Board hears first reads on safety procedures, compulsory-attendance and updated graduation-credit rules

The board considered several policy proposals on a first read, including updates to safety and emergency procedures, revisions to compulsory-attendance language and changes to graduation requirements prompted by recent state legislation.

Policy staff presented two safety-related policy drafts that split the previous combined language into separate policies for emergency plan/first aid and for safety threats/response; the board was told the accompanying school-level emergency plans and procedures are in school handbooks and have been under review by the new safety-and-security coordinator.

Administration also presented a first read of a revised compulsory-attendance policy (JEA) with minor wording changes; key edits clarify that compulsory attendance now applies to students ages 6 through 18 (changed from 7 through 18 in prior language) and add "legal guardian" and "private teacher" to the terms describing who may notify the education service district (ESD) of intent to homeschool.

The board also received a first read of graduation policies updated to reflect state law changes. Presenters said Senate Bill 992 replaced prior alternative-certificate language…