001[Music] Where are you going? [Music] >> All right, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the special call on July 29th, 2025. First is public comment. Three three minutes per individual comments must pertain to the current agenda items. And we have one. Um, I have a couple questions, a couple things to say. So, this is concerning the policy about the phone pouches. Um, do the foam pouches cost as much as I've heard, which is up to $30,000. >> Okay. Um, and then are we paying it ourselves or is it through a grant or is that also going to be talked about? Okay. Cuz um for I think that the phone policy isn't completely necessary. I think that some form policy will need to be um administered, but I think that the root of the issue is some
002teachers don't have an engaging curriculum and some of them just um they don't they could improve in their lesson planning and increase just student engagement overall. So, I think if we put money towards training teachers or giving them bonuses or different things like that, I think that that would help the teachers, some of the teachers become better and um really just help out uh the students more and I think that the students will just be more engaged. Um, and I really love this county. I really just want uh what's best for it. So I think that helping to improve the teachers will really improve uh students education, help help them have a brighter future. >> So are you a high school student? >> I am a high school student. Yes. >> I'm going to be
003a junior. >> Thank you so much. >> Keep coming. [Music] Miss Jessica Curtis >> here. >> Mr. McMatthew >> here. >> Mr. Mullins >> here. >> Miss Thomas >> here. >> Miss Tal >> here. All are here. >> First on the agenda is to approve the revised agenda for the July 29th 2025 special call meeting of the KY County Board of Education. Correction to number two. I will approve budget number one and two. I'll make a motion to approve the agenda, revised a few steps on this is approval for these cases. We have to make a motion to discuss cases or any of that. We have bids out for something. Um, we haven't even have anybody look at the um handbook defenses and stuff. handbook of the policy and stuff. There's the issues. >> Um,
004and like this is not the issue >> and and we're going past state law as if we're better than the law. says just your instruction time and again like I said earlier it's okay to have during lunches and during it also says and the state law says it has available for emergencies if it's locked up they can't have emergency had there has been issues U get out. Um my nephew was actually high school shooting and it wasn't for the problem to get the issue. At least everything got quicker. Get a hold of his parents and know he's okay and actually cut down on chaos because if broad arrow goes out, it's going to go out like everything else way past the time it's happening. works and there's actually been some lawsuits already skipped a few
005pieces of approval for something that we have yet to make a motion on >> um what did we do? >> Um we need to be consistent. That's part of the issue is it's not been consistent with teachers having to put up. We're also punishing the kids that do obey and we're talking about mental health. Why about the kids who use their phone at lunch time because that is their outlet? >> Well, it's a policy approved. >> It just says to have it off and up. motion. >> I think I want to bring our >> I can grab the motion from my office. >> Thank you. on uh the handbook from high school website uh page 43 use of personal communication devices policy 6.312 students may possess wireless communication devices so long as such devices are
006turned off and stored for the entirety of the school nothing about >> I'm sorry that's that's in the hand >> that is 6.312 I was just asking [Music] obviously if you change the policy change be able to have access but students that have IDs and all that. Um but there's also college students that have to have their phone with model and everything. They have to have a code given to their and it talks about not having a laptop personal but I mean it's we're in the age of technology. We give computers, Chromebooks for a class, not books. I mean, I understand the distraction. There should be distractions with everything no matter what. I say probably we're going to have to talk about the lawsuits and the social emotional stability of students and how they use
