[{"_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",6550517,"mediaKeyId","5387789-3911dbcbbcd485a3fce46a572a86df91","parentId",5387789,"title","Board discusses teacher contracts and payroll errors as district settles into new systems","audioSeconds",175,"startMs",4285000,"endMs",4460000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387789-3911dbcbbcd485a3fce46a572a86df91&start=4285&end=4460","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387789-3911dbcbbcd485a3fce46a572a86df91/thumbnail_4285000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6550517/Tennessee/Board-discusses-teacher-contracts-and-payroll-errors-as-district-settles-into-new-systems","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550517-acb468375fc774a0d3591560c1f36fa9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568826&Signature=BN1KlC28Lz4~v13QZdhwQnnvfaZdRiXB6~kejVhiI6IjpPDIbSPfVuDQJifdaA5-TCp5JbzOofey~84HwmFfqIG78HtUF2y7lVEYLZRO5zJ3k6H0st16zEDLj-q2isKSdvtOfZKR6Qcv8h-ebomsxT4UEFA9Att3pnpa3QhXK4rL0HLxe0XTBqoSS-kKNo7Si1p8cjpEF5Khbud-gfOOEmBH4Ej9KVQsRU9QJWHGIxQC95y1HXYMUWw7E9ubJWMsf1z1TeqY~rvmczJmKXT24-PakJ2nAdoQdt-CPMmLphaqQxgx8NIOvx0j4DkrVB~4thVcsLRietWvOn60YCuKdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lake County Schools","date","2025-07-14T23:06:07Z","article","The Lake County Schools board held a detailed discussion about teacher contracts, payroll timing and recent payroll errors as staff finish transitioning to Skyward accounting software.

Legal context and options: Board and administrative staff said they consulted two attorneys about teacher contracts. One attorney advised that continuing employment practices (commonly used in districts after contract negotiations ended) provide protection to employees unless due process has been invoked; another agreed that a compensation or intent letter can serve as practical documentation for employees. The superintendent asked the board whether the district should issue formal contracts or rely on compensation letters and intent‑to‑return language once the board and county commission finalize budget and pay‑matrix decisions.

Payroll errors and fixes: Multiple speakers described payroll problems caused by a recent software conversion and by unfamiliarity with processes. Staff said a double‑payroll run did not double all deductions as expected and that some employees experienced missed or delayed checks. Several affected staff said once the issues were reported, corrections were made that same day and employees received funds promptly, but speakers expressed concern about the anxiety such errors cause employees.

Practical proposals: Board members and staff proposed several operational steps: keep issuing compensation letters (on district letterhead) for teachers who need verification for loans or housing; use a short “intent to return” form as an interim confirmation of employment pending budget approval; standardize payroll timing and consider spreading certain payments (for example, the 10 percent employee contribution to health insurance) across 12 months as a retention incentive. Staff said some payroll timing is tied to grant schedules and that any change would need to accommodate grant requirements.

Staff also reported progress on process improvements: clearing legacy budget and encumbrance data into Skyward, limiting user conflicts that existed under prior local‑government software, and improving reconciliation procedures. Board members asked staff to identify any local vendors with outstanding invoices so the district can resolve unpaid vendor issues.

Ending

Administrators will return to the board with a proposed communications and documentation approach for staff contracts/compensation letters after the board confirms budget and pay‑matrix decisions; payroll process changes and vendor payments will be tracked and reported to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 14, 2025 Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Board members and administrators debated whether to issue formal teacher contracts or compensation/intent letters and addressed payroll errors tied to the district’s Skyward conversion, noting missed checks were corrected the same day but caused staff anxiety.","taxTitle","Lake County Schools, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",79630,"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},6550522,"District reports mixed spring testing results; leaders credit early‑grade literacy work",864,2463000,3327000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387789-3911dbcbbcd485a3fce46a572a86df91&start=2463&end=3327","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387789-3911dbcbbcd485a3fce46a572a86df91/thumbnail_2463000.jpg","/articles/6550522/Tennessee/District-reports-mixed-spring-testing-results-leaders-credit-earlygrade-literacy-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550522-39e4a499012179fffed738c631b40a40/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568826&Signature=HzdGSX9SeNt9vlCXEGEg-rgZICI1WS4DAwreGXv0-~465szpGv1H9TDFver3Tvz-7Cs9NnuMgAcKfvTP4~vGf8wNzvz0z1yOWcYDM-b-xGNAAYHnqiHarP3vlF~J4ddc-EWOeXTZMU32xNnj-WcpDK7k4vwNrBic5Bgx7jj0TVgUgSSVgcTsgWicdv-GJvXoS2HusqLHHw85kvsN-L3Yrfxs9ezv6lLfBwJBa3Wo1mXcVLQa9rOWyN00jWzHTbQJJ2kVGE0~HOHMPW5KwnKEnB6gLBlWZMUhqQBuZNVzfth8UqtYxH~6uGg2n-UdA-AXIafXRsbDebLuxOQJ970eYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District administrators presented the first release of spring achievement results and laid out curriculum and intervention plans to build on early gains.

