Hickman County TN

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

School Board · Meeting · Oct 19, 2026 · 6:30 PM

Mon, Oct 19, 2026

Hickman County Board of Education meetings, including regular sessions and special called meetings.

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This outline was generated by an LLM from a transcript and may contain errors or inaccuracies. Prefer the original recording when available.

The board moved routine business quickly, then approved several substantive items: travel for Hickman County Middle School Beta Club students and sponsors to the state convention, the proposed 2027–2028 school calendar, the district’s TISA accountability report ahead of the November 1 state deadline, two budget amendments including one with a 4-cent correction, and a $35,000 internal school funds audit contract with Matlock Firm. Policy work included a first reading change to student wireless-device rules to address AI and recording-capable wearable technology such as Meta glasses, plus second-reading approvals on tobacco-free schools, testing programs, and director-of-schools recruitment and selection.

A major late-meeting thread was the state controller’s warning about the general school fund’s low cash position, described as projected to end the fiscal year with less than one month of cash balance. Board members discussed the need for a joint corrective action plan with the county commission, possible retreat/work-session scheduling, and public concern over possible school closures; district leadership stressed that no closure decision has been made and said facilities review work is only exploratory. Other notable threads included staff and student recognitions, TSBA-related travel/participation, and positive updates on tennis-court improvements and student audiovisual work.

Call to Order / Opening Items 11:51

  • 11:51 Meeting opened with public comments check; none were present.
  • Opening moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance followed.
  • 12:38 Agenda approved without objection.
  • 12:57 September 14 regular meeting minutes approved without objection.

Special Recognitions 13:13

Employee of the Month 13:13

  • 13:13 Diana Langford of East Hickman Intermediate School recognized as employee of the month.
  • Nomination emphasized her level-five performance metrics, student support, tutoring, mentoring, and work beyond her own classroom.

Student of the Month 16:51

  • 17:01 Kip Kelly, East Hickman Elementary student, recognized as student of the month.
  • Remarks highlighted leadership, positive choices, kindness, and responsibility.

Athletic Recognition 19:04

  • 19:04 Blake Bishop recognized for reaching the TSSAA state golf championship/tournament level.
  • 20:13 Coaches Alan Bishop and Valerie King also recognized for support and guidance.

Consent Agenda 20:52

  • 21:03 Consent agenda approved.
  • 21:17 The “coordination with community south” information item was deferred to the November meeting because a presenter/partner was delayed by traffic.

New Business / Agenda Items

Beta Club state convention trip request 21:25

  • 21:33 Hickman County Middle School Beta Club requested approval for students and sponsors to attend the state convention.
  • 21:53 Student presenters said the club has 38 members, with 35 planning to attend; they cited competitive and leadership opportunities and noted that last year members placed second and sixth in social studies and qualified for nationals but could not attend because of scheduling conflicts.
  • 22:33 Trip details given: convention at the Opryland Hotel from November 22–24, bus departure around 9:00 a.m. Sunday, and 5 chaperones, all board employees; room assignments would separate boys and girls with 4 students per room.
  • 23:36 Board approved the request without opposition.

Proposed 2027–2028 school calendar 23:54

  • 24:01 Administration presented the proposed 2027–2028 calendar and said staff input was gathered through a Google Forms survey on three possible changes.
  • 24:37 Proposed changes considered:
    • move the early 8–10 half-day from the start of school to the last day;
    • choose fall break in either the first or second week of October;
    • add an extra professional-development day, reducing snow days.
  • 25:07 Final calendar reflected majority staff preference.
  • 25:15 Staff preferred making the first day a full day and moving the half-day to the last day of school, May 19, because the early half-day felt redundant after open houses and required bus operations for only a short day.
  • 25:41 Staff chose the second week of October for fall break to better accommodate the banana pudding festival.
  • 25:48 Staff rejected adding another PD day, preserving the existing snow-day structure.
  • 26:05 Discussion also noted support for keeping the full week off at Thanksgiving.
  • 27:03 Calendar approved unanimously.

