[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6598164,"mediaKeyId","3048087-72a8ad67cdf835bcf8b30d62ece0ebfd","parentId",3048087,"title","Sycamore High School highlights achievement gains, community partnerships and celebrates staff","audioSeconds",987,"startMs",87000,"endMs",1074000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048087-72a8ad67cdf835bcf8b30d62ece0ebfd&start=87&end=1074","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048087-72a8ad67cdf835bcf8b30d62ece0ebfd/thumbnail_87000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6598164/Tennessee/Sycamore-High-School-highlights-achievement-gains-community-partnerships-and-celebrates-staff","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598164-e03a93aa23d74ed45c3bf7e3a3fe2d3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845389&Signature=Ms8dAMw7NKRaNCYDeq9X--FeILCKYwf1cLB4n~AMuC-I23-yssBdyx0XfhnQx3ZIUE4Uq4TH510yJ18y4NkbPVDF9M8nl65N0gtAaFK5rMj-WOCrug4MXqENIWztLZJU1Ys0WMPSKavXDWrfTmuBmHJsonazWVdCaVJHC0kpQmauyQV0hFj5yZ0OuJwxXYkuUdrsylcSROnVRKoPbmeRYjEPg2tzP9IgddngYObi1s-0NEgEmaNlAc1nEZ~fPGJgxqy7~Lb7uqKAufk5QhH2qEYDUuHooo5-OtaJW5f45BCd0JgVpT6-d1wweZYatRlUk5xNZIfOdXW36~FzpDGPcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cheatham County Schools","date","2025-04-10T00:00:00Z","article","Sycamore High School presented its school improvement plan update Thursday to the Cheatham County Board of Education and received board recognition for student and staff achievements.

Principal Wendy (Sycamore High School) reported the school achieved level-5 growth for a third consecutive year, indicating students showed more than one year''s worth of growth on course end-of-course tests. The school''s current goal is to reach 80% of students scoring on track or mastery, though administrators said they will celebrate year-to-year gains even if the 80% threshold is not reached immediately.

Wendy described targeted strategies: teachers adopting small caseloads of \"bubble\" students to provide encouragement and test-time supports, integrating writing tasks across non-tested subjects, and scheduling job-embedded professional development. She credited cross-curricular planning and teacher-led professional development for recent gains in algebra and biology.

The presentation highlighted community partnerships: Sycamore students toured a new Habitat for Humanity build in Ashland City that included solar panels, and the school has raised $6,118.50 for Habitat to date through student fundraisers. Science teacher Carolyn (Darbus) secured a $5,000 AO Smith grant for STEM equipment for the science department, principal Wendy said. The Cheatham County Enhancement Coalition provided guest speakers and led a community-wide suicide-awareness event; one speaker, Laura Stack, founder of Johnny's Ambassadors, addressed ninth through twelfth graders on substance risks.

Wendy also showcased teacher leadership: staff members from Sycamore have led professional development at the district and state levels, including sessions on CTE, flipped-classroom models and formative assessment strategies.

The board honored students who attended the Tennessee School Board Association SCOPE conference in Nashville on March 11; the delegation joined 246 peers from across the state to debate K''12 education policies. Principal Wendy read the student delegation names and shared committee outcomes on issues debated at the conference.

The board also recognized multiple employees of the month across district positions, including teachers, support staff and program leaders; certificates were made available for principals to distribute.

Board members thanked Sycamore staff and administrators for hosting the meeting and praised the school's work ahead of state testing. Several board members noted facilities improvements and ongoing work to support extracurricular programs.

Principal Wendy and the district HR office also announced a new quarterly HR newsletter for staff that will include retirement and benefits information, wellness resources and district highlights; the series will be issued quarterly starting in June.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CCSD APRIL 2025 BOARD MEETING","oneSentenceSummary","Sycamore High School reported continued academic growth, community partnerships and staff achievements during a school-improvement update to the Cheatham County Board of Education Thursday.","taxTitle","Cheatham County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",67536,"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},6598171,"Cheatham County Board approves $2,000 teacher-bonus resolution, attorney retainer change and policy revision",208,2361000,2569000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048087-72a8ad67cdf835bcf8b30d62ece0ebfd&start=2361&end=2569","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048087-72a8ad67cdf835bcf8b30d62ece0ebfd/thumbnail_2361000.jpg","/articles/6598171/Tennessee/Cheatham-County-Board-approves-2000-teacher-bonus-resolution-attorney-retainer-change-and-policy-revision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598171-3c5be3db771b4bde3cb4009b0687ca6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845389&Signature=VqVUaZKTR-XqU1-2nN632b2Ywht--2FeUp78qaAvlXbw7zYcQazdFNkfN8EzjU4I-3WZFQ0WisPsFBXT0uKV670IH3R29mJdTS~GkgYZmgXNYNV4EpTlqiwBrMBlV1qRILC2Fifojcqmjszaj-sMfczJvGwgTqctAr703lgauFWbEjhN2Ng3MFiX9JnYihPEvoV~hbw0u3fwKpA4OsiiA~5qlsXkCguHHytDTD~-gj0W-bpXsPzGY-7scjg9Os0F3eqth1InOfI3dlDY~UNgySA4JxqpylEx3xuyBLVbEpYw17zkvWL5ww7tkZwh1j2vQSw5VQnRzv5ukeCzerXH5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cheatham County Board of Education on Thursday approved several administrative and personnel actions, including a resolution to accept state funds for $2,000 one-time bonuses for eligible classroom teachers, an amended contract for the board attorney and a second-reading approval of Policy 5.802, which revises qualifications and meeting requirements for the director of schools.

The voucher-related resolution implements section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025''s bonus provision and affirms the board''s intention to participate so that the district may receive state funds to distribute one-time $2,000 bonuses to qualifying public-school classroom teachers. Board members emphasized the resolution does not express support for or opposition to the broader voucher law but simply accepts the bonus funding mechanism described in state statute.

Board chair read the resolution and summarized intent: \"This is just simply an opportunity for us to be able to accept this money for our teachers, and basically it's saying that we're going to comply with the state law, which we're required to do,\" the chair said.

Board members asked whether the bonus would apply to librarians or administrators; the chair said the bonus is restricted to classroom teachers as defined in the statute and does not apply to librarians or administrators.

A roll-call vote on the resolution was unanimous. The board secretary recorded affirmative votes from members present, including Ms. Patrick, Reisen, Harden, Taub and Carter.

On the attorney contract, the board approved an amendment that adjusts the monthly retainer for the board attorney, Alan Woods; the motion to approve the amended contract carried unanimously. Woods clarified most work for the board is not billed hourly because the retainer covers regular advice and consultations for staff and board members.

On the policy revision, the board approved Policy 5.802, Qualifications of the Director of Schools, on second reading. The revision clarifies timing and scope of meetings with the superintendent prior to evaluation periods. The policy passed on a voice vote.

Votes at a glance:
- Education Freedom Act (2025) teacher-bonus participation resolution: motion moved, seconded; roll-call vote recorded as unanimous yes.
- Attorney contract amendment (board counsel Alan Woods): motion passed by roll-call, unanimous.
- Policy 5.802 (Qualifications of the Director of Schools): approved on second reading by voice vote.

Board members said they will forward the signed resolution to the Tennessee Department of Education as required and that district staff will ensure distribution of any received bonus funds consistent with state guidance.

