Administration outlines 2025–26 student handbook revisions, including Chromebook, athletics and Title I updates

District staff presented proposed revisions to student handbooks for 2025–26 at the May 12 meeting, describing updates to athletic participation rules, Chromebook policies, Title I compacts and high school parking and locker procedures.

Andre Bennett, presenting the informational item, said there were relatively few changes but several clarifications. Athletic updates clarify expectations for attending scheduled practices and how consequences apply when students participate in multiple sports or clubs. Middle-school handbooks will include wording on culturally offensive acts adopted from high-school guidance, Bennett said.

Bennett said Chromebook policy updates respond to recent social-media related incidents (described in the transcript as TikTok challenges) and will clarify student and family liability for damaged district Chromebooks. He also said high school parking will be adjusted as construction of an auditorium changes lot usage; the school will move from assigning three parking lots to one and allow students to opt into locker assignments rather than automatically assigning some 2,000-plus students a locker.

Megan (staff) described a Title I compact that will be added to elementary and middle-school handbooks; the compact outlines district, parent and student responsibilities and will be presented at meetings for families in Title I schools. Bennett said the district has five Title I schools and will hold meetings at the start of the school year to explain program parameters and parent commitments.

Staff told the board the finalized handbook revisions and Title IX updates (adopted in this meeting) will be incorporated for the 2025–26 school year and returned for board approval at a subsequent meeting.