Trussville board reviews new state-driven policies; vaping policy must be approved by Nov. 1

Trussville City Schools' board reviewed a package of policy updates prepared by the district's legal counsel that translate recent state legislation into local policy. Items discussed included paid parental leave, on-the-job injury leave, vaping/tobacco/electronic-cigarette rules, expenditures, parental opt-in for medical services, attendance (absences and excuses), and concurrent paid leave.

Melissa McKee of the law firm Bishop Brooks explained she prepares the policy pipeline that turns legislative language into board policy and administrative procedures for Trussville and other Alabama boards. During a follow-up question about deadlines, an attorney on the call (referred to in the meeting as Miss Burrow) said the vaping policy portion carries a strict deadline: "That one had a very strict timeline; I think the vaping policy has to be approved by Nov. 1." The board agreed to move the policy package forward for the required posting period and to bring the documents back after 30 days for a second reading and final approval.

The district cited variation in how quickly different policies must be adopted. Some changes require immediate local policy action; others depend on a model policy the state department must release before districts can finalize language. Board members asked for clarification about timing and thanked counsel for translating lengthy bills into usable policy drafts for district procedures.

The board did not adopt final policy language at this meeting. Instead, members voted to post the proposed policy changes and return for a second reading after the statutorily required posting period.