Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.3011
10/02/23
Athletic Regulation
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.3011
06/05/22
1
Athletics are co-curricular sports activities under the direct control of the principal. The principal will
2
be directly accountable to the director of schools and the Board in all matters pertaining to athletics
3
according to the following guidelines:
4
1. GENERAL REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO BOTH MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
5
ATHLETICS
6
7
a.
Any student desiring to participate in interschool competitive athletics must have a physical
8
examination prior to participating in the first regular practice session. A report of this medical
9
examination must be on file in the principal's office before this requirement will be
10
considered as having been met. Cost of the examination shall be borne by the parent or
11
guardian.
12
13
b.
No out-of-state contests will be scheduled without written permission from the Board.
14
15
C.
The participant of any varsity sport must maintain academic eligibility according to
16
TSSAA/TMSAA guidelines. However, jointly, the principals of the middle schools, or the
17
principal of the high school, may require additional eligibility standards if submitted as
18
written administrative policy to the director of schools and approved by the Board.
19
20
d.
The conduct of players, spectators, or school personnel reflects directly upon the school
21
system as a whole. Good sportsmanship and appropriate conduct are expected from all
22
student athletes, coaches and spectators. In the event any student of Hickman County Schools
23
behaves inappropriately at a sporting event, the principal or designee will impose appropriate
24
disciplinary consequences. If any spectator, whether student or adult, behaves in a manner
25
that results in the TSSAA imposing a fine on the school for unruly behavior, then any such
26
person will be barred from attending any extracurricular activities of the HCSS until such
27
fine (currently $250) has been reimbursed to the Hickman County Board of Education. Upon
28
a second ffense, a minimum two game suspension will be imposed as well as any additional
29
fines. Therefore, conduct of players, spectators, or school personnel that does not exemplify
30
the best sportsmanship will result in that school being suspended from athletic participation
31
in the sport concerned with the infraction. The Board will determine the duration of the
32
suspension.
33
34
e.
No athletic contest will begin at any of the schools unless the principal of the host school or
35
his designated representative is present and remains for the entire contest. The principal or
36
his designee shall accompany each team on trips.
Version Date: October 6, 2023
Athletic Regulation
4.3011
1
2
f.
The player's conduct must be acceptable before participation in any school athletics.
3
4
g.
It shall be the responsibility of the parent(s) or guardian to provide health and hospitalization
5
insurance for all students participating in interscholastic events.
6
7
h.
Every effort should be made to have a certified sports trainer, nurse practitioner or physician
8
present at all home varsity football and basketball games.
9
10
i.
The head coach and principal must see that insurance forms are completed as soon as possible
11
after an injury.
12
13
j.
The physician in charge of the treatment will make the final decision as to when the student
14
may resume participation in athletics.
15
16
k.
The organized athletic program shall not take up any part of the required school day. I
17
18
2. REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY ATHLETICS ONLY
19
20
a.
All football games must be scheduled on an afternoon or night that does not precede a regular
21
school day with students in attendance.
22
23
b.
TSSAA by-laws shall control the operation of high school athletics.
24
25
C.
All students in the secondary school shall be urged to participate in intramural activities.
26
Students not registered in physical education classes should be especially encouraged to
27
participate in the program.
28
29
3. REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO K-8 ATHLETICS ONLY
30
31
a.
The total basketball games allowed per team in a school which serves any combination of
32
grades K-8 shall not exceed twenty (20) during a school year. Tournaments shall count as two
33
games notwithstanding the number of games in which each team participates in a tournament.
34
Practice can begin no earlier than four (4) weeks prior to the first scheduled game and shall
35
end after the last tournament or regular season game in which the team participates.²
36
37
b.
If competitive contests are held with other schools, scout troops, church teams, etc., the
38
principal(s) of the school(s) involved shall be in charge at all times.
39
40
c.
No out-of-town athletic contest shall be scheduled without permission from the principal.
41
42
d.
All other rules applicable to athletics will be determined by a committee of Principals and
43
Athletic Directors from each of the schools and approved by the Board.
Page 2 of 3
Athletic Regulation
4.3011
Legal References
1. TCA 49-6-1002
Page 3 of 3
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.302
06/05/22
Field Trips / Excursions /
Competitions
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.302
05/04/20
1
The Board encourages field trips when the experiences are an integral part of the school curriculum
2
and contribute to the Board's desired educational goals.
3
The following guidelines shall be followed in planning and conducting field trips and excursions:
4
1.
Any teacher desiring to take a group of studénts on an educational field trip must obtain
5
advance approval of the principal and the director of schools;
6
2.
The trip must have a definite purpose and reflect careful planning. Students should be
7
prepared by general class discussion and/or research;
8
3.
If bus transportation is required, the principal or his/her designee shall make the necessary
9
arrangements. A fee will be charged to the school for mileage when school system buses
10
are used;
11
4.
Signed parental permission forms must be obtained for every student making an off-campus
12
trip beyond the immediate vicinity of the school. The principal shall ensure that these
13
forms are kept on file for the remainder of the school year. The form for parental
14
permission must include: purpose, date, time of departure and return, travel plans,
15
destination, number of chaperones, personal expense involved, rules of conduct and
