Board approves student handbook updates adding restorative-practices language and clarifying device rules

A staff presenter summarized final course updates and the 2026–27 student handbook, which the board approved at the meeting. The handbook strengthens restorative-practices language to align with state law and requires documentation that an evidence-based restorative intervention be attempted before certain suspensions for elementary students unless a statutory exception applies.

The final handbook also clarifies expectations for electronic devices on campus: students may not carry headphones/earbuds or non-educational electronics during the school day and families are responsible for payment for lost, stolen or damaged school-issued devices; the handbook will be printed on a two-year cycle with three required signature pages collected annually. "When we think about elementary school students... restorative practices can be seen through mediation, restorative circles," a presenter said in response to a board question about examples.

Board members asked how the handbook was circulated for public comment; staff said the digital version was posted to the division website with a survey and no public revision requests were received. The board voted to approve the handbook changes.