Elementary School Basketball Returns to School Locations

Elementary School Basketball will return to Jefferson County Schools this winter but for the first time in over two decades games will be held on school property. The Jefferson County School Board voted 4-0 to return the league games to school property after several seasons of play at the Dandridge Activity Center. The recommendation for location movement came from Jefferson County School’s Director Johnston at Thursday’s regular School Board meeting. He noted to the Board that interest building in playing on a high school level and the opportunity to bring the community together at a central school location were driving points in the recommendation to move the sports events. A bonus would be some revenue production that could be filtered back to the participating schools, as well as better control of the times and crowd control.

Dr. Johnston informed the Board that he had spoken to the attorney for the School System and that responsibility ultimately lands on the system should anything negative occur despite the location of games. His suggestion was to move games to the Patriot Academy with the possibility of use of the Jefferson County High School gym if it was needed. The Director said that a buy-in on the part of the community and student athletes would hopefully increase interest in the flag ship school and promote Patriot Pride. Jefferson County High School Athletic Director Randy Rogers will be working with Johnston on scheduling the events. Board Member Bradley said that his interest in the program is for skill building and expressed his desire to see practices that are skill driven. Dr. Johnston stated that a skill camp is already in the planning phase for later this fall.

In other action, the School Board approved several policies on first and second reading, including teacher and staff dress code for the upcoming year. They also approved two budget amendments with both being general housekeeping in nature.