16
penalties for violation, and other facts necessary for parents to be fully informed. This
17
information is to be completed by the school before the form is signed by the parent;
18
19
5.
No day field trip shall extend beyond twelve (12) hours.
20
6.
Overnight educational trips and chaperones must be approved by the principal and the
21
director of schools in advance. These groups must be accompanied by at least one regular
22
staff member and others from the school who are appropriate for adequate supervision and
23
shall be responsible for student conduct while away. There must be at least one female and
24
one male chaperone if the trip is for a mixed group;
25
26
7.
Students shall not be penalized for participating in approved school-sponsored trips and
27
activities. Teachers shall permit students to make up class assignments missed because of a
28
trip or activity;
29
8.
All accidents that occur on a school-sponsored trip must be reported by the teacher to the
30
principal immediately upon returning to school. Serious accidents involving personal
31
injury must be reported immediately to the principal and/or director of schools. An
Version Date: June 24, 2022
Field Trips and Excursions
4.302
1
emergency shall be dealt with promptly by the teacher or other members of the school staff
2
by taking appropriate action, including sending the student to the hospital or summoning
3
medical aid or ambulance. In cases where it is necessary to send the student to the hospital,
4
reasonable effort must be made to notify the parents.
5
9.
Any school-sponsored trip which is out-of-state and/or overnight must have prior approval
6
by the Board.
7
INDEPENDENTLY PLANNED TRIPS
8
Trips privately planned by school district employees, acting outside the scope of their employment, are
9
not authorized by the school district.
10
These trips are not approved by the Board and are not considered a part of the curriculum. Total
11
responsibility for privately planned trips rests with the chaperone(s) as well as with the
12
parent(s)/guardian(s) of the students participating in the trip. The following restrictions shall apply:
13
1. Board funds or resources shall not be used;
14
15
2. School district materials shall not be used;
16
17
3. The Board shall not assume any liability;
18
19
4. Employees are not authorized to act on behalf of the school district;
20
21
5. Recruitment efforts made by an employee shall not occur during the instructional school day;
22
and
23
24
6. Absences caused by participation in privately planned trips shall be considered unexcused.
25
Cross References
Advertising and Distribution of Materials in the Schools 1.806
Special Use of School Vehicles 3.402
Extracurricular Activities 4.300
Attendance 6.200
Page 2 of 2
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
Instructional Materials
4.400
10/21/24
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.400
08/05/24
1
All classrooms and learning centers shall be equipped with the instructional materials needed to
2
provide quality learning experiences for students.
3
The Board seeks to provide a wide range of instructional materials that cover all levels of difficulty,
4
generate critical thinking, and support the educational programs. The director of schools shall develop
5
procedures to review and reconsider instructional materials that are allegedly inappropriate.
6
A list of instructional materials adopted for use across the school system shall be revised annually by
7
building administrators under the direction of the director of schools.
8
Upon request, parents/guardians shall have the ability to inspect the following items: instructional
9
materials; teaching materials; teaching aids; handouts; and tests that are developed by and graded by
10
their child's teacher. The director of schools shall develop procedures for the inspection of materials
11
and distribute these procedures to each principal.
12 There is included in the TISA an amount of money sufficient to pay two hundred dollars ($200) for
13
every teacher in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12). This money shall be used by the teachers
14
for instructional supplies and shall be given to each teacher by October 31 of each school year so that
15
the teacher may spend it at any time during that school year on instructional supplies as determined
16
necessary by the teacher.¹ $200.00 TISA allocations will be distributed by August 1st of each school
17
year, unless otherwise explained by the Director of Schools.
Legal References
1. TCA 49-3-359
Version Date: October 28, 2024
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
Textbooks
4.401
08/05/24
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.401
12/04/23
1
SELECTION¹,²
2
The selection of textbooks shall be completed according to the laws and policies required by the State
3
of Tennessee and the State Textbook Commission. The responsibility for textbook selection rests with
4
the local textbook selection committees subject to approval by the Board. Use of textbooks and
5
instructional materials not on the list approved by the State Textbook Commission is permissible if the
6
Board submits a waiver to the State Board of Education and such waiver is approved. The director of
7
schools shall establish a procedure for providing citizens of the community with an opportunity to
8
examine proposed textbooks prior to their final adoption,³ including public notice of time and location
9
at which textbooks may be examined. Once the proposed textbooks have been approved by the Board,
10
the director of schools shall post the list of all approved textbooks and instructional materials adopted
11
for use across the school system on the school system's website and send a copy of the list to the
12
commissioner of education.²
13
When proposing procurement of new textbooks, the director of schools shall provide the Board with a
14
signed document from the textbook publisher(s) stating they have confirmed the subject textbook(s)
15
comply with TCA 49-6-1019 (also known as "Prohibited Concepts in Instruction"). If a signed statement
16
from the publisher is unavailable, a thorough review of the textbook(s) shall be performed by a qualified
17
person familiar with the subject law and provide a signed statement.
18
COMPLAINTS & RECONSIDERATION
19
The director of schools shall develop forms and procedures to enable citizens to file complaints regarding
20
the selection or content of approved textbooks. Following the conclusion of this administrative process,
21
a complainant may appeal an outcome to the Board.
22
DISTRIBUTION
23
