Board implements updated health and nondiscrimination policies immediately; first reads scheduled for time‑out and drug policies

At the March 24 meeting the Bridgeport Board of Education voted to suspend a bylaw and immediately adopt updated policies on student health/medical records and nondiscrimination.

The updates and votes

- Health/medical records: The board approved adding a K‑policy (5125) under the district health records section to clarify handling of medical information. New language references the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and includes a sample HIPAA‑compliant authorization form for release of health information. The policy replaces a named staff contact with a role title (School Health Supervisor) to avoid outdated personal names.

- Nondiscrimination policy and notice: The board approved replacing the older policy with K‑policy 0521A. The updated policy expands definitions of discrimination and harassment, lists a district contact (chief human resources officer) and contact details, and provides the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights contact information.

Both policies were moved for immediate implementation after the board voted to suspend the relevant bylaw; a small number of members abstained on the immediate implementation votes, and the motions passed.

Nut graf: Administration and the policy committee said the changes bring district policy into alignment with federal privacy rules and state expectations and remove specific individual names in favor of positional titles to ensure the policies remain accurate as staff change roles.

Other policy items (first reads)

The board conducted first readings of additional policy updates that will return to committee for further work:

- Exclusionary time‑out settings and restraints (K‑policy 5114): A new district policy was presented defining exclusionary time out, seclusion and physical restraint, and a sample data collection form was included. Committee discussion focused on clarifying when a time‑out in another classroom meets the definition of “exclusionary” and ensuring required reporting and demographic tracking are in place.

- Alcohol, drugs and tobacco policy (K‑policy 5131): The draft updates definitions (including electronic nicotine products), clarifies provisions on medical cannabis and CBD, and requires drug‑free awareness programming. Board members asked staff to check statutory language and confirm any references to legality for adults versus students.

Why it matters: The health and nondiscrimination updates clarify legal obligations and provide standardized release forms and contact information for families and staff. The restraint/time‑out and substance policies address compliance and student safety; the board asked staff to return with clarifications before final votes.

Ending: Administration and the policy chair signaled they will supply redline versions, statutory citations and any requested clarifications at the next Policy & Personnel committee meeting before a final board vote on the remaining drafts.