MICHAEL COUNT SCHOOLS
1807
Misty Shelton
Director of Accountability
Hickman County Schools
115 Murphree Avenue
Centerville, Tennessee 37033
To: School Board Members
From: Misty Shelton
Date:July 2023
1st Reading:
Policy 1.102 - Board Members
Public Chapter 114 requires acceptance of GED, HiSET, and other types of high school equivalency
credentials approved by the State Board of Education.
Policy 1.106 = Code of Ethics
A new change to state law, Public Chapter 37, requires local Boards of Education to notify the
Tennessee Ethics Commission of the primary person responsible for administering and enforcing
their ethical standards. The Board has discretion as to implementation and could select a different
individual to be in charge of this reporting.
Policy 1.400 = School Board Meetings
Public Chapter 350 creates additional opportunities for board members to attend board meetings
electronically. Now, board members will be able to use this method of attendance for two additional
reasons: (1) if they are sick or in a period of convalescence on the advice of a healthcare
professional; and (2) due to inclement weather.
Policy 1.402 - Notification of Meetings & Policy 1.404 - Appeals to and Appearances Before
the Board- Already have in place in 1.404
State law, Public Chapter 300, now requires that notice of board meetings include information on
how individuals may provide public comment on agenda items. Additionally, each board meeting with
actionable items on the agenda is required to have a time dedicated to public comment. The law
allows Boards to establish reasonable restrictions on the length of the comment period, number of
speakers, and the length of time per speaker. This is an area in which Boards have significant
flexibility, and TSBA encourages modifying their model policy to meet local needs.
Policy 3.202 - Emergency Preparedness Plan
Policy 3.204 - Threat Assessment Team- Already have a policy on this
Policy 3.205 - Security
A new law that affects many aspects of school safety (Public Chapter 367) requires several policy
changes. This new legislation requires an armed intruder drill, an incident command drill, and an
emergency safety bus drill (policy 3.202) as well as a policy on threat assessment teams (policy
3.204). Many Boards currently maintain a policy on threat assessment teams, however, this new
931-729-3391 ext. 2226
misty.shelton@hickmank12.org
fax 931-729-3834
The Hickman County School System does not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices on the basis of race, sex, national
origin, religion, creed, age, marital status, or disability as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All necessary accommodations are made for equitable participation by constituents without regard to race, gender,
disability, economic status, or special needs as required by Section 427 of the General Education Provision Act & P.L. 107-110-NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND.
legislation requires that all Boards have a policy on this topic. There is also now a requirement for all
exterior doors to remain locked during school hours. For events occurring after school hours, Boards
can choose to create a local plan on how to admit community members. TSBA has updated model
policy 3.205 with information about the default practice found in the new legislation. Per state law,
this default practice will be in effect if the Board does not include an alternate local plan.
Policy 4.204 - Summer Instructional Programs
State Board of Education Policy 3.300 - Promotion and Retention was updated during the State
Board of Education's May meeting. This policy change requires local Boards of Education to include
additional information on make up days for summer programs in their policies.
Policy 4.300 - Extracurricular Activities
Policy 6.4001 - Student Surveys, Analyses, and Evaluations
Policy 6.402 - Physical Examinations and Immunizations
Public Chapter 353 includes new options for parents/guardians regarding certain extracurricular
activities and district actions. Specifically, this new law: (1) requires parents/guardians to opt-in
before their minor child joins a school club or participates in the activities of a club; (2) requires
parents/guardians to opt-in before a minor child participates in a non-instructional survey, analysis,
or evaluation; and (3) gives parents/guardians the ability to opt-out of health screenings conducted
as part of the coordinated school heath program.
Policy 4.403 - Library Materials
A new state law, Public Chapter 472, changes the process for school districts to respond to
challenged library materials. Previously, state law required that all complaints proceed to the Board
of Education. This new law includes flexibility for districts by permitting the Board to create a process
with several tiers of review. Please note that Boards may revise this model language to align with
local standards. TSBA encourages reaching out to their local board attorney if there are legal
concerns.
