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New London policy committee approves bullying, student vehicle and health policies
Summary
The Policy Committee unanimously approved updates to the district'9s bullying and safe school climate plan, the student motor vehicle policy and health-assessment rules on Aug. 13; the measures include early implementation of legislative changes and clarifications to permit procedures. Votes were 4-0.
The New London Board of Education Policy Committee unanimously approved multiple policy updates during its Aug. 13 meeting, adopting changes to the district—2513.911 (Bullying and Safe School Climate), 5131.3 (Student Use of Motor Vehicles) and 5141 (Health Assessments —6 Screenings —6 Immunizations) along with staff and student sexual-harassment policies and the rescission of Policy Series 5000 on immunizations.
The approvals were taken as part of the consent agenda and as individual motions after members pulled items for discussion; each motion carried 4-0. Committee Chair Nathan Caron moved the consent agenda and members voted to rescind Policy Series 5000 and adopt updates to staff and student sexual-harassment policies (4112.112 and 5145.5).
Why it matters: the bullying policy changes include updated forms and terminology tied to legislative changes that do not take effect statewide until 2025, but the district chose to implement them now. The student motor-vehicle policy clarifies application, review and permit procedures for students driving to the high school multi-magnet campus; the health-policy update clarifies which medical requirements students must meet and how those requirements may be fulfilled.
On the student motor-vehicle policy, Committee Member Elaine Maynard-Adams moved to strike two sentences in the first paragraph and replace them with a more detailed application process; the committee approved the replacement language. The adopted paragraph reads in part, as motioned by Maynard-Adams: "Students wishing to bring their motor vehicles to New London High School Multi-Magnet Campus must complete the application accompanied by their proof of proper registration and license. Applications will be submitted to the Building Principal or their designee. Applications will be reviewed, and when approved, the parking permit will be issued. Parking permits must be on display at all times. Exceptions may be approved on a case-by-case basis." The motion to adopt this amended text carried, 4-0.
On Policy 5131.911 (Bullying and Safe School Climate Plan), Ms. Rivera, Executive Director of Student and Family Supports, told the committee the largest changes are the new forms and revised terminology; the committee approved an amendment to remove the word "building" on page 4 and then approved the policy as amended, 4-0.
The committee approved Policy 5141 addressing health assessments, screenings and immunizations. Chair Caron asked whether school nurses could perform required physicals; Ms. Rivera said school nurses cannot conduct those physicals, but School Based Health Centers can often see students more quickly than community physician offices during the busy fall period. The motion to adopt Policy 5141 carried, 4-0.
No substantive public comment was received on the policies. The committee adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
