Trustees defer activities handbook after heated debate over curfews, discipline and travel rules

The Forsyth board tabled action on the activities handbook after extended discussion and a failed first‑reading vote.

Administration (Activities director / Speaker 8) presented the handbook changes, which included removing a one‑week grace period for first‑time failing grades, clarifying late‑night return and travel rules, updating volunteer approval steps and revising insurance and drug‑testing language. Trustees expressed concerns about several provisions, especially a proposed policy that would impose activity consequences when a student serves in‑school suspension (ISS), uneven curfew standards across sports, and liability and enforceability of travel‑permission rules for student rides to practices.

Multiple trustees said they wanted clearer, legally vetted language on ISS consequences, curfew enforcement and rider permissions for junior‑high students. One trustee asked for explicit rules limiting the number of cheerleaders traveling for tournaments and for clearer cost responsibility if overnight rooms are required. Another trustee noted the potential for double discipline (school and sport) and said coaches should retain mentoring roles rather than act as final disciplinarians.

A motion to approve the handbook on first reading failed; the board instructed administration to prepare two alternative drafts addressing the major trustee concerns and to consult the district attorney on liability and enforceability. The item will return for further consideration at a subsequent meeting before the start of fall activities.