007it for that. I think we're going to have to look at a whole lot more because we're going to look at bullying. We're going to have to look about how students have been harassed by the use of other students cell phones. We're going to have to look at how much discipline has come about because of posting and overuse because this is the deal. There's got to be a balance. >> But the thing is what happens off the school grounds? >> No, I'm talking about on school grounds. >> And a lot of that they come in and complain afterwards. But as a survey, the national quote they said, "We don't want students to be distracted in class and we're very compelled by the data that our kids are impacted negatively by the apps that exist on
008cell phones. That's not the school's responsibility. That's the parents." So, however, there's also a deep concern around school safety. Again, schools and classrooms are still not safe from gun violence, bullying, and a number of other things. This is not going to solve the problem. to lock them up. >> European. >> This is the state. This is the state law right here. >> Tennessee code and noted title 49 chapter 6 part three is amended by adding the following as a new section. A as used in this section, wireless communication device means a portable wireless device that can be that has the capability to provide voice messaging, voice messaging or other data communication between two or more parties, including but not limited to cellular telephones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and gaming devices. Section 1B is each local
009board of education and each public charter school governing body shall adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that one accepts as a provided in subdivisions B2-4 prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during instructional time. B2 authorizes a teacher can allow a student to use a wireless communication device for educational purposes during instructional time. B number three is permits a student to use a wireless communication device in event of an emergency or to manage a student's health. P4 is permits a student to use a wireless communication device during instructional time if a the student use of the wireless communication device is included in the students individualized educational pro education program under the individuals with disabilities education act 20 USC 14E tq two is the act of 504 4 plan developed under section
010504 of the rehab rehabilitation act of 1973 or individual learning plan or the wireless communication device being used by a student with a disability for the operation of assistive technology to increase maintain to improve the students function capabilities and five is establishes a pro process by which parents or guardians Students will be, excuse me, contacted in the event of an emergency or possible emergency occurring at the school at which the parent student is enrolled to ensure that the absent of or restricted access to wireless communication devices during the school day. Does not prevent parents from receiving a notice of an emergency or possible emergency. C is each LEA and public charter school shall publish the wireless communication device policy established pursuant to subsection B on this website. Section two is the Tennessee code edited section
01149-6-4002 is amended by deleting subsection H and substituting a discipline policy or code of conduct adopted by local board of education or public charter school governing body may authorize a teacher to hold a student's wireless communication from the student for the duration of the instructional time if the student is non-compliant with the LEAS or public charters wireless communication device policy adopted percent to section one as used in subsection wireless this is um deleting that and wireless communication device I'm sorry wireless communication device has the same meaning as defined in section one section three the act takes effect July 1st 2025 the public for requiring it applies to the 2526 school and each year thereafter. >> Which one's exactly the policy we have before? >> Here's a copy of the policy that you all approved. There's
012two sheets. I turned off two sheets for some reason. So talking about communicating some Google classroom that they can still communicate to that there's parameters on Google classroom. I used to you can set different parameters on it. is that can you guarantee 100% that something happens that every single parent will get informed? Not everybody signed up for not everybody is can't guarantee a technology and I respect your opinion. I do. I'm not I don't want to disrespect I want you to know that I'm not disrespecting it. I have a totally different take on it as um as a mother. I have a totally different take on it >> as an educator. >> Well, I'm also that extra work, more stuff that's taken away from school time. You let me finish for a second. I'm speaking.
