[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6351473,"mediaKeyId","2230108-96a670af0e13059126d31fd419eac02b","parentId",2230108,"title","Board reviews library book list; one science title retained for curriculum, 10 titles recommended for removal","audioSeconds",392,"startMs",3120000,"endMs",3512000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230108-96a670af0e13059126d31fd419eac02b&start=3120&end=3512","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230108-96a670af0e13059126d31fd419eac02b/thumbnail_3120000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6351473/Tennessee/Board-reviews-library-book-list-one-science-title-retained-for-curriculum-10-titles-recommended-for-removal","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351473-09750b87b7fa99cb3e9f7f8490850af2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775325904&Signature=JJ82EOkAvIOIifNyn6kjozk1-NxkzcPzUnftyFsJScLwVSas1PKJvCHHm-QvduLkk6W73or-zBp9gSLH~DZtPaB~ysLd~ZWrSOzZeueziuneTRNHxPm4qNIZBE~BYY23HAFf~BhzQThop-SCoOq7G8Q10Ul0zPiJNhK4UAZAmYlQSQs-KVgKY3X6VAPTne3S8boSFERla6syOebNn2TOOQ297QstszP6otHKcAp7Mg63JsLu61YcryvpSuaZS2YitCFPFbHMu5~-MTkyKJjlkYYE9Wl7hK51ItDPXACHaCZLnBlLrmWNdnXpjcKaTCRgyTo-ve8oExOBF9y6rlBtAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rutherford County Schools","date","2025-02-05T12:59:02Z","article","Rutherford County school officials presented a set of library book reviews and recommendations to the school board, advising the board on curriculum alignment and removal requests.

A staff presenter called out title 34, The Body: A Guide for Occupants, as a nonfiction anatomy-and-physiology text that “directly connects to high school curriculum, especially in the anatomy and physiology” course and therefore should be retained. The presenter noted there are two copies on the review list and four total circulations for that title.

Staff also told the board there are 10 titles recommended for removal and proposed grouping them to expedite Thursday’s consideration. Board members discussed broader concerns about student mental health and the impact of content, with one member urging careful review because “anything that causes the kid to stumble ... that's on us.”

Staff confirmed librarians and review processes are participating in the review; in the discussion the number “22” was mentioned in reference to librarians and a $1,000 bonus program, but the precise program details appeared in follow-up remarks and will be confirmed at the next meeting.

The transcript records discussion and preliminary recommendations; no final removals were recorded in the excerpt.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Work Session - February 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board discussed a set of library book reviews. Staff said The Body: A Guide for Occupants (title #34) aligns with high school anatomy and physiology standards and should remain; staff also said 10 other titles have been recommended for removal and could be grouped for expedited consideration.","taxTitle","Rutherford County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",13507,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6351478,"Proposed resolution would urge Tennessee legislature to repeal educator-diversity statute; board divided on timing",512,2207000,2719000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230108-96a670af0e13059126d31fd419eac02b&start=2207&end=2719","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230108-96a670af0e13059126d31fd419eac02b/thumbnail_2207000.jpg","/articles/6351478/Tennessee/Proposed-resolution-would-urge-Tennessee-legislature-to-repeal-educator-diversity-statute-board-divided-on-timing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351478-e3e0c7357a685e7fddcdced9a54dc576/orig.mp4?Expires=1775325904&Signature=S9shEP4UUxx-XR3e3KOQktFwnOgGnAqy916EV4PLSDdX~oe8bwzSmwuu5JRVJVrR46mwUQDCHoDMaxco2l3MAT8HqP~K~wOzV2oBAwQ7HcO3zS8qnKGwqQQAARVoiRqX~zfozY795kwCSY9xPnQrF-2Qdvk~F~N-OEHa5oEBPYFLau5kHKqy2IVaz75rGOc3~2Zmhl~6WgCQAfjMhMjXdVhxjTot3cI6y2h2BAUrtXb4CHFJ9SpMWf7Kfm6zdUOZjJT~e1yVB-3u-p3ffRF3nUlx7bMm1I70GoDQLEv6cVMl7l2M1pEzpDbbWuXzyxhoIgaJBXVZxeciktR3dHgmBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A resolution asking the Tennessee General Assembly to delete Tennessee Code Annotated section 49-1-302 — the statute directing state policy on educator diversity — was presented to the Rutherford County School Board and scheduled for the board’s Thursday agenda.

