001meeting uh from my car as I continue this unreasonable commute home. Um but as soon as I get home, I will be on screen. Um so with that, I will uh turn the meeting over to Kelly who sent out the agenda earlier and hopefully everyone has had a chance to look over the policies we're going to be looking at tonight. >> Thank you, Kate. Okay, so um this evening we'll be continuing on with our 5000 series policies, which are our student policies. Um so tonight you will see a couple of health policies as well as uh directory information and a DCF policy. Uh so we'll start the evening um with the health policies. Um and I do want to let everyone know that we've also reviewed this with our coordinator of nursing services for her
002input and feedback. And we are using um the CABE model series um for most of the policy revisions with some slight tweaks when we feel appropriate. Uh, so the first one I'll display on the screen for you. Sorry, give me one sec. I apologize. Okay. Uh the first policy that we're going to review is use of our automatic external defibrills or uh most commonly known as AED devices. Um and this policy essentially outlines the fact that we will have access to these uh life-saving devices in our schools and facilities. Um and that there's a requirement to monitor them. Uh batteries and so forth do need to be changed on a bi-anual basis. Uh and then we will also make sure that uh our coordinator of nursing services is um overseeing uh to make sure that
003they're up to date and compliant and also to make sure that uh explicit individuals within the school system uh primarily our nursing services staff, our school nurses are trained in how to appropriately use those in the event of an emergency. Um so this is a a slight revision. Um there are not there are some minor language changes with the existing policy. Um, but the essence of what this policy covers um is the same as the prior policy. >> Kelly, could you make that just a little bit bigger for you? >> Absolutely. I apologize for that. >> Does that look better? >> Yes. Thank you. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> Thank you. You always remind me. Um so these are these devices are primarily used if there is a cardiac arrest in the building. Um
004so with um you know it could happen um an unfortunate event staff student uh parent uh that is at a facility and we want to make sure that we have these life-saving devices in place. Um the intent of them is to uh be utilized while awaiting for EMS arrival. Um, and typically in the event of an emergency, um, the, uh, 911 dispatcher would walk the individual through use of this device and whether or not it would be appropriate to do so. >> May I ask you a quick question? >> Sure. >> Um, aside from the nursing uh, staff, are there other folks in each of the school buildings that are trained in how to use these devices? >> Great question. And uh there are training done um with our coaching staff uh our athletic director
005staff um and some of our PE uh and health staff as well. >> Thank you. >> Other questions? Any other questions from committee members? >> Okay, I don't see anybody's hands up. Uh questions from non-committee members. All right. In that case, I'll look for a motion to recommend this policy to the full board for a first read. >> I can make the motion. I can make the motion. >> Thank you very much, Terry. >> Second. >> Thank you, Michelle. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> Right. Moved and so carries. Thank you very much. >> Go right ahead, Kelly. >> All right, moving on to the next policy. Um, this is again another student policy, health assessments and immunizations. Um, this outlines the medical requirements and immunizations that are required
006for a student upon entry into school and then what is required as that student continues. um throughout their schooling career with us here in the Danbury public schools. Um so there were former um a few years back there was um there were health assessment waiverss uh due to religious uh exemptions that has since been removed by the state legislation and this policy reflects that. Um it also reflects that in extreme medical situations and unique circumstances um there is an an application that goes to the state department of public health um if a child for example cannot safely get a vaccine a medical team would review that and then approve it. Um but there are no more uh religious exemptions. It is an expectation that children are uh compliant with vaccinations upon registering in the public
007school district. Um, so this policy outlines um who can do that and and what should occur. >> Sure, Miss Zade. >> Go ahead, Terry. >> Um, we just got that notice about the chickenpox. >> Is that one of the required or no vaccines? >> So, um, it is a recommended vaccine. It is not a requirement for entry into kindergarten. I will say though that a vast majority of our students in fact we did look into that situation. 100% of our students in that building are um have the Vicella vaccine. Um so it is it is a strongly recommended one. Um and it is not required upon entry into kindergarten but is recommended thereafter. >> Um I understand I was looking at some stats. Uh our schools look pretty good uh as far as vaccines except
008Park Avenue seemed to be quite um deficient in compared to the other schools in the number of vaccinated students was wondering what happened there. >> Is there a partic where are you locating that information? >> I can't remember. I saw that I I think it was in the paper in the news times there was an article and it showed how the other schools and you know they were listing the schools and I saw that Park Avenue was like only like 82%. The other schools were up in the 90% vaccinated. >> U Teresa what I'll have to do is I'll have to look into that a little bit further. I don't have the uh exact percentages here. Uh what you will see is since the uh waiver in it since the ability to waiver vaccinations was
