In today’s episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of “Ask the Attorney” focuses solely on questions regarding the law around board policy. Questions from “what is the function of the policy committee” to “how can a board member propose a policy change” are tackled during today’s episode ..read more

In today’s episode, Dr. Cathy Beck, Director of Schools for Cheatham County Schools, and David Risner, Board Chairman of the Cheatham County Board of Education, share the importance of becoming the first school district in Tennessee to be named a Unified Champion District by the Special Olympics. Join us as they cover the steps the district took to achieve this designation as well as the importance of promoting social inclusion throughout the school district. https://www.cheathamcountyschools.net/apps/news/article/1810530 https://www.cheathamcountyschools.net/apps/news/article/1732327 https ..read more

In today’s episode, Nathan Abbott, Information Systems Manager with the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury – Division of Local Government Audit, provides an in-depth overview of cybersecurity and speaks to why it is important for school districts to ensure that the appropriate safeguards are in place to protect their digital assets. Show Notes: Below are a few websites mentioned during today’s podcast that may be helpful to reference when learning more about cybersecurity: https://www.cisa.gov/ https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/la/resources/cyberaware.html https://www.tn.gov/cyber ..read more

In today’s episode, Patty Thomas, Director of Career & Technical Education, Federal Programs, & Nursing Services for Alcoa City Schools, discusses Careers in Motion, a program that encourages students to participate in CTE opportunities. Careers in Motion is a grant-funded project awarded by Pathways TN and the Tennessee Department of Education to Alcoa City Schools, Blount County Schools, and Maryville City Schools in order to promote high-wage, high-demand, high-skill career and technical education-related programs to students. Visit the Careers in Motion website by clicking here ..read more

In today’s episode, Greg Mays, Deputy Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, speaks about the SafeTN app and explains why this platform is vital when keeping our schools safe. Listen in as he provides background information as to why such an application is needed and why it is important to create a positive environment on reporting within a school district. For more information regarding the SafeTN app, including posters to promote this platform in your district, please click on the link below or contact Greg Mays at gregory.mays@tn.gov. https://www.tn.g ..read more

In today’s episode, Dr. Ricky Catlett, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, and Greg Hammond, Chief Public Information Officer, discuss why communication is key at Jackson-Madison County Schools. Listen in as they cover the different methods of communication that they have implemented to foster relationships with their employees, students, parents, and the community. To learn more about their district, visit them at www.jmcss.org ..read more

In today’s episode, Ben Torres, TSBA Assistant Executive Director & General Counsel, and Brittany Massey, TSBA Director of Finance & Member Services, discusses school board member training and provides information as to these training requirements as well as the trainings available through the Tennessee School Boards Association ..read more

In today’s episode, Bill Parker, Director of the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission, discusses the importance of financial literacy in grades K-12 and the resources available for school districts when focusing on financial education. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcNd4fCniq0 ..read more

In today’s episode, Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director of the CMA Foundation & SVP Industry Relations & Philanthropy at the County Music Association, and Franklin Willis, Director of Community Impact at the Country Music Association, discuss the importance of music education in our Tennessee schools and provide resources and recommendations as to how school districts can strengthen their music programs ..read more

In today’s episode, Christy Tennant, Deputy Director of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, Division of Investigations, is speaking about the role of the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office and how it works with school districts when overseeing school support organizations. Listen today to find out more about the board’s role when ensuring these organizations comply with state law. For more information, click here to access the procedures manual for school support organizations referenced during today’s episode. Click here to view the investigations map created by the Tennessee Comptroller’s ..read more