Franklin County School Board approves FY26 budget, science textbook adoptions and policy on artificial intelligence

The Franklin County School Board on May 20 approved the district's proposed FY26 general purpose (GP) budget, a consolidated federal funding application covering Title programs and special education, a slate of science textbook adoptions and a policy governing the use of artificial intelligence in grades 6–12.

Board members also approved several routine and fiscal items, including consent agenda field trips, budget amendments to fund a Rock Creek roof repair and a package of service agreements for athletic ambulance service and pre-employment drug and vaccination screening.

Board members moved through the items with largely brief discussion. Finance staff described the FY26 GP budget as including a certified salary increase tied to the governor's target and step increases for other staff; the board also approved a contingency plan that will reduce planned growth funding if anticipated state growth funding does not materialize.

On federal and special education funding, the board approved the FY26 consolidated funding application (CFA), which bundles ESEA Title programs—Title I, II, III and IV—and IDEA Part B and preschool allocations. Presenters noted allocations in the CFA reflect prior-year amounts the state loaded into the application while final state allocations are pending.

The board approved a local adoption of state-approved science instructional materials recommended by the district adoption committees; the presenter identified the vendor on the approved list as McGraw Hill.

The board also adopted Policy 4.214, governing use of artificial intelligence for grades 6–12. The draft policy follows Tennessee School Boards Association recommendations, allows controlled use of AI for instructional and structural purposes and requires safeguards and parent information; the board voted to adopt the policy and a training plan for staff was discussed as forthcoming.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve the agenda — outcome: approved. - Motion to approve the consent agenda (minutes, field trips) — outcome: approved. - Motion to approve FY26 consolidated application for IDEA and ESEA — outcome: approved. - Motion to receive and file the April 25 monthly report and intercategory amendment — outcome: approved. - Motion to approve a resolution amending the beginning fund balance and the May 2025 GP budget amendment (to fund Rock Creek roof) — outcome: approved; board noted item will go to county commission for purchase authorization. - Motion to approve the FY26 GP school budget and associated budgets — outcome: approved; package includes certified salary increases and classified step adjustments. - Motion to approve FY26 athletic ambulance service agreement, DOT drug screening and vaccination service agreements — outcome: approved. - Motion to approve certificate of local adoption for science textbooks (district selection from state-approved list) — outcome: approved. - Motion to approve Policy 4.214 (use of artificial intelligence programs) — outcome: approved.

Motions were introduced and seconded by board members in open session; roll-call vote tallies were not recorded in the meeting excerpt provided, and each motion was announced as carrying following the "all in favor, say aye" procedure.

Board members and staff noted other business: a maintenance report showing more work orders closed than opened this month, updates on a STEM concrete pad funded by an Innovative School Model grant, and a coordinated school health report that included threat assessment counts (59 assessments across 11 schools this year) and wellness program step totals from a staff wellness challenge. The board also reviewed scheduled upcoming meetings and graduation dates.