White County School System provides updates about expansion plans, dedications, and leadership

 In recent meetings of the White County School Board, several significant updates and initiatives were discussed, highlighting the district’s ongoing commitment to education, community engagement, and strategic development. These updates range from plans for infrastructure expansion to honors for dedicated staff and new leadership roles within the school board.

One of the key topics addressed was the planned six-classroom extension for Doyle Elementary. Architects have completed an initial assessment, and Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger announced the next phase will involve creating detailed drawings and estimated budgets for the project. While a specific timeline has yet to be established, Dronebarger indicated that bids might not be solicited until late December.

“The existing building right now, the front of the school has a hallway,” Dronebarger explained, detailing the design.

He noted the proposed classrooms would be situated alongside the most recent addition, enhancing the overall functionality of the school.

“It just made sense to add that number of classrooms just to the existing building,” Dronebarger said. “It’ll continue with the current aesthetics, but it’ll also provide them with the necessary space that they need.”

 This expansion is particularly important as Doyle Elementary has experienced considerable growth in recent years, making the addition of new classrooms a strategic priority in the district’s five-year plan. Dronebarger expressed optimism about the project’s timeline, suggesting that groundbreaking might occur by late spring or early summer of the following year.

 In addition to classroom expansions, board members Tracy Fowler and Jayson McDonald raised questions about a potential expansion of the school’s gym. However, Dronebarger clarified there are no immediate plans to expand the gym, citing that the size issue arises only during the elementary basketball season.

“We get that about this time every year,” he said. “It’s a problem about six nights out of the year.”

Instead of a costly expansion, Dronebarger proposed alternatives such as live streaming games and implementing reserve seating arrangements to alleviate crowding during events.

  Another highlight from the meeting was the dedication of White County Middle School’s new greenhouse to former CTE Director Tim Mackie. This tribute recognizes Mackie’s extensive contributions to the district, particularly in the fields of Career and Technical Education (CTE), FFA, and agricultural programs. Dronebarger noted the importance of this dedication, stating that it serves as a deserved tribute to a figure who has been loved by the entire White County community.

 The new facility is the latest in the district’s commitment to providing educational opportunities outside of the traditional classroom and is available for middle school students who are now taking high school credits in agriculture.

 Multiple board members raised questions about naming policies, and School Board Chairperson Bob Young confirmed that the dedication complies with board policy, which allows for naming buildings after living individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the district

In a noteworthy achievement, it was announced that White County School Board Member Jayson McDonald has been selected as the next president of the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA). This selection marks a significant milestone for White County, as McDonald will be the first president in the history of the association to hail from the district.

McDonald expressed his pride in this accomplishment and his commitment to representing rural communities on a larger stage. He emphasized the importance of showcasing the dedication of educators across Tennessee, highlighting the exceptional work being done in smaller districts like White County.

 The next meeting of the White County School Board is scheduled for Oct. 10.