Coffee County School Board Policy Committee Meeting

001Uh looks like we have several items today. Uh a few just a few. Uh if everybody's good with this agenda that's laying in front of you already. If I get a motion and a second to accept that agenda, we're going to move on. >> I move. >> I'll second. >> Motion. Got a second. All in favor? >> I know. >> We're going to move right into number one here. um paid parental leave. The way I understand this, this is a new policy that we need to establish. So, basically, uh if I can get a uh motion to accept this policy that's been presented, then we can get into discussion and make changes if we need to. >> I make the motion we accept this parental pay and leave policy. >> Motion made. I got a

002second. >> I'll second. >> Motion's made and seconded. Any discussion? >> Uh this is policy 5.305 and it deals with family and medical leave which his policy addresses the uh paid parental leave but our auditors requested that we have a standalone policy that addresses the paid parental leave. So this would be our new policy that addresses that >> and it would be as presented here. >> As presented. Yes, sir. >> In the red. >> Yes, sir. >> And the language on this comes from TSBA. >> There's not Can I I'll just >> go ahead, Miss April. >> There's not a TSBA policy for this yet. This is language straight from the law. >> Okay. that was shared to from to me from the state department. Um and um but this is required. So I get

003reimbursements every quarter based on who's on this leave. And this policy is required for us to get reimbursed. So there's not a model policy yet, but we had to come up with our own because we can't wait for TSA to come out with one. So we may have to make changes to this when they come out, but this is what it should look like for now. Any more discussion? All those in favor of accepting this new policy say so. >> I know passes. Number two, 5.11 zero compensation guides and contracts. do not believe I have any. >> Yes, I do. >> Uh compensation guides and contracts. It's just adding in the language that vacation days be in accordance with policies recommended by the local director of schools and adopted by the local board of education.

004Uh, so if I could get a motion to accept this with these changes, policy 5.110 with changes, we'll get it on the floor and discuss. >> So move. >> I'll second. >> Motion's made and seconded. Any discussion on this? >> Yes. Um, it depends on whether we're going to go back to the one we presently have or we're going to pick up. I think this must have been the TSBA one. The one below it is the one that's got it mixed right here. This is what we're adding right there. Okay. Um this also says down here that a deceased teachers estate or designated beneficiary shall be paid the value of any unused accumulated leave. Um and I don't see where that's in either of these. And I think that's a good idea. They burned it.

005I don't see why it shouldn't go to their families. >> So, can I ask >> Me either? What was the question at hand? Go ahead. >> So, when we talk about leave, we're talking about vacation time. Well, vac Well, first of all, this this policy is a little bit confusing. Um, it talks about vacation days, but actually 200 day employees don't earn vacation days. So, really what this is referencing is the set holidays that are put in the calendar. I had to call other districts to understand what this meant because we don't give we don't give vacation days to to our 200 day employees. You actually don't earn a vacation day until you're um 11 month employee. So this was a little bit confus this policy was a little bit confusing because it's what from

006the way it reads now it looks like we would give everybody 10 vacation days and that's not accurate. So, when it says vacation days here, it's actually talking about holidays and those holidays are scheduled through the calendar committee and um and that's passed when the board when the board passes the calendar. So, that's why the language was added to that. Now, I did notice that the deceased um the deceased uh information at the bottom of the TSBA policy. Um, so we would have to talk about that because if you're talking about any kind of acred time, you're talking about sick days, which we we don't let we don't allow we don't pay out for sick days for anyone. Those either transfer over or they lose them when they leave the district. >> Um, or holidays.

007So, like if you we definitely could add it in there, but then we need to make the language clear on what we're actually going to pay out because if we're going to if we're going to I don't know that we want to pay out sick days when they have 500 because some people, you know, accumulate days and so could be very costly to district if you paid out all of the leave. So, I did not put that in there. I simply just added the language to this policy. I didn't even look at the TSBA. Um I noticed that that was in other districts policies, but it wasn't in our current one. I think as a choice, I don't think it has to be um in our policy, but obviously you guys are can make that

008recommendation and we can put it in there. But I didn't change anything in our current policy other than other than to add this to the law, add this language to make it less confusing on what those vacation days meant. Those sick days do count in retirement though. >> They do. >> So for every 20 days of sick leave, you crew a month of service which is paid in through our retirement TCRS. And we typically when we we've had a few situations where we've had um deceased employees and we have paid out their final paycheck and any earned holidays that they get but we have not paid out sick days or vacation time. Vacation time is also required to be paid out but sick time we don't. So like if we have just our normal employee

009leaves the district like someone leaves the district to go we either transfer those days or um if they don't go to another district they just stay with the district if they come back within five years they get those days back >> or they if they don't come back at all they just lose those days. We don't we're not we're not required to pay out sick um to anyway. >> That's just kind of our practice of what we've done in the past. I'm not saying that's not if that's something y'all choose to want to do. We could definitely put it in there, but we need to talk about I feel like we need to talk about how much that could if we're talking about sick time. >> We'd probably have to make it up to this

010number of hours if we did this. >> And I would have to probably ask our auditor if we're allowed to pay out for sick time. Okay. because right now we don't it's not common practice to pay someone for their sick. >> But the red line you put in sets us up to work towards coming up with that plan. Correct. Because right now the current policy is just and stops. >> Yeah. So it right now that just clarifies because I didn't want I didn't want a 200 day employee to read this and say where's my 10 vacation days? >> Yeah. >> Because that's going to that that's going to happen. >> Yeah. That's got to be in in accordance with the policies recommended by the director of schools and adopted by the way. >> And [clears

011throat] there are other districts that have that language which is confusing. I understand why you think and what you think but there it's not they don't have vacation days. The vacation days >> the vacation days I saw that that didn't make sense to me because >> they're off during the summer. I kind of feel that was >> we can I mean do we need to pull this one out and reook at it? the deceased part. >> I don't know. I just hate to see teachers not get what they've earned. But if you say they haven't legit, well, if they manage to come to work every day that year and they don't use their sick leave, >> they earn 12 days of credit towards retirement >> towards >> well 10 sick days, >> 10 for teachers

012and then 11 for 11 month. And then >> in your two personal days tack into that which total 12 >> and two years of that you've earned a month plus of service at point whatever the rate is in TCRS. So you could actually if you earned over 200 days at the end of your career you could quit year 29 and and you're going to get your retirement is going to show 30 because of those acred days sick leave days. Now when I don't totally understand how we do it with our retirement when the teacher passes away is their retirement left in theirs is it like a 401k where they >> you declare a beneficiary >> and you can Yes ma'am. >> Okay. So they could declare a beneficiary for their >> Yes ma'am. You can

013you can draw your retirement four different ways. >> And um you dang sure don't want me to re go through those. No. >> But but you can you can draw little or or none in your spout. You you you're going to draw a bigger number. Your spouse gets nothing or your beneficiary gets nothing. You can draw where you get some and then they get the same amount. I mean there's four different levels uh that you can >> So basically the extra days have already been put in there if they retire. Okay. I just don't want to see them lose it if if they >> and I'm I'm checking but I'm pretty sure that when if someone and we haven't had but maybe a couple of situations with a deceased employee. Um, I think that you

014can turn their days in to to TCRS and it can help benefit their retirement, which their beneficiary would get. I just need to verify that. >> Okay. >> But talking about paying out for sick days, like just making a payment to the state could get pretty expensive if you have a 30-year employee who's has 300 days. >> If it it already went into their retirement, >> I think. So, I'm think about that. They didn't lose it. It went into it over time. So, it's already there. >> They're being credited that in years of service, >> which improves their >> It made it sound like they're going to lose everything. >> Yes, ma'am. >> You know, and I'm like, >> I mean, this one's not an urgent one. If we need to pull it out and

015>> Well, we got a motion on the floor right now to carry it on through. Um, one way to look at it is if we carried it on through the way as presented, if we agree with that today and we pass it today, it goes to the full board. It could be broke out as a single agenda item or we could break it out of general consent at that time. Just depends, you know, if it's something you want the full board to make a decision. That's certainly one way to do it is we we pass it right on through right here. And uh >> no, I'm actually going >> make it its own agenda item or break it out of general consent. Now that I see that it does go into their return, that they

016don't lose it, I'm I'm good on it. >> So, the actual motion on the floor right now is if we want to accept this with the change that's presented. Any more discussion? >> All those in favor? I >> I >> opposed. Right. Moving right along. Number three, three. 600 insurance management. Uh updated by Miss April and Mr. Kelvin. Ask Miss Nelson to explain this policy. >> Would you like me to explain? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Um, >> and I said Kelvin, not Kevin. >> So, we first off, I've added that we just have cyber cyber loss and liability insurance. We're required to have that. So, I just added it to our list of insuranceances that we currently have in the district. And then um went down um into the group health and add dental,

017vision, and life because we do offer all of those things. the board pays for part of those things and I added that into the language in the first in line 14 and 15 that we off we provide dental vision life insurance for all full-time employees. Um and then lines 19 through 23. So, a little bit of history. Back in 2016, um the state of Tennessee sent out a letter to all districts that um approved districts to not offer spouse insurance for for so if you're an employee and your spouse is covered through a group plan at their employer, then the district could ch could choose to not offer spousal insurance to um to that employee. So in 2016, it was on the board agenda um I have it September 12th, 2016, it was on the

018board agenda for the district to go forward to not offer spousal insurance to employees whose spouses already are provided insurance at their current employer and it passed unanimously at that time. Um so simply so we've had um this policy should have been updated at that time and this should have been included in this policy because it was a board action and um we get questioned on it every year but we've had a lot of questions this year on this particular issue. Um, as of right now, it stands I have board action on lines 19 through 23, which speaks to what the board intended to do at that time. >> This is cleaning up the language in the policy was done. >> Just kind of Yeah, kind of add it should have been added to policy

019at that time and it wasn't. Um, I don't know why, but it was I have like if y'all want I have brought copies of the board documents at that time on what the language was and I can pass those out. Um, but this is just simply cleaning up that because there just seemed I mean there's been a lot of confusion. We've had you know a lot of employees ask and so we're just trying to clean up this language [clears throat] um in this current policy we have right now >> and we're adding one law TCA 827205. >> Right. And so then um yes. So then um if you go to the next page, I've I've cleaned up the annuity section um where the board's supposed to approve any new annuity firm uh um t which

