Livingston Academy students completed a school policy survey involving 394 classmates, uncovering concerns about attendance, dress code enforcement and cellphone restrictions.
Students Emery Clouse and Aubreyanna McLearran presented the findings to the Overton County School Board. Clouse said only 22 percent of respondents correctly identified the five unexcused absences referenced in the school’s truancy plan.
“For the dress code policy, some have never had issues with it, while others find it unfair, specifically targeting girls,” McLearran said. “And one student even noted that it has less to do with the policy and more to do with the enforcement of it.”
McLearran said students also expressed differing views about attendance requirements, with some believing fewer available absences make truancy harder to avoid while others believe the rules teach discipline.
“And for the device policy, students understand why it’s a rule, and some go to say they have benefited from having no phones in school, but the majority of feedback was negative,” McLearran said.
McLearran said one respondent suggested allowing cellphone use during lunch, arguing students should be able to decide how to spend their personal time. The students plan to use the feedback to develop recommendations addressing concerns raised by their classmates.
School Board Chair Ashley Carr also recognized the students’ involvement in a mock election at Livingston Academy that followed the voting process used at public polling locations. Carr discussed plans for a student podcast highlighting activities and accomplishments throughout Overton County Schools.
The board did not take action on any policy changes during the presentation.