September 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  In attendance:  Dr. Trey Duke, Sheri Arnette, Angela Fairchild, Daniel Owens, Lisa Trail, Don Bartch, Ken Rocha, Maria Johnson, Jenny Ortiz, Jeremy Lewis 

Assistant City Attorney Lauren Bush and City Liaison Bill Shacklett 

Discussion:  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Principals Jenny Ortiz-Overall Creek and Jeremy Lewis-Bradley Academy

Discussion:  Lauren Bush explained the process for election of Board Chair and Vice Chair.  

Jimmy Richardson made the motion to nominate Amanda Moore for Board Chair.  David Settles seconded. 

A roll call vote was taken:
Karen Dodd-absent
Barbara Long-Amanda Moore
Amanda Moore-Amanda Moore
Jeanette Price-Amanda Moore 
Jimmy Richardson-Amanda Moore
David Settles-Amanda Moore
Butch Campbell-Amanda Moore 

With six votes in support of Amanda Moore, Ms. Moore was elected Board Chair. 

Jimmy Richardson made the motion to nominate Butch Campbell as Board Vice Chair. David Settles seconded. 

A roll call vote was taken. 
Karen Dodd-absent
Barbara Long-Butch Campbell 
Amanda Moore-Butch Campbell 
Jeanette Price-Butch Campbell 
Jimmy Richardson-Butch Campbell 
David Settles-Butch Campbell
Butch Campbell-Butch Campbell 

With six votes in support of Butch Campbell, Mr. Campbell was elected as Vice Chair. 

Amanda Moore thanked the board for their vote of confidence. She stated that she has some big shoes to fill and will do her best to live up to Mr. Campbell's reputation.

Mr. Campbell said that it has been a privilege to serve the Murfreesboro City School System as Board Chair since May 13, 2014, and he looks forward to and is honored to serve beside Ms. Moore as Vice Chair. 

 

Discussion:  Several Board members advanced in their Board Levels at the recent Fall District Meeting in McEwen, TN.  

Barbara Long advanced to Level III and IV, Karen Dodd advanced to Level III, Jeanette Price advanced to Level I, and David Settles advanced to Level IV. 

Ms. Price and Mr. Settles were unable to attend the meeting, so Chair Campbell presented certificates and pins to them and congratulated them for a job well done. 



 

Discussion:  Don Bartch introduced Mr. Ron McDaries as our new Safety and Security Coordinator. Mr. McDaries shared some background about himself and expressed his gratitude to the Board for the opportunity to serve in the noble mission of protecting and supporting our youth.

 

Discussion:  David Settles asked how the success of calm coaches is measured.  Dr. Duke said that Ms. Amanda Adams, Behavior Supports Coordinator, oversees consistent training for the calm coaches as well as tracking of students.  Dr. Duke added that since we've implemented this program, it has been the most requested program in the budget.  


 

Discussion: 

Dr. Duke presented an overview of the Five-Year Strategic Plan and draft proposed goals. He explained that the plan serves as a blueprint for implementing the Board’s vision for the district. While the current plan is set to expire in 2027, Dr. Duke recommended developing a new plan for presentation in 2026 prior to budget season. He noted that if the Board preferred, the process could be extended by an additional year.

Dr. Duke emphasized that the Board would establish the vision, mission, and goals, while he and his team would develop supporting objectives and strategies. He reviewed the current four broad goals and proposed adding a fifth. The draft goals presented for initial review included:

1. Whole Child Support

2. Operational Excellence

3. Employee Growth and Retention

4. Academic Achievement

5. Public Engagement

He explained that each goal included a "so that" statement for clarity and that the goals were largely similar to the current plan, with updated language and the addition of Public Engagement to reflect the district’s focus on opening schools to parents more often and expanding choice opportunities.

Board members shared the following feedback:

• David Settles expressed support for adding Public Engagement, noting its importance.

• Chair Campbell agreed.

• Barbara Long suggested including language on partnering with families. Dr. Duke responded that this was embedded in Goal 1 (Whole Child Support) and noted the communications team’s Parent Universities as an example.

• Amanda Moore asked about language related to cultural competence. Dr. Duke explained that the state required removal of any diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related language to ensure compliance with funding guidelines. Ms. Moore expressed her preference for more pushback before making changes.

• Lauren Bush agreed to provide Ms. Moore with state and federal communications on DEI requirements.

• David Settles shared concerns about laws dismantling DEI efforts and suggested changing Goal 5 from Public Engagement to Community Engagement, reflecting the district’s commitment to presenting itself to the community.

Dr. Duke outlined the proposed timeline: initial Board input, followed by staff feedback, with a draft ready for discussion at the January workshop and formal presentation before budget season on March 24. He acknowledged the timeline was aggressive but achievable.

As next steps, Dr. Duke will email the draft goals to the Board for further feedback, seeking input on whether to proceed with the draft goals and timeline or adjust the process.

