Board hears first read of student handbook changes on tardies, phones and technology fees

The Southgate Community School District Board of Education on June 24 received a first reading of proposed revisions to building‑level student handbooks, including changes at Anderson High School, Davidson Middle School and district technology rules.

A staff presenter summarized the principal policy changes and said the board will see final versions for approval in August. “Our largest amount of change is coming from the Anderson High School. They are changing some of their practices associated with how they handle tardies,” the presenter said, describing the changes as replacing some custodial “tardy sweeps” with tardy markings and penalties but not converting tardies into absences.

At Anderson High School the proposed changes include: ending routine tardy sweeps, using tardy markings and penalties for punctuality, clarifying grade‑discrepancy reporting, adding graduation obligations linked to the Xello platform and a capstone project, prohibiting cell phones in class and requiring district‑issued equipment for some internet access needs.

At Davidson Middle School the proposals incorporate grading‑practice changes for sixth through eighth grades that were used this year into the official handbook language. The district technology section adds language to allow fee waivers in certain exceptional circumstances, the presenter said.

The handbook revisions were presented as first reads; the administration said it will return to the board at the August meeting for final approval, including a separate first read of the new Davidson Middle Academy student handbook.

Ending: No public comment was offered on the handbooks at the meeting. Board members had no questions during the first read; staff invited board members to submit questions before the August final read.