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Oak Ridge Board approves preschool grants, cafeteria equipment purchases and new student clubs; enrollment dips
Summary
The Oak Ridge Board of Education unanimously approved multiple routine items including Head Start and pre-K grants, a FY26 budget transfer first reading, purchase of cafeteria equipment, and two new student clubs; the district reported enrollment is down 73 students compared with May 28.
The Oak Ridge Board of Education approved a slate of routine actions on funding, equipment purchases and student clubs and received reports on enrollment and legislative tracking during a regular meeting.
On grants and preschool programs, district staff recommended approval of the FY27 Preschool Head Start training and technical assistance plan, which includes $9,317 of Head Start funds earmarked for training and technical assistance; the motion passed unanimously. The board also approved a FY27 preschool voluntary pre-K grant that district staff said traditionally funds five pre-K classrooms serving 104 four-year-old students; staff noted responses to the grant application were entered into the state ePlan. Separately, the board approved a FY26 Head Start continuation grant valued at $1,075,000.35, which Doctor Borchers said would fund services for 118 three- and four-year-old students.
In financial matters, Doctor Borchers presented the FY26 budget transfer number 2 (first reading), describing midyear realignments for salaries and benefits, unencumbered funds moved to substitute lines, and the establishment of capital outlay for the Glenwood chiller replacement among other routine transfers. The item advanced on first reading without discussion.
The board approved purchase of cafeteria equipment — eight ovens and three steamers — from Douglas Equipment for $181,877.90 to replace equipment at Oak Ridge High School, Robertsville Middle School, Jefferson Middle School and Woodland Elementary School. District staff said delivery is typically six to eight weeks from order and that exact installation timing depends on delivery and vendor scheduling.
The board also approved two new student clubs: a Robertsville Middle School group called "Jesus' Time to Shine," described as a student prayer and fellowship group that will read the Bible and hold fellowship activities, and an Oak Ridge High School Photo Society meant to develop photography skills and critique work.
On enrollment and attendance, district staff reported enrollment is down 73 students compared with May 28, attributing the largest decrease to Oak Ridge High School where a number of seniors graduated early; staff also reported that 283 district staff members had perfect attendance for the reporting period (about 39% of staff).
All motions recorded in the meeting were approved unanimously; specific vote counts were not provided in the transcript. The board announced upcoming engagements (a visit to Secret City Academy, a student council meeting, a kindergarten field trip and a truancy meeting) and adjourned.