TISA accountability report 27:13

  • 27:18 Administration said the annual TISA accountability report had to be developed for the November 1 deadline and is required under the law establishing TISA.
  • 27:34 Report used last year’s goals, current action steps, spring assessment results, and prior TISA investment descriptions.
  • 28:06 Administration said the report must be opened for public comment and then approved by the board before submission.
  • 28:18 Public comment period opened the previous Wednesday and runs through Friday; board approval was requested now so the report can be submitted on time.
  • 28:26 Administration added a condition: if public comments require revisions, the report will be revised and brought back for reapproval at the November meeting.
  • 28:42 Administration said TISA resources were directed toward classroom instruction, small-group intervention, interventionists, and supports for academic success.
  • 29:08 Board discussion noted the report appeared to show encouraging progress, but administration cautioned that some data remained under state embargo.
  • 30:13 Explanation of embargoed data:
    • achievement/proficiency results were no longer embargoed and had already been shared;
    • value-added/student growth results remained embargoed pending state analysis;
    • accountability and some success-rate details were still not officially released.
  • 31:29 Board approved the TISA accountability report, subject to later revision and reapproval if public comments require changes.

Unfinished Business 31:42

Budget amendments 31:42

  • 31:54 Finance presented two budget amendments, both in fund 141.
  • 32:00 Budget Amendment 16 adjusted the ISM grant to finish spending remaining dollars over the next few months; administration said the state had already approved the amendment.
  • 32:18 Budget Amendment 17 booked outside-support grants into the proper line items so those funds could be expensed and disbursed.
  • 32:36 A discrepancy was noted because one amendment’s debits and credits did not match.
  • 32:38 Finance said a 4-cent correction was needed on Amendment 16, likely a keying error, and asked the board to approve it with that adjustment.
  • 33:14 Board approved Amendment 16 with the $0.04 correction and approved Amendment 17 by roll-call vote.

Internal school funds audit contract 33:39

  • 33:39 Administration presented the 2026–2027 internal school funds contract for the annual audit of school books.
  • 34:32 The auditor was identified as Matlock Firm, which is also handling the current 2025–2026 internal school audit.
  • 34:48 Administration said the contract had already been signed in the system by the auditor and was before the board for local approval.
  • 34:55 The fee would remain the same as the current year at $35,000.
  • 35:10 Board approved the contract by roll-call vote.

Laws and Policies 35:42

First reading: wireless communication devices policy 35:42

  • 35:42 Policy 6.312 on use of wireless communication devices was presented for first reading.
  • 35:52 Proposed revisions, highlighted in the packet, addressed AI and wearable technology that can record students.
  • 36:13 Administration said the issue included devices like Meta glasses and that other districts were moving quickly on similar restrictions because students could record others without their knowledge during the school day.
  • 36:35 Enforcement discussion:
    • if such devices were identified at school, they would be taken up and returned to a parent;
    • members emphasized the need to notify families clearly so recording-capable eyewear would not be sent to school.
  • 37:21 Policy 6.312 passed on first reading.

Second reading approvals 37:38

  • 37:38 Administration clarified that policy 3.405 had been waived for second reading the prior month in connection with school-bus advertising, so it was not in the packet.
  • 37:54 Board took up three policies for second reading:
    • 1.803 tobacco-free schools,
    • 4.700 testing programs,
    • 5.801 director of schools recruitment and selection.
  • 38:10 Board approved the listed policies on second reading.

Policy review set 38:37

  • 38:41 Policies 4.3011 through 4.407 were presented for routine review.
  • 38:54 Administration said review items typically carry no proposed changes and are part of the board’s requirement to review policies every 2 years.
  • 39:09 Administration noted that if a review reveals needed changes, a policy can later be pulled forward for first reading.
  • 39:30 Board approved the review set.

Announcements 40:04

  • 40:04 Next regular board meeting announced for November 2.
  • 40:12 Count taken for attendance at the TSBA/TISA event or conference; 5 members indicated they were going.
  • 40:33 No legislative update was provided.