020is your TSA um companies before they are allowed to contact employees at our school. And then um just kind of restricting a little bit more about when they can visit. A lot of other districts had this in their policy that they're not allowed to contact employees during their school hours. Um so kind of cleaning the annuity section of this up. Um and then um going to the retiree section. Um added we added a little bit of language um in here because we had some questions come up. We've had some questions come up about um I don't know how much do you want me to go into on this but we've had some questions from some employees. >> So the the way it previously read >> um Miss West Morland could have taught in our school

021system the way the language the flexibility which we took the flexibility out. She could have taught in our school system for 15 years and left our school system and gone taught at Bugtusle Elementary or middle school up until our last year, come back here for one year and then we're paying her insurance for the rest of the time. Well, the I think the intent uh of of the change is your 15 have to be your last 15 years. We want to reward people that >> Yes. finish here. And >> so the language um the language is added for the last 15 consecutive years at the time of retirement with Coffee County Schools. >> And then there's your writing on that. >> Yes, sir. >> We currently pay um I think it's 55%. So the state

022pays 45% and then we pay we pick up the the 55%. So when you retire if you're employee only insurance you get your insurance completely free until you're 65. So we're trying to clean up this language a little bit um to cover cover that. I think that that was the intent like Mr. Mr. Harrove said that was the intent when this policy was written. And then yes, I added um a new code at the back at the number six which goes along with um um lines 26 through 28. That anyone hired after 2015 will not be eligible for the same benefit as someone hired before that date. Reason for that is they are no longer legacy. They are >> a hybrid and >> the hybrid and that's a different TCS animal than the legacy. >>

023I will say that talking to our insurance broker, we are one of the only districts that pick up the gap in um the retire in the retirement plan. Any more discussion? >> Yes ma'am. >> Um we did the law changed in 2022 or three that we had to do that. Um we did and the auditor told us that the law had changed. He sent it he told [clears throat] us and then so we did when we changed from Blue Cross Blue Shield to um then on vision and life because the board pays part of it. We should have got taken it before the board but we did not know the time that the law had changed that we had to do that. And so when he um gave us our audit for that year, he

024wrote us up, not wrote us up, but he gave us a um observation to next time when we have to bid those out, they have to go before the board. But yes, so that law changed and they did not communicate. So like I get no well other than the um >> I don't think you were >> other than the TSBA law the laws that well not TSBA but the legislative updates it was in the legislative update for that next year but I don't think it was included in time for us when we changed it. So >> we had the policy it was in our policy then >> gave it Yeah. >> Yeah. So that's supposed to happen and we'll do that every time now because we're supposed to be doing that. So that's what I

025think we just did in the September board meeting. Anything that we changed, we get you guys to approve it. >> Any more discussion? >> We need a first and a second. >> We already did. >> We did. We got started on >> Who made it? >> We'll do it again. Can I get a motion to accept this as [laughter] as presented? >> I so moved. >> Can I get a second? >> A second. >> Any discussion? [clears throat] Again, [laughter] >> I want to make sure I'm 100 100% clear on this. you know, looking at um page three, uh the criteria there, uh that what would be the new criteria in order to receive um the Coffee County Board of Education contribution? Will this apply only to employees that are hired moving forward or would

026this apply to current employees? For example, Let's say someone worked five years with us years ago. They came back a few years ago and they're working their way toward 15 or maybe they've already gotten to the 15 and they are still with us, but it was not in consecutive years. You following me? >> So, does this apply to only newly hired people or does it apply to people that are already employed? >> It's a great question. And I think that's a legal >> Mhm. >> from from this point or actually the board approval of the policy moving forward. >> Um, >> you know, and I guess just an observation concern and and I have no idea how many or if there are people in that situation that chance there are. Um, could it be that

027someone maybe as they were considering whether to take a job here, might they have been considering this the the the policy that we're >> but also the intent of it was to reward people that retired from Coffee County schools. That was the intent of the policy. People jumping chip just to come take advantage of the of this. I mean I understand wiggle with that loophole that is trying to be closed. >> Yes sir. >> One thing loophole being closed from what was just been missed out but in >> and that might be something that I mean I we can call legal for legal advice on when that would actually tip or be in be in play. It's a good question. >> Further discussion. >> All those in favor, please say so by stating I >>

028I. >> All those opposed. None. [clears throat] Agenda item three passes. Agenda item number four 6.2000 attendance. >> Okay. This was uh previously gone to the first reading and then we we pulled this uh to go back to policy committee. >> Miss Beth >> Melissa explained to me that when she highlighted in the yellow this was not being taken out which at the time I thought that we were removing this. This looks much cleaner than what went through. >> So, I have no problem with it as it stands here if all the yellow is staying. >> Well, what are we? >> Hang on before we go into discussion. So, we're looking for the amended highlighted in yellow. >> Okay. All right. So, I'm We're going to need a motion to amend policy 6.2000 to the

029highlighted copy we've been provided here. >> And then we'll >> the TSBA copy. >> The yellow is TSBA. >> The red would be the recommended changes. >> Yes, >> red should be okay. So the motion would be to accept policy 6.2000 as the red changed document you have in front of you. >> Yeah, I'm gonna get this on the floor. >> See, this was my problem. >> It is marked out. >> Okay, so um I talked to Dr. Cornelius about this and then >> let's get our let's get a motion. Oh, I make a motion that we accept >> Okay. >> attendance policy. >> All right. Can I get a second? >> I'll second. >> All right. Motion's made and seconded to accept policy 6.2000 with the changes in red that we've been provided. Now,

030there any discussion? >> So, what's on here? the release time course that is all marked out because currently we do not offer a this at the high school. So he said that was not related to us. >> Could you repeat what you said what we no longer offer? What what are you referring to? >> So on the back of page it's page four of six. >> Okay. >> Says release time course. >> Oh yes. It's talking about religious materials and being excused for one class period per day. Yes. >> And when I talked to Dr. Cornelius about this as when it was pulled, he said that we do not do that and that is why it is marked out because here in our county we do not offer that. >> Why don't we offer and

031that's Mr. Parsley? I I I'll say we've never had such a request. I mean I you know um it it would definitely be an unusual request because our students are required to have x number of credits to graduate 23 credits to graduate. They're on a schedule to do that. Um, and I'm just thinking hypothetically if someone had a a daily or a weekly something at a certain time and I mean they're they're going to be missing a class required to graduate. >> Mr. Chair, >> a little bit on top of this one. I believe a lot of times what this works out is let's say that we had a church that's across the the road from the school right next to the school and they wanted to go be released to go to that church

032have a class religious class then they come back to the the actual school for rest of their period and and we don't have that top set this is not even in the the realm of what we've got at our school >> I actually leaving the school and then coming back to the school for religious [clears throat] >> which line are you >> it's never it's never >> honestly >> you're on page >> never been requested >> which page you on >> four six >> page four of the red red one >> really >> okay >> I understand it's >> time course >> had come up >> that's where we are >> but I don't see any reason to take it out and not have the possibility of it if it's something that a parent wants

033to do. Um, I think I looked up some of these here and I think it's actually allowed by law. >> Mr. uh Parsley. >> Uh, no, if you go ahead. Well, one thing as I I'm looking over these words here and one thing I notice uh lines 15 and 16, students shall not be excused during any class which requires an examination for state or federal accountability purposes. Well, not every class has an examination for state or federal accountability purposes, [clears throat] but when you consider all of the classes we have that do have those, whether there be TR ready courses within a course test, whether those be um AP AP courses would be included because there is state and federal accountability tied to those. Now, um we also have CTE classes with state and federal

034accountability tied to those. Now, um it would leave very few classes which could even possibly uh be utilized as a class for a student to leave. It would be very few. There would be some, but but there wouldn't be many. >> My question is, does the state allow open block? I I mean I honestly it's just not something I've considered. I mean it's >> our students have full >> Right. >> I'm not sure we're allowed to give them an open block. >> Right. I I I it's as I said from the onset it just it it's it seems to be such an unusual thing a student to leave during the school day on a regular basis and come back. I just we've just never had any whether it be for a religious reason or any

035other reason. It's just we've never had such a request and I understand it ne never happening before is not a reason not to do it. Um but it it's just be highly unusual. >> It it also if it's in law this does law supersedes this policy. So even if it's taken out, if somebody ever brought it to the the school board, it's in law that it is allowed, that doesn't mean it has been our policy. Right now, there's no reason to put in our policy because we don't have a situation that warrants it in our policy. But if it's in our law, then still it can happen. It's just not we don't have it. So why have it in our policy? Well, I'm sure >> that's a good point. >> Well, I mean, as a

036parent, you can check your child out >> of school without giving >> right. It just it would not be a part of a you know necessarily a school approved daily dismissal, but absolutely a student could be excused with a parent note um up until they're out of parent notes. >> Right. >> How many parent notes are allowed? >> Uh f five parent notes per year. That'd be five days per year. Well, moral constru It is a I mean, in my opinion, it is a pretty well, it's it's objective uh to a great degree. I think >> people would interpret, you know, >> I don't think we're supposed to be in that business during the day. Oh, and I guess hypothetically, hypothetically, if it were a if it were a family that wanted to have their

037private Bible study, let's say, at at 10:00 a.m. on two days a week or whatever, you know, we would be, I guess, making a judgment as to whether or not that would be acceptable reason to >> But Mr. Parsley, aren't they enrolled in a class? >> They are. that that and that that's where you run into the rub is they're enrol they're going to be enrolled in a class >> and then who's taking responsibility for that? >> Well, it says it says here that we would not be responsible for transportation, but you know, I think I think we need to check on some legalities if we ever got into this doing this. It does say um excluding following language if the board wants to allow students to receive credit for these courses upon submission of

038the students transcript from the entity that provided the time release course the student may be awarded one unit of elective credit. The director of school shall develop procedures with secular criteria for determining whether credit shall be awarded. So it could be if they start this from the beginning of the year that it's something they could get credit for. So when they take off and go to this class, they're not missing one of their credits for graduation. >> So, >> but >> and then we're we're setting up a course. >> Yeah, we're setting up a course then that we're giving credits for to leave school. >> We're expanding into something that we don't have a lot of control about that we won't have control over that student when they're at where this is. And as bad

