Board Approved 1/21/21

Mission
Igniting a lifelong passion for learning

Vision
To positively impact our community by instilling the values of responsibility, integrity and
service, ensuring students have the knowledge and skills necessary for meaningful employment,
post secondary education, and productive community involvement.

Core Values
● We will ensure all students grow and succeed through a caring, supportive, challenging, and safe
environment
● We will ensure all students and staff are well supported and held to rigorous expectations
● We will model a collaborative culture of shared leadership, responsibility, integrity, and respect
resulting in positive relationships connecting all stakeholders
● We will establish visionary leadership that supports a guaranteed and relevant curriculum,
student academic growth, and achievement
● We will ensure graduates of HCS will have the tools necessary for success in college, career,
vocational training, or military service
● We will operate with open communication, transparency, and accountability with all
stakeholders
 2021-2025 Strategic Plan Team

Matt Hixson, Director of Schools Shannon Glass, Supervisor, Maintenance

Reba Bailey, Assistant Director of Schools, Michelle Harless, Assistant Supervisor, Federal
Supervisor, Federal Programs Programs

Beth Holt, Assistant Director of Schools, Matthew Hunter, Walters State Community
Supervisor, Curriculum and Professional College
Development

Rebecca Baker, Hawkins County Industrial Board Loralee Price, Teacher, Cherokee High School

Nancy Barker, Director of Rogersville/Hawkins Lori Allen, Supervisor, Elementary Programs

County Chamber of Commerce

Lori Davis, Teacher, Surgoinsville Middle School Angela Jackson, Supervisor, Special Education

Rolando Benevides, Supervisor, transportation Sherry Price, Principal, Church Hill Intermediate

Gabrielle Buchanan, Cooper Standard (Industry Mandy Kenner, Supervisor, Food Services
Representative)

Mary Ann Davis, Principal, St. Clair Elementary Quinn Kersey, HCEA President, Teacher,
Rogersville Middle School

Teresa Drinnon, Supervisor, Personnel Sharon Southern, Principal, Bulls Gap

Melissa Farmer, Director, Finance Maria Short, Parent

Ginger Little, Teacher, English Language Learners Erika Phillips, Coordinator, Coordinated School
Health

Tammy Gibson, Assistant Supervisor, SPED Lana Young, Parent

Debbie Shedden, Vice Chairman, Hawkins County Mary Beth Oxandine Woodlay, TN Pathways/TBR
Board of Education

Wayne Absher, Supervisor, Technology Kristy Riley, Teacher, Bulls Gap

Thomas Floyd, Supervisor, Middle and High Aaron Kenner, Coordinator, Attendance
School Programs

Laura Tipton, Teacher, Mt. Carmel Elementary Debbie Waits, Parent

Keith Osborne, Rural Health Services Brian O’Dell, WSCC High School Program
Barry Reeves, General Manager, Miyaki Erin Thomas, Promises Medical

Hope Malone, Principal, Church Hill Elementary Bobbi Bernard, Instructional Coach, ELA

Jeff Millard, Teacher, Volunteer High Jackie Price, Coordinator, RTI

Brandon Williams, Supervisor, CTE Jennifer Melendrez, Parent

Vanessa Wood, Parent D. Elliot, Parent

Christina Seay, Parent Bob Larkins, Chairman (through August 2020),

Hawkins County Board of Education

Jackie Charles, Member, Hawkins County Board Judy Trent, Member, Hawkins County Board of
of Education Education

Kathy Cradic, Member, Hawkins County Board of Tecky Hicks, Member, Hawkins County Board of
Education Education

Chris Christian, Chairman, Hawkins County Board

of Education
 Table of Contents

1. Strategic Plan Report

2. Key Stakeholders and Expectations
3. Input Meetings - What we learned is important
4. Focus Area Goals:
a. Academic - Elementary
b. Academic - High School
c. Academic - CTE
d. Personnel
e. School Nutrition
f. Health and Safety
g. Technology
h. Finance
i. Transportation
j. Maintenance
k. Community Stakeholders and Elected Officials
l. Attendance
5. Plan Summary and Next Steps
 Strategic Plan Report

