District 196 board approves student handbook changes, insurance renewal and calls fall elections

The Independent School District 196 school board on June 9 approved several routine and binding items: the district’s 2025–26 student rights and responsibilities handbook, renewal of the district’s property and casualty insurance through the Alliance for Liability and Property Services (ALPS), a 27-item consent agenda, and a resolution calling both the general and a special school board election for Nov. 4, 2025.

The board voted 6–0 to adopt the handbook after a second reading that added two late changes: (1) an updated definition of directory information to reflect a 2025 Minnesota legislative change that prohibits treating parent contact information as directory information, and (2) new language addressing student use of artificial intelligence, including teacher permission and a requirement that students cite AI usage when applicable. Jill Coyle, presenting the item, said the additions were reviewed between the first and second readings and recommended for inclusion.

The board also approved participation in ALPS, the seven-district property and casualty insurance pool, and authorized the administration to bind coverage.…