Board approves instructional contracts, arts endorsement criteria and multiple policy revisions

The Wilson County Board of Education on Feb. 17 approved instructional services committee recommendations, including two vendor contracts, arts proficiency endorsement documentation and a package of policy revisions.

During the instructional services committee report Ms. Boyette moved approval of a contract with E Therapy Staffing Solutions LLC for exceptional children's contracted services not to exceed $100,000 and a contract with Tiber Creek for a network access control system priced at $166,271.07. Board members noted the Tiber Creek purchase is funded entirely by a cybersecurity grant. Both contracts were approved on voice votes after a second.

The board also approved arts proficiency endorsement documents that define which extracurricular activities qualify students for the state's arts diploma endorsement. The documents include a list of qualifying activities and a note that additional activities may be added by request to the executive director for secondary education; the state-provided form for documenting participation was included.

Finally, the board approved a set of revised policies and one draft policy on second reading. Policies approved included (as read into the record) updates to Internet safety, recognizing excellence, tobacco products for students, registered offenders, smoking and tobacco products, reporting to external agencies (draft), student health services, student wellness and federal grant administration. The board voted to adopt the revised language as presented.

Ms. Boyette moved and Ms. Powell seconded the instructional items; votes were recorded on voice and the motions were carried. Administration said any additional awarding or contracting steps would follow normal procurement and grant procedures.