The director of schools shall designate an employee to be responsible for the purchase and distribution
24
of textbooks in each school. The principal shall be responsible for seeing that each student receives the
25
required textbooks at no cost to the student.
26
CERTIFICATION
27
Annually, before the director of schools and the chair of the Board certifies compliance of textbooks to
28
the commissioner (due by October 15 of each year), each principal shall provide a signed document
29
stating they have confirmed each student in their school has the correct textbook for each class and that
30
teachers are utilizing the textbook as part of their teaching process.
Version Date: August 12, 2024
Textbooks
4.401
1
CARE OF TEXTBOOKS⁴
2
Textbooks are property of the Board and shall be returned at the end of the school year, upon completion
3
of the course or upon withdrawal from a course or school. Parents are to sign an agreement stating they
4
shall be responsible for the textbooks received and used by their children.
5
The following reimbursement schedule shall be used as a guide for collecting fines for lost or destroyed
6 books:
7
Age of Book
Amount Collected
8
1 - 2 years
100% of replacement cost
9
3 - - 4 years
75% of replacement cost
10
5 or more years
50% of replacement cost
11
CARE OF DEVICES
12
Electronic devices used for instruction are property of the Board and shall be returned at the end of the
13
year, upon completion of the course, or upon withdrawal from a school. Parents are to sign an agreement
14
stating they will be responsible for the electronic devices received and used by their students. The signed
15
agreement will include a reimbursement schedule for damages to electronic devices up to 100%
16
replacement cost.
17
The Board shall approve and periodically review a schedule of fines for damaged books. In cases where
18
the book is damaged to the extent it is no longer useable, the amount collected shall conform to the
19
reimbursement schedule for lost books. A fine may only be assessed in cases where the pupil or parent
20
damages, loses or defaces the textbook either through willful intent or neglect.
21
Following an interview with parties and an investigation, if needed, the principal may assess the
22
appropriate fine and notify the parents in writing.
23
The principal may include with the notice a provision stating that failure to pay the fine imposed
24
within a reasonable time may result in the imposition of one of the following sanctions:
25
1. Refusal to issue any additional textbooks until restitution is made;
26
2. Withholding of all grade cards, diplomas, certificates of progress, or transcripts until restitution
27
is made;
28
3. Not allowing the pupil to take interim or final examinations or to earn course credit in the
29
course for which the textbook is prescribed until restitution is made; or
30
4. Reducing the pupil's grade in the course for which the textbook is prescribed by one (1) letter
31
grade or ten (10) percentage points until restitution is made.
32
The principal may waive the assessment of fines when in his/her judgment the student is the victim of
33
uncontrollable circumstances and not responsible for the damages.
Page 2 of 3
Textbooks
4.401
1
INSPECTION
2
A list of textbooks used by the schools shall be revised annually by building administrators under the
3
direction of the director of schools. Textbooks shall be available for inspection by parents/guardians
4
upon request, and the director of schools shall develop procedures for the inspection of materials and
5
distribute these procedures to each principal.
Legal References
Cross Reference
1. TCA 49-6-2207
Revenues 2.400
2.
TCA 49-6-2207(c). (e). (f); TCA 49-6-2202:
Surplus Property Sales 2.403
TRR/MS 0520-01-18-02
Library Materials 4.403
3.
20 USCA § 1232h(a); TCA 49-6-7003
Controversial Materials 4.801
4.
TCA 49-3-310(1)(B); TRR/MS 0520-01-02-.16(2)
Student Fees and Fines 6.709
Page 3 of 3
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.402
08/05/24
Reconsideration of Instructional
Rescinds:
Issued:
Materials and Textbooks
4.402
11/07/22
1
If a complaint is made, the following procedure is to be followed:¹
2
1.
Inform the complainant of the selection procedures and make no commitments.
3
2.
Request the complainant to submit a formal "Request for Reconsideration of Instructional
4
Materials".
5
3.
Inform the director of schools (and other appropriate personnel).
6
4.
Keep challenged materials available for use during the reconsideration process. 2
7
5.
Upon receipt of the completed form, the principal requests review of the challenged materials
8
by an ad hoc materials review committee within fifteen (15) working days, and notifies the
9
appropriate supervisor and director of schools that such review is being done. The review
10
committee is appointed by the principal, and includes certificated library media personnel,
11
representatives from classroom teachers, one or more parents, and may include one or more
12
students.
13
6.
The review committee shall take the following steps after receiving the challenged materials:
14
a. Read, view or listen to the material in its entirety;
15
b. Check general acceptance of the material by reading recognized and evaluative reviews;
16
c. Determine the extent to which the material supports the curriculum;
17
d. Complete the appropriate "Checklist for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials",
18
judging the material for its strength and value; and
19
e. Present recommendation to principal for further action and to the director of schools for
20
purposes of information.
21
22
7.
If the complainant desires further action after receiving the recommendation of the committee
23
and the decision of the principal, an appeal may be made to the Board.
Version Date: August 12, 2024
Reconsideration of Instructional
Materials and Textbooks
4.402
Legal References
Cross References
1.
Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free
Instructional Standards 4.101
School District No. 26 V. Pico, 457 U.S. 853.
Textbooks and Instructional Materials 4.400
102 S. Ct. 2799 (1982)
School and System Websites 4.407
2.
TCA 49-1-302(a)(8); TCA 49-1-314; TCA 49-
Controversial Materials 4.801
6-2206; TCA 49-6-2206(b)(2)(A)
Page 2 of 2
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.403
07/07/25
Library Materials
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.403
10/21/24
1
General
2
The Director of Schools shall be responsible for library collection development. Library materials shall
3
be reviewed to ensure the content aligns with state law. 1 He/she shall post the list of library materials
4
