Board discusses and approves TSBA-recommended policy amendments; members seek clarifications on records fees, leave payouts and wearable devices

The Scott County Board of Education on Aug. 14 approved first readings of policy amendments recommended by the Tennessee School Boards Association and debated specific clarifications to several policies.

A board member suggested amending policy 1407 to require cashier's checks rather than cash or personal checks for payment when citizens request student or personnel records, saying a cashier's check would leave a clearer trail of payment. The transcript records the board member saying, "I would like that to be changed to a cashier check. That way, you have a record of it." The board discussed whether to leave some student-handbook offense language generalized so the handbook could be updated administratively without resubmitting policy language to TSBA.

Board members also proposed amending policy 5.11O (leave and beneficiaries) to allow support staff, as well as certified staff, to convert accumulated sick days to payments to beneficiaries under the district’s retirement/benefits rules. A board member said the change should include both certified and noncertified employees.

The board reviewed language on wireless communication devices and wearable technology and discussed adding explicit examples — such as smartwatches, glasses and virtual-reality headsets — so the policy’s scope is clear. One member suggested listing such items as examples and including exceptions; another cautioned that the student handbook contains more detailed penalty steps (first offense, second offense, etc.) and that leaving the policy generalized preserves flexibility.

After discussion, the board advanced the TSBA-recommended policy amendments and recorded votes to adopt the first readings. The minutes show the board will continue to refine handbook alignment and may return with further adjustments.