001All right, good evening, good evening. Welcome to the June meeting of the Franklin Special District. Asked if you would stand for the Pledge of Allegiance that will be led by Ms. Amy Patton, principal at Liberty Elementary School, and please remain standing for a moment of silence. Thank you, you may be seated. All right, we're gonna do our recognitions and good news awards. We're gonna start off with Miss Robin Newman. I'm gonna recognize the FSD Student Artist of the Month. So Bo Bigler will come forward. This month's Franklin Special District Artist of the Month is Bo Bigler. Come on up. Rising fifth grader at Poplar Grove. Who created this watercolor in art club this year? You can see it on the screens. Bo's creativity and attention to detail shine through in this imaginative architectural design. Inspired
002by his interest in architecture and engineering, Bo used liquid watercolors and a sharpie to create this detailed streetscape inspired by real world design. The contrast between the vibrant watercolor background and the carefully constructed building highlights his ability to balance Creativity with precision through this self-directed project, Bo demonstrated originality, craftsmanship, and a passion for exploring ideas through art, creating a piece that reflects both his talent and his inventive spirit. Bo's artwork, along with other pieces by our artists, can be viewed in the central office. And our thanks go to Chuck Sugg and Sonic for his support of the Student Artists of the Month program. Congratulations, Bo. Okay, first we would like to recognize Dr. Alicia Erickson. We are pleased to celebrate Dr. Erickson, principal of Poplar Grove School, who was recently presented with the William H.
003and Lucille H. or William J. and Lucille H. Field Award for Excellence in School Principalship for the State of Tennessee in the Elementary Division. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding educational leadership, service, and commitment to student success. Dr. Erickson was selected for her transformative leadership at Poplar Grove, where students have consistently achieved high levels of academic success, and the school has earned statewide recognition for its collaborative culture and commitment to continuous improvement. The FSD has witnessed her strong leadership, which fosters a culture where students and staff thrive through strong relationships, collaboration, and shared responsibility. Congratulations to Dr. Erickson on this distinguished recognition and the positive impact she continues to make at Poplar Grove. Okay, next we would like to recognize Dr. Amber Whitley and Shelly Robinson. FSD Instructional Technology Specialists Dr. Amber Whitley and Ms. Shelley
004Robinson recently earned the nationally recognized Certified Education Technology Leader designation through the Consortium for School Networking. The CETL certification is awarded to educational technology leaders who demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise in effectively integrating technology into K-12 learning environments. The certification process includes a rigorous examination covering digital learning, data-informed instruction, cybersecurity, technology leadership, and strategic planning. This professional achievement strengthens FSD's ability to support teachers in using instructional technology platforms to enhance classroom engagement, analyze students' performance data, and make informed instructional decisions that support student growth. Congratulations and thank you, ladies. Thank you. We're so proud of all of you. Let's give them another round of applause. public input there's a podium to my right if there's anyone here for public input seeing no one we declare that public input is closed reports discussions Dr. Decker Yes,
005sir. Good evening and thank you. Tonight, the Teaching and Learning Spotlight shines on the recent Model PLC at Work School designation of Freedom Intermediate School. We already have two other Model PLC at Work schools, Poplar Grove Elementary and Freedom Middle School, and the Franklin Special District designation of Model PLC at Work District. I have just a very brief video that provides an overview of what it means to be a model PLC at work that I'd love to share with you. What does it actually mean to be a model PLC? It's way more than just a fancy title. It means you have a deep school-wide commitment to a specific process that's proven to help kids learn and achieve more. The official definition is pretty clear, right? It's about taking the process, putting it into practice, and
006seeing real results. These schools and districts are basically the living proof that this whole thing works. They're the role models. The entire framework is built on these three big ideas. First, an absolute, relentless focus on learning, not just for some students, but for every student. Second, building a collaborative culture where it's not my kids or your kids, but our kids. Everyone shares the responsibility. And third, a focus on results. You don't just cross your fingers and hope for the best. You actually measure your impact. Thank you. Questions or comments? If there's anyone who needs to leave at this time, you are welcome to leave as we carry on. Thank you. The next report from Teaching and Learning is the update on AI or artificial intelligence utilization for 2026-27. That report is in your board packet.
