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2021-22 Board of Education Meeting/Work Session Notes » BOE Work Session Notes - October 26, 2021

BOE Work Session Notes - October 26, 2021

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The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education held a work session on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. Several key items were discussed, including:
  • A school report on the Palmer Early Learning Center;
  • A report on potential Board Policy revisions;
  • Sharing of information from a recent Tennessee School Boards Association workshop;
  • A discussion on potential future broadcast options for Board meetings and work sessions; and
  • A discussion regarding Policy 1.8011 - Emergency Closings.
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Work Session Audio
Detailed Work Session Notes
Dr. Amy Doran, Principal of the Palmer Early Learning Center, provided a report to the Board about what is occurring Palmer.
  • The report included information about programming and student activities.
  • To view Dr. Doran's report, please click below.  
 
Dr. Andy True, Assistant Superintendent - Administration, provided a review of Board Policy action to be considered.
  • The Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) supports KCS by providing policy services such as legal review and consult, notification of required policy revisions, draft policy creation, and an annual KCS Policy audit.
  • Policies presented for potential revision include:
    • NEW POLICY – 1st Reading
      • 4.201 – Class Size Ratios
        • Boards are required to have a policy that states that class sizes should not exceed the averages allowed by state law. TSBA model policy 4.201 aligns with this requirement. The Board could choose to adopt this policy outright with the new title change. In the alternative, the Board could choose to include the basic information regarding class sizes (lines 2-3 of the model policy, “Pupil-teacher ratios shall not exceed the averages outlined in state law. Further, class sizes shall not exceed the maximum allowed by state law.”) in its current policy to comply with requirements found in state law.
    • REVISED POLICY – 1st Reading
      • 5.117 – Procedure for Granting Tenure
        • Line 6, page 2, states that the teacher “shall not be reemployed by the System in any tenure-track position for the succeeding five year period” if tenure is not granted by the Board. However, per TCA 49-5-504, a teacher who is not granted tenure cannot be continued in employment by the Board.
    • REVISED POLICY – 1st Reading
      • 5.201 – Separation Practices for Non-Tenured Teachers
        • Page 3, line 23, speaks to the Director of Schools certifying in writing to the Board; however, per state law (TCA 8-36-805), the Director of Schools is required to certify in writing to the Division of Retirement. TSBA recommends making this change to align state law.
    • REVISED POLICY – 1st Reading
      • 6.202 – Home Schools
        • In order to conduct a home school, parents must meet certain criteria. Previously, this included having a high school diploma or a GED. A change to state law, however, now includes parents with High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) in this category. The updated TSBA model policy includes this additional qualification option.
    • REVISED POLICY – 1st Reading
      • 6.500 – Students with Special Needs
        • TSBA has updated the model policy provision on restraint and isolation with additional information that aligns with state law.
  • The Board will take the information discussed this evening under advisement and consider potential adoption of suggested action at its November business meeting.
Jim Welch, Board President, shared information with the Board that was presented at the recent Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) Board Chairman Workshop.
  • The workshop was held on October 8, 2021 in Nashville.
  • Mr. Welch reviewed items such as Board chair responsibilities, statutes, and roles.
  • Other items discussed at the workshop that Mr. Welch reviewed included issues regarding broadcasting of board meetings, board agendas, retreats, and work sessions.
Dr. True facilitated a Board discussion regarding potential options for live broadcasting of future Board meetings and work sessions. 
  • Information on such options were previously presented to the Board at their business meeting on October 19, 2021.
  • The Board reviewed potential options for further exploration and the development of specific proposals.  Based on conversations tonight, Dr. True will continue to explore specific actions necessary to live broadcast board sessions using an audio format, potentially utilizing the KCS owned WCSK Radio, 90.3 FM.
Board member Dr. Brandon Fletcher led a discussion regarding Board Policy 1.8011 - Emergency Closings.
  • The discussion on Board Policy 1.8011 centered on the wording that all employees are required to report to school at the regular time unless otherwise noted on days when the daily schedule is altered.
  • Several issues related to this policy were discussed, including school operations on mornings where a delay may occur.
  • Dr. Moorhouse will be communicating with school administrators to gather additional information for the Board related to this item. 
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The next meeting of the Board of Education will on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 6 p.m.  The meeting will take place in the Tennessee Room of the Administrative Support Center (400 Clinchfield Street).
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For more information on KCS, visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, download our mobile app for Apple/Android devices or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Instagram (@kcs_district), Twitter (@KCS_District), LinkedIn (Kingsport City Schools), and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).