Discussion: 

Dr. Duke reported that during the recent board workshop, Ms. Dodd asked for the Board’s thoughts on installing cameras in CDC classrooms, similar to those in BEST classrooms. Although Ms. Dodd was absent, Dr. Duke noted that he had spoken with her earlier, and she asked that the discussion continue at this meeting. Ms. Dodd emphasized that her goal was to provide an extra layer of protection for teachers, particularly during more intense behavior situations.

Dr. Duke explained that, in response to questions raised at the workshop, staff had conducted further research. Of eleven surrounding districts, two currently have cameras in CDC classrooms. Our district uses them only in behavior classrooms. One district uses cameras selectively, primarily to collect student data.

The estimated cost would be approximately $2,000 per classroom, or $35,000-$40,000 district-wide. Dr. Duke added that staff did not have a specific recommendation but would follow the Board’s direction.

Chair Campbell asked whether teachers had been consulted. Angela Fairchild reported that she had spoken with the instructional coach who supports these teachers. The coach indicated that staff felt cameras would not change what teachers are doing on a daily basis, but generally preferred not to have them.

Board members raised several considerations:

• David Settles questioned why cameras should be limited to CDC classrooms if the goal is teacher protection.
• Barbara Long noted that video can be easily misunderstood without context and raised privacy concerns.
• Lauren Bush confirmed that installing cameras is legal but emphasized weighing privacy, staff morale, staff input, and cost. She also explained that access to video would be highly restricted, with administrators determining access and redacting student information as needed.
• Barbara Long asked specifically about video access, to which Ms. Bush responded that she is drafting an Administrative Directive outlining procedures.

Dr. Duke stated that if the Board wished to move forward this year, the project would require a budget amendment and would take the remainder of the school year to implement. Alternatively, the Board could continue discussions and consider the matter in next year’s budget cycle.

Board members expressed interest in gathering more input before making a decision:

• Barbara Long suggested face-to-face conversations with teachers.
• Angela Fairchild encouraged Board members to visit classrooms, offering to accompany them.
• Amanda Moore said she would want to see the concerns come from parents or staff before allocating funds.
• David Settles reiterated concerns about video being taken out of context and said further discussion was needed.

Dr. Duke concluded by encouraging Board members to reach out to Ms. Fairchild if they wish to visit classrooms and confirmed that the discussion will continue during next year’s budget cycle.
et cycle.

Discussion: 

Lauren Bush explained that there were minimal changes to the Director’s Evaluation Document. She noted that the only change appears on page 2, where a new indicator was added under Highly Effective Educators. She asked the Board to review the document and, if no further changes are needed, the district will proceed with this version. Ms. Bush requested that Board members send her any feedback, and if revisions are necessary, she will present an updated document at the next meeting for review.

Discussion: 

Dr. Duke reported that the district is closely monitoring the federal budget process. He reminded the Board that Congress is required by law to pass a spending package by October 1. He assured members that he will keep them informed as changes are announced and as potential impacts to the district become clearer. At this time, proposed reductions include $2.2 billion in Title II, $890 million in Title III, and an overall decrease in Title I funding. However, there may be an increase in Special Education funding, along with $60 million allocated to charter schools. Dr. Duke emphasized that the process is ongoing, and he will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

Dr. Duke also invited the Board to participate in Reading in the Schools on Friday.

On behalf of the staff, Dr. Duke expressed his gratitude to Mr. Campbell for his 11 years of service as Board Chair. He shared that Mr. Campbell has been the only Chair he has worked with since becoming Director of Schools and credited him with helping to prepare and guide him. Dr. Duke noted that in speaking with superintendents across the state, he feels fortunate to work with a school board so deeply committed to improving education for students and creating a positive environment for teachers. He added that serving under this Board has been the best experience of his life and expressed excitement for Mr. Campbell as he enters the next chapter.

Chair Campbell thanked Dr. Duke for his kind words and echoed his appreciation for the Board. He said it has been an honor to serve as Chair and looks forward to Amanda’s leadership in the role.

Discussion: 

Dr. Duke explained that a much-needed amendment was added to the agenda under Other Business following a late request from the auditor. The amendment specifies that funds will be used for the lease of Dell computers for teacher laptops. Due to time constraints, Dr. Duke requested Board approval. He noted that this amendment will move funds from regular instruction into the lease payment line item.

Mr. Shacklett announced that the City is launching a Citizens’ Academy. He shared that this program is designed for individuals interested in learning more about city and local government functions. Participants will meet at various city departments—including Fire, Water, and Police—throughout the program. Seats are limited, and due to high demand, a blind draw is expected once applications close. Applications are available through September 22, and the Academy will begin on October 6.

Dr. Duke invited the Board to attend the State of the Schools event, which will be held at Redstone Federal Credit Union at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30.

Jeanette Price asked about the new law requiring firearm safety education for K-12 students. Dr. Duke confirmed that the law was passed and mandates training for all students without an opt-out provision. He noted that Lisa Trial is developing a video in collaboration with SROs to present the training. Updates on forms and communication will be provided in a Friday Board Update. Dr. Duke added that this training will be incorporated into January’s second drill week, during which the video will be shown to all students and staff in compliance with state law.

Mr. Settles asked who passed the legislation. Dr. Duke responded that he would research that information.

Discussion:  The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.