[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",5966615,"mediaKeyId","5881465-d99fa2160da21cde4cb5ff1a6e76e05c","parentId",5881465,"title","School board allocates $391,373 from fund balance for Jefferson County High School ag building","audioSeconds",468,"startMs",1548000,"endMs",2016000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5881465-d99fa2160da21cde4cb5ff1a6e76e05c&start=1548&end=2016","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5881465-d99fa2160da21cde4cb5ff1a6e76e05c/thumbnail_1548000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5966615/Tennessee/School-board-allocates-391373-from-fund-balance-for-Jefferson-County-High-School-ag-building","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5966615-0b7178d10e3263bf0376a37038245fd2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174517&Signature=HNoR6dBb08fWAqfUHEs-IDw5SSCQx~Ek~BkcWnU1O0dr7YIgHtcWUjojsgcrNXAC9jed-y-kQpAUhrHpaYGrgIdB1KtmOvDyvD3mnocSL6YBzIi71DO6DHmft0hE~kkQo6tdUB4Z86NwPrYOmhZKPFU41Pg4y70L5hgxSK-8PTkyujguCc-ufE5dWQvEQ38bpU-AtZ2nEZ5H7g2YmfxROXuUm6wHNj4ceGtxuTTC~k8IUwIZy1dRGrtMfETPBUJl24pbgjTB3GWaU1WDKjjbsSqaCtghKMJ4vizYKquGeIDzpwfpTI4Xe9Pv~1Rb5Tws5FqaNM01pVR~ZJbkDJ37hQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Jefferson County Schools","date","2025-10-03T13:48:22Z","article","The Jefferson County Board of Education voted to allocate $391,373 from the district's fund balance to construct an agricultural building on the Jefferson County High School campus.

Board members approved the transfer after several residents and agricultural advocates urged the board to back an on-campus facility intended to support FFA and agricultural instruction. Brian Morgan, identified in public comment as Jefferson County Farm Bureau president, told the board the county's recent survey showed preservation of agriculture as a top local priority and urged the board to \"vote yes for this now.\" Jason Bales, who said he is a fifth-generation Jefferson County farmer and the parent of an FFA student, called an Ag Center \"the next step\" for hands-on learning that connects students with where food and fiber come from.

The motion to allocate $391,373 from the 1.41 fund balance was made on the record and seconded; the board took a voice/hand-raise vote and approved the allocation. The funding fulfills part of a larger project budget, which the board discussed in the meeting materials as totaling approximately $643,908.10 with the motion addressing the specified $391,373 portion from fund balance. Staff said remaining budget items would be addressed through subsequent budget amendments and existing unencumbered project funds.

Board members and staff described features included in the project scope as a complete cattle working facility, additional animal panels and gates, automatic watering, large animal scales, and an enclosed facility for sheep and goats. One school official noted a supplemental $25,000 would be used toward an identified $29,500 set of livestock handling equipment and said a retiring donor may contribute the difference.

During debate a board member said he had delayed the vote previously to check for potential state grant funding; he reported that legislative offices had no available grant funding, and then supported proceeding with the local allocation. No opposing votes were recorded in the meeting transcript.

The board directed staff to process necessary budget amendments to reassign unencumbered funds and to update expenditure lines to reflect the project once the allocation moved forward. The board did not set a separate implementation deadline during the meeting.

