[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6245685,"mediaKeyId","3222941-b26731c89ffe7967bb83a7bef151efa8","parentId",3222941,"title","CMCSS board reviews broad updates to student code of conduct, weighs stricter cellphone limits","audioSeconds",1886,"startMs",220000,"endMs",2106000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3222941-b26731c89ffe7967bb83a7bef151efa8&start=220&end=2106","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3222941-b26731c89ffe7967bb83a7bef151efa8/thumbnail_220000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6245685/Tennessee/CMCSS-board-reviews-broad-updates-to-student-code-of-conduct-weighs-stricter-cellphone-limits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245685-4014de87a7d4d2399b7c36f48eec4664/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169873&Signature=Q9md4TiwwI9hQtO05FKZvBigJXxJ1-NFBve~P7bNvQ~lsfZFYPX4qXMwuqQyBNfLBwEaT55aLkC986IQoJk1LegwaDOt50aMO1gO25SK~mW4mfZ67FOZPlI3epXQ95gJylq0dHTznzidB2AoVDvRCctmQ63UoKemhKjwOhebK8EVQy3zaTZu3kQXigB1mYkDTvY-zpB9ox3Jc7qTjeLnqeEoovZUPXWJh2EdCMWqvQSR-7rbxPb4yywo4lpcbjyWffo2iouvIn9~SkvW36At7umZPAyhSl8Tj2jT7k25-A0QO1asimpuUZVz-lXULoXA3g9~eubSBTO-IR07lQOKlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montgomery County Schools","date","2025-05-07T13:30:39Z","article","The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) Board of Education on a study-session night received a first reading of proposed updates to the student code of conduct for the 2025–26 school year, including a new districtwide limit on student cellphone and personal electronic device use and additions for unapproved artificial‑intelligence use in academic integrity cases.

The proposed revisions, presented by Matt Sleight, a CMCSS staff member, would prohibit student use of personal communication devices during the instructional day, move such violations from a Category 1 offense to Category 2 (with escalating consequences for repeat offenses), and clarify that teachers — not only administrators — may confiscate devices. The changes also add “unapproved AI use” to cheating/plagiarism/forgery language, specify remand ranges of 30 or 90 days for Category 4 offenses, and clarify bus‑fighting consequences including a 5–15 day bus suspension and potential out‑of‑school suspension at the principal’s discretion.

Why it matters: school leaders said the changes aim to protect instructional time and align consequences with new state requirements. Vice Chairman Lanier, who led the cellphone recommendation, described multiple ways devices disrupt instruction and student safety, including \"filming and sharing videos of other students without their consent\" and coordination of fights via text messages. The district also cited results from Kenwood High School’s no‑cellphone policy: \"a large change in the instructional learning atmosphere,\" and early data the presenters said showed decreases in some behavior incidents after Kenwood’s policy was implemented.

Details of the proposal and board questions

Sleight said the district’s annual review includes input from department chairs, legal counsel, school administrators and broad stakeholder surveys. On cellphones, the draft would require students to turn phones off or set them silent and keep devices out of sight during the instructional day; principals could allow device use during specified times such as lunch or for documented medical accommodations. The draft states that \"school administration may search and review electronic devices\" if there is suspicion of a rules violation and that students have \"no expectation of privacy for cell phone use.\" It also says students \"assume all responsibility for lost or stolen devices.\"

Vice Chairman Lanier, who presented the cellphone language, argued for stricter enforcement and said schools that restrict phones at all times reported quieter, more focused classrooms. \"These devices can be a distraction in the learning environment during instructional time,\" Lanier said.

Board members asked about consistency of enforcement across schools and whether the lunch exemption should remain. Board member Mabry asked why lunch was left as a possible exception; Lanier and staff said the district is trying to balance approaches used at different schools and that some principals have found limited cellphone use at lunch reduces tensions in the cafeteria. Board member Bryant asked about tracking results; staff said discipline incidents are recorded in PowerSchool and that the district \"keeps data on everything.\" Board member Garland asked for demographic breakdowns of cellphone‑related discipline; staff agreed they could provide incident data disaggregated by demographics and offense type.

