Board reviews multiple policy updates: remote participation, AI images and minority-business outreach

Board members discussed a package of policy updates April 1 that touch remote meeting participation rules, parent-notification requirements, guidelines for artificially created or manipulated images and minority-business participation in bidding.

Legal counsel and staff advised the board that a recent state court case involving county commissioners narrowed when remote participation can count toward a quorum under statutes that apply to counties and municipalities. Counsel said school boards do not have an identical statutory bar, but recommended aligning board rules with recent guidance so remote participation is limited when not under a declared statewide emergency, and to preserve in-room quorum rules when legally prudent.

Board policy 13-10 (parent-notification provisions) was flagged for review and cross-referenced materials were provided: staff pointed board members to the student code of conduct and the parent guide to student achievement for locations of required notifications and opt-in/opt-out distinctions.

Policy 43-29 (listed in meeting materials) was amended in draft to address artificially generated or manipulated images—sometimes called “deep fakes”—after incidents at the high school. Staff said the additions would aim to set expectations for work and images used in school settings and would be refined between meetings.

The board also reviewed policy 91-25 on participation by historically underutilized/minority businesses. Legal counsel advised that state law requires outreach and certain publication steps to ensure minority-owned and historically underutilized businesses receive notice of public contracting opportunities; counsel said the legal requirement is about opportunity and outreach rather than a mandate to select contractors on the basis of status.

Board members asked staff and counsel to refine the draft edits and return recommended language at a subsequent meeting.