Knox School Board Approves New Software, ParentSquare, for School, Family Communications as New State Law Takes Effect

KCPS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

With the official start of summer and graduations behind them, the Knox County Board of Education was busy planning for the next school year during their June 19 meeting.

Jerry Vaughn, pastor at Parkway Baptist Church, opened the meeting with a moment of silence.  Ledford thanked him afterward, mentioning how he is active in getting roads cleared during winter weather.  Vaughn, jokingly, shared that "this year's winter is going to be worse."

When the meeting was called to order, most action items focused on programs, services, and vendors that the district will use when school resumes on August 6. 

Local vendors who placed bids for supplies and services were awarded, with most categories receiving approval for any and all bids.  In some categories, the Board approved specific vendors, including Alarm Tech Fire and Security, UPIC Labs for district drug testing and Royal Treatment for drug screenings and testing, and Southeast Pest Control.  

The Board approved the reading of policies and procedures, most of which were a result of the last state legislative session or federal guidelines.  Handbooks were also approved, which, when asked later about changes, "the handbooks themselves have no local policy changes, only those that we are required to adopt," said Frank Shelton, communications director.

Shelton continued to say that the action on a traceable communication system, a service that was awarded to ParentSquare, was the result of state law.  "Senate Bill 181 states that the school district must have one and two-way communication monitoring, tracing any texts, phone calls, file transfers, among staff and students," said Shelton.  He stated that families would receive more information as school starts and student athletes participating in summer practice would be the first to utilize the system when it goes live.

A preschool teacher position was created for Lay Elementary and an LBD teacher at Lynn Camp, both due to anticipated enrollment.  The number of summer school staff positions needed was approved.  A maintenance substitute position was created with the salary set by certification.

Agreements with Infinite Campus and Tyler Technologies, all of which are state required software platforms, were approved for the district's portion of operational costs.  Membership with the Southeast South-Central educational cooperation, Structured IT for telephone system services, and Lite the Nite to assist with federal technology funding services were all renewed for the upcoming year.

Insurance and student athletic trainers were among additional items that the Board approved in preparation for the new year.

The district's career programs were discussed, including an agreement with the Labor Cabinet for a community work transition program.

"The primary goal of this program and all services provided is to improve the transition of students with disabilities into competitive integrated employment prior to high school exit," explained Superintendent Jeremy Ledford.

"Program goals are to provide exposure and experiences in career and employment opportunities in order to improve transition into postsecondary education and training."

The funding for the district's career and technology center was also approved, with the funds allocated toward salary and other reasonable costs for local control of the center.

A software program, Transfr Trek, which provides students with career exploration opportunities, was approved for the district's JAG programs.

The meeting ended with the Board going into closed session to discuss the superintendent's evaluation for the past year.  After returning from closed session, a motion was made to rate Superintendent Ledford exemplary in all standards of leadership.

Minutes of the June meeting, including all items on which action was taken, will be included in the consent agenda for their July 17 meeting.