Hawkins County Schools has been serving the communities of Hawkins County since 1907. Our
objective today is much the same as it has been for over 100 years and that is to prepare
students to become leaders and stewards in their community. To do this, we are dedicated to
educating and preparing students for the rigors of college and career life.
To ensure our school system’s future vitality and strength going forward, our strategic planning
team has evaluated our internal and external environment, identified opportunities and
challenges, and established our school system’s most important priorities.
The planning team, comprised of the director of schools, supervisors, administrators, teachers,
board members, and community stakeholders focused on core strategic areas. Together, we
established a formal strategic plan that reinforces our mission, vision, and values.
With a long-term strategic focus, we will provide an excellent academic education with solid
comprehensive curricula for college and career preparation. Elements of the curriculum will
include Career Technical Education, opportunities in AP and Dual Enrollment courses,
enrichment in foreign language and fine arts. We will also provide extracurricular programs that
promote teamwork, leadership, social development, and physical wellbeing. We will prepare
students with the skills necessary to meet the challenges of the 21st Century and for leadership
in a global world.
Hawkins County Schools’ strategic plan establishes a clear direction for the course of the school
system during the next five years. The strategic plan outlines our goals and objectives for the
school system’s improvement and advancement. We will monitor, measure, and report on the
achievement of the action plan yearly beginning in the 2020-2021 school year. The
achievement of the goals and objectives of the plan is paramount for our school system’s
improvement and success over the next five years.
 Key Stakeholders and Expectations
Students:
● Know and understand academic, cultural, and life skills necessary for success.
● Think critically and problem solve
● Provide a safe, encouraging, pleasant, and nurturing environment in which we take pride.
● Be able to effectively communicate, both verbally and written
● Graduate prepared for college and career with the soft skills (attendance, punctuality,
teamwork, work ethic, communication, etc.) needed to be successful
● Be engaged and tolerant members of society through participation in extra-curricular, athletic,
community service, and other opportunities

Parents:
● Be an active participant and partner in our children’s education
● Communicate and inform concerning student progress
● Know and understand the expectations, educational requirements, and need for rigorous
standards for my child
● Have trust between stakeholders
● Provide support in the educational process to better assist our children

Staff:
● Expect competitive salaries and benefits
● Clearly state and communicate expectations in a timely manner
● Provide relevant professional development
● Provide necessary resources, time and support to perform job expectations
● Prioritize requirements and eliminate non-essential/redundant tasks to the extent possible
● Provide a safe, supportive and respectful environment
● Provide a collaborative environment where two-way communication is valued

Post-Secondary & Employers:

● Engage and communicate with stakeholders to develop strong relationships
● Expect students to be prepared and to meet the requirements for employment and
post-secondary opportunities
● Expect students to have the necessary soft skills (punctuality, attendance, teamwork, work
ethic, and drug free, etc.)
● Expect students to have the grit and determination to succeed
● Expect students to be innovative and creative

Taxpayers and Commissioners:

● Prudently use and responsibly spend available tax dollars
● Transparency
● Mutually respectful two-way communication
 ● Maintenance, upkeep, and maximizing the useful lifespan of facilities and materials
● Long range plan of capital needs
● Effectively manage the debt to asset ratio
● Educate a highly skilled workforce to aid in economic development
● Measurable results

Hawkins County, TN, USA (society in general)​:

● Productive and engaged citizens who contribute to the community
● Understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity within our community
● Pride in our community
● Skills necessary to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the workforce, the economy, and the
community
 Input Meetings: What we learned is important:

Section 1: ACADEMICS

Key Measures for the School System​

1. Third Grade Reading: HCS third graders will meet the state average by year three of this plan
and exceed this average by the fifth year
2. Fifth Grade Math: HCS fifth grade students will meet the state average by year three of this plan
and exceed this average by the fifth year
3. ACT: HCS high school students taking the ACT will score a system wide average of at least a 21
composite score on the ACT by the fifth year of this plan
4. Graduation Rate: HCS graduation rate will exceed 93% each year of this plan
5. Value Added Performance: HCS will reach and maintain a composite score of at least Level 3 by
the fifth year of this plan

Section 2: OPERATIONAL

Personnel Objectives​ – Recruitment, training, and retention of our best employees

1. Reduce employee turnover
2. Move current HR and Benefits to digital platform
3. Provide teachers who score significantly below expectations on individual growth scores with
targeted assistance
4. Cross training employees

