Board reviews first‑read updates to Family Student Handbook, including cell‑phone and AI guidance
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Summary
District staff presented a first reading of proposed revisions to the Family Student Handbook, addressing new state laws on wireless devices, clarifying cyberbullying definitions, noting asbestos notification requirements, and adding language on AI, restorative interventions for nicotine possession, and restricted digital access.
The Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board received a first reading Thursday of revisions to the district’s Family Student Handbook, which staff said incorporate recent state laws, clarify procedures and add guidance on emerging technologies.
Dr. Chris Osmundson, director of student services for secondary, led the committee’s presentation and described a months‑long review involving parents, teachers, administrators and program leads. He told the board the committee met six times, completed a line‑by‑line review and later adjusted language after two new state laws were signed in April.
Osmundson said the committee added language to reflect new state measures limiting wireless communication devices and social media during the school day, and to explain how the district will classify and respond to cyberbullying. The committee also recommended adding the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) notice—required annually for schools—language to inform families that asbestos inspection plans are maintained at each school office.
The board heard specific examples of recommended changes: staff asked to add clearer wording on chronic absenteeism and makeup work, to note that high school course withdrawals after the 20th day remain on transcripts as an F unless replaced, and to provide guidance on restricted user groups for district Google Suite access. Osmundson also said the committee proposed including language about artificial intelligence and generative technologies, and recommending that submission of work produced by generative tools without attribution be treated as cheating.
Board members asked for clarifications and recommended edits. Governing Board member Mr. Pantera asked whether an F that remains on a transcript could be excluded from GPA calculations; Osmundson replied the district’s practice does not include the F in GPA after a student retakes the course, though the original grade remains on the transcript. Board members pressed staff about how cyberbullying that occurs off campus but connects to school would be handled and about consistency in site‑level phone policies under the new state law. Osmundson said the district will work with site leaders to develop grade‑band‑appropriate procedures and provide a redline copy to site administrators for communication to families.
Board members suggested additional edits for clarity and tone. Ms. Wani and other board members recommended simplifying attendance language, clarifying consequences for truancy versus excused absences, and making language less likely to appear to place responsibility on victims of bullying. Members also asked for clearer parent notifications about student pickup, medical accommodations and the district’s restorative practice option for nicotine possession that can reduce discipline if families agree to program participation.
Osmundson said a proofreader will review the handbook for grammar and formatting before it returns June 5 for a final vote. He told the board the document will include active hyperlinks to board policies, Arizona Revised Statutes and district forms where appropriate. The board treated the package as a first read and did not vote on the handbook revisions at the meeting.
