Hickman County TN

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

School Board · Meeting · Nov 2, 2026

Mon, Nov 2, 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 approved routine business quickly, then moved through several substantive action items: the annual LEA compliance report; two budget amendments adding grant funds and correcting prior entries; a split coaching supplement for assistant softball at Hickman County High School; a revised travel approval for the Hickman County High School Beta Club to leave a day earlier for state finals; and policy actions on testing-program grading methodology and student wireless-device rules. The board also approved naming the Hickman County High School tennis courts for Lonnie Horn, citing his long influence on the county’s tennis program.

Other notable threads included a postponed information item because the presenter was out with COVID; grant-funded school security purchases; an opioid-prevention grant tied to student ambassadors and regional prevention specialists; discussion of a new federal tax-credit scholarship program and possible future state legislation on virtual schools and accountability; first returns from bus advertising revenue; and district-level teacher, principal, and supervisor recognitions.

Call to Order / Opening Items 19:02

  • 19:02 Meeting opened; no public comments were present.
  • Moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance followed.
  • 19:47 Agenda amended to add item 10D for the Hickman County High School Beta Club trip change, because four students qualified for state finals and needed earlier departure approval.
  • 20:18 Motion approved to add the agenda item.
  • 20:23 Agenda for November 2 approved as amended.
  • 20:36 October regular meeting minutes approved without discussion.

Special Recognitions 20:46

Employee recognition 21:06

  • 21:06 Sheila Walls was recognized for major work during the district’s student information system transition from “Skyward” to Synergy/Syntax as heard in the transcript.
  • Recognition emphasized that she handled SIS implementation duties on top of regular counseling responsibilities at both high schools, including extra hours auditing data, troubleshooting, and supporting rollout.

Student of the Month 23:18

  • 23:37 Centerville Intermediate School recognized Briley Rogers as Student of the Month for kindness, helpfulness, leadership by example, and participation in cheer and Junior Dogs basketball.

Approval of Consent Agenda 25:58

  • 26:04 Consent agenda items approved without objection.

Information Item Deferred 26:12

  • 26:12 An informational presentation was postponed because the scheduled presenter was out with COVID.
  • 26:30 Board indicated it would try to reschedule the item for December.

New Business / Agenda Items 26:38

LEA compliance report 26:38

  • 26:46 Annual compliance report presented as the district’s attestation to the Tennessee Department of Education that the system is complying with Tennessee legislation and State Board of Education rules.
  • 27:00 Each principal also submitted compliance input to support the system-level filing.
  • 27:09 Administration stated that, to the best of its knowledge, the district is in compliance in all areas.
  • 27:29 Motion to approve the compliance report passed; no opposition noted.

Budget amendments 27:43

  • 27:45 Budget Amendment 18 for Fund 141 covered three grant-related items.
  • 28:00 A state special education pre-K grant was added and will help fund one position working in that area.
  • 28:17 The public school security grant of $29,000 was added; administration said that was about half of the prior year’s amount, with the possibility of additional dollars later if a separate state-applied grant is shared locally.
  • 28:41 Proposed uses for the security grant included reunification-site supplies, window coverings, and hallway mirrors or similar visibility improvements for school safety.
  • 29:13 An opioid grant of $22,000 was also added; administration said this was the second opioid grant received that year and would support preventive work, collaboration with regional opioid prevention specialists, and student ambassador efforts.
  • 29:47 Budget Amendment 19 was described as corrections and additional changes after some items were doubled in the prior month’s work, plus outside donation funds from MLEC and other outside support.
  • 30:28 Motion to approve Budget Amendments 18 and 19 passed by roll-call vote, 7–0.

Split coaching supplement 30:49

  • 30:54 Administration requested approval of one split coaching supplement.
  • 31:00 The only split known at that time was for Hickman County High School assistant softball, dividing the 7% supplement evenly.
  • 31:18 Motion approved by roll-call vote, 7–0.

Beta Club out-of-state / overnight trip revision 31:42

  • 31:50 Board took up the newly added item changing an already approved Hickman County High School Beta Club trip.
  • 32:11 Sponsor explained that 4 of 7 students qualified for state finals at the end of November; last year no one qualified.
  • 32:42 Because students must set up presentations and test in advance, the group needed to leave on the 19th instead of the previously approved later date.
  • 32:56 Sponsor said hotel availability had already been checked but no change would be made without board approval.
  • 33:12 Motion to approve the earlier departure passed without opposition.

