growth; the state pulled 117 transition plans for review and new standards require alignment with postsecondary planning.

Dr. Brown also said the district will approve new playground work at elementary schools funded by CAF with supplemental support from Special Education to improve accessibility; staff are revising contractor scope to ensure inclusive equipment. The department's engagement metrics for communications showed 5,797 newsletter accesses, 315 link clicks and 753 video views, with a notable increase in engagement by Spanish-speaking families (transcript block starting 2574.6602).

PCG's final recommendations will inform staffing, budgeting and allocations when delivered May 5; no formal votes or board actions occurred on April 7 related to the PCG work.","The district's special education director told the board PCG's final analysis will be presented May 5; state monitoring highlighted strengths in the district's data analysis and identified transition plans as an area needing improvement. The department detailed outreach, playground accessibility work, and stakeholder engagement metrics.",{"_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},6087002,"Board reviews resolution to accept state'funded $2,000 teacher bonuses under Education Freedom Act",228,4680000,4908000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892615-2caf178787b2a5a73ef11b51a39d78e1&start=4680&end=4908","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892615-2caf178787b2a5a73ef11b51a39d78e1/thumbnail_4680000.jpg","/articles/6087002/Tennessee/Board-reviews-resolution-to-accept-statefunded-2000-teacher-bonuses-under-Education-Freedom-Act","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087002-b453c70a4c9a39047b194a807807df63/orig.mp4?Expires=1770888088&Signature=FjzfCbCcbm23JWQhR~PbUbNz6zhyHbSHuMIv5N9Sy1k1-0Tjd8nv-m4ryBBV~kT6Ls9z~gl9U2cSwE4hWjuGe2uVKymREQQbWhbPqhgSiFhpBtPEH5CwSoMqv8Dnst-837iQfrSaKZOCweUR5RVDccjwLEqMcJh6GXTbl1fnL2i5U1R7i6bpvr6vT~yOa5E6lLCOsX1irsjcdXBPn7CFphfi270d56KRa~psVXQJUITPrxufYPrDCcPBcMZQ1sk5LNC9~pxz6hm6LqdQfXtI1NJyWoId2cEQq7m5QZ3zMnTJDMQbhismbaOxL48axmodAAujpLxHDfGbrILQlK8j2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members discussed a resolution to accept state-provided one-time teacher bonuses of $2,000 under the Education Freedom Act; the resolution language was prepared using Tennessee School Boards Association model text and will appear on the board's agenda for a vote on Thursday, April 10.

Board counsel and staff explained the timeline and mechanics. Ms. Lautner told the board the state will supply lists of eligible teachers on April 15, May 15 and June 15; district staff will review those lists and work with the state to correct any errors (transcript block starting 4848.0947). Board member Ms. Pike asked whether passage must occur by June 1; staff confirmed the deadline for a board resolution to participate.

Finance staff clarified funding and tax treatment. A staff member said the funds \"come from the state\" and are not KCS-funded discretionary bonuses, and Ms. Semmelgarn confirmed the payments \"would be taxed at the bonus rate\" (transcript block starting 4773.3203). The state will transfer funds to the district, and the district will disburse payments on employee paychecks.

No formal vote occurred during the April 7 work session; staff said the resolution language and eligibility lists will guide final disbursement if the board approves the resolution at the regular meeting.","Board staff outlined a proposed resolution to accept one-time $2,000 bonuses from state funds created by the Education Freedom Act; staff said the board must adopt a resolution by June 1 to participate and that payments are taxable and will be disbursed via district payroll after state transfer.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6087007,"Committee recommends naming Gibbs High baseball field for Morgan Wallen",2570,2092000,4662000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892615-2caf178787b2a5a73ef11b51a39d78e1&start=2092&end=4662","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892615-2caf178787b2a5a73ef11b51a39d78e1/thumbnail_2092000.jpg","/articles/6087007/Tennessee/Committee-recommends-naming-Gibbs-High-baseball-field-for-Morgan-Wallen","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087007-09f74e16aa9a68413e1d4cc883760c02/orig.mp4?Expires=1770888088&Signature=HUuw4EjyUTHtSLYJir3FglYs1bUrghOKhsCU2tvM~UU3H4aEhw0AX8sWkcusAW9LpI95pm7gWtlP-lnhW89KA9E1yubvWFTrCwUkB6SflMk~ZJ1hzoVAGmOnEcWccqJs2vfIm70xgR1LzV0x9dkbyJeD9IniEnt2ZONXA0CTv4IYca6o30MOfNv6UvbnxZHxYz5kC46HrSIdQ2qcOjTEbKvUC-3jCc7jPOwEhusKQB5btLQQbr-3WQOTtYpujGza6nFW523QwU3nczQBPs803sOyE14DxHYIhMTZLkT95npRId9tS9s7psJZtYLAphD80carqmRYGJItLCBQ0FzKWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Knox County Board of Education's naming facilities committee voted unanimously to recommend naming the Gibbs High School baseball field for Morgan Wallen, the committee chair said at the April 7 work session. The nomination is listed on the board's April 10 regular meeting agenda as item 9C.

Committee member Mr. Wright summarized the nomination and told the board the packet included \"multiple letters of support\" from Gibbs school officials, elected officials and community members and that \"no communications in opposition of any kind have been received\" (transcript block starting 2092.85). The packet submitted to the board included letters from Principal Jason Webster, athletic director Dustin Minot and others.

Principal Jess Lester, who spoke at the meeting, said the nomination reflected the scope of Wallen's financial and philanthropic contributions to Gibbs and to other Knox County schools. \"We were just astonished at the amount across the state and amount around the country,\" Lester said, adding the school sees the nomination as a potential long-term partnership (transcript block starting 4581.73).

The committee forwarded the nomination to the full board for action at the regular meeting. No final board vote occurred at the April 7 work session.","The naming facilities committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Gibbs High School baseball field be named for country singer and donor Morgan Wallen; the nomination is on the board's April 10 regular meeting agenda as item 9C.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board hears debate over single-vendor 403(b) contract as teachers warn of penalties

Board hears timeline and cost questions for Rocky Hill portable replacement

Special education department reports progress, PCG final analysis delayed until May

Board reviews resolution to accept state'funded $2,000 teacher bonuses under Education Freedom Act

Committee recommends naming Gibbs High baseball field for Morgan Wallen