JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – The Campbell County Board of Education began its meeting Tuesday night by announcing the results of the board evaluation of Director Jennifer Fields, and comments included nothing but praise for the director’s performance.

Jennifer Fields contract as director of schools was extended for two years into 2025.

Vice chairman Jeffrey Miller,said he was especially pleased with the “great job on my project” then offered the motion to extend Fields’ contract for two years (2025) with a four percent pay raise, The board approved the motion unanimously.

The board then heard a presentation from teacher Connie Crutchfield and four students from the Cosmetology class and Campbell County High School, who recently placed second in statewide competition. During her report Fields praised the group, along with recognizing Kerry Eubanks for her work in modernizing the office and Autumn Longmire for her work with the system’s virtual program.

Fields added that positive COVID tests continue to decline since the system had to shut down for two weeks in December and Campbell County’s case numbers are now well below the state average.

The board then moved on to approve a number of agenda items, unanimously approving the field turf contract for CCHS and a memorandum of understanding with Ridgewood Behavior Health Services, the program being funded by a grant with no costs to the school budget.

A discussion followed on a proposal to permanently establish a virtual school program for Campbell County as state funding for virtual programs winds down. Fields and Dr. Jason Horne explained the need to the board as 753 students are currently enrolled in the online program. Horne pointed out that with its own virtual program, the county could gain in total enrollment as they could take students from out of county. The flip side is that if Campbell County ceases to offer a virtual option, many local students might enroll in other counties, benefiting those counties’ enrollment numbers that determine state education funding.

Fields explained that the virtual program could have up to 1,500 students so there is ample room to expand to accept out-of-county students. At this time the program would be limited to grades 6-12 as younger students need more in-person instruction. The board voted to approve the program with one “No” vote from Miller. He later explained that he is “old fashioned and prefers in-person learning.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/14/2021-6AM)