[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,76,88,100,111],{"_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",6194266,"mediaKeyId","3864599-295fe332cc745f704f83bff0c63f7685","parentId",3864599,"title","Germantown board adopts 12 policy changes reflecting new state laws, including internet, nondiscrimination and device rules","audioSeconds",7985,"startMs",302000,"endMs",8287000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864599-295fe332cc745f704f83bff0c63f7685&start=302&end=8287","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864599-295fe332cc745f704f83bff0c63f7685/thumbnail_302000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6194266/Tennessee/Germantown-board-adopts-12-policy-changes-reflecting-new-state-laws-including-internet-nondiscrimination-and-device-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194266-c37f8660b83ec38b40010893747ade03/orig.mp4?Expires=1777176563&Signature=BuxpN4qzdWudn3KnQllV~oXjmAt6BegNSWHgrLuorbpu8nE-sISYzYrRfRAb96lRrPPSjWv2nCY8DMuNBzgS4dZBSkFobQ~DmxXJVvhjLMtDJbQbtSa4~xjGG6Vxixa6ZrK-fTvGAk7QGEG744XTq6vamSmbWFQ6KAEeImAXZW76c2HD0~p-zdZenWbCNvzqy3Gjjf8jDhV7ffFGCE5GHtjRteVw~Xm5eiqW1IKbqXv6xIUO87vYW~WndT8rziOW5wGEH9cl5zK1-TcniRt~Iyvz4O1IfLMRGN6ubFEKR~vD62LKzo5dnyujqUmGQNlJpmcwL5CC-Gw17YGNU7f4RQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Germantown Municipal School District","date","2025-06-18T00:45:31Z","article","The Germantown Municipal School District Board approved revisions to 12 district policies on June 17 to reflect changes in state law. Administrators presented the updates during the work session and the board voted to adopt the policy package as an action item.

Major changes described by district staff include:
- Meetings: Policy 1.402 now requires 48 hours’ notice for board meetings and explicit posting on the district website.
- Charter schools: Policy 1.704 incorporates the role of the new public charter school commission and outlines approval and renewal procedures (the district currently has no charter schools).
- School calendar and remote instruction: Revised language allows up to five consecutive days of virtual instruction and up to four days of hybrid instruction for closures tied to dangerous weather or localized illness outbreaks without seeking special approval from the commissioner.
- Nondiscrimination: Policy 1.809 now includes newly required language addressing antisemitism; administrators said the statute clarified statutory language already covered under discrimination and harassment rules.
- Emergency drills and planning: Policy 3.202 imposes limits on full evacuation fire drills—generally no more than one full evacuation drill every 30 days, with no more than two full evacuation drills during the first 30 days of school—and includes a detailed list of required drills.
- Student internet use: Policy 4.406 prohibits students from accessing social media platforms, message boards and instant messaging services using district-provided internet except when expressly authorized by a teacher for educational purposes; district IT staff reviewed the policy and will administer filtering on the district network.
- Grading/reporting: The policy changes replace the label \"report cards\" with \"progress reports\" and require that results of universal screeners or dyslexia screeners be provided to parents \"on or with\" progress reports; district staff said they interpreted the statute to allow providing results with the report rather than embedding them directly on the report card.
- Leave after birth/adoption: Policy 5.303 clarifies eligibility for paid leave after birth, stillbirth or adoption; the leave must be taken consecutively and the policy extends coverage to individuals holding emergency credentials.
- Attendance/release time: Policy 6.2 clarifies documentation for release-time religious instruction and notes districts may require a meeting if a student misses more than 20 days for religious instruction.
- Searches and seizures: Policy 6.303 requires administrators to provide notice within a reasonable time for searches of students under 18 and directs staff to complete state-provided training on legal search procedures; it also allows school security officers (distinct from SROs) to perform searches under district policy.
- Wireless devices: Policy 6.312 limits student use of wireless communication devices during instructional time and directs schools to finalize procedures on enforcement and exceptions (for example, special instructional uses or medical reasons). The board discussed smartwatches and off-network usage; staff said the policy applies to district network access and instructional time.
- Seizure management: Policy 6.423 requires at least one full-time employee or volunteer at each school to receive annual seizure first-aid training.

Board action: The motion to approve the 12 policy changes was made by Board Member Ellis and seconded by Board Member Curry. The roll-call vote was unanimous.

