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RSU 5 updates attendance policy to mirror state language; first reads for concussion and controversial-issues policies
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Summary
The board approved a second-read change to the attendance policy to explicitly include "personal health, including the person's physical, mental, and behavioral health," held a second-read approval of the student code of conduct, and advanced first reads of a revised concussion policy and a new policy on teaching about controversial issues.
The RSU 5 Board of Directors approved revisions to its compulsory attendance policy and accepted several policy items for first reading on March 25.
On second read, the board agreed to change the attendance-policy wording for excusable absences from "personal illness" to the statutory phrasing "personal health, including the person's physical, mental, and behavioral health" to align the policy with state truancy law and to make expectations clearer for parents and guardians. Colin (policy committee lead) noted the change was prompted by a nurse's request and the board approved the adjusted language. "I would be fine going with the state's language," Superintendent Gray said during the discussion.
The board also approved the second read of the JIC systemwide student code of conduct with no additional changes.
For first read, the board considered a revised concussion policy (JJIF) and its parent information sheet (JJIFE). The policy broadens the scope to cover concussions occurring on or off campus, requires a written diagnosis by a licensed concussion-management provider to complete a formal graduated re-entry, obligates concussion-management training for staff, and requires district tracking of every concussion. Board members discussed how staff should respond to suspected concussions where a family has not obtained a written diagnosis; administrators said protocols allow symptomatic responses and referral to low- or no-cost clinics where available.
Policy committee members also presented a new IMB policy, "Teaching About Controversial Issues," recommending that controversial topics be addressed as part of age-appropriate curriculum with civil discourse, multiple perspectives and evidence-based scholarship; the policy would require teachers to act as facilitators rather than advocates. Committee members asked for further cross-referencing with bullying and protected-class policies before a second read. The board approved the first read and will return the policy to the committee for refinement.
Next steps: Attendance and student-conduct policy changes are in place following board approval. The concussion and controversial-issues policies will return for a second read after committee updates.
