BRUCETON, Tenn. (Oct. 19) — Hollow Rock-Bruceton’s Board of Education recognized cafeteria employee Connie Wood at their meeting last Monday, October 19. Wood recently retired with over 25 years of service to the district.
“She’s the only person that I know, when she retired, we had a parade,” laughed Director of Schools, David Duncan.
Wood’s last day was on homecoming day.
Duncan spoke about how great Wood was at her job.
“It now takes two people to do what she got done by herself,” he joked.
Regina McGuire, the district’s Nutrition Program Director, said Wood had become a fixture of daily life in the cafeteria.
“It’s hard for me to come in every day and her not be here,” McGuire said.
She presented Wood with a plaque commemorating her service.
Board Chair, Brad Hurley, thanked Wood for everything she had done and wished her best in her next venture.
“I’m told you’re now moving to a more important job,” Hurley said. “A more important job as grandmother… There is not a better job than being a grandparent.”
Wood said she looks forward to spending her days assisting in caring for her four-month-old granddaughter.
“I’ve loved all my time on the hill,” Wood said. “I love the hill. I love all the kids, and everybody. I miss them so much. But, it was time.”
Board Officer Elections
Following Wood’s recognition, the board held its annual officer elections.
Hurley was re-elected chairman without opposition. Jim Holder was elected vice chairman. David Duncan was re-nominated and approved as board secretary, which has traditionally gone to the district’s director of schools.
Board members Brandy Boyd and Jonathan Tedford were named as the board’s delegates for the TSBA Convention, Nov. 5-8.
The board also approved CHS Beta Club’s trip to the state convention in Nashville, Nov. 20-22.
Policy Updates
The board approved three policy updates during the meeting.
Policy 4.301, Interscholastic Athletics, was revised to clarify that students can’t be required to attend athletic events or team activities on an official school holiday or religious observance, provided parents notify the coach in writing in advance.
The board noted fall and spring break don’t technically qualify as holidays, and said that distinction will be spelled out further in the student handbook.
The board also approved updates to two fiscal policies: Policy 2.100 now requires the district’s financial policies to be reviewed annually, and Policy 2.200 sets a minimum unrestricted fund balance of 16.7% of operating expenditures and adds new budget-transparency and state-reporting requirements, including an annual certified budget submission and, starting in 2027, yearly planning and expenditure reports to the state Comptroller’s office.
Director’s Report
Duncan’s gace the board several facilities updates, including removal of the deteriorated safety barrier between the football field and the practice and softball fields, completion of the elementary gym repainting project, and a resealed high school gym floor.
He also noted that the district is actively hiring for its pre-K teaching position, and he previewed an active stretch ahead, including the FFA National Convention, basketball and football games, cross country regionals, ACT retakes, and a blood drive.
Lastly, Duncan reported total enrollment at 611 students, or 577 when counted only by state funding eligibility.
Hollow Rock-Bruceton Special School District’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 9 at 5:30 p.m.