009made and that was in um around 2022 uh all students that are entering into the public school district whether they're entering at any grade level but primarily those kindergarteners that are now coming in and are in second third grade um they are all required to be fully compliant with vaccinations with very rare exceptions. Um and that really is if it would not be in the child or immediate family's best interest it could pose a risk to them. Um, so some of our medically fragile children, sometimes we'll have a child that's undergoing some type of special treatment or so forth that would be waved from that requirement. Um, but we we have very high vaccination rates in the district. Um, and so uh I think this just further uh ensures the public health and safety and
010well-being of everyone. Um, but I will get um I will follow up on the exact rates of Park Avenue vaccinations and get back to you regarding that. >> Thank you. It was an article in the paper about how Connecticut was like close to like 100%. I mean, it was uh vaccinated students and they listed the schools, of course, and I'm looking, you know, I'm checking making sure we're good. So, yeah, it was an article in in in the Danbury paper and I'll I might have checked I'll try to find that article, too. >> Okay. I will definitely follow up on that and I will get the information out to this committee. But I thank you for your question. There there are just a couple of um kind of choices that we do need to make
011within this policy. Um the first one I'm going to highlight for you right here. Um it is the fourth paragraph. Um it reads, "The board of education shall annually designate a representative to receive reports of health assessments and immunizations from healthcare providers. The or language is the superintendent shall designate. uh that has typically been the process that the superintendent designates our coordinator of nursing services um and then our school nurses uh collect the health assessments and are responsible for checking and verifying them. So I would recommend in this section um the OR language. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry Miss Koelloo I just saw your hand. >> Oh that's okay. I was just wondering because you had mentioned that the chickenpox vaccination is recommended. Can you tell me which ones are required? What can we get
012a list of what's required? >> I will send you the list of those as well. Yep. >> Yeah. Okay. Um Yeah, that would be great. I'm just interested in and are there other school districts that have not adopted the CABE um recommendation or you know are is it typically accepted by all of the surrounding school districts? what's being, you know, proposed tonight or just wondering if anybody has >> if you're asking about state statute, um the vaccination policies required by law. Um different districts are doing um some use the cave policies, some use shipment and goodwin policies. Um but the essence of what this policy covers um is is required by state legislation. >> So what is the difference between the cab and the shipment policies? Um so it is just in the way that
013they're written. Um so it's two different model series. Um what back when we did this um policy uh revision and and CA uh Kim certainly feel free to jump in. Um you know each the shipment and Goodwin law form put together policies based on state legislation and CAB did. So it's in the structure of it. Um but the legally required policies in a school district are mandated by state law. Um, so it might look I'd have to pull it up for you, Michelle. We have opted to go with the um the CAB series. Um, but the um, you know, the legislation that's noted in here 10-206 is going to be the same in any policy around vaccinations in the state of Connecticut. >> Does can Kim weigh in on any do you know Kim if
014there's anything like you know that stands out to you? Because you know verbiage attorneys verbiage holds a lot of interesting weight sometimes. So, I'm just wondering how are they different? >> I I I don't know because I haven't seen the model shipment policy, but I can tell you that um my suspicion is that it probably tracks the language of the statute just like this does. So, when you get something that's prescriptive and you know, it's very easy to follow. It's not it's not really a >> I don't not something that's subject to a lot of nuance, right? You either need >> follow the immunization health assessments or not. So, um I bet that I would bet there's not much, but we don't have access to those because we're not subscribers, so I can't see it.
015>> Okay. All right. So, then if I could get that list of what's recommended, what's required. Um and if that changes because it said you had mentioned kindergarten specifically, I don't know, is there a change at another grade or anything? I'm not sure if >> Yeah, there's middle school there could be. >> Yes, middle school requirements and high school requirements. Uh the current vaccination list is actually in our regulations attached to our old policy, but I will pull that and attach that to the email for you. >> Thank you. Appreciate that. >> You're welcome. >> Oh, I found it. I found it. It was the Connecticut Post. >> Um and it was the rates for 2425 for kindergarten immunization rates by school in Connecticut. Yeah. And Park Avenue, it was 84.8. and everybody the lowest
016of the other schools were like 93.8. That's the lowest. >> Okay. Thank you very much, Teresa. >> Sure. >> Um the other uh so first I just want to make sure that we're in agreement. My suggestion or recommendation would be to go with the or language in paragraph 4 which uh designates the authority to the superintendent uh versus the board of education. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Uh Could I just sort of I I I want to ask a question. So if we are agree to this, there are no more exemptions or religious exemption made to people concerning vaccination. Everyone that comes in our our school system >> is vaccinated. >> That is correct. Um as of 2022, that was a state law change. um you have to be fully vac vaccinated to enroll in district.