Context and implementation: Administrators emphasized many changes are required by state law and that some items (for example, the progress-report placement of screening results) may be revisited if the State Board issues a clarifying rule. IT and school health staff said they had reviewed the sections relevant to filtering and seizure training.

Ending: Board members urged clear communication with families on device rules and other changes and asked administration to provide updates if state board rules alter interpretations of statutes.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","6.17.25 B.O.E. Work Session & Business Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Germantown Municipal School District Board on June 17 adopted 12 policy revisions required by recent changes in state law, covering meeting notice, internet use, nondiscrimination, drills, searches, device rules and staff leave.","taxTitle","Germantown, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",67553,"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},6194271,"Germantown board adds teacher bonus funding and moves $410,000 to shore up health insurance account",88,2766000,2854000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864599-295fe332cc745f704f83bff0c63f7685&start=2766&end=2854","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864599-295fe332cc745f704f83bff0c63f7685/thumbnail_2766000.jpg","/articles/6194271/Tennessee/Germantown-board-adds-teacher-bonus-funding-and-moves-410000-to-shore-up-health-insurance-account","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194271-81308a7403d6d6552ed4b0c52c47c34a/orig.mp4?Expires=1777176563&Signature=jf5LLXBSqsMzOluzdz6eyUi5aHp5wpJitXEGttYDU9PJzmDg12-HfSNSNcT-lAummgfq2q5pnYG7yXeIpeYmPTsCg7zSaPyBNiwSBiqXkmPzumI4LwoZNDWwOVUAvJnGhhOzhn6pIr2~Hddl0IUUuj9nxdUM58UDbsvxwFvTQaycEXWGpF-vEMjX2kqI5cjJwfAsCkK6fAA06EMBSBZXF6x0PUgEG0WpwDgx9ycs8QhuBjpxeNExvSrHs~AfGOQp9nWPQumlS87oKocmdagJdt2tEE0h0ewLgblKupgJvgdloV66i9unaVktXEJ-5DRj-hunrfx8mTaSz9Er6bS~uQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Germantown Municipal School District Board on June 17 approved budget amendments added to the consent agenda that recognize state funds for teacher bonuses and move $410,000 from the district reserve into the health insurance fund to cover a shortfall.

The teacher-bonus amendment stems from state legislation tied to the voucher program that provides a $2,000 payment to eligible teachers. The administration presented a allocation plan based on the list of eligible employees the state provided and told the board the funds are expected to be paid in July. \"We took that list and we allocated those dollars accordingly,\" said district finance staff when explaining the amendment.

The board also approved a $410,000 transfer from reserves to the district health insurance account to cover unusually high claims at fiscal year-end. Administration said last week produced roughly $300,000 in claims, leaving a $147,000 balance in the health fund with two weeks remaining in the fiscal year. \"If we do not see those claims...we'll roll back into reserve,\" a district official said. The $410,000 motion was framed as a protective step so the district can pay claims if they materialize before June 30.

Why it matters: district leaders warned the recent spike is part of an upward trend in health costs. Financial statements presented at the meeting showed a health insurance month with $1.2 million in claims versus $542,000 budgeted; administrators said high-cost prescriptions drive much of the increase, with roughly 20–30 high-cost drug cases per month and some individual medications costing several thousand dollars per month.

Board reaction: several trustees described the health-insurance trajectory as unsustainable and requested a deep review with consultants and a future board briefing on plan design and long-term options.

Vote: the budget amendments were combined on the consent agenda; the motion to approve the consent agenda (which included the teacher bonus and health insurance amendments) was moved by Vice Chair Strain, seconded by Board Member Curry, and passed by unanimous roll call.

