Committee reviews withdrawal, device and disability‑evaluation policies; moves items to September vote

Co‑chair Damien Worsavich told the Education and People Services Committee that three policies presented in August — Policy 208 (withdrawal from school), Policy 237 (electronic communication devices) and Policy 113.3 (screening and evaluations for students with disabilities) — were back for committee review and would be brought to a vote at the September board meeting if the committee approved moving them forward.

A committee member asked for clarification about supports for students who withdraw under the proposed policy. Dr. McGarry said the changes reflect state age requirements and truancy rules and that the district is obligated to provide transitional goals for special education students; for students who choose to withdraw, the district offers work‑study options and assistance with career or college exploration while tracking students and issuing truancy notices when required.

"Students who drop out ... we provide them with work study or options to also engage them in getting a career and a job," Dr. McGarry said, emphasizing the district's obligation to both support transitional planning and to track withdrawn students because withdrawals affect district accountability metrics.

No public commenters addressed the agenda items either in person or online. After confirming which items would require board action, the committee gave staff permission to place the three policies on the September voting agenda. The committee did not adopt any policy changes at this meeting; formal votes will occur at the scheduled September voting meeting.