Bedford School Board reviews updated policies on AEDs, subpoenas and staff-student conduct; members seek clearer language
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Summary
On Dec. 8 the board reviewed multiple NHSBA-updated policies — including AED placement (EBBCA), subpoena/records procedures (EHLB), and staff-student interaction rules tied to HB 231 — and asked administrators to clarify ambiguous terms such as 'sarcasm' and 'de minimis' gifts before the second read.
The Bedford School Board on Dec. 8 reviewed several policy updates supplied by the New Hampshire School Board Association and sought clarifications on language before final adoption.
Superintendent Mike Fournier described the AED policy (EBBCA) changes as largely administrative — consolidating identical policies and adding accessibility training while removing a required form — and noted the district registers AEDs with the state and plans to purchase two more portable units for adjacent athletic fields. “All of our AEDs are registered with the state,” Fournier said, and administrators described a plan to place portables between Preston Field and Riley to reduce the need to run practices into buildings.
On subpoenas and student records the superintendent said the proposed EHLB language largely codifies existing practice: principals notify the superintendent and counsel before producing records, and, in compliance with FERPA, the district typically provides reasonable advance notice to parents unless a court order forbids it.
A broader staff conduct policy (reflecting HB 231 changes) prompted the most questions. The draft enumerates prohibited interactions — from transporting students to medical appointments to sending students on personal errands or being alone with a student with lights off — and uses phrases such as “sarcasm” and “de minimis” that board members called ambiguous. One member suggested clarifying that the policy intends to prohibit negative or pejorative sarcasm rather than common, benign teacher comments; others asked administrators to cross-check statutory language (RSA/HB 231) and the district code of ethics and return with tightened wording.
Administrators said they would work with NHSBA language and legal counsel to refine the draft and bring it back for a second read where community comment is available.