039as as bad as I like to I mean I'm not I'm not going to get into it here on recording to talk about it but we're to me this is another one of those Pandora's box things I don't think we should open. >> It could be a slippery slope for sure. >> M I'm not sure I know of anybody in >> I don't >> that offers that credit. Well, I think it came up with TSBA because a law came up, >> right? >> I mean, we offer a Bible. >> We have a Bible as literature and history course, >> right? >> Uh it's a it's a one semester course. Uh and it's an elective course. Um, that is the only class in my mind that that might possibly meet whatever, you know, criteria might be

040set for a a class outside of our school day. I I just can't imagine what it would be that would that would match up with the standards of the classes that we teach. Um, you know, we've got core standards for every class. I mean, the the Bible as literature and history ma would probably match up some uh but I can't imagine anything else matching. >> I'm glad we're having that course. you know. >> No, I think the the principal the board actually is the one >> we would have to >> No, no, we wouldn't come up with it. It would be something that the student wanted to participate in, the parent wanted them to participate in and they could show reason why it should be approved as a course. No, the last sentence uh well

041of the paragraph lines 26 27. The director shall develop procedures with secular criteria for determining whether credit shall be awarded. I I just I can't imagine what those procedures might look like. >> Possibly >> it could be at the end, >> right? Same kind of any other >> that we would accept it for credit. Um, let's see if it if it says it. I don't know that it says who would determine that here. line 24 says if the board wants to allow students to receive it >> references the board >> so it makes sense that the board will approve that in my opinion I read that >> fire to >> so in other words if I want to come up with a class of moral instruction then I could present it as a parent I

042could present to the board and then we would decide whether that credit or not and they could leave class >> leave school. >> It looks like that's what this is suggesting. Don't worry. >> All right. Thank you. Oh, >> there's some paper that Melissa handed over. Thank you. I still have questions, but I think you've got enough people to pass it on through. Um, I think you've got a majority without me. So, >> and we first and second this one. >> So, we need to It's in discussion still. >> Okay. motion on the floor is to uh accept 6.200 with the red changes. Uh we've been in discussion if there's any anybody wants to make an amendment or if we want to run this through with a note not notation for the full board to

043consider and reconsider at the next meeting. I'd make two I think meeting discuss little more in depth further if we >> well I like the fact that of what Kelvin said that that's in the law >> a parent can fight for. >> Yeah. I mean, law law is always going to supersede any of our policies. >> And is it in the law? >> Yeah, it's it. >> Okay. >> Any more discussion? >> Seeing none, all those in favor, please state I. I. I. Those opposed? [clears throat] None. Thank you. Next up, number five, 4.605, graduation requirements. Uh, TSBA recommended distinguishing between the minimum credits required to graduate per state law and additional credits, local credits requirements. current policy states that 23 credits will be required to graduate. And uh so I guess we need a

044motion to >> I'll make that motion accept the red copied out version that we've been supplied here. You still make that motion >> or stay with the one we have >> whoever whatever motion they want >> on on this right here on this graduation requirements they wanted it divided out by what state and what's um required. So 22 uh required credits are required by the state law and then they can do one we require here at C County 23 credits. So one can be an elective or something else but they just wanted that language in there that it is divided up. >> Okay. >> So there's really nothing. The wording is changing but it would not change what we currently do. Uh if that makes sense. >> Not my understanding. Um you know, we we

045currently require 23 in the district because of the the one additional elective that we have uh expected from students. And if I'm understanding this wording correctly, it's simply saying uh that students has has achieved the 22 required by the state plus the one elective credit that we require as a district. In other words, if I'm understanding correctly, we would still be requiring the same thing as a school district in order for a student to graduate. Is that how you all understand it? >> Second. >> I make the second. >> State that one more time, Mr. Carson. My understanding with this wording, you know, we um the state requires 22 minimum credits to graduate. As a district for years, we have required 23 uh an elective tacked on. And uh going back years and years ago,

046part of that is related to the fact that we're on a seven period school day. you know, if if a student takes seven earns seven credits per day, you know, and so forth, you know, you you have a a good opportunity to earn well beyond the 22. So for years, we have required 23 ourselves. This wording does not eliminate that. It simply specifies that we are requiring the 22 plus the one elective. As I read this, it would not change anything we're currently doing. It just changes the word. >> Correct. >> Yes. >> Is that >> Yes, sir. >> you all's understanding. >> Any further discussion? >> I I I would say this. If for ever for any reason we were to change um you know our class schedule at the high school for for

047any reason um whether that be a block schedule or whether that be a six period day or something like that to me it would be sensible to alter the number of credits we >> request. Anything further? >> I just had a question. But United States is that do they take are they required to take a civics class? >> Uh so that class >> so there's quite a bit bit of civics content in our United States government class. Uh but there is no course entitled civics and so used >> to be a there was I remember taking that as a ninth grader when I was in high school. Uh but there is no class here called civics and uh I'm sure there are probably some school districts that have a civics elective. Uh we teach lots

048of the civics content in United States government and uh our students all are required to pass a civics test in order to graduate. Uh and currently Miss Lauren Jernigan, one of our social studies teachers, works with every single senior student to pass that test during the school year. I think it'd be good if it was on there if they knew who the governor's name was, who the who the mayor is of the county. >> And I think uh I I really believe, you know, um and you know, one of our uh one of our two government teachers is is Andrew Taylor, and he's done that for years. I think he's got five classes per day. I know he does quite a bit of local government in his class. I would like to think that you'd

049like to think all of the kids could name those things. I don't know that they all could. >> That's true. I mean, to me that more suitable >> for a So, there's not a civics not a state civics test. It's what we decide as a >> we um we make the test. We make the test and provide the test. It's not provided by the state. that I'm familiar with to look at in the future because >> that's very important that the kids know things that matter to >> them right >> in civic >> um any more discussion seeing none all those in favor please say so by stating I >> I any opposed right number five passes number six 1.903 charter school oversight. I don't uh really know what we've got going on with this

050one here. I'm going to turn this over in just a minute if I can get a motion to are we accepting a new policy or this current. >> We do not have policies on any of charter stuff right now. >> So these are new policies. These are new policies sent down from TSBA and the only thing that we've changed in them is names, >> but we have to have these policies. >> Yes, I mean, >> so we use them. >> Our motion for agenda item number six would be to insert a new policy 1.903 charter school oversight. And then we get discussion. Get a motion. Can I get a second? >> I'll second it. >> All right. Discussion. >> Well, that's Yeah. Just who? We have >> Yeah. >> So, you want to just put

051it director of attendance that way. >> Okay. >> You might get mad at us next week. Any discussion on this with the removing? As far as you know, Robert, have we ever had an application for church? As far as anybody discussion in the past, >> that would be turning one of our schools into which is not a bad idea. No more discussion. All those in favor, please say so by stating I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> All right. Number seven. Uh, this would be policy 1.901, charter school applications. I'm assuming this is under the same thing as just getting some policy established. Uh, so if I could get a motion to establish this, I don't see any writing on it. I briefly scanned it. Didn't see any names. So it' be accepted this document

052and we get it for discussion. >> I'll second that. I'll second. >> Okay. >> So we have to we have to have a policy. >> In other words, we want our food. It doesn't matter. >> Yeah. Still got to have a policy. It just ensures that we're able to deal with it if adhere to certain standards if it were to come about. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Any discussion on this? [clears throat] Hear nobody speak up. All those in favor of accepting, please say so by stating I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Number seven, agenda item passes. [clears throat] Number eight, 1.905 charter school renewal. >> Once again, I believe this is a uh this needs to be established. >> I make the motion we accept the charter school. >> I second that >> policy. >>

053Thank you. Any discussion? >> Hearing none. All those in favor of the second, please say so by stating I. I >> I no motion passes. All right. Number nine. Uh 4.301 intercolastic athletics. Uh I think there is a note here that TSBA has just added a provision on virtual school and homeschooled students participation and that's what you've been provided is uh one that has been that way uh or fixed fixed with it. So I need a motion to accept policy 4.301 intercolastic athletics. Uh accepting that change. So move second. >> I'll second it. >> All right. Anybody want to discuss >> what is this on the second side that's been crossed out? >> Um in the front it said including school student. And on the back it said it crossed out the eligibility of homeschool

054students for public school intercolastic activities. Home school students, they can participate, but they're not covered under our insurance. Okay. So, this is an insurance. Okay. >> It says they're still they're still permitted down at the bottom added in. Okay. >> I was just curious, do you know where they came from, including home school students on the insurance and physical examination? I'm not seeing it on the TSA policy. >> We worked on it. We had several um people that gathered over fall break in Mr. Hark's office and they crafted the language. >> Yes. >> I just curious because I never knew that >> came up with the language. Dr. Blessing, Miss Cole and I [clears throat] Okay. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of accepting the changes, please say by stating I. Any

055>> opposed? into item nine passage. Do y'all need to take a break or anything for a minute or is everybody still good to keep it? >> Let's do two more. >> Two more. Agenda item number 10 4.406 use of the internet. Got a note here. Students are prohibited from accessing social media platforms using district internet except when expressively expressly authorized by a teacher for educational purposes. Uh I think um I think that get a motion to accept this. We'll turn it over to Mr. Damewood. >> Got a note here. >> He just he reviewed this. >> Okay. Can I get a motion on the floor here to accept this and then second and we'll go from there? >> I'll make that motion. >> Motion's made. We get a second. >> I'll second. >> Motion's made

056and seconded. Any discussion or do y'all want to hear from Mr. D? >> Well, he reviewed this is why his name's on here. um he reviewed it to make sure that this is our current policies and that everything is correct on here. So, but if you have any questions, I'm sure we'd be glad to. >> The basic the basic change was just prohibiting access >> would per state law. >> Yeah. Okay. So, I don't think we've got a big issue here. Any further discussion or questions for Mr. Hearing? None. All those in favor, please say so by stating I. >> All those opposed. Motion passes. Agenda item number 11 4.601 601 reporting student progress. I've got a note here. Students in K through 8, their scores on the most recently administered universal reading screener shall

057be included along with the results of the dyslexia screener. >> We include that with in their report cards. >> Okay. >> So, it's a additional part of their required by law now. >> And we're just making sure it's in policy that we're following. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. And that will be provided into the red copy. Correct. Red outline copy. Uh so if I can get a mo motion to accept this one or whichever then we'll get it on the floor and we'll go from there. >> I'll make that motion. [laughter] >> Can I get a second? >> Second. Motion's made and seconded. Uh any discussion? What was the general thinking? Sorry, Dave. Go >> ahead. First, >> what was the general thinking in before we had where they could lose their license, have it

