Superintendent highlights communications metrics and outlines law-enforcement, legislative updates

Superintendent Rathley used the Feb. 9 meeting to thank transportation and maintenance staff, recognize board members and summarize the district's communications and safety practices.

Communications: The district's ParentSquare platform reaches roughly 1,328 students, 217 staff, 1,400 parents and 26 guest groups with a contactable rate reported near 99.5 percent; the superintendent said the district also expanded Facebook and other outreach as part of a strategic plan to improve communication with families.

Safety and law enforcement: Rathley described school practice if law enforcement or immigration agents appear on school property: staff verify lawful orders or warrants with the school attorney before complying, and the district would rely on resource officers and the Vermillion Police Department to assist as needed. He said the district has had no incidents to date. A board member later flagged policy 5022 (guidance on investigations and officer contact with students), suggesting the line encouraging officers to interview a student away from school be reviewed in light of current concerns.

Legislative updates: Rathley summarized several bills under consideration at the Legislature, including proposals on PE credits, ag-science credits (which failed), a Department of Education bill on alternative instruction for extreme behaviors (still alive), voucher proposals (concerns raised), and a bill requiring AED plans and cardiac-preparedness for schools. He noted the district is generally monitoring bills that would shift funding away from public education.

No formal board action was taken on these reports; administration will follow up on policy-language review and continue to monitor pending legislation.