The Blount County Board of Education acted on final personnel decisions during a called meeting last week. The board granted tenure to 42 teachers in the system while non-renewing 14 other teachers and four support personnel. The board also went into executive session for a period to consider a disciplinary matter. In other business, the board acted on the recommendation of Superintendent Jim Carr and: •granted a leave of absence to Locust Fork Child Nutrition Program employee Lola R. Hicks, effective through May 29.

Jim Tuttle of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Blount County introduced himself and his program at the Oneonta City Council’s last meeting. Tuttle explained the mentoring agency began operation in Blount County at Susan Moore, using high school students as mentors. With the success there, the county and city school systems have agreed that all schools will participate next year. More...