The Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) hosted the Upper Cumberland Fall District Meeting on September
15 at DeKalb County High School in DeKalb County. “TSBA Fall District Meetings gives our staff the opportunity to
connect with school board members from every part of the state so that we not only hear their concerns but also
provide them with the support they need to help them make the best decisions for the children and schools in their
communities,” said TSBA Executive Director Tammy Grissom. Members of local boards of education and
superintendents from the region participated in a survey where they expressed their positions on issues such as charter
authorizer fees, BEP funding formula including a component for RTI2, using funds without seeking the approval of
the local funding body and allowing board members to electronically participate in board meetings more than two
times per year. The Tennessee Department of Education Leadership Team shared requirements, opportunities and
timeline for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Plan. District leaders also shared their success stories detailing
the implementation of innovative programs.
AREA STUDENT HONORED
Each year TSBA honors one student from each of its nine districts who has achieved distinction in the areas of
academics, community leadership, and engagement as part of its Student Recognition Award program. One of those
nine students will win the statewide Student Recognition Award to be presented at the TSBA Annual Convention in
November, which will include a $2,000 scholarship. The 2016 Upper Cumberland District winner is Adelia Birdwell
of Putnam County Schools. Currently a senior at Cookeville High School, Adelia has served at many local soccer
camps as an instructor for young and developing athletes and volunteered every summer at the Memorial Day
ceremony. She has also volunteered at the Cooking on the Square event, Habitat for Humanity Christmas dinner and
Toys for Tots. Adelia currently serves as the student body president and has participated in Leadership Putnam School
Climate conferences.
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www.tsba.net
Assisting school boards in effectively governing school districts
AREA BOARD MEMBERS EARN HONORS
Several Upper Cumberland District school board members earned TSBA Boardsmanship Awards in 2016. The
awards are presented to individual board members who have achieved one of five levels of boardsmanship standards
over the past year. The program is designed to recognize school board members for participation in board activities
beyond the local level through a commitment to training, willingness to participate in workshops and a volunteer
spirit. The Boardsmanship Award honors not only the quantity, but also the quality of participation. Levels I-IV are
given at Fall District Meetings, while Level V Boardsmanship is awarded at the association’s annual convention in
November. Upper Cumberland District board members who were honored for their achievements this year were:
LEVEL I
James Bennett, Warren County
Linda Armistead, Wilson County
LEVEL II
Celeste Gammon, Putnam County
Helen Martin, Warren County
Linda Armistead, Wilson County
LEVEL III
Kim Cravens, Putnam County
Dawn Fry, Putnam County
Tanya Bess, Warren County
Bill Robinson, Wilson County
LEVEL IV
Linda Blair, Warren County
