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Board ends cleaning contract, approves in‑house hiring plan and authorizes pay offers; transportation contract and cameras flagged as liabilities
Summary
Trustees moved to mutually end the district’s cleaning contract and authorized administrators to advertise an in‑house custodial position, approved MOAs and salary schedule items including 6% offers to the district clerk and head of maintenance, and heard concerns about the transportation contractor (Harlow's) including unplugged security cameras and route consolidations.
The Knoxville School Board approved several personnel and contract actions during the meeting, including ending a contracted custodial agreement and directing administration to explore hiring custodial staff as district employees.
Trustees approved a motion to terminate the cleaning contract with Sue Chenoweth by mutual agreement; administration reported the district has evaluated numbers and believes bringing custodial work in‑house could reduce cost and provide employee benefits. A former contractor who previously held the cleaning contract said an in‑house model could provide steadier hours, benefits and better quality control.
In personnel actions, trustees approved a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the athletic director to retain an extra prep period for the coming year, and adopted the classified salary schedule for 2025‑26. During negotiation items, the board voted to offer Miss Mercer (the district clerk) a 6% salary increase for 2025‑26 and also authorized a 6% offer for the head of maintenance; both offers were carried by voice/roll call and will be delivered as formal letters for counters/acceptance.
Separately, administrators reported recurring problems with the district’s transportation contractor, Harlow's, including a dispute over route consolidations, requests for reimbursement, and a recurring issue where cameras at the bus barn were unplugged, creating a liability and insurance concern. Administration said the bus contract expires next year and recommended monitoring and correspondence with the contractor; trustees discussed documenting problems and working with the insurer and procurement options.
The board approved these personnel and operational motions by voice or roll call; administration will prepare formal offer letters and procurement or contract follow‑up as appropriate.
