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Board hears proposed updates to student/parent handbook, including McKinney‑Vento language
Summary
Dr. Tiffany Byrd presented proposed 2026–27 handbook updates covering attendance, an assessment calendar (pending VDOE), McKinney‑Vento homelessness language aligned to state definition, health and vaccination updates, and four required forms; the draft will be shared with the board and discussed at the July 30 retreat.
Dr. Tiffany Byrd, the division discipline hearing officer, presented proposed updates to the 2026–27 student and parent handbook and the student code of conduct at the July 15 Petersburg City School Board meeting.
Byrd outlined the handbook sections that were revised or expanded: general information and the division calendar (she noted the Virginia Department of Education assessment calendar had not been finalized), attendance and truancy language, an expanded McKinney‑Vento section that incorporates the state definition of homelessness and outlines rights and transportation enrollment, and updated safety, health and vaccination guidance. She also said the CTE paragraph was rewritten to emphasize career-ready experiences and marketable skills.
Byrd said the draft adds four required forms to the handbook (Title I, compulsory attendance, media consent and the student code of conduct signature page) and that classroom teachers will receive printed sets to distribute on the first day of school; forms will also be available on ParentSquare and the division website. She acknowledged district staff contributors and said the draft is available for board members to review before the July 30 board retreat.
Board members asked operational questions about posting the McKinney‑Vento form and making it fillable online; Byrd said she would confirm how the division is posting and whether forms can be made fillable. The board agreed to add a handbook review to the retreat agenda and asked staff to circulate the draft in advance so trustees can prepare suggested edits.
What happens next: District staff will share the handbook draft with board members ahead of the July 30 retreat so the board and cabinet can review and discuss potential changes before any final approval vote.
