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Board reviews state-driven policy changes: suspension rules, special-ed reporting and menstrual-product access
Summary
At a policy committee first reading, the superintendent summarized legislative changes to student-discipline and special-education policies, new reporting duties, and plans to provide menstrual products in school restrooms beginning at the high school and middle school.
The Cheshire Board of Education’s policy committee reviewed four policy updates driven by recent legislation, including limits on suspensions for very young students, new reporting requirements for special-education program evaluations, obligations for military-connected students, and implementation plans for free menstrual products in school restrooms.
"They require behavior intervention meetings... They put in place protections for kids that are homeless," Superintendent Doctor Solon said while describing the suspension/expulsion and homelessness protections included in the revised language. He said the changes largely codify practices the district already follows but add uniform timelines and documentation requirements required by statute.
Solon said the special-education policy now includes a new report the superintendent must provide: a list of community-based organizations with formal MOUs or contracts by school and type of service; workforce-development partnerships (co‑ops, internships and in‑school business programs); and attrition data for certified and noncertified staff. The district will prepare that report and return it to the board as required.
The IEP policy language includes changes to evaluation timelines (the existing 45‑day internal timeline is augmented by a 60‑calendar‑day completion timeline in some instances) and emphasizes transition-coordinator responsibilities to support students up to age 22. Solon also noted the legislation includes provisions for approved special‑education facilities and related excess-cost reimbursement.
Separately, board members and administrators discussed operational steps to comply with a new law to make menstrual products available in schools. The superintendent said options range from baskets to automated dispensers and that quotes varied widely — one quote for a dispenser was about $400, while earlier market quotes had been as high as $1,000. The district will prioritize women’s restrooms at the high school and middle school, work with nurses and facilities staff on replenishment and vandalism mitigation, and return with a recommended approach.
Board members asked for counts and clarifications: Solon said homelessness among students is rare locally (he estimated "2 to 3 times a year" as typical) and reminded members the district must provide transportation for homeless students even if temporary housing is outside Cheshire.
What happens next: These are first readings; the revised policies remain under review and will return to the board with redlined language and the superintendent’s special-education report for formal action.
