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Medford Lakes board adopts new discipline, dress-code and cell-phone policies and approves curriculum work
Summary
The Medford Lakes Board on Aug. 23 approved five new policies — including a discipline code, dress code and a cell-phone infractions policy — and signed off on curriculum-writing work and student activities scheduling for 2023–24.
The Medford Lakes School District Board of Education on Aug. 23 adopted a set of new student-conduct policies and approved curriculum-writing work for the 2023–24 school year.
Board President Kim Bezanis opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m., and the board moved, by roll call vote, to adopt five policies recommended by the administration: a district cell-phone infractions and consequences policy, a district-wide Discipline Code of Conduct, a Dress Code Policy, an in-school suspension (ISS) pilot program and a Nokomis-specific discipline policy. The motion was made by Kevin Kerfoot and seconded by Robert Brittain; the roll call showed Ayes from Kim Bezanis, Robert Brittain, Kevin Kerfoot and Julia Moore and the motion carried.
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dent and Dr. Christine Skinner summarized the policy changes and related program items. Dr. Skinner presented on the district’s Steam Camp and a MLEF totem-pole rehabilitation project, and described the district’s plan for curriculum writing and a Title I application for the year. Board members discussed specifics of the discipline and dress-code language; administrators noted the policy addresses headwear such as hats, hoods and sunglasses but that masks were not part of the review. Dr. Skinner said the district still needs to write a new math curriculum.
The board also approved the Parent/Student Handbook and the district Crisis Response Manual, accepted the 2022–23 School Safety Data System HIB report, and approved library weeding/additions and curriculum materials for 2023–24. The board approved a Rite Aid agreement to provide influenza immunizations for eligible employees and dependents, with per-dose costs listed in the packet.
Administrators outlined a schedule of school events and student activities for the year — including a 6th-grade Camp Ockanickon field trip (Nov. 15–17, no overnight) and middle-school dances on Oct. 27, Dec. 8 and Feb. 9 — and confirmed Back-to-School Night dates (Nokomis Oct. 2; Neeta Oct. 3). The board’s action means the listed policies and curriculum items will take effect under district procedures and any implementation steps set by the superintendent and staff.
The meeting proceeded to personnel and finance items after the policy and curriculum actions; the board later recessed to an executive session for personnel and privacy matters and adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
