March 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM - GREENEVILLE CITY REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Rationale:  Origin:
___ Topic presented for information only (no board action required)
_X_ Board review required by: 

Rationale: 

Rationale: 

Rationale:  Origin:
___ Topic presented for information only (no board action required)
_X_ Board review required by:  _X_ Action requested at this meeting
___ Action requested at 
Previous Review/Action:
_X_ No Previous board review/action
___ Previous review/action
Background Information: 
Per policy 1.600, at least biannually, the Board shall review its policy manual for the purpose of passing, revising, or deleting policies mandated by changing conditions.  This routine review of district policies is done on an ongoing basis by central office administrative staff with the assistance of TSBA’s policy maintenance service.

Summary of Major Elements: 
During routine review, it was determined that no changes were required in the attached policies.

Director of Schools' Recommendation: 

Approval

Impact on Resources:

None

Timetable for Further Review/Action:

2nd reading at XXX Board meeting

Rationale:  Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required)
_X_ Board review required by: 
__ State or federal law or regulation
_X_ Board of Education policy
Other:  __________________________________________
_X_ Action requested at this meeting
__ Action requested at 
future meeting: _______________ (date)
Previous Review/Action:
_X_ No Previous board review/action
__ Previous review/action
date: ________________
action: ________________________________________________

Background Information: 
Board Policy 4.302 specifies that the Board must approve field trips that are both overnight and out-of-state. Additionally, approval is required when students must leave school early for participation in athletic events. 

Summary of Major Elements: 
The detailed trip request is attached. 

Director of Schools' Recommendation: 

Approval

Impact on Resources:

None

Timetable for Further Review/Action:

None

Rationale:  Origin:
___ Topic presented for information only (no board action required)
_X_ Board review required by:  ___ Action requested at this meeting
___ Action requested at 
Previous Review/Action:
_X_ No Previous board review/action
___ Previous review/action
Background Information: 
Financial Statements are presented to the Board of Education each month.

Summary of Major Elements: 

Attached are the following financial statements:

· Local Revenue Tracking Report
· General Purpose/Federal Statements of Revenue & Expenditures

Director of Schools' Recommendation: 

Acceptance

Impact on Resources:

None

Timetable for Further Review/Action:

None

Rationale:  Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required)
_X_ Board review required by: 
_X_ State or federal law or regulation
__ Board of Education policy
Other:  __________________________________________
_X_ Action requested at this meeting
__ Action requested at 
future meeting: _______________ (date)
Previous Review/Action:
_X_ No Previous board review/action
__ Previous review/action
date: ________________
action: ________________________________________________

Background Information:
In the 2021-22 school year, Greeneville City Schools (GCS) formed an innovative partnership with Bristol TN City Schools (BTCS) to launch a K-12 virtual school, Tennessee Online Public School (TOPS). BTCS had successfully operated a virtual high school since 2012-13 and was considering expansion into grades 6-8. GCS sought to establish a virtual school, and through discussions, it became clear that partnering with another high-performing district with an established virtual program would be beneficial instructionally, financially, and programmatically. This collaboration resulted in TN Online Public School (TOPS) at Greeneville and Bristol. GCS manages grades K-5, and BTCS oversees grades 6-12.

As school choice continues to be a significant topic in education, providing a high-quality, flexible learning option like TOPS ensures that students and families can access an alternative learning environment tailored to their needs.


Summary of Major Elements:
Since its inception, TOPS has experienced continuous growth, reaching a point where it is self-sustaining financially through local and state funding. As virtual education and artificial intelligence continue to shape the future of learning, programs like TOPS remain an essential part of educational innovation. The flexibility and individualized approach offered by virtual learning make it an attractive option for many students. As part of the agreement between GCS and BTCS, either system must notify the other by April 1st of each year regarding their intent to continue or discontinue the partnership. Given the ongoing success of the program and the increasing interest in virtual learning, this partnership remains a valuable opportunity for students in our region.

Director of Schools' Recommendation:

Continuation for 3 years contingent on appropriations through the 28-29 School Year


Impact on Resources:

X

Timetable for Further Review/Action:
   
None
 

Rationale:  Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required)
_X_ Board review required by: 
_X_ State or federal law or regulation
__ Board of Education policy
Other:  __________________________________________
_X_ Action requested at this meeting
__ Action requested at 
future meeting: _______________ (date)
Previous Review/Action:
_X_ No Previous board review/action
__ Previous review/action
date: ________________
action: ________________________________________________

Background Information:
Per policy 6.204, the tuition-free program at Highland Elementary School is to be reviewed annually.

Summary of Major Elements:
Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, the Board authorized a tuition-free program for Highland Elementary School. The Board will evaluate the parameters and effectiveness of the "tuition-free" program annually to determine its continuation.

