ALCOA, Tenn. — The Alcoa City Schools Board of Education moved forward on a large group of policy updates June 17, placing many on first reading and adopting two policies on first-and-final reading.

Director of Schools Jake Jones reviewed a set of policy updates the board considered on first reading, including new Board policy 1.1021 (Student Board Member) and revisions to public records, district goals, surplus property sales, bids and quotations, emergency preparedness, threat assessment team protocols, instructional programs, virtual education, athletics, library materials, internet use, reporting student progress, personnel goals, family and medical leave, discrimination/harassment protections, substitute teachers, attendance, student conduct and wellness, and student records. Board Member Steve Marsh moved approval of Board Policies A–T and W–X on first reading; Julie Rochelle seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The board approved two policy updates on first-and-final reading: Board policy 6.312 (Use of Personal Communication Devices and Electronic Devices) and Board policy 6.3071 (Random Drug Testing). The motion to adopt those two policies was moved by Steve Marsh, seconded by Brandy Bledsoe, and passed by unanimous vote.

Why it matters: The policy changes cover a broad range of student- and staff-related procedures, from classroom instruction to safety and records. Policies adopted on first-and-final reading will take immediate effect per board rules; policies on first reading will return for additional consideration or final action at a later meeting.

Details: The transcript lists each policy by its board number and short description; the board packet contained the specific text updates. The board’s recorded votes on both the package of first readings and the two first-and-final readings were unanimous. Board Chair Jim Kirk noted that detailed discussion on policy order of business typically occurs during work sessions and invited interested parties to attend those meetings for extended discussion.

Process note: Speaking and motions were limited to board members and the director; no public comments or amendments to the policy texts were recorded in the meeting transcript.

Looking ahead: Policies listed on first reading will be scheduled for subsequent consideration in accordance with the board’s policy-adoption procedures.