058revoked if they were not if they were academically deficient. >> Well, >> um have we taken that seems to have taken that out now? >> Well, so the law changed um and I I don't remember exactly when, but fairly recently the law changed. uh formerly a part of the law was that you had to meet both an uh an attendance requirement and an academic requirement and uh that portion was taken out of the law. So I I'm assuming that the board policies being changed to reflect >> as well. It it attached your driver's license, it attached to graduation and we don't follow either one of those. >> Okay. Any more discussion, >> Mr. Chairman? >> Yes, sir. >> Got a question. This may be crazy, but and we may have covered it before, but just

059out of curiosity. Uh, on this co policy 4601 in the right corner there, it says issued date 1406. Does that mean that's when that was first developed? >> Yes. >> Okay. And then issue date 12913. What does that mean? >> Uh the issue date would probably be when it's been revisited. Last time it's been revisited. Correct. >> So we're saying it's been 12 years since we revisited that. >> Yes. And that's why that we are trying to get these on the >> but the law just changed so there probably wasn't any. >> It's been re I'm sure it's been it's been reviewed. Yeah. It's been reviewed every year but no changes. Okay. >> So, it was probably last only changed in 2013. >> Okay. >> But the chapter the chapter um public chapter 330, it

060went into effect on April the 15th of 20 well it was approved May 2nd of 2025. It passed um the Senate in April. >> All right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. >> Just a clerical thing on the back line five systemwide is repeated. depends on which way you want to throw it. One word or two. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Do that. I know you >> Carter. Carter with looking the other way. All right. Any more discussion? >> Hearing none. All those in favor, please say so stating I. >> I. Any opposed? All right. Number 11 passes. Uh I move to take a break about uh about five minutes. Real quick little break here. Is it okay? Everybody good. All right, welcome back everybody. Uh, let's finish this up. We are ready for agenda item

061number 12. It's policy 5.10, personal goals. Personnel goals. And the [laughter] the changes align with chapter 494 which removes a requirement for educator diversity goals. So that's all we are doing is removing that requirement. Yes sir. And I get a motion to accept the new 5.110. It's not a new policy. Just a revision removing the items seven and eight. >> I so move. >> Second. [clears throat] Motion's made and seconded. Do we have any discussion? >> So the state asked us to take that up. >> Yes. >> No, we don't worry about divers diversity of students anymore. >> Nope. And it's happened that has happened. Uh let's see here. Let's go. I'm gonna throw an example that happened last month. Uh this DBE contractors like for the state of Tennessee and all the states and

062everything else pretty much governed out of Washington DC and all that. They have Tennessee notified us. They put a hold on all requirements like certain projects that were federally funded or whatever required so much DB participation. Disadvantaged business entities required so much participation or they wouldn't fund it. So you had to you had to find these contractors had to go out and find DBEs to do certain portions of the work to get a percentage of it. They have now frozen all of that, cut it all out. uh there is no money is coming down to build do projects requiring anything with diversity and uh disadvantage stuff and it hit for us it hit Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Florida and Mississippi before that we participate in and uh they just basically shut it down over some

063kind of federal court ruling out of Kentucky or something to where >> M Freda that law is about four pages race. >> I have but I have I take issue with that is in the school setting because >> my my uh definition of diversity is children from rural backgrounds, children from from inner city backgrounds, disadvantaged students that that are uh not performing, you know, because of their home background. And it I hope that this doesn't mean that teachers are just going to teach to the normal standard expected child. I mean, we've got to we've got to do >> Miss Freda, we are >> meet the needs of the students. >> You have three principles sitting there to your right >> and I guess maybe the terminology is >> Yes, ma'am. And where he asked our

064principles, I promise they're going to meet every individual student exactly where they're at. Y >> and moving them forward from there. >> Isn't this more to do with hiring practices? >> Yes, ma'am. >> And not with the students themselves. >> Well, then you would be But the thing of it is you would be hiring. Oh, okay. I see what you're saying. getting to where my examples of what I was talking about. >> It removed, race, sex, all of that from any considerations where it come to working for federal dollars or hiring for teaching or anything in the United States that went up. It doesn't matter. >> No, you got to be qualified. Well, it was uh when I read the the the case that happened that that our representative from Tennessee Department of Transportation sent,

065it was basically just a uh big massive federal lawsuit over a male that was trying to act as a female and won. So therefore, the reaction from everybody is just, well, we just throw it out the window. Uh I think they just totally annihilated affirmative action but all the years on that made its way down into stuff like this. >> I don't want to keep debating the issue but to me to take out to set goals for educator diversity that takes into consideration the diversity of the student population. I'm not looking at I'm looking at ADHD. I'm looking at kids that that are not uh the average child with that needs additional, you know, they need additional help, but maybe that does doesn't mean that doesn't mean that. So, >> you just can't you can't

066study. You can't study it like that. The way the way I'm taking this, you can't study it like that anymore, >> right? >> Or you're not supposed to like profile it. It's against the law, but what you got to do? >> I mean, everybody doesn't fit in the same peg, >> right? >> Every child doesn't. And you have to have the the ability to reach them in that peg. And to me, uh, I just think that we've just gotten ridiculous in trying to stifle teachers ability to to teach. because of the terminology that might mean something, you know. That's just my opinion. I just feel like that that teachers have enough. >> I think the I think the love and the opportunity and the plan and the plan of action of teachers and things of

067that nature are going to do what they need to do >> period. Anyways, I think for policy to say to set goals for those diversity. I think that's where they're trying to get us out of setting goals for. >> Now, I'm confident that our director when it comes to hiring people, he's looking for qualifications and that's what we need in school. We need qualified people to teach our kids. that can meet the diversity of the children, you know, in the classroom because everybody's not doesn't learn the same way. >> Yeah. But I don't think >> that's I'm thinking in term of learning, not >> not all this other stuff. >> Yeah. I I don't think they're talking about the students at all. I think they're talking about hiring practice. >> But you got to hire

068somebody that knows that. >> Well, yes, but I don't think you're using >> He just gonna hire my husband. He's not trained. I don't think you're using diversity to do it. >> That's what they're want to say. They're they're wanting you to say you don't have a goal for diversity, >> but you're going to hire the best fit >> regardless regardless of the book. >> I guess I'm looking at it wrong because I I see what you're saying. >> Yeah. You know, I get Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce tell us all the time, you're not hiring enough trying to hire enough women. I'm not going to find no woman that wants to tow rebar all day long and reinforce concrete. It's just not going to happen. >> You hire based upon the qualities uh

069based upon the qualities you need in an employee. >> What I can get is probably not in jail hopefully in my line of work. Well, >> but but they do that all the time. You know, you're supposed to be equal opposite. >> We're working with people, >> but I'm not going to find >> I want to do Well, you just don't have enough females. >> Can't beg them to come to work. >> Are they still doing that or is that shifting too? Uh, I hadn't got any notices in the last month or two, so that might have stopped from that ABC. >> All of the dots. And >> uh, we have a first by Miss Beth and second by Mr. G. I mean, I'm not surprised to see things like this start showing up, cutting

070some of that stuff out. I mean obviously we put our faith in the director and supervisor to have authority and ability to hire what they feel is the best for that position anyway. No matter what we have enough qualifications and backgrounds and things of that nature. I don't I don't see that it's just a meltdown to remove this as recommended by the law. I think it'll free them up to hire based on who they think is the best applicant position. And I think that's what needs to happen. I think what it's saying is that you can't consider the diversity of the student population when you're hiring personnel. And I have an issue with that because someone that is teaching in a rural school, a person that has that acuity to meet the needs of the

071rural kids, you you would look at that and hire them accordingly. And uh vice versa, if it's a if it's a I mean you >> we're not all the same. >> We're going to this is this taking this line. >> Who is that? You're not you're going to the state is requiring it. >> Yeah, the laws right behind it. >> Four pages of it. >> We've just got too many too many. >> The laws right behind it, >> right? Bowling is one of them by Senators Johnson, Hensley, Powers, Rose Stevens, Watson, Bowling, Jagger, Bailey, Crow, Gardener, Jackson, and Taylor. Wonder how many of them taught school. Well, the first line is to ensure that the director of schools recruits and employs the best qualified individuals to staff the school district >> and that it's just

072allowing them to do that. It's not they're not having to hire based on sex or based on race >> or or the ability of the teacher to teach a diverse population because that's what they're taking out. uh is taking out to set goals for educator diversity that takes into consideration the diversity of the student population. And when I look at diversity of student population, I'm not looking at I'll just say it out loud. I'm not looking at transgender and all this. That's that's an entirely different uh topic. what I'm looking at, every child is diverse. And you've got to hire people that know how to address the uh diversity of the students. And if you're not gonna hire people that knows how to do that, like I said, go hire my husband. Put him in

073the classroom. >> Well, I think you know, just like number one says, the director of schools recruits and employs the best qualified individuals to staff the school district. That's their job. Their job. So in so so in their mind they're going to hire people that can work with diverse students. It's just not saying it. >> Look at the law on section 2B. I think that's where this line's coming from. >> Taking that and basically you cannot employ somebody completely on their base of >> but that has nothing to do with that. This >> that's your >> This says diversity of the student. >> No, read from the start >> to set goals for educator diversity that takes into consideration >> the diversity of the student. It doesn't say I I understand. I think but number

074one allows this man right here qualified person. >> I'm not I'm sorry. I'm not going to get into this. I agree. as long as that that's covers it. But I just think I just think the best I think it's silly to to >> Oh, yeah. >> into I agree. I agree. >> Get down in the ditch with something like that. >> I agree >> because it's [snorts] all right. Any more discussion? >> No more discussion. All >> this vote. All those in favor, please say so by stating I. >> All those opposed. All right. Motion 12 passes. All right. 13 is 5.118 background investigations. Uh I think we are interjecting a little bit of stuff here. You have our policy, then you have TSBAs, and then you have our redlinined that Oh, >> so the

