The Clark County School Board on Dec. 15 approved updates to procurement and purchasing policy and endorsed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Freedom 4:24 to supply the human-trafficking unit for fifth-grade Family Life Education.

Steve Nooty, reporting for the Finance Committee, described two draft policy updates: changes to the PGAR P-card policy that would require a cardholder’s name to appear on each procurement card (to meet vendor, Bank of America, chargeback requirements) and a requirement that both Appendix D (cardholder agreement) and Appendix F (new-card request) be completed before issuing a card. He also previewed changes to the county/division purchasing manual that add IT oversight for IT purchases (monitors, phones, software) so purchases are approved by the appropriate IT department and incorporate language from the Virginia Public Procurement Act (Va. Code §2.2-4311.3) to avoid contractual terms that conflict with state law.

Separately, the board considered an MOU with Freedom 4:24 to provide instructional resources for the human-trafficking portion of the FLE for fifth grade. Board members asked about data privacy and the use of a self-esteem test whose data the vendor would retain. District technology and curriculum staff explained the digital-resource approval process: instructional alignment is reviewed by curriculum leads, privacy is reviewed by technology staff (Patrick), and network/device compatibility is reviewed by Ed/IT staff. Staff stated this particular MOU will not share identifiable student information and that any vendor must comply with privacy laws and the district’s approval processes.

Motions to approve the MOU and to adopt the procurement/purchasing manual changes were moved, seconded and carried. Board members noted the Board of Supervisors will also vote on the procurement manual changes this month because the manual is used by both county government and the school division; the manual will be posted on the district and county websites after both boards approve the language.

District staff said they will continue to ensure vendor privacy compliance and will circulate finalized procurement documents after the county’s vote.