New positions have been given to most of the teachers affected by the rezoning of Blue Springs Elementary School.

“All of the teachers have been placed now but three,” Director of Schools Johnny McDaniel said.

The teachers were able to apply for any position within the system. Some of these positions were created by recent rezoning. Other positions had become available because of retirements and growth, according to McDaniel.

Many of the teachers were put in the positions they hoped to get, McDaniel said. Plans are being made to place the remaining teachers. McDaniel said some decisions will be made after school starts in August and the school system is able to look at enrollment at the schools. Supervisor of Elementary Education Sheena Newman has been working to find a location for each teacher. All of the teachers will have a job next year as their salaries were retained in the next fiscal year’s budget

In August more than 300 students will be adjusting to new schools as a result of rezoning of the Bradley County Schools. Angela Lawson, Blue Springs principal, will be assisting in the transition by attending the pre-school year meetings for schools affected by the rezoning. Lawson will also be working with the principals, as well as teachers and students at the schools, to help the transition go smoothly.

A final decision about what Lawson will be doing after the transition is complete has not been made. McDaniel said a plan is still being worked on

“There a lot of options for her,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel said Lawson has done a great job as principal of Blue Springs.

“She has a promising future as a school leader,” McDaniel said.

The decision to change the zones for elementary schools was approved by the Bradley County Board of Education on May 26.

Students from Blue Springs Elementary School were moved to Waterville Community Elementary School or Black Fox Elementary School. Students on Blue Springs Road will go to Waterville, while students on lower Lead Mine Valley Road would be moved to Black Fox. Students from Dockery would be divided between Black Fox and Waterville. Those who were attending Blue Springs as out-of-zone students will be put back in their zoned school.

McDaniel said an effort was made to keep communities together despite the need to rezone.

As a part of this plan, 46 students from Black Fox were zoned for Prospect, 39 students from Waterville were zoned for Oak Grove Elementary School and 30 students from Waterville were zoned for Taylor Elementary school.