[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"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","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,75,87,99,111],{"_32":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":73},"mediaId",6260813,"mediaKeyId","3126846-cf7179e125ce980d9bbf22d547fd0301","parentId",3126846,"title","Board affirms disciplinary remand and denies admission of a transfer student under discipline","audioSeconds",241,"startMs",4805000,"endMs",5046000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3126846-cf7179e125ce980d9bbf22d547fd0301&start=4805&end=5046","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3126846-cf7179e125ce980d9bbf22d547fd0301/thumbnail_4805000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6260813/Tennessee/Board-affirms-disciplinary-remand-and-denies-admission-of-a-transfer-student-under-discipline","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260813-b3fa335e027a18ff658448b8893660bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1769823176&Signature=YvKd28E9tOFHI5M5M4XIFAaZedzRIRiz8GsTcoyaZvIdqovZFm9yicIDaR6F3lNIZVFgMmQnW5IYtIcm01km8MqUT5NZOjmXFHw-5I0WgZfQRXnbKCbh5-U2QNBnBLGKpbkitda3ka5t-1PZFIO1oCPEZ41ZwhM9VNJVrlHmMnl1QnY9l~v0SKiCyBkDCLyBeAbKeFnOy0MBGVdNbwKVf1oyRqdf7zTaHVAncYkcHGc3t5~1dJF6vQxC27Kex~dFNIBSoxdK2Tv-aR7dXMnuVpgxuDvXlnBUaIvAmHtnFIVU-g~8Bh2Z~uSNInbZ4eg3gV9tXjGeLDmUGZKmfTMDKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rutherford County Schools","date","2025-04-25T20:54:51.947Z","article","Rutherford County School Board considered two discipline matters April 24 and issued formal decisions on both.

First, the board reviewed a disciplinary hearing authority (DHA) decision to remand a Rockvale student and voted to affirm the DHA’s decision, which keeps the student’s remandment in place. During discussion a former principal on the board noted that the remandment was part of a cumulative pattern of conduct rather than an isolated incident; the board limited public discussion of the student’s record during deliberations. The motion to affirm the DHA passed on a roll call vote.

Second, the board considered a request to admit a transfer student who had been expelled in another school system under a Title IX finding and to place that student within the district. The director of schools’ recommendation was to deny admission given the nature of the prior expulsion and state law that permits denial of admission for students transferring while under suspension or expulsion. The board voted to deny admission; that denial will be effective for the coming year, and staff noted the student may be admitted after a year has passed.

Why it matters: Discipline appeals and transfer admissions under discipline have immediate consequences for students’ access to Rutherford County Schools and must follow board policy and state law.

Ending: The board’s decisions were recorded and staff will notify affected families and implement the DHA affirmation and the denial of admission consistent with district policy and state law.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting - April 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","On April 24 the board reviewed two discipline items: it affirmed a decision to remand a Rockvale student following a disciplinary hearing and denied admission to a transfer student who was under expulsion in their prior district.","taxTitle","Rutherford County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",13507,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":76,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":77,"_40":78,"_42":79,"_44":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260819,"District marks School Library Month; librarians highlight rising circulation and library programs",1132,196000,1328000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3126846-cf7179e125ce980d9bbf22d547fd0301&start=196&end=1328","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3126846-cf7179e125ce980d9bbf22d547fd0301/thumbnail_196000.jpg","/articles/6260819/Tennessee/District-marks-School-Library-Month-librarians-highlight-rising-circulation-and-library-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260819-70adefc9dcb436de3b4d7a8dd53db2b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1769823176&Signature=gELwOcHtU7hfEjiw38SZB4F0z9uuJTD8JbzmtJPqDXqysWZoaY2pL8lqoYSqSSId~xc7QEzNgSIriG9qOZlG9f84UZu7u6RSWfo3tQ93wc0CrV4myL~py2fqADMH5Lc7vmjpPLOKvEW-uYdUXkqevL~mPXBOH7BkgOekHudNq-tE7dOZ-BmvTX-6M2V5HQvfOOz1~uoEfAaRTBwMMDFPhyPCNIgHHV0iISY0yM4HJ-UMxkbhn-cCeT9FMSAJTSErE5cStFqUrKQgMmpaCguwHx-hMsNQoGV0UF8CGR-QwidLIHJ74z7fOgBnanMyrFcRvbvQd6PpE5U-vZiJw1VUiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rutherford County Schools’ district library and information specialist, Caitlin Benavidez, opened a presentation at the April 24 school board meeting to mark School Library Month. Benavidez outlined the scope of the district’s library services, described staffing and professional credentials, and highlighted programs aimed at expanding students’ recreational and academic reading.