The resolution, presented by board member Mister Tibble, calls on the General Assembly to “delete TCA section 49-1-302 in its entirety, eliminating state imposed requirements related to educator diversity goals, recruitment strategies, and statewide monitoring systems,” and notes that state law and State Board policy guide local goals and reporting. The resolution text cited the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College as part of the national conversation on diversity policies.

Board members debated policy, purpose and timing. “I just wanna say, it's been very volatile in the state due to the voucher rule, and honestly, I really would hate to see us take up any more resolutions,” one board member said, urging a focus on student services and fewer resolutions. Another board member, Miss Maxwell, argued the resolution clarified three distinctions — diversity, equity and inclusion — and said the district has not implemented hiring based on race.

Doctor Sullivan told the board the statutory requirement came from the General Assembly (passed in February 2019) and the State Board policy implementing it was adopted in 2021. “TCA 49-1-302.G requires the commissioner to recommend that the state board to adopt a policy to address educator diversity,” he said.

Several members urged waiting to see if a bill is filed during the current legislative filing window; others favored taking a position now to let state lawmakers know the board’s direction. The transcript shows the resolution was placed on the Thursday agenda for consideration; no board vote on final adoption is recorded in the provided excerpt.","A board member introduced a resolution asking the Tennessee General Assembly to delete TCA 49-1-302, which directs state policy on educator diversity. Board members debated the merits and timing and were split on whether to bring the resolution forward immediately or wait for possible legislation filings.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6351483,"District halts work with architect on Central Magnet STEM and 814 South Church; board asked to approve payment for services rendered",79,574000,653000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230108-96a670af0e13059126d31fd419eac02b&start=574&end=653","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230108-96a670af0e13059126d31fd419eac02b/thumbnail_574000.jpg","/articles/6351483/Tennessee/District-halts-work-with-architect-on-Central-Magnet-STEM-and-814-South-Church-board-asked-to-approve-payment-for-services-rendered","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351483-5fb9af8fc272f96fdb7854cfc359faf6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775325904&Signature=CzljAUxDI95fry9DuNSF4WJAKqfslue~YkboJx1HK2uQyeSlzrrionsuyXZDbm5cA8mzRWKBbJNt4rHAcIQSRXDrafCC5~53v4yHBG-qX0qmMqLz-VYC0sbxd-GvWIgdM2LwwKZklRgkQyVVtWnsR5cM7BwYharQeeZicR3EKherQBVrej0RoGkC-OnJH3U7A-rjqWsLEM6b-2hStxpQSV2z0Lej1ltniex6Sm1uJkxwQCtyaSTB~Uk5UKiuwWmGBaHp~OIt8oxDI0L8Fm3OUMECwU6Vo0admL9aGI7aZOduhBE9jHpAmnqbkJ7kULiqffv3EJQTYYVGZb09l7uPhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rutherford County School Board heard that the district has stopped work with an architect on two projects — the Central Magnet School STEM building and a property at 814 South Church Street — and that the board must approve payment for services already rendered.

A staff presenter said the district has “stopped work” on both projects, placed the architect in limbo and will ask the board to authorize payment for services provided under the contract. “Because it's a contract, we need you all to vote that it's okay,” the presenter told the board.

Board members asked whether the architect could be considered for future projects; staff said the district will consider the firm along with others when issuing future requests for proposals. One board member asked about timelines and whether the district must re-run the selection process; staff replied the district typically goes through that process every couple of years and will look at other architects when ready to restart the projects.

