Committee updates suicide prevention policy; members seek clarity on whether board members are mandated reporters

The policy committee considered an update to the district’s suicide prevention and intervention policy, which the presenter said was last reviewed in 1996 and was revised after consultation with the district’s PPS staff and legal counsel.

The presenter described the document as providing structure for referral and triage when a student has made significant threats to self or others, and that PPS staff would typically navigate the process. A committee member asked whether board members are considered mandated reporters. The presenter said, "I don't believe that board members are mandated reporters, but I will double check that," and clarified that mandated-reporter status generally depends on one's professional role and training.

Committee members said there may be a moral obligation to act if they believe a child is at risk, but they agreed that mandated-reporter obligations are tied to employment and training. The committee indicated support for the policy changes and asked staff to confirm the legal status of board members with respect to mandated-reporting duties.

What happens next: Staff will verify mandated-reporter status for board members and report back; the policy was moved with other items to a third reading before the full board.