Board approves first readings for Internet-use and student search policies

The Bradley County Board of Education approved on first reading two policy updates prompted by recent law changes: policy 4.406 on Internet use and a revised policy 6.303 governing questioning of students and searches.

Amanda Lee explained that policy 4.406 incorporates changes required by what she described as the "Teen Social Media Act," restricting student access to social media on district networks unless expressly authorized by a teacher for educational purposes and strengthening protections for personal information. The board approved policy 4.406 on first reading by roll-call vote.

Lee also presented policy 6.303 to align district practice with a recent state law change (identified in the meeting as Public Chapter 244) that requires new training for school personnel who may conduct searches of students. Going forward, searches must be carried out by a school resource officer, a secure school security officer, or an administrator who has completed the state-required training; the Department of Education is charged with developing that training. The board approved policy 6.303 on first reading.

Board members said the policy revisions had been reviewed with school-level staff (Zach Pock, Patrick Spangler and Jeremy Jones were named) to ensure the policies aligned with practical school operations. Both items were approved on first reading and will return to the board per the district's policy-adoption schedule.