013Okay. I have a different take on it as an educator and as a mother and as I still respect what you're saying. I'm going to tell you as an educator, when phones are removed from my classroom, I can do my job. I can't do my job when they have their phones because they're going to put them right here on their Chromebook and they're going to talk all day long. They're going to meet people in the bathroom. They're going to take videos of other students. I'm not for it at all because I've experienced it firsthand. And in my opinion, there are other ways to handle social and emotional issues. They cause way too much trouble, detrimental trouble to students and teachers. And I'm just not for it. I hope that you respect me and we can
014disagree about it. >> No, I understand it. Just like having a place when you walk into each classroom, each phone goes in. Actually implementing it. It has not been consistent. That's part of the issue. And I don't think uh I don't think these p Rebecca I I'm gonna have to look more into these little pockets, the >> pouches. I don't know about those pouches. That's not what we hadn't voted on pouch in my I don't >> steps. So that's something for us to talk about tonight. that you >> Yes, that's from my understanding to discuss that and for us to go ahead with that and I'm learning this process as well. So that there had to be a motion second and then it would be opened up for discussion to discuss the different pouches and
015going ahead whether or not we're going to go ahead with the purchase of those. So that's >> that's that that was just my >> So maybe number three should have said discussion of the purchase of cases for >> that would have been >> and I'm okay with that. >> Yeah. >> Like I think the discussion went into more than like I'm fine with that. >> I think I think we do need to be careful with that discussion we're having. But if if that had been rewritten that way, Jessica, I'm cool with that. >> At the end of the day, a policy that passed in June says students might possess wireless communication devices so long as such devices are turned off and stored for the entirety of the school day. But I mean said if we
016we don't don't mean we have to prove the cases, but then we have to go supposed to be in the handbook anyways and that's in every handbook as far as I know in each school. Now I do know that that was not always implemented. I do agree with you 100%. Can we can we take that motion off and revis [Music] um I understand what I I know what you're saying, but >> I mean, let me get let me get it straight. So, you want you're taking you want you like you would like to have maybe we can't do you like to had three taken off >> because it seems like we skipped sets with the wording approval. the way you discuss cases. >> Well, she's saying discuss the situ. >> Okay. Well, that can be
017that can be that can be probably determined when we get to these cases. One of the cases determines that. In my honest opinion right here, this is going to be if it needs more discussion >> when they get >> that number three is really needs to be tables in my opinion. But now that's up to the board if we need more. I mean it's still when school starts, right? >> I understand that. Yeah. >> Well, maybe not. >> Well, no. According to our policy, they have to be turned off and that may needs to be changed according to the priority. >> Yeah, but we'll just have to get to that. >> That's why. >> Okay. Is there more discussion on this before we The motion right now is to approve in a second? How many
018more table agenda? >> We're still number one. >> I'm sorry. >> Any more discussion? >> All right. >> Let me get the right here. >> Okay. All right. Miss and seconded by Miss Thomas to approve the revised agenda of the June July 29th, 2025 special meeting of the Kenny County Board of Education with corrections number two. Miss Curtis, >> I >> Mr. McIn >> guess that's why they call it special. >> Hi, >> Mr. Rollins. >> Hi, >> Miss Thomas. >> Hi, >> Mr. M. >> Hi. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Number two is approve amend number two tonight is approve budget amendments number one and two that is in your packet what do you have anything for us >> no I did two separate one as county. >> In fact, I think the
019money for the state will not come today. >> I'll make a motion. >> Any discussion on the budget amendments? Any questions for Douglas here, please? >> Okay. Uh, motion's made by Mr. Mullen, seconded by Miss Thomas to approve budget amendments number one and number two. Miss Curtis, >> I >> Mr. McMackens. >> Hi, >> Mr. Mullins. >> Hi, >> Miss Thomas. >> Hi, >> Mr. M. >> Hi. >> All right. Number three, approval for purchase of the cases for cell phone implementation. discussion. We need something discussion. anything anybody wants for this in the packet while we're here that Miss Teresa or M can get for August. I will tell you that when we looked at this as principles and the supervisors um that was one of the in getting looking at the three and I've
