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Windham policy committee recommends repeals, advances foreign‑exchange rule and defers communicable‑disease update
Summary
At its June 3 Policy Committee meeting, Windham Board of Education members recommended repealing two nonrequired policies, recommended approval of a foreign‑exchange student policy clarifying visa types, and deferred changes to communicable‑disease guidance pending Medical Advisor input.
The Windham Board of Education Policy Committee met June 3 and moved several nonrequired policies toward repeal or further review while advancing a revised foreign‑exchange student policy to the full board. The meeting began at 5:30 p.m. and adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
Shipman & Goodwin's legal review prompted the committee to recommend repealing policy 2300.1, "Standards for Leaders," on the grounds that district administrators already must follow the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility for Administrators and the Department of Education's evaluation protocol. Dr. Catina Caban‑Owen led the discussion about whether the policy was necessary; Neil Weathers said the administrators comply with existing rules, responding, "yes, the Administrators abide by the code and follow the Dept. of Education evaluation protocol." The committee voted to forward a repeal recommendation to the full Board.
Committee members examined proposed revisions to policy 4147.21 (5th Disease). Shipman & Goodwin suggested language edits, and the Nursing Supervisor indicated support for keeping a revised policy. Dr. Caban‑Owen asked whether the district should adopt a broader communicable‑disease policy rather than one limited to fifth disease; the committee decided to seek additional legal and Medical Advisor input and return the item for further discussion at the next meeting.
Administrators presented a revised policy on foreign‑exchange students, 5111.1, clarifying different visa categories. Beth Brunet explained the distinctions among visa types and said Windham High School is not currently "SEVP‑approved" to accept F‑1 visa students. The committee recommended the revised 5111.1 policy for approval by the full Board.
The committee reviewed a sample non‑resident attendance policy (5118) that outlines circumstances for allowing non‑resident students to enroll. Members asked administration to further analyze pros and cons and potential changes before moving the item to the Board.
On student safety and operations, members discussed 5131.11 (video cameras on buses) and 6163.3 (live animals in the classroom). The committee noted that bus cameras are not required but can aid prevention and documentation; it asked Shipman & Goodwin for guidance before any formal action. Revisions to the live‑animals policy add language on service animals and therapy dogs; members asked counsel how to handle documented student allergies to therapy animals and deferred final action until legal advice is received.
Policy 6176 (Career and Vocational Education) was identified as nonrequired and the committee recommended it be moved to the Board for repeal.
During public comment, two Windham Tech students attended; one student said she was present "to learn and do an assignment." The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning at 6:09 p.m. and scheduling its next meeting for July 1, 2026.
Items recommended to the full Board include: repeal of 2300.1 and 6176, approval of 5111.1, and deferral of 4147.21 and 6163.3 pending counsel and Medical Advisor input.
