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Board reviews teen dating‑violence and suicide prevention policy revisions and discusses staffing priorities, grant pursuit
Summary
Trustees reviewed and largely agreed to locally adapt model policy on teen dating violence (adjusting age/grade coverage) and discussed suicide‑prevention language; the board also discussed a staffing plan and plans to apply for a Stronger Connections grant to fund social‑emotional supports.
The Westchester SD 92‑5 board considered several policy updates and staffing priorities on March 14. Trustees reviewed model (press) language for policy 7‑185 on teen dating violence and agreed to change the age phrasing in the first paragraph from "13 to 19" to "11 to 15" for local context and to require age‑appropriate instruction in grades 6 through 8 to fit the district’s middle‑school configuration. Board members discussed curriculum alignment and noted footnote references to the Illinois school code and guidance documents.
On policy 7‑290 (suicide and depression awareness and prevention), trustees reviewed updated language that aligns with West 40 practices and elected to retain informational footnotes (including references to the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Planning Committee) while following counsel guidance for optional items.
Administrators also presented the draft 2024‑25 staffing plan sections and described a planned application for a federal Stronger Connections grant (three‑year opportunity, application window imminent) that could provide roughly $150,000–$174,000 to add K‑5 social‑work and behavioral supports. Staff emphasized the grant’s three‑year term and the need to consider sustainability if funds are temporary; board members noted contingency language would be needed if positions were grant‑funded.
What’s next: policy language will be reflected in first readings and returned for formal action; administration will pursue the grant and present any concrete staffing requests once funding details are confirmed.