Policy 4.700 testing programs — first reading 33:29

  • 33:29 Policy 4.700 Testing Programs was brought on first reading.
  • 33:29 Change was needed because EOC/EOC-related results are no longer included in final grades using the old raw-score methodology; the state now uses a scaled score converted to a quick score.
  • 34:02 First-reading approval passed without opposition.

Policy 6.312 wireless communication devices — second reading 34:14

  • 34:14 Policy 6.312 Use of Wireless Communication Devices came up for second reading.
  • 34:22 Recommended changes were highlighted and were described as drawn from discussions with other superintendents and their approaches to the policy.
  • 34:39 Motion to approve on second reading passed without opposition.

Policy review batch 34:51

  • 34:51 Policies 4.408 through 4.606 were presented for review and approval.
  • 34:58 Administration noted that policies 4.600, 4.603, and 4.605 had already been updated recently during the July/August policy cycle.
  • 35:25 Motion to approve the policy set passed without opposition.

Naming Hickman County High School tennis courts 35:45

  • 35:49 Request presented to name the Hickman County High School tennis courts.
  • 36:00 The request was made on behalf of a board member who could not attend that portion because he was coaching a middle school girls basketball game.
  • 36:09 Administration urged approval, saying the county’s tennis program would not exist in its present form without Lonnie Horn’s influence and long service.
  • 36:40 The request was tied to the recently resurfaced tennis courts and recognition of community impact.
  • 37:06 Motion to name the HCHS tennis courts after Lonnie Horn passed without opposition.

Announcements / Closing Comments 37:22

December meeting date 37:22

  • 37:22 Regular December board meeting was set for December 7.

Legislative update 37:30

  • 37:32 Board received a legislative update on a federal tax-credit scholarship program that had passed Congress as part of a budget/tax package.
  • 37:46 The program was described as allowing a tax credit of $1,700 per taxpayer per year or $3,400 per married couple, with funds directed to scholarship-granting organizations.
  • 38:02 Uses mentioned for those scholarship funds included tutoring, extended-day learning, and certain fees and related expenses.
  • 38:22 It was noted that the speaker was unsure whether the president had signed the measure yet.
  • 38:31 Possible upcoming state-level discussion topics were identified as virtual schools and accountability measures for schools considered failing or underperforming.

Student board representative update 39:13

  • 39:15 Student representative reported football season had ended, basketball was starting, and the newly resurfaced tennis courts looked good and were expected to be used soon.

Director’s closing comments 39:36

  • 39:36 Director reported the district’s first bus advertisement had been installed and was already generating interest.
  • 39:45 From the first 5 sponsors, the district expected a check by late November for more than $4,000.
  • 40:10 After photos circulated, multiple outside inquiries were received about how to place advertisements on buses, suggesting possible future revenue growth.
  • 40:27 A January public meeting date was set by poll for January 23.
  • 40:35 Administration proposed starting that meeting at 9:00 and using the Hickman County High School library, while noting that turnout could require moving to the auditorium.
  • 41:59 Administration also reported district-level recognitions:
    • 42:16 Jennifer Hudgins — Supervisor of the Year.
    • 42:21 Jana Willis of East Hickman Middle School — Principal of the Year.
    • 42:46 Teacher of the Year winners by state grade band:
      • Charlene Hunt, pre-K through 4, Centerville Intermediate School.
      • Jenny Hoff, grades 5–8, East Hickman Middle School.
      • Shawn Lawson, grades 9–12, Hickman County High School.
    • 43:08 Novice Teacher of the Year winners:
      • Olivia Craft, pre-K through 4, Centerville Elementary.
      • Adam Vickery, grades 5–8, East Hickman Middle.
      • Colton Hunt, grades 9–12, East Hickman High School.
  • 43:50 Board members briefly discussed making bus-advertising information available to interested businesses after at least one outside inquiry tied to a dealership ad already seen on a bus.

Adjournment 44:32

  • 44:34 Motion to adjourn approved.