007If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them. No questions or comments for Dr. Decker? We'll move on. Approval of the board agenda. Is there a motion? Motion to approve. Is there a second? All in favor? all right before we go forward we need to turn over to mr townsville for approval of the director of schools contract extension all right thank you so uh since i've been on the board um the board's allowed me to be the one to talk to dr snowden about performance goals and such at that meeting not every meeting but every few years at that meeting i ask him can we go ahead and extend your contract and he says And I let him talk for himself. But he has one question for me. And that's why I need to
008make sure I tell the board this. Every single board member must want that extension. Otherwise, he might not go through with that. So I told him that is my understanding. So this time, when we decide whether or not we have this extension, I'm going to ask everyone to give a roll call vote. I know Alina's not here, but we know her views. I submit to him that that is the case. This is your chance to tell me if I was incorrect on that. But anyway, I don't think I'm incorrect, and he's allowed me to extend his contract for three years past. So it would go through June 30, 2030. So with that, I'd like to give a motion that we extend, we motion to approve the contract extension from the director of schools from July
0092027 through June 30, 2030. Thank you, sir. I second. Any other comments? Discussion? If not, let's do a roll call vote. Ms. Barker. Yes. Mr. Blair, yes. Ms. Newman? Absolutely. Mr. Townsend? Absolutely. Mr. Stillings? Of course. Dr. Snowden, any comments? Thank you. I tell people all the time, it's a pleasure to work in a school district. It has so many great people, our teachers. Every classified employee, it's just a real privilege to sit in this chair and to work with a great, supportive school board. And I feel very honored and very blessed. And as I told Mr. Townsend, we never know what the future holds. But as long as I'm healthy and I feel good and I feel like that I'm providing the leadership that this district needs. It doesn't need someone that – this
010job deserves someone that can give it 100%. And if I get to the point where I don't think I can do that, then I will say it's time. But at this point, I still feel healthy. Again, we've got great support from all of you and our folks and our employees, all of our employees, our leaders. So thank you for the vote of confidence and the opportunity. Thank you, sir. Appreciate you. I think that vote demands a round of applause. Absolutely. And thank you, Mr. Townsend, for handling that as well. All right. Approval of the consent agenda. Is there a motion? Ms. Barker, is there a second? Second. Mr. Townsend, all in favor? Thank you. Business before the board. Dr. Snowden. The first item is continuation budget due to the fiscal year officially ending on June
01130th. We recommend Board approval of a continuation budget to operate until the next fiscal year budget is adopted. That budget does not allow for any new expenditures that may occur in the next fiscal year. All expenditures that extend to the next fiscal year in this continuation budget are based upon the current budgeted amounts in all categories. We recommend approval. Sir, is there a motion to approve? Ms. Newman, is there a second? Ms. Barker, is there a discussion? Seeing none, let's roll call vote. Ms. Barker? Yes. Ms. Flair, yes. Ms. Newman? Yes. Mr. Townsend? Yes. Mr. Stilling? Yes. We are approved. Thank you. Dr. Snowden? I think this is Mr. Townsend. Oh, this is Mr. Townsend. Mr. Townsend will lead this. As I referenced earlier, I had the pleasure of... making sure that performance goals are
012the right ones in place. We have the same sort of goals. We've had them my 12 years here on the board. But I give the board an opportunity to tell us if we need to tweak them. And I ask them to send in their suggestions, and they do so. And so I have that. And once I get that, I also meet with Dr. Snowden to make sure he's aware of what the changes would be. And so he was quite aware of it. And as a matter of fact, he said Tim had spoken to him because Tim was the one who came up with the suggestion. And so he was not uncomfortable with it. And so I'm putting it before you today. And before I actually unveil what it is, Tim, do you want to say
013anything about it? No. Okay. No, I mean, it's a minor blip on the radar. So you have the suggestion at it. Any questions from the board? And again, if I didn't say it, I think I said it. Dr. Snowden was comfortable with what we were suggesting moving forward. So with that, I make a motion that we accept the change goals as written. We have a motion. We have a second. Do we have discussion? We have no discussion. Then we'll get a roll call vote. Mr. Stillings. Yes. Mr. Townsend. Yes. Ms. Newman. Yes. Mr. Blair, yes. Ms. Barker. Yes. We are approved. Thank you. Dr. Snowden. Thank you. And thank you, Kevin. We have several policy revisions, and as usual, I have some recommendations about some of the policies asking for you to waive second reading