017Students that were registered prior to that date with a religious exemption had a window of time to comply or f or get updated with the new policy. So there are some students at the older grade levels that were grandfathered in by it. But anyone new entering the system now has to follow the updated legislation. >> Okay. Thank you. Long time come to the panel. Um, again, continuing on here, um, one of the other things that we were, um, we wanted to throw out tonight for consideration, again, this would be in addition to the CA policy is in paragraph six, there is a new requirement, um, to upload to the Department of Public Health portal, um, the the phys the vaccinations uh, for our children. And part of the reason to do that is that our
018school nurses have access to the students in the system and can verify it. So this just ensures accuracy when checking children's vaccinations and and their registrations in the school system. Um and I think it would be a good idea right here at the end of paragraph six that we add the language and uploaded to the Department of Public Health portal. Again, it's an addition to the CA policy, but it is currently part of the practice right now and a requirement. >> Any feedback from committee members on that suggestion? >> I think it's a good one. Kelly, >> did you say it's a requirement? I'm sorry, Kate. I couldn't find my picture button, but I found the talking one. >> It It is currently a requirement. >> It's a requirement. Yeah. Sorry. >> Okay, great. Thank
019you. Can you can you write it in? It would look like that. Sorry. Do we do that now or no? >> Yes, we do. So this is just putting it in writing. >> The provider that does the vaccination is required to upload it to the portal and this ensures that appropriate medical professionals are the one that are distributing or issuing the vaccination and then the school nurses can verify and check that the information is accurate. And the only other thing I'll draw your attention to on this paragraph on this I'm sorry policy is the paragraph that goes from the end of page one into the top of page two. It refers to the old legislation which is prior to 2021. Um that basically there was this catchup time period into the fall of 2022. um
020if we want to keep it there. And so that was the window of time in which students were allowed to um kind of have a window to catch up with vaccinations that were overdue. This was prior to the changing of the legislation. Um this is now no longer in place. It is still part of CAB's policy. We can leave it there. It has no no harm. It kind of but it is old or outdated information as you as you can tell here by reading it. in Septe by September 2022, students had to be updated with their vaccinations um and fully compliant. So, it really has no it doesn't serve a purpose any longer to leave this paragraph in, but if the committee feels they want it there for historical information, we certainly can do so.
021And I think part of this is as CA we know CABE continually looks at their policies and updates them, I think this is just one that they're they're still in the process of doing so. >> Is there more to the paragraph? It goes onto the top of page of the second page. Yes, right here. >> Thank you. >> Oops. I'm sorry. >> What's the appetite of the committee? >> Do we want to historical record or uh given that it's absolute information, do we want to remove it? >> I would get rid of it. >> I agree. just muddles the picture. >> I I agree. It's no longer relevant to us. So, >> remove this paragraph from this policy. >> Um the last piece and we do have a separate policy on this. And sorry I
022think I said there was one other thing I there's one more um is we can include here this optional section on uh TB and the requirement for kids to get a TB um uh health assessment or screening assessment. We have a separate policy on currently. So we can handle this one of two ways. We can include it in this policy and then revoke the other policy that we had in place or we can keep them separate. It really is up to the appetite of this group. I think that this comes up frequently enough that it would warrant keeping the policy separate for clarity purposes. >> It does come up from time to time. Um, very frequently, no, but it does come up from time to time. >> Thank you. Uh committee members uh wondering about
023your feedback on this whether you would like to uh um component of this overall um policy around vaccines or if we should maintain the separate policy. >> I think it should be separate. It's important. if we want to do that. I did I did not put just so you know I did not put the specific TB policy on here for this evening um because I wanted to bring this up to see if we wanted to include it. We can certainly add it for um the next uh evening and really it would just take the or the next policy meeting I'm sorry it would just take this section of the policy under its own separate number. >> Yeah. Um Michelle or Wanita, do you have any feedback on uh this particular issue? >> I'm not sure
024if if I dropped out. It's just to highlight the um this versus just putting it with the other vaccinations. We just want to highlight it. Is that the purpose to set it aside? Right. >> So the Yeah. The idea is the policy exists separately already. Um, and so our our task is whether or not we would like to um include it instead include that content of that policy in this policy instead and then revoke the uh the separate policy or if we'd like to keep them as separate policies and not include this optional content in current one. >> Yeah. So why did we have it separate to begin with? Maybe I missed this. Why did we separate it? Was it something that was added? um and that's why it stands on its own and we
025can just put it into together all the vaccination information or like I'm I'm asking why is it standing alone? Um I don't have the exact answer to the history of that the uh TB policy uh it's been some time since we reviewed it. Um I do believe it was an it was added in at the time that that that was a requirement because these policies are are quite uh outdated. Um, so that is my thinking there, but I'm not a 100% on that. That's just kind of going back through the the length of time since it's been revised. That's my assumption. >> Yeah. Um, so I mean, I'm fine with putting it all together. It's fine. Whatever you guys decide. >> It just seems like something that was added and now we have the opportunity
026to put it all together or just whatever. It's fine. I just find that if the policies get too lengthy, um, people don't pay attention to it as much. >> Okay. Yeah, that's >> the only, you know, you know, points taken. Um, but I don't care. I don't care. >> Okay. Yeah, that's cool. Whatever, whatever, Kate, you want to decide or the group, I'm fine with. um know that I have a personal preference although I would hope that these two policies um and Kelly I'm not sure if you know what the number is for their policy but I would be grouped close together because if if someone is going through the policies and I hear your point as well Teresa we don't want to include so much information that it kind of gets lost in the
