|
II. Policy Updates
A. The School Board approved the following policies at our August 11 Business Meeting:
i. 1-6.8 Electronic Participation in Committee Meetings from Remote Locations - Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA)-recommended wording changes for clarity.
ii. 3-5.1 Comprehensive Cybersecurity Program (New Policy) - Establishes a comprehensive cybersecurity program requiring alignment with national standards, a cybersecurity steering committee, training for staff, and regular evaluation and reporting.
iii. 3-5.2 Digital Accessibility (New Policy) - Establishes RPS' requirements and technical standards to ensure digital accessibility for division-provided technology, as required by state and federal law.
iv. 5-1.6 Ceremonies and Observances - VSBA-recommended wording changes for clarity.
v. 5-1.8 Teaching About Controversial Issues - Revisions conforming local policy to model VSBA policy.
vi. 5-3.2 Alternative School Programs - Clarifies that tuition shall not be charged for such programs.
vii. 7-3.2 Staff: Weapons in Schools - VSBA-recommended wording changes for clarity and addition of legal requirement for RPS' reporting of incidents.
viii. 7-3.3 Staff Participation in Political Activities and Professional Organizations - Revisions conforming local policy to model VSBA policy.
ix. 7-4.7 Administrative Leeway in Absence of Policy - VSBA-recommended wording changes for clarity.
x. 7-5.3 Professional Staff - Employment Status - VSBA-recommended wording changes for clarity.
B. The School Board received the following policy proposals for first read at our August 10
Work Session and will vote on them at our September 9 Business Meeting:
i. 1-2.2 Qualifications of School Board Members - VSBA-recommended wording changes for clarity and incorporation of Policy 1-2.3 Oath. 1-2.3 Oath To be rescinded upon adoption of revisions to Policy 1-2.2.
ii. 6-2.9 Naming School Facilities and Dedicating Areas of School Facilities or Grounds - Amends school renaming policy to expressly allow the school board to rename school facilities and grounds in honor of philanthropic donors. Key policy changes include:
- Renamings earlier than 30 years require a ⅔ vote of the school board.
- Philanthropic naming requires a gift agreement that includes provisions covering: Sunset/Expiration, Morals Clause, Valuation, Signage Allowances, and Use of Revenue
iii. 7-3.5 Non-School Employment - VSBA-model policy alignment, with clarification that certain types of leave are exempt from the new provision, in alignment with Policy 7-7.7 Employee Absences/Leave.
iv. 8-2.2 Admissions - Eliminates early kindergarten registration due to high administrative costs and data-evidenced lack of applicant readiness. See accompanying policy memo reviewing pros and cons of policy options.
v. 8-3.12 Student Suspensions and Expulsions - Comprehensive revisions incorporating VSBA model policy updates and aligning with RPS disciplinary processes, including:
- Addition of the official Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) definition for "aggravating circumstances" required for preschool student suspensions longer than 3 days,
- Requirement for community service hours and/or online training modules,
- Clarification of requirements for notices to parents,
- Incorporates the federal 45-school-day interim alternative placement rule for weapon infractions by students with disabilities regardless of manifestation determination, and
- Clarifies alternative disciplinary options for possession or use of controlled substances. Note: HB298, requiring restorative practices, goes into effect on July 1, 2027.
vi. 8-3.8 Corporal Punishment - VSBA-recommended wording changes for clarity.
vii. 8-4.5 Student Representatives to School Board - VSBA-recommended wording changes for clarity. Provides for administration approval of procedures.
C. There is no Policy Committee meeting in September. The next meeting will be on Monday, October 19 at 6:00 PM.
| 
