White County Board of Education approved a new policy requiring the prominent display of the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, and the United States Constitution in all district schools.
Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger introduced the “Foundation Policy,” identifying the documents as the basis of morality and virtue.
“Those documents are the foundation for the basis of morality and virtue,” Dronebarger said, “I think, are the foundations of freedom and liberty.”
The board voted to adopt the policy on first reading, aligning the displays with the standards identified in Tennessee Public Acts of 2024, Chapter 924. Dronebarger said the state statute specifically allows for the display of the Ten Commandments, the first sentence of the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, and the preamble to the Constitution.
Board member Jayson McDonald said the documents represent both historical significance and personal conviction.
“I’m excited to see these be presented into our schools so that our kids can know that this is not only God’s law, but it’s also a historical document that was given to us some 2,000 years ago,” McDonald said. “That’s a great thing for us to stand on our liberty, stand on our freedom, stand on our beliefs, to be able to let other people know that we’re not afraid to stand on the beliefs of what Jesus and what God has done for us in our lives.”
Dronebarger said the policy was also motivated by the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence. He said the goal is to create a lasting record that future generations can reflect upon during future milestones.
“Historically these documents have been proven to be effective in promotion of morality and virtue, which is foundation of freedom and liberty,” Dronebarger said. “Regardless of faith, regardless of your belief, that is true, and it’s historically been noted.”
The new policy, designated as Policy 4806, will require a second reading at a future meeting before final implementation. Dronebarger said the district will follow the specific text and font requirements outlined by the Tennessee School Boards Association to remain in compliance with state law.
The White County Board of Education will hold its next regular meeting on September 10.