Policy 5.106 - Application and Employment
School districts are prohibited from hiring individuals on Tennessee's Department of Children's
Services list of perpetrators of child abuse and those on the registry of abuse of vulnerable persons
maintained by the Department of Health. A change to state law, Public Chapter 222, clarifies that
districts may not hire individuals who appear on similar lists maintained by other states.
Policy 5.119 - Employment of Retirees
Due to ongoing teacher shortages, the General Assembly passed Public Chapter 425 which allows
more flexibility in hiring retirees. This change allows retirees to work as substitutes beyond the
typical 120 day contract and permits retirees to serve as regular classroom teachers on an ongoing
basis.
Policy 5,302 - Sick Leave- HCSS does not operate a sick leave bank
For districts that operate sick leave banks, state law contains restrictions on how those days can be
used by employees. Public Chapter 151 adds additional options for employees by creating an option
to use this time to care for minor children in addition to being used for the employee's own illness.
931-729-3391 ext. 2226
misty.shelton@hickmank12.org
fax 931-729-3834
The Hickman County School System does not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices on the basis of race, sex, national
origin, religion, creed, age, marital status, or disability as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All necessary accommodations are made for equitable participation by constituents without regard to race, gender,
disability, economic status, or special needs as required by Section 427 of the General Education Provision Act & P. L. 107-110-NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND.
2nd reading:
3.218.2- Use of AKC trained Dogs- New policy
6.319 Alternative Education- change to reflect grades 1-12 on line 2 of page 1
Up for Review:
6.409 Reporting Child Abuse
6.410 Accidnets and Illnesses
6.411 Student Wellness
6.413 Prevention and Treatment of Sports Related Concussions
6.414 Prevention and Treatment of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
6.415 Student Suicide Prevention
6.500 Special Education Students
6.501 Married and/or Pregnant Students
6.502 Foreign Exchange Students
6.503 Homeless Students
6.504 Migrant Students
6.505 Students in Foster Care
6.506 Students from Military Families
2.805 Purchasing
2.806 Bids and Quotations
2.808 Purchase Orders and Contracts
2.809 Vendor Relations
2.810 Payment Procedures
2.900 Student Activity Funds Management
Informational Items
While these items do not necessarily require any policy changes, TSBA wanted you to be
aware of the new legal requirements and how they may impact board policy and operations.
Public Chapter 111 - Use of Remote Instruction
This law allows districts with virtual schools to contract with other districts to provide remote
instruction to students who have been suspended or expelled.
View this Public Chapter 111 by clicking here.
Public Chapter 165 - Transfer Students
Public Chapter 165 requires that school districts treat transfer students and home school students
who enroll or re-enroll in the district the same as other students. Specifically, this law addresses
student access to academic and arts programs, clubs, and events offered by the district.
View this Public Chapter 165 by clicking here.
Public Chapter 269 - Testing for Credit
931-729-3391 ext. 2226
misty.shelton@hickmank12.org
fax 931-729-3834
The Hickman County School System does not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices on the basis of race, sex, national
origin, religion, creed, age, marital status, or disability as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All necessary accommodations are made for equitable participation by constituents without regard to race, gender,
disability, economic status, or special needs as required by Section 427 of the General Education Provision Act & P.L. 107-110-NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND.
Policy 5.305 - Family Medical Leave
Public Chapter 399 gives employees who are required by law to hold a valid license of qualification
for employment and who have been employed with the school district for at least twelve consecutive
months six weeks of paid leave that can be used after the birth, stillbirth, or adoption of a newly
placed minor child. This leave must be used within twelve months of the qualifying event and does
not have to be used consecutively. Additionally, this leave counts towards federally granted leave
under the Family Medical Leave Act. TSBA has added a provision on this new option to their model
policy.
Policy 5.307 - Physical Assault Leave
A new state law, Public Chapter 343, clarifies that teachers will receive their full salary while on leave
due to a physical assault.