027shuffle um but I would would hope that we could pair these two policies at least numerically so that it makes sense for somebody who's looking through our policies for information vaccines, they would see all that information in roughly the same place. >> So it is um so this policy um it it would be stacked right underneath it. It would be 5141.34. So it' be basically a subset of this policy. >> Thank you for clarifying, Kelly. Appreciate that. >> Oneita, did you want to weigh in? I I'm first of all, I apologize for being late. I'm a caregiver for my mother this week. Um, and so I don't want to I'm sorry if I'm repeating anything that has already been said in the optional um section. It is there um as optional because is is there
028a particular reason? Um yes, Miss Harris, if I could explain. Um it can be included as part of this policy. Um so this is a health assessment and immunizations. So this can the uh TB portion can be included as part of this policy or its own separate policy which is the reason why it's optional here. >> Okay. So it it is not um because of the second paragraph with the high um the high-risisk countries students entering >> not having been vaccinated not have have had immunizations. Is is that part of the reason to put in put it in a little bit stronger language? Um, so we do currently have a policy which requires the TB testing for those that that need it. Um, and so it really is just a matter of um, this language
029is a little bit stronger than our current policy or a little bit more um, I think it's a little bit lengthier. It explains a little bit more of the why behind it. Um, but it is a required policy and it is one that our coordinator of health and nursing services is recommending that we continue um, because it is a recommendation of the department of public health. Uh but really the the conversation here is does it belong embedded within this policy or as it own as its own separate one. Um we would be comfortable doing either. I don't believe from my conversations with her she really has really strong opinions one way or another. Um but I think referring to the updated language would be important. And so my only other question is um do we
030have in our policy the um what we do when students are not immunized or vaccinated other than the ones that are excused. >> So unless you're medically excused, we you have to be vaccinated in order to register. that's to to register. How about continue in school? >> So if you are if you are already grandfathered in um so you before that change over in legislation in 2021 to 22 school year um you there are some students that are grandfathered in but any student currently enrolling in the district and registering in the district must comply with the vaccination rules and that's due to state law changes. And if they do not, >> they cannot they cannot enroll in school in public school. >> If they're already enrolled in school, it is our school nurs's responsibility, I
031believe. Um, if there are students that are overdue for scheduled immunizations, >> I'm sorry, you weren't I wasn't keeping Yes, you have to be compliant. Um, there are certain checkpoints. There's a there's updated vaccinations that are required upon um transitioning into middle school and then again into high school. So for those students, you have to be compliant with the vaccination rules to initially enroll at whatever grade level that you're in. And then it is our school nurse's responsibility to monitor and make sure that you keep compliant with ongoing vaccinations. I apologize. I was not understanding your initial question. >> Okay, that's okay. Um, and the reason that I bring that up, Kelly, is just from past experience being um, um, staff at the high school. Oftent times we had students who um, registered um, they
032were not immunized. They did not have the required um, vaccinations and yet if they could show that they had a doctor's appointment, they were allowed to attend. And so, um, I don't see anything in there other than it says I don't see anything that says that they cannot attend. And yet, we're very much worried about um what could be spread um due to not having been vaccinated. Um so that's why I was asking so if they are due and they do not have it we allow them to continue or if they come in um and register especially from high-risk countries who decides that they're allowed to go ahead and attend and who follows up to make sure that they've um complied. and when they don't. >> Both are great questions. So, um, in order to
033be, um, cleared to to enroll or start in our school district, the school nurse must review to make sure that, uh, the student is compliant with, uh, the vaccinations, medical expectations, that we have an updated physical on file, and so forth. So, that is a is part of the registration process upon initial entry into the school district. If there is a student um there are required vaccinations that you must have to start school if you are on like that catchup cycle. So you must have one dose of many of the vaccinations that are required for the twod dose series and then the school nurse is monitoring and following up on that. if there is ever a question um due to the public safety um that would then be um brought to the attention of our
034district coordinator of nursing services and then we have a medical advisor or the or the department of public health that we would reach out to sometimes both to review a particular situation and make a determination at that point in time. Um I will say with the changes in state legislation um there's a lot more ability to um you know make sure that um students are compliant with those vaccinations um because we want to ensure their safety and the safety of others in the school system. Um, in addition, when the um when the updated physical requirements or vaccination requirements are required in middle and high school, um the school nurses are reaching out typically in the springtime prior to the the next year to let parents know, you know, your child's due for a physical. We
035need to make sure they have the updated vaccinations. And then in the fall of that year, we're following up with any families and we are giving them a window of time to say you've received, you know, because those children have already received dosage um of the vaccines, but they are required to have follow-up dosages. Um and so we follow up with them and give them a timeline typically around a month to six weeks um in which they need to comply and follow up with that. This is also one of the reasons why you will see a lot of our VNA clinics. That's also we'll refer them to our school-based health centers um which are places in which they can get vaccinations um uh at no cost to the family. >> Teresa, excuse me, we're talking
