Anderson County BOE OKs staff bonuses
-
Anderson County Director of Schools Tim Parrott honors Grand Oaks Elementary School’s Jessica Conatser as District Principal of the Year and for being one of the state Education Department’s eight finalists for 2025-2026 principal of the year. The award ceremony for Top 8 Director and Principal of the Year honorees, for which Conatser is a finalist will be held the first week of December. - Ben Pounds
-
Anderson County Director of Schools Tim Parrott honors Paula Sellers, director of student services for Anderson County Schools, as District Director of the Year, and for being one of the Tennessee De- partment of Education’s Top 8 Directors in the state. - Ben Pounds
-
Board of Education members applauded as Ben Downs, director of secondary educa- tion, honored Madeleine Rawdon, a Clinton High School trombone player selected to perform at Carnegie Hall. - Ben Pounds
Many members of the Anderson County Schools staff will receive bonuses this year.
The state of Tennessee provided funding to give $2,000 to each classroom teacher.
During its Monday, Nov. 10, meeting, the county Board of Education voted to allocate $850,000 from funds previously marked for capital projects to provide $1,500 bonuses to other full-time staff — including nurses, custodians and cafeteria personnel — who did not receive the state bonus.
To qualify, employees must have been employed full time on both Nov. 1, 2024, and Nov. 15, 2025.
Director of Schools Tim Parrott proposed the bonuses, calling the state’s decision to exclude non-teaching staff “unjust and discouraging.”
Board member Don Bell made the motion, and member Dail Cantrell seconded it. The measure passed unanimously.
“A successful education system relies on the dedication and hard work of all staff members,” Parrott said. “Overlooking their contributions sends a disheartening message about their value to our schools and community.”
Parrott said he also intends to propose an additional $500 bonus next May for those who receive the $1,500 this fall.
Naming Policy
The board also approved on first reading a policy restricting the naming of schools or facilities after living individuals “except for those who have rendered exemplary service to public education as recognized and attested by a vote of the board.”
Parrott said that currently, each school has full control over how it names its facilities.
Cantrell made the motion to approve the new policy, and board member Jo Williams seconded.
While the measure passed unanimously on first reading, Board Chairman Scott Gillenwaters said during the work session that he preferred banning the naming of facilities after living individuals altogether.
“I’ve just known too many people who’ve made really poor decisions late in life,” Gillenwaters said. “Dead people don’t make mistakes.”
Cantrell disagreed. “I’m 180 degrees opposed to that,” he said. “Surely five out of the eight of us have enough sense to look at somebody and the life that they’ve led up to that point and go, ‘We’re going to recognize them.’”
After hearing feedback from other board members, Gillenwaters said he would not pursue an amendment.
The policy must pass on second reading before it takes effect.
Awards
The board also recognized students and staff for recent accomplishments. Anderson County Schools shared photos and announcements on social media following the meeting:
n Clinton Middle School’s Stephanie Pridemore was named Tennessee Science Teacher of the Year by the state’s Science Teachers Association.
n Madeleine Rawdon, a Clinton High School band trombone player, will perform at Carnegie Hall.
n Paula Sellers was recognized as District Director of the Year and as one of the Top 8 Directors in Tennessee.
n Jessica Conatser was honored as District Principal of the Year and as one of the Top 8 Principals in the state.