Ending: administrators said any unused transferred funds would return to reserves; the board asked staff and consultants to bring a detailed health-insurance plan and options for long-term sustainability to a future meeting.","The board approved budget amendments—added to the consent agenda—that recognize state teacher bonus funds and transfer $410,000 from reserves to the district health insurance fund to cover a recent claims spike. Board members flagged long-term health cost trends and requested further analysis.",{"_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},6194276,"Germantown board selects SFE to continue food service; contract contingent on state approval",6219,2400000,8619000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864599-295fe332cc745f704f83bff0c63f7685&start=2400&end=8619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864599-295fe332cc745f704f83bff0c63f7685/thumbnail_2400000.jpg","/articles/6194276/Tennessee/Germantown-board-selects-SFE-to-continue-food-service-contract-contingent-on-state-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194276-103fbf0f4092067ebfabbd9aa64889c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1777176563&Signature=LTkyU9L4vJA58IbMa6zEVPWWizPBDUx6PZN3elxiUOIWMik0GKASDX4aNR36P6wzFGYnh0ED0DE8eZmtG8VYsedAFg3lHpdBXrPdhATSmfppYSXP3YhTqpkZU74P44qY7rY1T-Zlm1V0jiIK8fN8f8tDkOEnZ2nhJhx2z2o1d3INaME3O5KAURySQ~nweT5-0XATLNQkn87HXh6PqIWFl-aIgT2BWYAhQHrK9oXxE9S~98~SUOQte2i2bx~7QZ5lw8dOFbAdCFKx7Qkx-FNxsaEu9q5YSvnjGhI3DFfj6S9wlNBsf2YVU4CFMFgzjzxzMczgca~f6nu8KOQr0tAElw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Germantown Municipal School District Board of Education voted unanimously on June 17 to approve Southwest Food Service Excellence LLC (SFE) as the district's food service management company for the 2025-26 school year, contingent on state approval.

The board acted after a five-member selection committee reviewed proposals from two vendors. \"K12 Elior scored 476 out of 500. SFE scored 487 out of 500,\" said Mr. Jones, who presented the committee's recommendation. Committee members cited menu offerings, operational performance and financial projections in their scoring. The committee reported annual projected revenue of about $2.2 million for K12 Elior and a little over $2.0 million for SFE; projected net income for K12 Elior was roughly $81,000 and for SFE about $300,000.

Why it matters: the vendor manages daily school meals for students districtwide; board members said continuity and past performance were factors in selecting the incumbent. The administration told the board that procurement, contract and RFP documents already had been reviewed by in-house legal counsel and were with the Tennessee Office of School Nutrition for approval.

The motion to approve SFE was made by Board Member Curry and seconded by Board Member Ellis; a roll-call vote recorded unanimous support from the five-member board. The board noted the award is contingent on the state nutrition office’s final sign-off.

What was said: Mr. Jones summarized the procurement process and scores, and board members praised the vendor's culinary offerings and partnership. \"SFE's numbers... are right in line,\" one board member said after attending the vendor presentations in person.

Next steps: the district will execute the contract subject to state approval and proceed with SFE as the meal provider for 2025-26 unless the state requests modifications.

Ending: The vote finalized the district's procurement cycle for school meals ahead of the new school year and ensures meal service continuity pending state approval.","The Germantown Municipal School District Board approved a motion to name Southwest Food Service Excellence LLC (SFE) as the district's food service management company for the 2025-26 school year, following a five-member selection committee and unanimous board vote; the contract is contingent on Tennessee Office of School Nutrition approval.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6194256,"Superintendent presents draft Strategic Plan 2030; board to consider adoption in August",0,7025000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864599-295fe332cc745f704f83bff0c63f7685&start=7025&end=7025","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864599-295fe332cc745f704f83bff0c63f7685/thumbnail_7025000.jpg","/articles/6194256/Tennessee/Superintendent-presents-draft-Strategic-Plan-2030-board-to-consider-adoption-in-August","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194256-658b51470481f48f869be429f293c1de/orig.mp4?Expires=1777176563&Signature=U~jKUQTOb3A3ZOUiMU~21bfAvxfdFU-YD0tLdUk-sziVzWN9gO6Sq7LzH4kSZw6ukB5YtnAGe9NJA~P41ecv1Hg2Y6TkugDHerIqyXg8Itjk~TIpA1P4pF4gcjuHMtpEXsr1UEftt8Wa5on3pROpDInk5tLjhuU2VZv5vvWKiztuyw5cKoQ-GVPVHyKVfDqYWFDGLnwGpfKHjUuW~MW2kBEKOgaDZ6k7t2jTq9D4hdBHMIyxT827sECPD-~sf7eCqND3A4OqWwRATol51pY80YfBLGjrwc0ANoSFn8aXiUsTujLiQi1Z49T861EYUe4MKJy7-1reXudnERen~ibR-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Jason Manuel presented the district’s draft Strategic Plan 2030 to the Germantown Municipal School District Board on June 17 and said administrators will bring the plan back for a vote at the board's August meeting.

The plan-building process began in spring 2024 and included listening sessions, principal and cabinet input, committee work in early 2025 and virtual follow-ups in May. Manuel summarized four primary goals: 1) success for every student today and beyond; 2) student readiness and safety; 3) attract, develop and celebrate an exemplary staff; and 4) building stronger community connections.

