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Board discusses Educational Savings Accounts and draft concealed-carry policy; decisions deferred
Summary
Trustees discussed whether to register as an ESA provider and previewed draft concealed-carry language tied to recent state law; administration will return with recommendations, legal context and insurance cost estimates before the board makes a binding decision.
Trustees discussed several draft policy topics that the superintendent said will require more work before any board decision. On Educational Savings Accounts (ESA), staff explained districts may choose to register as ESA providers and that state rules limit how funds can be used (differing rules for activities, classes and homeschool arrangements). Administration said local demand for ESA-funded classes is minimal now but may grow; the superintendent recommended a fuller review and a June work session to decide whether Johnson County should opt in, opt out, or adopt limited participation rules.
The board also previewed a draft concealed-carry policy in response to House Bill 172. Administration recommended language that would prohibit open carry on school property while acknowledging the state statute allows licensed adults to carry. Trustees discussed whether to require or only offer training, how the district’s employee handbook should be amended and the potential insurance cost increases that carriers have flagged (administration said replies from insurers are still pending and some districts report $20,000–$30,000 add-on costs). The superintendent warned the board that statutory provisions may generate litigation or require careful alignment with federal special-education obligations.
No formal vote was taken; trustees asked administration to present a timeline, options for ESA participation, sample contracts, anticipated insurance impacts and, if possible, a final recommendation in August or at a summer work session so the board can act before the school year begins.
