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Board begins first reading of 38 policies; debate centers on enforcement of chain‑of‑command and new AI/cell‑phone rules
Summary
Legal counsel walked trustees through 38 policy updates, including a robust revision to Policy 3139 (staff discipline) that would make willful or repeated violations of the chain-of-command a terminable offense; trustees debated uniform enforcement, employee access to the board and next steps for second reading Aug. 17.
Board legal counsel presented an overview of 38 proposed policy updates intended to align district rules with Indiana law and guidance from Neola and the IDOE. The set includes administrative updates and substantive changes on student devices, artificial intelligence, purchasing, contract review and discipline.
Counsel said the most substantive revision is Policy 3139 (professional and administrative staff discipline), which expands examples of conduct that may support suspension or termination to include "willful or repeated violations" of the chain-of-command policy. Counsel asked the board to recommit to uniform enforcement, saying inconsistent application creates legal and operational risk.
Trustees debated the change. Some members said the current language (Policy 3112) already protects employees' right to address the board and that the board should not deny employees access after they follow the chain of command; others said inconsistent practice and selective enforcement remain problems that the administration cannot resolve without board support. One trustee urged more detailed discussion in retreat or executive session before second reading.
Counsel also highlighted new and revised policies addressing student personal-communication devices (a bell-to-bell powered-off expectation tied to state guidance), a comprehensive artificial-intelligence policy (75409) governing staff and student AI use, and a new transportation policy formalizing conditions for drivers to transport their own children with insurer review.
