by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the July 10 meeting of the Franklin County School Board, new Director of Schools Cary Holman announced plans for several community engagement initiatives. The board approve the Code of Conduct for the 2023-2024 school year, with several changes to the dress code; the board also approved a number of Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) recommended policy changes.

Beginning in August, Holman plans for each school board meeting to highlight a school, a business who supports the county schools, and a district department. There will be several townhall meetings throughout the year to share information with parents, teachers, students and other stakeholders; and “to set the tone for the upcoming school year” and “how we want to partner with our local government and community,” the district will host a “Unity on the Yard” open house at the central office 2–5 p.m., Thursday, July 27, featuring community partners and businesses, with food trucks and other activities.

Changes to the dress code in the Code of Conduct stipulate “Rips, tears, or slits showing above mid-thigh length are not permitted. Students may wear clothing with rips, tears, or slits as long as leggings, tights/yoga pants or compression-type clothes are worn underneath rips or tears …Tights of any kind — leggings/jeggings, or yoga pants — worn as outer wear are not permitted unless the following criteria is met: the shirt, skirt, or dress worn with the tights, leggings/jeggings, or yoga pants must strike the legs at mid-thigh … Pants must be worn above the hip-bone; sagging/bagging is not allowed … Hoods on outerwear and hoodies may not be worn inside the school building.”

The Code of Conduct also addressed “personal communication devices,” such as cell phones. PCDs are not allowed in grades K-5, and in grades 6-12, students are not allowed to use PCDs during class time. Violation of the rule can result in confiscation of the PCD and disciplinary action which can include detention and withdrawal of privileges.

At a July 6 workshop, the board reviewed more than 20 TSBA recommended policy changes. Among the changes approved at the July 10 meeting were the following. Extracurricular Activities: students shall present a signed and dated statement from their parent/guardian before joining any club. Library Materials: those having a complaint about school library materials may submit a “Request for Reconsideration” by a review committee appointed by the principal; the complainant may appeal the principal’s subsequent decision to the Director of School and may appeal the Director of Schools’ decision to the board. Family and Medical Leave: an additional six work weeks of paid leave are available to eligible employees [teacher, principals and supervisors] after a birth, stillbirth or adoption. School Nutrition Management: students not on free or reduced lunch may charge up to $10 to pay for school meals. Security: all exterior doors leading into the school buildings shall be locked at all times, during the school day as well as when students are present outside of regular school hours; if there is a need to unlock the doors during a school activity, a school district employee will be stationed by the door to ensure access is limited.

Commenting on the Emergency Preparedness Plan policy “incident command drill” requirement, Holman explained the purpose of the drill would be to insure “each student will know how to respond” in a crisis. The drills will be coordinated with the sheriff’s department and school resource officer.

The board deferred a decision on the Attendance policy. Board member Sara Liechty questioned if five days allowed students enough time to complete makeup work. “We want to be fair to students out for two weeks,” Liechty said, suggesting the policy should allow more than five days in “extenuating circumstances.”

The board also deferred a decision on the policy governing Appeals to the Board to discuss the provisions with the school district’s attorney. The TSBA policy changes called for a 30-minute public comment period at each board meeting and limiting individuals who wished to address the board to five minutes.

The board meets next Monday, Aug. 7, different from the regular meeting day on the second Monday of the month.