Kingsport board approves 12 policy revisions and adopts two new policies on first reading, including student representative and phone ban

The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education voted July 8 to approve 12 revised policies and to adopt two new policies on first reading after dispensing with the second-reading requirement.

The policy updates and two new policies were presented by Dr. Andy True, who told the board the district subscribes to the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) policy service and that TSBA’s legal staff provided draft language reflecting changes made by the state legislature. The board approved the 12 revised policies on first reading and then voted to adopt two new policies — Policy 1.1021 (student board member) and Policy 6.312 (use of wireless communication devices) — on first reading.

Policy 1.1021 implements a state requirement that boards operating at least one high school authorize a nonvoting student representative. The policy as presented delegates selection criteria and procedures to the superintendent. Dr. True described the role this way: “This policy would… put in place, a student representative, a non voting student representative on the board as required by state law.” The student’s term…