The Clay County Board of Education approved the first reading of proposed edits to the 2025-26 elementary and high school handbooks on May 8, including new language about vape-device testing, emergency response information and recognition criteria for honors.

Among the changes, the district proposed adding this language: "All vapes, e cigs, etcetera, found in possession of any Clay County Student are subject to be tested for illegal substances," a staff member identified as Mister Edwards told the board.

Board members asked who conducts those tests and whether the results would hold up in court. A board member asked whether School Resource Officers conduct testing; the meeting record indicates SROs perform the swab tests. A board member also asked how evidence would be charged; a meeting speaker said, "We charge them with paraphernalia," noting that the district does not pursue an actual drug charge in those school cases, and that paraphernalia carries a lower evidentiary standard.

The handbook edits also add information about student recognition (TriStar Scholar and diploma distinctions), a new honors recognition structure beginning with the class of 2027, and a recommendation from the Department of Homeland Security to include school emergency information in the back of the handbooks.

Board action: the board approved the first reading and invited board members to request that additional staff, including Mister Strong, appear for the second reading if members had questions.

The board did not finalize the handbook; the approved item was the first reading and further explanation or revision may occur at second reading.