Other substantive revisions include:
- Academic integrity: unapproved use of AI would be explicitly added to cheating/plagiarism/forgery language and handled through referral and consequences;
- Advanced Placement/dual‑enrollment: proposed alignment to college/university standards, including a 0 for a plagiarized assignment and possible removal from AP/dual enrollment after repeated offenses;
- Category clarifications: removal of redundant modifiers (for example, deleting the unnecessary word \"derogatory\" in profanity categories) and clarification that Category 4 remandments are limited to defined 30‑ or 90‑day placements;
- Bus fights: clarity that building‑level discipline applies and that transportation consequences (5–15 day bus suspension) and counseling referrals may follow.

No formal vote was taken; the item was presented as a \"first read\" for further consideration. Board members repeatedly emphasized the need for consistent enforcement across schools and clear communications to families and staff ahead of any implementation. \"As we find that balance and continue to refine our student code of conduct… we continue to work towards guarding our instructional time as much as possible,\" Sleight said.

Next steps and context

Presenters said the draft also references a recent state law requiring districts to adopt a cellphone policy; the board’s legal counsel confirmed the legislature now requires districts to adopt such policies. Staff recommended more training and implementation work over the summer so teachers and principals can apply the rules consistently. Board members requested follow‑up data comparing behavior under the older points‑based system and the current category system, excluding the COVID years if possible, and asked staff to return with reports on discipline trends after implementation.

The first‑reading status means no policy change has been adopted. The board will consider further revisions and a future reading before any policy becomes final.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CMCSS School Board Meeting 05-06-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) Board of Education on a study‑session night received a first reading of proposed updates to the student code of conduct for the 2025–26 school year, including a districtwide limit on student cellphone use and additions for unapproved artificial‑intelligence use in academic‑integrity cases.","taxTitle","Montgomery County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",12944,"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},6245670,"CMCSS proposes non‑voting student board member; selection from student advisory committee recommended",822,2698000,3520000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3222941-b26731c89ffe7967bb83a7bef151efa8&start=2698&end=3520","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3222941-b26731c89ffe7967bb83a7bef151efa8/thumbnail_2698000.jpg","/articles/6245670/Tennessee/CMCSS-proposes-nonvoting-student-board-member-selection-from-student-advisory-committee-recommended","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245670-78478d5bfbb7e63af297fdf86593df3c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169873&Signature=Oi7f76cEI2EwjPnW0GwR5pinVucqOqY29pIBR6HLTcEpv2o7QTQYt2pPkw4r8kzXjc-iIqBcmViMbF~ZcH~SXdxQ14eiCMKF72kVWWrWhUiYfEkFwkTR~g56YhqXGtOCjpf~YGpPRIemBlKl~xc-mitIHqZ8Rv-esIwPOv~sBygJ8epaWhazhShUQtjvegQRDX4oTXJZ3ohpbqGVKFuH4F9YLooGNHlWWRd40nhz4xHgJCIN7j513LH5ZWKaUcjYdGiZYSb-rJW6ouOLZGDMPUuVKPWFQyzXwGiOU8V28CGeVh~WziNTUch1kxccqfFeOML60zVq-cAaGi9R9O8IxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Dowdy (identified in the record as \"Doctor Dowdy\") presented a proposal for a non‑voting student member of the Clarksville‑Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) Board of Education and described a selection process, role expectations and liaison support.

Under the proposal, an eligible student would be a current junior or senior and selected from among the CMCSS high school student advisory committee members. Each high school would nominate four students to the district advisory committee; those advisory members would vote to select a student and an alternate, and the board would make the final appointment. The student would serve a one‑year term beginning in October; the director of high schools and Dr. Dowdy would act as liaisons to provide pre‑meeting briefings and ongoing guidance.

