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Board weighs wide-ranging policy updates, student board member role and a proposed cell‑phone rule
Summary
Board members reviewed dozens of state-driven policy changes — including the removal of some diversity-related language and new charter, library and threat‑assessment requirements — and discussed implementing a student board member policy and a districtwide rule on wireless devices.
The board reviewed a substantial package of policy updates prepared to reflect recent state law changes and model language from the Tennessee School Boards Association. Several items drew extended discussion: the new requirement to adopt a student board member policy, changes related to diversity language in district personnel and goals, and an emerging proposal to restrict wireless communication devices in schools.
Staff said most of the proposed changes were required by new state law or were updates to TSBA model policies. “These policies...are all policies that relate to because there’s a law change,” Miss Ventura told the board. One high-profile change removes language that previously asked the district to set educator diversity goals; Ventura said the state required removal of that language.
The board spent significant time on a newly mandated student board member policy. The state requires districts to allow a student representative; staff asked the board to set criteria and selection procedures. Board members suggested various options including: appointment of a junior with a principal recommendation, a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, an interview or presentation to the board, and rotating schools or using a committee to narrow applicants. Several board members said they favored openness to applicants from unit schools and suggested a process that filters applicants to a shortlist before any public presentation. The board asked staff to draft a model policy and selection procedure for discussion at an August work session.
Another extensive discussion focused on a proposed wireless-communication policy covering cell phones, smart watches and other devices. The draft followed state model language that limits use during instructional time but allows teacher‑authorized use for instruction and medical exceptions. Board members were split: some asked for a strict ban during the school day for K–5 and limited use in secondary grades; others recommended keeping the district’s existing flexibility and placing detailed enforcement steps in procedure rather than policy. Miss Stevenson and others said they prefer turning off and storing devices during the school day for younger students. Several board members asked staff to create a procedure explaining enforcement and to provide a revised draft for the next meeting.
The board also reviewed changes to policies on library-material challenges, charter program procedures, student safety and threat-assessment reporting (including a 48‑hour notification requirement to parents for credible threats), and the district’s virtual education and attendance rules. Staff emphasized that some items were mandatory under recent state law changes and that legal counsel and TSBA reviewed many of the edits.
No final policy votes were taken at the meeting; staff will return redrafted language that reflects the board’s input for future consideration.
