The Coffee County Board of Education voted to set the policy committee’s membership at four board members and three school system employees appointed by the director of schools, with the committee chaired by a board member.

Board members said the change was intended to clarify how the committee is constituted and to preserve principals’ input in an advisory capacity. The motion, made by Robert Gilley and seconded by a fellow board member, passed unanimously after discussion about minutes and transparency.

Supporters said the adjustment affirms the board’s statutory duty to set policy while keeping principals involved as advisors. Some principals had told board members they worried the change could exclude them; board members and staff repeatedly said the principals would remain included, but in an advisory role rather than as voting members. Legal and procedural questions about the committee’s historical makeup were raised; board counsel and staff said there was no formal policy defining the committee prior to this vote.

Board members also discussed keeping minutes of policy committee meetings and the public record. The board agreed minutes would be taken and that recordings of meetings currently posted online would provide additional transparency. The motion passed with all members present voting in favor.

The board chair said the new committee structure will be implemented and appointments by the director of schools will be made going forward. No specific implementation timeline was given.

Votes at a glance: Motion to set policy committee composition (4 board members, 3 school system employees appointed by the director; committee chaired by a board member) — Mover: Robert Gilley; Seconder: Miss Jones; Outcome: approved (7–0).

The board indicated it will bring any necessary procedural updates back to a future meeting or work session for further clarification.