Laconia board adopts multiple policy updates, sends cell-phone rule back for building-level input

The Laconia School Board approved several policy revisions and new policies during its Aug. 5 meeting, including adoption of data governance and staff internet access policies and rescinding an outdated internet usage procedure. The board took a preliminary first read on other required policies and asked the policy committee to reconcile differences between the new personal-device policy and existing building handbooks. Board members voted to adopt the EHAB data governance and security policy and to approve revisions to GBEF (Internet access for staff) and GBEF‑R. The board also approved rescinding the GBEF‑P procedures for acceptable internet usage. Votes on these items carried by recorded voice or roll-call as shown in the meeting record. Policy JICJ (unauthorized communication/personal devices) was presented as required by law but was not finalized. Building administrators at the middle and high school requested that discipline language in the policy align with their handbooks and added that parents should be notified at the first offense; the policy committee will return a revised draft to the board for a second reading. Board minutes also show a minor erratum flagged in BEDG (meeting minutes) where a word should be removed to improve clarity. The board conducted the required annual designation of truant officers under policy JH and approved continuing two School Resource Officers (SROs) as truant officers for the coming year. Several policies were listed as required by statute or by NH Department of Education guidance; the board relied on NHSBA model language for some updates and asked buildings to provide input where local practice varies.