JCHS Improved ACT the Focus of School Board Meeting

The Jefferson County School Board met on Thursday evening, October 27, 2016 for their regular voting meeting. While most items on the agenda were general housekeeping in nature, the special focus of the evening was on Jefferson County High School and their accomplishments regarding ACT scores. Jefferson County High School Principal Dr. Scott Walker informed the Board that JCHS had recently received recognition for their program to enhance student’s ACT scores and the success that they have achieved. Dr. Walker stated that JCHS has been featured in several trade publications for their initiatives, which include both personal and group assistance for students. It appears that the push for ACT excellence has taken hold. Jefferson County High School composite ACT scores have increased from 18.4 in 2011 to their current 19.7 and Dr. Walker expects the trend to continue. Walker, his staff and students are working toward a composite score of 21. Recently, the emphasis has been on 100% senior participation in a free retake of the ACT which was held on October 22, 2016.

Currently, the ACT is mandated for high school juniors. Jefferson County High School is taking the mandate seriously and their efforts have garnered favor with the State of Tennessee. Jefferson County High School was recently announced as one of 30 schools that will get the benefit of an on site college counselor courtesy of the Advise Tn program, which is sponsored by Governor Haslam. To be eligible for the program a school had to have a student college going rate of less than the state’s average. Around 60% of the schools in Tennessee qualified and more than 100 applied. The counselor position funding is expected to last for about two years, then the independent school systems will be expected to come up with funding for the position.

Following the presentation of Dr. Walker, the Board approved two budget amendments, several policies from the policy committee, a KUB easement agreement for Rush Strong School and LEA Compliance Report, as well as declaring surplus property. Under New Business, Jefferson County Finance Director Potts informed the Board that previous bids for White Pine School have come in above expectation and others will not be known until November 7th. The Board will meet with the School Board Attorney on November 8th and a voting meeting will follow. The November 8th meeting is the only scheduled meeting of the School Board for November.