Obion County BOE approves policy updates

The Obion County Board of Education met in regular session Monday evening, April 6, at Ridgemont Elementary School in Union City, Tenn.  
The meeting opened with prayer followed by roll call, showing Obion County Director of Schools Tim Watkins, board chairman Fritz Fussell, vice-chair Keisha Hooper, chair pro tem Barry Adams and board members Shannon Graham, Tim Britt, Jared Poore and Chris Akin recognized the Obion County Schools Youth Choir for its participation and service.
The board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from its March 2, 2026, regular session without noted revisions.
As part of the consent agenda, the board approved the monthly personnel report and the financial report.
Personnel actions included the resignation of Dale Turner as bus driver at South Fulton Elementary; the termination of Sydney Agar as special education secretary; and the hiring of Brian Tanner as custodian at Lake Road and Breeanna Parnell as an educational assistant at South Fulton Elementary.
Board members also acknowledged a leave of absence for Gary Rily, a bus driver.
The board further approved the district’s monthly financial report as presented.
Board members approved several overnight student travel requests.
Approved trips included: Obion County Central High School art students’ March 26–29 trip to the Cincinnati Art Museum;; South Fulton Middle School band’s April 16–18 trip to the Smoky Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg,; Hillcrest students in grades 4–6 traveling May 13–15 to the Brandon Spring Group Center in Dover; and Obion County Central High School girls’ basketball team’s Dec. 27–30 trip to the Smokey Mountain Winter Classic Basketball Tournament in Gatlinburg.
The board approved an amendment to Board Policy 5.105 regarding the recruitment of employees on first and final reading.
The revision clarifies that vacancies will be posted publicly through the district’s website, strengthening transparency.
Board members approved recommendations from the district’s Textbook Adoption Committee for new instructional materials in career and technical education and health-related coursework.
Adopted materials include textbooks for: Advanced Manufacturing; Information Technology; and Physical Education/Health for grades 9–12.
The materials will be used in a six-year adoption cycle beginning with the 2026–27 school year. District officials noted the adoption must be certified with the Tennessee Department of Education before May 15, 2026.
The board approved tenure recommendations for several teachers following recommendations from principals and instructional supervisors in accordance with state law and board policy.
Teachers approved for tenure included: Ryan McMackin of Hillcrest Elementary; Julie Everage of Lake Road Elementary; Lindsey Gidcumb, Meagan Gregory, Morgan King and Kaitlin Scott, all of Ridgemont Elementary; and Jennifer Alford, Sandi Bigham, and Tucker Pounds, all of South Fulton Elementary.
Board members noted that granting tenure remains within the discretion of the board under Tennessee law.
The board approved an amendment to Board Policy 2.400 concerning revenues after guidance from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury related to the federal government’s decision to discontinue production of pennies.
Officials said the update incorporates recommended language from the Tennessee School Boards Association regarding payment practices.
Board members approved revisions to Board Policy 6.411 addressing student wellness to align with updates to the State Board of Education’s Coordinated School Health Program policy and current statutory requirements.
The board approved changes to Board Policy 5.3021 regarding bereavement leave.
The revision removes the term “support” from the title and first sentence and replaces it with broader language applying to personnel.
Board members approved amendments to Board Policy 1.404 concerning appeals to and appearances before the board following the enactment of new state legislation signed on March 26 by Gov. Bill Lee.
The law requires local governing bodies to allow public comment on any matter germane to their jurisdiction, regardless of whether the topic appears on the meeting agenda. The change expands existing requirements that already allowed comment on agenda items. 
The board approved amendments to Board Policy 1.804 addressing alcohol and drugs in the workplace.
The update includes provisions allowing examinations based on reasonable suspicion.
Board members also approved amendments to Board Policy 5.403 addressing employee drug and alcohol testing, adding language reflecting best practices related to reasonable-suspicion testing.
The board approved revisions to Board Policy 5.800 concerning the director of schools. The update clarifies the personnel responsibilities assigned to the position.
Following approval of the action items, the board received the director’s monthly update before concluding the meeting. Members then adjourned after completing scheduled announcements.
The next meeting of the Obion County School Board will be a special called session scheduled for Thurs., April 23 at 6 p.m. at the board office in Union City to approve the district’s 2026-27 budget.