Policy 5.600 - Staff Rights & Responsibilities
Teachers are now required to report students who commit certain offenses on school property that
endanger the life, health, or safety of others per Public Chapter 153.
Policy 6,200 - Attendance
Boards can award credit to students who take released time courses pursuant to the conditions
outlined in their board policy. Previously, Boards could award one-half credit. Public Chapter 130
now allows Boards to offer one full credit for these courses. Please note that this is optional for
Boards.
Policy 6.202 - Home Schools
Public Chapter 114 requires the acceptance of GED, HiSET, and other types of high school
equivalency credentials approved by the State Board of Education. TSBA has updated their model
policy to include these other types of credentials in accordance with state law. Additionally, Public
Chapter 296 removes the requirement that parents of home school students provide proof of
immunizations.
Policy 6.300 (6.313 for HCSS) ⑉ Code of Conduct & Policy 6.309 - Zero Tolerance Offenses
A new zero tolerance offense has been added to state law. Public Chapter 299 adds threats of mass
violence to the list of offenses punishable by a one year expulsion.
Policy 6.314 - Corporal Punishment
Boards have discretion as to whether corporal punishment is used in the district. If this is a
disciplinary option, a new state law (Public Chapter 275) requires further actions be taken before
corporal punishment occurs.
Policy 6.319 - Alternative Education
Public Chapter 279 provides an additional statutory reason that a Director of Schools could require a
student to serve a suspension at home rather than on school property. This change to state law
allows the Director of Schools discretion if assigning the student to an alternative school or program
may endanger the safety of the students or staff.
931-729-3391 ext. 2226
misty.shelton@hickmank12.org
fax 931-729-3834
The Hickman County School System does not discriminate in Its educational programs, activities, or employment practices on the basis of race, sex, national
origin, religion, creed, age, marital status, or disability as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and
Section 504 of the Rehabilltation Act of 1973. All necessary accommodations are made for equitable participation by constituents without regard to race, gender,
disability, economic status, or special needs as required by Section 427 of the General Education Provision Act & P.L. 107-110-NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND.
Students will now be allowed to test out of certain courses per Public Chapter 269. For courses with
no end of course exam, high school students will be able to receive credit for the class if they earn a
qualifying score on the exam. The school district will determine the score needed for these exams.
This will be an option after the State Board of Education approves a list of eligible courses. We will
be monitoring forthcoming State Board action and update our model policy based on those changes.
View Public Chapter 269 by clicking here.
Public Chapter 280 - PE Endorsement Exemption
Under this change to state law, the Commissioner has the authority to grant an endorsement
exemption for a teacher to teach a physical education class. In order to receive the exemption, the
Director of Schools must certify to the Commissioner that no qualified teacher is available to teach
the class.
View this Public Chapter 280 by clicking here.
Public Chapter 437 - Payroll Deductions
School districts may no longer deduct dues from an employee's paycheck on behalf of a professional
employees' organization per this new state law.
View this Public Chapter 437 by clicking here.
Public Chapter 438 - Implicit Bias Training
A change to state law, Public Chapter 438, prevents a school district from requiring employees to
complete or participate in implicit bias training. This new law also prohibits a school district from
taking an adverse employment action against an employee for failure to undergo such training.
View this Public Chapter 438 by clicking here.
Public Chapter 448 - Use of Pronouns
Public Chapter 448 clarifies that school district employees are not required to use a student's
preferred pronoun if it is inconsistent with the student's biological sex. Further, school districts are
not civilly liable if the employee refuses to use the preferred pronoun.
View this Public Chapter 448 by clicking here.
Thank you for your careful consideration of these policies.
931-729-3391 ext. 2226
misty.shelton@hickmank12.org
fax 931-729-3834
The Hickman County School System does not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices on the basis of race, sex, national
origin, religion, creed, age, marital status, or disability as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. All necessary accommodations are made for equitable participation by constituents without regard to race, gender,
disability, economic status, or special needs as required by Section 427 of the General Education Provision Act & P.L. 107-110-NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND.