Board holds first reading on updated Title I family‑engagement policy; moves to second reading

Longview School Board held a first reading May 27 of proposed revisions to Policy 4130, the district’s Title I family‑engagement policy, and referred the policy to a second reading for additional review.

Superintendent (presenter identified in the record as Doctor Kodegar) told the board the draft follows changes in state and federal guidance, removes some procedural language to be placed in procedures rather than policy, and updates terminology to align with OSPI and WASDA model policy changes. A substantive edit on page two struck references to specific programs (transcript: Head Start and “E1 Start”) in favor of language that describes “braiding funding and supports,” a change staff said reflects state guidance to avoid singling out specific funding sources.

Board members asked clarifying questions. One asked whether the annual evaluation referenced in the policy was a meeting or a separate evaluation and how reporting to families would be handled; staff said districts must involve families in the districtwide plan and collect feedback on family‑engagement programs, and those evaluation activities need not coincide with the same meeting. Another board member said the changes were “more robust” and suggested holding the item for a second reading because of the extent of changes.

Board members agreed to move the policy to a second reading; no final adoption occurred at the meeting. Staff noted the policy connects to state and federal reporting requirements tied to Title I funding and that documentation of family‑engagement activities is audited as part of federal and state compliance reviews.