online. Library materials shall be reviewed to ensure the content aligns with state law. Prior to the
5
purchase of new materials, librarians shall review the age and maturity level along with the reading level
6
of the selected items for suitability. 1 A list of new materials shall be reviewed by the school
7
administration.
8
STANDARDS²
9
The library collection shall adhere to the following criteria:
10
1. Materials shall be suitable for and consistent with the educational mission of the school;
11
12
2. Materials shall be appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students who may access
13
them. The determining factor will be based on an assessment of any mature themes or content
14
(i.e., violence, sexual content, vulgar language, substance abuse);
15
16
3. Materials shall contain literary, historical, and/or artistic value and merit;
17
18
4. The collection as a whole shall offer a variety of viewpoints; and
19
20
5. Materials shall not be removed on the sole grounds that the item is religious.
21
Any materials that meet the following criteria shall be removed and excluded from the district's library
22
collection:
23
1.
Contains nudity, descriptions or depictions of sexual excitement, sexual conduct, excess
24
violence, or sadomasochistic abuse as defined in state law 3.
25
2.
Are patently offensive as defined in state law; or
26
3.
Appeal to the prurient interest as defined in state law.
27
The Board shall be notified when any library materials are challenged or removed pursuant to this
28
policy.
Version Date: July 11, 2025
Library
Materials
4.403
1
Grade level supervisors shall be responsible for periodically reviewing the district's library collection in
2
line with these established standards. Any materials found to be out of alignment with the standards shall
3
be removed, and this action shall be documented in writing and presented to the Director of Schools and
4
the Board.
5
The Board supports principles of intellectual freedom inherent in the First Amendment of the
6
Constitution of the United States¹ and expressed in the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library
7
Association.
8
Because opinions differ, there may be questions concerning some instructional and library materials
9
despite the quality of the selection process.
10
COMPLAINTS⁴
11
If a complaint is made by an employee, student, or parent/guardian, this process is to be followed:
12
1. Inform the complainant of the selection procedures and make no commitments.
13
14
2. Request the complainant to submit a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials form.
15
16
3. Inform the principal (and other appropriate personnel).
17
18
4. Keep challenged materials available for use during the reconsideration process.
19
20
Upon receipt of the completed form, the principal shall notify the Director of Schools. The principal
21
shall request review of the challenged materials by an ad hoc materials review committee within ten
22
business days. The review committee is appointed by the principal and includes certified library media
23
personnel, representatives from classroom teachers, one or more parents, and may include one or more
24
students. The principal will inform the Director of Schools of the review committee's progress.
25
The review committee shall take the following steps after receiving the challenged materials:
26
1. Read, view, or listen to the contested material in its entirety;
27
2. Check general acceptance of the material by reading recognized and evaluative reviews;
28
3. Determine the extent to which the material supports the educational mission of the
29
school;
30
4. Complete the appropriate Checklist for Reconsideration of Library Materials, judging
31
the material for its strength and value; and
32
5. Present recommendation to principal for further action and to the Director of Schools
33
for purposes of information.
34
35
The principal shall present a recommendation to the Director of Schools. The Director of Schools shall
36
assess the findings along with the recommendation of the principal and present a recommendation to
37
the Board.
38
39
The Board shall evaluate the recommendations of the principal and the Director of Schools along with
40
the material to determine whether it is appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students who
Page 2 of 3
Library
Materials
4.403
1
have access to the materials and whether the material is suitable for, and consistent with, the
2
educational mission of the school. The Board shall review the findings and affirm, overturn, or modify
3
the decision within sixty (60) days from which the feedback was received.
4
If it is determined that the material is not appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students
5
who have access to them or is not suitable for, and consistent with, the educational mission of the
6
school, the material shall be removed from the library collection.
Legal References
Cross References
1.
Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free
Textbooks and Instructional Materials 4.400
School District No. 26 V. Pico, 457 U.S. 853.
School and System Websites 4.407
102 S. Ct. 2799 (1982); TCA 49-6-3803
Controversial Materials 4.801
2.
TCA 49-6-3803(a),(b); Public Acts of 2025.
Chapter No. 270
3.
TCA 39-17-901
4.
TCA 49-6-3803(e). (f)
Page 3 of 3
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.404
08/05/24
Use of Copyrighted Materials
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.404
06/05/22
1
In order to define the fair and reasonable use that employees may make of copyrighted work for
2
educational purposes without the permission of the copyright owner and to reduce the risk of copyright
3
infringement, the Board shall require the following:
4
1.
All employees shall adhere to the provisions of the United States Code regarding the
5
copying and/or the use of copyrighted materials;¹
6
7
2.
In the case of computer software, the ethical and practical problems caused by computer
8
software piracy shall be taught in all computer courses;
9
10
3.
The director of schools shall establish specific regulations regarding the copying,
11
distribution and use of copyrighted materials for instructional purposes; and
12
13
4.
The principal of each school shall establish practices which will enforce this policy at the
14
school level.
Legal References
Cross References
1.
17 USCA §§ 106, 107, 110
School and System Websites 4.407
Use of Multimedia 4.408
Student Publications 6.704
Version Date: August 12, 2024
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
Use of the Internet
4.406
07/07/25
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.406
