School committee adopts minor handbook edits, adds peer-mediation as disciplinary alternative

The North Reading School Committee voted unanimously to adopt a set of mostly non‑substantive changes to the district handbook for 2024–25 and to add a student peer‑mediation program to the district’s alternatives to discipline.

Mr. Leet, who led the handbook presentation, said the changes are largely districtwide boilerplate and language updates. He pointed to a revised core‑values passage and gave the committee an example: "we felt that tolerance was kind of a dated term ... kindness and consideration would trump tolerance," language the committee framed as an update, not a policy shift.

Baran Alonzo described the new peer‑mediation program, which will be listed under discipline as an alternative remedy. She said the program will train 10 student mediators with four alternates, that training will be intensive (three days), and that confidentiality and mediator eligibility rules will apply. "You cannot pick your mediator," she said, adding the restriction is intended to preserve program integrity.

Committee members asked for access to a redlined version of the full handbook and for clear placement of the peer‑mediation language in the discipline section so families understand how it will be used. Noel and other members praised the core‑values edits and the peer‑mediation plan as approaches that support student problem‑solving rather than immediate disciplinary action.

Tim moved to approve the handbook amendments as presented; Noel seconded. The virtual roll‑call vote recorded the motion as passing 4–0.

The committee did not change absence/makeup policy language, which Dr. Daly reiterated remains consistent with the district policy and continues to affect students’ eligibility for exemptions and other programs.