Benavidez said Rutherford County has 60 library media specialists and 30 library assistants and that district libraries serve tens of thousands of readers. She reported that circulation across the district has risen, and credited librarians’ relationship-building and collection curation for the increase.

The board heard short video and live remarks from several librarians and students. Stacy Whitlock, library media specialist at Stewart’s Creek Middle School, presented winners of a district March “reading challenge,” and the meeting included student book reviews from Rockvale High School and other schools. Whitlock recognized teachers, principals and librarians who support reading programs and named principal Dr. Latony Murray for supporting the library at Stewart’s Creek.

Benavidez described school libraries as active instructional spaces that support literacy across subjects, noting librarians’ roles in classroom collaboration, research instruction, grant support and after-school clubs such as book clubs, STEM and robotics. She also cited research linking well-staffed library programs with reading achievement across demographic groups.

Why it matters: School libraries are a core part of literacy and curriculum support. Board recognition highlights the professional staffing and district efforts to increase student engagement with reading.

Ending: The board acknowledged librarians publicly and district communications distributed highlights from the libraries’ programs and student reading achievements.","Rutherford County Schools recognized School Library Month at the April 24 board meeting. District library and information specialist Caitlin Benavidez and school librarians described programming, increased circulation and district staffing levels.",{"_32":88,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":89,"_40":90,"_42":91,"_44":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260823,"Board approves engagement of ACLJ to defend prayer practice at meetings",224,5096000,5320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3126846-cf7179e125ce980d9bbf22d547fd0301&start=5096&end=5320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3126846-cf7179e125ce980d9bbf22d547fd0301/thumbnail_5096000.jpg","/articles/6260823/Tennessee/Board-approves-engagement-of-ACLJ-to-defend-prayer-practice-at-meetings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260823-fc8faa3a1d648946a2bfe1ce5caee10e/orig.mp4?Expires=1769823176&Signature=YQxzrmmyQXtLHI26tgVrGS4RJnEiec6WWT5ZJrfr5BESTV0c-PnQtixwp4S2qpx9fZ5V4jTLixTalkeGC4nvQEfp8~2jx~HZyayql6HwfmGN8nZWWS4sBMeu6CgGxCkFb1ErFM-3V117~vu78ojVWDXxq2cswajhENOoO8zywBwNZKanlC55BLGs4zbyuoeAP36VLOMgEvRQ~yihn~il~b8vzwouWT5Em9SN6rw42KrL0-o63YJ705llLUnmlvOS-NQL8ZldL-0F5r5U7DbRx9S5yCLbkdjSStN5JXVpjViYizW3T7loPe3~lKHWJJRiGXbejmVRQx~X0lShxxi~tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rutherford County School Board voted April 24 to engage the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) to provide legal support opposing complaints about the board’s practice of opening meetings with prayer. The engagement letter provided to the board states ACLJ would provide pro bono legal labor but would not be responsible for any damage awards or settlement amounts that might be assessed against the district.

Board counsel Jeff Reid explained the engagement letter and said ACLJ specializes in constitutional litigation and has offered to provide legal labor at no cost to the board. Reid cautioned that although ACLJ would provide legal services without a labor fee, any damages or monetary awards assessed against the board would remain the district’s responsibility.

Some board members opposed the motion and urged budget preparations in case the board is sued. Board member Mister Vaughn asked the board to “move probably a million dollars over to our defense or legal fund”, citing the likelihood of litigation costs; that suggestion was noted but not adopted as an immediate motion. After discussion, the board approved engaging ACLJ by majority vote.

Why it matters: The engagement signals the board intends to defend a contested practice that a public commenter said may violate the First Amendment. Legal outcomes could carry financial risk for the district even if counsel is provided at no labor cost.

