Board approves calendar revisions, adds work-based learning coordinator and notes $3 million device payment
Summary
The board approved revisions to district calendars for 2025–26 through 2027–28, added a 1.0 FTE work-based learning coordinator, and the finance director reported a roughly $3,000,000 payment this month for computer devices, which reduced the fund balance.
The Oak Ridge Board of Education approved a series of calendar updates, added a full-time work-based learning coordinator and heard a financial update that reflected a large technology purchase.
Staff corrected the 2025–26 calendar to change an incorrectly listed election day from Nov. 4 to the actual election date of May 5. The board also approved the 2026–27 calendar (moving graduation from May 14 to May 21 to accommodate AP testing) and the 2027–28 calendar, which includes a tentative presidential primary date that may change. Each calendar motion was approved unanimously.
Superintendent Dr. Borchers recommended creating a 1.0 full-time equivalent work-based learning coordinator to support increased student participation in work-based learning and to ensure compliance with state requirements. Board members praised the addition and the motion to add the position passed unanimously.
Finance director Miss Van Dyke reported that the district’s fund balance declined after paying "a little over $3,000,000" this month for computer devices; the payment is reflected in the district’s monthly financial graph. She said she had sent budget development materials and schedule dates to stakeholders to prepare for the FY27 process.
Board members emphasized that the added coordinator and calendar planning align with statewide emphasis on career and technical education and work-based learning, recurring themes at the recent TSBA conference.
