August 12, 2013 at 6:00 PM - Policy Committee Meeting

Rationale:  Because of the sharp increase in the volume of open records requests made to school systems across the state, our board attorney has taken the time to develop a model policy on responding to open records requests (attached). Also attached are documents we may use when accepting requests (these do not need board approval).

Rationale:  During Friday's TSBA Policy Update Workshop, we learned that a board can pass policies on the first reading with a majority vote; there is no law stating the vote must be unanimous.  We were told the decision to have a majority or unanimous vote on first reading is up to the LEA.

Rationale:  Effective 7-1-13, law allows homeschooled students to participate in interscholastic athletics at public schools.

Rationale:  In the past, the board agreed that TCAP scores would account for 15% of the student’s final grade, with that percentage increasing to 25%...we have now reached 25%, and it needs to be spelled out in our policy.

Rationale:  We recommend eliminating the words "excused or" from line 14 on page two; concern was expressed that a child involved in an automobile accident or any such (excused) incident which would render them unable to attend classes would be ineligible for a permit or license.  After reviewing TCA 49-6-3017 (in which excused absences weren't addressed) and contacting TSBA, Mr. Harrell stated, "After our review, you are exactly right. I'm not sure if the definition of 'withdrawal' has changed over the years, but it certainly doesn't reference 'excused' absences. It appears that our base policy has included that language for many years, but that is no excuse for our not catching this error and updating our policy."

Rationale:  We recommend adding a disclaimer which releases MCSS/MCBOE from the responsbility of lost, stolen or damaged cell phones.

Rationale:  1) The number of requests
2) Possibly setting a threshold for expected profitability
3) Excessive carryovers