Maryville Board approves package of policy updates, flooring contract and software renewals

The Maryville Board of Education approved a package of policy updates and ratified several contracts and software renewals at its June 15 meeting.

On policy matters, the board took first reading of Policy 4.215 on the instructional use of digital devices. Dr. Winstead said the policy draws from Tennessee School Boards Association model language and reflects state guidance while emphasizing teachers' discretion to allow device use when it produces clear educational benefits. The board also took first reading of Policy 6.4053 on outside Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, which reflects a change in state law: under the proposal parents would arrange and pay for therapy while the district provides access in accordance with state law.

The board discussed revisions to Policy 4.301 concerning student athletics to allow private-school students who lack a particular sport to try out at their zoned public school. Board members Nick Black and Bart Stinnett sought clarification that the language guarantees the opportunity to try out, not placement on a roster; Vice-Chair Nick Black moved to amend the language by replacing "participate" with "try out." Bart Stinnett seconded and the amended motion passed unanimously.

The consent agenda ratified several routine items: Shaw Flooring was approved for the Maryville High School library floor replacement for $45,814.51 (funding: Building Improvements); renewal of MVPA Mastery Connect from Instructure for $56,238.77 (funding: Summer School/GP Software); and Canvas Cloud renewal from Instructure for $36,607.25 (funding: Regular Ed Software). The board also approved declaring certain items surplus and authorized their disposal.

Several of the policy items were described as first readings and will return for subsequent consideration as required. The motions on the policies and consent items were recorded as approved unanimously.