036about vaccinations or immunizations. How many do we require for kindergarten? >> I will show I will get you the exact list off the top of my head. I couldn't rattle it off, but I believe it's about five vaccines that are required and I will send that list to you. >> Thank you. Because you hear on the news some places like 1820 vaccinations. I'm going that's not us, is it? >> Some of those are given in smaller dosage. So you'll have two or three dosages of a vaccine to be con considered under that vaccine fully compliant. >> Okay. Thank you. Kelly, um, in getting that information, can you also list what immunizations um, are given for communicable diseases? >> Yes, I will do so. >> Thank you. Because I I'm the reason I ask is because
037I'm assuming that those are the ones that students would not be allowed to attend school without having. >> You are correct. >> There might be others that they would be allowed to be in attendance as long as they have an appointment if if they can document they they have an upcoming appointment. >> The state department um dictates the the minimum vaccinations if they are playing catchup that they need to have in order to start school and we are always following that to ensure the public you know safety of everyone. >> Okay. Yeah, that's the information the minimum number and the ones that are for communicable diseases. >> I will send that all to the entire committee following this meeting this evening. >> Thank you, Kelly. Um, I just want to circle back around. Uh, oneita,
038I'm not sure that if I heard your response to this um, keeping the language in the optional section and putting that permanently into this um, policy so that all of the vaccine information is in a single policy or keeping the existing policy that we have that already covers this content. >> Okay. So, you're waiting for my um my comment. Um I I agree with Teresa. >> Just I'm soliciting feedback from from all the members on this one. >> Sorry. I agree with Teresa. We do not want to have anything that's really too lengthy, but um you know um I I think with the the optional part I I just don't see it as have needing to be in there right now. Um well, I mean the the information is going to be in our policies.
039It's a question of whether the language that appears in the optional section here um becomes a permanent part of this policy or stays as its own separate policy which is what we have currently. >> Right. I like it as its own separate policy. >> Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Um All right. So that sounds like um there's uh more folks interested in maintaining this as a separate policy. And to Kelly's point, it's going to appear under the existing uh not under the existing policy but adjacent to the existing policy. Um so that should make it clear for folks who are looking at the information. Um before I continue, is there feedback from any non-committee members about this? >> I agree. I'm sitting on uh previous committee before. I agree it should stay separate. agree with
040whatever Teresa I can't remember her word for word but I agree with her >> I'm fine whatever either way anything's good >> thank you Michelle um Kelly there was one notation above um and I apologize because I was just getting settled at my computer while this is conversation was taking place but about uh the superintendent or designign could you just um circle back to that and um I'm not sure if we need to have further conversation about it but I just want to clarify please. >> Sure. Our recommendation would be for this paragraph it can read the board of ed shall annually designate or the superintendent. So it would be our recommendation to leave to use the or language which would be the superintendent. Um and in practice what that means is the superintendent is
041delegating this to our coordinator of nursing services for the district and then she is overseeing our school nurses who are verifying all this health and immunization. I tend to agree with you. I think that should come under the superintendent's responsibility. Um, member or disagree. >> I agree. >> Agreed. >> Okay. So, it looks like we'd like to adopt that that other language. Thank you. Um, is there anything else in here, Kelly, that we need to go over? nothing from my perspective, but if there's any follow-up questions and I certainly will get you the chart of that information um regarding vaccinations as well as the percentages at Park Avenue. >> Thank you for that. Um committee members, any any other questions about this policy? Non-committee members, any questions about this policy? All right. Then I will
042ask for uh a motion to recommend policy 5141.3 health assessments and immunization to the board for a first read with the changes that have been included here. >> So moved. >> Thank you, Terry. Is there a second, please? >> Second. Thank you, Anita. All those in favor, please signify by saying >> I >> Okay, motion carries. Thank you. >> Go right ahead. >> Okay, continuing on. This is again another um another policy very closely related. This has to do with our athletic physicals. Um so, uh all of our uh student athletes are required to have updated physicals. um particularly a sports physical which requires that they're being seen by a provider annually. Um we want to make sure that someone has uh verified that it is safe for that individual to participate in our um
043inter interscolastic athletic teams um for for student safety. Um there is one suggested uh revision to this cave policy that I did want to bring to the board's attention. Um and it's right here. Sorry. It says it must encompass the entire sports season for which the candidate participates in. Um because many of our athletic teams are doing uh preseason training and so forth. Um it is the recommendation of Carrie Burke who's our district coordinator of nursing services that we change this language to say encompass the first day of the season. Um in part of that is to make sure that on the first day that that team meets that they are compliant with their athletic physical. The reason for this is that many insurance companies uh are only allowing students to be seen um like
044every calendar year. So you have to wait a day after your last physical to book your next physical. And it could put some of our student athletes at in jeopardy of participating with that that need to um have it be scheduled kind of a year and a day or two after the last physical. Um so her recommendation would be if we change this language to say um on the first day of the season, it would allow our nurses to verify that the day that that season officially starts, everyone is compliant um and then give a window of time um to schedule an appointment. >> Uh how does that recommendation sit with the committee? >> Sounds good to me. So it would change and Um, first day of sports season. Is that how it should read?