08/05/24
1
The Board supports the right of staff and students to have reasonable access to various information
2
formats and believes that it is incumbent upon staff and students to use this privilege in an appropriate
3
and responsible manner.
4
Employees
5
Before any employee is allowed use of the district's Internet or intranet access, the employee shall sign
6
a written agreement, developed by the director/designee that sets out the terms and conditions of such
7
use. Any employee who accesses the district's computer system for any purpose agrees to be bound by
8
the terms of that agreement, even if no signed written agreement is on file.
9
The director of schools shall develop and implement procedures for appropriate Internet use which
10
shall address the following:
11
1. Development of the Network and Internet Use Agreement.
12
2. General rules and ethics of Internet access.
13
3. Guidelines regarding appropriate instruction and oversight of student Internet use.
14
4. A uniform signature block for use by all district employees; and
15
5. Prohibited and illegal activities, including but not limited to the following:¹
16
Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
17
Using obscene language
18
Harassing, insulting, defaming or attacking others
19
Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks
20
Hacking or attempting unauthorized access to any computer
21
Violation of copyright laws
22
Trespassing in another's folders, work or files
23
Intentional misuse of resources
24
Using another's password or other identifier (impersonation)
25
Use of the network for commercial purposes
26
Buying or selling personal items on the Internet
27
Students
28
The director of schools shall develop and implement procedures for appropriate Internet use by
29
students. Procedures shall address the following:
30
1. General rules and ethics of Internet use.
31
2. Prohibited or illegal activities, including, but not limited to:¹
Version Date: July 11, 2025
Use of the Internet
4.406
1
Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
2
Using obscene language
3
Harassing, insulting, defaming or attacking others
4
Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks
5
Hacking or attempting unauthorized access
6
Violation of copyright laws
7
Trespassing in another's folders, work or files
8
Intentional misuse of resources
9
Using another's password or other identifier (impersonation)
10
Use of the network for commercial purposes
11
Buying or selling on the Internet
12
INTERNET SAFETY MEASURES²
13
Internet safety measures shall be implemented that effectively address the following:
14
Controlling access by students to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide
15
Web
16
Safety and security of students when they are using electronic mail, chat rooms, and
17
other forms of direct electronic communications
18
Preventing unauthorized access, including "hacking" and other unlawful activities by
19
students on-line
20
Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding
21
students
22
Restricting students' access to materials harmful to them
23
The director of schools/designee shall establish a process to ensure the district's education technology
24
is not used for purposes prohibited by law or for accessing sexually explicit materials. The process
25
shall include, but not be limited to:
26
Utilizing technology that filters, blocks or otherwise prevents internet access (for both
27
students and adults) to material that is obscene, child pornography 3 or harmful to
28
students
29
Prohibiting and preventing a use from sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading
30
materials that are deemed to be harmful to minors;4
31
Maintaining and securing a usage log
32
Monitoring on-line activities of students
33
The Board shall provide reasonable public notice of, and at least one (1) public hearing or meeting to
34
address and communicate, its Internet safety measures.
35
A written parental consent shall be required prior to the student being granted access to electronic
36
media involving district technological resources. The required permission/agreement form, which shall
37
specify acceptable uses, rules of on-line behavior, access privileges and penalties for policy/
38
procedural violations, must be signed by the parent/legal guardian of minor students (those under 18
39
years of age) and also by the student. This document shall be executed each year and shall be valid
40
only in the school year in which it was signed unless parent(s) provide written notice that consent is
Page 2 of 4
Use of the Internet
4.406
1
withdrawn. In order to rescind the agreement, the student's parent/guardian (or the student who is at
2
least 18 years old) must provide the director of schools with a written request.
3
Complaints alleging a violation of the internet safety measures shall be submitted to the District
4
Technology Director. All complaints shall be reviewed to determine how to appropriately respond.
5
E-MAIL
6
Users with network access shall not utilize district resources to establish electronic mail accounts
7
through third-party providers or any other nonstandard electronic mail system. All data including e-
8
mail communications stored or transmitted on school system computers shall be monitored.
9
Employees/students have no expectation of privacy with regard to such data. E-mail correspondence
10
may be a public record under the public records law and may be subject to public inspection.⁵
11
INTERNET SAFETY INSTRUCTION6
12
Students will be given appropriate instruction in internet safety as a part of any instruction utilizing
13
computer resources. The director shall provide adequate in-service instruction on internet safety.
14
Parents and students will be provided with material to raise awareness of the dangers posed by the
15
internet and ways in which the internet may be used safely.
16
SOCIAL NETWORKING
17
1. Students are prohibited from accessing social media platforms using district internet except when
18
expressly authorized by a teacher for educational purposes.⁷
19
2. District staff who have a presence on social networking websites are prohibited from posting
20
data, documents, photographs, or inappropriate information that is likely to create a material and
21
substantial disruption of classroom activity.
22
3. District staff are prohibited from accessing personal social networking sites on school computers
23
or during school hours except for legitimate instructional purposes.
24
4. The board discourages district staff from socializing with students on social networking websites.
25
