The Franklin County coordinated school health director outlined the Tennessee Healthy Schools Challenge on Monday and asked school board members to take part in a staff wellness program tied to the grant criteria.

The director said meeting more of the program's criteria increases potential awards: platinum-level schools meet 12'13 criteria (about $8,000), 11 of 13 qualifies for about $6,000, 10 criteria for $5,000, and bronze for $4,000. To help board members participate, the director distributed fitness bracelets and asked each member to send weekly step totals and a Friday blood pressure reading by email so the director could maintain a district log.

The director framed the effort as both a model for students and a practical way to secure money for student programs and equipment. "If kids aren't active at school and if they're not active in the classroom, they're not learning as much," the director said, adding that staff participation can help the district meet eligibility rules. One criterion the director read aloud calls for a staff wellness program in which at least 50% of board members actively participate.

Board members asked clarifying questions about participation levels and what happens if the 50% threshold is not met; the director said active participation, even if members did not meet every step goal, counted toward the requirement. The director also said board members would have free access to a local fitness facility through March 31 to build steps while weather is cold and that the initiative would run through the end of the school year with a report at the May board meeting.

The director named Dr. Holcomb as an early participant and said Mass Appeal staff member Ashley Davis agreed to arrange short-term memberships for board members. The director emphasized that any money the district wins through the Healthy Schools Challenge would be spent on programs or equipment for students.

No formal action or vote was taken on the Healthy Schools Challenge during the meeting.

The presentation came during the board's regular meeting of Jan. 13, when board members also heard curriculum and finance updates.