LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — The Moore County Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, June 9 with a full agenda including several budget approvals. In particular, they reduced their budget by excluding new science textbooks and a new school bus to accommodate the $200,000 in reduced budget approved by the Metro Council on May 19. {To read our full coverage of that meeting, click here.}

Meeting Minutes & Agenda Approved
The meeting began with the approval of May’s meeting minutes, including a correction noting that all board members were present. The board also adopted the meeting agenda with two additions: TSBA policy updates and a proposed student field trip.

Budget Amendments and General Fund Approved
Board members approved a budget amendment for the 2024–25 school year, which included adjustments to revenue and expenditures due to changes in grant funding . Jammie Cashion made the motion, and Kaleigh Hatfield seconded it. It passed unanimously.

They also passed the 2025–26 general purpose budget, noting minimal changes from the previously approved version, aside from updated tax rate projections and minor maintenance reclassifications. Carrie Barnett made the motion, and Jammie Cashion seconded it. It passed unanimously.

As discussed in the May Metro Council meeting, Director Moorehead opted to remove new science textbooks and a new school bus from the 2025-26 budget – thus reducing the requested tax rate to 83 cents.

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Cafeteria & Salary Schedules See Increases
The cafeteria budget was approved with a three percent salary adjustment for food service staff. This matches the salary increase included for other county employees in the County General and Metro Utility Department budgets. As a reminder, the cafeteria budget does not utilize local tax dollars and is paid for by federal funds. Kaleigh Hatfield made the motion, `and Jammie Cashion seconded it. It passed unanimously.

The board also approved the 2025–26 salary schedules, including increases state-mandated certified teachers salary increases as well as a three percent increase for support staff. Kaleigh Hatfield made the motion and Carrie Barnett seconded it. It passed unanimously.

Consolidated Funding & Personnel Updates
The board voted to accept the federal consolidated funding application, which supports positions such as RTI teachers and aides. Director of Schools Chad Moorehead emphasized that the funding remains a flexible, living document that can be amended as needs shift. Jammie Cashion made the motion, and Kaleigh Hatfield seconded it. It passed unanimously.

The board also approved recent personnel changes, including the resignation of one staff member.

Differentiated Pay Plan Renewed
As required by law, the board approved the 2025–26 Differentiated Pay Plan, which allows the district to offer additional compensation for hard-to-fill positions and other staffing incentives. Jammie Cashion made the motion, and Carrie Barnett seconded it. It passed unanimously.

Student Advisory Panel Policy Moves Forward
In response to new state legislation, the board voted to adopt a permissive policy that authorizes the creation of a student advisory panel. While it does not require immediate action, it allows the district to implement such a panel in the future, should they choose to. Kaleigh Hatfield made the motion and Jammie Cashion seconded it. It passed unanimously.

TSBA Policy Updates & Field Trip Approval
TSBA-recommended policy updates stemming from the latest legislative session were distributed for review. They will be voted on during the July meeting. Additionally, the board approved an overnight field trip for the high school volleyball team to attend a summer camp in Smyrna.

Director’s Report
Director Moorehead reported that summer learning camps are underway, serving about 64 students. Several new hires were announced, including visual art teacher Riley Smith and a special education instructor, Rebekah Davis. The school system also recently hired Charlie Hatmaker as the IT Support person. Open positions remain in music, special education, and an LAS classroom.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:42 p.m.•

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