Kingsport, Sullivan County and Johnson City public school systems have been recognized for accomplishments on a statewide stage.
And the head of the Kingsport school board was honored for his contributions to education.
The awards came Monday during the Tennessee School Boards Association annual meeting in Nashville. The meetings started Sunday and wrapped up Tuesday, with the awards formally announced at a Monday luncheon.
Johnson City’s more than $23 million Science Hill High project won first place in the school architectural design category, while Sullivan County won second place for the more than $15 million Ketron Elementary renovation and expansion project.
Sullivan County plant management supervisor Joe Davenport said the application was a joint effort of architect Don Solt, from Beeson, Lusk and Street Architects, and the county school system.
Kingsport City Schools received the Tennessee’s Healthier Schools Challenge Platinum Level award. Eleven school systems across the state achieved that level, given by the TSBA to districts that excel in implementing health promotion policies and plans that align with the district’s vision and mission.
Sullivan County received the bronze level of that award for meeting eight of 12 criteria, according to Sullivan County Director of Schools Jubal Yennie.
“Schools have a tremendous opportunity to promote and develop healthy lifestyle choices, which plays such an important role in student learning,” Kingsport Superintendent Lyle Ailshie said in a news release. “KCS students and staff have been hard at work taking steps to improve our health and well-being.”
Criteria for the award include implementation of Coordinated School Health goals in the system’s strategic plan; active participation of school board members, students and staff in wellness programs; and effective communication with parents.
In addition, city Board of Education President Randy Montgomery was named one of seven All Tennessee School Board members for 2012.
The TSBA annually selects five to seven outstanding Tennessee school board members for the honor, based on nominations made by superintendents, school board members or district directors from across the state.
“We are fortunate to have such a devoted advocate for children and public education leading our school board, and he is certainly deserving of this honor,” Ailshie said.