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Board completes first reading of multiple state-driven policy updates including searches and device limits
Summary
Henderson County School Board completed a first reading of several TSBA-recommended policy updates required by recent public chapters, including limits on K'5 student email on district devices, E'Verify participation, updated search/interrogation rules, and a pathway for 3rd-grade promotion.
The Henderson County School Board completed a first reading of several new and amended policies that district administrators said are required by recent state public chapters and Tennessee School Boards Association model policies.
Mister Beauchamp outlined the package and its components, saying the model policies "match the model policy" from TSBA and that the changes reflect recent state law. He summarized key elements: limiting email capability for students in grades K'5 on district devices to reduce screen time, creation of an additional pathway to promote third'grade students (scoring at the 50th percentile or above on the district screener), mandatory participation in E'Verify for employment eligibility checks, and updates to separation/leave compensation and student assignment policies.
Board discussion focused heavily on search and interrogation language in policy 6.303 and related provisions for notifying parents after disruptive'student removals (policy 6.306). One board member asked whether parents or legal guardians are encompassed by the notification language; Mister Beauchamp said he would "check on that" and noted the district's mass communication contact lists identify a primary contact line.
Board members also discussed the role of law enforcement during in'school interrogations. Mister Beauchamp read policy language aloud stating that principals should make reasonable efforts to notify parents before police interrogation "unless circumstances require otherwise," and that a designee must be present during any interrogation that proceeds without a parent. He said the model policies were drafted to provide legal coverage and that the policies had been enacted in July '25.
A motion to approve the policy changes on first reading was made and seconded; after discussion the Chair called for a vote and announced the motion carries. The board did not vote on final adoption; the first'reading approval moves the policies forward for adoption on a subsequent meeting as required by board procedure.
The district said it will prepare explanatory materials for parents on how the notification and contact procedures will operate in practice.