The presenter also raised the question of the district's options for 814 South Church Street, noting it may be sold or repurposed and that the board will need to determine “what we wanna do with that building.” Board members raised concerns about timing and whether funds allocated to Central Magnet must be spent in a timely manner.

No final vote on terminating the contract or selecting a replacement architect appears in the transcript excerpt; staff said the board's formal approval to pay for services is required by contract procedures and that the district will look at other architects for upcoming RFPs.","Rutherford County staff said work by the current architect on the Central Magnet STEM building and 814 South Church Street has been stopped and the board must authorize payment for services rendered; staff said they will consider other architects for future work and evaluate reuse or sale of the Church Street building.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6351487,"Developers offer Rutherford County option to buy 35 acres behind Smyrna High for $10; board asked to indicate intent",489,1127000,1616000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230108-96a670af0e13059126d31fd419eac02b&start=1127&end=1616","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230108-96a670af0e13059126d31fd419eac02b/thumbnail_1127000.jpg","/articles/6351487/Tennessee/Developers-offer-Rutherford-County-option-to-buy-35-acres-behind-Smyrna-High-for-10-board-asked-to-indicate-intent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351487-8f193a6da022108d8264992696d117bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775325904&Signature=EZlsRH8XUZ9HuExnJuDfkcQ-aWQa2F6umw3SilqKyc7gMT7l~5mvko-STy9NMeqSNWxtYeQ69rGrcm6iWTJdzDJTZYFUK08aSwPt1gLwHVbtJmZweKnQG8LV7NNq-QoGlc22ugq0hi1B1L81T50rTroRlEOLPdYKUueIMVJnghPxVZgkcESVlms34HEnvr8n6EL8teUuXY4rxYy2p-Rw3Gji-1kq1AF0d2hiD3~~HrVI1JWn2mu6isDXF80n1f5lf95j2Se6uTkc1nakMA6ErsQClesVhX1H97ZtZVjbWvldDMI82zvQRJbAkt0qPh0uh66Rd-bcr0cHxBDI1QULNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Developers and town officials told the Rutherford County School Board they have offered the district an option to purchase roughly 35 acres behind Smyrna High School for $10 and asked whether the board intends to exercise that right.

A staff presenter working with the city and developers described a Kroger-led project adjacent to the school and said the developer plans changes to nearby roads that will alter campus access. “All of those changes, striping, paving, closing off the entrance, building this, all of this will be at the developer's cost,” the presenter said. The developer also proposed cutting the fence line along the state road to create a widened entrance and a new bus-only access into the school parking lot.

The presenter said most of the 35-acre parcel is in the floodway or flood plain, limiting development. The town of Smyrna has requested a partnership to extend a greenway; staff said CSX has granted permission for a path under a railroad bridge nearby to link neighborhoods and support the greenway plan.

Board members asked logistical questions about drop-off patterns and parking and whether closing McWilliams Drive (a change TDOT requires for the project) would affect parents’ access. The presenter said parents could still use the lighted entrance and that the developers are proposing multiple entrances to ease circulation. “We would have multiple entrances that will line up in a T intersection so that we can get rid of some of the problems we've had,” the presenter said.

Timing and decision: The developers said they will provide written notice when the property is sold and that the district typically has a year to exercise the option; staff said the developers requested an early indication of intent because the option affects their plans for outparcels. The transcript records discussion and questions but no formal board vote; one board member summarized: “If we intend to exercise our right to buy the 35 acres for $10 that's what they would need to know because it affects future developers.”

Why it matters: The parcel adjoins Smyrna High, could be used for athletic practice space or greenway connections, and the developer has said access work would be paid by the developer rather than the district. The board discussed parking shortfalls for events and whether a partnership or temporary lease of outparcels might be possible.

