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Trousdale County principals report rising illnesses, test‑prep changes and facility work at board meeting
Summary
Principals and the superintendent reported attendance disruptions from illness, changes to test‑prep and RTI use, enrollment and benchmark testing schedules, roof leaks under repair and ongoing field‑house construction.
Principals and district administrators updated the Trousdale County Board of Education on student attendance, academics, extracurriculars and facilities during the meeting.
Administrators said the district has seen a recent uptick in student absenteeism and extended illness. One elementary principal reported roughly 548 student days missed across the district in a 26‑day period and said 45 students had missed more than one week; principals urged families to make daily attendance a priority. Staff described extended coughs and recurring absences among students returning briefly and then leaving school again.
On academics, building leaders described a shift in how the district’s RTI and “coach” supports are being used, moving more toward test preparation and formative practice in advance of state benchmarks and TCAP. Principals said a mid‑grade report went home on Feb. 11–12 and that the district is preparing for parent‑teacher conferences and a benchmark window in late March. Third‑grade screening and retention policies were a focus at the elementary level; principals said they had conducted outreach to families to explain state timelines and implications for students at risk of retention. The district’s junior and senior classes were noted for academic honors and rankings announced at a recent pep rally; the ACT is scheduled for March 4 for juniors.
Enrollment figures presented from a recent survey showed roughly 1,374 total students districtwide (approximately 327 middle school, 391 high school, and about 656 elementary), largely unchanged from the prior year. Administrators reminded families that summer learning camp registration is open online and that FAFSA filing remains open through April.
On facilities and projects, the elementary roof repair had remaining leaks after recent rain; the vendor will return and the district is withholding final payment until repairs are complete. The field house foundation walls are in and testing indicates the concrete strength is satisfactory; crews expect to bring in substantial gravel, pour the floor and complete joist delivery and brick ordering once mud conditions allow. Principals also reported spring sports schedules, field trips, and student leadership events (e.g., FFA and FBLA activities) planned through March.
The board did not take an immediate action on the operational updates but asked administrators to return with follow‑up information as needed for items that may require board approval in the future.
