LYNCHBURG — The Moore County Board of Education is weighing changes to its student search policy that could give principals the authority to appoint trained designees to conduct searches when administrators or school resource officers of the same sex as the student being searched are unavailable. The proposed amendment to Policy 6.303—passed earlier this year to align with state law – will be on the board’s September agenda.
Director of Schools Chad Moorehead explained that the change would address situations where all administrators at a school are of one gender and a search of a student of the opposite gender is necessary. Examples would include Lynchburg Elementary – where most teachers and administrators are female – or athletic trips. Under the proposal, principals could recommend designees for approval, with searches still requiring the principal authorization before proceeding.
Other Policies Under Review
In addition to the student search amendment, the board reviewed two other proposed policy changes:
- Administrative Reports (Policy 1.906) – The board is considering shifting certain annual reports to later in the year so they align better with data release schedules. Members discussed adding information on the number of teachers eligible for tenure, though that data may not be available until late fall.
- Digital Transactions (Policy 2.4) – A revision would remove the prohibition on processing fees for digital payments, acknowledging that current systems already charge such fees for items like lunch accounts and concessions. Director Moorehead told the board that concession stands would start taking digital payments this year.
All three policy changes are scheduled for a September vote.
Routine Business and Approvals
The board approved its annual medical panel for workers’ compensation claims, as recommended by Tennessee Risk Management.
Two school buses – #7 and #8 – were declared surplus. Bus #7 will be donated to the county’s Emergency Management Agency for use as a mobile triage vehicle, while Bus #8 will be sold.
At Lynchburg Elementary, a $750 annual supplement was approved for the Student Council/Lighthouse Team sponsor, offset by the removal of a grade-level leader stipend, resulting in a net savings of about $300.
The board also reviewed the district’s updated Emergency Operations Plan, which has been approved by the state and will also be shared with local law enforcement and first responders. Members opted to table a vote until they have more time to review the confidential document.
Director’s Report Highlights
- Enrollment – The district opened the year with 922 students, about 65 more than last August. If the numbers hold, the increase could result in higher state funding.
- Facilities – Work on a previously approved handicapped-accessible seating area for the band section may move forward this year with donated labor.
- Communication Tools – The district is transitioning from Remind to Parent Square for parent communications.
- Staffing Changes – A temporary custodian was hired, two staff members resigned, and a federally funded position will be posted after the release of grant funds.
The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 8 at 6 p.m. To view the agenda, click here. Members will vote then on the policy changes discussed in August. To be added to the agenda, contact the Director of Schools by 4 p.m. the date of the meeting. To see the full public comment policy, click here. •
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