School board approves first readings of multiple policies and adopts Equity in Education Month resolution
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Summary
On March 3 the Harrisonburg City School Board approved first readings of several updated policies (student physicals, heat-safety for outdoor athletics, instruction policies including MTSS and the 3 Es) and unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing VSBA's March 2026 Equity in Education Month proclamation.
The Harrisonburg City School Board considered a group of policy updates and adopted a local resolution recognizing March 2026 as Equity in Education Month.
Kelly Line Weaver presented proposed edits to policy 4-25 (physical examinations) that remove an explicit kindergarten reference to avoid confusion with pre-K coverage and align language with Code of Virginia definitions for terms such as "homeless child." On a motion from a board member, the board approved policy 4-25 on first reading.
Weaver also introduced a new policy, 4-61, responding to a recent Code of Virginia requirement and VSBA model text. The policy references a wet-bulb globe temperature chart and a five-tier set of procedures for outdoor athletics (hydration frequency, shade, protective-equipment guidance) and staff noted a trainer-developed regulation accompanies the policy. Board members asked staff to share the regulation for review and to consider clarifying how the policy's guidance applies to non-athletic outdoor activities (band camp, marching band) before the second reading.
Dr. Blosser presented four instructional policies under five-year review (including policies 701, 704, 705 and 723). Revisions included alignment to VSBA language, explicit MTSS references, and incorporation of the state's "3 Es" (employment, enlistment, enrollment). Board members discussed whether "enlistment" should explicitly name military service; staff agreed to clarify intent. The board approved these instructional policies on first reading.
Later in the meeting Dr. Cohen read a locally tailored resolution endorsing the Virginia School Boards Association's proclamation naming March 2026 "Equity in Education Month," citing the district's demographics and the board's strategic-plan commitments. Dr. Cohen moved the resolution and the board voted to adopt it by voice vote.
Board members said the policy updates and the resolution reflect ongoing efforts to modernize the district's policy manual and to highlight equity priorities across the division.
