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Board reviews wide-ranging policy updates tied to state Read-to-Succeed rules, summer reading expansion and device restrictions
Summary
The Clover School District reviewed a package of state-driven policy updates including retention/promotion language aligned to IEPs, expanded summer reading camp phased in for early grades, a student-device ban during school, weapons clarifications, and tightened booster-club finance restrictions.
At a work session, district staff walked the board through a set of policy revisions that staff said align district language to recent state law and model policies and that will return for first reading and later approval.
Miss Hall summarized policy IK (promotion and retention), saying the policy language will now explicitly reference individualized education plans for students in special education and warned that changes to the state's Read-to-Succeed rules could substantially increase the number of third-graders receiving remediation notices. "This is going to be the first time more of our families are going to get that letter," Hall said, explaining that the state now uses a broader "does not meet" category for evaluation.
Hall also outlined proposed IHA language requiring reading instruction aligned to the "science of reading" and a district expectation that students master cursive by fifth grade. Revisions to IHCA will expand summer reading camp access: first graders will be included beginning in 2025-26, with second graders phased in in 2026-27; Hall said that expansion will have a fiscal impact and that the district will return with budget proposals.
On assessment, Hall said the district will adopt state-approved universal reading screeners for K-5 beginning in 2025-26, administered three times per year to identify reading deficiencies including dyslexia. Hall said updated test-administration guidance and security procedures will be added to administrative rules.
The policy package also includes a new district prohibition on personal electronic devices during the school day, starting Jan. 25, with exceptions for IEP- or medically required devices and guidance on how parents can contact students. Hall outlined updated weapons definitions and noted the district would continue to provide services for expelled students. She described consolidated language on facilities safety, monthly inspection and drill forms, and added community-use language clarifying playground/track access and insurance/liability expectations.
On finance, Hall proposed a clause restricting district staff from holding booster-club positions that manage funds (no treasurer or financial secretary roles) to reduce conflict of interest.
Board members asked implementation questions, including whether new or expanded summer programs would be centralized or run at multiple sites and where funding would come from; staff said those details and any budget line items will be brought forward in the next budget process. The policy changes will return for formal readings and staff training.