Dr. Dowdy said the role would be non‑voting, attend formal public meetings, meet with the director of high schools before each meeting to review the agenda, and \"communicate student concerns and perspectives to the school board during the comments section of the agenda.\" She also proposed the student return to the advisory committee with updates to maintain two‑way communication.

Board feedback and areas for revision

Several board members supported the idea and suggested adjustments. Board member Griffey asked that the student representative be allowed to engage during board discussions, not only during the comments portion, because issues may arise during deliberations when the student’s perspective would be timely. Dr. Dowdy agreed to revisit the wording. Board member Bryant asked why the student would attend only formal meetings; Dr. Dowdy said the intent was to avoid a transportation burden and excessive meeting requirements for students but that students could attend additional meetings voluntarily.

Board members also discussed the use of an alternate or \"shadow\" student who could learn the role and fill in as needed. Dr. Dowdy said the alternate concept could be used interchangeably with a shadow and that staff will refine the definition.

No formal vote occurred; the item was presented for first reading and further refinement. The administration said it will return with revised language addressing board members’ suggestions on discussion participation, meeting scope and the role of an alternate.","Dr. Dowdy presented a plan to appoint a non‑voting student member to the CMCSS board selected from the district high school student advisory committee; proposal sets eligibility, term length and liaison arrangements and prompted board discussion about participation in discussions, meeting frequency and use of alternates.",{"_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},6245675,"CMCSS presents June budget amendments; $39.56 million earmarked for Freedom Elementary construction",612,2068000,2680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3222941-b26731c89ffe7967bb83a7bef151efa8&start=2068&end=2680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3222941-b26731c89ffe7967bb83a7bef151efa8/thumbnail_2068000.jpg","/articles/6245675/Tennessee/CMCSS-presents-June-budget-amendments-3956-million-earmarked-for-Freedom-Elementary-construction","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245675-32920cc035c8857c6aec3fb7eeb580d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169873&Signature=Dc1SHDwIgG1B8kv4F90M4eZV1wZhE9z5t6EmUqn2usPlzOj6pB~4Lunq~PVy9wRN8nK7OItEq7qnLz9B44Y5HM0-buESPOXzXtkCIrHDG4fvGlYFIk2jf2JtERhhSUuHwzRDvCeAouhWQLtMyFAODt1N67msYNhdlPwykk2HDHGNbAHIdCGs3I3qaw8dsqw5gr5u~C933SEQLZp1SKU-L2qlK0h7cQ5k6LU23TuqSARsVQRqqDO6XZQO1i5wQDOCjFquOWzNmcn97lcIYrMOikDpEdv6m0HDwug2huVXVqX4sg4KmCXUDi~WjUODx~lNV1p4WYQj4j3IUwwhksG0Uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jeff Taylor, a CMCSS staff member, presented the board with the first reading of the fiscal year 2025 June budget amendments, a routine year‑end resolution that adjusts revenue and expenditure estimates across funds and appropriates county contributions for the Freedom Elementary capital project.

Taylor said the district projects an additional $7,300,000 in available funds from several sources, driven largely by a TISA funding reconciliation of about $4,435,000 and roughly $1.95 million in local revenue increases. On expenditures, Taylor reported payroll reconciliations, benefit projections and transfers that raise total expenditures by approximately $2,567,472 and leave an adjusted ending fund balance increase of $4,736,691 in the general fund.

Key amounts cited by Taylor included:
- Total additional available funds: $7,300,000;
- TISA funding reconciliation: $4,435,000 (approx.);
- Anticipated increases in local option sales tax, business tax and mixed drink taxes (specific line items noted in packet);
- Interfund transfer of $1,000,000 from the general fund to the extended school fund;
- County contribution appropriated for Freedom Elementary: $39,562,029.

Taylor walked the board through line‑item adjustments across instruction, special education (including ESY/summer learning costs), technology, transportation and food services. He said some federal E‑rate funding was removed and that various operating transfers and insurance reimbursements were reflected in the amendments.