Closing Remarks / Finance and Facilities Discussion 40:53

State controller letter and corrective action planning 40:53

  • 40:53 Administration distributed a letter from the state controller sent to the county, addressed to the mayor, and highlighted the portion concerning the general school fund.
  • 41:15 The letter’s findings included concern that the district was projected to end the fiscal year with a cash balance of less than 1 month.
  • 41:33 As a result, the school system and county commission must jointly submit a corrective action plan.
  • 41:50 Administration said county commissioners had recently shown interest in either a joint board retreat or work session, which aligns with the need to develop that plan.
  • 42:21 The state is expected to send more detailed requirements for the corrective action plan in the next couple of months, but administration said the local bodies do not have to wait to begin meeting.
  • 42:44 Administration encouraged starting talks soon with board and commission leadership, especially because holiday scheduling could make later coordination difficult.
  • 43:08 Members discussed timing concerns around Thanksgiving and Christmas and whether to schedule in late fall or after the first of the year.
  • 45:12 A Doodle Poll-style scheduling process was suggested to identify board availability for a January meeting; administration agreed to pursue that.

School-closure rumors and facility review 46:01

  • 46:01 A member asked about progress of the committee considering possible school closure issues and noted that TSBA had offered board retreat space at no cost through its headquarters.
  • 46:32 Administration said the district was not yet at a point where a closure retreat would be useful and preferred to wait until after the first of the year to see expenditures and revenues more clearly.
  • 47:04 Administration said it still hoped closures would not be necessary and that any such discussion should wait until finances are better understood.
  • 48:28 Consensus was to prioritize the county commission meeting first and pause the separate closure retreat idea for now.
  • 48:52 Administration confirmed that a committee is reviewing possibilities using the most recent facility study, described as roughly 8 years old.
  • 49:07 Administration said a new facility study would cost thousands of dollars, so the district is relying for now on the existing study to examine building size, age, maintenance, and other factors.
  • 49:25 Administration publicly emphasized that no decision has been made to close a high school or any other school, saying current work is only exploratory about what options might be viable if financial pressures required it.
  • 50:09 Members agreed they do not want closures and hope never to take that route.

Facilities and student activity updates 50:45

  • 50:45 A board member relayed student feedback that tennis courts at Hickman County High School looked much improved.
  • 50:55 Administration confirmed the work was complete at both courts and that students were excited about the repairs.
  • 51:22 Student representatives reported that Columbia Central had recently visited to see the district’s audiovisual program and speak with Mr. Dotson, with the visitors hoping to start similar work at their own school.
  • 51:38 Students said it was encouraging that other schools were drawing inspiration from Hickman County’s audiovisual efforts.

Adjournment 51:54

  • 51:54 Meeting adjourned by motion and voice vote.

