Board approves second reading of revised bylaws and multiple policy updates, cites sick‑leave and epinephrine law compliance

The Lowell Area Schools Board of Education approved the second reading of revised bylaws and district policies at its May 12 meeting, with the board voting by voice to carry the motion.

Board members moved and seconded the motion to approve the policy revisions; the second reading covered technical bylaw corrections and numbered policy changes including leave of absence policy updates intended to bring the district into compliance with Michigan’s earned sick time requirements, revisions to field trip policy, immunization and medication protocols, and changes to mental‑health and wellness policies.

A staff presenter summarized the package and listed the key changes: a technical correction process for bylaws; an update to the leave‑of‑absence policy to comply with Michigan earned sick time requirements (presented in the packet as relevant to support staff covered under policy 44‑30); revisions to policy 23‑40 on district‑sponsored trips and transportation; policy 53‑20 on immunizations; policy 53‑30 on use of medications (including a modified 5330 procedure discussed at a previous workshop); a statutory change reflected in a new 5330‑01 concerning epinephrine auto‑injectors and the presence of EpiPens in school buildings; policy 53‑50 supporting comprehensive student mental health, well‑being and suicide prevention; updates to personnel file handling in policy 83‑20; and updates to food service (85‑00) and the wellness policy (85‑10), as well as a request to rescind policy 86‑50 and consolidate transportation under 23‑40.

“These are revisions we’ve been discussing for a number of months,” the presenter said, summarizing the packet and noting earlier workshop conversations had shaped the medication and epinephrine language. After the second reading, the board approved the revisions by voice vote.

The board did not record individual yes/no votes in the minutes during the meeting; members answered “Aye” during the roll call for the motion on the second reading. Board members who moved and supported the motion were identified in the meeting: the motion was made by Jared and supported by Annie. A board member noted copies of the modified medication language were available for review.

The approved package will be reflected in the district policy manual; staff said additional supporting documents and the revised text are available for board review.