Board members spent significant time on Jan. 6 debating requests to use school facilities for funerals and related events, with members raising equity and community-access concerns and the superintendent citing safety and logistics. Member remarks described denied requests as potentially exclusionary; one member said prohibiting funerals could feel "like a slap in the face" to families who cannot afford other venues.

The superintendent described the district's current approach: allowing a "celebration of life" in facilities but asking that "no human remains" be present. He cited prior incidents, including people in the parking lot holding weapons and flashing signs, as factors the district considers when deciding whether a facility request is appropriate.

Board members asked for a clearer written policy. The board directed Operations Chair Mister Ney and Policy Chair Miss Ingrid Boatwright to meet with administration and draft policy language, including clarifying current written or unwritten guidelines and potential conditions (security, scheduling conflicts and restrictions on human remains). The draft is to be returned to the full board for further discussion at a future meeting.

Members also asked for more specificity in the request language and noted that a standing policy committee may need to be formed or convened to handle the work. The board did not adopt any formal prohibition or new rule at the meeting; it directed staff and board chairs to develop policy language for future consideration.