No formal decision was recorded in the available transcript; staff said they would expect written notice from the developer in the next few weeks and that the district technically has one year from that notice to exercise the option.","Developers working on a Kroger-anchored project told the school board the district has an option to buy about 35 acres behind Smyrna High for $10; most of the parcel is in a floodplain, and the developer would pay for campus access improvements, city officials said.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6351492,"Rutherford County schools extend $4,000 signing bonus for hard-to-staff positions, district reports ~223 recipients",147,260000,407000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2230108-96a670af0e13059126d31fd419eac02b&start=260&end=407","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2230108-96a670af0e13059126d31fd419eac02b/thumbnail_260000.jpg","/articles/6351492/Tennessee/Rutherford-County-schools-extend-4000-signing-bonus-for-hard-to-staff-positions-district-reports-223-recipients","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6351492-249ad6ba3a8b15e868d080478492d5d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775325904&Signature=MfFJBk1gh7WpRh9DW9Qbect48X4fjn2ysP5EyqYAICeWwrfeWEvyaIwudevgbOp19U9SvdhxNeFLHzXq4X2imv4kFIGzoRppAzkDhaWNF21MfCtYUpLo12HaAzyENQQ7vfv4pmeJ25y~Dmz9YEQbljvMRFptPeqM5afVg-vsEzzHvknNovCRKi-wgTQVKp~8Y54Q3fBOjdTleBpt6-mK75k6u4b8s54Ms0HnrLx0Hw1Y85gd8~Q8OuoiCKqHrKNZYwcdCIgoFn3V--GAuWMYDLzCS9osQc1EbHWxGcGXzm5N2SvbkFiehlM3B0fKgl58o9wU-fxmdzLOGOJYI10qBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rutherford County School Board on Monday reviewed its continuing signing-bonus program for hard-to-staff certified positions, including special education and English as a second language.

Doctor Sullivan, director of schools, said the program pays a one-time $4,000 signing bonus split into two payments — $2,000 in the fall and $2,000 in the spring — and described additional payments for certain categories of hires. “If they’re in a hard to fill, then they get an additional $1,500,” the director said when describing the student-teacher supplement; retirees who return in a hard-to-staff certified area receive an additional $5,000, the director said.

The district presented counts and a cost estimate to the board. “So, we have about 223 total, which would be about $805,000, to help us, with our recruitment areas in those hard to fill areas,” Doctor Sullivan said.

Why it matters: Board members framed the program as a recruitment and retention tool for positions the district has struggled to fill. The board was told the most common categories receiving the bonuses so far this year were special education and ESL; Doctor Sullivan reported 72 special-education hires and 46 ESL hires who had received bonuses, with roughly 31 in ELA and mathematics and smaller counts in chemistry and other subjects.

Board discussion focused on program design and duration. Board member Miss Sharda noted the retiree incentive is scheduled to “sunset” after one more year; Doctor Sullivan confirmed the retiree supplement is set to end at the “end of the ’26 fiscal year.” Other members thanked staff for the educator-preparatory program that feeds local hires.

No formal vote was recorded in the transcript excerpt; the program was described as unchanged from the prior year and being presented for approval to support an upcoming job fair.

Looking ahead: Staff said the signing bonuses will be part of the district’s recruitment strategy for an upcoming job fair and recommended continuation of the current structure for the immediate term.","At a school board meeting, staff reviewed a continued signing-bonus program for hard-to-staff certified positions — $4,000 paid in two installments — and said about 223 hires have received bonuses, costing roughly $805,000.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reviews library book list; one science title retained for curriculum, 10 titles recommended for removal

Proposed resolution would urge Tennessee legislature to repeal educator-diversity statute; board divided on timing

District halts work with architect on Central Magnet STEM and 814 South Church; board asked to approve payment for services rendered

Developers offer Rutherford County option to buy 35 acres behind Smyrna High for $10; board asked to indicate intent

Rutherford County schools extend $4,000 signing bonus for hard-to-staff positions, district reports ~223 recipients