Board reviews multiple first-read policy updates on attendance, safety, homeless/foster education and fiscal rules

Trustees heard first readings of several proposed revisions to district board policies and administrative regulations on Feb. 19; no approvals were requested — each item was presented for information and will return to the board for action at a future meeting.

Student absences and excused reasons: Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Anna Marie Cohen presented a proposed revision to Board Policy 5113 (Absences and Excuses) to reflect state law changes (Senate Bill 955 and Assembly Bill 181). The draft adds participation in civic or political events as an excused absence for middle- and high-school students and clarifies that absences taken for mental or behavioral health, or to receive religious instruction, can be excused. Cohen said that for absences taken for religious instruction to count for average-daily-attendance funding, the governing board must adopt a specific resolution.

Seclusion and restraint: A proposed revision to BP/AR 5141.4 (Use of Seclusion and Restraint) was presented to clarify the limited exceptions for seclusion or restraint, to require documentation and to state that any use must be no longer than necessary to contain dangerous behavior. This was informational and will return for board adoption later.

Education for foster and homeless students: Revisions to BP 6173 and BP/AR 6173 (education for foster youth and homeless children) were presented to reflect legal requirements for reporting to the California Department of Education, notification of rights (school of origin and transportation) and updated terminology (e.g., “student experiencing homelessness”). Both were first reads and will be brought back for adoption.

Deletion of COVID-19 mitigation policy: Staff proposed deleting Board Policy 0470 (COVID-19 mitigation plan) because the district said the measures and lessons learned have been incorporated into other policies and the standalone policy is no longer necessary.

Bond measures and ballot materials: Assistant Superintendent/Chief Business Officer Todd Rivera presented proposed edits to BP/AR 7214 that clarify required ballot material language if the district places a general-obligation bond on the ballot, including a statement of the tax rate per $100,000 of assessed value and the 75-word limit for ballot statements. Rivera noted new law changes (Prop. 39 procedures) and emphasized that the superintendent must deliver materials at least 88 days before an election.

Emergency preparedness and digital threats: Revisions to BP/AR 3516 (emergency preparedness) were discussed to incorporate Senate Bill 323 (February 2023) requirements to adapt emergency plans for students with disabilities and to add procedures for routine monitoring of the district’s digital-network security and responses to cyber-attack threats. Rivera said the technology department already performs ongoing monitoring.

Fiscal policy, conflict of interest and fraud: Proposed revisions to BP/AR 3400 were presented to incorporate new law (SB 1430-style requirements referenced in the presentation) regarding conflict-of-interest procedures, the California Department of Education’s standardized accounting code structure and definitions of actions that could constitute fraud or financial irregularities. Rivera said the revisions clarify reporting and possible involvement of state fiscal teams if an investigation is required.

Each item was presented as a first read; staff will bring revised language back for formal board consideration in a subsequent meeting.