Willco Civic Brew

In this episode, we construct a timeline of Board Member emails and actions related to the controversial Science Textbook vote by reviewing legally obtained emails, and find out that

• The ex-officio board member on the committee was actually informed of the meetings more than the one time that was claimed
• The Board praised the efforts of the Textbook Committee at one meeting, but then began to point out "process improvements" at the 11th hour
• There was no public mention of selecting textbooks other than what the committee recommended until March 17, the night of the Board vote, even though consideration was being given to StemSCOPES behind the scenes via email prior to that meeting
• Over 85% of the emails sent from the community opposed the board decision, and many asked for the Board to take a revote to accept the committee's recommendations
• Even though the vast majority of emails received by the board asked them to reconsider this vote during the April meeting, none of the eight board members who voted to approve StemSCOPES brought it up for reconsideration

All emails used in this episode were obtained via public records requests per the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcasters and do not reflect the views of any other organization or person.

School Board Emails:

Click on this page, then scroll to the bottom for the “Email All Board Members” bar

School Board Members - Williamson County Schools

Jason Golden’s Email:

[email protected]

Compiled Public Records Request (note that this document is not in the chronological order that is discussed in the episode. These emails are in the order in which they were received via the public records request):

Combined Records Request April 25 2025 final.pdf

Podcast email: [email protected]

🎙️ WillCo Civic Brew – Monthly Meeting Recap (April Edition)

This month’s school board meeting may have been quieter, but it packed a punch with key decisions and policy updates you need to know about.

🗣️ Public Comment Highlights:
17 commenters weighed in—most supporting the Science Textbook Committee’s recommendations and pushing for a Board revote. A notable data point? Between March 1 and April 4, the district received 171 emails about science textbooks, with 86% urging reconsideration.

📘 AP Psychology Textbook Approved:
Unanimous support for the BFW Myers textbook, originally questioned by Board member Donna Clements. A win for civic engagement!

📜 Policies on the Table:

• First Reading: Policy 4.202 – Child Find & Special Education
  New state law means updates, but one board member also wanted to add an amendment to require service logs for all IEP mandated supports and services.
• Second Reading: Policy 4.403 – Library Materials
  • Rejected: Clements' proposal to allow non-parent taxpayers to challenge books and her motion to strike constitutional language from the policy
  • In Play: Reeves' proposal to classify “mature” books with a list created by librarians and require parental opt-IN at all school levels

💸 Other Business:
The Board passed a state-mandated resolution regarding teacher bonuses.

📣 Call to Action:
Policies undergo two readings before adoption—your voice matters. Share your thoughts with the Board, especially on these special education and library policies. Stay involved, stay informed.

School Board Emails:

Click on this page, then scroll to the bottom for the “Email All Board Members” button:

School Board Members - Williamson County Schools

Jason Golden’s Email:

[email protected]

April School Board Meetings: Agendas and Recordings:

School Board Meetings - Williamson County Schools

Willco Civic Brew email:

[email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the statements put out by board members which have received hundreds of comments from members of the community and address some of the common themes we are seeing based on our experiences as former board members and volunteers who have served on curriculum selection committees in the past.

Resources:

School Board Emails:

Click on this page, then scroll to the bottom for the “Email All Board Members” bar

School Board Members - Williamson County Schools

Jason Golden’s Email:

[email protected]

Accelerate Learning Study on Student Outcomes

STEMscopes Science Elevates Scores at Neely’s Bend Middle School | Accelerate Learning

State of TN textbook adoption

Textbook Review, Approval, and Adoption Process

WCS Policy on Textbook Adoption

4401.docx - Microsoft Word Online

Final Report from Science Textbook Committee (scroll down to agenda item)

Public Meeting Agenda: March 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Williamson County Board Work Session - BOEconnect

Willco Civic Brew email

[email protected]

In this episode, we recap the discussion from both the March 6, 2025 Board Work Session and the March 17, 2025 Board Meeting around the Science Curriculum Selection. We highlight quotes from the meetings and discuss the why behind the board's vote to reject the recommendation of the committee and select the least popular option instead.

