Board adopts multiple policy updates to align with state law and district procedure

The Batavia Board of Education approved a slate of policy updates on second reading, including a change to shorten officer terms from two years to one year for president, vice president and secretary, and a set of policy changes to align district discipline, suspension and expulsion procedures with Public Act 102-466. Administrators explained the set included related updates on home/hospital instruction, student support services and a new policy addressing students who are expecting parents or survivors of violence. The district will have its attorney review one related policy (policy 7040) before further action; the board agreed to delay that specific policy until legal review is complete. Trustees also approved an update addressing access to electronic networks, which adds guidance about artificial-intelligence-enabled tools in schools. The roll-call vote on the policy slate passed; the board chair asked staff to confirm the procedural posting for one policy item and to return a reaffirming vote if attorneys advise doing so. Board members said the policies aim to align district procedures with state law and add clarity on counseling, supports and technology use for students.