020provided this information um for you. We know that we can tell you right now the yarn bags are not a consideration at all and those are over that $25,000 bid mark. Um looking at the middle of the road um quote that you all have that is something looking at what Putham County um is utilizing and each classroom has its own lock. So students would have access should need be to get those cases unlocked. Um it's a clear case and they hold on to those. The third quote from Amazon is a much. It's less expensive about I think $7,000 roughly than the middle than the second one which is 18 something. Um we felt that the middle of the road the 18 was more reasonable and that was funds that come out would be coming out
021of the something that Stephanie has some funds that she has. Just to share that information with you which which one are you saying >> that county has? Yes, >> the new germ. It was the second >> there was a second quote. Yes. >> So if we purchase these >> do Okay. So does tell me how this process work? Does the kid put the phone in the pouch and then they put the pouch in their backpack >> and they have it with Yes, they have it with them and carry it from class to class with them. We talked through different scenarios as far as having um them up away from them locked in something at the beginning of the day and then getting it out of a cabinet at the end of the day. And we
022thought that would be too much disruption for um for them. And also if they did have this capability to have them unlocked in the classrooms um should there be a need to arise that they that would be right there within that classroom setting to get the cases unlocked. They're clear um and like I said I got the idea from from Putnham County. >> Are they hard? >> Yes ma'am. They're hard durable >> plastic. that I mean there are big packs. >> If this passes the table, can you add that into the August work for the workshop? >> And >> if this is table on the table, can you add all this back >> into the meeting? And I would like to request policy and all >> any more discussion. Did you look at Did you
023look at the new case? I know they were. Did you look at them? How was the warning on the one you're talking about? >> Uh, this one has three years. >> It's not one you're going to open up. I'll tell you right now. The rare earth magnet >> that you're talking about. [Music] >> So what did the like what if the case is in the student's backpack and it breaks? Is the student responsible or we just do a new one or >> the handbook? The policy says uh agreement, rules, and policy. I'll give you a second. You can go ahead. >> By allowing a student to bring a cell phone or other personal communication device to school, the parent and the student voluntarily agree to abide by these disciplinary rules, restrictions, and offense guidelines. The
024district, it schools, nor its employees assume any responsibility or liability for the loss or damage to any student's personal communication device. If we don't have it in cases, >> we would go for it >> because it stays with them. >> It stays with them. lock it in the morning. Motion table. >> Motion was made by Mr. Seconded by Mr. to uh table the motion of the purchase of cell phone um equipment for implementation to the August 14th meeting. >> Miss Thomas, >> Mr. Second number four make a motion to reopen discussion for the contract bus. I'm going to go for this talk to go by what we made a motion to reconsider this. So, I'm going make a motion to >> reconsider. Item number 11. >> Agenda item number 11 from the July meeting for
025contracts. >> I'll make a motion we reconsider second. >> Okay. Is there any discussion? And the only discussion that can be is to re about reconsidering >> reconsidering >> opening it back up. um they didn't really get to discuss their points. We didn't really talk about at the workshop. They asked if they could come back to discuss why kind of play theirs. So that's my discussion only if we're going to reced. So this is no discussion on >> No, this is just discussion to to reconsider and open open it back up was on July the 10th on >> Okay, good call. >> So there's no more discussion roll. >> Okay. So I'll make sure that >> motion motion here. >> Motion was made by Mr. Mullins, seconded by Miss Thomas to reconsider item number 11
026to open for discussion from the July 10th meeting. Miss Curtis. Hi, >> Mr. Atkins. >> Hi, >> Mr. Mullins. Hi, >> Miss Thomas. >> Hi, >> Mr. Mill. >> Hi. All >> okay, it was approved. So, that opens the discussion again in the previous I'm Bear with me, guys. I'm making sure we do this legally and by the SBA rules. >> Um, so what passed last time was a one-year contract with a 3% raise. And we can discuss that. So we can discuss it now because it takes us back to to if we do anything we have to amend it. If we make any changes tonight to amend a bill. >> So we will make a motion on the on the reconsideration. We don't have to wait till the next meeting is >> no we