014and adopt on first. However, if any board member, when we get to those, if you feel like that we need more. I guess decision time or to contemplate any revision, then just let us know and we'll do the first reading and have second reading next time. We do anticipate due to all the laws that were passed in this last legislative session for there to be many more policies either new or revised for the July meeting. So the more that we can move if there are no issues, then I think would be maybe. help in the timing of the at the next meeting. So first is item number three, policy revision appeals to and appearances before the board 1.404. Again, this is a first reading. TSBA has provided language to update this policy. It actually came
015along on March 26 when Governor Lee officially signed the law. And as amended, this newly enacted legislation requires local governing bodies, including boards of education, to allow public comment on any matter that is germane to the jurisdiction of the local governing body, regardless of whether such matter is an item on the agenda for the meeting. This is in addition to the requirement that boards allow public comment on matters that are germane to the items on the agenda for the meeting. And I will say that even though it was not law, this board has always been acceptable to people making public comments on items that are germane, to use their language, to the school district. So this really doesn't change our operating procedures or the board's operating procedures. In that case, we're going to recommend that
016we waive second reading and adopt on first. Sir, is there a motion to adopt on first and waive second? All right. Is there any discussion? All in favor? Thank you. Thank you. Item number four in these next three are all policy revisions related to alcohol and drugs in the workplace, 1.804. It's the first reading. Revisions to this policy contain a provision on examination based on reasonable suspicion and follows TSBA model policy language. The title of this policy changes from alcohol and drug-free workplace to more accurately describe the contents. We're not recommending waiver of this just because it's... It's a little different for these next three, but we do recommend approval of the first rating. Thank you, sir. Is there a motion to approve? Townsville, is there a second? Ms. Newman, is there a discussion? I'm
017trying to remember exactly. Leslie, do you remember? I'm sorry to put you on. Yeah, TSBA. It wasn't anything legislatively, but they looked at the alcohol, the drug and alcohol testing for all employees. And I think it's a good, I don't have a problem with the TSBA model, but I just think at this point I would like just to recommend the approval of first reading. Thank you, sir. Any other discussion? All in favor? Thank you. Item number five, policy revision, drug and alcohol testing for employees, 5.403. Revisions to this are best practices related to reasonable suspicion testing. We recommend approval of first reading. Is there a motion to approve? Is there a second? Mr. Townsend, is there a discussion? Seeing none, all in favor? Item number six is a policy revision, personnel records 5.114, also first
018reading, revisions to this policy. Clarify that disciplinary action is part of an employee's personnel file. We recommend approval of the first reading. Thank you, sir. Is there a motion to approve? Ms. Newman, is there a second? Mr. Stillings, is there a discussion? Well, it could be. Certain things that we would put in an administrative file and certain things that had to be in the personnel file. But if it's related to any disciplinary action, then that has to be in the personnel file. Any other discussion? All in favor? Thank you, sir. Item number seven, pause revision telework during emergencies. Revisions to this policy clarify that telework outside of emergency situations is not permitted and uses TSBA model policy language. We recommend approval of first reading and waive second reading. Thank you, sir. Is there a motion
019to adopt on first and waive second? Ms. Barker, is there a second? Ms. Newman, is there a discussion? No, and I agree. I don't disagree with you at all. And quite frankly, I was using a very liberal interpretation of what an emergency is. And I think the director of schools can determine that. However, if it wasn't worded that way, and I'm fine with maybe approving on first and then coming back with, well, I don't even want to approve on first if that's what we're going to do. We can just table this and come back with pretty much the original. But I was doing, as I said, I was going to liberally interpret that emergency so that our director of schools would have that prerogative. It's up to the board. Do you want to table it?
