Woodhaven-Brownstown board holds first reading of broad policy revisions, schedules second reading for Sept. 9

The Woodhaven-Brownstown Board of Education held a first reading Tuesday of a package of policy revisions that would change district language on indemnification, expense reimbursements, graduation requirements, student records, curriculum development, employment terms, evaluations, whistleblower protection, food-service charges, and safety and crisis response.

The changes were presented as a first reading; Superintendent Greathead said board members would receive clarifications later in the week and the district will return for a second reading and recommendation for approval at the Sept. 9 board meeting.

The revision to policy 1000.01 (indemnification) would add language clarifying that the district will indemnify the board and individual board members "to the extent permitted by law" and will purchase insurance to support defense and indemnification. A separate reimbursement policy would limit board reimbursements "to reasonable and necessary expenses directly related to duties," explicitly prohibiting reimbursement for entertainment, alcohol or guest expenses. Greathead said the indemnification change stems from a retyping error in the original packet and provided corrected language to members.

The draft language for 2000.02 would add compliance language tied to the FAFSA challenge should the district opt to participate; Greathead said the district currently does not participate but the policy would be in place if it later did. Education-records language (2000.03) would expand directory information to include limited items such as student photos and email addresses with restricted usage. Curriculum updates (3000.01) were described as aligning with Title I requirements and emphasizing support for students with disabilities and gifted students while maintaining equivalence across schools.

Employment-related policies would be retitled and updated to align with Michigan law: 4000.03 would change wording from "paid medical leave" to "earned sick time." 4000.04 would update evaluation and discipline timelines to reflect recent state legislation and would require board training on superintendent evaluations, while 4000.05 would clarify whistleblower protections and reporting procedures under Michigan law. Meal-charge and food-service policy updates (5000.08) were written to reflect changes tied to free school meals available under state law. Safety and security revisions (6000.02–6000.06) include a behavioral threat-assessment requirement, a prohibition on firearms on school grounds with an annual requirement to distribute safe-storage information, adoption of standardized emergency-response terminology by the 2026–27 school year, reaffirmation of the superintendent's authority to close schools for emergencies, and expanded prohibitions on tobacco, vaping and other substances on school property and at school events.

Board members asked for clarifications on specific items; Greathead said he would distribute requested clarifications to all board members before the next meeting. The board did not take any final votes on the policies at Tuesday's meeting.

A second reading and possible adoption is scheduled for the board's Sept. 9 meeting.