The vote concludes the board's immediate funding decision; project procurement and any required contracting, permits or further budget adjustments will follow in staff-level steps and subsequent meeting agenda items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting 10-2-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Jefferson County Board of Education voted to allocate $391,373 from fund balance toward construction of an agricultural building at Jefferson County High School after public testimony supporting an Ag Center.","taxTitle","Jefferson County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",38512,"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},5966610,"Board approves fairgrounds lease with amendments shifting utilities and granting staff admission benefit",1291,2039000,3330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5881465-d99fa2160da21cde4cb5ff1a6e76e05c&start=2039&end=3330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5881465-d99fa2160da21cde4cb5ff1a6e76e05c/thumbnail_2039000.jpg","/articles/5966610/Tennessee/Board-approves-fairgrounds-lease-with-amendments-shifting-utilities-and-granting-staff-admission-benefit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5966610-da2888559dad1bd55b5d3304925dec3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174517&Signature=kjamPyyVoO2DqqQI0B8DQtyIsVCxAEiIr3Y9uZCb5hiw2QRrAGd9BF5OCy02JEzjc-YURwn0QmjyXpKifTrSdrv9qy43ivBeSsAi-HLpMc7KsU1ouC~lm34nNjhdrNusHXmvTsi1lecLOAnm87MoX7Ivgdxi4yQQlTCU8avN0AJcJ~ri8eCtNLlqcKwPVKKKUA33vFSyiFPNEFRtiPqMLwSg3LrdM3xXl0RgkdtTtqD1BMagOcZ~bWQiJvZAKBZfDZcNl4lbIBG4LD~XOLCGXQNJEpfuL6R65KrYOcekuiXVzLQUKmT2Pqn9HMB7l-Yah33XSX6fgbG6vpPfF56jzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Jefferson County Board of Education approved a revised lease with the Jefferson County Fair Association that, among other changes, requires utilities for the fairgrounds to be placed in the fair association's name and makes the tenant responsible for timely payment.

Board members debated the lease's length and renewal mechanism after the fair association's representative said vendors and entertainment providers needed scheduling certainty. The association had proposed a multiyear agreement; district staff recommended a one-year lease with automatic annual renewal unless the board takes action to change it. Staff said the automatic renewal approach avoids creating a multiyear financial commitment that would otherwise require additional county-level resolutions.

During discussion a fair association representative outlined community-focused event proposals and asked that utilities be restored to the association's account to simplify monthly payments. The board considered and adopted an amendment that replaces the rent-and-utilities language in lease B with: \"All utilities used on the premises shall be placed in the name of the Jefferson County Fair Association, and tenant Fair Association shall be responsible for timely payment of all utility charges.\" The recorded vote on that amendment was recorded in the meeting as 7 in favor, 4 opposed, 0 abstaining.

Board members also adopted an amendment granting school employees free entry plus one guest to the fair. Board discussion of that amendment included concerns about cost and precedent; supporters said it was a modest recognition of school staff given that the fair occurs on school property and that the association supports student premiums and scholarships. The amendment was adopted during the meeting prior to final approval of the lease.

Other changes in the lease packet include extending the permissible sign-display window from 10 to 15 days before events and lengthening the cancellation notice from 120 days to 180 days. The fair association provided a list of proposed community events intended to raise awareness about FFA, 4-H and local agricultural heritage; the association said many of those events would not generate significant revenue and could break even or run at a small loss because they are community oriented.

The board approved the fair lease as amended. Staff noted the board retains authority to decline renewal in any given year and that special-event uses outside the normal fair must be presented to the board before proceeding.

The lease approval includes direction for the fair association to keep the district informed of non-fair events and for staff to process any changes needed to insurance or billing arrangements.","The board approved a lease with the Jefferson County Fair Association that places utilities in the association's name and includes an amendment allowing school employees one free admission plus one guest; the board also added automatic annual renewal language.",{"_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},5966607,"Board adopts policy revisions, approves budget amendments and 2026 meeting schedule",3784,856000,4640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5881465-d99fa2160da21cde4cb5ff1a6e76e05c&start=856&end=4640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5881465-d99fa2160da21cde4cb5ff1a6e76e05c/thumbnail_856000.jpg","/articles/5966607/Tennessee/Board-adopts-policy-revisions-approves-budget-amendments-and-2026-meeting-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5966607-0ae2502f4545349aa46b1e75e526732f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174517&Signature=CPP0-czNzOANNw6fo-qRkZ8mKO1-WTPvnD-Aa-oLQM9QMbBhYPbPJO160ujdQDxMt7l1~wcy7ZLs2rDQYkqf7AP7UnYy7EstP4WCBIEkEcy~dTY~h8cjNjcfaOX~Kj1J3FaiRqiLdh1J0KeI4yxqGw6wbBZtefilGwCg7iyL09x-SJ2r4eh7k--37KTzJRI-cQQvl~iqB9vBa48UiwKhhGWn5pnvWHta2WlRZ0xsIzMn37jgCxjuLBy~nZroUp4~ScKp1B4N1D9VxBH4FkXN70QiPLQxTJNXU9XyX7Szvwk1HM-yi0z0Q8HBFCACUYXQHEfCI2lcYcI2xWh5IgjGew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Jefferson County Board of Education approved a package of policy changes, several budget amendments and the board's 2026 meeting schedule.

