Policy revisions concerning the superintendent’s role, veterans’ employment preferences, and the treatment of reservists’ spouses garnered particular attention. The board considered modifying language in Policy Number 1030 related to the superintendent of schools and debated potential changes to Policy Numbers 112011, 31201, and 41201 regarding veterans’ employment preferences.

Digital classrooms and discrimination based on disability were also scrutinized. Policy Number 2252 on digital classrooms and Policy Number 22601, Section 504 ADA prohibition against discrimination, prompted debates. The board considered adding specific names and contact information to policies and highlighted the importance of professional development on ADA policies. Assistant principals’ responsibilities in the absence of the building principal and the compliance of policies on district and school websites were discussed, with a focus on food service inspections and current practices.

The board engaged in a examination of policies related to student and employee safety. Policy Number 2431.03, dealing with concussions and head injuries, raised questions about the presence of personnel with CPR AED training at athletic activities and the scope of this requirement. Policy Number 2431.05 on athletic injuries prevention and policy number 4162 on drug and alcohol testing of CDL license holders were debated, with discussions on the impact of marijuana legalization on policy and the removal of certain language.

Student-related policies were also a focal point. Policy Number 5516 on student hazing, policy number 5540 on student investigations, and policy number 5610.1 on the emergency removal of students were reviewed, with requests for clarification on the reinstatement of students and the teacher’s role in the process. The board emphasized the need for clarity in policy number 5610.2 regarding the emergency removal of students and the teacher’s involvement in reinstatement.

Operational policies such as electronic record management and the commemoration of school facilities were addressed. The board agreed with Neola recommendations for policy item number 3.11 on electronic records and signatures and discussed item number 3.14, which pertained to the procedures for naming facilities. The criteria for honoring individuals with a school name were debated, including considerations for whether the individual should be deceased.

The disposition and management of school property were notable topics. Item number 3.15 focused on the disposition of surplus properties, leading to discussions about developing procedures for equitable access to surplus items by district and charter schools. Item number 3.16 on the acquisition and disposal of major tangible property prompted inquiries about the removal of certain paragraphs in compliance with deregulation efforts. Concerns about the lending of property and potential liabilities were raised.

The board also tackled environmental health, with item number 3.17 spotlighting the requirement for annual inspections of all buildings. There was debate over the necessity of board members conducting fire safety inspections and the comfort level of members with this responsibility.

The enforcement of a ban on texting while driving for district employees using personal vehicles was questioned for its practicality. The use of AEDs on school grounds led to debates on whether all employees and volunteers should be aware of AED locations, not just those involved in athletic activities.

Insurance and risk management policies were reviewed, with a suggestion to increase the claim settlement limit to $100,000. The board agreed to this amendment. Furthermore, the superintendent proposed the creation of a compliance specialist role to monitor policy compliance and staff accountability.

Finally, the board scheduled a policy workshop following the upcoming meeting to address new policy batches and work on internal policies separate from those provided by Neola.