[{"_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",6567311,"mediaKeyId","3336783-9ff95b9c836f2692e60ff1d8625ad680","parentId",3336783,"title","Director’s report: district enrollment at 4,689; staffing growth, HVAC repairs, air‑quality testing and summer school plans discussed","audioSeconds",725,"startMs",3295000,"endMs",4020000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3336783-9ff95b9c836f2692e60ff1d8625ad680&start=3295&end=4020","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3336783-9ff95b9c836f2692e60ff1d8625ad680/thumbnail_3295000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6567311/Tennessee/Directors-report-district-enrollment-at-4689-staffing-growth-HVAC-repairs-airquality-testing-and-summer-school-plans-discussed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567311-302f80631dd7a098aa56ab19494f71e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1776279258&Signature=FWsG7wMStylmVxGKW3rZxjkqIonDg4ITIzsAyeCR2mK5PGEhrEQ7WhWNXhmi4PlPGCuoWSevo56IgCDGi0-SaOSZupGM1KdNsvONs1PV0AaFEZ7pZcXlFBbGjpBhd75ifU26oO7Ub5Kl1N8RbWMUkr17k9NdwzoH8MWTTyIUgth1Bg~FJ6goT8Kse-KRkVHPuZaPGfdpB9tQc7ZJyI5nyJh1FYFH7HmxZdrVbxN98ejbx-X0uaDFTcyzQJRp3LUh1j4moDHG-8bAjoxujwSNVkA8NyB3TBmTdUt39FHYV1J~ofr85ZI~JrVKc5Bam6aPAQxxX~oAPTFDYzUCHMm69A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lebanon Special School District","date","2025-05-12T00:00:00Z","article","District leadership updated the board on enrollment, staffing, facilities and summer programming during the director’s report.

Enrollment and staffing: The district reported current enrollment of 4,689 students and said the FY26 staffing plan includes 13 new classroom growth positions (one each at Castle Heights, Coles Ferry, Sam Houston, Walter J. Baird, Byers Dowdy and other allocations including three additional positions at Jones Brummett, a special education position, and three contingency growth positions to remain vacant unless needed). Staff said the 13 positions are classroom growth roles and will depend on final budget approval.

Facilities and air quality: Staff reported a failed HVAC train unit at Walter J. Baird had been operating at half capacity but is now restored to full capacity after repairs. The district also contracted an air‑quality vendor (referred to in the packet) to perform air monitoring at a selected building and is awaiting that report; staff said they will rotate testing across campuses.

Transportation and drivers: Transportation staff said they are running an active bus driver recruitment and training program with 10 participants (seven district staff and three community members). One trainee has completed permit and ELDT training and is in behind‑the‑wheel trainer sessions; staff are seeking state testing dates to certify new drivers. Officials said recruiting and training aim to reduce late buses and eliminate the historical “wait list” by converting to A/B routed services.

Summer school and instructional updates: Teaching and learning staff reported summer school preparations and student screening. The district said a statewide‑approved screener (AIMSweb) was completed and that 511 students had registered for summer school so far; staff estimated up to 350 third graders could attend summer programming and noted staff and bus driver assignments for the program. Staff said 38 teachers, 95 total staff and 65 certified teachers are expected to work summer school. The district reported the waiver for summer programs had been approved and that detailed plans will be submitted to the state department for funding approval.

Budget notes: Staff provided a high‑level revenue and expenditure summary and said the district plans a balanced budget and historically contributes to fund balance; staff asked board members to review the budget binder and submit questions. Staff noted some apparent variances in the program budget tool (for example, health services and instructional materials) reflect carryovers or timing of Chromebook orders rather than year‑end overspending.

