The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education held a work session on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Several important items were discussed, including:
- An update regarding ongoing work related to a potential random drug testing program for high school students participating in voluntary extracurricular activities;
- A review of two potential policy actions at the May Board meeting;
- A review of the draft 2024-25 KCS Budget; and
- A discussion regarding student gift delivery procedures in schools.
Detailed Work Session Notes
Dr. Andy True, Assistant Superintendent - Administration and Jim Nash, Chief Student Services Officer, presented an update to the Board regarding ongoing work related to a potential random drug testing program for students participating in voluntary extracurricular activities.
- At its winter retreat, the Board requested a random drug testing program be explored to reflect a commitment to the health, safety, and welfare of KCS students. A proactive approach in the form of a Random Drug Testing program for deterrence, per TCA 49-6-4213, is being considered to support students and families, beginning with the 2024-25 school year.
- Upon approval of a Board Policy and procedures, Tennessee State law allows for the random testing of students participating in voluntary extracurricular activities.
- A draft policy and draft procedures, developed over the past several months, were presented for review and Board feedback. Such policy and procedures were drafted in consultation with the Kingsport City Attorney and reflecting State law and established best-practice procedures.
- Click below to view the draft procedures, draft policy, and presentation discussed this evening. Revisions to these documents, suggested during tonight's work session, will be reflected in final drafts presented for approval at a later date.
- A proposed Board Policy will be presented to the Board at its May business meeting for consideration on first reading. Any potential approval of procedures could be considered after a second reading/approval of the draft Policy (if passed on first reading) in June.
Dr. True reviewed two potential policy actions to the Board for initial discussion:
- 4.202 - Special Education
- 6.3071 - Student Alcohol and Drug Testing
The Board will consider both policies for approval on first reading at its May business meeting.
David Frye, Chief Finance Officer, presented a review of the draft FY 2024-25 Budget for review.
- The draft Budget outlines proposed revenues and expenses for the 2024-25 year.
- Click below to view the full Budget presentation.
Board Member Julie Byers raised a topic for discussion... A potential policy or procedure related to delivery of gift items to students in schools.
- The discussion was focused on the potential to restrict the delivery of such items into the school setting due to several areas of concern.
- In response to the discussion, Dr. Hampton will gather additional feedback from school administrators as best next steps are determined.
The next session of the Board of Education will be a meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Tennessee Room of the Administrative Support Center (400 Clinchfield Street).
KCS has been ranked the "#1 Best Place to Teach in Tennessee" by the 2023 NICHE Best Schools Ranking and the City of Kingsport has been voted as the "Nicest Places in America" in the October 2022 Reader's Digest.
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