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 scrutiny: Multiple trustees questioned the handbook’s disciplinary progression for substance-related violations in athletics. The draft ties penalties to cumulative offenses over a student’s career: a first offense would result in a 25% loss of playing time for the season, a second offense a 50% loss, and a third offense would bar the student from future participation. Trustee Betsy Cleaver said she was uncomfortable allowing “a child to break a law 3 times before they lose that privilege,” and requested more background on how the policy was developed and how it compares to peer districts. Trustee Mrs. Beaudwine asked whether the policy applies to off-campus incidents such as weekend parties; administrators confirmed athletic participation rules apply to conduct outside school when it involves substances and extracurricular expectations.

Questions about scope and consistency: Trustees also asked whether the athletics handbook should be matched by a separate extracurriculars handbook. Board members noted many non-athletic activities (band, theater, clubs) have their own practices and asked whether discipline that curtails athletic participation but not other activities would be consistent with district goals. A student board representative, Cameron, said he supported giving students chances to learn from mistakes but favored fewer repeat opportunities than the draft allows. Several trustees urged care in applying penalties that are proportional to the offense and in distinguishing minor violations (for example vaping) from more serious substance offenses.

Follow-up direction: The board asked administrators to bring back additional information and options at the next meeting. Dr. Carino said she would consult the athletic department, the district’s counsel (Mr. Wachowski) and peer districts to provide (1) rationale for the current language, (2) options that shorten or alter the progression of penalties, and (3) clarity about how the policy intersects with student code-of-conduct procedures and off-campus incidents. "Would you see if, Mister Wachowski is available to join us for that conversation?" a trustee asked; administrators agreed to include legal counsel in the next briefing.

Ending: Trustees did not vote on the handbook; they requested the administration return with documented options and legal context before any adoption vote.