Alcoa school board approves future calendar, tighter background check requirements

Alcoa City Schools officials said Oct. 20 that the company the district contracts for some safety and phone services agreed to reduce monthly prices after the district installed additional equipment. The Alcoa School Board approved its 2027-28 academic calendar and finalized stricter background check requirements for school volunteers and outside personnel during its regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 20. The new calendar eliminates the half days included in the current school year's schedule, following a review process that administrators said solicited feedback from teachers, administrators and other school employees. Assistant Director of Schools Scott Porter told the board that the calendar was developed by a committee that considered several drafts before bringing its recommendation to the board. Under the approved calendar, teachers will return July 12, 2027, with student registration scheduled for July 16. The school year will conclude in May 2028. Board members also approved the district's annual Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement accountability report, which showed students exceeding the district's academic performance goals in both math and English language arts. The report outlines the district's academic performance and improvement goals under Tennessee's school funding formula. According to the report, 57.9% of students in grades 3-8 met or exceeded expectations in math during the 2025-26 school year, surpassing the district's goal of 55.2%. Third-grade English language arts proficiency also exceeded the district's target, with 51.7% of students meeting or exceeding expectations compared to a goal of 50.45%. In other business, the board gave final approval to two policies strengthening background check requirements for volunteers, chaperones and outside personnel working with students. The changes, which passed a first vote in September, reduce the required background check interval for volunteers and day-trip chaperones. Overnight field trip chaperones will be required to complete annual applications and fingerprint-based criminal background checks. Outside agency personnel working around students, such as behavior technicians and private-duty nurses, will also be required to undergo annual background checks. The board also approved a new three-year agreement with HostMy, the company that provides the district's phone service and supports its bell scheduling and panic alarm systems. Porter said the company reviewed the school system's existing services after the district installed additional safety equipment, resulting in a revised agreement that reduces monthly costs by approximately $563. Service will continue through October 2029. The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 17.