The same relationship, exchange, interaction, information, or behavior that would be
26
unacceptable in a non-technological medium is unacceptable when done through the use of
27
technology.
28
VIOLATIONS
29
Violations of this policy or a procedure promulgated under its authority shall be handled in accordance
30
with the existing disciplinary procedures of this District.
31
VENDOR CONTRACTS⁸
32
Prior to entering into any contract for the provision of digital or online materials created or marketed
33
for kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), the district shall obtain an assurance that the vendor
Page 3 of 4
Use of the Internet
4.406
1
shall adhere to state law. This determination includes ensuring that the vendor filters, blocks, or
2
otherwise prevents access to pornography or obscenity and verifying that the technology prevents a
3
user from sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading materials that are harmful to minors.
Legal References
Cross References
1.
TCA 39-14-602
Use of Email 1.805
2.
47 USCA § 254 (h)(5)(A) - (C), 254(1); 47 CFR §
Use of Artificial Intelligence Programs 4.214
54.520(c)(1)(i); 20 USCA § 7131
School and System Websites 4.407
3.
TCA 49-1-221(a)(1)(C)(i)
Controversial Materials 4.801
4.
TCA 39-17-901; TCA 49-1-221(a)(1)(C)(ii)
Student Publications 6.704
5.
TCA 10-7-512
6.
TCA 49-1-221(a)(1)(E)
7.
Public Acts of 2025, Chapter No. 195
8.
TCA 49-1-221(c)
Page 4 of 4
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.407
08/05/24
Web Pages
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.407
06/05/22
1
CONTENT STANDARDS
2
In order to take advantage of the opportunities the Internet provides, the Board authorizes the creation
3
of school and/or district web pages on the Internet. Only those web pages maintained in accordance with
4
Board policy and established procedures shall be recognized as official representations of the district or
5
individual schools. All information on a school or district web page must accurately reflect the mission,
6
goals, policies, program and activities of the school and district. The web page must have a purpose
7
which falls within at least one of three categories:
8
1. Support of curriculum and instruction - intended to provide links to Internet resources for
9
students, parents, and staff in the district;
10
11
2. Public information -intended to communicate information about the schools and district to
12
students, staff, parents, community and the world at large; and
13
14
3. District technology support -intended to provide and respond to instructional and
15
administrative technology needs of students and staff.
16
All material on a school web site shall be either original to the school, in the public domain or posted
17
with the express permission of its rightful owner. This includes, but is not limited to, text, graphics,
18
pictures, video, sounds, music, characters, logos and trademarks. Web page publications shall follow all
19
applicable copyright laws and guidelines.
20
Web sites developed under contract for the school district or within the scope of employment by district
21
employees are the property of the school district.
22
PRIVACY STANDARDS¹
23
1. Because Internet publications are available to the entire world, special care shall be taken to
24
protect the privacy of students and staff. Web pages may not include personally identifying
25
information regarding a student¹ such as: telephone numbers, addresses, names of other
26
family members, names of friends, e-mail addresses, specific location of a student at any
27
given time, grades or any other academic information. No confidential information shall be
28
published on or linked to the web site.
29
30
2. Student work may be published on web pages only with written consent of the student's
31
parent/guardian or the eligible student before each incident of publication. The authoring
32
student shall also sign a copyright consent form.
33
Version Date: August 12, 2024
School and System Websites
4.407
1
3. Links to student e-mail accounts are prohibited.
2
3
4. Pictures of students may be included only under the following conditions:
4
5
Individual student pictures may be published on the web site only with written consent
6
of the student's parent/guardian or eligible student.
7
Pictures of groups of students involved in a school-related activity may be published
8
without consent; however, the students shall only be identified by the group name.
9
Students shall not be individually identified in pictures unless there is a special reason
10
for doing so, such as recognition for receiving an award. In such cases, the student's
11
parent/guardian or eligible student must give written consent.
12
ADVERTISING/SPONSORSHIPS
13
Any use of Ivertising or sponsorships that appears on a school web site must be approved by the school
14
web administrator, the principal or the director of schools/designee. Guidelines for approval shall be
15
established by the director of schools/designee and must be consistent with the board's policies and
16
guidelines used in other school and district publications.
17
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
18
The director of schools shall develop administrative procedures for development of web pages including
19
content, quality and consistency standards and shall designate an individual(s) to be responsible for
20
maintaining the official district web page and monitoring all district web page activity. A building
21
principal shall make such designation for an individual school. Schools or departments who wish to
22
publish a web page must identify the webmaster's name, e-mail address and phone number on the web
23
page.
24
CONCERNS/COMPLAINTS
25
As with any instructional materials or publication used by or representing the school or district, the
26
building principal or director of schools, respectively, is ultimately responsible for accuracy and
27
appropriateness of the information made available on the web site. Concern about the content of any
28
page(s) created by students or staff should be directed to the building principal or the director of schools'
29
office when related to the district web site. If the concern is not resolved, persons who wish to file a
30
formal complaint shall submit a written request for reconsideration of instructional material.
Legal References
Cross References
1. 20 USCA § 1232g (a)(5)(A)-(B); Elementary
Use of Copyrighted Materials 4.404
& Secondary Education (20 USCA § 7908)
Employee-Developed Materials 4.405
Sec. 9528
Use of the Internet 4.406
Controversial Materials 4.801
Student Publications 6.704
Page 2 of 2

