School board approves switch to Project Coach evaluation tool

The Coffee County School Board voted to approve Project Coach as the district’s teacher‑evaluation tool after a presentation from district staff.

Mr. Hargrove told the board Project Coach uses shorter, more frequent observations and emphasizes coaching rather than the more formal team evaluations the district has used. “All the evaluations in Project Coach are unannounced,” he said, adding that the model gathers more actionable data for principals and allows administrators to be in classrooms more often. He said the district has budgeted about $15,000 for initial implementation and expects that cost to fall by about $2,500 in subsequent years.

Board members asked how frequently teachers would be observed under the new tool. Hargrove said a typical teacher rated a 3–5 on effectiveness would receive four short observations during the year, and new teachers would receive more frequent support. “If you’re a brand new teacher … you’re gonna receive eight short evaluations,” he said.

Supporters framed the change as shifting to a growth‑focused model. “It’s more of a coaching model,” Hargrove said, arguing the approach fosters collaboration and gives principals better information to build targeted professional development. Some board members cautioned the tool must be implemented with fidelity to avoid a punitive “gotcha” atmosphere.

The board moved and seconded the measure and recorded the motion as approved 8–0.

The action changes the district’s approved evaluation tool; staff said they will work through the state to finalize Project Coach implementation and will return with administrative steps for rollout.