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Board approves 2526 student handbook but removes draft language on excused-absence grading for further review
Summary
The board approved the 2526 student handbook while directing staff to pull Policy 3122 (excused absences/participation points) from the handbook for legal review and clarification so the handbook can print in time for school start.
The Prosser School District board approved the 2526 student handbook with one change: administrators were directed to remove Policy 3122 about excused absences from the handbook and return with clarified language. The board approved the handbook by voice vote and instructed staff to correct the language before final printing so the handbook will align with state law.
Board members and staff debated a draft handbook passage that stated a student’s grade “may be affected because of the student's inability to make up the activities conducted during a class period.” A board member asked whether that language meant excused absences could affect participation points. A staff member responded that, under state law and past practice, students with excused absences must be allowed to make up missed work and the language must be corrected so an excused absence does not unfairly penalize a student.
Staff said the handbook will be printed before the next meeting and that periodic red-line updates may be posted on the website; the board directed that if Policy 3122 needs correction, staff will remove it from the printed handbook and issue an addendum or amend the handbook after proper board approval. A trustee suggested pulling the disputed policy from the handbook and publishing the remainder to be transparent about what will be printed.
Board members noted the district must balance the need for consistent participation expectations with legal protections for students whose absences are excused. Staff said they will consult legal requirements (including a state law commonly called the “Becca bill,” referenced in the meeting) and return with corrected policy language. The transcript records the board’s vote to approve the handbook and to remove Policy 3122 for further work; it does not contain the final revised wording.
The board also discussed timeline and printing deadlines, and staff committed to returning with revised language and to work with administrators on procedures for making up missed work when appropriate.