Staff said they are pursuing additional funding and financing options for capital projects with firms experienced in school district finance and will continue to share findings with the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOE Meeting 5-12-2025","oneSentenceSummary","District officials reported enrollment of 4,689, described 13 planned new classroom positions for 2025–26, said an HVAC unit at Walter J. Baird is restored to full capacity, reported ongoing air‑quality testing at one building and outlined summer school planning for more than 500 students.","taxTitle","Lebanon, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",60289,"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},6567316,"Parent urges board to remove teacher from classroom amid ongoing public records investigation",255,691000,946000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3336783-9ff95b9c836f2692e60ff1d8625ad680&start=691&end=946","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3336783-9ff95b9c836f2692e60ff1d8625ad680/thumbnail_691000.jpg","/articles/6567316/Tennessee/Parent-urges-board-to-remove-teacher-from-classroom-amid-ongoing-public-records-investigation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567316-b13dbceed497dbd43e5320338e3ee965/orig.mp4?Expires=1776279258&Signature=UfqeuwlCPA6Bc4mQGRTg61Eaol8fcB95oW0wAlFmvAok2oFewxq8scVmAh3RZykzA39JNMHRgLYijAIzSkLV~QlBHDBB-lHg7oxchge9tuQ8VPh0aTyO3iWlem6SopORf1efnuZ-C98Si7JoPgFL7eUoYmYmkSIT7W1lrXtC29MdOXMnN6FOxvPjG962xd2pxeTe7TGT6Qd3fDrKtPPzpuqltVupGHVCNzboZRw1q2s-5~~PdXwuoU01wEiKe2OtcWvbQhiLyHi6a3vxRfVcOTQJ1R1-igmC-RD4OeiT41OUCTV7wFBDx4nKH2KiLsdN0OwVL561EDI~k3Qv1ualAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During public comment, Ben Reynolds, a Lebanon resident and parent of two Castle Heights Elementary students, urged the board to remove a teacher from classroom duties while an investigation and related public records proceedings continue.

Reynolds said the allegations concern conduct that occurred in August 2024 involving a married teacher and a male DARE officer; he said some encounters occurred inside a classroom while students were present and that the officer has been terminated and may lose certification. Reynolds said he provided links to public records in the meeting packet and asked why the teacher remained in the classroom. He asked the board to act to protect students and restore community trust.

Board members responded in the public meeting. The board chair noted personnel matters must remain private and offered to follow up with Reynolds outside the public meeting to discuss aspects that staff could disclose and next steps. The chair asked Reynolds for contact information and asked staff to meet with him. No board action was taken during the meeting; administrators said personnel procedures constrain what the board can disclose publicly.

Reynolds stated that the material he shared is a matter of public record and that he had provided links; he requested the board remove the teacher from the classroom while any process for the teacher’s status proceeds.

The exchange occurred during the public comment segment; staff and the chair indicated they would follow up with the commenter but did not make public statements about discipline or personnel status beyond confirming the district must protect private personnel information.","A Lebanon resident asked the board to remove a teacher from classroom duties after alleging public‑record evidence shows in‑class encounters with a uniformed officer; the board chair said personnel matters are private but offered to follow up with the commenter offline.",{"_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},6567322,"Board approves new communications specialist role to centralize district messaging",763,2482000,3245000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3336783-9ff95b9c836f2692e60ff1d8625ad680&start=2482&end=3245","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3336783-9ff95b9c836f2692e60ff1d8625ad680/thumbnail_2482000.jpg","/articles/6567322/Tennessee/Board-approves-new-communications-specialist-role-to-centralize-district-messaging","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567322-8557a21d0ec645eeae4dde67c07c8829/orig.mp4?Expires=1776279258&Signature=jQN0GBQPaYGWxgSYHXGF8a2SzhpBcjdF~inR4sURqTOnLevWSuS9iWtM99cFwodnqBa6wzFJo~JKQDOTIiGiG7NiETHVH3KG65MO98gnkjb7jn3Ax7ZQxS-u2Ux3DRAhYCfDu73Qwh~Mhbb8LAbWwU1-L~~I-WnFShwwWCu3uMpheeiwmiuMDJVBEFv8nIrw6n8FSG9s6aS4nn9Wp5RrzTjAASXNumPww-BCMwuulOe3yF-U9RTR1z5awJEBsgjmzsbXmo7DBZQJcHLsSkORWbyq3dTYACSukQZ2sPjoXq75gAEHHVNQWpoa00-pvyCfepP4yl~RsyRyd5g7BIy5PQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lebanon Special School District board approved creating a district communications specialist position after administrators said district growth and community needs have increased demand for centralized communications and stakeholder outreach.

