Board reviews policy updates on student discipline, SRO conduct and state cell-phone mandate

Board members reviewed a bundle of policy revisions recommended by the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) and discussed specific items that will return for action after required readings.

Presenters highlighted revisions to the district’s student-discipline policy to emphasize a non-exclusionary approach and to update cross-references to policy 507 on reasonable force. Board members noted that recent legislative changes had altered language around exclusionary discipline and special-education protections.

Policy 507, which addresses corporal punishment and school resource officer (SRO) duties, drew particular attention. Presenters reminded the board that certain restraining techniques (for example, prone restraints and using a knee on a student’s back) are no longer permitted under current legislative guidance. The board said it will seek clarification from the county and the district’s deputy SRO about how the county interprets and will implement those legal changes.

The board was also told the legislature this year required all districts to adopt a cell-phone policy by March 2025; administrators said proposed language addressing that requirement is included in the packet. Several items in the packet are minor wording updates and cross-references. The board will perform required readings and bring policies back for formal approval where necessary.

No final policy adoptions were completed for the items that require three readings; the board approved some items on one reading where MSBA/legal counsel granted discretion.