October 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  In attendance:  Dr. Trey Duke, Lisa Trail, Sheri Arnette, Don Bartch, Ken Rocha, Daniel Owens, Sonya Cox, Maria Johnson, M'Lisa Miffleton, Rita Johnson, Dr. Caitlin Bullard and Discovery team 

Assistant City Attorney Lauren Bush and City Liaison Bill Shacklett 
 

Discussion:  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ellee Powers, a 1st grade student at Cason Lane Academy, and Emeri Powers, a 4th grade student at Cason Lane Academy as well as Roxy Robinette and Will Houchens, both 4th grade students at Northfield Elementary.

Discussion:  Our Coordinated School Health in conjunction with MTSU athletics hosted two sporting events in October, volleyball and tennis.  Both were a huge success and introduced students to new sports and to the MTSU campus.

Congratulations to Salem Elementary on receiving the Best Elementary School Ruthie Award.

Thank you to the City Schools Foundation and Eric Clements for their work on the Serve it Up Pickleball Tournament.  And a huge thank you to the sponsors that support our foundation’s goals.

The Foundation will present over $60,000 in grants this week to teachers across our district including a $5,000 grant for robotics that is sponsored by the Nissan Foundation.

Through our partnerships with The City of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, we hosted a Parent University at Wilderness Station and Barfield Park.  Additionally, our friends at Patterson Park served as host for The Taste of Latin America Celebration on October 23.

Thank you to the First Baptist Church for donating to our Backpack program.

Lisa Trail also mentioned that she will send a link to Board members to vote on Northfield's storybook pumpkins at Lucky Ladd Farms. 

Ms. Trail informed the Board that, due to the government shutdown, SNAP benefits may be temporarily suspended. She recognized Jennifer Lowe and Ken Rocha for their efforts in developing a support plan for district families in need. Ms. Trail noted that there is currently an ample supply of food available for those families. She also shared that individuals wishing to contribute may contact Jennifer Lowe or Ms. Trail to make food or monetary donations to assist with family resources.

Discussion: 

Dr. Duke invited Dr. Bullard and her team to come forward as he recognized Discovery School for its recent Blue Ribbon distinction. He noted that, although formal recognition at the federal level is no longer in place, he was honored to acknowledge the hard work and dedication required to achieve this honor and expressed his appreciation and congratulations to the team.

Dr. Bullard shared a note from a parent whose child had recently transferred to Discovery School, describing the positive transformation she had observed in her son. Dr. Bullard stated that this reflects the culture the school strives to maintain each day. She informed the Board that this year marks Discovery School’s 20th anniversary and noted that the Blue Ribbon recognition is awarded every five years. This year represents the third time Discovery School has received the honor within its 20-year history. Dr. Bullard concluded by stating that Discovery School exemplifies the very best of public education and expressed her gratitude to the Board for its continued support.

Discussion:  Mr. Settles asked for clarification on whether the trucks being purchased were replacements for retiring vehicles, and Dr. Duke confirmed that they were.

Discussion:  Mr. Owens presented the August Revenue and Expenditure Report to the Board. Following the presentation, Mr. Jimmy Richardson and Mr. David Settles expressed their appreciation for Mr. Owens’ work, commending him for a job well done. The Board unanimously agreed with their sentiments.

Dr. Duke informed the Board that the distribution of new computers is currently underway and reported that the process is going smoothly. Mr. Don Bartch confirmed that approximately half of the schools have already received their computers.

Discussion: 

Dr. Duke began his Director’s Update by thanking Ms. Moore, Ms. Long, and other Board members who attended the League of Women Voters event on Civic Education: Vouchers, Charter Schools, and School Choice the previous evening. He noted that it was a valuable and productive discussion.

Dr. Duke asked the Board to review the recent updates to the 2025-2026 Board Meeting Schedule. He stated that Ms. VanCleave had provided each Board member with an updated calendar. Due to scheduling conflicts, the Board retreat originally planned for January 24 had been canceled. The first meeting in January will now be held on January 13 at the Central Office from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. to allow for an extended session. Additionally, a meeting has been added for January 27 at City Hall to address voting matters.

Dr. Duke again expressed appreciation to Ms. Trail and Mr. Rocha for their leadership in developing a sustainable plan to assist families in need during the potential suspension of SNAP benefits. He commended their collaborative efforts in organizing resources to meet this community need.

Chair Moore noted that she had received inquiries from employees regarding the status of federally funded positions during the government shutdown, as there was concern that it might affect their employment.

Dr. Duke assured the Board that the federal shutdown would not have an immediate impact on the district. He explained that federal funding for the current year had been received last year, and all employees, including those in federally funded positions, could be confident in their job security. Dr. Duke added that he expected Title funding to remain available in some capacity and reiterated that there was no cause for concern at this time.

 

 

 

Discussion: 

Mr. Settles commented on Dr. Duke’s remarks regarding the district’s efforts to implement a plan to support families in need. He stated that initiatives such as this set Murfreesboro City Schools apart as a district. Mr. Settles noted that while this Board is sometimes described as having "boring meetings," he views that as a reflection of the Board’s cohesiveness and effectiveness in accomplishing its work. He expressed his belief that the district has the best Director in the state, and possibly in the nation, and that the Board’s ability to efficiently handle business demonstrates its strong leadership and advocacy for students, educators, and support staff.

Mr. Settles also commended Dr. Duke for recognizing Ms. Dotson as the Best of MCS, noting that individuals like her—along with Ms. Trail, whom he also praised for her outstanding behind-the-scenes work—play vital roles in the district’s success. He added that this level of dedication is one of the reasons families choose Murfreesboro City Schools. He concluded by commending the Board for handling challenges with professionalism and grace.

Mr. Richardson thanked Mr. Settles for his remarks and added that the Board’s collective efforts reflect the core values of Murfreesboro City Schools, where students and teachers remain the central focus.

Vice Chair Campbell expressed his appreciation for the Board, noting that during his tenure, this has been the best Board with which he has served. He also commended Ms. Dotson for her outstanding work in the Bus and Maintenance Department.

Ms. Dodd recognized and thanked all School Resource Officers (SROs) for their dedication, specifically commending Mr. Scott Sparry, the SRO at Bradley Academy, for his positive interactions with students, including joining them in play on the playground.

Chair Campbell added that the SRO program continues to strengthen positive relationships between students and law enforcement within the schools.

 

 

 

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.