School board unanimously adopts three personnel policies, approves two large purchases and the consent calendar

Provo City School Board members unanimously approved three personnel policy updates, authorized two large purchases totaling $228,665.64 and approved the consent calendar during a regular meeting at 280 West 940 North in Provo.

The board voted to adopt Policy 51-45 (Personnel: Employee Religious Beliefs or Conscience), Policy 52-50 (Personnel: Conflict of Interest) and Policy 50-90 (Personnel: Code of Conduct). Board members said the policies were discussed in the prior study session and that the changes align with state law and clarify expectations for employees, coaches, advisors and volunteers.

Policy 51-45 was presented as “a new policy that aligns with state law” and would provide a process for granting accommodations or exemptions for employees’ religious beliefs or conscience when the change “does not alter significantly their job assignment.” The motion to approve Policy 51-45 was made by Board Member Meg Van Wagonen and seconded by Board Member Lisa Boyce; the motion passed unanimously.

Policy 52-50 clarifies hiring and promotion practices to avoid conflicts of interest involving relatives or household members and aligns with the Utah Public Officers and Employees Ethics Act. Board Member Melanie Hall moved approval; Vice President Gina Hales seconded. The board approved the policy unanimously.

Policy 50-90 updates the district code of conduct to reflect state law and to set expectations and procedures for employee interactions with students, parents and the community; it includes a specific procedure for coaches, advisors and volunteers. Board Member Lisa Boyce moved approval; Van Wagonen seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

On procurement, the board approved a large purchase of a field mower for the grounds crew in the amount of $135,789. The motion on the mower was moved by Board Member Emily Harrison and seconded by Melanie Hall and passed with unanimous support.

The board also approved consumable materials for the districtwide K–3 “95% group” in the amount of $92,876.64. Vice President Gina Hales moved the purchase and Board Member Lisa Boyce seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The consent calendar was moved and seconded by Board Member Lisa Boyce and Board Member Emily Harrison, respectively, and approved unanimously.

All recorded motions in the meeting passed without dissent. The meeting record shows the board voiced appreciation to staff for input provided during the study session on policy drafts.

The board adjourned following routine reports and a superintendent update.