Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Handbook Revisions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
PHM board reviews handbook changes: attendance triggers, AI policy and ID practice
Summary
Administrators presented first‑reading handbook revisions including a required meeting after five unexcused absences, referral to the county prosecutor after 10, a prohibition on unauthorized AI use treated as plagiarism, and updated high school ID entry practice; final approval set for May 18, 2026.
The Penn‑Harris‑Madison Board received a first reading April 20 of proposed 2026–27 parent–student handbook revisions that would change attendance procedures, add language on unauthorized artificial intelligence use, and update ID practices.
Director of Academic and Student Support Randy Williams outlined the major changes and said the district will now require “a meeting after five unexcused absences across all grade levels, K‑12” and that “at 10 or more unexcused absences for any student in any grade, there is a referral made to the county prosecutor’s office.” Williams also introduced new language addressing technology: "generating, completing, or advising academic work with AI is prohibited and treated as plagiarism," which would be added to the academic honesty policy.
On school IDs, Williams said the handbook will reflect current practice that students must show ID upon entry but removes prior language requiring the ID to be worn on a lanyard. Board members asked for clarification on how phones and devices would be secured and urged stronger communication and marketing to families so parents can prepare students for upcoming changes.
The board did not vote on the handbooks tonight; the revised handbooks will return for approval at the May 18 board meeting.