Key figures and statistics

Figure Type Context / topic Timestamp
6:30 Time Meeting start time announced 18:54
10D Agenda item Added agenda item for Beta Club trip revision 19:47
4 Headcount Additional/final total Beta Club qualifiers needing trip adjustment 19:59
2026 Year Student of the Month recognition year 23:37
141 Fund Fund for Budget Amendment 18 27:52
3 Count Grants/items included in Budget Amendment 18 27:52
$29,000 Grant Public school security grant 28:17
half Comparison Security grant described as about half of last year’s amount 28:25
$22,000 Grant Opioid prevention grant 29:13
second Count Second opioid grant received that year 29:20
18 Amendment number Budget Amendment 18 27:45
19 Amendment number Budget Amendment 19 29:47
7–0 Vote Approval of budget amendments 30:28
1 Count Split supplement request presented 31:00
7% Salary supplement Assistant softball supplement to be split evenly 31:08
7–0 Vote Approval of split supplement 31:27
4 Headcount Beta Club students who qualified 32:11
7 Headcount Total students referenced for Beta Club qualifying group 32:11
19th Date Earlier Beta Club departure date requested 32:42
20th Date Previously approved later date referenced 32:51
21st Date Previously approved later date referenced 32:51
4.700 Policy number Testing Programs policy 33:29
6.312 Policy number Use of Wireless Communication Devices policy 34:14
4.408 Policy number Start of policy review range 34:51
4.606 Policy number End of policy review range 34:51
4.600 Policy number Recently updated policy in review set 34:58
4.603 Policy number Recently updated policy in review set 34:58
4.605 Policy number Recently updated policy in review set 34:58
December 7 Date Next regular board meeting 37:22
$1,700 Tax credit Federal scholarship tax credit per taxpayer per year 37:46
$3,400 Tax credit Federal scholarship tax credit per married couple 37:54
5 Count First bus-advertising sponsors 39:45
over $4,000 Revenue Expected first bus-advertising check by end of November 39:54
January 23 Date Planned public meeting date selected by poll 40:27
9:00 Time Proposed start time for January public meeting 40:35
14 Headcount County commission members referenced for joint/public setting 41:26
7 Headcount School board members referenced for joint/public setting 41:37
2014 Year Length of director’s connection to community referenced in tennis-court item 36:33

External vendors, brands, and software

Name Type Context / topic Timestamp
Skyward Software Prior student information system referenced during employee recognition 21:06
MLEC Company Outside donation funds included in Budget Amendment 19 30:05
Facebook Brand Platform where bus advertisement photos and discussion circulated 39:36
Facebook Messenger Software Source of outside inquiries about bus advertisements 40:02
Chevrolet Brand Dealership branding seen on a bus advertisement that prompted inquiry 44:15

Personnel changes

Name Role / office Change Context / topic Timestamp
Jennifer Hudgins District supervisor Recognized / selected Supervisor of the Year announced in closing comments; recognition only, not a status change in employment 42:16
Jana Willis Principal, East Hickman Middle School Recognized / selected Principal of the Year announced in closing comments; recognition only, not a status change in employment 42:21

Laws and policies

Citation / name Level Type Context / topic Timestamp
LEA compliance report School Policy Annual attestation of compliance with Tennessee legislation and State Board of Education rules 26:46
4.700 Testing Programs School Policy Revised to reflect new methodology for including EOC results in final grades 33:29
6.312 Use of Wireless Communication Devices School Policy Second-reading approval of updated student device-use rules 34:14
federal tax credit scholarship program Federal Law Passed Congress as part of a budget/tax package; discussed as a new scholarship-funding mechanism 37:40

Files

This document is a compilation of approved fundraiser requests from East Hickman High School, dated October 2026. It outlines various proposed fundraising activities, including a Dirty Soda Stand for Halloween, Boo Grams, and sales of eagle tattoos and face painting during a rival game, among others. Each entry specifies the fund/account name, intended use of the raised funds, expected student involvement, and the method of profit collection, which is primarily cash. The requests have been acknowledged and approved by relevant school officials, including the principal and the Director of Schools, ensuring compliance with district policies regarding fundraising activities involving the general student population.

This document is the agenda for the Hickman County Board of Education's regular meeting scheduled for November 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 203 of the Central Office complex. The agenda outlines several key items, including a public comment period, a moment of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance. It also includes special recognitions for Employee of the Month Tim Hobbs and Student of the Month Jane Herron, as well as various reports and items requiring board action, such as budget amendments and policy revisions. The document serves as a guide for the meeting's proceedings and highlights important topics for discussion.

