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Board approves several first readings and procedural items; adopts animal policy
Summary
At its Feb. 12 meeting the Granite Falls School District board approved multiple first readings to amend district policies, retired several policies, removed one item from new business and adopted a policy on animals in the instructional program by voice vote.
The Granite Falls School District Board of Directors approved a slate of procedural and policy items during its Feb. 12 meeting, including the first readings of several policy amendments and the adoption of a policy governing animals as part of the instructional program.
Key votes taken (voice votes unless otherwise noted):
- Excused absences: The board approved a motion to excuse Director Kinkade and Director Dane from the meeting; motion made and seconded and approved by voice vote.
- Remove item from agenda: Directors approved a motion to remove agenda item 5D (first reading of Policy 5400, personal leaves) from new business.
- Policy 2029 (Animals as part of the instructional program): The board approved the first reading and adoption of Policy 2029, which governs how and when animals are used on school grounds during the school day.
- Policy amendments (first readings): The board approved first readings to amend Policy 3205P (harassment of students), Policy 3211P (gender‑inclusive schools), and Policy 5011/5011P (harassment of district staff). These changes were presented to the board as recommended updates from the district’s legal counsel and the Washington Association of School Directors (WASDA) in response to federal-level directives.
- Policy retirements: The board voted to retire a set of older policies (items listed during the meeting). The motions were made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
All the above motions were approved by voice vote with board members responding “Aye.” The meeting record shows no roll-call tallies; minutes indicate consensus or majority approval for each motion. Board members clarified that some of the policy changes reflect legal guidance from state and federal authorities and that retirements return the district to updated policy language.
The board’s action to adopt Policy 2029 filled a longstanding need for written guidance on animal interactions during school hours; a district staff member noted the policy “guides how and when and where we interact with animals on school grounds, especially during the school day.” Several trustees also emphasized that the policy changes related to harassment and gender inclusion come from legal recommendations and required review.
Because these were first‑reading approvals or retirements and not final adoptions of all policy amendments, staff will continue to bring updated text to the board as required by district policy and state law.
