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Board adopts updated 2025–26 parent-student handbook after parent advisory input
Summary
The board approved a revised 2025–26 parent-student handbook on Aug. 11 following a review led by three parents and district administrators to clarify discipline policies and communication with families.
The Homeless School District 153 Board adopted a revised parent-student handbook for the 2025–26 school year at its Aug. 11 meeting after administrators and a parent advisory group reviewed existing discipline and communication policies.
Superintendent Dr. McAllister said he worked with parents Gail Adams, Jamila Doyle and Terrell Duffin to review the handbook text over multiple evenings. The revised handbook is more descriptive than prior versions and reflects input from building administrators, McAllister said. The handbook will be posted on the district website after board approval.
Board members praised the document’s clarity. "I think it's very comprehensive, and I think it's a really good guide for members of the community," one board member said during the meeting. The handbook clarifies distinctions between attendance categories such as excused absences, chronic absenteeism and truancy and outlines procedures for discipline and communication between families and schools.
Administrators said the handbook will be shared with parents and that staff will encourage families to discuss contents with their students. The board approved the handbook by roll call vote during the consent agenda.
The handbook adoption was presented as a consent item and carries the normal annual responsibilities for administrators to implement and communicate the policies to families and staff.
