ISD 191 approves reading-law policy changes, attendance, privacy, weapons and public participation updates

The ISD 191 Board of Education took several policy actions on Aug. 28, 2025, approving changes on first reading to multiple policies and adopting regulations related to public participation and listening sessions.

Amina Aftedal presented changes to Policy 6.21 on literacy, saying the revisions follow state legislation implementing the READ Act and add language clarifying the science of reading, definitions for student interventions, curriculum selection, and dual-immersion assessment procedures. Aftedal noted the district currently does not operate a dual-immersion program but said the policy would provide guidance should the district start such a program. The motion to approve changes to Policy 6.21 was moved by Director Mickelson, seconded by Director Anderson, and carried unanimously.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Chris Belmont presented a group of additional policy changes the district reviewed on Aug. 19, including: Policy 4.18 (drug-free workplace/drug-free school) with MSBA-recommended changes that extend protections to those registered in tribal medical programs; Policy 5.01 (school weapons) with added terminology addressing active-shooter incidents and reporting obligations; Policy 5.03 (student attendance) with two notable items discussed by the committee — clarifying the appeals process to principals or designees and adding policy language to allow up to five vacation days excused per school year (the committee noted current practice allowed more permissive excusals and the change is intended to tighten practice after five days); and Policy 5.15 (protection and privacy of pupil records) with minor updates to student directory information consistent with evolving legislative conversations. The board approved these changes on first reading; the motion was moved by Director Hume and seconded by Director Saxe.

Superintendent Dr. Latanya Daniels presented changes to Policy 2.06 (public participation in school board meetings) and recommended approval on first reading; the revisions specify an effective date in November, add a voluntary option for listening-session participants to submit their notes, and add a listening-session card question asking whether the topic relates to the board agenda. The board also approved, on a first-and-final reading, the updated listening session guidelines that will take effect with the policy changes in November.

Board members voted unanimously on all policy motions at the meeting. No public testimony was recorded on the policies during the meeting.