075RAP pack. Um, >> there you go. >> A program. What this does is instead of every five years, Miss Langum having to send everybody to get fingerprinted, you know, she draws people, you've got to go get fingerprinted again. This goes [clears throat] into the um the system, the TBI system, and if someone that is an employee goes out and they have a felony or they have a DUI or something like that, it pops back up to her and so she will know that >> she won't have to send somebody. >> She won't have to send anybody out. This is an automatic system that will keep people updated. at my school. Uh about a week ago, there was a a Miss Langum reached out to me from from our human resources and I had a group

076of 20 to 25 of my staff who I think had gotten to their five years. You know, they were going to need to to be background checked again. And uh so we had the consent form that that we're referring to here. and um every single one of them, you know, they're willing to consent to to this program so that they don't have to go get background checked again, you know, >> fingerprints every five years. >> So, this allows us to not >> Mr. Shores work with this with Miss Langum. What are we missing? >> I think you got it. It's we have to do it every five years anyway when we actually jump in on the ratback program. And then after that five years, as long as that employee stays with us, we don't have

077to continue. But if anything, like Morren said, if something happens and a employee does something unlawful, then it will automatically notify us rather than depending upon the employee to come and tell us. It will notify us quickly. I do have one question. Coffee County Board of Education is marked out. I really don't understand why it would be marked out. Uh before you vote on it, you might want to take care of that. >> That's just that right there is just a clerical. That's for u when I send it to um TSBA and they run it up. >> I know. >> Well, I will fix we'll have it if we pass this document. It'll be on the top anyways. >> Yeah. >> Don't have to be to be in our policy. >> I know. That's the

078reason I'm saying it doesn't work out. >> They will fix it. They fix any typos and stuff like that. We pay them $3,500 to maintain these. >> So, they fix your typos and all that. >> Okay. Can I get a motion to accept policy 5.118 with the red changes except for having Coffee County Board of Education with a red line through it on the very top? >> So, move. >> Can I get a second? >> I second. >> All right. Any discussion? >> Who got the second? >> You have to tell me who got the second. >> Throwing me in blanks. >> Well, like I said at the same time, so I had to see what you were going to say. [clears throat] Throwing me in blanks. All right. Anybody got any discussion on this?

079No offers for discussion. >> Now, I do have one question. This wrap program, do we currently have this? >> No. >> We don't. It's it's offered through the FBI. >> This this was actually something that this language brought up to us several years ago. the the extra charge there was a a significant extra charge for us to be part of the rep program and and it just didn't make sense at that time. Now it's by law we have to be >> okay. >> So the extra charge is going to we're going to incur some extra uh cost due to being coming part of the rep program. Um and also employees that are hired on here after this is passed will have to incur that cost as well. >> Now, will every teacher be required to

080be in it? Every teacher we have in the system, every employee in the system, >> do they have to sign in that they're willing to do that? [clears throat] >> And I'm gonna be honest. I need to talk to a little bit question. I don't have >> I would think there would some be some legalities there about that. My I had a conversation with Miss Langham last week and I I I certainly don't know all the ins and outs, but I there's a a consent form for staff members to sign. And if I understood Miss Langgham correctly, the the staff member can elect not to consent and that means that they would have to continue to get background checked every five years. That was my understanding. Once you're part of this program, you're you're part

081of the program. So you can be here for 30 years and every five years you don't have to worry about checking. I think that makes it easier. Also, if you were a teacher that like to travel and you were in that, you could get your TSA pre-check and bypass all the lines through the airport a lot quicker than everybody else. >> That might that may be >> put you in the same thing so teachers will be able to get TSA. >> Not today. >> You see? >> Yeah. So, >> all right. Any more discussion? >> Hearing no more discussion. All those in favor of accepting this motion, please say so by saying I >> opposed. All right. Motion passes. >> Giving me a headache. >> Number 14, policy 5.307, physical assault leave. Uh I've got

082a note, was changed in August of 2025. State law has changed the availability of this leave to include all employees, not just certified employees. And it is my understanding that the provided uh policy here with the red changes has been uh in front of you. I'd need a motion to accept that policy with the changes including C County Board of Education at the top with a red line through it. >> That making >> changing that. [laughter] All right. Freedom made the motion. Do I have a second? Mr. Parley made the second. >> All right. Any discussion? Any more red lines in the wrong place or not? >> Yeah. PSBA's recommendation. There is no more discussion. All those in favor of accepting this, please say so by stating I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> All

083right. Motion passes. On to number 15, 6.309, zero tolerance offenses. All right. A change in state law has included an additional offense to the list of zero tolerance offenses to just being a valid threat of mass violence. This change is reflected in our model policy. We recommend that the board update the policy 6.309 to reflect this change as well and it includes two additional TCA codes. So I would need a motion to accept our new 6.309. It's all in red. We do not have to change C County Board of Education at the top. I would need a motion to accept that as amended. Then we can discuss. >> I so make that motion. >> Second. [clears throat] >> Motion made. Seconded. Any discussion now? >> I have a question. Line 20. It says a student

084assigned to alternative school cannot attend CCCS events. Any reason why? >> We need to add middle school. >> Yes. >> And regular academy. Okay, I got you. >> Yeah. >> Yep. And Raider Academy. >> You just put C County School System. >> Yep. >> Elementary. Elementary. >> Just take the H out and just make it C County school system. >> Yep. I agree. >> Yeah. Take the >> I take the H out. >> Okay. So, we will amend that by taking the H out. Right. >> The CH. Yeah. >> Okay. Everybody in good with that? Any more discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of accepting this with scratching the H out on line 20 of CCC HS, please say so by stating I. >> Any opposed? >> I appreciate that being called. >> Motion

085passes. Number 16, uh, awards and scholarships. BA is getting rid of this. >> Yeah, TSBA is getting rid of this. They do not maintain this policy. We no longer see the need to have this policy, so we recommend to delete it. Awards and scholarships. Can I get a motion to delete policy 6.708, awards and scholarships? Does this mean that there will be less awards and scholarships for the students? [clears throat] >> It's just saying that SBA is no longer maintaining this. They do not >> have if Mr. Parsley wants to keep that in his school handbook or his policy and procedures, then he could do that. But TSBA is no longer maintaining that policy. >> This this policy does not alter my plans for various recognitions and awards in the spring, you know, through the

086winter. It it it won't change what I do. >> I think that's important to keep this just as a because it's going to look bad to the public if we don't have a policy on awards and scholarships. I mean, that's even refers to elementary. You know, it says school shall sponsor awards days for the purpose of recognizing student honors and we do that. I'm wondering if that would kind of eliminate the some of them >> when when we do that. >> I get what Miss Jones is saying. If we leave this policy in place, it still lays the groundwork for what you're going to do anyways. >> Yeah. >> It's going to hurt. I mean it doesn't conflict with with your no >> if somebody ever have a pro has a problem with what you

087do you say look I'm just following policy >> right when when the when the TSBA says there they no longer maintain this policy I mean in essence does it does it just sort of mean I mean there are no laws surrounding >> this I mean so there they feel no obligation I guess to >> Right and there's no laws and it's just you know like Miss Jones said we want to leave it in there just to have groundwork >> for what we already do. I mean, we feel like that's I don't know that they'll maintain it on our website >> website >> because they we pay them to manage our policies and stuff and if so if it's not will they manage will they keep it on there? >> I would think so. >> They

088will we changed our you know if we change parts of the >> pay them to put on the internet whatever >> they got we want on the internet. Well, I if we're going to maintain this one, we need to kick it back out and redo it because a lot of this is not very applicable >> and outdated and we need to blow it up and rewrite the policy then >> or we could uh >> and it doesn't have to be so detailed. >> There's a lot of this right now, but I mean >> it's my understanding this was not looked at in that in the sense of keeping it. So like Mr. Hardrove said send it back to so that they >> everything in here is covered in numerous other >> and revise it as

089needed. But what we're doing >> everything in here is covered in numerous other policies >> and administratively at each school. Students must benefit. Promote advertised product or ideology will not be approved. Programs must be open to all students. Well, all our programming is must not be uh not place an undue burden on a student, teacher or school. Travel requirements will be minimal. Entry fees if any must be minimal. We don't even do that. I >> I don't really know what how an entry fee would be award scholarship. I don't know why that's in scholarship. >> There's no entry fee. Um you know something I notice and again this is probably a longer discussion in lines 12 and 13. Uh it talks about the criterion procedures for granting awards and scholarships and making those uh that

090information available to all students not just graduating seniors. Something I would point out is scholarships are only available to graduating seniors. And so for us to make all that in like email all for instance email all the information about scholarships to all students, it really doesn't make a lot of sense. >> Um it's of no use to those. >> Again, this was issued in 2006. >> Yeah. I mean I but I feel like line 1617 says scholarships, grants or loans available to students on an annual basis shall be posted and a copy the requirements application selection basis made available on request. I think that's very important particularly with the you know the uh what is do you call that loan that the kids get that they got a deadline to to meet it and if

091we don't provide that information there's parents that would never even know about it. Oh yes. Yeah. I we go to great lengths to provide this information. As I said from the onset, this whether this is in board policy or not, it will not change what we do at high school. >> But we but that doesn't you may not change it, but whoever's next rewrite the policy in my opinion. >> I agree. >> Yeah. I mean, this is outdated for sure, but there's some things in here that need to stay. >> Let's pull I suggest we update. Let's pull that one and we'll rewrite it. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, I'm gonna pull 16 17 3.400 student transportation management. Okay. Wow. Yeah. I got like years of emails. Uh I got years of emails.

