Edmond board approves multiple policy revisions including math requirement and exam-exemption clarifications

The Edmond Board of Education on Aug. 11 approved a package of policy revisions that include a new graduation math requirement, updated conduct and discipline language tied to a state law, and clarified rules on semester exam exemptions for high school students.

Superintendent Dr. Delish told the board the largest substantive change affects graduation requirements for the class of 2030: the district will require algebra I, geometry and algebra II as three of four math credits for that cohort. "The law says they have to have four [math credits]. ... we feel that we have to require algebra 2 as part of our requirements for graduation," Dr. Delish said, explaining the change is intended to align district policy with guidance from the State Department of Education and local education organizations.

The board also approved language implementing aspects of Senate Bill 942. The update adds references to antisemitism into the certified staff standards of performance and conduct (policy DBCA) and into the student-discipline policy (policy FO). A district staff member said the district is awaiting state guidance about training and would either adopt state-provided training or develop its own if necessary.

A separate revision to support-employee procedures (referred to in the packet as DOAC/DOSAC) will be added to the negotiated agreement for support employees in the 2025–26 contract. Board members discussed that teacher-causes for termination are in state statute and support-employee causes are governed by the collective-bargaining agreement, which is why the negotiated agreement will be amended.

Board members also approved clarifications to the high-school semester exam-exemption policy (policy EIAC). The revised wording specifies that for second-semester classes juniors are eligible for up to two exemptions and seniors for up to seven, and that students must hold at least a B average to qualify. The policy text also ties chronic-absenteeism definitions to the State Department of Education and the district clarified that nine absences per semester (18 per year) constitute chronic absenteeism in the local attendance policy for purposes of exemptions.

Board members asked for clearer paragraphing and asked staff to communicate to families and school leaders which absences count against exemption eligibility. The district said it will publish the full list of allowable and noncountable absences.

The board approved each policy revision by roll call; all were recorded as approved.

Board members said the policies will be folded into the appropriate handbooks and collective-bargaining language where required, and staff will return with any implementation guidance or training requirements once state guidance is issued.