by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“Better safe than sorry,” said Safety Director Chris Hawkersmith commenting on the 23 threats investigated last quarter at the March 9 Franklin County School Board meeting. But when asked if 23 threats was extreme, Hawkersmith was quick to point out, “That’s pretty average. And most threats don’t amount to much.” Hawkersmith’s Threat Assessment Report was featured in the Spotlight segment of the meeting. In regular business, the board approved several changes diverging from past practices: kindergarten starting age, the 2027-2028 school year calendar; and the director of schools contract.

Of the 23 threats reported from Oct. 31 to the present, 22 were students threatening students and one was a student threatening a teacher. Hawkersmith said each school had a threat assessment team that in the event of a threat conducted an inquiry, filled out extensive paperwork, and contacted the parents. Possible consequences, when deemed appropriate, range from suspension, to alternative school, to checking in with a counselor, to backpack checks. Hawkersmith acknowledged some of the threats were ridiculous. A first grader threatened to kill his teacher who refused to let him go outside after lunch, explaining it was not time for recess. “You wouldn’t believe some of these things,” Hawkersmith said, “but you’ve got to be careful.” He also emphasized the importance of not exaggerating the significance of the data. “Considering there are 11 schools, 23 threats is not a lot. It averages out to just two per school.”

Taking up policy, the board approved a change offering a possible route for kindergarten age children turning five after Aug. 15 to begin school that fall. Previously, the Compulsory Attendance Ages policy required a child to turn age five by Aug. 15 to be enrolled. The change applies to children who turn five between Aug. 16 and Sept. 30 who in some case may be allowed to start school. A special request must be made by the child’s parent or guardian, and the director of schools must conduct an “evaluation and examination” to determine if the child is sufficiently mature “emotionally and academically.” The policy change weighs a child’s readiness to start school against the high demands of testing in today’s educational environment.

The 2027-2028 school year calendar approved by the board provides for a smoother transition back into the school year. Offered a choice in school calendars for 2027-2028, 64 percent of the certified staff voted for a calendar in which the first day of school, an abbreviated day, was followed by a full week of classes. The alternative calendar proposed was typical of other school year calendars for beginning the school year by staggering abbreviated days and no school days, with an abbreviated first day followed by a no-school day or an abbreviated first day followed by a weekend. Guided by the certified staff vote, the board chose the calendar beginning with an abbreviated day followed by a full week of classes. The calendar can be viewed at: <fcstn.community.highbond.com/document/53d92b9c-6ca0-4620-a310-22e93b91078d/>.

The board also approved the contract for rising director of schools Roger Alsup. The contract is for four years, rather than three as was previously the case. The longer term gives Alsup more time to demonstrate his effectiveness and acknowledges a director’s first year is a learning process, so not a good measure of performance. If the board decides to extend or renew the contract, the board must give notice of their intention by January 1 of Alsup’s last year by the contract provisions. The previous April renewal deadline left the board very little time to find a replacement by July, if nonrenewal was the decision.

Board member Sarah Marehevsky alerted the board to new proposed legislation that would require schools to verify children’s immigration status and report it to the state, but would not authorize the schools to refuse to enroll them, as is the case with another bill being considered. Commenting on the new bill, touted by some as less egregious, board member Sarah Marhevsky said, “Families aren’t going to feel safe if they think their kids are being tracked. Not to mention, it’s not just students who don’t have legal status in the country who can’t provide documentation. It could be a foster kid who doesn’t have a copy of their birth certificate. Everyone should feel safe at school.”