The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education held a work session on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Several key items were discussed, including:
- A public forum regarding the topic of random drug testing;
- An update on the FY 2018-19 budget; and
- A slate of policies in Board Policy Manual Section 6 - Students, recommended for future approval.
Detailed Work Session Notes
At the start of tonight's work session, a public hearing was held to allow community input regarding the topic of random drug testing of students participating in voluntary extra-curricular activities.
- To introduce the topic, Assistant Superintendent - Administration Andy True shared information related to the general overall goals of random drug testing programs, and City of Kingsport Attorney Mike Billingsley provided information as to what Tennessee law says regarding random drug testing.
- The key objective of a random drug testing program is to provide an opportunity for students to have a deterrent to drug use and to encourage counseling and supports for those currently using illegal substances.
- Random drug testing of students in voluntary extra-curricular activities is allowed in Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-4213.
- One individual elected to speak to the Board this evening, providing input regarding random drug testing.
Chief Finance Officer Mr. David Frye reviewed initial considerations related to the FY 2018-19 KCS Budget.
- The initial review of the budget is tentative, as BEP revenue estimates have not yet been received from the state.
- Budget development will continue in the coming weeks as specific revenue and expenses are determined, with a goal of presenting a proposed budget to the Board at its May business meeting.
- This year's budget is especially challenging, given the decision last fall by the Sullivan County Commission to remove approximately $1.8 million in revenue sharing with KCS.
Board member Mr. Todd Golden and Mr. True presented a slate of policies from Board Policy Manual Section 6 - Students, which will be considered for approval at the May 1 meeting as part of the Consent Agenda.
- The policies in Section 6 are currently active, but are recommended for consent approval as part of the Board's biennial policy review.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Tennessee Room of the Administrative Support Center(400 Clinchfield Street).
Read and follow our blog, "We Are KCS" to learn more about the great people and programs of Kingsport City Schools. Check it out at WeAreKCS.com.