092I don't know they have those. >> No. >> Uh this were was reviewed by the director of transportation Tim Morris and he had added changes that he felt was necessary. This went to the board for a first reading on August 11th, 2025 and was pulled by Scott Hanser to come back to committee for more clarification. In reference to the bus driver's physical and mental exams, Alex Span with the CDPT, Student Transportation Manager, said a district can choose to add language to their policy that accepts the annual DOT physical cards as the form in which is prescribed for the required mental and physical exam. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, FMCSA regulations for DOT providers, medical professionals, a mental and physical exam are both mandated aspects of their examination process. Since the drivers are

093required to renew this annually, there is a built-in safeguard that should an applicant or employee fail to renew or fail to pass this exam, they would automatically be removed from the driver pool as their license would immediately be downgraded, rendering them unable to drive a commercial motor vehicle. In the case in the case of this, it would be a school bus. So, I know what they're getting at right here is I I think our policy says they have to do another one besides the DOT. >> I believe at the board meeting, uh, Mr. Hansert, uh, had an issue and I and I believe it was with the form. They were asking what kind of form that this would be that they were in reference to. And so, uh, I believe we found the answer that

094that's going to be the DOT physical. Um, >> okay. Cuz like I can vouch for exactly what was said in that because if I don't if I don't pass my uh health card every year on my CDL, >> it don't matter to drive a school bus or anything else. If I don't pass that every year, trust me, I've went the last three years and forget about it and go four or five months with a actually suspended driver's license. Um, >> Mr. Chairman, Miss M. Gardner and I got the a copy of a DOT physical form >> that transportation had and there's actually one line on it that states something about the mental health of the the participant. So that's the reason why we feel like it's there on the DOT physical. >> Okay. >> So,

095and also Mr. in reference to that had reached out to check on that. So in section 412 4.12.2 subsection 2 it says the degree to which an individual is able to appreciate, evaluate and adequately respond to environmental strain and emotional stress is critical when accessing an individual's mental alertness and flexibility to cope with stresses of the common motor vehicle driving. And then it goes on down here further down in there. Um it talks about metal certification depends on comprehensive medical assessment of overall health and inform medical judgments about the impact or single or multiple conditions of the whole person. It is the degree of inappropriateness and cumulative effect of the individual's presentation and interaction that provides a cue to the individual may require a more indepth mental health evaluation. So I think I mean everybody

096in here was pretty much at that board meeting. I mean I think that was the question about this policy >> was how that's tracked or >> is what they uh what the form was going to look like remember because um it was back and forth between Mr. Hansert and Mr. and they asked you know is it what's it going to have on there? Do we develop it? Do you remember that? And then we reference George is talking about >> Yes. So Mr. has reference he has sent me several emails here on this. So I believe >> once we've let Mr. Morris look at it and everything that we understand now that it's the physical that has that in there. And I hope I'm not saying that wrong but that's what I understand. There is a

097section on the DOT fiscal where the attending physician checks that there's no mental flags for this person. Right? There's a box that they check on that actual document >> and Mr. And if anybody wants to look at these emails, they're welcome to look at them. Um, it says here that each school bus driver shall receive a certificate from the board prior to operating a school bus. When do we give out certificates? I don't think we've ever done it since I've been there. >> Yeah. I don't know. Why would the board be issued? >> I don't know, but that's what it said. Who does who does uh who does receive the certificate? >> So, I'm I'm assuming that that is something that Mr. um >> Morris takes care of. then his name probably needs to be

098in there as the >> I think that's a waste. I mean, we don't I'm not I don't think >> we get into the uh rounds of us issuing out >> right >> driver's licenses for this district. >> Well, I know that >> that's the way I look at it. I mean, I know it don't say that, but that's the way I look at it. Well, I do know that Miss is a trainer for the district and so I'm assuming that she would give them a certificate once she certifies them. >> Transportation director >> or the right the transport is them, >> right? She's doing it for him certificate to drive one of his buses. >> You know, it could say the board slashdesign, you know, that there's a lot of instances where we say the

099principal or designated or the director designate. Well, I mean, your transportation director is the man that's, you know, >> organizing your transportation, monitoring your transportation, operating your transportation, or to know who he's got behind the wheel transportation. You're right. >> Yeah. You I think it should be that transportation supervisor. And then the next sentence says the issue of a certificate to a school bus driver shall be based on qualifications of school bus drivers to determine the director of schools. >> [clears throat] >> So that shows he's he's given a certificate based on the qualifications of what the director's doing. >> So do we want to >> I know he's watching. He's probably I feel like he's trying to push the buck over on him. [laughter] >> Push. Uh >> we haven't got a first or

100second. >> Okay. So we will need a motion. uh not necessarily open-ended, but a motion to accept this policy as amended with a few of the changes that we've discussed. If we can get into discussion, if you remember what those are, you can name that in the motion. >> Yes, because I'll need to write fix them >> and we get this on the floor. been there. But >> also before we decided, is the board the one that shall I guess we would be the ones to require the physical and mental examination? Okay. Are we the ones that are going to revoke the certificate of the school bus driver or would that be? >> Thank you. >> I'm not issuing a certificate. >> So that would be the again the transportation supervisor. >> We can uh

101let's get the let's get a motion to get this on the floor. uh we can do it as posted and then we'll just we're fixing to amend it really. So let's get a motion on the floor to accept uh revised policy 3.400. >> I'll make a motion that we accept the revised policy of 3.4. >> Second that. >> Got a second. >> All right. Now let's all discuss. Start at the top. Let's go through these lines. I'm just going to start then I'm going to turn my floor over to you guys to tear whatever apart. I think line 17 uh we need scratch out board and I think that should be the transportation director. >> I agree. >> All right. I'm sorry. >> I've got it. >> You got it. Okay. And that's where I'm

102at on that. Miss Beth, where was that other? >> Um, it's in line >> 20. >> 21. There it is. >> 21. >> Mhm. >> So, we need to take out >> I don't think we're the one that's going to be revoking this certificate, >> right? >> He's going to give it revoke. >> Yeah. >> So, it needs to be transportation >> director. Yeah. Okay. I think they're using supervisor instead of director though. >> Oh, he's a director. >> You see, that might need to be changed, too. Okay. >> Do we want to change 26 where it says transportation supervisor to director? That would be consistent with >> Okay. What is that? His title. Is he a director? >> Supervisor is what he is. >> Oh, he's not a director. >> He's transportation supervisor. >>

103All right. So, we need to move we need to move back up. Instead of saying transportation director, transportation supervisor. >> Oh, I thought he was a director. I'm sorry. >> I think you're fine either way. It's not going to Just I'd say [clears throat] just be consistent. >> Okay. >> Hey, I had him as director. He should be happy with me. >> I'm not. Uh, okay. Then we flip the page over. What is the tap? And that's on line eight. T A P >> Tennessee. >> I've been to their trainings and stuff. I can't remember what it's called. >> Okay. >> It's transportation. Tennessee transportation. >> Public transportation. Tennessee Association of Public Transportation. >> Maybe that's >> okay. >> I could come up with some Well play, Paul. [laughter] Well played. Tennessee Association of Pupil

104Transportation. >> They [laughter] change it. >> Yeah. >> School bus Okay. >> Everything else on that page looks okay. >> These comments in yellow are from TS board. >> I think the yellow is from TSBA. The red is from >> where it's been merged together. >> Okay. Correct. >> It's been where it's merged together with coffee counties and the TSB. >> Yeah, they're yellow, but yeah, you told me that to begin with and I forgot. >> All right. Any any other changes? Any more discussions? >> Uh question line 16. Uh written complaint shall be submitted on forms located um the department of transportation. I we're referred to the bus garage, I assume, right? >> Yeah, >> transportation at the transportation department office. >> Okay. >> It's actually a department of transportation here, but that's what

105we call it. But >> depends on who you talk to. >> Mr. Chairman on line 12. >> Some say bus garage, some say transportation. >> Department website you can find these forms. >> On line 12. >> Yes, sir. >> All complaints shall be submitted to the supervisor, transportation supervisor. And we need to drop the word supervisor. >> One of those >> or swap them. >> Well, yeah, drop the first supervisor. >> Drop the first supervisor. >> Yeah. That goes to the transportation supervisor. >> Double up deal there. >> All right. Gotcha. >> All right. >> And then add >> uh on number two, 15 and 16. Do you want to do y'all want to make the change like Mr. Parsley talked about of the the Department of Transportation or to our transportation department? >> Transportation

106department sounds more like what we >> what we are. So >> we use the terminology. >> We can mark out the Department of Transportation. And we'll just call that transportation department. >> Like you said, bus garage is what everybody really knows. It >> we want to sound a little bit policy. >> It even say county school transportation department. I think people will understand. >> So it won't be on the the complaint form won't be on the district's website. We marked that out. >> That was marked out. Yes. I believe they have the forms there at the >> So if somebody wanted to make a complaint, they'd have to go up there. >> It says they can do it via phone >> and the person that But the forms are just there at the >> Yes.

107They're not on They're not online. They may be submitted. >> So if Matt answers the >> Where is it marked out? Where is it marked out? They won't be on the website before >> Right there on the district website >> to a right there >> on the district website. >> Written complaint shall be submitted on forms located at >> on the district's website and that's marked down. >> To me >> that needs to be >> to me that is suggesting don't put it in the mail. Um, for instance, but because you know the line 15, you know, it indicates you could you could go up there and submit it. You could make a phone call and explain it on forms located. >> Well, it does say mail says mail located puts it in there. >>

108Yeah, you just got to go up there and get the form. >> Yeah. No, I think they I think they do need to be available on the website. I mean, that's surely the forms don't change to where if you just put the PDF on our website. >> I don't know, >> Mr. Dwood. Is that hard to just put that form on our website as >> just a PDF? >> Yeah, >> it'd be just figuring out where it needs to fall into there. >> So, take >> So, I think we'll put on the district website back in there. >> Okay. And What was that? >> I assume it'd be under human resources. That's where all the other forms. So, written complaints shall be submitted on forms located at transportation department or on >> at the department

109>> transportation department or the or on [clears throat] the district >> or on does the transportation department have its own website I mean have its own section its own page? It probably should. >> No, they can get the forms from there. I'm just asking do they have a section on >> and then they can submit them to them and on their form they have an email or the number to call >> in person or email >> and so and so look for me like it would be under the transportation department where you put that form because that's where I would look. >> All right. Is there anything else? take a note. >> I apologize for interrupting, but there is transportation department has its own >> section in district. >> Okay. So, we can put >>

110Yes. With that being said, it's mostly a parent portal. >> And normally, and I don't care. It doesn't make any difference to me. I can put them in both places, but where everybody usually goes and gets their forms is under the employee human resource section just for consistency. So it doesn't matter. >> Well, it be like if you had a if you wanted a complaint form at the transportation department on your transportation department link in our website, >> it'd be posted on the homepage of it if you got a complaint. >> Right. Right. It's just this whole page is geared toward parents. >> Yeah. >> Either that or put a 1800 how's my driving sticker on the back and have it bring here. >> And there is a question on their link that says who

