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Ashland board hears first readings of policy updates, approves 2025–26 student handbook
Summary
Superintendent Paramore presented first readings of multiple policy revisions (nondiscrimination definitions, extracurricular access, Title IX updates, data/security language and attendance rules). The board approved the 2025–26 student handbook 5–0 and deferred formal approval of other policy revisions to a special meeting Oct. 13.
The Ashland City School Board received a first reading of a package of policy updates and approved the 2025–26 student handbook at its Sept. 22 meeting.
Superintendent Michael Paramore outlined numerous revisions intended to align district policy with recent state and federal guidance and with administrative cleanup. Changes described in the first reading included updates to nondiscrimination definitions (Policy 2266), extracurricular and interscholastic participation rules for homeschooled and community school students (Policies 243002 and 2431), personnel assignment/seniority language (Policy 3130), and attendance and promotion rules (Policies 5200, 5210, 5410). Paramore also discussed updates to information security and student‑data provisions (Policy 7540.02), transportation rules for nonroutine trips, and Title IX‑related language.
Paramore said Policy 5136 (personal communication devices) would restrict personal devices such as cell phones and smartwatches during the school day except for medical or emergency needs and to mirror state guidance about instructional time (including lunch and transitions). He noted the high school required minor tweaks to match the state’s definition of instructional time.
Board members discussed habitual truancy updates and a move toward earlier, friendly nudge letters before more punitive interventions; Paramore noted a 72‑hour threshold in the state intervention process. He also noted the board would review contract language for credit‑card processing and would reject a contract item the district does not use.
The board voted 5–0 to approve the updated 2025–26 student handbook. Paramore said the remaining policy updates would return for formal approval at a special meeting on Oct. 13 after the first‑reading process and any required legal review.
