Board approves revised student-discipline policy and clears a slate of contracts and policy updates

The Battle Ground School Board of Directors approved changes to the district's student discipline policy (Policy 3241) on Oct. 27, adopting the revised language the administration recommended and directing continued attention to data on disciplinary disproportionality.

The policy change, presented by the district's administration as an update to align practices with the district strategic plan and with state reporting expectations, removes some previously used terms (such as "equitable") in favor of language that emphasizes "each and every" student and "fairness," according to staff presenting the item. The board voted to adopt the revisions during the meeting; the roll call on the motion as recorded in the meeting transcript was recorded as passing unanimously.

Why it matters: The change clarifies how the district will describe and monitor discipline practices in elementary and secondary schools, and it formalizes the role of a district committee that reviews discipline data by subgroup to identify potential disparities and early interventions. Speakers at the meeting and in public comment repeatedly asked the district to track data, explain corrective steps when disparities appear, and preserve due process for students with disabilities.

Key details from the meeting - The administration said the student-discipline revisions were developed with input from a District Office Action Committee that includes principals and assistant principals who handle day-to-day discipline. The committee recommended specific wording the board adopted. - Board members discussed the difference between "fair" and…