Board waives first readings, adopts policies on extreme heat, FMLA revisions and student device use

The Laurens Central School Board on Sept. 17 waived first readings and approved several policy updates. Policy #8113 (Extreme Heat Condition Days) establishes district responses when occupiable spaces reach 82'F (mitigation steps such as turning off lights, using fans, providing water breaks) and sets 88'F as a removal threshold when practicable, authorizing remote instruction or early closures when high temperatures are expected.

The board also approved revisions to Policy #6551 (Family and Medical Leave Act) clarifying employee eligibility (12 months and 1,250 hours) and the district's use of a rolling 12-month period measured backward to determine FMLA entitlement. The policy text addresses intermittent leave rules for instructional staff and military caregiver/qualifying-exigency provisions.

Policy #7316 (Use of Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day) was reapproved with revisions. The policy prohibits student use of internet-enabled devices on school grounds during the school day except for authorized educational use, health care management, emergencies, translation services, or where required by an IEP/504 plan. The policy requires on-site storage of devices, provides methods for parent contact during school hours (main office, designated email, ParentSquare or equivalent), instructs staff to model device etiquette and requires an annual enforcement report first due Sept. 1, 2026, including non-identifiable demographic data and mitigation if disparate enforcement impacts are detected.

Each policy was presented in the meeting packet and approved on the consent agenda; motions were carried 3-0-0.