Livonia board schedules first readings for updated cell-phone and disability nondiscrimination policies

District staff presented two policy updates to the board policy committee on Nov. 10 and asked the board to place both items on the Nov. 17 agenda for first readings.

Ms. Keith (district policy staff) outlined proposed text for board policy JD (student code of conduct) that would formally incorporate personal electronic-device rules already in current administrative procedures. She said district practice — "a way for the day" in elementary schools that requires devices be kept in backpacks — will be reflected in board policy while administrative procedures will remain the place for operational detail. Ms. Keith noted medical exceptions (for example, students with diabetes) are handled through each student's legally binding health-care plan.

Ms. Sprow presented an update to the nondiscrimination policy (JAE), saying the only substantive change is replacing the word "handicap" with "disability" and removing a specific Office for Civil Rights address to avoid confusion. The committee approved moving both policies forward for a first reading on Nov. 17.

No formal policy adoptions occurred at the Nov. 10 committee meeting; both items were placed on the agenda for the next board meeting.