Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Policy Changes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board committee introduces discipline, drug‑testing and wellness policy changes for later vote
Summary
A district committee proposed a STEP diversion for first‑offense possession, clarified drug‑testing procedures to allow superintendent review of medical‑marijuana cases, adjusted K‑5 phone and recess language, and recommended stiffer academic‑dishonesty penalties for repeat offenders; the items were introduced for next‑month consideration.
Board members received a policy committee briefing outlining multiple proposed changes to district policy; no votes were taken and the items were placed on next month’s agenda for formal action. The committee’s recommendations covered discipline alternatives, drug‑testing language, elementary phone and recess language, and academic‑dishonesty consequences.
The committee proposed a STEP (student treatment and education program) that would allow a non‑suspension alternative on a first nonviolent possession offense: instead of automatic 10‑day suspension for possession (for example of vapes containing THC), students could be assigned immediately to the Alpha program for 10 days and required to complete a 90‑day treatment plan and evaluation through Preferred Family Health; if the student fails to complete the required treatment, the original suspension would be reinstated. The board packet framed the STEP approach as optional for families — an alternative to the current suspension protocol.
On drug‑testing policy (JFCI / related codes), the committee recommended adding language to address students with lawful medical marijuana authorization: if a student presents a valid medical‑marijuana card, the superintendent would review the circumstances before imposing automatic parking‑loss or other discipline tied to a positive test or test refusal. The recommendation would not automatically exempt students from consequences; rather, it would create a process for case review by administration.
Other committee recommendations included clarifying the K–5 cell‑phone rule to specify that “wait time” (arrival/dismissal waiting periods) is included in the school day for the policy’s purposes, and refining the district wellness policy to clarify that only the state‑required single 20‑minute recess is mandated; a second 20‑minute period currently in use could be treated as discretionary or used in disciplinary contexts.
The committee also recommended policy language tightening repeat academic‑dishonesty consequences at the secondary level: for students with multiple confirmed incidents, the district would consider eliminating assignment credit on subsequent offenses (the recommendation applies after repeated violations, not the first offense).
Board members indicated the items will return as old business at the next regular meeting for a vote. The committee’s recommendations were presented as draft language for public review and further board deliberation.