Staff described the role as responsible for website and digital media management, stakeholder communication, media relations, events, social media, and administrative support for board functions. Administrators recommended a competitive salary range for the role of $57,000 to $82,006.50, to be set depending on experience.

Board discussion focused on priorities for district spending. One board member said they had “wrestled” with whether the funds should instead be used for additional classroom teachers, special education or ESL staff; staff responded that the proposed FY26 budget includes 13 new classroom growth positions and that the communications role could be funded without eliminating planned teaching positions. Several board members argued the position would help principals and central staff by taking communications tasks off instructional leaders so they can focus on student needs.

A motion to add the communications specialist passed after a second; one board member recorded an opposed vote. Staff said the district will proceed with a panel interview and recruitment and will return with a hire recommendation and a proposed contract/salary placement.

Administrators said the role would also coordinate district messaging, clarify confusion with county‑level announcements (for example, when Wilson County closure notices are mistaken for district closures) and support parent engagement plans.","The board approved creation of a communications specialist position with a proposed salary range of $57,000–$82,006.50 to handle digital media, stakeholder engagement and board administrative support; one board member voiced concern preferring funds be allocated to instructional staff instead.",{"_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},6567327,"Board approves ESS as substitute staffing vendor after citing low fill rates from incumbent",557,1915000,2472000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3336783-9ff95b9c836f2692e60ff1d8625ad680&start=1915&end=2472","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3336783-9ff95b9c836f2692e60ff1d8625ad680/thumbnail_1915000.jpg","/articles/6567327/Tennessee/Board-approves-ESS-as-substitute-staffing-vendor-after-citing-low-fill-rates-from-incumbent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567327-4b76f116caa095502761c85bf2db8c83/orig.mp4?Expires=1776279258&Signature=a6um0rx0cfxfa8veppeIDPJ0IAtC3IuIvo1bUwu3YhzyWgAAY9ZGmoL0prFx182MyrT3qpFt6OYobKN~uP6hhPHvzxyGwWmkVV~HyWVV54cD0fADKiUsxLX1SrLUJjTl-MV1rx49RzTCfMcxz-9Idmso55eG3j6rolOdT4uzQf-puAWYQUtd35nryH-Sc~8GGv0BaYl1vY63rLJ5USQ1p42SXxhjHPDDZDfM7OZgcnSeSaOGraoE5UaLd5nq4~dvr6WVCzJgBUu9SmVFgXukYFdlt8aWbb4reKMU~pkp1Vv301stKubcmzfrSJMMlcDrlt4deWw5hduH-ycFge7AqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lebanon Special School District board approved awarding substitute staffing services to ESS after staff presented the results of a district RFP.

Staff said the district solicited proposals, a review committee met May 5 and concluded six of seven bids met specifications; one bid failed. The current vendor, StaffEZ, has provided substitute services for about 10 years, but staff reported the district’s fill rate for substitutes had slipped to 45–55% since COVID. Administrators said they had moved toward using permanent substitutes two years ago and that declining fill rates prompted the RFP.

ESS representatives described a community recruitment strategy, local operational presence, referral and incentive programs and weekly reporting to district HR and principals. Matt Strunk, representing ESS, said the company focuses on local recruiting, reward programs for substitutes and regular communication with districts to improve retention and fill rates.

Staff told the board ESS projects higher fill rates — around 80% — and recommended ESS. The projected cost to the district will likely increase: staff said they budgeted $493,000 this year for staffing and estimated ESS would require budgeting about $525,000 given a markup of about 28.9% (compared with StaffEZ’s planned 28% markup). Board members asked about whether existing substitute staff could transition to ESS; staff and the vendor said the district would invite current substitutes to move to the new provider and would coordinate communications to support a smooth transfer.

A motion to approve ESS passed after a second; board members said the decision was driven chiefly by the lower fill rates under the incumbent and the district’s need for reliable daily coverage. Staff said contract terms will be returned to the board for final approval.

