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Winthrop board approves first readings of updated computer-use and staff-gift policies, hires special-ed director and approves teacher contract moves
Summary
The board approved first readings of a major overhaul to the district’s technology-use policy and raised the staff-gift threshold to $100; it also approved promotions for probationary teachers, hired Kim Gurney as special education director, and approved a high-school cross-country overnight trip.
The Winthrop School Board approved several routine personnel and policy items Wednesday, including first readings of a revised technology-use policy, a change to the staff-gift limit, personnel promotions and a hire for special education director.
The board voted to accept the superintendent’s recommendations to advance first-year probationary teachers to second-year probationary status and to move second-year probationary teachers to continuing contract status; the chair reported these motions carried, with one of the votes characterized as unanimous.
For policy work, the board approved for first reading an updated Student Computer and Internet Use policy (formerly IJNDB, drafted to replace a 2012 policy) and corresponding rules (IJNDB-R). Megan White, director of teaching and learning, told the board the update replaces a 14-year-old internet-safety policy with a broader document addressing expectations, enforcement, and rules for district-issued laptops. Key changes she described include clarifying that principals have final authority over device access, adding a consequences section that allows referral to law enforcement when appropriate, specifying parental responsibilities for district-issued devices (including annual acknowledgement and potential costs for loss or damage), and moving network etiquette guidance into handbooks and curricula.
The board also approved a revision to the staff-gifts policy (GBI), raising the nominal gift threshold from $50 to $100 to reflect current valuations, according to board discussion.
On hiring, the board unanimously approved the selection of Kim Gurney as special education director for the 2026–27 school year after the hiring committee recommended her; Dr. Foley said Gurney brings 12 years of experience and three years in Winthrop as a behavior interventionist. Gurney spoke briefly to express appreciation for the opportunity.
Athletics business included a unanimous approval of an overnight cross-country team trip to Camp Kawanhee in Weld, Maine, Aug. 20–21, 2026; coach Van Tassel described the trip as a decade-long tradition emphasizing team building.
Ending: The meeting proceeded to an executive session; the first-reading approvals will return to committee or a future meeting for final action as required by board policy.