Key figures and statistics

Figure Type Context / topic Timestamp
October 19 Date Meeting date referenced in agenda approval 12:38
September 14 Date Prior regular meeting minutes approved 12:57
5 Rating / metric Diana Langford described as level-five educator 13:57
7 Age Kip Kelly described as only 7 years old 17:47
6 Years Blake Bishop had played golf for East Hickman for six years 19:35
38 Headcount HCMS Beta Club membership 22:15
35 Headcount Beta Club members attending state convention 22:15
2nd Placement Prior-year social studies result at Beta competition 22:24
6th Placement Prior-year social studies result at Beta competition 22:24
November 22–24 Date range Beta Club state convention dates 22:33
9:00 a.m. Time Planned Beta trip departure time 22:41
5 Headcount Number of Beta Club chaperones 22:41
4 Capacity Students per hotel room for Beta trip 22:48
2027–2028 School year Proposed school calendar approved 23:54
3 Count Number of calendar changes put to employee vote 24:07
May 19 Date Last day of school / moved half-day date 25:31
November 1 Deadline TISA accountability report submission deadline 27:26
4th year Time period Approximate year of TISA accountability-report requirement 27:34
Friday Deadline Public comment period closing for TISA report 28:18
50% Percentage Example used to explain student achievement level 30:45
55% Percentage Example used to explain student growth 30:53
2 Count Number of budget amendments presented 31:54
141 Fund number Fund for both budget amendments 31:54
16 Amendment number ISM grant budget amendment 32:00
17 Amendment number Outside-support grants budget amendment 32:18
4 cents Adjustment Correction needed on Budget Amendment 16 32:38
2026–2027 School year Internal school funds audit contract term 33:39
2025–2026 School year Current internal school audit underway 34:39
$35,000 Contract amount Internal school funds audit fee 34:55
6.312 Policy number Wireless communication devices policy 35:42
3.405 Policy number School-bus advertising policy previously waived for second reading 37:38
1.803 Policy number Tobacco-free schools 37:54
4.700 Policy number Testing programs 37:54
5.801 Policy number Director of schools recruitment and selection 37:54
4.3011–4.407 Policy range Policies presented for routine review 38:41
2 years Time period Required policy review cycle 38:54
November 2 Date Next regular board meeting 40:04
5 Headcount Members indicating attendance at TSBA/TISA event 40:12
1 month Cash threshold Controller concern about projected year-end general school fund cash balance 41:24
couple of months Time period Expected wait for more state guidance on corrective action plan 42:21
January Time period Tentative target for joint planning meeting 45:30
8 years Age Approximate age of existing facility study 49:07
thousands of dollars Cost estimate Price of obtaining a new facility study 49:07

External vendors, brands, and software

Name Type Context / topic Timestamp
Google Forms Software Employee survey used for school calendar options 24:31
Matlock Firm Company Internal school funds audit contract for 2026–2027 34:32
Meta Brand Recording-capable smart glasses discussed under student device policy 36:13
Doodle Poll Software Suggested tool to schedule January board/commission meeting 45:12
TSBA Company Retreat space and support offered through headquarters for possible board work session 46:01

Laws and policies

Citation / name Level Type Context / topic Timestamp
TISA State Law Annual accountability report requirement and investment reporting 27:18
Policy 6.312 School Policy First-reading revisions on wireless communication devices, AI, and wearable recording tech 35:42
Policy 3.405 School Policy Prior action on school-bus advertising; second reading had been waived previously 37:38
Policy 1.803 School Policy Tobacco-free schools approved on second reading 37:54
Policy 4.700 School Policy Testing programs approved on second reading 37:54
Policy 5.801 School Policy Director of schools recruitment and selection approved on second reading 37:54
Policies 4.3011–4.407 School Policy Routine review set approved 38:41

Files

This document is a compilation of approved fundraiser requests for various activities at Hickman County High School, dated September 2026. It includes details on proposed fundraising activities such as a pancake breakfast, a fall book fair, and homecoming shirts, among others. Each entry outlines the intended use of funds, expected student involvement, and the method of fundraising, along with the names of individuals who requested and approved the activities. The document serves as a record of fundraising initiatives that have received necessary approvals from school administrators and the Director of Schools. This excerpt represents only the beginning of the file, and additional details may be found in the complete document.

This document is the Director's Membership and Attendance Report for Hickman County Schools, covering the reporting period from September 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026. It includes detailed enrollment and attendance data for various grades at multiple schools, including Centerville Elementary School and Hickman County High School. The report provides statistics such as net enrollment, average daily membership, and attendance figures for each grade level, highlighting trends in student attendance and enrollment across the district. The excerpt represents the beginning of a multi-page report, indicating that additional data and analysis may be present in the complete document.

This document is the agenda for the Hickman County Board of Education's regular meeting scheduled for October 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 203 of the Central Office complex. The agenda outlines several key items, including public comment opportunities, special recognitions for Employee and Student of the Month, and various reports such as personnel and financial updates. Additionally, it lists items requiring board action, including a trip request from the HCMS Beta Club and the approval of the proposed school calendar for 2027-2028. The document provides a structured overview of the meeting's proceedings and topics to be discussed.

