Rutherford County approves two MOUs with Board of Education for basic and supplemental education at detention facility

Rutherford County officials approved two memoranda of understanding with the Rutherford County Board of Education to provide basic and supplemental education services at the county detention facility, the meeting record shows.

Staff described the two MOUs as the same agreements the county currently holds: one covering basic education — math, English and science — and the other covering supplemental educational services, which staff characterized as activity-based instruction used even during breaks such as spring break.

Board members asked whether special education services were included. Staff said the school system is required to provide special education services and that, in practice, those services are subcontracted through other agencies and are individualized under students’ Individualized Education Programs or Section 504 plans. Staff said they would follow up with the board of education if additional clarification or changes to the MOUs were needed.

A motion to approve the MOUs passed by voice vote; the chair said “the ayes have it” and indicated the mayor would sign the agreements. The MOUs were presented to the board as items routed through the county’s public safety committee, the budget and finance committee and the full board for approval.

Officials did not change the substantive terms of the MOUs during the meeting and said the agreements are effectively the same as the previous year’s documents. Staff indicated they will ask the county school system whether and how special education services will be documented in future MOUs.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve the two MOUs with the Rutherford County Board of Education — outcome approved by voice vote. The mayor indicated he will sign the agreements.

The board concluded other routine business and adjourned.