045>> Yep. >> It's right here. Encompass the first day of the sports season. >> In in instead of um like the first day of the year, is that what we're talking about? >> Uh, it it says the entirety of the season. So, we want to make sure that they're eligible when the season begins and then we will do our followup. But we don't want any child to be penalized from participating if they need a week or two to get an updated physical. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Um, Kelly, is the first day of the sports season different from the first uh practice date? >> Um, that is what we mean by that, the first day that the official practice occurs. But I appreciate the question and if we want to add something the first
046day of um the sports season including practices or something of that nature I I think that might help to clarify. >> Yeah, that's a good question or statement. >> Yeah, I think that's a good suggestion to include the explicit language there. >> Something like that. How does that look to the committee? >> Excellent. I >> appreciate that clarification, Wanita. I think that that helps uh somebody else who's reading this. We're always looking at it through our lens and through our own conversations, and we have to remember that folks who might be looking at this information uh need us to be as clear as possible. Okay. Are there any other questions about this policy? >> One more question. So, I know that sometimes they'll have like captain's practices. In other words, it's not an official uh
047practice run by the school, but it is on, let's say, maybe a school grounds or something. Do you know what I mean by that? like officially the season hasn't started but the the kids kind of get together. That wouldn't cover this situation, right? This is formal like um practices run by the coach, not necessarily if a student or a team, you know, captain or something is running a practice. They'll have that sometimes during preseason. >> Um how is that uh handled or not? Does it? >> So, this is meant to be for those students that are actively participating in a sport that is as a school sponsored activity or event under our athletic coaches. Um, so while we seek to make sure that all of our children are following up with their primary care physician,
048regardless of whether they're a student athlete or not, this is not meant or intended to apply to those informal kind of studentled activities. This would be under the direct supervision of a coach. >> Great. That's what I thought. Thank you. >> Non committee members any feedback on this policy before continue? >> Okay. In that case, I will look for a motion from the committee to recommend policy 5141.31 athletic physicals uh to the board for first reader >> making that motion. Thank you. Thank you. Is there a second, please? >> Second. >> Go ahead, Michelle. >> Michelle, go ahead. We'll give that second to Michelle. Thank you very much. Um, all those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Thank you very much. >> Okay. Um, moving on, we're
049now uh transitioning away from our uh student health policies. Um, and this is on uh reporting child abuse, neglect, and sexual assault. Um, as you are all aware, um, it is, uh, required by law for any school personnel that suspects abuse or neglect to make a mandatory report. So, this, uh, policy is intended to, um, notify everyone of, uh, school employees responsibility to do just that. Um, it also speaks to training requirements of staff. Um right now, excuse me, um the state is requiring that upon initial hiring, staff members complete the initial training uh for DCF mandatory reporter training. Um and that is available electronically. Um and it's a it's an online uh module series that staff members must complete and um uh pass an assessment. and it basically outlines uh what a mandatory reporter
050is, what information must be reported, the time frames for reporting that information and so forth. Um and that is required by state statute every 3 years. Um in our former DCF policy, we did make a more strict policy to have our staff do that annually. So that's something I want to bring up in this CAB policy. It referenced the state recommendation, which is every three years. Um, and so we need to have a conversation about what we want that to be moving forward. Um, and then it goes on to remind mandatory reporters. It informs parents of our rights, right, that we must do this if this situation occurs. And it also speaks to what information a staff member must report. Um, demographic information related to a child. you know, if they know of a sibling
051um that might be in the home with that child, any information about the um alleged person that may be causing the uh physical harm or neglect to a child and so forth. Um and then lastly, it uh speaks to um uh I'm very sorry. Um it speaks to the notification which is required to the superintendent. Um so the superintendent is in receipt anytime a mandatory report is made um against the school district and we have an obligation to follow up um not to interfere with DCF DCF's investigation but to follow up and conduct our own investigation. Um so oftent times the district will work in uh we'll kind of take a backseat allow DCF to come in and do their investigation and then follow up with our own investigation. Um and we are always acting
052in the best interest of children um when we make those decisions. So if there is an allegation against a staff member um we are immediately alerted about that allegation and then um make decisions about whether or not it is appropriate for that individual to remain um working with children while the investigation is going on. Oftentimes it it may require that we put that person on a paid leave just to allow us time to figure out what's going on uh to act in the best interest of protecting our children. I don't know if there's any questions. I think I did a It's a pretty lengthy policy, but I tried to do a summary of it >> and it's pretty straightforward what its purpose is. So, thank you, Kelly. >> Kelly, can you can you go up
053to the title again? Pull your Okay. So, um is this the one that you're recommending? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, uh, our title is child abuse, neglect, and sexual assault. And then in our first sentence, legal and ethical obligations in the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect. And so, have we left out sexual assault? I I appreciate the question that sexual assault does fall under abusive behavior, but it wouldn't to match the title. Um, we could list out child abuse, neglect, and sexual assault >> only because well, not only because, but further down, um, I think that we we do say that, but it >> is here. Yeah. >> I'm not sure. Okay. I will add it in here and then defer to the committee if you'd like to keep it this way. >>
