In a recent Coffee County School Board Spring Retreat, discussions centered around the implementation of a new policy regarding student safety and device management, set to take effect in July 2025. The board is preparing for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, where students will be required to use personal pouches to secure their devices during school hours.

The initiative, inspired by practices in neighboring Warren County, aims to enhance safety protocols. Each student will receive a personal pouch, which they must carry throughout the day. If a student forgets their pouch, they will need to retrieve it or surrender their device at the door upon entry. The cost of these pouches is approximately $25, and students will be held responsible for any lost or damaged items.

The board acknowledged the need for a comprehensive policy to govern this new system. While the Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) has yet to develop a model policy, the Coffee County board plans to adapt Warren County's existing framework. They aim to finalize the policy in time for the next committee meeting, although they recognize the tight timeline before the July deadline.

Disciplinary measures for violations of the pouch policy were also discussed. The proposed plan includes a tiered response system, where parents will be notified after the first offense, and subsequent infractions could lead to detention or other consequences. Board members emphasized the importance of involving secondary school principals in the policy development process to ensure it meets the needs of students and staff alike.

As the Coffee County School Board moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on fostering a safe and responsible learning environment for all students. The upcoming months will be crucial as they finalize the policy and prepare for its implementation in the new school year.