The committee reviewed a package of policy revisions drafted by NEOLA and recommended forwarding the revisions to the full board with clarifying edits.
Presenters described a proposed change in nutrition services policy to raise the unpaid meal‑balance notification threshold from $25 to $90 to reduce persistent negative balances and to prompt families to apply for free‑and‑reduced benefits where eligible. Staff said unpaid meal debt had been about $3,100 in a prior year and was near $4,700–$4,800 at times; they explained the increase is intended to reduce accumulated unpaid debt while continuing outreach to families.
Administrators explained other NEOLA changes including technical updates and a suggestion to incorporate an emergency nursing plan into the district’s administrative guidelines; one board member asked that the emergency nursing plan be made available for public review. Members also asked administrators to clarify policy 3124.01 (notice of reasonable assurance/seasonal staff benefits) so the board and public better understand eligibility for benefits and unemployment claims for seasonal or supplemental employees.
Board members queried policy 5464 on early graduation after the recommended edits removed a fixed application date and process from the policy. Presenters said Sparta High School maintains local timelines and procedures for early graduation and staff would ensure consistent communication so students and families understand deadlines and eligibility. One board member asked staff to clarify whether early graduates remain eligible for district activities; administration replied that, once graduated, students are not eligible to participate in school activities except to graduate with their class.
A motion to recommend approval of the NEOLA policy package, including the discussed clarifications, was moved and seconded; the committee voted to send the revisions to the full board for final action.