## Table 1

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: | Descriptor Code: 4.3011 | Issued Date: 10/02/23 |
|  | Athletic Regulation | Rescinds: 4.3011 | Issued: 06/05/22 |

## Table 2

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Legal References |  |
| 1. TCA 49-6-1002 |  |
|  |  |

## Table 3

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Field Trips / Excursions / | Descriptor Code: 4.302 | Issued Date: 06/05/22 |
|  | Competitions | Rescinds: 4.302 | Issued: 05/04/20 |

## Table 4

| 13 14 | 1. Board funds or resources shall not be used; |
| --- | --- |
| 15 16 | 2. School district materials shall not be used; |
| 17 18 | 3. The Board shall not assume any liability; |
| 19 20 | 4. Employees are not authorized to act on behalf of the school district; |
| 21 22 23 | 5. Recruitment efforts made by an employee shall not occur during the instructional school day; and |
| 24 25 | 6. Absences caused by participation in privately planned trips shall be considered unexcused. |

## Table 5

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Instructional Materials | Descriptor Code: 4.400 | Issued Date: 10/21/24 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.400 | Issued: 08/05/24 |

## Table 6

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Textbooks | Descriptor Code: 4.401 | Issued Date: 08/05/24 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.401 | Issued: 12/04/23 |

## Table 7

| Age of Book | Amount Collected |
| --- | --- |
| 1 - 2 years | 100% of replacement cost |
| 3 - - 4 years | 75% of replacement cost |
| 5 or more years | 50% of replacement cost |