111do I contact if I notice a bus driving recklessly? So that's on there. I mean, there's a, you know, there's like a little question and answer thing there. >> Y'all, usually if there's a complaint, they pick up the phone and call and say, >> "Yeah, >> I have a complaint and there's this problem and can you check into it?" You know, >> I don't know that we want to make them fill out a form every time, but that's what we want to do. That's good. I'm just saying. >> If they got a complaint, if somebody's got a complaint about one of the buses, they need to put their name. I'm sorry. I stepped out of the room. This isn't the health form thing. >> No. No. >> Oh, this is Oh, then then obviously the

112transportation place. [laughter] I'm sorry. I thought we were still on the the help for >> I I think they order they should have to put a name to it. >> Oh, without a doubt. They need to let us know who they are. I'm just saying sometimes they just call >> Yeah. I mean, you're going to take the complaint any which way, but >> this is what I had and >> hopefully they'll go to Yeah. >> Yeah. I think it needs to be online on the transportation site. >> Well, we we put that back. >> I put it on the transportation website. >> Okay. Is there anything else? Anybody sees? >> No more discussion on this one. Uh all those in favor of accepting this policy 3.4 40 O with the changes that we have noted

113and went through. All those in favor, please say so by stating I >> all those opposed. 17 pass number 18. We've already passed this, but TSBA recently updated this policy to align with the law. And all we're adding to this is we have five business days of the date of the record request to provide records to the next school. That's all we're adding to that. And that is line part of line 14 and 15 in that. Yes, that law was passed in March and TSBA there were just a few changes and we're just keeping up with the changes. >> Right. Can I get a motion to accept policy 6.600 with the changes on line 14 and 15 as we've been given? >> I so move. >> Second. >> I'll second. Motion made. Motion second. Is

114there any discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, please say so by stating I. >> Those opposed, none. Motion passes. Number 19, 5.119, employment of retirees. Oh, state law has recently changed in the option for employing retirees. C public chapter 159. I do believe this is putting some language in here. >> It does. It includes uh language that will hold us a little more accountable and holding us to >> those guidelines to hiring. If somebody's going to retire and I think a good example that I caught on to earlier was if one of the principles approached that person going to retire and said, "Hey, retire, get your retirement once it goes through. Come on back. I'll hire you back on a part-time kind of deal or something." It kind of keeps that out and puts

115it cannot be redeter predetermined. >> Stay out 60 days. >> Yes, ma'am. and and that was a law before, but [clears throat] kind of cutting deals. And oh, by the way, if u you know, I'm hiring Miss Freda to teach um PE, it's got to be a hard to fill position, you know. Well, there may be 100 PE teachers out there. Now, if she teaches physics, might be a different story. So just holds us, the language holds us much more accountable for hiring employees that are retired. So if I can get a motion to approve policy 5.119 with the changes in blue now. >> Well, I was telling Miss Beth, so TSBA audit, so when I send it back to them, you know, I told you that they chang back in the blue. So, like

116if she's done some and then Nolan works on it some or something like that, I there's no way of changing it. It automatically gives me those colors. I I I cannot figure out how to change it. >> So, it'll be the 5.119 in blue. If I can get a motion to accept and approve that, >> I make that motion. >> Second. >> Motion's made and seconded. Is there any discussion on that? Did you >> hearing? No discussion. All those in favor of accepting this motion, please say so by stating I. >> I. >> All those opposed? None. Motion passes. Uh, number 20. >> Policy 1.1021, student ambassador to the board. Uh, public chapter 359 requires boards that operate at least one high school to adopt a policy authorizing a student board member. Boards that already

117have policy on student board members or student advisory groups may maintain the current language. Based on this new requirement, we created the model policy below. This model contains suggested language for criteria and we encourage you to update this model to the best serve your district. So, we have been provided our current Nope. >> Yes, that's your current. >> That's our current. >> That's your current. Okay, that's our current and we don't see any changes on here right now unless somebody wants to make it. >> No, that's your current one. That That's Coffee County. Lay it over. And then that's TSBA's >> on the back. >> No, >> like pick that one up. That's TSBA. And there's your one that's merged. >> Ah, >> the next one. >> They call them different things. >> No, go

118to the next one. There you go. >> Yeah. Okay. >> And it's everything's marked out except till you go to the back to it says general. and you go to the back and then it will just be that in the back. >> Yes. >> Thank you for clarifying that. I wondered what was going on. >> Yeah, I did too. >> So, uh, basically this is a rebuild of the policy 1.1021, cutting it down to about 10 lines. This is just talking about student. We have student ambassadors. We do not have student board members. >> Right. >> So there's a difference and the difference is that this is for student board members. That's what the policies change. >> Let me ask you, is there anything wrong with the current policy we have versus the word they're

119talking? I I do not believe. Um, >> but to get this on the floor, I don't think I made it. I don't think I got been through. Yeah. >> Uh, if I can get a motion to either [clears throat] just keep the policy we currently have or go with the >> Well, we have to update it because it it is by law public chapter 359. So, we do have to update it. But >> because the divorce said >> we got to update every policy every year. It's supposed to >> but this is a >> whether with changes or no change. >> So we can't have a policy that student ambassador anymore. It's got to be student student board member because I mean it's two different titles, >> right? I >> I guess a question I

120have is are they intended to have two different roles or are they the same role just different name? I mean, >> they doing away with ambassadors. >> I think we're supposed to have a student board member. No, it doesn't. >> What? >> It doesn't say if you look at the law. It just says student representative. when when I look at the updated policy, you know, it references student representatives. To me, that would be student ambassador. >> So, it's it's kind of that's kind of just our term. >> Mhm. >> Uh I >> I'll say this, the the wording I see on this updated policy, in my opinion, there's nothing there that conflicts with how we do it. Uh that's my opinion. I >> So, it's either one. It's we can either keep the same one

121we have or we can go to the new. But if you go to the new >> Are we going to stop calling on >> student ambassador, call him student board member or we're going to call on student ambassador? >> Well, >> put on the new policy or we're going to keep the one that we have that >> this says if the board chooses to appoint a student board member. [snorts] So, >> no. That's your policy. The law doesn't say The Law doesn't say a student board member. >> The law says student representative. >> Okay. >> So, we can call them an we can call him a board member. We can call him an ambassador. >> Well, when you call them a board member, they they get to uh have a lot of input, >> right?

122>> And I like the ambassador. >> I like the ambassador the way we do. I think I think what we're doing here is our guts and meeting the datas of the of the policies. And I just don't see I think we're Everything I've heard is if you already got something set up. >> Did I get a Did I get a motion? >> No. >> Sorry y'all. Throw this one out the window. But anyways, I need a motion for one or the other, please. >> Getting impeachment on here. Um, you know, one one thing I noticed, again, the the updated one here, which is is fairly general. It's it's brief. Again, I don't see anything that contradicts what we do. One thing we could do is just change um just change the words and then update

123it to student ambassador. >> Student ambassador >> and then and then let it be as is. >> That's your motion. that I move that we use uh lines 13 through 30 of the the new updated policy page with the exception that we change uh student board members to student ambassadors whether that be singular or plural throughout the wording of this updated policy here. >> I'll second that motion. And that was page two, lines through >> page two, lines uh 13 through 30. >> All right. And it was seconded. >> Mhm. >> Any discussion? >> Does anyone have issue? The way this reads, you know, we have rotated SGA members for a couple years now. In my opinion, it works really well because those kids are really involved in the school and you get different perspective.

124Um, and another positive from the student perspective is with with the ambassadors being so involved in the school, it's difficult for a person to be at every board meeting for that duration with all of their school activities going on. So, they have to kind of pick. Um and and our rotating allows, you know, I I can guarantee we're going to have ambassadors here and they're very involved students and are going to represent the school very well. Um I I I don't necessarily think any of the wording needs to change. Just just understand that the ambassadors do rotate. >> Is it open? Who is it open to? Do they apply or do >> it would be it would be so our student government is elected by the student body. We have criteria, grade, behavior, and whatnot,

125uh, to be on the ballot if they are interested in running. And if they are elected by the student body, they become a part of the student government. Um, I believe there may be 24 members on the SBA. I could be off a member or two. And we rotate the upper classmen as the ambassadors. >> So they so the student ambassador comes from the student government >> from Yes. And so that they're great representatives of the school. I can only remember one time that we had student ambassadors who contributed their unique perspective and opinions. So, usually they're just telling about what's happening at the school, right? And so, they're not really contributing to what's done in the board meeting. >> Um, I did enjoy those young men telling us what they thought of our cell

126phone [laughter] policy. Uh what was the last thing you said? What they what they >> the young men telling us what they thought of the cell phone policy. I I enjoyed that. I I thought that was good. So, >> you [laughter] know, and I mean I if if you all, you know, and this isn't really about the policy necessarily, but if you all want me to encourage them to share their perspective on whatever topic it might be, I could do that. I I don't know. They've already done that. >> I think we [laughter] have enough. >> I remember when nothing did it. >> I think we have enough enough diversity on the board. [laughter] >> Can you selectively say to this student talk about this or that? >> Well, you can share your opinion, but

127then you have some students you may not want them to share their opinion. >> So, you probably have to be a little selective on that. One one thing that and I I'll say this because I'm here most of the time. Occasionally, one of you will ask the ambassadors what they think of a topic. I love it when you do that. And I wouldn't encou I mean I wouldn't I don't guess I would encourage you do that just to do it. But you know there there are things that you really do want to know what our students think. I I would >> we ask and we do. I think I don't think we've got a wrong >> You do that from time to time. >> So >> I think they're already doing it. >> I remember

128[laughter] not. >> We got any more discussion? We got any more discussion on >> No, that was it. That's all I had. >> All right. All those in favor, please say so by stating I. >> All those opposed. All right. Number 21. 550. discrimination, harassment of employees, sexual, racial, ethnic, and religious. This policy is being updated in response to public chapter 293. This new state law requires boards to include the definition of [clears throat] >> anti-mitism. You did good. >> You did good. >> You did well. >> And anti-discrimination policies. The full definition is included in the updated version of policy 4.10 10 0 and policies 550 and 6.304 have been updated to refer to that definition. Once again, we're back on the fantasy, >> race, sex, and all that kind of stuff. So, I'll

129need a motion to accept 550 that is in red. and then we can get into discussion and mark it up all you want to. >> I so I so move. >> I'll second that. >> All right, Miss Y motion and Mr. Cordell second. So okay. What say you, Miss Freda? >> I'm fine. [laughter] I don't discriminate against anybody. [laughter] >> I I can add some more. I can add some more in here. I don't discriminate. I think this is fine. I think that's, you know, >> okay, >> if this is expected, I'm sure >> any changes or anything anybody [clears throat] else got. All right. If there's no more discussion, all those in favor of accepting this as changed and amended, please say so by stating I. >> I. >> All those opposed. All right.