This document is an information sheet regarding board policies for the Hickman County Schools, dated October 2026. It includes recommendations for changes to existing policies, such as the use of wireless communication devices and tobacco-free schools, as well as proposed revisions to testing programs and the recruitment and selection of the Director of Schools. Additionally, several policies are listed for review, covering topics like athletic regulations, field trips, instructional materials, and the use of copyrighted materials. The document is addressed to school board members and emphasizes the importance of equitable participation in educational programs.

This document is an information sheet regarding board policies for the Hickman County Schools, dated October 2026. It includes a summary of policies that are up for first and second readings, such as recommended changes to the use of wireless communication devices and updates to the tobacco-free schools policy. Additionally, it lists several policies that are up for review, including regulations on athletic activities, field trips, instructional materials, and the use of copyrighted materials. The document is addressed to school board members from Misty Shelton, the VPK Supervisor/Licensure Coordinator, and emphasizes the importance of considering these policy changes.

This document is a compilation of board policies from the Hickman County Board of Education, specifically focusing on athletic regulations, field trips, instructional materials, and textbooks. The excerpt includes policy descriptor codes and issued dates, with the most recent being October 2, 2023, for athletic regulations. Key topics discussed include guidelines for student participation in athletics, the approval process for field trips, and the selection and care of instructional materials and textbooks. The document outlines responsibilities for school officials, parents, and students in maintaining compliance with these policies. This overview is based on the beginning of the file only, and further details may be present in subsequent pages.

This document is a payment register for Hickman County Finance, detailing transactions for various accounts as of September 2026. The register includes payments made to multiple vendors, with specific entries for general purpose, federal, and cafeteria accounts. The excerpt lists payment numbers, vendor names, payment dates, cash accounts, and amounts for transactions occurring on dates such as September 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, and 28, 2026. Notable vendors include Amazon, Hickman County Trustee, and various local schools, indicating a range of expenditures related to county operations and services. This summary is based on the beginning of the file only, and further details may be available in subsequent pages.

This document is the agenda for the Hickman County Board of Education's regular board meeting scheduled for October 19, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Room 203 of the Central Office. The agenda outlines key items for discussion, including public comments, special recognitions such as Employee and Student of the Month, and various reports including financial and personnel updates. Additionally, it lists items requiring board action, such as trip requests, approval of the proposed school calendar for 2027-2028, and revisions to board policies. The document provides a structured overview of the meeting's intended proceedings based on the initial pages available.

This document is a Summary Financial Statement for Hickman County Finance, created by Michael Elkins on October 16, 2026, covering financial data for September 2026. It includes detailed revenue and expenditure information for the General Purpose School, School Federal Projects, and Central Cafeteria, highlighting year-to-date and month-to-date figures, budget estimates, actual amounts, and percentages of budget and average monthly actuals. The document provides insights into various revenue sources such as property tax, sales tax, and federal grants, as well as expenditures across different educational programs and services. This excerpt represents the beginning of the financial report, indicating a comprehensive overview of the county's financial status for the specified period.

This document is a trip request submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board for the HCMS Beta Club, dated September 17, 2024. The request seeks approval for the Beta Club to attend the National Beta Club State convention at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville from November 22 to 24. The request includes signatures from the person requesting the agenda item, Kim Tolly, along with Beta students, and the building principal, Jina A. Jhipper. This excerpt provides an overview of the trip request and its purpose, indicating the involvement of the school and its administration.

This document is the minutes from the Hickman County Board of Education's regular board meeting held on September 14, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Central Office - Room 203. The minutes detail the proceedings of the meeting, including the call to order, public comments, and the approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes. Key topics discussed include special recognitions, consent agenda items, various trip requests, budget amendments, and board policy revisions. The document also notes the election of board officers for the 2026-2027 term and includes motions and votes related to these items.

This document is the October 2026 Personnel Report prepared by Marcy Tidwell for the Board Members. It includes information regarding various personnel changes within the county schools, such as leaves of absence, hiring, resignations, retirements, and transfers of professional and support staff. Specific appointments mentioned include Matt Holloway as the Head Girls Softball Coach at HCMS and Jessica Collier as an Assistant Cheer Volunteer at EHHS. The excerpt provides a brief overview of personnel actions and open positions, indicating ongoing staffing considerations within the school district.

