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Provo board adopts school guardian policy; state pays initial $500 stipend, district sets ongoing pay
Summary
The Provo City School Board unanimously approved policy 6801 to establish a school guardian program required by state law, with presenters clarifying training, eligibility thresholds and stipend structure.
The Provo City School Board of Education unanimously adopted Policy 6801, creating a district school guardian program required by state law, during its May 13 business meeting.
Superintendent Wendy Dow introduced the policy during the study-session portion of the meeting and described it as "a new policy that's required by the state. We established a school guardian program, specific training." Dow and staff explained the policy formalizes training, procedures and compensation for personnel who volunteer to serve as school guardians.
During discussion, staff said the model policy language contained references they considered unnecessary and identified three line items to remove from the model. Administrators also said they updated an exception threshold: rather than allowing a principal or teacher to serve as a guardian at schools with fewer than 100 students, the district changed that threshold to 350 students. The presentation referenced updated "fit to carry" language required by recent legislation.
Officials clarified compensation: the state provides a one‑time stipend of $500 per guardian for equipment, and the district will determine an annual stipend amount. The district also noted guardians must complete required shooter-response and certification training defined by the state.
Board member Lisa Boyce commented on the effort required to follow changing state law; no board member opposed the policy. Vice President Gina Hales moved approval; the motion carried unanimously.
The board adopted Policy 6801 and its accompanying procedure during the business meeting "as discussed in the business meeting," according to the motion recorded on the public record.
The policy sets district-level requirements for implementing the guardian program; specific operational details such as annual stipend amounts and training schedules were left to district procedure and implementation teams.
Board members asked questions about the policy language and thanked staff for tracking the evolving legal requirements. The adoption brings the district into compliance with the state-mandated school guardian program.
