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Board adopts updated student handbook with Sandy Hook Promise tool; employee handbook changes approved
Summary
Trustees adopted the 2025–26 student and family handbook adding the Sandy Hook Promise reporting tool, weapons-detection language and updated Google Workspace opt-in language; the board also approved employee handbook changes including reducing employer-provided life insurance from $60,000 to $50,000 to avoid taxable benefits.
MUNCIE, Ind. — The Muncie Community Schools Board adopted the 2025–26 student and family handbook and approved updates to the employee handbook at its meeting.
A presenter identified as Mr. Graham told trustees the student handbook’s three primary updates are: adding the Sandy Hook Promise reporting tool (to eventually replace the district’s existing safety tip line), language addressing a new weapons-detection system (listed on page 36) with future plans to consider expanding the system beyond Central to middle schools, and revised technology language (page 38) stating that access to some Google Workspace services — including YouTube for educational purposes — would depend on parent approval.
On employee benefits, Dr. Bell presented changes that update the January 2024 edition; one administrative change reduces district-provided life insurance from $60,000 to $50,000 to avoid creating a taxable non-cash benefit for employees. Brad Jerome explained the tax rationale: IRS rules require that employer-paid life insurance benefits over $50,000 be treated as taxable income for employees.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the handbook review process and the composition of the review committee (teachers, administrators and school psychologists were cited) and expressed support for the updates. The board approved both handbooks by voice votes.
Why it matters Student-safety reporting tools and weapons-detection policy language affect how the district monitors threats and how parents and students interact with safety reporting systems; technology opt-in language affects access to district educational resources. Employee-benefit changes can alter the tax treatment of employer-provided benefits for staff.
What’s next Administrators will roll out the Sandy Hook Promise reporting tool, continue conversations about potential expansion of weapons-detection systems and implement the employee-benefit adjustments in upcoming staffing communications.