Ending: The board authorized staff to execute the engagement letter with ACLJ and directed legal staff to continue advising the board on exposure and budget planning.","Rutherford County School Board voted to engage the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) to provide pro bono legal labor to defend the board’s practice of opening meetings with prayer; the board was advised that any damage awards would remain the district’s responsibility.",{"_32":100,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":101,"_40":102,"_42":103,"_44":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260828,"Board denies two charter applications, allows 30 days for resubmission",565,4219000,4784000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3126846-cf7179e125ce980d9bbf22d547fd0301&start=4219&end=4784","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3126846-cf7179e125ce980d9bbf22d547fd0301/thumbnail_4219000.jpg","/articles/6260828/Tennessee/Board-denies-two-charter-applications-allows-30-days-for-resubmission","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260828-fbbfcf62171a056be740f06b5b4f0f6c/orig.mp4?Expires=1769823176&Signature=o67zxIE5jEqSEHRvh0ASSWpfyfNZ42r1EzDhEeDvuMiT1yoqKMDfR9hwId2nYs82lYLw~h06XWhhdJ~5KS9y56Fzagns99Onc3ioFWdIT~mJ~bwkOvb0UVMaRT4J6mmgE93erJO48dyzix~c-q7jPV7-B~vnqLPCeK2jb2F3gDFVh2hRJDxycA8lbPFbx5FLdCpjIbqfd2NUeAhB52jAb-g2q-8tI9bVveIsMxah14Mu0L3XhhxJiabeb-oKfoVkUEPLKIC4SafT5kWJKoOz0OTHXJBFoAqmU2aDey3wNJAF9Pitw6IfzmNFaHkjjPgh12rB-Bja~Ujg0puDmnuV5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rutherford County School Board on April 24 voted to deny two charter applications recommended for denial by the district’s charter review committee: Novus Smart Academy K–8 and Rocketship Tennessee (Charter School #4). Board members cited committee concerns about each application’s readiness and performance evidence as the basis for denial. In both cases, the board noted applicants may revise and resubmit an amended application within 30 days for the committee and board to review.

During the meeting, board members said denial does not end the process. Director of Schools Dr. McCann and staff explained that a denial must be reflected in a resolution and that applicants retain the right to resubmit amended applications; staff also described the committee review timeline if a resubmission is filed.

Public comment included several supporters of Rocketship. Dominique Smith, who said she is a principal in North Nashville and a founding teacher at a Rocketship campus in California, urged the board to approve Rocketship’s application, praising the charter’s emphasis on individualized instruction, family engagement and what she described as “joy” in school culture: “I ask you to please support Rocketship’s charter school application,” Smith said.

Board members who voted to deny said their actions reflected the review committee’s findings about readiness, qualifications and contract details rather than a categorical opposition to a new school model. The board’s denials were recorded as majority votes; staff told the board applicants would be allowed to resubmit within 30 days and that any resubmission would be reviewed on a 60‑day cycle before the board takes a subsequent vote.

Why it matters: Charter approvals shift students and funding from the district to independent charter operators and require the board to assess governance, academic plans and fiscal readiness. The board’s action preserves the current review process while allowing applicants an opportunity to address committee-identified deficiencies.

Ending: Applicants were notified of the denials and the 30‑day resubmission window. The board’s charter review committee will reconvene to review any amended applications and return recommendations to the full board for formal action.","Rutherford County School Board voted to deny the Novus Smart Academy K–8 application and Rocketship Tennessee application for 2025–26, with the board noting review-committee concerns and allowing applicants an opportunity to resubmit within 30 days.",{"_32":112,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":113,"_40":114,"_42":115,"_44":116,"_46":117,"_48":118,"_50":119,"_52":120,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":121,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":122,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6260833,"Board approves $4,000 per-bus stipend, orders county RFP for contractor insurance and sets parent-responsibility zones",3847,6162000,10009000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3126846-cf7179e125ce980d9bbf22d547fd0301&start=6162&end=10009","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3126846-cf7179e125ce980d9bbf22d547fd0301/thumbnail_6162000.jpg","/articles/6260833/Tennessee/Board-approves-4000-per-bus-stipend-orders-county-RFP-for-contractor-insurance-and-sets-parent-responsibility-zones","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6260833-3ca2e0e290218430e2048a59f53d2056/orig.mp4?Expires=1769823176&Signature=P8QWYy2J7qvH6U6n9C86Bqz3oJ89hfEUsPHm~mFnpuhh7UKg1fW0mi6VYhCwjKfJLYDgtzw~SrXLzS6FjR3aOAa8RNR5p7R50rZsnu8rpdQ2bT7nJJzGnoQK0pXkp3NZnArUr5JttQ5aSJk6c3JDdGBpaUp3LUZx6xT6oMtXGRLR9Sm69LaXSpf-wWYDsgUAhribheLnAlEjBjzBfywamk1pJeBofUhW1z2UgU21BWvJPo4TNI3rsFVe1mH0G5vLw1nVIUlEa7i2Nsxcppq5VS1~~MwGPY2NO4DuOVfr2-HdE6KhIedDK6AH~Ei3nhGZ0y8YSU9TL7wTJZguApDbrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rutherford County School Board voted April 24 to provide a one-time $4,000 stipend for each contracted school bus, direct county risk-management to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to seek liability coverage for bus contractors, and adopt parent-responsibility zones that make families responsible for transportation within specified walking distances.

