Elementary and middle school students will not be allowed to use cell phones on school campuses during the school day, WSMV reports:
The school board in Williamson County voted on Monday night to prohibit students from using cellphones on its elementary and middle school campuses.
After amending the language of the policy, the board voted 10-2 to approve the new policy, which requires elementary and middle school students to lock away their phones during the school day.
A Williamson County teacher has been reinstated following a suspension as a result of a social media post deemed insensitive in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Chalkbeat reports:
A Williamson County Schools teacher who was suspended over a private social media post in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination has been reinstated to her job, though a federal lawsuit over the district’s actions is still ongoing.
The reinstatement was revealed in a federal court filing after Emily Orbison, a Franklin High School teacher, sued the Tennessee school district last month over her suspension and a subsequent “no contact” ban from district schools property that blocked her from accessing her own daughter’s school and teacher.
The Williamson County School Board recently made science textbook selections. In an unprecedented move, the Board rejected the science textbooks that received the most votes from teachers. Instead, the Board chose to implement/adopt material that was the last choice.
It’s not entirely clear why this choice was made, though it is worth noting that the Board is now solidly controlled by influences from Moms for Liberty and Americans for Prosperity.
One blogger took the time to review teacher responses to this action. I’ll note some examples here:
“During my time teaching in the district, we’ve lost many excellent teachers to other districts because of pay, climate, and decisions like those made at last night’s meeting regarding textbook adoption. How can you spend the first part of the meeting discussing things like increasing teacher pay and then come back from break so blatantly disregarding us as professionals?” – WCS high school AP teacher
“In my 18 years in public education, I have never witnessed a school board go against teacher input for a textbook adoption. This raises red flags as an employee, parent, and community member.” – WCS middle school instructional coach
The general vibe: Teachers are not happy. They feel disrespected. The school board asked them to do a job and then completely ignored their recommendation.
A longtime Williamson County School Board member is backing a political newcomer in the race for the vacant District 9 school board seat.
Rick Wimberley is endorsing Shandus Parish for the job, praising Parish’s commitment to open communication and willingness to work with all parties to advance excellence.
“Shandus has a good grasp of the challenges of school board work and an understanding of what the real role is and what it’s not,” Wimberly said. “She’s prepared. She’ll be open to input from the public, her colleagues, and WCS staff, and will put aside politics and partisanship when making tough decisions. I think Shandus will make an excellent Williamson County School Board member.”
The election is August 1st.
Statements from education advocacy group Williamson Strong and the Williamson County Democratic Party suggest something may be amiss at tonight’s Williamson County Commission meeting.
In a social media post, local education advocacy group Williamson Strong raised concerns that the County Commission may be attempting to influence the outcome of the upcoming election and implored the Commission to not appoint anyone currently running for the vacant seat.
Local Democrats echoed that sentiment.
The agenda does not list any current nominees for the position.
In any case, the person selected to fill the vacancy will only hold it until September. That’s when the candidate who wins the August election for the seat will take over.
Is something strange happening? Or is the County Commission just fulfilling its required duty?
All four Democratic candidates for Williamson County School Board oppose expansion of the state’s school voucher scheme.
The move to expand vouchers is being pushed by Williamson County’s State Senator, Jack Johnson, and Gov. Bill Lee, a Williamson County native.
In a joint statement announcing their opposition, the candidates said:
We are united in opposing vouchers because we’re listening to our neighbors, members of our communities and parents of students in Williamson County who are overwhelmingly against using taxpayer dollars to fund private schools.
A committed community volunteer and parent of two children in Williamson County Schools is running for School Board from District 9.
Shandus Parish announced her candidacy for a seat on the education policy-making body this week.
As for why she’s running, Parish says, “Growing up, public school was my sanctuary—a refuge of safety and enrichment where I could thrive away from my challenging home life. For me, school was more than just a place to learn. It was a place where I had agency, where my income, background, and zip code didn’t matter. Now, as a parent, I want to ensure that every child in Williamson County has access to the same opportunities that shaped my life.”
More on Williamson County elections:
Elmer Mobley has officially announced his candidacy for Williamson County School Board District 1, representing the Fairview area.
Mobley is a longtime community activist and advocate for public education.
In his announcement, he explains the simple reason he’s running:
“My vision for our schools is simple,” Mobley explained. “Every child, regardless of background or zip code, deserves access to an equitable education that fosters excellence, engagement, and a sense of belonging.”
MORE ON WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS:
The Williamson County Democratic Party announced it is fielding candidates for school board in districts 1, 3, 9, and 11 in 2024.
The party said its candidates will focus on issues such as teacher compensation, improving school funding, and ensuring the safety of students.
The candidates include Elmer Moberly in District 1, Diane Cochran in District 3, Shandus Parish in District 9, and Laura Granere in District 11.
More on Williamson County School Board races: