The Cumberland County Board of Education held a work session on Sept. 17, 2026, covering a wide range of operational, policy and facilities issues, including potential tennis courts for Cumberland County High School, reimbursing new employees for drug screens and fingerprinting, aligning the student transfer policy with procedures, and installing vehicle barriers at schools.

The board approved the agenda and spent significant time on scheduling. Members agreed to hold a board retreat focused on middle school issues on Nov. 17 from 4:15 to 7 p.m. at a location to be determined. They also confirmed moving the October work session from Oct. 8 to Oct. 22 (beginning at 4:15 p.m.), with the regular board meeting to follow at 6 p.m., citing fall break and travel conflicts.

Director of Schools Dr. Farley introduced Dillon Fontaine of McKinstry, the district’s facilities partner, and encouraged board members—especially new ones—to schedule one-on-one meetings with the company.

Board members discussed covering the cost of required fingerprinting (about $37.15) and drug screens ($60–$80) for new hires as a recruitment and retention tool. With 94 new employees already hired this year and more pending, the estimated annual cost for both was roughly $15,000. Discussion centered on whether to reimburse employees or contract with a selected provider. Members indicated the idea should be considered during the next budget cycle rather than implemented immediately.

An HR checklist and tracking spreadsheet for new-hire onboarding was presented. Required pre-start items (background checks, drug screens, etc.) would be clearly separated from post-start paperwork so principals can monitor progress and reduce delays in getting employees into classrooms. The process is expected to be shared with principals after fall break and does not require a formal board vote.

State-mandated human trafficking prevention education for elementary and high school students was reviewed. The item will appear on the next regular meeting agenda for approval. Board members asked staff to confirm whether the materials constitute curriculum requiring public review or an opt-out option and whether TSBA has model guidance.

A lengthy discussion focused on the lack of tennis courts at Cumberland County High School. Courts were removed during auditorium construction, forcing the team to practice and host matches at Camp Nonawa, roughly a 20-minute drive each way. Board member Kevin Dean, whose daughter is a senior on the CCHS team, described the long-standing hardship and noted that Stone Memorial’s recently refurbished courts are in excellent condition. Members explored options including building courts on CCHS property, a shared complex for both high schools, possible inclusion of archery facilities, lighting, restrooms and parking. Staff will gather site and cost information and report back.

Policy discussions included:

• – Updates to the executive committee policy (1.301).
• – Student suicide prevention (6.415), incorporating school-based mental health crisis teams and a required two-hour training under state law. Staff will consult TSBA before first reading.
• – Transfers within the system (6.206). Members noted misalignment between the current policy and online procedures, concerns about fairness between the two high schools, and implications for athletics. The online procedure will be taken down, and a revised policy will be developed carefully rather than rushed onto the next agenda.
• – Second-reading policies on the school attorney, expenses and reimbursements, purchasing, and student activity funds. Language on convention reimbursements was adjusted from a strict 30-day notice to “sufficient notice.” The attendance-based pay provision drew debate; several members preferred removing or suspending it given the new board composition and personal scheduling conflicts.

A safety assessment identified nine schools with bollard vulnerabilities. Eight schools currently have none. Preliminary quotes put installed pipe bollards at about $687.50 each. Members discussed using public safety grant funds, prioritizing the most vulnerable sites, and the relative effectiveness of engineered bollards versus boulders while maintaining ADA compliance.

Other items included recognition of Athletic Administrators Appreciation Week and the value of NIAAA professional development for the district’s athletic directors; a required national coach survey; a new HART memorandum of understanding for homeless student services ($25 fee, requiring board approval); updates on the federal consolidated funding application and TISA allocation; the board member code of ethics (to be signed at a future meeting); an updated organizational chart reflecting the finance and athletics directors reporting to the superintendent; the existing strategic plan (to be revisited at upcoming retreats); and progress toward TSBA Board of Distinction recognition, though the three-year attendance criterion remains a challenge.

Financial reports, fundraiser approvals, minutes, personnel items, overnight field-trip requests and related materials were available for review. The session adjourned after members confirmed the regular meeting agenda would be posted later than usual (by Tuesday) to accommodate further work on several items.