Board debates proposed athletics handbook language, trustees question drug/alcohol penalties and extracurricular scope

The Novi Board of Education discussed a proposed update to the district athletic handbook Tuesday and asked staff to return with additional background and alternatives after trustees raised concerns about how the draft addresses substance violations and whether similar rules should apply to other extracurricular activities.

What was proposed: Dr. Carino, the administrator presenting the draft, said the athletic handbook was revised to provide consistent expectations for coaches, students and families and that the law firm Troon reviewed the document. "It was something that [athletic director] Mr. Wachowski had hoped to create so that there was some consistency and some clear explanations for expectations for our athletic program," she said.

Substance-violation language drew…