This document is the proposed school calendar for the 2027-2028 academic year for HC School. It outlines the instructional days, administrative days, and various events such as in-service training and parent-teacher conferences across the months of July 2027 through May 2028. The calendar includes specific dates for school closures, report card distributions, and professional development days. The excerpt provides a detailed view of the scheduling structure, although it is only the beginning of the full calendar document.

This document is a revised board policy from the Hickman County Board of Education, specifically focusing on the tobacco-free schools policy under descriptor code 1.803, issued on March 2, 2026. The policy outlines prohibitions against the use of tobacco, electronic devices, and vapor products within school district buildings and vehicles, as well as during school activities. It details the disciplinary procedures for students found in violation of this policy, including in-school suspension for multiple offenses. The document also references legal and cross-references related to the policy, indicating its compliance with existing laws and regulations. This excerpt represents the beginning of the policy and sets the framework for the complete document.

This document is a revised board policy (Policy 4.700) from the Hickman County Board of Education, issued on October 21, 2024, concerning testing programs. It outlines the responsibilities of the Board and the director of schools in implementing a system-wide testing program aimed at promoting accountability, assessing student progress, and guiding educational planning. The policy details various aspects of testing, including the inclusion of state-mandated tests in students' final grades, the administration of interest inventories and career assessments, and the requirement for parental consent for certain tests. The document appears to be the beginning of a comprehensive policy that addresses multiple facets of student testing and assessment procedures.

This document is a revised board policy (5.801) from the Hickman County Board of Education, specifically addressing the recruitment and selection process for the position of director of schools. Issued on April 7, 2025, this policy outlines the responsibilities of the Board in appointing a director, including the option to employ a consultant for assistance. It details the procedures for developing a job description, timeline, and selection process, emphasizing public involvement and transparency during candidate interviews. The document also specifies legal references relevant to the policy and rescinds a previous version issued on February 6, 2023.

This document is a revised board policy (6.312) from the Hickman County Board of Education regarding the use of wireless communication devices, presented for a first reading in October 2026. The policy outlines the circumstances under which students may use such devices, including emergencies and specific educational plans, while also prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence-enabled wearable technology during school hours. It specifies different regulations for grades K-5 and grades 6-12, detailing penalties for unauthorized use. The document appears to be part of an ongoing review process, with a version date noted as September 29, 2026.

This document is the TISA Accountability Report for Hickman County Schools for the fiscal year 2027, dated October 26, 2026. It outlines the district's goals and strategies for improving student achievement under the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) funding formula. The report details specific goals for third-grade English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency, including a target for 70% of students to meet or exceed expectations on TCAP tests by 2030, as well as plans for increasing ELA and Math success rates across grades 3-12. Additionally, it discusses the required public presentation and local school board approval of the report before submission to the Tennessee Department of Education by November 1st. This excerpt provides an overview of the district's accountability measures and strategic planning for educational improvement.

This document is the TSBA OPEB Quarterly Report covering the period from July 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026. It provides a detailed account activity summary for the Hickman investment accounts, including beginning and ending values, additions, withdrawals, and a breakdown of dividends and interest earned during the reporting period. The report outlines the total beginning value of the investment account as $3,678,958.89 and the total ending value as $3,681,373.48. Additionally, it includes a summary of fees incurred and highlights the importance of verifying the data against official monthly statements from Morgan Stanley.

This document is a Travel Expense Reimbursement Form for Hickman County, Tennessee. It includes sections for employees to detail their travel expenses, such as meals, lodging, and transportation, along with a certification statement for the accuracy of the reported expenses. The form outlines the necessary information required for reimbursement, including the employee's name, department, supervisor, and the object of the trip, as well as a breakdown of expenses incurred during travel. Additionally, it provides guidelines for meal and lodging rates applicable for various destinations within the county. This excerpt represents the beginning of the document, indicating its purpose and structure.