Show notes:

School Board Emails:

Click on this page, then scroll to the bottom for the “Email All Board Members” bar

School Board Members - Williamson County Schools

Jason Golden’s Email:

[email protected]

State of TN textbook adoption:

Textbook Review, Approval, and Adoption Process

WCS Policy on Textbook Adoption

4401.docx - Microsoft Word Online

Final Report from Science Textbook Committee (scroll down to agenda item)

Public Meeting Agenda: March 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Williamson County Board Work Session - BOEconnect

Willco Civic Brew email

[email protected]

Livestream of Work Session

Livestream of Board Meeting

In this episode of WillCo Civic Brew, we unpack the upcoming special session on Tennessee’s school voucher program. Governor Lee has tied vouchers to disaster relief funding, raising questions about transparency and urgency. Nancy Garrett and Jen Aprea dig into the implications for public education, share key details of the voucher legislation, and highlight the lack of clarity among legislators regarding the program's structure.

From understanding the financial thresholds for voucher eligibility to the concerning impact on public school funding, we outline the challenges and risks posed by this legislation. If you missed it, revisit Episode 4 for a comprehensive discussion on the broader issues with school vouchers.

We also answer listener questions about:

• How voucher legislation might affect the HOPE Scholarship.
• The details of the IEA program and how it relates to students with disabilities.

Finally, this episode includes a Call to Action:
🗓 Special Session Date: January 27th
📢 Write or call your legislators to voice your stance on vouchers. This is your opportunity to make an impact in Tennessee, where public ballot initiatives are not an option.

Key Resources:

• Find Your Legislator: Tennessee General Assembly Lookup Tool
• Education Committee Members: You can use the tool to contact the Senate and House Education Committees: (Hensley, Bulso, and Reeves represent WillCo and serve on these committees).
  • Senate: Dawn White, BIll Powers, Raumesh Akbari, Rusty Crowe, Ferrell Haile, Joey Hensley, Adam Law, Mark Pody, Kerry Roberts
  • House: Mark White, Kerry Raper, Jody Barrett, Charlie Baum, Gino Bulso, Scott Cepicky, Ronnie Glynn, Yusef Hakeem, Kirk Haston, Tim Hicks, Chris Hurt, Gloria Johnson, Renea Jones, Aron Maberry, Sam McKenzie, Jay Reedy, Lee Reeves, Tim Rudd, William Slater, Robert Stevens
• Talking Points Guide: SOCM Action Guide
• Relevant Studies and Reports:
  • PFPS Report (2023)
  • Brookings Institution Research
  • Tennessean Article
  • Senator Jack Johnson: I will fight tooth and nail so that vouchers never come to Williamson Co

In this episode, we dive into the Williamson County School Board's special called meeting happening on Monday, December 9th, at 6:00 PM. This special session will revisit the potential removal of five books from the Williamson County School Libraries:

• Where the Crawdads Sing (high school only)
• Speak (middle and high school only)
• Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (high school only)
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (high school only)
• The Field Guide to the North American Teenager (high school only)

We break down the policy and processes behind book challenges, the implications of the State's passing of the Age-Appropriate Materials Act, and the adjustments made to the WCS library materials policy prior to this vote. Former board members Nancy Garrett and Jen Aprea share insights into the initial vote in 2023 and discuss how community members can make their voices heard.

Resources Mentioned:

• Williamson County Schools Textbook and Instructional Materials Policy
• Williamson County Schools Library Materials Policy
• Library Materials Decision Tree
• Williamson County Schools Lawsuit Ruling

How You Can Help:

• Attend the meeting on Monday, December 9th, at 6 PM (arrive early!).
• Email the entire school board and Superintendent Golden with your stance on the issue.
• Sign up to speak during the public comment period (opens at 12 noon, Friday).