020I'll say this. I don't know what direction we're going. I agree with you, Tim. It's something that I would prefer our director of schools be able to interpret. as opposed to being dictated. And again, dictated, as you said, it's not really very clear what that line is. So I would not be in favor of this one. I think when I first read it, I guess I just jumped right into teachers and how we had to do it. But I guess this could apply to anybody who happens to be a teacher. So that does get tricky because... Well, it does, but some jobs do not lend themselves for people to do telework and obviously a classroom teacher. However, if we've got someone in another role, and let's say someone's spouse has surgery and they've got to
021be at home and somebody has to care for them for a week, and they have the capabilities and the tool if they need just basically a computer to work from home, to me that's an emergency for that family. Is it an emergency for the district? Probably not, but if we're looking out for people and the jobs that they do, I would consider that an emergency. Maybe not everybody would, but I just like to have the flexibility to work with people because another person and I had a conversation this morning. Life happens, and things happen to people, good people. We would like to have that. If their job allows them to fulfill those responsibilities by telework, I think it's appropriate. Dr. Barker, I think I'm seeing the wheels turning. I feel like emergency is in there
022already. So I don't necessarily, if you're the one deeming it, I took it like you did initially, that if you're calling the emergency anyway. Yeah. It's based on your call. Well, if the board would allow me to have that flexibility to determine emergencies, then I'm fine with it. But, and again, I guess if I had messed up, I would have to just say, you know, you fess up when you mess up, mess up, fess up. Because I would take that flexibility to determine emergencies based on that example and maybe some other examples. All right. Do we need to rescind the motion and vote the table in? You can change it on this. You can change it on first reading. Dr. Barker made that motion, so we need to. My motion? Yes. Did we have a
023second? Oh, it's in your second. Well, we can do that. Okay, I make a motion to approve on first. Any other discussion? All in favor? Yeah, we'll change it back. I mean, well, we don't have motions, but we have three to two, so we don't fail. Okay, so we'll bring it back anyway. We'll bring it back anyway. Thank you. All right, next item. Item number eight, policy revision separation practices for tenured teachers, 5.200. This is a first reading revision for policies 5.200, 5.201, and 5. 201, that's all it says. I'll include, that's the same one. Include a provision for temporary suspensions that may involve suspending with pay in limited circumstances. And it's really not, the language, it's not suspension with pay. It's an administrative leave with pay. And that's the wording there in an explanation.
024I think I should have changed that. The TSB model policy language has been used for each of the policies being presented in this group. And we recommend approval or waiving second reading and adopting on first. Because these policies, these next two, it doesn't really change the previous part of the policy. It just gives school districts and directors of school. the ability to place people on administrative leave when things occur. So that is, I think it's an appropriate, because you can't, by law, you can't suspend any employee with pay. You can place them on administrative leave with pay, and then if what happens, you determine to be a suspendable offense, then you suspend the employee without pay. if that makes sense. But on the front end, while the investigation or discussion about the incident, you can
025place them on administrative leave just as a safety net, so to speak, if that makes sense. And your motion is to adopt on first and waive on second? Yes. Okay. All right. Is there a motion to accept? Is there a second? Is there a second? Is there a discussion? felt work needed to be changed on suspending with pay should be administrative leave? No, the explanation had, in my opinion, had the wrong terminology because you can't suspend by law unless it's changed and I'm not aware of it. You cannot suspend with pay. And as the policy says, You know, you've got temporary removal from duty, but it doesn't say suspension with pay. You can suspend with pay, but this gives us an opportunity as a school district, the director of schools, to determine whether to modify