No roll‑call vote was recorded in the transcript; the board chair called for and received vocal approval.","Lebanon schools voted to award substitute staffing to ESS following an RFP; staff cited long‑running low fill rates (45–55%) from the incumbent StaffEZ and recommended ESS based on projected higher fill rates, recruitment plans and local presence.",{"_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},6567332,"Board declines to approve four‑year janitorial award to ABM after questions over service and process",817,973000,1790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3336783-9ff95b9c836f2692e60ff1d8625ad680&start=973&end=1790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3336783-9ff95b9c836f2692e60ff1d8625ad680/thumbnail_973000.jpg","/articles/6567332/Tennessee/Board-declines-to-approve-fouryear-janitorial-award-to-ABM-after-questions-over-service-and-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567332-ebdb7853b2b28c971c00962e83345b75/orig.mp4?Expires=1776279258&Signature=VQoC2VrpeJ6RgyJpUpkhGlK87QYy0XWefE9J-8IKuJm~7~b-hmqaTobtTX0wndm7LhhYVK2c5dPzCP4U6Rsb~1E2bZCOyCoBmublWylT0Ujc4~7unbq-2j9t1o3OHW3wnTmKvWp9bruLtdeZuHZTRmgtvfiPRS~2a1keNE9xRHO4t7rKCdEmCcYDMppq~fyIt9ZJY-8Rdtaga59DnFC~yg2j0Cmc0tX6GJ0D7Be3r1JkVcodF05MviKLoMa3cY93sHkz4CzmdM-scSAw5PJD9T9qcK~24EMkpVIe6CJuBS7YNuN8bJn3ZXAIeXR~RsSEvr8EFfzVXeG9rOH4RDoxZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lebanon Special School District board did not approve a motion to award janitorial services to ABM after questions from multiple board members about service quality, evaluation process and contract terms.

Administrators told the board that the district received seven sealed bids after issuing an invitation to bid and holding a mandatory pre‑bid meeting. The district recommended ABM as the “lowest and best” bidder; staff reported ABM’s proposal totaled $899,782 and includes a 2% increase over the previous year.

Board members pressed staff for details about whether principals were part of the bid review, how ABM had performed under the current contract and whether the contract covered cleaning of individual classroom restrooms. Board members said they had received teacher complaints that some classroom bathrooms were not being cleaned. A staff response said principals evaluate monthly and that the district is changing evaluation to an objective score; staff also said they will meet with ABM to address quality concerns.

Several board members said the scoring rubric used in procurement prioritized factors beyond price and produced a $300,000 spread between some proposals; one member said that gap was a “red flag” they wanted to understand before awarding a long contract. Board discussion also covered whether the board should see a draft contract before approving a bid award. Staff said the bid award would allow them to begin drafting a contract and that contract terms (including a cure period and a 30‑day cancellation provision if problems are not remedied) would be included before final contract approval.

Because no board member made a motion to approve the ABM recommendation, the item was not approved and will be revisited. Staff said they would consult the board attorney on next steps and that the current contract remains in effect through July 1, providing time to rebid if necessary.

Clarifying details provided at the meeting included the number of bid responses and basic scoring observations; staff said 14 entities requested bid packets, 10 attended the pre‑bid meeting and seven sealed bids were submitted. Staff also confirmed ABM has provided janitorial services to the district since 02/2014 under the existing arrangement.

Board members asked staff to return with additional information about principals’ input, the bid rubric scoring, and proposed contract remedies before taking further action.","The Lebanon school board did not approve awarding a four‑year janitorial services contract to ABM after board members raised quality concerns, questioned principal involvement in the bid review and asked for contract protections; ABM had submitted a low-and-best bid of $899,782 including a 2% increase over the prior year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Director’s report: district enrollment at 4,689; staffing growth, HVAC repairs, air‑quality testing and summer school plans discussed

Parent urges board to remove teacher from classroom amid ongoing public records investigation

Board approves new communications specialist role to centralize district messaging

Board approves ESS as substitute staffing vendor after citing low fill rates from incumbent

Board declines to approve four‑year janitorial award to ABM after questions over service and process