## Table 8

|  | Legal References | Cross Reference |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1. | TCA 49-6-2207 | Revenues 2.400 |
| 2. | TCA 49-6-2207(c). (e). (f); TCA 49-6-2202: TRR/MS 0520-01-18-02 | Surplus Property Sales 2.403 Library Materials 4.403 |
| 3. | 20 USCA § 1232h(a); TCA 49-6-7003 | Controversial Materials 4.801 |
| 4. | TCA 49-3-310(1)(B); TRR/MS 0520-01-02-.16(2) | Student Fees and Fines 6.709 |

## Table 9

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Reconsideration of Instructional | Descriptor Code: 4.402 | Issued Date: 08/05/24 |
|  | Materials and Textbooks | Rescinds: 4.402 | Issued: 11/07/22 |

## Table 10

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Library Materials | Descriptor Code: 4.403 | Issued Date: 07/07/25 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.403 | Issued: 10/21/24 |

## Table 11

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Use of Copyrighted Materials | Descriptor Code: 4.404 | Issued Date: 08/05/24 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.404 | Issued: 06/05/22 |

## Table 12

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Use of the Internet | Descriptor Code: 4.406 | Issued Date: 07/07/25 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.406 | Issued: 08/05/24 |

## Table 13

| 1 | withdrawn. In order to rescind the agreement, the student's parent/guardian (or the student who is at |
| --- | --- |
| 2 | least 18 years old) must provide the director of schools with a written request. |
| 3 4 | Complaints alleging a violation of the internet safety measures shall be submitted to the District Technology Director. All complaints shall be reviewed to determine how to appropriately respond. |
| 5 | E-MAIL |
| 6 | Users with network access shall not utilize district resources to establish electronic mail accounts |
| 7 8 9 10 | through third-party providers or any other nonstandard electronic mail system. All data including e- mail communications stored or transmitted on school system computers shall be monitored. Employees/students have no expectation of privacy with regard to such data. E-mail correspondence may be a public record under the public records law and may be subject to public inspection.⁵ |
| 11 | INTERNET SAFETY INSTRUCTION6 |
| 12 13 14 15 | Students will be given appropriate instruction in internet safety as a part of any instruction utilizing computer resources. The director shall provide adequate in-service instruction on internet safety. Parents and students will be provided with material to raise awareness of the dangers posed by the internet and ways in which the internet may be used safely. |
| 16 | SOCIAL NETWORKING |
| 17 18 | 1. Students are prohibited from accessing social media platforms using district internet except when expressly authorized by a teacher for educational purposes.⁷ |
| 19 20 21 | 2. District staff who have a presence on social networking websites are prohibited from posting data, documents, photographs, or inappropriate information that is likely to create a material and substantial disruption of classroom activity. |
| 22 23 | 3. District staff are prohibited from accessing personal social networking sites on school computers or during school hours except for legitimate instructional purposes. |
| 24 25 26 27 | 4. The board discourages district staff from socializing with students on social networking websites. The same relationship, exchange, interaction, information, or behavior that would be unacceptable in a non-technological medium is unacceptable when done through the use of technology. |
| 28 | VIOLATIONS |
| 29 30 | Violations of this policy or a procedure promulgated under its authority shall be handled in accordance with the existing disciplinary procedures of this District. |
| 31 | VENDOR CONTRACTS⁸ |
| 32 33 | Prior to entering into any contract for the provision of digital or online materials created or marketed for kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12), the district shall obtain an assurance that the vendor |

## Table 14

| Legal | References | Cross References |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1. | TCA 39-14-602 | Use of Email 1.805 |
| 2. | 47 USCA § 254 (h)(5)(A) - (C), 254(1); 47 CFR § 54.520(c)(1)(i); 20 USCA § 7131 | Use of Artificial Intelligence Programs 4.214 School and System Websites 4.407 |
| 3. | TCA 49-1-221(a)(1)(C)(i) | Controversial Materials 4.801 |
| 4. | TCA 39-17-901; TCA 49-1-221(a)(1)(C)(ii) | Student Publications 6.704 |
| 5. | TCA 10-7-512 |  |
| 6. | TCA 49-1-221(a)(1)(E) |  |
| 7. | Public Acts of 2025, Chapter No. 195 |  |
| 8. | TCA 49-1-221(c) |  |

## Table 15

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Web Pages | Descriptor Code: 4.407 | Issued Date: 08/05/24 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.407 | Issued: 06/05/22 |

## Table 16

| Legal References | Cross References |
| --- | --- |
| 1. 20 USCA § 1232g (a)(5)(A)-(B); Elementary & Secondary Education (20 USCA § 7908) Sec. 9528 | Use of Copyrighted Materials 4.404 Employee-Developed Materials 4.405 Use of the Internet 4.406 Controversial Materials 4.801 Student Publications 6.704 |