Lebanon School Board approves new policies and coaching assignments at recent meeting

The Russell County Schools Board convened on July 15, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including financial approvals, personnel changes, and policy updates.

The meeting commenced with a motion to pay the bills, which was unanimously approved following a second from board member Parsons. The board then moved on to discuss resignations and retirements, approving three such requests after a motion by Perkins and a second from Garrett.

Next, the board reviewed new personnel and transfers. A motion to approve these changes was made by Garrett and seconded by Parsons, receiving unanimous support. The discussion then shifted to tenure assignments, with a motion to approve tenured positions at several local schools, including Lebanon High School and Hunnicher Elementary School, which also passed without opposition.

The board then addressed coaching assignments at Lebanon High School, Hunnicher High School, and Castlewood High School. Gibson made the motion to accept these positions, which was seconded by Eaton and approved by all present.

A significant policy update was introduced by Dr. Hooper regarding student cell phone use. Effective January 1, 2025, a new state law mandates that students keep their phones off and stored away during school hours, including lunch and hallway transitions. This policy change aims to enhance focus and minimize distractions in the classroom. The board voted to approve this policy change after a motion by Ball and a second from Eaton.

The meeting continued with a request to declare a 2008 bus as surplus, which was also approved. Lastly, the board reviewed and approved all school crisis plans, ensuring preparedness for emergencies.

The meeting concluded with a brief overview of the sales tax report and a reminder of the next regular school board meeting scheduled for August 5, 2025. The session ended with a motion to adjourn, which was unanimously accepted.