SES Hosts FC School Board Meeting

Policy Amendments Approved
 by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
Sewanee Elementary School hosted the Sept. 8 meeting of the Franklin County School Board in keeping with the board’s practice of meeting at one of the district’s schools every other month. Prior to the meeting, board members met with SES teachers and toured the school. Addressing the board, SES Principal Kim Tucker talked about educating the whole child and the importance of instilling the values of service and being good community stewards. Tucker strongly advocates teaching across the curriculum and teaching outside the four walls, incorporating place-based learning that utilizes the many resources offered by the community, University, and natural environment.
Tucker announced several upcoming events that reflect the school’s ethos and approach to learning. Scheduled for Sept. 26–30, the SES Book Fair is a one-on-one experience connecting students with titles they want to read. On Wednesday, Oct. 5, students, parents and community members will join in the annual Walk to School event, which begins at the University Bookstore. The annual SES Peace Pole Ceremony celebrates a different foreign country each year. This year’s ceremony is scheduled for 8 a.m., Friday, Oct.14, during the morning assembly period.
During the business portion of the meeting, the board welcomed new school board member Linda Jones and elected the following officers: Cleijo Walker, chair, and Lance Williams, vice-chair. Adam Tucker, school board representative from Sewanee, was reelected to serve in the capacity of legislative liaison for the board.
The board approved several policy amendments and additions recommended by the Tennessee School Board Association. The new Homeless Students policy defines homelessness and guarantees homeless students access “to the same free appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths”; the policy also calls for appointing a district homeless coordinator to implement the policy and coordinate support from social service agencies. The new Credit Recovery policy establishes procedures by which students can recover credit and sets criteria for credit recovery teachers. The amended Discipline Procedures policy added the following to the list of “misbehaviors” calling for disciplinary action: wearing clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent manner; harassment (sexual, racial, ethnic, religious); and possession, sale, and/or distribution of tobacco or alcohol.
The board withheld approval of the Graduation Requirements policy and Child Abuse and Neglect policy pending further consideration. The board will seek clarification on the number of credits required to graduate in the various circumstances identified in the Graduation Requirements policy.
Tucker also asked for clarification of the definition for emotional abuse in the Child Abuse and Neglect policy. Board representative Chris Guess pointed out that scolding did not constitute abuse and a distinction needed to be made between the two. The board approved of the portion of the policy obligating school employees to report abuse and stipulating the procedures to be followed.
The board will revisit the Graduation Requirements policy and Child Abuse and Neglect policy at the October meeting. The board will hold a working session on Oct. 3. The next regular meeting is Oct. 10.