Fiscal Objectives​ – Budget, allocate, and utilize our finances wisely

1. No audit findings
2. Evaluate salary rankings compared to other regions and to the state
3. Obtain three quotes on all purchases over $5,000 if there are no state bids or contracts
4. Train employees on Standardized System of Accounting and Reporting

Environmental Objectives​ – Provide for ideal conditions for safe and effective instruction
1. Work orders – (Tech and Maintenance tracking system, completion rate)
2. Capital projects – (Five year list and Phase IV)
3. Decrease discipline referrals
4. Decrease energy consumption
5. Improve the substitute hiring process and fill rate

Family and Stakeholder Involvement - ​Collaborative success

1. One school-wide community service project per semester
2. Continued input into long term planning
 Goals

Academic - Elementary
Goal 1: Persons Dates for
HCS will increase the percentage of students scoring on track or Responsible: Review:
mastered for ELA in grades 3-5. Specific percentages are updated in Tammy Gibson, following each
HCS annual eplan. Angela Jackson, benchmark
Lori Allen, Reba assessment
Bailey, Beth and annual
Holt state testing

Goal 2: Persons Dates for

HCS will increase the percentage of students scoring on track or Responsible: Review:
mastered for ELA in grades 3-5. Specific percentages are updated in Tammy Gibson, following each
HCS annual eplan. Angela Jackson, benchmark
Lori Allen, Reba assessment
Bailey, Beth and annual
Holt state testing

Goal 3: Persons Dates for

HCS will have consistent grade bands across the school district. Responsible: Review:
Central Office annually

Data Used: TN State Testing and CASE benchmark, school information metrics

Academic- High School

Goal 1: Person Dates for
Hawkins County Schools will earn a 21 composite ACT score. Responsible: Review:
Thomas Floyd annually

Goal 2: Person Dates for

Hawkins County Schools will meet or exceed a 93% Graduation rate. Responsible: Review:
Thomas Floyd annually

Goal 3: Person Dates for

Responsible: Review:
HCS Graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce, trade Thomas Floyd, Annually
school, military, or college/university High School
Administrators,
Counselors

Data Used: ACT Summary and Individual Test reports / Final TDOE Graduation report, surveys, college
and trade school entrance data, trade school/career data, military enlistment data

Academic - CTE
Goal 1: Person Dates for
Hawkins County Schools will increase the number of CTE Responsible: Review:
concentrators who participate in any approved work-based learning Brandon Review
capstone experience by 10% annually. (From 36 to 40 in SY 20/21, Williams annually in
from 40 to 44 SY 21/22). Spring when
updating Carl
Perkins Plan

Goal 2: Person Dates for

Hawkins County Schools will increase the number of industry Responsible: Review:
certification attained by CTE concentrators by 15% annually. (From Brandon Reviewed at
76 to 87 in SY 20/21, from 87 to 100 in SY 21/22). WIlliams the end of
each semester.

Data Used: Work-based learning portal totals and industry certifications earned.

Personnel
Goal 1: Persons Dates for
Reduce employee turnover and increase retention of our highest Responsible: Review:
performing teachers. Teresa Drinnon Annually in
Beth Holt July.

Goal 2: Person Dates for

Provide teachers who score significantly below expectations on Responsible: Review: After
individual growth scores with targeted assistance. Teresa Drinnon receiving
Beth Holt TVAAS data
annually.

Data Used: Human Capital Data, TVAAS Data (Individual Growth Scores)
 School Nutrition
Goal 1: Person Dates for
Increase breakfast participation in grades K-5 by 15%, grades 6-8 by Responsible: Review:
10%, and grades 9-12 by 5%. Mandy Kenner Annually in
June

Goal 2: Person Dates for

Increase lunch participation in grades K-8 by 5%, grades 9-12 by Responsible: Review:
10%. Mandy Kenner Annually in
June

Data Used: Meal count data from Lunchbox/Mosaic

Health & Safety

Goal 1: Persons Dates for
Hawkins County Schools will continue to provide professional Responsible: Review:
development for staff members on the impact of Adverse Erika Phillips Annually, in
Childhood Experiences. The TDOE’s Six Pillars of a Trauma Informed Teacher Leaders June
School will be used as a framework for developing monthly talking School
points for faculty and staff. Counselors

Goal 2: Persons Dates for

The SAVE Act Coordinator and School Resource Officer Supervisor Responsible: Review:
will develop an annual school safety training plan. The plan will Erika Phillips Annually, in
include a list of monthly tabletop drills designed to familiarize Renee Larkin September and
administrators and school level staff on Emergency Operations June
Plan, Universal Procedures, and drills.

