Board extends director's contract to four years after positive evaluation; director outlines summer programming and third-grade outcomes

The Clinton City Schools Board voted to approve the annual evaluation of Director Kelly and to extend her contract to the four-year maximum permitted by state rules.

Board members praised Kelly’s performance in the evaluation period and recommended a contract extension. The board moved and seconded approval of both the evaluation and the contract extension; the motion carried by voice vote.

Kelly then delivered the director’s year-end report and briefed the board on several operational and instructional items:

- Student transfers and registration: Staff approved about 35 new transfer applications being processed and continued summer registration plans. - Summer school: Summer school was in its fourth week at the time of the report, providing 20 additional days of reading and math instruction with average daily participation of about 120–125 students. Kelly noted enrichment offerings such as a "string class" and visits from TCAT that showcased career-technical equipment including a laser engraver. - Third-grade promotion/retention pathways: Kelly presented district third-grade assessment outcomes under the state’s third-grade law. The district had 136 third graders: 32 were exempt for reasons defined in state law; 66 were proficient on the initial TCAP administration; on retakes four students moved into proficiency and three improved a level; five students were advanced via district AIMSweb appeals (with required tutoring); 19 were ineligible for appeal and will require summer school or tutoring; five students scored below basic and require both summer school and year-long tutoring. At the time of the report no students had been retained, though Kelly said retention remains possible if required summer or tutoring requirements are not met. - Assessment results and reporting: The district received TCAP achievement data but noted it was embargoed until July 8; TVAAS (student growth) data would be released mid-July. - Website and communications: The district added an AI-based search/bot feature on the district and school websites to help parents find information quickly; staff will monitor usage to guide communications. - Community outreach: The district will staff a booth at the Anderson County Fair and participate in the Education Foundation's Step the Bus supply drive in July. Principals and teachers have return-to-contract dates in July and a sneak-peek event for new students is scheduled for July 30 from 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Kelly thanked the board and staff for support and praised teachers and administrators for student outcomes.

The board’s approval of the evaluation and contract extension was unanimous in the meeting record.