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Maury County School Board Kicks Off Year with New Classroom Device Restrictions

Issue #524

August 12, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy, occasional afternoon showers w/ High of 87, low of 72.

📰 Maury County School Board Kicks Off Year with New Classroom Device Restrictions

📰 Downtown Columbia Streets to Get Fresh New Look — Nighttime Paving Scheduled

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Maury County School Board Kicks Off Year with New Classroom Device Restrictions

The Maury County School Board opened the new school year with updates on enrollment, staffing, and a major change in classroom device rules. Superintendent Lisa Ventura reported a smooth first day of classes, a steady enrollment of around 13,000 students, and significantly fewer teacher and coach vacancies compared to last year.

This year’s district theme, “So Much More,” reflects the idea that Maury County schools represent a broad spectrum of community life beyond academics and athletics.

In compliance with new state law HB0932/SB0897, the board approved a ban on the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time. This includes cell phones, tablets, laptops, gaming devices, headphones, and earbuds. Students may only use these devices in limited circumstances—such as emergencies, medical needs, individualized education plans, or when specifically approved by a teacher for educational purposes.

Board members generally supported limiting in-class device use but discussed how far the policy should go. Some members favored extending restrictions to time between classes, while others preferred leaving more discretion to teachers. Concerns ranged from maintaining consistent enforcement to avoiding policies that undermine teacher autonomy.

The board acknowledged that enforcement could vary by classroom and school, but emphasized the importance of sending a clear message. While some teachers have expressed resistance to the rule, the state mandate provides stronger grounds for enforcement, with the potential for disciplinary action against staff who permit non-academic device use during instructional time.

Other Tennessee districts have taken different approaches to limiting technology in schools. Liberty Tech High School in Jackson requires students to store phones in sealed bags throughout the day, a move reported to have positive academic and social impacts. In contrast, Bradley County’s school board faced parental pushback to its policy, which included confiscating devices for up to two weeks and imposing fines for early return.

The Maury County board’s newly approved policy will take effect immediately, with the aim of reducing distractions and promoting more focused classroom environments.

Downtown Columbia Streets to Get Fresh New Look — Nighttime Paving Scheduled

From City of Columbia, TN - Government’s post…

The City of Columbia will be conducting street resurfacing operations on Public Square, as well as portions of South Main Street, North Main Street, East 7th Street, and West 7th Street. Work will take place during overnight hours to reduce disruption to businesses and daytime traffic.

Dates: Sunday, August 24 – Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: Nightly from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Important Information for Residents, Businesses, and Visitors:

  • Road Closures: Public Square and affected street sections will be closed to through traffic during work hours (9:00 PM – 6:00 AM).

  • Sidewalk Closures: Sidewalks in the immediate work zone will be closed for safety reasons.

  • Property Access: Residents and property owners needing access will be assisted by the contractor on site.

  • Parking Restrictions: No parking will be permitted in the work area between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM throughout the duration of the project. Temporary "No Parking" signs will be posted similar to special event protocols.

  • Noise and Dust: Milling (prep work) and paving will produce elevated noise levels and dust. While efforts will be made to minimize both, they are unavoidable. Residents may wish to make accommodations as necessary.

  • Street Furnishings: Property owners are advised to remove any furnishings or personal items from sidewalks in the affected area.

Note: Work is weather-dependent and may conclude earlier than scheduled. In such cases, traffic control signs will be removed and the area reopened accordingly.

The City of Columbia appreciates the patience and cooperation of the community as work continues to improve the infrastructure and enhance the safety of downtown streets. 

For questions or additional information, please contact the City of Columbia Engineering Department at 931-560-1560.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Tuesday, August 12th

Wednesday, August 13th

Thursday, August 14th

Friday, August 15th

Saturday, August 16th

Sunday, August 17th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Aug 14 - 23: Tennessee State Fair (Lebanon)
Aug 22: Tennessee Titans First Pre-Season Home Game
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, August 12th

Songwriters Open Mic, Whiskey Alley, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Wednesday, August 13th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, August 14th

Robb Harris, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Neal Pennington, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
TBA, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Friday, August 15th

TBA, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Ryan Keeler, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Karaoke Night, Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Tom & Robert, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Eastern Dreamers, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
TBA, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Lydia Rae, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Zone Status, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Song Writers Round, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM

Saturday, August 16th

Miles Damaso Group, Puckett’s 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Grasskickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Bethany Trainor, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
The Howlin’ Embers, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
DNR, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Mike Peter’s, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
The Ultimate 90’s Experience, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
Tough Enough, The Boondox, 8:00 PM 
Box of Rox, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 17th 

TBA, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Vince & Brett, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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