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Board begins first read of 4000-series policy updates, flags new pregnancy and AI policies for further review
Summary
The board conducted a first reading of the 4000-series policy package. Staff highlighted updates to non-discrimination to reflect the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, introduced a new pregnancy accommodations policy (4105a), new religious accommodation language (4105b), and an optional generative AI policy (4229). The changes were informational in this meeting and will return for formal adoption.
At a first reading of the district’s 4000-series policy updates, staff reviewed a large package of proposed changes and several new policies and asked board members to reserve final approval for a subsequent meeting.
Staff drew attention to revisions in the non-discrimination policy (4101) that add a citation to the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and cross-reference earlier changes to employment-related Title IX policies. The anti-harassment policy was revised to remove redundant language and instead cross-reference policy 3115, which addresses Title IX matters.
Several new staff-facing policies were introduced. Policy 4105a would create a district procedure for pregnancy workplace accommodations for employees and applicants; staff recommended the board take additional time to review that new policy before approval. Policy 4105b would address religious workplace accommodations under Title VII. Staff also walked through related updates on disability accommodations, employment complaint procedures and the district’s obligations when allegations implicate civil rights.
The presentation included administrative guidelines on background checks and FBI criminal justice information, and staff identified Linda Voy as the local agency security officer for those functions.
The board discussed an optional policy (4229) on the acceptable use of generative artificial intelligence for employees. Staff described the policy as optional and suggested a cautious approach — acknowledging AI is a rapidly evolving topic and recommending training and iterative updates rather than strict restrictions until more guidance is available.
Board members asked clarifying questions about cross-references, appeal processes, and whether optional policies should be adopted now or deferred pending further guidance. Staff requested that the board treat this session as a review; any policies with substantive changes will return in a later meeting for formal action.
No votes were taken on these policy items; staff will bring back revised language and any policies recommended for approval at a future meeting.
