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Board approves handbook updates; staff to adopt revised state policy language and set social‑media list in August
Summary
Jefferson West approved the 2026–27 student and staff handbook updates and administrators outlined multiple state‑driven policy changes — from Title IX wording to attendance and active‑shooter drill guidance — and said the district will bring a list of approved social and communication platforms to the board in August.
The Jefferson West School Board approved the 2026–27 student and staff handbook updates after administrators walked trustees through redlined changes. The board's motion to approve the handbook was moved and seconded during the meeting.
Administrators summarized a broad set of policy updates required by state and federal changes, including revised Title IX language (moving from "sexual harassment" to "sex‑based discrimination"), new attendance rules that tighten how organized student walkouts are treated, uniform requirements for communicating with parents when students are low performing under Title I, and expanded duties related to expedited transfer of student records for foster and special‑education students. The district will follow state guidance on active‑shooter drill procedures once the state department releases its fall guidelines by Oct. 1.
The board also previewed an August action: by statute the district must list and approve which communications and social platforms staff may use; administrators said they will present an approved list of district platforms (examples given include Facebook, Remind, Huddle and Apogee) and guidance for coaches and sponsors who currently maintain independent Instagram or TikTok pages. "We will have to in August approve which social media platforms we use as a district to communicate," a presenter said.
Why it matters: the changes reflect statutory updates and administrative guidance that affect classroom logistics, student discipline, data transfer and staff use of third‑party communication tools. The administration emphasized that free/reduced guidance and graduation exceptions for foster students remain aligned to state rules.
Next steps: board to review and vote in August on a formal list of authorized district communication platforms and finalize any remaining policy language after the state publishes required guidance.