054And I'm I'm kind of conf Sorry, Michelle. I'm sorry. >> That's okay. Um I just wanted to ask like I know in this policy what is required what we're talking about with the teachers or whatever observations but what um what is the do we break out in the policy the steps that the administration takes um if if um you know notified by somebody or an accusation is made you call DCF and then what transcends after that in other words is that kind of specifically broken out in the um in the policy? Do you know what I mean? Like for instance, do you pick up the phone? Do you um meet with the parents? Is there a is there a meeting? What happens after? And I only say that because I'm aware of a situation at
055one time years and years ago where um an accusation or there was fear of that and it kind of like the the parents weren't they were a little taken back with how aggressive the approach was. So like in other words, do we break down what that that process looks like so that you know if if something like that happens, they can refer to the policy and say, you know what, I have the right to put a letter into my child's file and say that I don't want anybody speaking from DCF to my child unless I'm notified. Um things like that that I was made aware that the parent wasn't aware of at the time. So are those polic is that stipulated in the policies that we >> sure >> have around this? >> So the
056policy does speak to um the really the intent of this policy mainly focuses on um the fact that the district is a mandate all of our personnel are mandate mandated reporters. Um it further goes on to list that if that if the district is notified of a situation we have the obligate first of all the superintendent must be notified that's statutory in nature and then we have the obligation to work along with the family with DCF and do a thorough investigation of the situation. Um so each one of these situations and and Kim and myself are are typically very involved in these situations in in the district. Um each one of these situations is is unique in nature and needs to be handled based on the facts that are presented to us. Um the facts
057can be very different if for example the parent or guardian is is the is who the allegation is against versus if it's a staff member versus if it's a you know childare provider that's a non-family member. Um so those facts need to be taken into consideration. We are always trying to work in concert with we partner with DCF. Um, we also partner with the family and we really uh serve the purpose of figuring out what occurred, how do we keep that child safe and what are the follow-up steps that we need to take to do so. >> Okay. So, we don't have anything stipulated basically saying that we've got to wait for there to be an invest outside investigation or whatever before let's say we pick up the phone and communicate like or two day.
058You know what I'm saying? because this person was talking about that they did not get any communication from and I'm not talking about necessarily Danbury so this is just years ago an example that so I'm I'm asking um they just didn't they didn't have any communication for a couple of weeks you know what I mean so just felt very like violated because my understanding was that they have access to records they talk to doctors and friends and it's very invasive right and it should be if there was something really happening. But at the same time um was not the case and they were very alarmed. So I'm just wondering do we do we have anything in policy that we would be following up with a family that has been you know within 24 48 hours
059or is it just kind of by case one you know by case and situation? >> Sure. I I can't speak to the specifics of the the situation um because I I don't have the facts and and this wouldn't be the forum to do so. Um but what I can share is the language is very clear that the district has an obligation to investigate and that we cannot interfere with the department of children and families or DCF. Um so uh DCF has their own protocols that they follow when this when they accept a report um where they feel that there is enough evidence that they strongly suspect that there may be abuse, neglect or sexual assault. Um and so they then conduct their own investigation and there are particular uh rules around who they can notify,
060how they get permission and so forth. Um the district though is going to work with the family and make sure um that we are keeping them apprised of the information ongoing. Is there a specific time frame uh spelled out in this policy? No. >> Okay. Because like for instance, if I see what you're saying, but it's I'm what I want to know is when is the parent made aware? When are they brought into the process? because a lot of the process happened before the parent was even made aware and there were like you know very demanding as to when they had to be seen what they were you it was it was it was a lot and so I'm asking in other words when is the parent brought in is it after something has been
061reported for how like I guess I'm just concerned about this policy and I don't I don't I'm not sure if there's enough information for the parent should they come into a situation like this um and not feel like oh yes you're either going to get a call from the school or no you know what they can't speak for the first 48 hours but then you can speak with them you know what I mean like how is it that that we set up that understanding of communication with the school and all the other parties involved and perhaps I don't want you like you know How I maybe I don't want you to speak to my two or threeyear-old about something. What do we have any policy in there that you know either the parent can >>
062speak to somebody about what their rights are or what they can expect? Um because you know for certain people if it's valid by all means but we are not always 100% right and it is it could be a significant you know impact to a family as well as the interview process whatever. So I'm just kind of also wanted to know what kind of what can the parent uh expect not so much what is the in what is the administration >> doing only you know >> so I want to be very clear that this policy is about school district actions right this policy has no bearing on what DCF does we have an obligation to report it to them and then they follow their own policy so when you start talking about you know and and
063I don't want to minimize that um the involvement of DCF um you know is is usually serious and significant and I understand that it can be um bring with it emotions from a family but they have a purpose um of keeping children and families safe um and so this this policy is not meant to dictate their >> it's it's meant to it's meant to talk about our requirements and our statutory obligation to make reports to them which we're required whether or not this is a required policy we certainly tweak the language in it, but this is a legally required policy. With or without this policy, your school district employees by state law must mandatory reports to DC. >> That I don't disagree with at all. I'm absolutely fine with that. It is what it is.
