Oak Ridge Board approves FY26 budget, teacher stipend resolution and multiple grants and capital purchases

The Oak Ridge Board of Education voted unanimously during its May meeting to adopt the FY26 budget, approve a resolution to enable teacher eligibility for a $2,000 one-time payment tied to Governor Lee’s Education Freedom Act, and authorize multiple grants and capital expenditures, including a $536,306 contract for new scoreboards.

The board’s action package included formal approval of the district budget on second reading and several grant applications and budget amendments designed to align the district’s finances and fund classroom and career-technical programs. Ms. McLean, board chair, called for votes after the motions and the board recorded unanimous approval on each item.

The resolution related to Governor Lee’s Education Freedom Act was presented to meet the statutory requirement that districts take a formal stance to make teachers eligible for the one-time payment. Board member Dr. Borchers read a statement explaining the board’s position: the district will “provide every opportunity for our teachers to receive additional compensation,” while also noting the board does not support the voucher portion of the legislation. The board approved the resolution to permit teacher eligibility for the $2,000 payment.

Board members emphasized the months-long budget process leading to the FY26 adoption. Board member Dr. Borchers thanked district staff — including Ms. Van Dyke in the business office and Matt Bradburn in human resources — for work on the salary and benefits review that informed the FY26 proposal. The board approved the FY26 budget on the second reading by unanimous vote.

The board also approved multiple grant applications and budget adjustments: the FY26 Perkins Basic Grant (projected at $75,824.1), a competitive Perkins Reserve grant application ($50,000) for CTE equipment, and a Tennessee Department of Transportation grant application (up to $30,000) to support the aviation airframe and power plant course at Oak Ridge High School. The board approved a budget transfer that adds $400,000 to the general fund contingency for anticipated summer learning camp grants and added $76,500 to revenues and capital outlay to replace the Woodland gym floor.

On capital projects the board authorized: replacement of the fire alarm system at Woodland Elementary by Commercial Building Systems for $160,000 and a contract with Digital Scoreboards for purchase and installation of video scoreboard equipment at Wildcat Arena and Blankenship Field in the amount of $536,306. Board members noted the scoreboard purchase was contingent on approval of a financing lease; if the lease is not approved, the purchase would be funded from existing fund balance. District staff said installation is planned to occur after graduation and that scheduling will begin once lease paperwork is complete.

Several policy updates and administrative items were approved on first and second readings, including updates to Board Policy 5.11 (Compensation Guides and Contracts) and Board Policy 5.1101 (credit for prior service/advanced preparation). The board also approved an exception to Board Policy 5.1101 for four Oak Ridge High School staff members pursuing advanced degrees and adopted the FY26 classroom fees as “requested but not required” consistent with state guidance.

Votes at a glance - Approval of meeting agenda — passed unanimously (motion by Dr. Hartman; second Ms. Webb). - Consent agenda — passed unanimously (motion by Ms. Webb; second Dr. Hartman). - Resolution affirming Governor Lee’s Education Freedom Act (to permit teacher eligibility for the $2,000 one-time payment) — passed unanimously (motion by Dr. Hartman; second Ms. Webb). - Adoption of FY26 budget, second reading — passed unanimously (motion by Ms. Craven; second Ms. Webb). - Budget transfer No. 3 and budget amendment No. 2, second reading (includes +$400,000 contingency; +$76,500 revenue/capital outlay) — passed unanimously (motion by Dr. Hartman; second Ms. Craven). - FY26 classroom fees (requested, not required) — passed unanimously (motion by Ms. Webb; second Dr. Hartman). - FY26 Perkins Basic Grant (projected $75,824.10) — passed unanimously (motion by Ms. Craven; second Dr. Hartman). - FY26 Perkins Reserve Grant application ($50,000) — passed unanimously (motion by Ms. Webb; second Ms. Craven). - FY26 Tennessee Department of Transportation grant application ($30,000, competitive) — passed unanimously (motion by Dr. Hartman; second Ms. Craven). - FY25 budget transfer No. 4, first reading (establishing CRESO and summer learning camp budgets, routine transfers) — passed unanimously (motion by Ms. Craven; second Dr. Hartman). - Exception to Board Policy 5.1101 for four Oak Ridge High School staff members (advanced-degree exceptions) — passed unanimously (motion by Ms. Webb; second Ms. Craven). - Board Policy 5.11 (Compensation Guides and Contracts), first and second reading — passed unanimously (motion by Ms. Craven; second Dr. Hartman). - Board Policy 5.1101 (credit for prior service/advanced preparation), first and second reading — passed unanimously (motion by Dr. Hartman; second Ms. Webb). - Replacement of Woodland Elementary fire alarm system (Commercial Building Systems) — passed unanimously (motion by Ms. Craven; second Ms. Webb). - Purchase and installation of scoreboards at Blankenship Field and Wildcat Arena (Digital Scoreboards) — passed unanimously; purchase contingent on FY26 budget and an approved financing lease (motion by Dr. Hartman; second Ms. Webb).

What it means The actions finalize the district’s FY26 spending plan and authorize a series of grant applications and capital projects. The board’s resolution concerning the Education Freedom Act was explicitly framed as a mechanism to allow teacher access to a one-time payment while disavowing support for the voucher provisions. The scoreboard purchase is contingent on a financing lease; staff said the lease is expected to be on the June agenda for approval and scheduling will follow once paperwork is complete.

The board discussed the items with little extended debate; most motions were made, seconded and approved on voice votes. Board members repeatedly thanked school and central-office staff for their work preparing budgets, grants and policy updates and noted ongoing work around salary and benefits alignment that supported the FY26 proposal.