Helen Spaulding, legal counsel for KIPP Texas, briefed the board on proposed updates to the staff handbook that the board will be asked to approve on the consent agenda. Spaulding said the changes fall mainly into two categories: language required by recent legislation and clarifications to align policy with operational changes.

What changed: Spaulding said updates include removal or revision of language related to diversity/equity/inclusion to reflect Senate Bill 12 requirements, updated parent‑notification language tied to that statute, a set of updates tied to Senate Bill 571 around employee reporting obligations, an update to vacation payout language to align with internal leave policies, revised Title IX contact information, and cleanup of internal transfer, mileage reimbursement and severance provisions. Spaulding said staff are also finalizing a streamlined staff grievance policy.

Safety and security: Laura Howard, chief operations officer, told the board that three TEA intruder detection audits completed so far in the 2025–26 school year resulted in zero findings. Howard also said the safety and security committee added a special education administrator, Jocelyn Harmon, to ensure compliance with HB57 guidance and to enhance committee expertise.

Board process: Spaulding noted the staff handbook changes will be in the consent agenda for board approval; the board approved the consent agenda unanimously on Sept. 25. Board members asked for confirmation of the core values changes, which Spaulding summarized as a current focus on three values: “Chase excellence,” “Persist with purpose,” and “Bring joy.”