130Motion passes. Uh let's see here. Number 22. I got ahead of myself. Uh I'm going to read it off here. 6.304 304 student discrimination, harassment and bullying, cyber bullying and intimidation. Can you help me with that if somebody's on top of it because I got all my stuff. >> This policy is being updated in response to public chapter 293. This is a new state law um that requires boards to include the definition of anti. >> So we got to put that in the same policy. That's what the next page. >> So that's just updating that. >> Okay. Okay. Can I get a motion to accept that with the red as presented? >> I make that motion. >> And I will motion made second. Is there any discussion? All right. Hearing none. All those in favor,

131please say so by stating I. I. >> All those opposed. Final one. Uh, man, that sounded good. Policy 6.308, bus safety and conduct. Okay. I asked for this one to be put on this to uh come back up for discussion here. I have a few issues with some of the items in this current policy. Um and um that's the gist of it. We'll get a motion to bring it on the table to either accept or amend. Probably just accept this. Accept the review. I guess that would be the motion to accept the review. >> I so move. >> And u >> I'll second. But finishing up what I was saying, uh, I wholeheartedly do not think that lines, it starts in line 14, goes through 15 and 16 on page one. I do not uh

132I just do not feel like that the principles and I'm not I'm not trying to take anything away from anybody here but when we're talking about discipline on the buses out on these roads with other students in an environment that is a big in my opinion it's a big difference between disrupting of a teacher in a classroom or disrupting a driver on the bus on the road driving other students. I do not think the principal needs to determine uh I do not think that I do not think that the principal needs to determine when that kid gets to go back on the bus or if they do if that makes sense if a child is removed from the bus or punishment is agreeable. I think we're going to have to bring transportation into this to

133say we can't do this. We're endangering literally the lives of remaining students on this from disruptions or something. I think our policy just basically lays it down and says that the principal fin has the final say. >> Mr. Anderson, um, do you want to share any kind of what the process is now as far as not that you've cornered the market [snorts] on bus discipline. I'm going to ask your partners. >> Uh we we follow and I say we because my assistant principles handle 99% of these bus reports. Um but we follow what is given as the district policies and procedures. There's a cheap consequences and they follow that rebate. >> And so that that is the order in which we take care of these. >> Thank you, Miss Barsley. Same >> the same. I

134have the sheet on my desk. I refer to that. Um I call the parents. I make them aware that they've been put off the bus. I'll ask them if they can get the student there. And um occasionally if the parent has issues, I will call the bus garage first and ask them and get their opinion and see if it's agreeable. But I I see what you're saying because I'm not on that bus. >> Yeah. >> And I I don't I don't know. So, >> and and and I just feel like I feel like that when it comes down to it that if you know if a bus driver finally speaks up or the transportation >> uh supervisor, not director, >> speaks up and look, this is not going to work. And the driver, I can't

135do this. They've got to have [clears throat] an area in here for that final because the buck really needs to stop with the driver of the transportation department. >> And that school is off >> rolling off off property of the school. It's going to have to be transportation that that >> Well, ultimately ultimately it comes down to safety, you know, and it for instance, if a student's disruptive, it doesn't even have to be violent, but disruptive. I mean, we've got lives at stake, >> right? and and and it may be, you know, we also look at a few other things such as, you know, five days off on the bus, >> but you do it again, you're going, you know, >> you're going to walk, >> you're done. >> Yeah, there's back up a little

136bit quicker to the point that they're just so unruly or whatever. I mean, that's disorderly conduct and rest will, you know, sign petitions against them. You know, one thing, >> have the SRO take them on out here if they can't because once you get into that motor vehicle and you get over into those transportation rules and guidelines of our drivers that they're having to follow to keep their license and everything else, you're into a totally different ball game to where showing you a little behind on the bus can get you in a lot worse trouble than possibly in the school building. That makes sense. I think we're going to have I think we're really going to have to look at these school bus offenses, these school bus items, and really just flip the whole page

137of that's not where you get to get away with acting a fool. >> I think something to remember is riding the bus is a privilege >> and and I try to remind our students of that. Even when I was a principal at the elementary level, I tried to remind our students of that. Um, but it does seem like it's just the opposite. They expect >> students to be able to ride regardless of behavior >> and and it is what it is. I mean, that's just where we're going to have to stand fast and stand strong and I >> I had them share because I wanted, you know, folks to understand the entire process and it's hard to discipline. I mean, you're taking the bus driver's word and we'll do that. They're the ones in charge

138of that >> mobile classroom, right? Well, when I when I read when I read the uh bus in incident reports, >> I was shocked. >> Wow. >> It's I I don't I don't see how and I'm I'm going to be honest when I say this. I don't see how we don't have police cars the next morning sitting at these schools rounding these kids up that have done some of this stuff and signing petitions on them and letting them introduce them into a little bit of the law and consequences to your actions. I mean, wasn't there even some of them are just >> one of them extreme? >> I mean, and some of them we've dealt with some pretty hard things through the board here that we think that's all that's here. But you you do

139the same thing on the bus. It counts as doing the same thing here in the school. It should be the same function. >> Right. Well, I agree. I think the bus driver should be in charge of the discipline, >> but also too that we shouldn't wash our hands of what these kids are doing on the buses because sometimes it's indication of something that can be helped. >> For instance, if a kindergarten kid is on that bus, say exposing himself or whatever, there's something that child needs to be addressed, you know, some way or other, get get help. Something's going on. And a lot of times that's a picture of if you look at those reports, I'm I'm just like Beth. It was like, "Oh my goodness, how can a bus driver even be safe with

140some of these things that are going on?" But that should be part of a needs assessment at each school. Look at that. Look at that uh report each month. Is is it the same child? Uh is, you know, what age group are they? And not teachers have so much on them, but if I if I were in the classroom and I had a child acting that way and it was told me this is what this child's doing on the bus, I would try to find out what's going on and help that child and maybe >> maybe we need to address some of these issues. We got to discipline. I'm not saying that go a little bit further. We have >> this is a whole lot more of a discussion than right here tonight. And that's

141why I just asked for review >> because this is probably something that needs to come before the the whole board >> or or during our work November work session. We could add that >> and we really need to we come to a determination either through the work session and that would give the next policy committee something to put together on paper that could go before the board to even go further. Mhm. >> So are you thinking that instead of administration doing the bus reports far as the consequences that would come from the bus ride, Mr. Morris? >> Uh I think there's going to have to be some continuity there. U it comes down when it comes down to the honest driver that's putting their life at stake and the rest of the students >> on

142that bus life at stake. I think it needs to come down to some of their discretion and transportation probably via the transportation supervisor >> or designate of his that the bus drivers can come to with concerns, questions, things of that nature to where we can properly decipher rather than the principal having a final say of, "Well, I don't care because I don't want to listen to mom. he's going back on the bus or she's going back on the bus. You see what I'm saying? >> I think we've got to have something in there where they can finally sit back and say no. >> Ultimately, I'm sure somebody will have to break the tie. >> And there are times I I will say this, there are times that Mr. Morris will say, you know, if he

143sends a report, this is going on. This is the third or fourth offense, whatever. You know, >> we would recommend for this child to be off the bus. I agree. I agree. There is a lot of continuity already, >> but I also know for a fact there's not some >> in some other places. >> Okay. >> So, we've got to get it on paper. >> I think >> if it if it did go to the transportation to ride the I would still like a copy of the ticket so I would know like child was put off and >> Oh, yeah. I think I think everything kind of goes. I think everything kind of goes, but the way this policy is left right now, >> they don't have no final say. >> I think >> they

144don't have no final say. >> So, one thing one thing I you all may do the same thing. Uh you sort of alluded to it earlier. Uh let let's say there's a fairly serious issue on a bus report, but but it's, you know, you you can't always understand the extremity by reading three or four sentences. I think we understand that. It's always good to talk with somebody. Um, it's it's been over seven years now since I was in the AP role doing this, but it's common for my APS to to call the bus garage, talk with Tim or talk with Matt. >> Yeah. >> And say, "Hey, tell me more about this." And as Leah said, it's typical in those situations where it's not just a black and white, these are the consequences. >> What

145do y'all think? What do y'all think? What do y'all want here? And I mean, every time there are some that don't. >> Yeah. And there's got to be some I'm not saying I kind of like our our policies really good >> except we do not leave any opportunity for transportation to finally speak up and go whoa. >> You know, when I looked at the bus report and I see a threat of violence, mass violence on a bus report, >> that should be no different than the threat of mass violence while they're in the school building. >> Mhm. >> It's hard to >> should have been dealt the same way dealt with the same way. be discussion >> with admin in the bus driver and include transportation at >> the transportation department as well. It it

146it doesn't need to be just >> you just go through easily. It there needs to be talk. There needs to be discussion and and if if we have admin that's not talking to bus drivers, they need to be. >> Yes, they should. others. >> If they're issued 5 days off on the bus, but oh, on day three, uh, well, I can't bring my child to school that day. You're going to have to pick him up. Well, just come on Monday then and we'll we'll pick him up today and then we'll come on Monday. >> I agree. I agree with you. >> I'm out on that. That's ridiculous. That's >> I think we'll uh we'll discuss this more at next week's principles meeting on Wednesday. And I would love for us to revisit this during our

147work November work session. Another thing that plays into this, and I know we're kind of coming to an end here, but another thing that plays into it, unfortunately, is uh the federal government, uh, you might say, saddles us with, uh, you know, expectation for chronic absentee rate and minimizing that. And, you know, when students reach a, you know, a specific number of absences, um, you know, it it impacts our our rate, you know, there's dollars attached to things like that. And you know, sometimes even being off the bus impacts attendance. >> I expect that and it is what it is. >> I agree. >> But I'll never weigh a dollar >> over safety, welfare, >> discipline. >> See, that should be weighed in the in the valuation of attendance for rural schools that have that

148have buses because it's not apples to apples. At a city school, we don't deal with that. Uh folks, is that it? Can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So move.