School board adopts revised bullying policy to take effect for upcoming year
June 05, 2026 | Jefferson County, School Districts, Tennessee
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The Jefferson County School Board on first and final reading approved a substantive revision to its bullying, harassment and intimidation policy (Policy 6.304) meant to clarify when off‑campus conduct falls under district jurisdiction and to tighten reporting and investigation timelines.
A staff presenter read the amended language line by line and described three main changes: the policy applies when conduct is directed specifically at a student and either creates a hostile educational environment or causes a substantial disruption to the learning environment; hazing is now explicitly defined and must be reported immediately to a principal; and the district will accept formal reports through its Tipline, JCS app, email, or by phone. The updated text reiterates that principals or their designates must initiate investigations within 48 hours of a report and complete investigations and interventions within 20 calendar days or notify the director of schools in writing with a documented justification for delay.
The revised policy also clarifies possible outcomes: "A substantiated charge against the student may result in a corrective or disciplinary action up to and including suspension/expulsion," language read aloud during the meeting by a staff presenter.
Board members voted to suspend the rules so the revisions could be adopted immediately for the coming school year; the board confirmed the district attorney and the Tennessee School Boards Association had reviewed the draft. The motion to adopt the revised Policy 6.304 carried on a voice vote.
Board members said the changes are part of a broader policy review that will continue; the board set a policy meeting for Aug. 24 to consider further TSBA recommendations and asked members to submit proposed policy changes by Aug. 10.
The meeting record shows the district expects to treat Tipline and JCS app submissions as formal reports and process them under the same timelines, documentation standards and investigative protocols that apply to all bullying and harassment complaints.
A staff presenter read the amended language line by line and described three main changes: the policy applies when conduct is directed specifically at a student and either creates a hostile educational environment or causes a substantial disruption to the learning environment; hazing is now explicitly defined and must be reported immediately to a principal; and the district will accept formal reports through its Tipline, JCS app, email, or by phone. The updated text reiterates that principals or their designates must initiate investigations within 48 hours of a report and complete investigations and interventions within 20 calendar days or notify the director of schools in writing with a documented justification for delay.
The revised policy also clarifies possible outcomes: "A substantiated charge against the student may result in a corrective or disciplinary action up to and including suspension/expulsion," language read aloud during the meeting by a staff presenter.
Board members voted to suspend the rules so the revisions could be adopted immediately for the coming school year; the board confirmed the district attorney and the Tennessee School Boards Association had reviewed the draft. The motion to adopt the revised Policy 6.304 carried on a voice vote.
Board members said the changes are part of a broader policy review that will continue; the board set a policy meeting for Aug. 24 to consider further TSBA recommendations and asked members to submit proposed policy changes by Aug. 10.
The meeting record shows the district expects to treat Tipline and JCS app submissions as formal reports and process them under the same timelines, documentation standards and investigative protocols that apply to all bullying and harassment complaints.
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