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Council Bluffs board approves first reading of multiple policies as state law prompts edits; second-reading group tabled
Summary
The Council Bluffs Community School District board approved first readings of multiple policies and discussed changes required by recently passed state law (Senate File 418); a separate group of second-reading policies was tabled to allow staff to correct remaining references to gender identity.
The Council Bluffs Community School District Board of Directors on Tuesday approved the first reading of several district policies and then voted to table a separate group of second-reading policies so staff could correct language to comply with new state law.
Board members approved the first reading of Policy 101 (educational philosophy); Policy 102 (nondiscrimination, equity and employment); Policy 418 (equal employment opportunity and affirmative action); Policy 513 (anti-bullying/harassment); Policy 530 (student use of personal electronic devices); Policy 617 (appropriate internet use); Policy 624 (student promotion and retention); and Policy 636 (multicultural/gender-fair education). The motion for first reading was moved by Mister Kosire and seconded; the motion carried on roll call.
The policy discussion centered on Senate File 418 and guidance from the Iowa Association of School Boards. A board member read from the IASB policy primer that “gender identity remains a protected class through 06/30/2025,” and members discussed how the district must remove specific policy language to comply with the new law while assuring families the district’s approach to students would not change.
“While that wording may change, the way that we approach those students possibly is very similar to what has been in place,” said an administrator during the discussion, noting counseling and building-level supports will continue.
After debate about whether some employment- or student-focused policies still contained language referencing gender identity, a motion was made to table the group of second-reading policies and bring corrected language back for consideration at a later meeting. The board approved tabling the second-reading group on a roll-call vote.
The board’s action marks an administrative step to align district policies with the recent state legislation. Board members said the district’s legal team and policy committee will continue reviewing documents to locate and remove required language changes before the items return for formal approval.
