Board adopts several policy revisions but delays USDA nondiscrimination wording pending review
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Summary
The Caledonia Community Schools board approved multiple policy updates in a single vote and agreed to delay finalizing language in policies 8500 and 8510 to ensure it matches the U.S. Department of Agriculture nondiscrimination statement and district authority language.
The Caledonia Community Schools Board of Education on Aug. 18 approved a package of board policy revisions on second reading but agreed not to finalize two policies that reference the U.S. Department of Agriculture nondiscrimination statement until staff clarifies exact wording and applicability.
A trustee moved and the board voted to adopt several policies on second reading, including bylaws and policies (0131.1), field trips (2340), immunization (5320), use of medication (5330), epinephrine auto-injectors (5330.01), personnel files (8320), and deletion of transportation for field trips policy (8660). The motion to adopt those policies was seconded; board members then voted by roll call to approve the motion.
Separately, trustees and staff discussed policy 8500 (USDA nondiscrimination statement) and policy 8510 (wellness/nondiscrimination language). Board members expressed a preference to have the district policy language mirror the USDA nondiscrimination statement available on the USDA website, but others cautioned that the USDA text references USDA agencies and participating institutions and that district policy should be phrased to apply to the district itself. Trustee Barbara Garcia asked for clarity and timeliness in updates if federal language changes. One trustee recommended tabling 8500 and 8510 until staff prepares revised language for the next meeting; the board took no action on those two policies and will revisit them.
Trustee Tim (last name not specified) proposed modifying 8510 and 8500 to match the USDA wording; Trustee (name not specified) said copying the USDA statement verbatim could be inappropriate because it references USDA agencies and participating institutions rather than restricting language to the district. The board directed staff to review USDA language and return with suggested text so district policy and the USDA statement "would match and mirror one another" where appropriate.
Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (minutes, payables, personnel report): approved by roll call. - Motion to adopt a bundle of policies (0131.1; 2340; 5320; 5330; 5330.01; 8320; delete 8660): approved by roll call. - No action taken on policies 8500 and 8510 pending staff review. - Motion to meet in closed session for superintendent midyear review and negotiation strategy (MCL citations read aloud): approved by roll call.
Ending: The board scheduled the fiscal-year audit report for review next month and will return to the nondiscrimination language for policies 8500 and 8510 after staff provides clarified text.