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Sand Springs board adopts policy updates, clarifies raffle rules and superintendent says corporal punishment won’t be used
Summary
The Sand Springs Public Schools board approved a package of policy updates required by law and local housekeeping changes, including a new raffles policy that permits non‑cash prizes and language clarifying limits on corporal punishment for certain students; the superintendent said the district will not employ corporal punishment in practice.
The Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education on Sept. 1 approved a slate of policy updates required by state law and internal housekeeping changes, including a revision to the district’s raffles policy and a clarification around corporal punishment.
Board staff presented multiple policy changes the superintendent said were largely driven by new or clarified state requirements, including language adding mandatory reporting for suspected child abuse and updates to termination and reduction‑in‑force procedures. "Any superintendent, school administrator, knowingly and willfully fail to properly report or interferes with the prompt reporting of abuse or neglect shall upon conviction be guilty of a felony in accordance with state statutes," a staff summary quoted from the revised policy.
The board also considered and approved a revised raffles policy. Staff said the district’s old policy inadvertently prohibited raffles even though many parent‑teacher organizations and booster clubs had been conducting them. The new language permits raffles and similar fundraising events but limits prizes to donated items (no cash awards) and asks affiliated organizations to obtain any required exemptions from the state commission. Finance staff explained the change was aligned to guidance from the Oklahoma School Boards Association (OSSBA) and to federal tax reporting rules: prizes with a value above $600 may trigger IRS reporting obligations.
On corporal punishment, the superintendent told the board that recent state law changes disallow corporal punishment for certain students, notably students with disabilities, and that the district’s updated policy reflects those legal limits. The superintendent also said, "By the way, we will not have a practice of corporal punishment while I am superintendent, I assure you," and clarified that the district will not rely on corporal punishment in site‑level handbooks or practice even if state code permits certain forms for some students.
Board members asked about who would be covered by the policy and whether hiring practices or handbooks needed clarifying; staff said additional handbook language and site procedures will be developed to ensure consistent practice. The policy packet was adopted in a single motion and approved by roll call.
The board also adopted standard OSSBA model language for reduction‑in‑force procedures and made technical updates required by new statutes. Staff said the changes are intended to align district procedures with current law and to reduce ambiguity for administrators and parents.
The meeting record shows the policy packet passed by unanimous roll call vote. The board indicated it will continue to refine site handbooks and administrative protocols to match the clarified policies.
