KINGSPORT — Kingsport City Schools has recently introduced a new Visitors Code of Conduct, which will be displayed at individual schools and distributed to parents, staff, and faculty. The code includes guidelines regarding the recording of audio and video on school premises, with specific restrictions on video recordings in areas with an expectation of privacy, such as classrooms, restrooms, and locker rooms. However, audio recordings are permitted following an amendment that removed the previous prohibition.
The Board of Education discussed the code during their July 23 work session and subsequently voted unanimously, 7-0, to approve a policy revision related to the new code. This revision is required by a new Tennessee law that will be effective from the 2024-25 school year. The board also voted unanimously to approve the code itself, which will not apply to public events like basketball or football games.
Assistant Superintendent of Administration, Andy True, confirmed that the letterhead copy of the code will be made available on the school system’s website. Additionally, copies of the code will be posted at schools and distributed to stakeholders. True mentioned the possibility of creating signs or more substantial copies that include the name of the school principal as a point of contact for further information.
The code, which will be posted at school and athletic venue entrances, includes the name and Board of Professional Responsibility number of City Attorney Bart Rowlett, indicating that he has reviewed it for legality and constitutionality.
Board member Todd Golden expressed his concerns about the initial ban on audio recordings, citing Tennessee’s status as a “one-party state” where such recordings are legal as long as one party is aware of the recording. Golden argued that the prohibition of “boisterous or belligerent conduct or physical acts” in educational settings, school-sponsored activities, and student transportation already provides sufficient safeguards. Violators of the code can be asked to leave school grounds but may still attend school board meetings.
The code also prohibits actions that violate board policy, city ordinances, state or federal laws, as well as the use of profanity, causing harm to individuals or property, and unauthorized entry into restricted areas.
Another policy revision was made to reflect an amendment to the “Age Appropriate Act of 2022,” establishing standards for the immediate removal of material containing explicit content. If the school board fails to address feedback within 60 days, the parent, guardian, or employee who submitted the feedback may appeal to the State Textbook and Instructional Materials Quality Commission for evaluation.
Other policy revisions included guidelines on nepotism in schools, requiring the immediate reporting of non-platonic personal relationships between supervisors and employees. Additionally, a new policy on the use of artificial intelligence, based on a Tennessee School Boards Association model policy, was approved on first reading, with updates to follow as the law and AI technology develop.
