Smith County School Board approves multiple grants and discusses budget plans

The Smith County Schools Board convened for its monthly meeting on April 15, 2025, focusing on various administrative and operational matters. The meeting commenced with a prayer led by Mr. McCaleb, who also acknowledged several community members in need of support, including families of former staff and individuals facing health challenges.

Following the invocation, the board moved into the consent agenda, which included the approval of previous meeting minutes and several requests for permissions. The board voted unanimously to approve the consent items, which encompassed non-tenured teacher notifications, permission to bid on services for a former building, and applications for grants from the SCORE Future Forward Innovation Grant and the Jean Haas Foundation.

Superintendent actions were discussed next, with Mr. Smith providing updates on ongoing projects, including lighting improvements and the Middleton paving project. The board expressed a desire for a rough estimate on the paving costs, indicating a proactive approach to addressing safety concerns in the area.

The meeting then transitioned to new business, where the board discussed the adoption of K-12 science textbooks. A motion was made and seconded, with discussions highlighting the financial implications of the textbook contract, which spans eight years. The board confirmed that the budget for this expense was accounted for in the upcoming fiscal year.

Additionally, the board approved the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) membership dues for 2026 and reviewed the fiscal year 2026 budget, which totals approximately $39.2 million. The budget discussions included considerations for maintenance and operational costs, reflecting the board's commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the board's focus on community support, educational resources, and strategic planning for the future, with several key decisions made to enhance the educational environment in Smith County Schools. The next steps include further evaluations of ongoing projects and continued discussions on budgetary allocations.