Board reviews first readings of updated policies on parent rights, patriotic exercises, special education and safety

The Litchfield Elementary School District Governing Board reviewed first readings of multiple policy updates Oct. 14 intended to align district policy with recent state law changes and clarify existing practices.

Dr. Doozy introduced Policy 1‑401 (parent and legal guardian rights), which adds parental access to information about health‑service credentials and emergency‑response training for staff who provide health services. Ms. Benjamin presented Policy 5‑201 (patriotic exercises), noting statutory changes that remove a requirement extending certain observance requirements to very young students; the revised policy clarifies that the statutory requirement now applies beginning in seventh grade and younger grades may participate at teacher discretion.

Policy 5‑203 (students with disabilities) was updated to reflect evaluation requirements: if a specific learning disability in reading is identified the evaluation must indicate whether dyslexia is a causal factor, and private‑placement procedures were clarified to match district practice.

Trustees also reviewed three additional first reads: Policy 5‑401 (police interview notification), which clarifies immediate parent/guardian notification when law enforcement takes a juvenile into temporary custody (subject to safety considerations); Policy 5‑402 (Department of Child Safety interview and custody), which clarifies identification and documentation requirements for DCS staff visiting schools; and Policy 5‑404 (administration of medication), which updates terminology to reflect new epinephrine delivery options (for example, nasal spray) in addition to auto‑injectors.

Board members asked clarifying questions but took no final votes. Dr. Doozy and Ms. Benjamin said the revised policies will be returned to the board for action at a subsequent meeting.