026the employee's work status based on concerns for safety or to minimize disruption, but we don't necessarily suspend. That doesn't mean that we won't come back. after we find out more information and do a suspension. And at that point, it would be a suspension without pay. You can't suspend with pay. You can place on administrative leave with pay, and then if you end up suspending, that administrative leave would then turn into a suspension without pay, if I'm explaining that hopefully well enough. This just gives us a little more flexibility because... Let's face it, sometimes someone can be blamed for something or accused of something, and if only you have the tool to suspend, you're suspending them without pay. You're taking away pay from them, and you don't really know if they're guilty or if they've done
027what the person accused them. So to me, this gives us another opportunity or a tool that we didn't have before this administrative leave. so that we can determine whether or not there's merit to this accusation. I'll say this. I use this often in my position, and I think my unreadiness was simply I'd assume you already had that ability, but that's not the case. It sounds like you would need this to let people go on leave with pay. Is that what I'm understanding? Yes. Because you're right. Sometimes you can't figure out immediately. You don't want to harm that employee. Don't come in tomorrow. We'll figure it out. So if we didn't have that in the past, and this will ensure it, then I will vote for this. Well, we thought, to be quite frank, we felt
028like we did have that even though it wasn't in this policy, but we didn't see anything in law. And with our attorney, we've never been told that we couldn't do that. So we have done that, but this puts it in policy and I think it clarifies it for the director of schools what we can and can't do. Motion, we had a second. Is there any other discussion? Would it get complicated if there's not a time frame around it? I don't think you can put a time frame on it because especially in an investigation, sometimes it may take longer in some cases than others. And if we involve a detective or law enforcement, then they have a busy schedule. And so they may not be available to take care of it. So I don't think you
029can put a timetable on how many. Obviously, it needs to be as expedient as possible. And I was going to join in and say that I definitely would not support a strict time. I expect the director of schools to figure out what's appropriate. Well, even that, it just is what it is. We'll get the answer when we get the answer. So I wouldn't be in favor of that. Right. Any other discussion? All right. We're ready to vote. All in favor? Thank you. Next number. Yes. Policy number nine, same basic provision for direction of school, separation practice for non-tenured teachers, revision for this policy as well, included provision for temporary suspensions. It's really... Again, I should have called that. It's really administrative leave that may involve suspending with pay in limited circumstances, but it's not initially
030a suspension. So, again, I know that was probably confusing. We're recommending approval of waiving second reading and adopting on first reading because it's the same. The same flexibility that the previous policy gives us only is for non-tenured teachers and item 8 it was for tenured teacher this is for non-tenured teacher. All right. Mr. Stillings is there a second? Townsville is there a discussion? All in favor? Thank you. Thank you and item 10 is for non-certified employees the same. policies or the same wording for the policy and giving us the the opportunity to place people in administrative leave versus suspension initially so we're asking to waive second reading and adopt on first reading thank you sir is there a motion to adopt on first and waive second townsville their second stillings their discussion all in favor
031Item 11, policy revision sick leave 5.302. This revision updates the policy, including a provision on verifying absences of five days or longer. Additionally, it contains a revision regarding suspected misuse of sick leave. We recommend approval of the first reading. Sir, is there a motion to approve? Townsville, is there a second? Newman, is there a discussion? All in favor? Thank you, sir. Item number 12, policy revision, personnel health examinations, communicable diseases, first reading. Revision includes a new provision on providing options for employees who may be ill, as well as simplifying the wording. The updated wording follows Tennessee Code Annotated and the TSBA model policy. We recommend waiving second reading and adopting on first reading. Sir, is there a motion to adopt on first and waive second? Townsville, is there a second? Barker, is there a discussion?
