Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reviews disciplinary and discharge policy language including vaccination clause and child-abuse check language
Summary
Board members discussed proposed formatting and wording changes to the districtpolicy on disciplinary action and discharge (model policy basis), questioned a clause referencing vaccination proof and considered procedures for allegations involving minors. Staff will research and return with recommended edits.
During a discussion item the board reviewed proposed changes to policy 5281 (disciplinary action and discharge), which staff presented as a model-policy-based rewrite focused mostly on format and clarity.
The superintendent said the suggested edits came from a WASDA model policy and that the district's attorney had reviewed it. Board members pressed for clarification on specific items that appear in the model language, notably a line that mentions "providing proof of vaccination or refusal to obtain a medical or religious accommodation" as a nondisciplinary dismissal ground for certain administrators.
"That's a very good question. I don't have an answer, so that would be something I would have to research for you," the superintendent said in response to the board's request to explain why that vaccination language was included.
Board members requested staff to research the origin of that clause and either explain its legal basis or remove it from the draft policy. The discussion also covered a proposed provision allowing the superintendent to contact CPS (Child Protective Services) if allegations arise that a staff member is an adjudicated or admitted perpetrator of child abuse or neglect; staff explained that a background check at hiring may not show later adjudications, and the clause is intended as an investigatory step when new information arises.
Other items discussed included how the policy addresses use of habit-forming drugs versus prescribed medications that can impair judgment, and the committee debated whether language about employee tools and references to international security standards are appropriate for a district of Prosser's size.
No final vote was taken on this policy during the discussion; board members asked the superintendent and legal counsel to research the vaccination language and CPS reference and to return a revised draft at the next first-reading session.
Ending
The board agreed to postpone final action on proposed policy wording until staff could provide citations or alternative language and to circulate a redlined version to board members prior to the next meeting.