027can make it. >> Okay. Okay. >> Now the discussion is over. I will turn it over to you. talk to you. So if you want to >> Okay. U back in February I presented a letter to uh to Miss Lisa about our upcoming year's contract u knowing that our current one would expire at the end of July. Um I think did all of y'all receive a copy of that today? >> Yes, I did. >> Okay. >> Uh uh basically in that we are just asking for another three-year contract. Um and a basically a nine 9% raise. We we haven't asked for a raise nor received a raise in the last three years and we won't ask for another raise or receive another raise in the next three years. This is our this is our one
028shot that we get. So, uh that's that's basically why we're here. And we we would like the the three-year contract. Uh we've we've got investments and and we would just like to fulfill those three years as part of you know we we we learned at the last meeting that y'all were interested in phasing us out. U we we were not really aware of that. We we knew it could happen at any time but we were not aware that that had been discussed or coming to an end. So, u we we are okay with that if we get another three-year contract and we kind of know what's what's going on. U we we didn't think the one-year contract, we kind of thought that was blindsiding us a little bit there. U like I said, we do
029have substantial investments. We've all been doing this. um those of us who do do this um several years. I mean 30 plus years probably for each of us and >> for me. >> So we've we've we've got some uh pretty good this isn't just something that we've been doing the last few years, you know, so we just kind of figured u and I think Miss Lisa would appreciate more than one year to to get ready to take over our three routes. So that's that's what we're asking for. We'd appreciate your consideration there. >> And to back off what she said, the 9% was approved. >> Yes. >> So the money is already there. No, there's no extra money. It's already there. >> So just a couple questions. As a contracted bus driver, does that mean
030if your bus needs repairs, you pay for it, you take care of it, um every Every bit of it. What about um your fuel cost? >> You pay for it. Every bit of it. >> And also if the bus is down one morning that covers us with the sub, but we we drive it. We >> And then Ricky also supplies. He keeps some extras on his own. I only got one one bus and one route. So, >> u if my bus goes down, sometimes I have to to get a bus from Miss Lisa, but I will drive it myself and I will put f fuel in it and and that kind of stuff. It's out of my pocket. >> I want to thank y'all for for your years. You said 30, right? >> Yes. And
03140. I've been here. >> I've been my people been into it ever since 1946. I got a picture here that was made >> up. Uh my daddy was volunteer hauling people and mountain up at Mount said, "Well, why don't you go buy you a bus? We give you your L." So he went trail 1946. I'm sitting on the hood right there. But my daddy, he he drove a bus and we got a retirement from the county and my brothers that passed away about eight years. He drove a bus for several years and then I've been in it. Tracy been driving how long? 30 something years. >> My dad bought Darus's bus. >> Yeah. >> So that was I think you probably rode his bus. >> I did. So >> I rode his bus. >> I
032wrote Ricky's bus. We've been around for a while >> and we hate to give it up any I mean I do it seem like a part of me you know but I've been in the butterf >> I didn't I told him anything you can tell them how many >> you call David Parker >> it was about 13 years old and they didn't have anybody drive >> yeah was >> and my My mama called the chief wheel 6 morning he can't drive a bus why what you expect me to do and she said well she said I don't know what going to do he said lety drive it he know more about better than I do you know back then you get 5 years you 13 14 years old maybe >> drove that bus pick all
033the kids up sitting in front of wood and cool they all come out on it car them all home but everyone one time I done it several times white face scroll. He said I said I said I don't know how many time he said you done it several time. So back them days you do things like that you buy with it. You know that's right. So I've been into it all my life and I wanted to Jeff and Tracy have one day if it ever hold out long enough you know I'm 77 years old and so one day keep walking we can tie in the vision I for my boy Jeff and Tracy get it Tracy been driving 30 something years for me >> but it's something you think about years down the road you
034know I know y'all can't pay for so much but we do have a lot of overhead you Now we pay the >> insurance we had have what is it >> the insurance >> with D she my CPA woman but I ain't very smart at all and get go to she do all my CPA we do it all right take out on the drivers and a whole lot to it ain't a whole lot time you pay it be everybody you know but we appreciate if we could get it and thank we a few more years. >> Miss Lisa, do you have anything to add? >> Well, I have done a lot of research um over the past few days working with them. Um did go out and run some routes. I've done some calculations and talked