Data Used: Goals will be measured by agendas for monthly principal and school level staff meetings.

Technology
Goal 1: Person Dates for
Implement and maintain equipment inventory software which Responsible: Review:
will include phasing in a new technology help desk. Wayne Absher Annually

Goal 2: Person Dates for

Develop a 4 to 5 year device replacement plan for aging Responsible: Review:
computers. Wayne Absher Annually

Data Used: Goals will be measured by completed installation and reports from the databases in
improvements in work order times and tracking of devices.

Finance
Goal 1: Person Dates for
To have no audit findings. Responsible: Review:
Melissa Farmer annually when
audit is
completed

Goal 2: Persons Dates for

To pay all invoices within 30 days of receipt. Responsible: Review:
Sherry Crawford monthly
Misty Elkins
Melissa Farmer

Data Used: Annual audit reports and paid invoice report.

Transportation
Goal 1: Person Dates for
Maintain and improve operating conditions by fostering Responsible: Review:
workforce relationships to minimize issues due to route schedule R. Benavides Annually
changes.

Goal 2: Person Dates for

Implement and maintain routing software to have more accurate Responsible: Review:
information with students using the Transportation Department. R. Benavides Annually
A. Gladson
 R. Quarles

Data Used: Formal and informal data from community and drivers to better understand the support
needed to acquire and maintain qualified drivers and have consistent routes. Routing software data.

Maintenance
Goal 1: Implement a new work order system to help facilitate Person Dates for
completion of daily facility needs. Decrease work order Responsible: Review:
completion times by utilizing a direct assignment protocol Shannon Glass Annually
supported by new work order system.

Goal 2: Increase utility savings by increasing BAS controls installed Person Dates for
on HVAC systems. Responsible: Review:
Seth Rhoton Annually

Goal 3: Develop a viable maintenance and replacement schedule Person Dates for
for HVAC units at all campuses. Responsible: Review:
Seth Rhoton Annually

Data Used: Reports generated by Dude Solutions work order and asset tracking software

Community Stakeholders & Elected Officials

Goal 1: Person Dates for
K-8 schools will provide a minimum of four family engagement Responsible: Review:
events per year with a focus on Chronic Absenteeism, Literacy, Michelle Harless Reviewed each
Math, and Transitioning Grades. High Schools will provide an Thomas Floyd semester
event for Post-secondary/Career Opportunities.

Goal 2: Person Dates for

The district will provide stakeholder communication in a variety of Responsible: Review:
formats. These will include an up-to-date website, social media, Matt Hixson
press releases, and community presentations (Chamber Breakfast, Michelle Harless
Ruritan, etc.) Wayne Absher

Data Used: School will provide Family Engagement reports each semester. These reports describe
events held and provides number in attendance along with feedback from parent surveys specific to
each event.
 Attendance
Goal 1: Person Dates for
Overall district chronic absenteeism will be reduced by 1.2% per Responsible: Review:
year. Patrick Fraley August

Goal 2: Person Dates for

Overall district Average Daily Attendance will improve by .2% Responsible: Review:
annually Patrick Fraley Monthly and
July annually

Data Used: TNDOE Report Card Data and EIS ADA numbers

Summary and Next Steps

Hawkins County Schools is required to develop annual plans for the school system as a whole and each
school site. These annual site and system plans are referred to as ePlans and are locally-developed and
submitted to the TN Department of Education. These plans detail the school system’s strengths and
challenges and will identify goals for each of these challenge areas. The HCS Strategic Plan will be
updated annually as well, to reflect the changes detailed in these annual plans. The HCS Strategic Plan
will provide long term guidance for the direction of the district as determined through input and
steering by the Board of Education, staff, student, and community member collaboration. These input
meetings will take place through regularly scheduled meetings and forums, such as the Hawkins
Chamber of Commerce Breakfasts, Board of Education meetings, site and district parent meetings,
Parent/Teacher Association meetings, Hawkins County Teachers Association Collaborative Conferencing,
and other venues. Additionally, any community member can email or schedule a meeting with any staff
member, whether at one of HCS’ 18 school sites or at our central office location. This plan will be posted
on our website (hcs.k12.net) and updated annually based on the input meetings listed above as well as
annual data.