Policy changes: The board's policy committee recommended revisions to the district's use-of-personal-communication-devices policy (policy 6.312). The recommended changes add specified exceptions allowing limited use of wireless communication devices by students under enumerated circumstances and add notification procedures for parents via one-call and the district website in emergencies. The committee moved 6.312 forward as a first reading to be brought back for a second reading at the next business meeting.

The board also adopted revisions required for charter-school related policies — 1.901, 1.903, 1.905 and 1.906 — on first and final reading to ensure compliance with mandatory state wording; the policy committee recommended suspending rules and adopting those policies immediately because the language reflected existing law.

Budget amendments: The board approved several budget amendments across funds. The meeting record shows approval for General Fund (141) amendments, Federal Fund (142) amendments, and Capital Projects Fund (177) adjustments that move committed balances back into expenditure lines for the new fiscal year. Board discussion clarified that the capital projects adjustments restore previously committed funds to expenditure lines and that no new capital projects were identified as fully committed at the time of the vote.

Schedule: The board approved the 2026 meeting calendar as presented. Board members noted the calendar omits regular meetings in July and August, with special-call meetings available if business arises during the summer months.

Each item was approved in separate motions recorded on the meeting agenda and passed by voice/hand-raise votes; the transcript notes unanimous consent or no objections for many of the approvals but does not provide a full roll-call for every vote in the record.","The Jefferson County Board of Education approved revisions to electronic device and charter-related policies, adopted multiple budget amendments across funds, and approved the 2026 meeting schedule.",{"_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},5966601,"Resident urges school board to restore prayer at meetings and in schools during public comment",150,90000,240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5881465-d99fa2160da21cde4cb5ff1a6e76e05c&start=90&end=240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5881465-d99fa2160da21cde4cb5ff1a6e76e05c/thumbnail_90000.jpg","/articles/5966601/Tennessee/Resident-urges-school-board-to-restore-prayer-at-meetings-and-in-schools-during-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5966601-2821c48c475690f0b3d8cdf987691e29/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174517&Signature=ag5WJ3REAtjL4ZVPn-kYqITlXNdCx80ERl0rGQAyMAsp4Z8UbviZS~NM4aAonz8Bl67txRm70kPqnpddW2KaOaNqjXyXS~DwjdKY5Slm8NM79Sa6lMFtzdybckBaVYTwW0xdFVtNrugpXJgCe1G1a8fIyI27kBZJdbeI1aXD3vE8cp5BlSoWrNwcZroEN57KVYfBuh4Ts-g5BAna8DdFmwgZsywm~0IkeGSLVKGaL3cn4qs2zVKUlwxLJ7BcLeSczefROFHSDYTo3ma~sQBHLYbEc83XYgqqG6wtlT907-Kpd5wos~2guG7UP9tqbbMaY1HhLf83wu1xja5kZ-AvMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public comment portion of the meeting, Marion Knight of Danbridge urged the Jefferson County Board of Education to resume opening meetings with prayer and to restore daily prayer in schools.

Marion Knight opened by identifying herself and her address, then said: \"The first amendment says, congress shall make no law establishing a religion or prohibiting street exercise. You are not making laws about religion.\" Knight argued that prohibitions on government-sponsored prayer have left children without an acknowledged place for religion and asked, \"How about if we start right now with a prayer to start this meeting?\" She then offered a spoken prayer and closed by saying, \"Please grant us the courage to fulfill your will in the name of Jesus Christ, my lord and savior. Amen.\" Knight asked the board to \"start your meetings with prayer like other boards.\"

Board members did not take formal action on the request during the meeting. The public comment was included on the record but no policy change or vote occurred during the session.","During public comment a resident asked the board to reinstate prayers at school board meetings and daily school prayers for students, arguing Supreme Court precedent has been misapplied and prayer removal harms children.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

School board allocates $391,373 from fund balance for Jefferson County High School ag building

Board approves fairgrounds lease with amendments shifting utilities and granting staff admission benefit

Board adopts policy revisions, approves budget amendments and 2026 meeting schedule

Resident urges school board to restore prayer at meetings and in schools during public comment