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Both policies, #4.605 and #4.606, were revised in response to the changes in Tennessee State Department of Education regulations that implement the Diploma Project. For example, beginning with 9th graders who enter high school during the 2009 – 2010 school year, the Gateway tests are being replaced with End-of-Course tests.

TSBA’s proposed additions to Board Policy #5.305 are major changes. Due to the complexity of the Family Medical Leave Act, we have always counted on TSBA to keep our policy current with the changing law. TSBA recommends addition of the underlined language to our current policy. The changes were prompted by new military leave provisions. The new leave provisions allow up to 26 weeks of leave in a single twelve-month period for qualifying exigencies. However, the leave is only available one time; therefore, system employees will have to track such leave when and if the leave is requested. Our current policy is referenced for information only.

Since the changes to Policies #1.400 and #1.502 are minor, I recommend adoption on first and final reading, waiving the second reading. Since the amendment to Board Policy #4.606 is so slight, I recommend adoption on first and final reading, waiving the second reading.

Board Policies ##4.605 and 5.305 are a little more complicated; therefore, I recommend adoption of the proposed amendments on first reading.

Obion County Board of Education June 26, 2009	Agenda Item: VI.G.

Consider/Approve Amendments to Board Policies

Preliminary Matters: Changes to Board Policy #1.400, School Board Meetings, and Board Policy #1.502, Board Meeting News Coverage, are related. TSBA recommends the deletion of the struck through language in Policy #1.502, which provides, “The press shall not bring a camera, camcorder or other photographic equipment to Board meetings without the consent of the Board,” and the insertion of the underlined language in Policy #1.400, which states, “No one shall bring a camera, camcorder or other photographic equipment to Board meetings without the consent of the Board.” The reasoning for this change is due to the perception that the camera ban needlessly and harmfully singles out the press. The second reason is that the growth of the new media, such as blogging, makes it increasingly difficult to determine exactly who is subject to such a targeted ban. TSBA recommends amending Board Policy #4.606, Graduation Activities, ever so slightly. The addition of the language, “Students graduating with distinction will be recognized at graduation,” is the only change. The new regulations do not specify how students will be recognized, leaving it up to the individual system to determine the recognition procedure. The Board amended Board Policy #4.605, Graduation Requirements, earlier this month. Our “Student Load” section now reads as follows: STUDENT LOAD All students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) shall be enrolled each semester in subjects that will produce a minimum of three (3) units toward graduation requirements. Hardships, including “career” athletes, or gifted cases may be appealed by the student to the director of schools with further appeal to the Board. Credits required for graduation shall be as follows: For the 2009 – 2010 school year, 23 credits shall be required to receive a diploma. For the 2010 – 2011 school year, 24 credits shall be required to receive a diploma. For the 2011 – 2012 school year, 25 credits shall be required to receive a diploma. For the 2012 – 2013 school year and thereafter, 26 credits shall be required to receive a diploma. As set forth on TSBA’s proposed policy, our policy needs to be updated as follows: Insert the heading “Requirements for students who entered the 9th grade prior to the 2009 – 2010 school year;” between the third and fourth paragraphs of our current policy. Insert lines 29 – 33 of TSBA’s proposed policy before our “Student Load” section. Insert the entire section “Special Education Students” of TSBA’s proposed policy before our “Student Load” section, striking the number “22” in both places and inserting after “units of credit” “as set forth below” Both policies, #4.605 and #4.606, were revised in response to the changes in Tennessee State Department of Education regulations that implement the Diploma Project. For example, beginning with 9th graders who enter high school during the 2009 – 2010 school year, the Gateway tests are being replaced with End-of-Course tests. TSBA’s proposed additions to Board Policy #5.305 are major changes. Due to the complexity of the Family Medical Leave Act, we have always counted on TSBA to keep our policy current with the changing law. TSBA recommends addition of the underlined language to our current policy. The changes were prompted by new military leave provisions. The new leave provisions allow up to 26 weeks of leave in a single twelve-month period for qualifying exigencies. However, the leave is only available one time; therefore, system employees will have to track such leave when and if the leave is requested. Our current policy is referenced for information only. Staff Recommendation: Since the changes to Policies #1.400 and #1.502 are minor, I recommend adoption on first and final reading, waiving the second reading. Since the amendment to Board Policy #4.606 is so slight, I recommend adoption on first and final reading, waiving the second reading. Board Policies ##4.605 and 5.305 are a little more complicated; therefore, I recommend adoption of the proposed amendments on first reading.