Educators urge approval of memorandum of understanding; board sends the proposal back to committee

Dozens of teachers, union representatives and parents urged the Dickson County Board of Education on Feb. 26 to ratify a negotiated memorandum of understanding (MOU) built under the Professional Educators Collaborative Conferencing Act.

"This the agreement simply needs your approval," said Anna Wilson, a high school teacher and parent, describing a provision that would guarantee 150 minutes per week of individual, self-directed planning time. "Voting yes on the MOU says this district gives teachers the time they need to do their very best for the students."

Former educator Michael Mai told the board the PECA framework replaces earlier nonbinding arbitration and offers a structured path for communication and stability. "Above everything, communication is vital," Mai said, urging trustees to ratify the memorandum.

Beverly Parvis, president of the Williamson County Education Association, described the MOU as clarifying processes rather than removing board authority. "It defines rights and responsibilities and ensures due process," she said, adding that in her experience the approach reduced conflict and strengthened professional relationships.

Board members expressed appreciation for the work but did not bring a motion to adopt the memorandum during the meeting. A board chair’s request for a motion failed to produce one; the chair characterized the outcome as no motion and said the item will return to the committee for further examination.

District staff and several committee members emphasized the collaborative nature of the document: committee members described unanimous internal support for the five‑page proposal and said it took 16 months to complete. Supporters argued the MOU would promote instructional quality by protecting planning time, improve morale and reduce turnover.

The educators’ group referred to the MOU as a short document focused on process and predictable working conditions, while board members seeking more time for review said they wanted to examine the language and implications in committee before a vote.

Next steps: the board indicated it will reconsider the MOU in committee and bring it back to a future public meeting for a vote.