The Venus Independent School District (ISD) Board convened on July 21, 2025, to discuss several key policy changes that aim to enhance clarity and safety within the district. Among the most significant updates were revisions to local policies regarding board organization, academic achievement, school safety, and employee guidelines.

One of the primary discussions centered on the clarification of board committees and advisory committees. The board approved changes to the language in policy BDF Local to better define these groups, ensuring a clearer understanding of their roles. Additionally, revisions to EILocal focused on academic achievement, specifically addressing how partial credits are awarded when a student passes only part of a course. This change aims to provide clearer guidelines for educators and students alike.

Another important topic was the inclusion of bullying as an offense under the school safety transfer policy (FDE Local). This change aligns with the Safe Schools Data Act, emphasizing the district's commitment to addressing bullying effectively. However, it was clarified that the policy does not currently allow for transfers from other districts, even in cases of severe bullying.

The board also approved updates to the employee handbook for the 2025-2026 school year. Notable changes included adjusting the notice period for board meetings from 72 hours to three business days, ensuring that community members have adequate time to prepare for meetings. Furthermore, the handbook now includes a process for requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and outlines restrictions on outside employment for school administrators to prevent conflicts of interest.

These policy revisions reflect the board's ongoing efforts to improve the educational environment and ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. As the district moves forward, these changes are expected to foster a more supportive and transparent educational atmosphere for the entire Venus community.