Maury County School Board Approves New AI Policy

Issue #156

22 Jul

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☁️ Columbia Weather - Cloudy with a high of 84, Thunderstorms from 1-5PM, w/ drizzle expected at 6PM

📰 Maury County School Board Approves New AI Policy

🏐 Hustle Factory Volleyball Club Expands to Columbia, Register Now For Fall League

☕️ Thursday: Young Professionals Networking Coffee

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📣 We Want To Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, July 23rd

Wednesday, July 24th

Thursday, July 25th

Friday, July 26th

Saturday, July 27th

Sunday, July 28th

Maury County School Board Approves New AI Policy

The Maury County Public Schools School Board approved a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy during its regular board meeting on July 2, in line with a new state law requirement. Board member Marlina Ervin expressed both appreciation and concern for AI, noting its potential to overshadow human intelligence and thinking. She emphasized the board's goal of fostering student intelligence rather than relying on AI.

Chief Human Resources Officer Jennifer Garrard explained that the new policy aims to balance the use of AI, distinguishing helpful tools like spell check from more advanced AI applications. The technology department has been managing this oversight. Garrard also mentioned that digital citizenship training, which all students undergo, will now include sessions on AI for students, teachers, and staff.

In other business, the board approved several consent items:

  • Columbia Central High School softball team trip to Gulf Shores, Ala. in March 2025.

  • A $235,144 bid for interactive display boards from Howard Technology Solutions.

  • Renewal of the annual athletic field maintenance contract with Sport’s Turf Solutions for $500,000.

  • Joining the PEPPM Technology Cooperative Purchasing Program, a national cooperative that meets state bid laws.

  • Renewal of an advertising agreement with District Solutions for the 2024-25 school year.

  • Payroll procedures and purchasing policies.

Additionally, the board:

  • Approved updates to the new member orientation policy.

  • Approved an amendment to the supervision of students policy.

  • Acknowledged the resignation of board member Austin Hooper, who was commended for his four years of service.

  • Announced all principal positions in Maury County Public Schools have been filled.

  • Noted the recent passing of former Maury County teacher Barbara Ann Duvall, who taught for 41 years at Hampshire, Riverside, and Spring Hill High School. Superintendent Lisa Ventura asked for prayers for Duvall's family and for the school district to continue having dedicated educators like her.

Hustle Factory Volleyball Club Expands to Columbia, Register Now For Fall League

Are you looking for a place where young athletes can grow not only in their volleyball skills but also as individuals? Discover Hustle Factory Volleyball Club (HFVC).

Located at Hustle Factory Sports Complex in Spring Hill and their new branch in Columbia, HFVC offers an inclusive environment for girls ages 7-18 to thrive both on and off the court. 

Founded in 2022 by Tim Cooper, HFVC aims to inspire and challenge players, fostering growth in all aspects of life. Tim’s extensive background, including playing and coaching volleyball for nearly a decade, informs the club’s holistic approach. His experiences range from coaching beginners to college athletes and even leading teams in international competitions in Thailand and West Africa.

“Our club is distinctive from other volleyball and youth sports clubs in that we are focused on the individuals holistic development. While developing their athletic skills is a priority for our club it does not override the importance of character development and helping them to mature into kind, responsible and confident adults. We believe that a coach is able to connect with young athletes in a way parents, teachers and peers cannot. Our coaches are trained and encouraged to look for teachable moments and to develop healthy coach/player relationships throughout the season.” 

The club offers a variety of opportunities to get involved:

  • Seasonal Leagues: Fall, Winter, and Spring leagues cater to beginners and those new to volleyball.

  • Summer Camps: Available for all skill levels, these camps are perfect for honing volleyball skills in a fun, supportive environment.

  • Private Lessons: Personalized coaching sessions with experienced trainers.

  • Travel Teams: Competitive play through club teams and travel seasons.

Exciting news: HFVC is expanding with a new branch in Columbia at the Macedonia Recreation Center with hopes this will be closer to those communities without a volleyball club near them such as Pulaski, Hohenwald, etc. 

Don’t miss the upcoming Fall League starting on August 12th in Spring Hill and August 15th in Columbia. Spots are limited, so be sure to register soon!

For more information, visit Hustle Factory Volleyball Club and check out their volleyball leagues. Join HFVC and be part of a community that’s about more than just sports—it’s about shaping future leaders.

Locations:

Hustle Factory Sports Complex - 5191 Joe Peay Rd, Spring Hill, TN 
HFVC Columbia - 501 Armstrong St., Columbia, TN

Thursday: Young Professionals Networking Coffee

Come network with other Young Professionals at our YP Coffee hosted at Vida Nova Coffee Lounge in the Columbia Arts Building!

This casual event takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month and everyone is welcome.

About YP Maury County

The Maury Alliance YP group creates a platform for professionals under 40 to build relationships, develop professionally, and contribute to the economic development and high-quality living of Maury County. We are dedicated to providing a springboard for ideas, network of resources and a unified voice from our young professional community through innovative programs, projects, and social events. Our goal is to become the premier organization for the up and comers of our community.

I am not a member of Maury Alliance, can I still come?

Yes! We want all Young Professionals in Maury County to get involved.

Am I a Young Professional?

A Young Professional is anyone working or living in Maury County. From Nurses to Teachers and Manufacturers to Engineers, anyone from 21 to 40 is considered a Young Professional!

I won't know anyone there...

That's okay, many people will not know anyone. Look for the registration table and we will introduce you to others and get you plugged in.

8AM Thursday
Vida Nova Coffee
307 W. 11th St., Columbia

🎵 Today’s Live Music 🎵

Monday, July 22nd

Austin Byrd, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

Tuesday, July 23rd

Jay Hoppus, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

Wednesday, July 24th

Justen Harden, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, July 25th

Kevin Daniel, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Murphy Ridge, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
5x5, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Friday, July 26th

Jon Owens, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Shawn Mayer, Grinder's Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
Troy Kemp, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Shannon McCue, The Spot Burgers & Beers, 5 - 8 PM 

Saturday, July 27th

Sean Carson, Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
The Sins, Amber Falls Winery, 3-7 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Music on the  Porch, 216 Pleasant St, Mt Pleasant, 7-9 PM
Don McKinnon, The Tilted Mule, 7 PM
Cole Ritter & The Night Owls, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Tennessee Stills, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, July 28th

Jim Fox Trio, Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

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