District 196 board adopts wellness policy, hears first reading on 'smart glasses' ban and handbook updates

At its May 11, 2026 meeting, the Rosemount‑Apple Valley‑Eagan School Board voted unanimously to adopt revisions to Policy 508 (wellness) and heard first readings of changes to Policy 503 (student rights and responsibilities) that would prohibit wearable "smart glasses" during the school day and updates to the district’s student handbook.

What the board approved: Policy 508

General Counsel Adam Watenburgger summarized modest clarifying edits to Policy 508 designed to align district nutrition language with federal and state requirements, including explicit references to USDA Smart Snacks standards and a required three‑year evaluation cycle. The board moved to approve the policy; the motion passed on a 6‑0 vote.

Why it matters: the changes emphasize compliance and clarify expectations for food sold and advertised in schools, and they establish a regular evaluation cadence to ensure ongoing alignment with statutory requirements.

Smart glasses and proposed changes to Policy 503

Watenburgger presented a first reading of proposed edits to Policy 503 focused on so‑called "smart glasses," defined in the draft as wearable devices with capabilities such as video recording, image capture and data transmission. He said administrators across grade levels had raised concerns about privacy in classrooms and private spaces and about academic integrity during assessments. "Smart glasses are going to be fully prohibited to use or wear during the school day," he said, explaining the administration’s rationale for a blanket non‑wearing rule to protect privacy and uphold academic standards.

The proposed amendment is a first reading; legal staff noted pending state‑level bills addressing wearable devices and said they will monitor legislation and adjust the policy language if statutes change prior to a final vote.

Student handbook updates

Watenburgger also presented the 2026‑27 draft student rights and responsibilities handbook (student handbook), explaining that the handbook compiles policies most relevant to students and includes required legal notices. Planned updates include incorporation of the proposed smart‑glasses prohibition (if approved), added language about student use of artificial intelligence, clarified data‑practices language, and an updated description of the district’s language‑access plan.

Distribution and translations

The administration said it will distribute the handbook electronically via ParentSquare and provide downloadable PDFs in English, Spanish and Somali; the website version will be translatable into additional languages for families who need them.

Next steps and context

Policy 503 (smart‑glasses language) remains at first reading; staff will return to the board for final action after reviewing any relevant legislative developments and incorporating board feedback. The wellness policy (Policy 508) was adopted at this meeting. The handbook will be finalized for board consideration at the next regular meeting unless legislative changes require adjustments before then.