The board also approved a consent agenda and accepted routine budget summaries and quarterly reports; specific items were approved by voice vote.","The Cheatham County Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to participate in the state''s Education Freedom Act teacher-bonus provision, approved an amended contract for the board attorney and approved a second-reading revision to Policy 5.802 on director qualifications.",{"_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},6598174,"Cheatham County Board adopts Savvas science textbooks for K–12 after local committee review",484,2650000,3134000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3048087-72a8ad67cdf835bcf8b30d62ece0ebfd&start=2650&end=3134","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3048087-72a8ad67cdf835bcf8b30d62ece0ebfd/thumbnail_2650000.jpg","/articles/6598174/Tennessee/Cheatham-County-Board-adopts-Savvas-science-textbooks-for-K12-after-local-committee-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598174-c4a37e72a0072875f3e1db96ef2f336f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845389&Signature=dSZsAjLv5ir1yqpteWKVSenZRrbpsn1opq4j7DpMUx8xiFeelbbhT7i038KAGHthBD62ihBNm48rJprhvxwUyI5C3VkqDiXIYMk9peUefU0oq653063fG6sDveSURSB-ZXQJ8fkXl4dTqH2jrqUJv0nr3vCS0mGuJNG1Bir0ErqJOB8PT6OAdoiA17tckE9cy-Y-xjXxp6h2kXznctQgZPP4H6kMWR5s7RYHFoZyhzUGAPbvO~izOEOdBvWtuBKE99hnbrDjWBWDLm5vUKO2JWYu7c0LlEriKfnLK54s3G0W0wmt4Xo3nrvhharWbBWMOmNHYAp5xicLw23G2LJwZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cheatham County Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to adopt a slate of science textbooks recommended by the district''s local selection committee.

District staff presented the committee''s recommendation to adopt Savvas (Savvas Learning Company) materials: Elevate Science for kindergarten through grade 4 and grades 5''8, Mill & Levine Biology for grades 9''12, and Experience Chemistry for grades 9''12. The adoption follows a multi-step review process that included classroom teachers from each school, publisher demonstrations, and professional-development sessions on Tennessee''s Next Generation science standards.

Why it matters: Adopting aligned instructional materials is the first procurement step; the district''s academic and finance teams will now plan for funding and rollout. Board members said they expect textbook purchases to follow the standard budget process.

District staff member Chris Cooper, who led the presentation to the board, described the committee''s process: \"Whenever we do a new adoption cycle for any of the textbooks that are required by the state in their adoption cycles, we have to go through specific procedure. It starts by nominating a member from each school in the district to be on the committee to choose.\" Cooper said teachers attended state adoption meetings, hosted publisher caravans and then voted on the materials most closely aligned to state standards.

Cooper told the board that teachers rated the Savvas materials highest for rigor and alignment with Tennessee''s standards. The K''2 adoption includes a K''2 path that integrates with the district''s elementary literacy product, Benchmark Advance, a connection Cooper said will help build vocabulary and background knowledge across subjects.

Board members asked about cost and next steps. Superintendent Dr. Beck said the district will incorporate the adoption into upcoming budget discussions with the finance office. \"Once we adopt this, then we'll begin the budget process,\" Dr. Beck said, adding that finance discussions would begin as soon as the next day.

The board recorded a roll call vote after a motion to approve the committee''s recommendation and carried the measure with all members voting yes.

What happens next: Administrative staff will work with the finance office to identify funding and an implementation timeline, including professional development tied to the new materials and existing state instructional guidance for science.

Board members praised teachers for their involvement in the selection and the professional development that accompanied the review. The presentation said some of the district''s ISM (instructional support/implementation) funds will be used for equipment that supplements the new texts.

The adoption does not finalize procurement until budget appropriation; the board must allocate funds during the budget process to purchase the materials and related equipment.","The Cheatham County Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt Savvas Publishers' science textbooks for K–12 after a local committee of teachers reviewed materials aligned to Tennessee''s Next Generation Science Standards. The board will next address budget allocations to purchase the materials.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sycamore High School highlights achievement gains, community partnerships and celebrates staff

Cheatham County Board approves $2,000 teacher-bonus resolution, attorney retainer change and policy revision

Cheatham County Board adopts Savvas science textbooks for K–12 after local committee review