This document is a compilation of board policies from the Hickman County Board of Education, specifically focusing on policies numbered 4.408 to 4.606, issued in November 2026. The policies cover various topics including the use of multimedia in classrooms, community instructional resources, school volunteer programs, and parental and family involvement in education. Each policy outlines the expectations, procedures, and responsibilities associated with these areas, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and compliance with educational standards. The document appears to be an official record intended for review and implementation by school administrators and staff, with the latest updates noted as of September 2024.

This document is a payment register for Hickman County Finance, dated October 15, 2026, and includes multiple entries detailing payments made to various vendors. The register lists payments across different accounts, including Cafeteria, General Purpose, and Federal funds, with specific amounts allocated to vendors such as Chef's Deal Restaurant, Amazon, and Renaissance Learning. The document outlines payment numbers, vendor names, IDs, payment dates, cash accounts, and amounts, providing a comprehensive overview of financial transactions for the county on the specified date. This excerpt represents only the beginning of the file, indicating that additional pages may contain further details or transactions.

This document is the agenda for the Hickman County Board of Education's regular meeting scheduled for November 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Room 203 of the Central Office. The agenda outlines several key items, including a public comment period, a moment of silence, and the Pledge of Allegiance. It also includes recognition of the Employee of the Month and Student of the Month, as well as consent agenda items such as the Board Chair's Report and various reports on personnel, finances, and attendance. Additionally, the agenda lists items requiring board action, including compliance reports, budget amendments, and revisions to board policies.

This document is the minutes from the Hickman County Board of Education's regular board meeting held on October 19, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Central Office - Room 203. The minutes detail the proceedings of the meeting, including the approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes, as well as special recognitions for Employee of the Month, Student of the Month, and athlete and coach achievements. Additionally, the document outlines various motions passed regarding consent agenda items, trip requests, the proposed school calendar for 2027-2028, budget amendments, and revisions to board policies. The meeting concluded with announcements and a motion to adjourn.

This document is the 2026 Local Education Agency Compliance Report, which outlines the requirements for local education agencies (LEAs) to comply with federal and state education laws and State Board of Education rules. It serves as an annual compliance mechanism for the Tennessee Department of Education, detailing the responsibilities of LEAs to submit their compliance status and any necessary corrective action plans by November 30, 2026. The report emphasizes the importance of verifying compliance and notes that the data collected may influence an LEA's approval classification. The excerpt includes sections for certification by the Director of Schools or Superintendent and the School Board Chair, indicating the need for official signatures and approval dates.

This document is a personnel report dated October 28, 2026, prepared by Marcy Tidwell for the Board Members of the county schools. It outlines various personnel matters including leaves of absence, hiring of new staff, resignations, retirements, and transfers. Specific positions mentioned include a part-time academic technology support specialist and multiple substitute teacher roles. The report also notes an appointment for a volunteer girls basketball coach at HCMS. This excerpt provides an overview of staffing changes and opportunities within the school district.

This document is a request for an agenda item submitted to the Hickman County Schools Board regarding the naming of the tennis courts at Hickman County High School. Dated October 23, 2026, the request proposes to honor legendary Coach Honnie Horner by naming the courts after him due to his significant contributions to the school's tennis program. The request includes a brief explanation of Coach Horner's credentials and achievements, highlighting his long tenure and impact on the teams. The document also features signatures from the requester, Ben Scitts, and the building principal, Roby Emasor.

This document is a revised board policy (Descriptor Code 4.700) from the Hickman County Board of Education, issued on October 21, 2024, regarding 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 includes details on various testing procedures, the inclusion of test scores in final grades, and the administration of interest inventories and career assessments for students. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of obtaining parental consent for certain tests and mandates the publication of testing information on the Board's website. This excerpt represents the beginning of the policy document, providing an overview of its intent and key components.

This document is a revised board policy from the Hickman County Board of Education, specifically focusing on Descriptor Code 6.312 regarding the Use of Wireless Communication Devices. Issued on July 7, 2025, this policy outlines the circumstances under which students may use wireless communication devices, including emergencies and health management, while also detailing restrictions on artificial intelligence-enabled wearable technology. The policy specifies different rules for students in grades K-5 and 6-12 regarding possession and usage during the school day, as well as penalties for unauthorized use. The version date of this document is September 29, 2026, indicating it is a current policy under review.