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Board approves student conduct, concussion and medicine policies; discusses guidance and counseling language
Summary
Trustees approved revised policies on student conduct, concussion management and administering medicines and held a first reading and discussion on guidance and counseling policy, including whether to explicitly address religious or moral counseling by school counselors.
The Lake Pend Oreille School District board approved a set of policy updates and debated language in a separate guidance policy during its regular meeting.
The board approved the second reading and adoption of the revised student conduct document (working draft referenced as policy 3255), adopted a new concussion management policy (3505), and approved a rewritten administering medicines policy (3510). Trustees voted in favor of each motion; the meeting record shows those motions carried by voice vote.
During first reading of an updated guidance and counseling policy (policy 2300 referenced in discussion), board members and Dr. Jansen, who met with district counselors to draft the changes, discussed whether the policy should explicitly state limits on counselors providing religious or moral advice. One trustee asked about the line between short-term responsive supports and longer-term therapy or faith-based counseling; the board generally agreed the policy should avoid requiring counselors to offer religious guidance and that parents should be involved when issues intersect faith or moral instruction.
Dr. Jansen told the board she would research the issue further and consider whether to add clarifying language; the item will return for further review. The board also approved deletion of an outdated policy tied to prior federal programs and approved required annual notices and updates noted by staff.
Actions recorded: motions to adopt the working student conduct document, adopt policy 3505 concussion management, adopt policy 3510 administering medicines, and delete the old infection management plan were all moved, seconded and approved. The guidance and counseling policy was presented for first reading and discussion but not adopted at this meeting.
