Tennessee Commissioner Visits Burks

Tennessee Education Commissioner Dr. Penny Schwinn took a tour of Burks Elementary Wednesday.

Schwinn checked in on 6th grade kids all the way down to 1st graders, to see how things are operating. Schwinn spoke with students, teachers and staff as she moved from class to class.

Schwinn said she was impressed with the work Burks Elementary Principal Kevin Maynard is taking to keep safety a priority, while dealing with elementary students.

Maynard said he actually has more success with keeping masks on younger students than his sixth graders.

Schwinn had her longest conversation with a dedicated remote teacher, trying to learn the way the teacher stays in contact with parents and students. Burks Elementary has dedicated remote teachers for 1st through 3rd grade.

Schwinn said the way students were following the mask mandate and safety protocols are a testament to the culture of Burks Elementary.