Derek Mullins suggests free online courses for high school college preparation

In a recent workshop held by the Cannon County Board of Education, discussions unfolded under the bright lights of the meeting room, centering on educational opportunities and strategic planning for the upcoming months. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as board members explored options for professional development and student engagement.

One of the key topics was the potential collaboration with Ben Flores, who could provide training sessions for the board. The cost for his services would be $2,500, with available dates in early May. However, board member Derek Mullins suggested a more flexible approach, proposing that they first utilize free online courses offered individually. These courses, lasting seven hours each, could serve as a valuable resource for board members looking to enhance their skills without incurring additional costs.

The conversation shifted to the timing of these sessions, with members weighing the pros and cons of scheduling them around the busy graduation period. The board expressed a collective interest in Mullins' suggestion, indicating a preference for the online courses before a planned retreat in September with the new director.

In addition to professional development, the meeting highlighted exciting news from the high school. Board member Holly shared that the school would participate in the Tennessee Higher Education Commission's cohort for high-performing schools. This initiative aims to better prepare students for college and technical education, focusing on career and technical education (CTE) pathways. Notably, the program comes at no cost to the district, as the commission will fund the necessary personnel.

As the meeting concluded, the board members left with a sense of purpose, eager to implement these initiatives that promise to enhance both their professional growth and the educational experiences of their students. The discussions not only reflected a commitment to continuous improvement but also underscored the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of education in Cannon County.