Board reviews draft 2025–26 employee handbook; final version to appear on Sept. 23 consent agenda

Director Bennett presented a draft of the 2025–26 employee handbook at the Sept. 9 Columbia Heights Public Schools board meeting and described the changes as minor updates intended to align handbook language with recent policy reviews and upcoming statutory changes.

Bennett told the board that updates include review of policies changed over the last year, buildings‑and‑grounds language addressing indoor air quality, revised leave language to prepare for the Minnesota paid leave law that takes effect Jan. 1, updated contact information and website links, and a refreshed table of contents and appendices for the final published version. Bennett said the final handbook will be presented as part of the consent agenda on Sept. 23.

Board members asked whether the language access plan would be included in the employee handbook; Bennett and another board member clarified that the language-access requirement is included in the student handbook rather than the staff handbook. Board Member Laura read aloud and praised the handbook’s nondiscrimination paragraph, saying, “It is my expectation and our working environment that is free from discrimination. A place where our differences are not only recognized, but celebrated and honored.”

The item was informational only; no vote was taken. The final handbook will appear on the Sept. 23 consent agenda with an updated cover page, table of contents and appendix, staff said.