Karianne Annastas

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.

The school board work session included discussions on the consent agenda, which involved approving the September school board meeting minutes, policy 3.202 regarding the emergency preparedness plan for second reading, and field trip fee requests. The superintendent's report highlighted the district's high performance and growth in ACT scores compared to other districts in the state. There was also a presentation on textbook adoption, focusing on health and PE materials for grades 6-12 and CTE courses, along with updates on the review process and public review schedules.

The meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics, including the approval of the consent agenda, the superintendent's report, and a textbook adoption presentation. The superintendent's report highlighted the district's ACT performance and growth, while the textbook adoption presentation covered the courses being adopted, the health standards, and the family life curriculum. The meeting also addressed the selection of schools to house review materials and the scheduling of public reviews.