The board approved the stipend and related contract changes unanimously, then voted to ask the county insurance committee to issue an RFP to cover contractors. Board members also approved a contingency the board described as a mechanism to prorate and split any future savings if the county later secures insurance for contractors at a lower total cost: if county-provided coverage becomes available and is cheaper than the stipend approach, the stipend would end and the savings would be split 50/50 between the school system and the contractors.

Director of Schools Doctor Sullivan and board counsel Jeff Reid framed the choice as time-sensitive. Reid said the district’s current policy expires June 30 and, because the RFP process and insurance markets take weeks, “we don't have any other option but to go ahead and proceed with the alternative of us contractors obtaining their own insurance,” and the stipend is designed to offset that immediate new cost.

Board member Stan Vaught, who pushed for a prompt solution after weeks of meetings with contractors, said the stipend gives the district and operators a workable path while the county pursues an insurance solution: “If we move forward with the $4,000, that gives us something to roll with,” he said.

On the transportation funding side, the board separately directed the school system and county staff to ask the county insurance committee and county commission to run a targeted RFP for liability insurance for the current bus contractors for the 2025–26 contract year. The board voted unanimously to send that request. The motion’s supporters said the RFP could return a lower price in subsequent years and allow the district to restore county-provided coverage at a lower net cost.

The board also adopted a parent-responsibility zone (PRZ) for student transportation by majority vote. The PRZ requires families to provide transportation for kindergarten through fifth-grade students who live within 1 mile of school and for sixth through 12th grades within 1.5 miles, with a carve-out for parents or guardians who are disabled and unable to provide transport. The motion passed after roll-call votes that split the board along familiar lines; the final vote was recorded as yes from Vaught, Vaughn, Darby and Maxwell and no from Sharp, Tidwell and Rosales.

Board members and staff described the measures as a package aimed at preventing a service disruption when the district’s existing insurance arrangement ends June 30, while giving the county time to re-bid coverage in a way that could reduce long-term costs. Finance staff told the board the stipend line will require an appropriation in this year’s budget and will be coordinated with county finance for timing of payment. The board directed staff to arrange stipend payments “as soon as possible” after contract signature so contractors can purchase policies that will be effective July 1.

The discussion also included a provision for how the stipend interacts with any future county insurance solution: if a later RFP produces contractor coverage that costs less than the stipend program, contractors who take county coverage would be required to reimburse any unused, prorated portion of the stipend; the district and contractors would then split net savings 50/50 under a contract amendment to be returned to the board for approval.

Why it matters: Rutherford County relies on private contractor drivers to run dozens of routes. The board said the measures minimize the risk of service interruptions for the start of the next school year while preserving a path to recapture savings if county-based insurance becomes available again.

Ending: Board staff will produce contract amendments reflecting the stipend, savings-split language and the disability exception to the PRZ. The county’s risk-management office was directed to issue the RFP and report back to the board on responses and timing.

","At its April 24 meeting the Rutherford County School Board voted to give contracted bus operators a $4,000 per-bus stipend to help pay for required liability insurance, asked the county insurance committee to issue an RFP for contractor coverage, and adopted parent-responsibility walk zones for most students with a disability exception.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board affirms disciplinary remand and denies admission of a transfer student under discipline

District marks School Library Month; librarians highlight rising circulation and library programs

Board approves engagement of ACLJ to defend prayer practice at meetings

Board denies two charter applications, allows 30 days for resubmission

Board approves $4,000 per-bus stipend, orders county RFP for contractor insurance and sets parent-responsibility zones