Dave Lee Allen

The work session included discussions regarding the consent agenda and proposed changes to the code of conduct, specifically concerning student discipline and school attendance policies. The superintendent provided updates on TCAP testing schedules and the status of the open zoning process, noting that several schools have established waiting lists. Additionally, the board discussed library collection policies, focusing on the mature reading list implementation and the role of librarians in evaluating materials for age-appropriateness.

The board meeting covered several key discussion topics, including an update on the screen time committee, a superintendent's report regarding library book policies, threat assessment reporting, and the America 250 anniversary celebration plans. Legislative updates were provided, specifically discussing Senate Bill 328 regarding open enrollment, the religious freedom act, and proposed legislation concerning IEP services and private pay providers. The board also reviewed budget projections and discussed student enrollment data, including voluntary Pre-K and early childhood special education programs.

The work session meeting focused on agenda adjustments, moving the budget discussion to the final item. Key discussions involved the consent agenda and the superintendent report, which included updates on the screen time committee and textbook adoption. A significant portion of the session detailed the ongoing pilot program concerning cell phone usage restrictions across high schools (using Faraday pouches or requiring phones to be kept in backpacks) and middle schools (intense monitoring of phone visibility). The committee is developing a comprehensive WCS Technology Use Guidance Document, creating matrices by grade band based on research and committee input, focusing on areas like safety, privacy, and operational procedures. Feedback from community members indicated a strong preference against technology use in K-5 classrooms and concerns regarding safety and the usability of small screens (like Chromebooks) for older students. The committee also discussed the vetting process for educational apps, noting concerns about efficacy proof for non-IEP related applications and recommending triennial reviews for all apps. The timeline for finalizing the guidance document has been slightly delayed due to the depth of the review process.

The work session covered important administrative reminders, including the January 31st deadline for the Statement of Disclosure of Interest filing with the Tennessee Ethics Commission. The board addressed the consent agenda, which included two board policies on second reading. The superintendent reported on current flu season attendance, noting that student attendance remained high (96% and above). A significant portion of the discussion focused on the commitment made following the November vote regarding cell phone policy changes for the next school year. A pilot experiment comparing Faraday pouches to backpacks for cell phone restriction, involving 50/50 splits at Independence High School, was detailed, with plans to collect quantitative (referrals) and qualitative data. Two middle schools will also participate in data collection using the same methods. Furthermore, a substantial update was provided on the opening of the new Innovation Center, including its rebranding, successful performance metrics of the existing Entrepreneurship Center (EIC), and the strategic selection of career and technical education programs based on workforce needs and parent survey data, funded primarily through the ISM grant allocated for bricks and mortar construction.

The Williams County School Board held a work session that included discussions on the consent agenda, a superintendent report, and updates from various committees. Key topics included a textbook adoption update, a presentation on the screen time committee's work, and a preliminary look at the budget. The board also recognized Veterans Day and discussed the importance of community support, particularly through initiatives like the Thanksgiving dinner boxes organized with the help of local Girl Scouts and other community organizations. Additionally, there was a detailed presentation on the textbook selection process, including updates from the state and a timeline for the committee's review and recommendation. The screen time committee provided an update on their progress in creating technology use guidance, focusing on internet safety, application vetting, and teacher training.