Rutherford County board approves multiple contracts, land option and book‑review actions; diversity resolution fails after reconsideration

The Rutherford County School Board on Feb. 6 approved a range of operational items, considered several resolutions and took multiple votes on library materials. Highlights from the meeting include contract and procurement approvals, a land option purchase, termination of architect services on two renovation projects, and a protracted debate and roll‑call votes on a state‑statute‑related resolution on educator diversity.

Votes at a glance

- Signing bonus incentive, 2025–26 (hard‑to‑staff subject areas): motion to approve carried by voice vote (motion passed).

- Lacrosse cooperative: Segal High and Oakland High co‑op for 2024–25 approved by voice vote (motion passed).

- Termination of architect services with Sherman Carter Architects (Central Magnet School STEM building and 814 S. Church St.): motion to terminate approved by voice vote; board instructed staff to evaluate options and solicit new design fees (motion passed).

- Denial of transfer student admission (discipline; possession of THC): board voted to deny transfer under Policy 6.318 citing space at Daniel McKee and Smyrna West (motion to deny passed by voice vote).

- Policy adoptions (first reading): The board approved first readings for multiple policy updates (including purchase orders/contracts, promotion/retention, background checks, employee discrimination/harassment updates, and…