By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
With the holiday season approaching, all Union City Schools are on the “good list.”
Each of Union City’s three campuses has been recognized as a Federal Reward School for 2024-25 by the Tennessee Department of Education and Governor Bill Lee.
Additionally, Union City Schools collectively were lauded as an Exemplary District – one of just 14 systems in the state to earn such a prestigious designation.
Director of Schools Wes Kennedy, who noted that the ‘Reward’ status for all three UC Schools marked the first time in 17 years that such an honor had been earned, enthusiastically shared the news with faculty and staff.
“I’m so proud of you all, and I appreciate each of you and what you do for our students,” Kennedy said to his faculty and administrators. “Even though you are focused on our students and giving them your best, and aren’t concerned about other things, it’s nice to be recognized sometimes.
“Congratulations…well deserved. You are the best.”
The ‘Reward’ school designation is the highest distinction a school can earn. It is based on high performance and/or significant improvement across a range of academic indicators.
Districts earn ‘Exemplary’ designation by scoring at least 3.1 (out of 4.0 overall) in high performance and significant growth in academics, student attendance, and postsecondary readiness.
The other districts to earn Exemplary status include Alamo City School, Alvin C. York Institute, Arlington Community Schools, Bells City Schools, Franklin Special School District, Germantown Municipal Schools, Greeneville City Schools, Newport City School, Perry County Schools, Putnam County Schools, Richard City Special School District, Rogersville City School, and the Tennessee Charter Commission.
“Our people just continue to amaze me with their dedication and effort, and I’m humbled to be one of just 14 systems in Tennessee to have earned the Exemplary status,” Kennedy added.
Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds noted a 22 percent increase in Reward schools from 2023-24, and four more Exemplary Districts from a year ago.
“Because of the dedication of Tennessee district, charter, and school leaders, along with our outstanding educators, we are proud to see their hard work demonstrated by these results,” she said. “Congratulations to the Reward schools and Exemplary districts for reaching this incredible milestone.”