Each goal contains several measurable objectives. For example, Goal 1 includes vertical alignment of curriculum, balanced scope and sequencing, and an emphasis on digital and blended learning while Goal 2 addresses wellness, emotional resilience, and emergency preparedness. Goal 3 highlights talent pipelines, competitive compensation and professional learning communities; Goal 4 focuses on family engagement, consistent branding and partnerships with local businesses and civic organizations.

The superintendent linked elements of the strategic plan to facilities needs cited in the Houston High master plan, saying updated academic spaces would better support modern instruction and digital learning. Board Member Strain expanded on the city-district partnership to fund Houston High improvements and said the Board of Mayor and Aldermen had increased planned funding from $8 million to $10 million for work anticipated in fiscal 2027.

Why it matters: the plan will guide district priorities, budgeting and community outreach through 2030 if adopted. Manuel said the district will continue engagement with stakeholders and refine the plan before the August vote.

Next steps: draft plan to be posted and reviewed, further community outreach to continue, and a formal adoption vote is expected at the August board meeting.

Ending: Board members affirmed the need to align facilities and funding with the academic goals laid out in the plan.","Superintendent Jason Manuel presented a draft Strategic Plan 2030 on June 17 outlining four goals—student success, readiness and safety, staff development, and stronger community connections—and said the board will be asked to adopt the plan at its August meeting after additional community input.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6194260,"Germantown board renews Superintendent Jason Manuel’s contract through 2029 after positive evaluation",337,4949000,5286000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864599-295fe332cc745f704f83bff0c63f7685&start=4949&end=5286","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864599-295fe332cc745f704f83bff0c63f7685/thumbnail_4949000.jpg","/articles/6194260/Tennessee/Germantown-board-renews-Superintendent-Jason-Manuels-contract-through-2029-after-positive-evaluation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6194260-fb89d26b01360e3daf8f1c6f61635489/orig.mp4?Expires=1777176563&Signature=FVid0-v-5wpDs-iLn8EG4jB5hBEUsIx9-uPkvtixhtpDL2kL6tdGbcdScJwe~yQAVNl2q9xl4NJ4bSCAscO89StxZTmMhpt1jEt6t-3sDv8nZ2mg87dvfH8-UAJ6nxLXUz0kVlGXSdnYOfEOG7efKYNVRL0Q7DaITQ6N2QqDsd~XdU7OtX11jKWsUSZQTe1hNNAiURTUvVYLy-nfgz2E7DwcT1MykQAVhfjmx7Y82A0qmHC7TGMfa1lMnk6T32dvTt2wYUfgUi21E6ZhzrRzB8VVD37BrAS175kXVsrknbtrYJ8Sd0JNsR7kfEH07-mAKE63c3~1MvtaS8~BWpmoVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Germantown Municipal School District Board of Education voted unanimously on June 17 to approve a new contract of employment for Superintendent Jason Manuel that runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029.

The superintendent's contract was brought forward as the first action item, in accordance with state law. The chair said the document mirrored the prior agreement except for date changes tied to the new contract period and reflected the compensation adjustments previously granted to staff that take effect July 1.

Evaluation and remarks: The board evaluation instrument produced a 3.84 out of 4 overall rating for Manuel—described by the chair as the high end of \"effective\"—with multiple section scores rated \"highly effective.\" Board members commended Manuel on communication improvements, budget preparation and development of educators. \"The superintendent has been a tremendous champion for the needs of GMSD,\" the chair said during the report on the evaluation.

Vote: Board Member Curry moved the contract approval; Vice Chair Strain seconded. The roll-call vote was unanimous in favor. The chair asked that trustees pursue professional development training on superintendent-board relations to better understand contract practices.

Next steps: The board will continue collaborative oversight and the administration will proceed under the new contract terms beginning July 1.

Ending: Trustees framed the contract vote as an endorsement of continuity and stability in district leadership.
","The board unanimously approved a contract of employment for Superintendent Jason Manuel covering July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029, after an evaluation that rated him 3.84 out of 4; trustees praised his leadership, continuity and staff development work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Germantown board adopts 12 policy changes reflecting new state laws, including internet, nondiscrimination and device rules

Germantown board adds teacher bonus funding and moves $410,000 to shore up health insurance account

Germantown board selects SFE to continue food service; contract contingent on state approval

Superintendent presents draft Strategic Plan 2030; board to consider adoption in August

Germantown board renews Superintendent Jason Manuel’s contract through 2029 after positive evaluation