Board Announces New Teacher at SES :: Laureen Sparacio Joins to Teach Fourth Grade in January

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Dec. 14 meeting of the Franklin County Board of Education, Assistant Superintendant of Schools Linda Foster announced the appointment of Laureen Sparacio to the position of fourth-grade teacher at Sewanee Elementary School. In new business, the board voted to approve sale of surplus items stored at the old Franklin County High School Annex and to adopt policy revisions recommended by the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA).

Sewanee Elementary will add an additional fourth-grade class in January to meet increased enrollment needs. In keeping with Director of Schools Amie Lonas’ philosophy of returning autonomy to the schools, SES teachers and principal Kim Tucker interviewed Sparacio and selected her to fill the teaching position created by the addition of the class.

“Mrs. Sparacio comes to us with several years of teaching experience in New Jersey,” said Tucker. “She holds a bachelor of arts in education and is certified for both early childhood and elementary education. Laureen also holds a master of arts in reading and is a certified reading specialist. 

“She is the mother of a student at Sewanee Elementary and is already familiar with our school and procedures. This will be helpful with her transition. I am excited that she will be adding her expertise to the SES faculty,” said Tucker. 

In other business, the board reviewed a list of 164 items ranging from desks to milk coolers that have accumulated over the past several years. The board voted to declare the items surplus and to offer them for sale to the highest bidder. The items will be posted on the school district website.

Lonas recommended the board approve a lengthy list of policy changes suggested by the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA). She said TSBA- proposed revisions were “usually based on legal action or the need to comply with legal authority.” The board approved six of the eight proposed changes.

School board representative Chris Guess asked to defer a vote on the policy addressing graduation requirements until the board received the report on high school scheduling and graduation prerequisites that will be presented at the Jan. 4 working session.

Sewanee school board representative Adam Tucker asked to defer a vote on the policy addressing use of photographic and recording equipment at board meetings. 

“I don’t oppose the policy revision,” Tucker said. “I just want more information on the change in the legal authority cited in the policy.”

Lonas announced the expected finalization of the Oak Grove School property sale. Of the $30,000 proceeds, $10,000 will be used for rehabilitation of the property purchased for a soccer practice field at Huntland School. The board’s next meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Rock Creek Elementary.