Students accepted into this tuition-free program who meet the criteria of attendance, behavior, and academic progress will be allowed to attend Highland tuition free through the fifth (5th) grade, regardless of the continuation of accepting new students into the tuition-free program after the Board review in 2026. Families who are on Highland tuition free status through fifth grade will be required to pay the appropriate tuition rates upon their student entering Greeneville Middle School in the sixth grade.

Admittance to Highland Elementary during the tuition free program will be based on space and program availability in each grade per year and all other parameters of this policy will apply, except those pertaining to tuition payment.


Director of Schools' Recommendation:

Approval

Impact on Resources:

None

Timetable for Further Review/Action:
   
None
 

Rationale:  Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required)
_X_ Board review required by: 
_X_ State or federal law or regulation
__ Board of Education policy
Other:  __________________________________________
_X_ Action requested at this meeting
__ Action requested at 
future meeting: _______________ (date)
Previous Review/Action:
_X_ No Previous board review/action
__ Previous review/action
date: ________________
action: ________________________________________________

Background Information:

Policy 3.210, originally adopted in 2019, establishes the guidelines and procedures for naming school facilities within Greeneville City Schools. Although it exists, it has not been actively implemented and is now being recommended for formal adoption and use by both the Tennessee School Boards Association and the district’s policy committee.

The policy outlines criteria for naming schools and facilities, prioritizing geographic location, community identity, or individuals who have made significant contributions to public education. It places limitations on naming schools after living individuals, ensures names are distinct, and allows for the naming of specific areas or buildings under defined conditions.

Summary of Major Elements:
Limits the submission of naming petitions to a designated three-year cycle, ensuring a minimum three-year gap between petition periods or any approved name change.

Director of Schools' Recommendation:

Approval

Impact on Resources:

None

Timetable for Further Review/Action:
   
None
 

Rationale:  Origin:
__ Topic presented for information only (no board action required)
_X_ Board review required by: 
_X_ State or federal law or regulation
__ Board of Education policy
Other:  __________________________________________
_X_ Action requested at this meeting
__ Action requested at 
future meeting: _______________ (date)
Previous Review/Action:
_X_ No Previous board review/action
__ Previous review/action
date: ________________
action: ________________________________________________

Background Information:
GCS has been a long-time customer of Zayo Education. (formerly Education Networks of America) (ENA).  Zayo/ENA is our current Internet Service Provider - working in conjunction with Greeneville Energy Authority (GEA) - connecting all our buildings and providing Internet throughout the district using state-wide pricing and contracts previously held by Metro Nashville school district.  Metro Nashville contract negotiations with ISP vendors failed, forcing districts across the state to search for alternatives.  State approved vendors and districts can now participate in a bidding process to select the most effective service provider for their districts.  The history of Zayo is lengthy and complex, and GCS has been historically well served, but as alternate solutions become available, we must evaluate our options and select what we feel is the best provider moving forward.

Summary of Major Elements:

• Tennessee Education Broadband Consortium (TEBC) - statewide initiative used by Tennessee school districts and educational entities to streamline broadband-related procurement—especially when participating in the E-Rate program. It provides state master contracts and a structured mini-bid process that schools can use to buy broadband, network services, and related equipment.
• MINI-BID process was initiated and state approved broadband vendors responded with network design proposals and pricing for Internet access and building connectivity.
• 4 responding vendors were evaluated using a uniform scoring matrix.
• Vendors included Comcast, IrisNetworks USA, Zayo Education, and United Data Technologies, Inc. (UDT)
• Scoring Matrix (provided by TEBC but with factor and weight modifications by GCS)      
  • Requires Cost of Services to be the most heavily weighted factor
  • Other factors and weights were developed BEFORE vendor bid submissions
  • Vendor Qualifications, Localized Support, Vendor Direction, Vendor familiarity with GCS network, Customer Service Model, Vendor References, Completeness of Response
  • Based on our Scoring Matrix, we propose moving to UDT as our network, broadband, and Internet provider.
  • Yearly service breakdown (prices shown are PRE-Erate discounted)
    • Comcast $270,336
    • UDT $176,400
    • Zayo $165,000
    • IrisNetworks $163,008
  • Includes 2 - 5GB Internet circuits at GCSOC (Comcast and CenturyLink) and 10GB building connectivity provided by GEA
  • Apply the 80% Erate discount - UDT monthly cost is $2,940 ($35,280 yearly)
  • Includes all new routing equipment at each school and data center locations

Director of Schools' Recommendation:

Approval

Impact on Resources:

• Current monthly Zayo Internet = $4,276.80 monthly (2 -9GB Internet circuits and all building connections)
• UDT proposal = $2,940 monthly
• Yearly savings of $16,041

Timetable for Further Review/Action:
   
Immediate