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Board moves to adopt several policy updates, including countywide cell‑phone rule
Summary
The board reviewed multiple policy revisions — covering self‑harm prevention training, student media, extended learning, alternative education and a new personal electronic device (PED) policy implementing West Virginia Code 18‑26 — and recommended them for approval; staff outlined implementation and reporting steps.
Board staff led a grouped review of several policy updates the district is proposing ahead of the new school year.
Mr. Stewart walked the board through Policy 5531.01, which expands staff training and education on self‑harm and eating‑disorder awareness and requires routine Vector training for educators who work directly with students. On student expression, Policy 5722 was clarified to treat school‑sponsored online journalism and student posting as student expression typically overseen by a sponsoring teacher or principal, while reinforcing that the board is not responsible for individual student viewpoints.
A proposed extended learning opportunities policy would formalize internships, apprenticeships, dual‑credit and job shadowing programs. Staff described an application review process, eligible providers (nonprofits, local businesses, trade associations), limits on how many credits may be earned through ELOs (no more than six selective credits) and a 30‑day approval and appeal timeline.
Policy 2451 on alternative education adds a transition team and counseling supports to better reintegrate students into regular classrooms and clarifies placement protections for students returning from out‑of‑state facilities.
The most discussed item was the district’s new personal electronic device policy (Policy 5136), adapted from state legislation. Mr. Stewart emphasized the legal origin and the need for consistent local application: "Key to it is countywide consistency," he said. The policy requires students to store devices at the start of the instructional day, allows narrow exemptions (for example, device authentication for online classes), and lays out a disciplinary progression the state requires schools to track and report. West Virginia Code 18‑26 was cited as the legislative source.
Board leadership recommended the packet of policy updates for approval and moved the items forward for formal board action. The presentation was informational about implementation plans, training for principals, and the countywide reporting requirements that will follow.
