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Board reviews second reading of updated policies; trustees plan third reading to add statutory retaliation language
Summary
During the meeting board members reviewed the second reading of policy updates (including policy 606.1 and related sections) and agreed to bring a revised version back for third reading to include statutory language prohibiting retaliation and other required elements.
The Sartell‑St. Stephen School Board discussed the second reading of several updated policies and agreed to return the packet for a third reading after adding statutory language on retaliation and clarifying library‑materials procedures.
Board discussion focused on policy 606.1 (library and curriculum materials) and the district's effort to reconcile its language with the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) model policies. A board member noted a statutory provision requiring a prohibition on retaliation that did not appear in the draft; staff and board members agreed the statutory language must be added.
Why it matters: The board's policies reflect legal duties and administrative practices; where statute prescribes specific language, the district's written policies should match to ensure compliance. Board members emphasized that if a statutory provision is absent from policy text, statute still controls, and it is preferable to include the language in district policy so readers are not misled.
Details from meeting: The policy committee recommended rescinding some older sub‑policies and consolidating language; the board asked for a redline version of the proposed policy edits for the next reading. Staff said they would add the missing statutory section and return the materials for a third reading and final adoption.
Next steps: Staff will produce a redline showing changes and include the statutory retaliation provision before the third reading. The board scheduled a work session and indicated it will not take votes during that session, in keeping with MSBA guidance.