Administrators highlighted a substantial improvement in early‑grade reading: second‑grade language‑arts proficiency rose to about 62 percent, nearly doubling from the prior year for that cohort, according to the presentation. Districtwide proficiency rates cited in the meeting included: overall ELA 24 percent, math 11 percent, science 17 percent and social studies 16 percent. Specific grade‑level results had wide variation—elementary grades showed some strong gains while several middle and high‑school subjects continued to post low proficiency percentages.

Staff attributed early gains to a new, foundational literacy program introduced in October that emphasizes science‑of‑reading methods and systematic foundational skills. Administrators said principals, instructional coaches and teachers worked in professional learning communities and had stronger implementation supports in place this year.

Speakers noted the district is rebuilding teacher capacity—several teachers are newer or are completing certification while receiving on‑the‑job support—and pointed to coaching models that include exemplar teachers who both coach and model lessons for staff. One targeted program discussed (Kids First) funds an exemplar teacher contract and costs discussed by staff were in the $70,000–$150,000 range for an initial coaching cycle of 12 weeks; staff said they currently estimated about $71,000 in available funds for the first round but that federal funding remains constrained.

Several presenters warned that some federal funds intended for interventions were still frozen at the federal level, creating uncertainty about the timing of support and the district’s ability to sustain on‑site coaching and intervention teams. Leaders said they expect to see final “growth” accountability data in October and that sustained implementation over several years will be needed to shift districtwide proficiency consistently.

Ending

Administrators asked the board to support sustaining coaching and intervention funding, monitor growth when state growth data are released in October, and approve plans to use available local and grant funds to continue teacher coaching into the new school year.","Lake County Schools reported spring achievement data showing pronounced gains in early literacy—second grade language arts proficiency rose to 62%—while proficiency remains low in many grades and subjects; leaders emphasized foundational literacy work and requested continued funding for targeted coaching.",{"_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},6550527,"Board adopts updated student handbooks with new bell times, cell‑phone rules and bus discipline",779,1665000,2444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387789-3911dbcbbcd485a3fce46a572a86df91&start=1665&end=2444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387789-3911dbcbbcd485a3fce46a572a86df91/thumbnail_1665000.jpg","/articles/6550527/Tennessee/Board-adopts-updated-student-handbooks-with-new-bell-times-cellphone-rules-and-bus-discipline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550527-d35fceacd6c087f254cf712460f75017/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568826&Signature=fyCYwaNY6NdrFWNxlDU8~WeW-53-8yy0i6ob-kIR64IWS~ViWdxZK0Jm5cVdOOS7E4zgJxrENoJhRNdFKOe4mhULm-Uks4gy~qsgAXJSMTF0vXWOEaxehrDX35wof4uh8yffrFawyYC8p~WfAV5zdSwWlKhqGrDGdC1yxvS9OaR2EsuYt7Wfzx4mwV44nSuGYRdJq9seCcOmq~~79z420Wzz8yTZXl0PxQfIhgb8NxHrLoEYUdn2Z1E3JZqABh-HXdju37bhNrWOEp5gmb~3pjzAetbt5v13GGEraQZazRkwz-8p-Pc0vck3FY-IRMLpbFj88cLonODGgwf3pTfzQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lake County Schools board approved a set of updated student handbooks that make several operational and disciplinary changes across the district’s schools.

Motion and vote: Board member Jimmy Hill moved to approve the student handbooks; the motion was seconded by Jody and carried by roll call vote.

