The board reviewed a packet of policy updates on Sept. 3. Superintendent Dr. Pohl told members 12 policies were presented for review along with 15 policies scheduled for second reading; two student‑level policies were recommended for second reading now because of substantive legal or cross‑reference changes.

Policy highlights presented by staff include:
• IGBAZ — Student transition and post‑secondary support language updated to reflect Virginia Code changes; recommended for second reading.
• JCFM — Formerly the division’s personal electronic device policy, rewritten to align with the Virginia School Boards Association model policy and state law; recommended for second reading.
• KGD — New policy required by recent state law requiring notification to parents/guardians of any school‑connected overdose within 24 hours; policy specifies what constitutes a school‑connected event (on campus, field trip, athletic event, etc.).
• KBA — Adds Virginia FOIA training requirements for FOIA officers (initial training within a reasonable time of appointment and biennial refreshers).
• KQ — Adds certification language for external partners or sponsors with direct student contact, requiring documentation that the partner is not convicted of specified crimes.
• KA and LC — Edits around communications evaluation and the charter application review and acceptance process, respectively.

Dr. Pohl said most of the changes mirror model language from VSBA or reflect newly enacted code. Board members asked a few clarifying questions about timing and implementation; Dr. Pohl said the policies are being processed under the VSBA guidance and that additional policy work remains under review before future meetings.

No formal votes were recorded in the work session on first reading items; staff recommended JCFM and IGBAZ for second reading. The board later moved into a closed session for personnel and legal matters.