Get in Touch:
We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, or ideas for future episodes. Email us at [email protected].

WillCo Civic Brew: November WCS Board Meeting Recap
In this episode, Nancy Garrett and Jen Aprea break down the highlights from recent Williamson County Schools board meetings, including the work session and the monthly voting meeting. Key topics include:

• Funding Clarity: Addressing a listener question about state voucher funding ($7K) versus Williamson County public school funding from the state ($4K).
• Public Comment Highlights: Discussions around vouchers, art teacher supplements, and an organized push for extended recess.
• 5-Year Capital Plan Approval: A look at the annual capital planning process, including some board members’ requests for more time to review.
• Policy Shifts: Commentary on revisions to the Equal Opportunity Employment policy, where the board voted against legal counsel, HR, and superintendent recommendations.
• Superintendent Goals: Unanimous approval of goals, including anti-bullying measures, pay increases for hard-to-fill positions, and finding private funding for schools.

Stay informed, share this podcast with friends, and keep asking questions to support public education in Williamson County!

Email your questions to use at: [email protected]

Resources and Links:
November 18 Williamson County School Board Meeting Livestream:
Williamson County Board of Education Meeting - November 18, 2024

Williamson County Schools Five Year Capital Plan (Item 6.a):
Public Meeting Agenda: November 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM - Williamson County School Board Meeting - BOEconnect

WCS Work Session (includes presentation on budget and initial discussion of the 5-year capital plan): WCS Board Work Session 2024-11-14

Williamson County EOE Policy (page 5):
Microsoft Word - Updated Personnel Policies_10.01.2024.docx

Revised Williamson County Schools EOE Policy (Item 6.c):
Public Meeting Agenda: November 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM - Williamson County School Board Meeting - BOEconnect

Dive into our latest episode of Willco Civic Brew as we unravel the complexities of the newly filed TN voucher bill. What does it mean for our public schools and your family? Tune in now to get informed!

Some Clarifications/Corrections:

• Gina Bulso Lawsuit: We clarify that Gina Bulso is not suing the district for financial damages, but there was a line in the complaint asking for costs/expenses related to lawsuit. Lawsuit details are public record. Suit is with the WCS Board, not the WCS District.
• August 2024 Election Correction: Updated the election totals for District 3:
  • Dennis Driggers: 1202 votes (60.9%)
  • Diane Cochran: 773 votes (39.1%)
  • Total Votes: 1975 (13.78% of registered voters)

Resources:

• Page link to send the entire WCSB an email (scroll to bottom of page): School Board Members - Williamson County Schools
• Superintendent email: [email protected]
• FOIA data: Cory Martin from One WillCo submitted a FOIA request for public information regarding the vote to rescind the Anti-Voucher resolution from March 2024. All board members received over 60 requests from the public asking them to keep the Anti-Voucher Resolution; the most emails received to rescind it, (which is what the Board did), was 2. You can see Cory’s Substack article here: WCSB Substack | Cory | Substack 
• Tennessee Voucher Bill (Filed November 6): Some things to know about the bill:
  • Creates 20 K vouchers the first year; unlimited number beginning in 2026
  • First year, half of the vouchers are “need-based” and reserved for families of four making less than 173K
  • Schools accepting vouchers would take an unspecified "national achievement test” and privatize student names upon submission of results
  • Public schools will still have to take all current tests
  • One time-bonus of 2K given to all public school teachers
  • 80% of all sports wager taxes will go to fund public school buildings, with an emphasis on economically disadvantaged counties or those counties that have experienced a national disaster
  • Bills submitted by House and Senate are the same; no areas of difference like in past years--which likely means it is poised to pass more quickly
  • The 2024 Senate provision that students could go to any public school they wanted to has been removed
  • 144 million was held back from last year to provide initial funding for this bill (resulting in budget shortages in WCS)
  • House Leader Sexton: "Families deserve freedom to use hard-earned tax dollars”
  • House Leader McNally: ”Bill will ensure that choices, not geography, determine success (?)”
  • Link to joint Senate/House Bill SB0001: SB0001.pdf
• Recent Elections and Vouchers: In Kentucky, Colorado, and Nebraska, voucher initiatives were defeated. This underscores bipartisan opposition to vouchers.
  • Dr. Josh Cowan's Presentation: Provides insights on the national voucher movement.
    • Watch Dr. Cowan’s Presentation: Josh Cowen: The Privateers 20241016 SD 480p 
    • Read: 7 Lessons About School Vouchers From The Privateers

