Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reviews updated policy on notification and threat assessments
Summary
The board reviewed proposed revisions to Policy 31.44 to align with WASDA model language and embed legal references; staff recommended adding explicit definitions for risk levels (levels 1–3) to clarify procedures for notifying staff and assigning students.
The Kiona-Benton City School District board reviewed updates to Policy 31.44, which covers notification and dissemination of information about student offenses and threats of violence. Interim Superintendent Jack Anderson told the board the policy is based on the Washington Association of School Directors (WASDA) model materials and that the district's previous language dated from 2016.
"Our policy was written... in 2016," Anderson said, noting the model language is more detailed and includes embedded legal references. He told the board the WASDA version does not specify the operational steps tied to risk levels and suggested the district add explicit definitions for what constitutes a level 1, level 2 and level 3 risk so administrators and staff have clear guidance.
The presentation covered how the updated policy references existing student-discipline policy 32.41, the district's threat-assessment process, and Public Records Act considerations. Anderson pointed to provisions that restrict assigning an offender to the same classroom as a victim's teacher in certain categories of offenses and noted the policy clarifies notification responsibilities for staff and transportation responsibilities for parents of offenders.
Board members accepted the policy review and the item will proceed through the district's standard review/approval process; no final, binding policy adoption occurred at the special meeting.