Board discussion and questions

Board member Nelson asked whether rising materials prices would affect Freedom Elementary construction bids; Taylor replied the district has already received the bid and said \"those prices should be locked in.\" No additional budget vote was taken at the meeting; Taylor presented the amendment as a first reading for board review.

Next steps

The amendment will return for required readings and votes as part of the district’s year‑end budget process. The appropriation for Freedom Elementary was presented as tied to county contributions and construction planning underway.","Jeff Taylor presented year‑end budget amendments and reconciliations, reporting a $7.3 million revenue increase and multiple expenditure adjustments; the board was told $39,562,029 in county contributions will be appropriated for Freedom Elementary construction.",{"_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},6245680,"CMCSS staff preview consolidated entitlement grant; district to manage allocations for residential treatment facility",123,87000,210000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3222941-b26731c89ffe7967bb83a7bef151efa8&start=87&end=210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3222941-b26731c89ffe7967bb83a7bef151efa8/thumbnail_87000.jpg","/articles/6245680/Tennessee/CMCSS-staff-preview-consolidated-entitlement-grant-district-to-manage-allocations-for-residential-treatment-facility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6245680-739adb9c617cbaa7148643cd67504da9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169873&Signature=A-5bQt4~rNwAbagA4OeDKRzyKn77pxKkSWO9Tiq7f5mpU5XLrLbU7xX1a9BgqpkbNZ1KwcFC6Z0tZ8VEVxNf8rWHWeD0wSkl0iTgXSBuQXadMD~5-6OrkFh8P2J7ie83PKWSoFTcJPGFt4n6uP5g6jKrM0WrsPOG5DBPGmIcbqScKhsmAjj8~g-5E2DVqApMygJOxmT8CJzxHykxA-6tXafzMdq0zl4~5EcPJhHpBTOYvDrKTLmc8kOSdqKvqibEP0uBnvGKLuE92tnSiLGa2ffNyBxoGOlyBZXzAK5I9ZIpR~vRxCd5FWIR~no~NPAXdaGkhPQDAz6evTv4mls-bQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lori Russell, the CMCSS director of federal programs, on a study‑session night gave a first reading overview of the district’s consolidated entitlement grant application for fiscal year 2025–26 and explained how the funds will be managed for participating schools, including an allocation for Oakland’s Academy.

Russell told the board the grant package includes seven funding sources shown in the board packet and a table that lists each source, the number of participating schools and the initial allocations for the 2025–26 school year. She said the funds support instruction, equity efforts and services for diverse student groups across the district.

Russell also addressed a board member’s question about Oakland’s Academy, clarifying that although the facility’s address is in Ashland City, it lies within Montgomery County and is considered part of CMCSS. \"Oakland’s Academy… is a residential treatment facility serving students with emotional and behavioral needs,\" Russell said, and the district will manage the allocation on behalf of the facility: \"They have those funds to spend, but they don't get them — they remain here with the school system, and we facilitate the purchases and use of the money.\"

No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational and will be included in the grant submission materials as the board reviews the consolidated entitlement application.

Context and next steps

Russell said the district’s packet contains more detailed slides and the table of allocations. Board members were invited to review the packet and raise questions during subsequent meetings; the presentation was acknowledged as a first reading of the grant application and not a final approval vote.","Lori Russell, director of federal programs, presented a first reading of the consolidated entitlement grant application for fiscal year 2025–26, describing seven funding sources, participating schools and how the district manages allocations for Oakland’s Academy, a residential treatment facility within Montgomery County.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CMCSS board reviews broad updates to student code of conduct, weighs stricter cellphone limits

CMCSS proposes non‑voting student board member; selection from student advisory committee recommended

CMCSS presents June budget amendments; $39.56 million earmarked for Freedom Elementary construction

CMCSS staff preview consolidated entitlement grant; district to manage allocations for residential treatment facility