The board voted to remove the following paragraph from the policy: “Upon initial employment, election, or appointment each shall sign and date a copy of this Code of Ethics, which shall form a part of their personnel record. Upon enactment by the Board, all those covered by this Code shall deliver a signed dated copy to the Director of Schools.”
In May, school personnel were issued the newly formed ethics policy and asked to sign the document. According to school board members Christy Critchfield and Troy Weathers, a number of teachers, administrators and school personnel didn’t understand the new policy and were hesitant to sign the document.
A work session was held Tuesday by the Board of Education, school board attorney Chuck Cagle and members of the Ethics Committee. The work session gave school personnel the opportunity to ask questions about the new policy. During the meeting, Cagle advised the board of education existing personnel did not have to sign the policy, it was merely a request.
The Bradley County Schools Ethics Committee members are Terry McGuire, Charles Carrick and C. Van Deacon. The Screening Committee is composed of C. Van Deacon, Charlie Rose and Herb Cannon.
In other school news, a bid was awarded to ISI Construction to install a portable classroom at GOAL Academy. ISI Construction submitted the lowest bid for the project, which is estimated at $19,509. Work will include walks, decks, stairs, ramps and utility connection for the portable. The portable building was previously used at Valley View Elementary.
The Board of Education voted to approve the use of personal communication and electronic devices — cell phones, iPods, laptop computers, MP3 players — by students and teachers, in the classroom.
“We want to make it clear that the Bradley County School System embraces technology,” said Critchfield.
School administrators and teachers will define and direct appropriate use of the items and students are expected to use the items responsibly. If any technological device is used inappropriately, disciplinary action may follow.
“The integration of all types of technology can enhance instruction in learning there are times where the devices should and will be restricted and prohibited,” said Critchfield.
Ocoee Middle School teacher Brian Bagley was awarded tenure. Bagley began teaching at Charleston Elementary School in 2006. He came to OMS in 2009, where he teaches Language Arts and Social Studies.
Ken Baker was awarded an additional bus route for Park View Elementary.
The next meeting for Bradley County Schools Board of Education is scheduled Aug. 19 at 5:30 p.m.