Key changes include adjusted arrival and bell times, clarified breakfast and supervision windows, and the addition of an English‑learner (ESL) section and homeschool transfer procedures. At the high school, the daily schedule was adjusted so breakfast runs from 7:30 to 8:00 and instructional time begins at 8:00; students are expected to be in school by 7:50 when instruction starts.

The handbooks add a bus‑infraction section with specific offenses (for example throwing objects on or from the bus, standing while the bus is in motion) and associated consequences, reinforcing that riding the bus is a privilege. Grading changes were included to reflect Career and Technical Education (CTE) project weighting—projects will account for a higher percentage of course grades in some classes—and final‑exam exemption criteria were expanded to include a third pathway: a C average with no absences.

Disciplinary and safety updates include a behavior matrix, alternative‑school placement options to limit out‑of‑school suspensions, and clarifications that backpacks must be clear at one elementary campus. The handbooks also describe a cell‑phone policy that establishes classroom “red zones” (phones stored in classroom pockets) and “green zones” where phones may be used. Badge identification and metal‑detector locations at one campus were noted as implemented measures.

Board members asked whether the handbook language conforms with recent state limits on cell phones in schools; staff replied the handbook aligns with state requirements and local practice. School leaders said the revisions reflect input from principals, bus drivers and teachers and aim for consistent, age‑appropriate expectations across campuses.

Ending

Staff will distribute the approved handbooks to families and implement the schedule and safety procedures at the start of the school year; principals will provide parents with specific arrival and supervision times for each building.","The Lake County Schools board approved revised student handbooks that change bell times and breakfast windows, add ESL and transfer procedures, tighten bus discipline rules, add clear‑backpack and badge requirements at one campus, and establish cell‑phone green/red zones in classrooms.",{"_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},6550532,"Board approves E‑Rate agreement to upgrade school Wi‑Fi and accept state cybersecurity grant",324,1256000,1580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387789-3911dbcbbcd485a3fce46a572a86df91&start=1256&end=1580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387789-3911dbcbbcd485a3fce46a572a86df91/thumbnail_1256000.jpg","/articles/6550532/Tennessee/Board-approves-ERate-agreement-to-upgrade-school-WiFi-and-accept-state-cybersecurity-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550532-f626873ac5b51bf54c2ca3d11b56e639/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568826&Signature=MWLIJBzSM3-yq-pqP5gu7fFf5KoHujGCKuWA-N4aE6VcyOskZIHLJ9-JQ29a8BVj4fWd8VktOGMktMsWVJLZmFuwj6Pq74O~ga0A1JDJMFo5IJKhQ1X2SAx1XJFSx3bBeIqJQQM0ASria8b6TWEPbSP9xueozqEZEVyaGqajFCczhrKjcCaslRCjEKfelWV1prklpimI2yYWZW78YZ0uZbSmSWjaMnX-JjTaq0FdjtsKz2beANt3O4ibwxMOHo~3lL-2Tgw9UAv-Olg83FlJPQAOYvKD6T6bPQwopLvyP4jEdJ~Wkr10YJK0zUk7gXYJh6jb3ccDFSu8iFwS2ovrpw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lake County Schools’ board voted to approve participation in an E‑Rate category agreement that will fund replacement of aging wireless access points and expand district cybersecurity services.

Motion and vote: Board member Jimmy Dowell moved to approve the E‑Rate category agreement; the motion was seconded by Jody and carried by roll call vote. Board members recorded their approval during the meeting.

Technology staff explained that federal E‑Rate funding—created by legislation in the 1990s to subsidize Internet access for schools and libraries—reduces the district’s Internet costs and supports equipment purchases. The district piggybacked on Anderson County’s procurement process and solicited bids for access‑point replacement. Two bids were received; Central Technologies submitted the lower bid and was recommended for award.

Staff said the district has roughly $73,000 in excess E‑Rate funds available for Category 2 (equipment such as access points and switches). The full project cost for the approved scope is nearly $70,000, of which the district would pay about $11,000 after E‑Rate discounts; Internet service itself is subsidized at about 90 percent under the program and equipment at about 85 percent, staff said.

Separately, the board reviewed and accepted a state cybersecurity grant award that will provide CrowdStrike endpoint protection for district switches and accompanying state‑provided cybersecurity training for staff. The technology director said the upgrades to access points and switches are coordinated so the new cybersecurity tools can be deployed effectively.

Board members discussed litigation in other districts involving E‑Rate vendors but were told the district’s funding is in place and the procurement follows accepted piggyback procedures. Staff said pending budget approvals would cover the district share of the project.

Ending

Staff will finalize vendor agreements and order equipment after the board’s approval and pending budget allocation; technology staff will coordinate installation and cybersecurity deployment across campuses.","The school board approved an E‑Rate category agreement and authorized Central Technologies to install new access points using excess E‑Rate funds; the district also accepted state cybersecurity services including CrowdStrike and training.",{"_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},6550537,"Audit finds repeated accounting deficiencies; board seeks outside help during Skyward transition",348,158000,506000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387789-3911dbcbbcd485a3fce46a572a86df91&start=158&end=506","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387789-3911dbcbbcd485a3fce46a572a86df91/thumbnail_158000.jpg","/articles/6550537/Tennessee/Audit-finds-repeated-accounting-deficiencies-board-seeks-outside-help-during-Skyward-transition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550537-5f8c23cc3ce929bbcfd2bb9dfa096de3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568826&Signature=iMdExVWJ7n12KzvoIZoTCjvYBRULWP98DkjtSmV3prW9HB3YKHGOeiEKpMP3UFW5PrA-o6WuY6TO7MQgOghvunPD4WKtkWCNT48M~Ai-UWdbWWGCweOUQhANs3wej5~EpxtKM7qYPzZ-B0cxbvQDUHv8qHhXbt1jSWBCNiBB0NclFgO2j5EKopI2TIjeFZZQiVOofT7HMuOYh2Y96phDzni9~28~sMiiSnr7XcYkCLF8yIbfxJ6v4qjZ~uBbkrSVYPt4RGzHm~mNnHnj4iHx4rxk81t6dcPpnS5J~srJ49NaHI4gUF0pMHL-sgfc9pk8ixGC8PQ99yDYzGcWXLpcvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County auditors reported multiple repeated accounting findings dating back to 2020 and recommended targeted outside help and staff training to correct them.

Auditors told the Lake County Schools board that prior years’ findings included unreconciled cash in the trustee check‑clearing account, instances where purchase orders were not issued correctly, and invoices paid without adequate proof that goods or services were received. A separate finding said the district did not close and make its accounting records available for audit within two months after the fiscal year close—a requirement auditors said is set by state law; the district missed the August 31 deadline this year and closed records in September.

The auditors said some improvements were visible in 2024 but that similar reconciliation and documentation issues have recurred. They urged the district to prioritize cash reconciliation and year‑end accruals to avoid material audit adjustments, which auditors characterize as a material weakness rather than a lesser significant deficiency.

Board members and staff discussed that the district converted to Skyward accounting software earlier this year, and that learning the new system while simultaneously closing prior accounting gaps complicates reconciliations. Auditors and staff agreed that software familiarity alone will not solve problems rooted in internal controls and processes.

To address the backlog, the board heard that a firm based in Dyersburg had agreed verbally to help reconcile prior years and document corrective procedures so the district can sustain month‑to‑month reconciliation going forward. The district also plans targeted staff training, including sending two people to CCFO (County Certified Financial Officer) training and rolling out accounting 101 sessions with the trustee.

Speakers urged a two‑track approach: bring in external expertise to clean up historical balances and train existing staff so monthly reconciliations and purchase‑order controls become routine. Auditors stressed that if historic discrepancies can be reduced to an immaterial, documented residual, auditors can provide an audit adjustment and the district can move forward, provided evidence shows reconciliations are occurring on an ongoing basis.

Board members asked staff to prioritize the most serious findings, confirm the scope and Skyward experience of the outside firm before contracting them, and ensure documentation of all corrective work so the same findings do not recur.

Ending

District leaders said they will finalize engagement documents with the outside firm, continue CCFO and accounting training for staff, and report back to the board on reconciliation progress and any remaining material adjustments.","External auditors reported repeated cash‑reconciliation and purchasing documentation deficiencies dating back several years and recommended outside assistance and staff training as the district transitions to Skyward accounting software.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board discusses teacher contracts and payroll errors as district settles into new systems

District reports mixed spring testing results; leaders credit early‑grade literacy work

Board adopts updated student handbooks with new bell times, cell‑phone rules and bus discipline

Board approves E‑Rate agreement to upgrade school Wi‑Fi and accept state cybersecurity grant

Audit finds repeated accounting deficiencies; board seeks outside help during Skyward transition