Huntingdon School Board Approves Bonuses for Additional Staff

HUNTINGDON (June 25) — The Huntingdon Special School District Board of Education approved bonuses for staff who do not qualify for bonuses under the Education Freedom Act during Wednesday's regular meeting.

The Education Freedom Act enacted by the state provided one-time bonuses of $2,000 to most certified staff. Huntingdon Director of Schools Dr. Jonathan Kee proposed bonuses for the remaining staff, including $2,000 to certified staff and $500 to non-certified staff. Bonuses will only be provided to staff who were employed by the district last school year and are returning. The request, approved unanimously by present board members, will cost the district approximately $78,000.

The board also approved a bonus day off for staff entering their 21st year of employment.

A new state law prompted updates to three policies involving anti-discrimination to include a definition of antisemitism: "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews including, but not limited to, rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religion facilities."

Another state law required the board to remove the requirement of educator diversity goals in hiring policy.

New reporting requirements were approved regarding threats and significant disruptions. If contact is made with outside law enforcement (not the school resource officer), parents or guardians must be notified within 48 hours. Also, quarterly reports of incidents must be provided at board meetings.

The option to submit a records request to the district via fax has been removed. Remaining options include phone, electronic transmission or mail.

The board approved the candidacy of Chairman Dr. Lee Carter for president-elect of the Tennessee School Board Association.

The district's membership in the advocacy organization TN School Systems for Equity was renewed. There is no increase in dues.

The 2025-26 student and parent handbook was approved with no significant changes.

An overnight trip for the high school volleyball team to a camp in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in late July was approved.

Students attending virtual schools while residing in the district will be permitted to try out for interscholastic athletics, including band. Dr. Kee noted as an example that South Carroll offers a virtual school program.

Action on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget has been delayed until the next meeting, tentatively Wednesday, July 16 at 5 p.m. with a workshop beginning at 4 p.m. The board approved operating under the current budget until approval on the new one.

Kee reported on construction projects district-wide.

At the high school, fieldhouse upgrades are nearly complete. The baseball press box has not yet been demolished for work to begin on the new one. Paving is complete on the back lot and will begin on the side lot after completion of the press box.

Windows will be replaced at the primary school pending approval from the state fire marshal.

New digital signs are in place and operational at all three schools.

Harvey Walden, chairman of the Jackson Madison County School System Board of Education, attended and evaluated the meeting to fulfill one of the requirements to become a Level 5 TSBA member.

The meeting adjourned in just over 30 minutes.

Board members Dr. Morgan Butler and Shawna Smith were absent.