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Full STEAM ahead for Claxton School

by Ben Pounds


Claxton Elementary School Principal Jennifer Coleman stands at the site of the new school. She said she is looking forward to expanding science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) programs at the school. - Ben Pounds
Claxton Elementary School Principal Jennifer Coleman is looking forward to the opportunities a new building and grounds will provide for her school.

The groundbreaking for the new Claxton Elementary School was held Wednesday, April 2, with Anderson County government officials, people with contractor Merit Construction, and school staff, lifting soil with and even some students taking turns lifting ceremonial soil with ceremonial shovels. The celebration was a chance to celebrate, but there’s years of work to do before the new school opens. Anderson County Director of Schools Tim Parrott said construction will likely wrap up by February of 2027.

“My staff and I and my students are just extremely excited for this new adventure and we’re full STEAM ahead,” said the school’s principal Jennifer Coleman, making a pun on the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) programs she hopes to expand at the new location. She said she wanted to get a STEAM recognition from the state of Tennessee for her school’s efforts on those subjects.

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School board votes on budget Thursday

by Ben Pounds

The Anderson County Board of Education will vote on a new budget for next year along with other measures at its meeting this week.

The meeting will be at 6 p.m. Thursday [April 10] on the top floor of 101 S. Main St.

It involves a total expenditure of $83,712,862.

There will be a deficit of $476,755, but Director of Schools Tim Parrott said a fund balance will take care of this difference.

If the budget is approved, the school system would also increase its lowest teacher salary to $50,000, ranging to and its highest salary would be $80,416.22 depending on experience and academic degree. The full salary schedule and budget are available on the school system’s agenda page on its website acs.ac.

Another vote will involve a resolution accepting bonuses for teachers from the Educational Freedom Act of 2025 while still voicing opposition to the law’s vouchers that parents can use at private schools.

Also, up for a vote on Thursday but unconnected to this budget is a shorter-term budget measure giving two million to the construction of a new elementary school in Claxton.

Oak Ridge High School Orchestra wins awards


The Oak Ridge High School (ORHS) Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra brought home many awards from the New York Heritage Music Festival.
The Oak Ridge High School Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra have made an unforgettable mark at the New York Heritage Music Festival, returning home with an impressive sweep of awards.

“The young musicians earned first-place gold in both the Concert Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra categories, showcasing exceptional skill and musicality in front of a distinguished panel of adjudicators,” a news release stated.

In addition to their top finishes, the ORHS Orchestra was honored with several prestigious awards, including:

• Adjudicator’s Award, presented to groups that achieve an average score of 92 or higher across all performance categories, highlighting the orchestra’s commitment to musical excellence.

• Festival Spirit Award, recognizing the orchestra’s enthusiastic participation, professionalism and outstanding representation of its school and community throughout the festival.

• Sweepstakes Award, given to the ensemble with the highest overall points across all performances, solidifying ORHS Orchestra as the top-performing group at the festival.

• Outstanding Performance Award, given to the group that achieved the highest score in its division, reflecting superior musicianship and precision.

• Spirit Award, honoring the orchestra’s positive attitude, teamwork and commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment during the competition.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work, dedication and passion for music,” said Calos Hernandez-Baez, director of the ORHS Orchestra, in the news release.

“These awards are a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and their ability to represent Oak Ridge on a national stage with distinction.”

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