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Committee approves revised religious‑holidays policy after discussion on procedures and communication
Summary
The school committee completed a second reading and approved Policy I M K on religious holidays after members debated whether procedures (handbook guidance, notification timing and makeup-work norms) should be memorialized in policy or retained in school-level procedures.
The Easton Public Schools School Committee held a second reading and voted to approve Policy I M K on religious holidays at the Dec. 4 meeting.
During discussion, members emphasized keeping the policy broad to allow educators flexibility while ensuring families and staff receive clear guidance. Committee members raised questions about whether to include timelines for student notification and makeup-work expectations in the policy itself or to leave those operational details to school handbooks and procedures. Assistant Superintendent Pruitt noted the district distributes a holiday calendar in coordination with the Human Rights Committee and sends staff reminders; committee members suggested ensuring that calendar and handbook procedures are aligned with the policy.
Several members said the policy's intent is to recognize and respect many holidays without restricting educators unduly. Committee members also discussed how staff typically accommodate makeup work and the challenge of defining a single reasonable timeline across all grade levels and assignment types. After discussion the chair moved to approve the policy as revised and members voted in favor.