Email us at [email protected] with questions, comments, or topics for future episodes.

In this episode of WillCo Civic Brew, we recap a recent board meeting that sparked significant debate in the community when our newly elected WCS board took unprecedented action and rescinded the resolution against vouchers from the last legislative session. We discuss some of the more interesting parts of that discussion and what this means for our local schools.

Join us as we explore the implications of these actions and the importance of being engaged, especially since only state representatives can vote on voucher legislation.

Finally, we highlight key candidates for upcoming state and congressional races, urging listeners to stay informed and involved in the electoral process. Join us for a concise and engaging discussion on civic participation!

Video from Livestream of 10/21/2024 Meeting

Williamson County Board of Education Meeting - October 21, 2024 (youtube.com)

Discussion begins at 1:44:44; Welch/Brown interaction begins at 1:50:50

Guns in Parks Resolution Discussion and Vote, 2015

Board narrowly passes resolution supporting amendment to exempt parks used by schools

Rep Scott Cepicky on Vouchers

'We're trying to throw the whole freaking system in the trash' (newschannel5.com)

Board Policies About the Role of School Board Members

Educational Philosophy: 1000.docx - Microsoft Word Online (live.com)

Role of Board: 1101.docx - Microsoft Word Online (live.com)

Duties of Board Members: 1202.docx - Microsoft Word Online (live.com)

Code of Conduct: 12021.docx (sharepoint.com)

Facts about D3 election turnout

There are 6,582 registered voters in D3. Only 13% of them voted in the school board election.

8.1% of the registered voters voted for Driggers; 5.2% voted for Cochran.

87% of voters did not vote.

GoVoteTN - Information for Voters | Tennessee Secretary of State

In this episode of WillCo Civic Brew, we dive into the October 17 school board work session, specifically the discussion focused on the proposal to rescind the anti-voucher resolution passed in March 2024. New board member Dennis Driggers (District 3), who is backed by pro-voucher organizations, argued for the change, stating that the current board is significantly different, with five of seven original board members who voted in favor of the resolution no longer serving. He emphasized that the previous resolution was premature and called for a neutral stance until the new voucher legislation is finalized.

Join us as we dive into this important discussion and its implications for local public education. For more information and to engage with the school board, check out the links below! As always, please feel free to email us with any questions or comments you have at [email protected].

Links and Resources:

How to contact the Williamson County School Board (click the button at bottom of page and include Superintendent Golden at [email protected])
School Board Members - Williamson County Schools (wcs.edu)

Sign up to speak at a WCSB meeting (middle of page)
School Board Meetings - Williamson County Schools (wcs.edu)

WCSB Resolution Opposing Vouchers Passed in March, 2024 (scroll to bottom of agenda)
Public Meeting Agenda: March 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM - Williamson County School Board Meeting - BOEconnect

October 17, 2024 WCSB Work Session (vouchers discussion starts at approximately 1:34:00)
WCS Board Work Session 2024/10/17 (youtube.com)

School Board Code of Conduct
Shared with you - OneDrive (live.com)

Role of the WCSB
Shared with you - OneDrive (live.com)

Look up an elected official's donors and campaign finance reports (WCS candidates are at the end)
Easy Campaign Finance (easyvotecampaignfinance.com)

Project 1776 Super PAC
About | 1776 Project PAC1776 Project PAC