035to Mr. Ricky about his buses. Um he has two that are probably getting close to being gone. Um and then that'll leave him with two. I would like for him not to go buy another another bus if anything happens to those buses because that's a huge investment and I don't I want him to be able to tell us just like we're telling them if we're not going to use them anymore, don't go buy another bus because that's too big of an expense. I think that's fair. There is a clause inside the um in the contract that says they can let us know 30 days prior as we could them if that something that come up. and I think a big repair. That's not fair if we're thinking we're going to get rid of those bus
036routes. But I did pull the inspection sheets. Everybody has passed inspections. Um Ricky's miles we have up a little high. I think he's only running about 150. Tracy and I ran them the other day with the two routes. Denise is right on hers at 71. So we need to look at Ricky's BS again, but Mr. Douglas and I can do that. that I got. >> Yeah. >> We call you say, "Hey, can you >> discuss?" Is it in the budget? >> Yeah, we have the bus in the budget every year. >> Um Ricky has four buses. So if he if if one was to go out of service, he still has >> Yeah. >> He He has two routes and four buses. So he has a spare that he could pull in. I just don't
037want him to go buy something. And I get it down to you my husband week at a time. >> Yes, you. >> Does anybody recall what meeting we discussed phasing out the contracted bus drivers and stuff? It's been discussed multiple times over the years. Just going back. >> This is not the first time this has been brought up. looking at contracting drivers. >> I think what you're saying is >> but not recently. >> Not recently. You're asking if there was a recent one budget like that. I was at that >> I don't think that there's been one. I don't think that there's been one >> in our retreat. >> Okay. But it's never been like an agenda item where we have >> Okay. when all this is we're still trying to figure all this out
038consolidated and saving money >> and I appreciate y'all looking at the budget. I do. I appreciate your eyes on our budget all the time and looking at all of it. Um I do have two people who have come up and and is interested in driving. They not even they just got a regular driver's license. So it's a process. I mean thank what Ricky did a long time ago. So, you know, it's it's at least four to six months worth of training. >> So, if we do per say phase out our contracted bus drivers within the year, we would need how many buses? >> Three. >> You would need three buses and I would need three drivers >> within a year. >> Yes. to what's on the >> but if you were to say something like
039as we get a bus and a driver out that would be easier for them and easier for me >> easier for y'all so >> I'm doing a lot of talking to different people outside of all this and about it and doing my research and talking to people with other counties and I think we should give them a three years and then we we've already got it in the budget >> and then in these next three years we really need to set a plan on everything. >> I think um I think that would be wise. I think that that um that's respectful of time and that they have and the commitments that we've made. I think that that is respectful and thoughtful of Miss Lisa, too. Um I do not agree with um I agree with
040I agree with changing this. >> I'll make a motion we% that That's what they originally asked for. >> I think it was no contract. >> Mr. Do you remember what it was years ago? you >> Dgo >> and that was a 2% raise up% >> I remember I came here. I spent fuel that got over $4 a gallon. >> We had to do >> we had to get myself because they were losing >> that was u I've got my letter from the 2022 when I presented and it says in it that our last pay increase was 9% three years ago. Um so that was the three years before >> 22. Um I think we agreed um at that time to go to the 6% uh and I think it had something to do with the
041fuel search charge at that point. >> Yes. So >> 3% a year 5% each year or 9% overall >> it's 9% right now. So from >> next three years will be the same >> the same amount of money for the next three years. Nothing changes. Well, except is going to change a little because his changes, >> but I'm just saying in our budget >> nothing. >> So then this for a three-year contract with the 9% instead of the >> Yeah. discussion. >> Okay. A motion was made by Mr. Mullen, seconded by Miss Thomas to amend the contract of artist contracts for three year contract at 9%. Correct. >> Miss Curtis. >> Hi, >> Mr. McMackens. >> Hi, >> Mr. Mullins. Hi, >> Miss Thomas. >> Hi, >> Mr. Hi. >> All right. Number five, Mr.
042Mjourn. Make a motion to adjurnn. >> I'll second that. All >> favor say I. I. >> Any oppose? Have it. Our next meeting is Tuesday. Workshop is Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 at 6 o'clock and Thursday, August 14th is our board meeting at 6:00. Thank you. [Music] >> Thank you all. Thank you. >> Yes, sir.