032All in favor? Thank you. Item 13, pause revision staff community relations 5.606. This is also a first reading. Revisions include a prohibition of using district-owned property for filming political content. This is pretty straightforward, we believe. That's why we would recommend that we waive second reading and adopt on first. Sir, is there a motion to adopt on first and waive second? Is there a second? Is there a discussion? I'll probably vote for this. I guess my only unreadiness is with the political part. I don't know exactly how that's defined. If someone says, I love our country, is that political? But again, I guess that's for Dr. Snowden to figure out. Yeah, I wouldn't say that would be political. Some might. I mean, you could say anything is political in today's world, I guess. Right. Well, that's
033clear. That's an easy one. I think I could define that a little bit more broad. But like I said, I'm not going to hold us up on that. I'm fine. I understand what the intent is, and I support that. Any other discussion? All in favor? We still have, we're still waiting for two votes. All in favor? Okay. Thank you. Item 14, positive vision tutoring for pay 5.608. Provisions include a more detailed provision on tutoring arrangements. We recommend waiving second reading and adopting on first reading. Thank you, sir. We have a motion to adopt on first and waive second. Marker, is there a second? Mr. Stillings, is there a discussion? All in favor? Item 15, pause revision. Director of Schools, 5.800. Revisions include provisions clarifying the personnel responsibility to the director. This is straightforward, I believe,
034and with that, we're going to ask you or recommend to you to adopt on first and waive second reading. Thank you, sir. Is there a motion to adopt on first and waive on second? Mr. Townsend, is there a second? I'll second it. Ms. Newman, is there a discussion? Seeing none, all in favor? Thank you, sir. Thank you for your indulgence with all those policies, but we know this time of year that that's to be expected. So thank you for that. Director Skos reports student success. Current testing results have been or are in the process of being released. There were no third graders retained for the 25-26 school year based on the third grade retention legislation, which is good news. The results for our English language students on the English language proficiency assessment, ELPA, were again
035extremely good. Full TCAT results will be released in the future, but that's what we have to this point. Administrator summer training, district and school administrators will be involved in several different professional learning opportunities this summer. From June 10th through the 12th, our leadership team retreat will occur. June 10th, we'll have the entire team for the first half of the day with the second half concentrating on teaching and learning. On June 11th, administrators and teaching and learning will be joined by Dr. Eric Tordell of Solution Tree. June 12th, we'll conclude with an entire leadership team at the PAC for the morning. We invite you to attend any and all of our leadership retreat. So please let Carol know if you'll be attending at any time over those three days. I think you received an invitation for
036the luncheon, which is what day is that? First day, Wednesday. Yeah. So hopefully, if your schedule allows you, you might be able to join us at any time, but especially for that lunch that day. Our budget process continues. The remaining date of the only work session that we have scheduled is June 15th. That will review the cumulative impact of the budget work from the first two sessions and also facilitate maybe the possible completion of the process. Ongoing summer programs, we've got summer learning camp that's going on through June the 25th, except for Fridays. That's at Poplar Grove Elementary. Summer max and full swing at Franklin Elementary. Young Scholars Institute has finished their first week and looking forward to this final week. Story Bus Mobile Library, as noted last month, the bus is at Kroger 9
037to 12 and the following locations, excluding the week the district is closed. Mondays at Independence Square, Tuesdays at the Columbia Avenue location, and Thursdays at the Murfreesboro Road location. Summer Meals Program also has an open site this year at Poplar Grove Elementary serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday during June. And information on all these programs are online. And then we have some other dates that you're familiar with and other opportunities. Thank you. That's all I have. Thank you, sir. Any questions or comments for Dr. Snowden? If not, updates, teaching and learning. Nothing additional. Thanks, sir. Finance and administration. Yes, sir. June sales tax collections reflected an 11.3% increase month to month, bringing our year-to-date increase to 3.9% over last year. That was good. Thank you. Any announcements from the board? Just encourage, if you
038can, and your schedule allows to. attend any of our summer programs. As was mentioned, the Learning Camp, Young Scholars, Story Bus, Summer Meals Program, and Summer Mac. I did have an opportunity to get on the Story Bus today and go to Young Scholars, and as always, they're both excellent and exciting to be able to go enjoy those. So if you have opportunity, please do. Anything else? If there's nothing else for the good of the board, we are dismissed. You know how to play.