Johnson City School Board recognizes tech teacher leaders

The Johnson City School Board recognized teacher leaders and reviewed construction progress during its May meeting. District leaders recognized 17 educators selected for the 2025-26 Tech Teacher Leader Program, Cohort 10, representing schools across the system. The program focuses on expanding classroom technology use and equipping teachers with tools and training to support student learning. Cohort 10 includes Caitlin Alban, Faith Burton, Misty Davis, Madison Fletcher, Lesley Heurkins, April Mullikin, Sidney Reynolds, Stephanie Robinette, Brandi Sanchez, Jamie Milam, Taylor Moore, Marcia Pearson, Laura Rees, Les Simerly, Beth Simpson, Zachary Ward and Amy Davis. Teacher Leader Program District Supervisor Josh Carter, who worked with the cohort this year, spoke about the group's work supporting instructional technology efforts. "This is the last year of our teacher tech program," Carter said. "This class took it out with a bang, I can tell you that." One participating teacher, Brandi Sanchez, described the program as an opportunity to explore new roles and expand access to technology tools. "I was trying to find my new purpose, my new role, and I feel like this group helps me find that," Sanchez said. "I wanted to become an advocate for my special education group that I was now working with. I wanted to find the inclusive technology that the students can use to make sure they participate in every activity that the general education students do. I wanted to make sure that my special education teachers had access to things that give them a little bit more stress relief when it comes to creating IEPs and 504s … so I took that as my goal for this year." Sanchez said one of the big conversations centered around the appropriate use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. "We looked at how we can use AI to be productive and how we can show students how to use AI responsibly," she said. "AI is not a tool to replace our skill, our personality, or our knowledge. It's used as something to assist us." Sanchez said that AI is intended to support instruction rather than replace the relationship between students and educators, and noted plans to continue sharing strategies through upcoming training sessions. "It can give you some engaging activities that maybe you don't know about or maybe you didn't think about," she said. "But it will never replace a teacher and student relationship." She said she attended the Future of Education Technology Conference in Orlando to view emerging technology for the classroom, taking a few samples to share with teachers as upcoming door prizes. In construction updates, district officials reported continued progress on the new Towne Acres Elementary School building, with work underway on foundational elements and masonry. Concrete slab installation is scheduled next, with the new school projected for completion in June 2027 and final site work expected by December 2027. Secure vestibule projects at Cherokee, North Side and Mountain View elementary schools are substantially complete, with staff already occupying the upgraded spaces. Additional finishing work remains ongoing. At Market Street School, heating and air system installation is in progress, with interior finishing work planned following completion. The board also received an update on repairs to the Indian Trail Middle School foyer following damage from a vehicle accident. Officials said work is expected to begin after the school year ends, with a goal of completing repairs over the summer. Board members approved a motion to use contingency funds from liquidation to support potential future vestibule upgrades at the district's central office once current school projects are completed. The measure passed unanimously. In other business, the board outlined tuition school availability for the 2026-27 school year based on enrollment projections. Several schools, including Science Hill High School and both middle schools, will accept new tuition students. Elementary schools participating include Cherokee, Lake Ridge, Mountain View, North Side, Towne Acres and Woodland. District officials said applications for tuition students will be available on the system's website beginning May 5. Additional provisions apply for children of district employees, allowing them to attend schools connected to their parent's workplace, depending on enrollment capacity. The next Johnson City School Board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 1, at the Johnson City Schools Central Office.