Oak Ridge Board approves portable classroom, vape detectors and other measures; graduation policy updated

Oak Ridge Board of Education members unanimously approved a package of purchases and policy updates at their meeting, including a $379,082.57 purchase and installation of a portable classroom at Woodland Elementary and the purchase of 30 vape detectors for Oak Ridge High School.

The board also approved first and second reading of revisions to board policy 4.4 0.605 on graduation requirements to reflect recent state changes to Move On When Ready, selected Brown, Jake & McDaniel, PC to perform the FY26 internal school funds audit, approved a new Oak Ridge High School Cryptid Club, and authorized participation of the district—s 401(a) plan in the Southern Education Retirement Consortium.

Why it matters: The portable classroom replaces an older unit that has exceeded its intended service life and is funded from capital improvement program (CIP) funds provided by the city; the vape detectors extend restroom monitoring already in use at middle schools; and the graduation policy updates align local requirements with state-level changes affecting course and testing expectations for high school students.

Portable classroom Superintendent Dr. Borchers recommended approval of the purchase and installation of a new portable building for Woodland Elementary from Mobile Modular for $379,082.57. The board was told the vendor will deliver and set up the unit; maintenance and operations staff will connect utilities and salvage and reconnect existing fire-alarm components. Alan (staff) said, "10 to 12 weeks is the time frame they gave us," describing the vendor—s lead time and an estimated one-week demo and one-week utility hookup on site. Funding for the purchase will come from CIP funds provided by the city.

Vape detectors and restroom monitoring The board approved the purchase of 30 vape detectors for Oak Ridge High School at a cost of $33,189. Dr. Borchers said the devices "will provide vape and vandalism detection in the restrooms at Oak Ridge High School," noting both middle schools already have the systems in place. Staff clarified the high school has roughly 26 restroom and locker-room spaces; the 30 units will cover those locations and leave one spare in inventory.

Graduation policy revisions Doctor Williams explained the primary updates to board policy 4.4 0.605 concern the Move On When Ready section. He said the state updated requirements and that a computer science course is now required for high school students and the ACT threshold was raised. The board approved first and second reading of the policy change unanimously.

Other approvals - The board approved engaging Brown, Jake & McDaniel, PC to perform the FY26 internal school funds audit; the engagement for internal funds was listed at $26,900 and the board audit engagement letter will be provided later. - The board approved creating an Oak Ridge High School Cryptid Club (purpose described as exploration and discussion of disputed creatures in folklore, mythology, media and modern theory). - The board approved participating in the Southern Education Retirement Consortium for the district—s 401(a) product, aligning it with the district—s 403(b) and 457(b) offerings; the board noted an attorney review had been completed.

Votes at a glance - Approval of agenda: motion made by Dr. Hartman, seconded by Miss Webb; outcome: passed unanimously. - Consent agenda (including multiple student field trips): motion made by Miss Craven, seconded by Dr. Hartman; outcome: passed unanimously. - Board policy 4.4 0.605 (graduation requirements), first and second reading: motion made by Miss Crank, seconded by Dr. Hartman; outcome: passed unanimously. - FY26 internal school funds audit engagement (Brown, Jake & McDaniel, PC), $26,900: motion made by Miss Webb, seconded by Miss Craven; outcome: passed unanimously. - Oak Ridge High School Cryptid Club approval: motion made by Miss Craven, seconded by Dr. Hartman; outcome: passed unanimously. - Purchase and installation of a portable classroom at Woodland Elementary (Mobile Modular), $379,082.57: motion made by Miss Crank, seconded by Miss Craven; outcome: passed unanimously. - Purchase of 30 vape detectors for Oak Ridge High School, $33,189: motion made by Dr. Hartman, seconded by Miss Webb; outcome: passed unanimously. - 401(a) SERC participation agreement (Southern Education Retirement Consortium): motion made by Miss Webb, seconded by Miss Craven; outcome: passed unanimously.

The motions recorded in the meeting passed without recorded dissent; individual member vote totals were not listed in the transcript.