School Board Agenda Posted

The past two meetings I noted that there were several policies being revised based on the board agenda, but the revised policies were not included in the agendas. This month, on the meeting of their final reading and adoption they are included.

No. 103 - Non-Discrimination in School and Classroom Practices. In short, this policy is to ensure that all schools are treated equally. Added to the policy was the phrase "The equitable distribution of district resources is one means the district shall use to ensure all students receive a quality education." Most changes were in the appeal procedure and defining equivalence between schools

No. 207 - Confidential Communications of Students. Refers to communications from students to a faculty member of some sort that results in having to act on the information. No major changes that I could see only clarifications.

No. 218 - Student Discipline. Removes "Corporal Punishment" from the approved means of discipline.

No. 220 - Student Expression. This is probably a have to have kind of policy, and it outlines types of expression, means of delivery, etc., including journalism standards with the bottom line being anything that could disrupt education or safety or the school environment are not permissible. It leaves it pretty open ended, for administration to determine case by case what is okay and what is not, but I don't think there is much that can be done. Let's admit the point of expressing oneself to make a point (be it disease awareness, fundraiser, political stand, religious statement etc) is to cause a disruption and be heard or noticed. I do like the phrase that "Spontaneous student expression" which is otherwise protected free speech, is not prohibited.

No. 221 - Dress and Grooming. To start, any dress or grooming determined to be student expression is governed by policy No. 220 (see above). Also, a nuanced change that the district no longer "prohibits", but instead "governs" dress and grooming. HS can wear flip flops and other shoes without a strap around the heel, MS is not recommended (read allowed), and elementary is not allowed. Pajamas are also not to be worn to school. There are a list of other items from outerwear to headwear, to shorts, shirts, etc.

No. 226 - Searches. Purpose is safety and the authority is that the lockers are the property of the school not the student. Also changed was reason to search went from an item that caused a hazard to one that could be a threat to safety and well-being. Defined as follows in the policy:

Reasonable suspicion occurs when a reasonable person, from a combination of articulable facts and the person’s own experience, feels that the degree of intrusion is warranted in terms of all the surrounding circumstances. The reasonable search standard differs from probably cause required by police officers.

The policy goes on to identify types of searches and guidance on each.

No. 233 - Suspension and Expulsion. Mostly a clarification of the process and rights.

No. 235 - Student Rights/Responsibilities. Outlines the ages students are provided an education and who can and can't be excluded from education and extra-curricular activities. The responsibilities of students are mostly to follow the rules, not disrupt others, and inform staff when others are breaking the rules, being disruptive, or planning to be disruptive.

No. 246 - Student Wellness. Few changes, all students must take physical education, the nurse must report screening and referral results, and "Safe Routes to School" section was added to the policy: "The district shall cooperate with local municipalities, public safety agency, police departments, and community organizations to develop and maintain safe routes to school."

No. 807 - Opening Exercises. No longer requires students or staff to participate in pledge of allegiance or national anthem, but both are mandated to be conducted. A non-religious moment of meditation may be held.