July 13, 2023 at 6:30 PM - GCSSD Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Mr. John Campbell led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  Mr. Tom Lannom, Board Chair, called the meeting to order.

Discussion:  No public comment

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett recommended the re-election of Michael Hill as GCSSD Board Attorney. 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the Annual Bullying Report. About 30% of reported cases were determined as bullying after an investigation. 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the Athletic Practice Policy, which states "There will be NO athletic practice during the seven hours of educational instruction in the school day. The only exception will be high school sports".
 

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett presented the policy revisions.

• 1.102 Board Members' Legal Status - Changes the language for a qualifying candidate to high school equivalency approved by the State Board of Education.
• 1.106 Code of Ethics - Adds Board Chair as the Point of Contact responsible for administering and enforcing ethical standards
• 1.400 School Board Meetings - Creates additional opportunities for board members to attend board meetings electronically.
• 1.402 Notifications of Meetings - Requires that the public notice includes a public comment section and information on how individuals may provide public comment on agenda items. 
• 3.202 Emergency Preparedness Plan - Adds an incident command and emergency safety bus drill to the Annual Drills.
• 3.204 Threat Assessment Team - Requires development of a threat assessment team.
• 3.205 Security - All exterior doors leading into a school building must be locked during school hours. May be unlocked during school activities with a district employee stationed by the door. 
• 4.204 Summer Instructional Programs - Add additional information on make-up days for summer programs.
• 4.300 Extracurricular Activities - Requires parents/guardians to give written permission for their minor child (under 18 years of age)  to join any club, or organization, or participate in activities of a club or organization. 
• 4.403 Library Materials - Adds a list of library material posted online and additional processes for complaints.
• 5.106 Application and Employment - Clarifies districts may not hire individuals who appear in Tennessee or any other state's child abuse and registry of abuse.
• 5.119 Employment of Retirees -  Allows more flexibility in hiring retirees. 
• 5.302 Sick Leave - Adds an option to use the sick bank to care for minor children.
• 5.305 Family and Medical Leave - Adds six weeks of paid leave for eligible employees after a birth, stillbirth, or adoption, in addition to the 12 weeks of FMLA Leave. 
• 5.307 Physical Assault Leave - Clarifies that eligible employees will receive a full salary while on leave due to physical assault.
• 5.600 Staff Rights & Responsibilities - Requires teachers to report students who commit offenses of assault and battery or vandalism on school property, endangering the life, health, or safety of others. Also, teachers will receive benefits when on leave for physical assault.
• 6.200 Attendance - Students who take off-campus released time courses may be awarded one elective credit 
• 6.202 Home Schools - Changes that a parent/guardian can possess a high school equivalency approved by the State Board of Education to homeschool. Removes the requirement for proof of immunizations for home school students. 
• 6.300 Code of Conduct -  Adds threats of mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity to Level IV misbehaviors.
• 6.309 Zero Tolerance Offenses - Adds threats of mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity to the offenses resulting in expulsion. 
• 6.314 Corporal Punishment - Adds additional guidelines for conducting corporal punishment.
• 6.319 Alternative Education - Could require a student to serve the suspension at home if the student may not be safe on school property. 
• 6.4001 Student Surveys, Analysis, and Evaluations - Requires parents/guardians to give written permission for their minor child (under 18 years of age) to participate in a survey, analysis, or evaluation.
• 6.402 Physical Examinations and Immunizations - Parents/guardians may request to opt out of health screening as part of coordinated school health.

Discussion:  Mr. Eddie Pruett reminded the Board of the upcoming conferences.