Dr. Kaye Martin, assistant director for Rutherford County Schools, told the Health and Education Committee on Sept. 23 that the district is requesting a budget amendment to reallocate $355,664.30 from the La Vergne Middle Annex Project to the Simon Springs Community School Project under Fund 189 to cover overages and move Simon Springs to closeout status. She said the school board previously approved the move and the district presented the request to the committee for county approval.

The committee approved the reallocation after a roll call vote. Commissioners recorded affirmative votes during the roll call including Commissioner Davidson, Commissioner Wilson, Commissioner Boyd, Commissioner McMurray, Commissioner Gooch, Commissioner Oliver and Chairman Dodd; the motion passed.

Martin also reported district performance and operational updates. She said the district had 32 of 48 tested schools rated Level 5 or higher under Tennessee’s growth metrics, marking the highest number the district has had and representing a Level 5 district for growth for the sixth consecutive year. Martin said the Tennessee Value‑Added Assessment (TVAAS) growth results are a key measure of year‑to‑year student growth and that proficiency (achievement) data is expected from the state in early December.

Operational items Martin raised included enrollment trending upward, one current classroom teacher vacancy in the district (the vacancy followed the recent death of a young math teacher), and several building updates and ribbon cuttings: Simon Springs had a recent ribbon cutting, Riverdale had a ribbon cutting weeks earlier, and Oakland High School will have an additions ribbon cutting at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, Martin said. She told the committee Simon Springs is being moved to closeout status after the reallocation.

Several commissioners praised school implementation of weapons detection at school entrances, saying initial long lines smoothed after the first days and that the program was operating smoothly at school events. Commissioners also raised concerns about transportation and the location of alternative schools, noting that some alternative placements are not centrally located and that bus contract changes were a first priority this school year; Martin said policy discussions will continue at the district’s next policy meeting in October.

Other operational matters discussed: commissioners reported quick maintenance responses to HVAC issues at Poplar Hill and La Vergne High School; one commissioner expressed concern that at a recent fall festival students had to purchase bottled water and suggested schools or PTOs provide free water at outdoor events, noting some students may not be able to pay. Commissioners also celebrated arts education honors: the CMA Foundation selected three Rutherford County music teachers among 30 nationwide honorees, and Central Magnet School was reported as ranked No. 3 nationally and the top public school in that national ranking.

The committee approved Dr. Martin’s report by voice vote.

Discussion vs. decisions: the reallocation of Fund 189 funds to Simon Springs was a formal action that passed; other items were informational or flagged for future policy review (transportation policy, continued monitoring of weapons detection and HVAC responses).