Board members on Jan. 6 debated proposed changes to public-comment rules (allowing 3 minutes for non-agenda comments, limited to the first 10 signups) and a policy to require the board attorney's presence during deliberations on director employment contracts; members split on placement of comments (start vs. end) and on precise wording requiring counsel.
At a Jan. 6 study session, district leaders told the Southern County School Board they expect major capital work over the next 3–5 years — including HVAC replacements at older schools, a possible new Gallatin High School campus and roofing and athletic upgrades — and urged early planning and an RFQ for architects to shape any bond request.
The Sumner County School Board voted Dec. 16 to issue an RFP for a playground master development plan to address accessibility at 14 elementary sites after committee members recommended turf surfacing and a phased approach; staff estimated planning at about $80,000 and will return in January with a consulting recommendation.
A motion to restore time for board member comments was introduced and approved for future meetings, but Chairman Daniels said he would vote no for this meeting and asked that the item be discussed more fully in a January study session.
Sumner County School Board approved its TISA submission, a state-required accountability report, after staff confirmed a typographical error and clarified the correct target — 60.2% by 2028 — for a middle-grade ELA goal; staff emphasized the report’s legislative reporting role and next steps for data-driven interventions.
District instructional leaders told the school board Nov. 18 that federal and state accountability both center on achievement and growth, highlighted recent gains and literacy initiatives, and outlined next steps as state and federal designations are released.
The Sumner County Board approved a revision to policy 05/2001 Nov. 18 to add guardians alongside foster parents and to permit multiple placements within a calendar year so long as paid leave does not exceed six total weeks; a public commenter who is a guardian described the personal need for the change.
The Sumner County Board approved amendments to the general-purpose and federal budgets on Nov. 18; district staff said the federal changes reallocate IDEA grant funds into salary lines and involve no new appropriations.
Two Liberty Creek High School juniors presented a student‑led proposal for a districtwide student leadership team and a volunteer app; the board and district staff expressed support and integrated the project with the innovation center plans.
The board voted to return two months of health‑plan contributions to employees after the district’s self‑insured plan produced a surplus and staff recommended a refund holiday for November–December.
