Board approves several policy updates including technology use and personnel records

During the Dec. 8 meeting the Iredell‑Statesville Schools Board approved multiple second‑reading policy updates, voting unanimously on each item presented under the non‑consent agenda.

Jackie Parker presented modifications to the district’s Technology Responsible Use policy to add language addressing district‑provided Wi‑Fi hotspots. The board approved the update 7–0. Dr. LaVar Mizelle presented updated policy 5070/7350 on public records retention and disposition to align district descriptions of public records and employee personnel files with state law; that update also passed 7–0. The board approved updates to policy 7100 (recruitment and selection) to comply with Title IX and add statutory language about criminal history checks, and approved policy 7820 (personnel files), which includes instructions about where the information will appear on the district website. During discussion staff estimated the work to assemble and publish required materials took several weeks and a substantial number of staff hours (presenters cited roughly 400–500 man‑hours for compliance efforts).

Board members asked clarifying questions about where documents would be posted on the ISS website; staff pointed to the finance/budget information pages and agreed to provide more precise navigation guidance. A motion to approve each policy was made, seconded and carried unanimously.

The approvals were presented as second readings; board leadership noted the intent is to bring motions to the floor before discussion on second‑reading items so the board can make a final decision during the same meeting.