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Jackson-Madison County Schools board approves policy updates to align with state mandates on device use and athletics
Summary
Board members approved items 1–14 in a package of policy updates, citing state statutes that limit digital-device use in kindergarten through fifth grade and that require districts to allow small private-school students to try out for public-school athletic teams.
At a regularly scheduled meeting, the Jackson-Madison County Schools board approved items 1 through 14 on a slate of policy updates intended to bring district rules into compliance with recent state law.
Board discussion focused on two statutes a board member identified by number. The board member said the first, statute 4.215, "has to do with instructional use of digital devices" and requires "in-person teaching... [to] be primary mode of instruction for students in grades kindergarten through 5," adding that "digital devices should not be utilized by these grades." The board noted this change requires revising district policy governing student device use.
A separate statute the speaker cited, statute 4.301, addresses athletics. The board member said it requires public schools to allow students from private schools with fewer than 200 students — when those private schools do not offer a particular sport — to try out for public-school teams without fees to the school system.
Mister Kemp made the motion to approve items 1–14 on the policy list; a colleague seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote; no opposition was recorded during the roll call for the motion. The board did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting minutes provided during the session.
During discussion, another board member warned that the athletics rule could mean a public-school team includes private-school athletes "and we're getting $0 because they're going to a private school," noting the district would not receive additional funding for such students but would still need to allow their participation under the state mandate.
The updates approved at the meeting were framed by board members as required changes to align local policy with state law. The board did not discuss implementation timelines or new funding to cover any impacts from increased athletic participation by private-school students.
Next procedural steps were limited to the chair’s adjournment; the meeting record shows the board moved on to public comment after approving the policy package.
