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Board approves multiple policy updates and authorizes district to proceed with Bible‑history courses and curriculum pilots
Summary
The Warren County board approved multiple policy updates to align with state law, moved several policies on first reading and approved a partnership to offer a Bible‑history course via Warren Connect and an in‑person pilot at Warren County High School using a textbook pilot from the Museum of the Bible.
The board approved updates to several board policies required by recent state law changes and gave staff permission to continue a partnership to offer a Bible‑history course. The superintendent's staff presented edits to policy language across academic, personnel and safety areas and asked the board to approve many changes on first reading.
Key policy actions the board approved on first (and in some cases only) reading included: 4.601 (student progress reporting to include universal screener scores on report cards), 5.119 (employment of retirees, incorporating Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System rules and a 60‑day separation requirement), 6.2 (attendance policy updates including background checks for religious release instructors), 6.303 (searches: principal/administrator authorization and required training), 6.304 (adding a definition of antisemitism from an earlier policy), 6.3041 (Title IX and harassment coordinator update—Paige Chastain named as coordinator) and 6.312 (restriction on student possession and use of personal electronic devices updated to comply with state minimums while retaining the district’s stricter in‑school rules).
On curriculum, the board approved continuing a partnership with a provider presented as "Biblit" for Warren Connect virtual offerings and authorized staff to review a textbook pilot offered by the Museum of the Bible for an in‑person pilot at Warren County High School. Board members and staff said the materials have been reviewed by district counsel and outside attorneys; the board approved the partnership by voice vote (motion by Justin, second by Caldwell). Staff emphasized the Bible‑history offering is presented as historical instruction and that a separate religious‑release provider (LifeWise) operates independently of the district.
The board also approved a grouped set of policy updates on second reading, covering charter‑school materials, emergency preparedness, virtual education, library and internet use, compensation, leave and other personnel items identified at the June meeting. Staff said updated policies will be posted online.