064But I what I'm asking is do we have another policy where we actually inform the the parent of you know what to expect or you know you're not going to be you know basically breaking this out a little bit more or is it just kind of left at that? I understand what you're saying, Michelle, and I don't mean to interrupt, Kelly, but >> I think what I'm hearing is that our responsibility for this policy, >> which is mandated by the state, requires noation of DCF and DCF that's taking action and would be responsible for the communication with the parent. >> Yes. >> So, if that is something that is concerning to families, they should go to DCF for that conversation. I completely understand and I agree with this policy. That's not a problem. I'm this
065is a separate question to carara that I'm asking is do we have a policy that kind of breaks it out our own an internal one not a cave one or something that says hey this is if this happens this is what you can expect other than what the cave requirement is listen we will be reach I mean is there anything like that >> that is this one >> if I could speak to just our typical protocol so is first to answer your question is there a policy No, our typical response and we are required to have regulations. So we can certainly look at the regulations attached to this policy which is how we enact this policy um is that we involve families. There are very rare. So when DCF is notified in in the vast
066majority of circumstances the parent and guardian legal guardian of that child is also notified. The exception to that would be if notifying the parent would pose a further risk to the child and DCF has to come to the school first and those are usually in very extreme and rare circumstances in which there's a significant safety risk to that child. Um but our process in school minus those very extreme circumstances is that DCF would not come into our building and speak with a child um unless the parent or guardian was notified. And so that is how we enact this and our protocol in doing so. So I think to answer your question is if we want to be a little bit more specific with our typical response and I I say typical because there are very
067unique circumstances that we have seen um it would actually cause the child further harm um to immediately pick up the phone and call the family. And those are usually in very extreme and serious circumstances in which a parent may be may be the one that's causing the harm. Um, and so I think the proper place to put this would be in the regulations that we can spell out a typical response on behalf of the district. But we are very transparent with families when we make mandatory reports. We we we need to whether or not we make a report or not, the the family is going to continue to need to work with us. And so the trust that we build with families can be very quickly broken by by, you know, when an action like
068this is taken. So we want to be as transparent as possible. We want to tell them why. We want to share that information with them because we have yes it's our it's by law it's our requirement to do but at the same time we need to continue that partnership with a family. Um and and so these can be quite challenging. Um in district we have a policy that anytime a protocol or the process anytime a mandatory report is made it is not the staff member does it and notifies the building administrator and then also notifies central office. So I am I collect all the DCF reports and and for the district and that is done to make sure that we can support our staff in following up on these situations. >> Okay. All right. So
069the regulations it's something that we kind of can break out in there. That's exactly what I was asking. This policy we're talking about now. I get it. It's wonderful. I just wanted to know if we had further explanation and I appreciate your answer. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um if I could just Oh, was there another question? Michelle, did you have another question or is your hand just still up? >> Oh, no. I'll put it down now. Sorry the card. Thanks. >> Um I Kate, if I could just ask one of the things that I I did want to suggest that we consider in this policy um is the three-year requirement for training. Um I do think it's appropriate that we move the training requirement back to every three years. So upon initial entry into
070the district and then every three years. And the reason for that is in addition to the mandatory reporter training, DCF has um has uh developed some additional modules and they're currently in the process of revising them that has to do um with um sex trafficking and has to do um with sexual assault or abuse of a minor. Um and we would like to be able to infuse the opportunity to have those trainings also be done. So you would do your mandatory reporter training once every three years. Then you would engage in one of these additional trainings. And they just provide supplemental information to um staff members to build their awareness around some of these things. >> How does that sound to the committee? >> I'm for three years. >> Yeah, I'm good with that. Yeah.
071>> How about Wanita? >> Agree. >> That sounds like consensus. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Any other policy? >> Yeah. I just wanted to make sure >> um >> my connection is better. Are you asking? Okay. >> The alternate language at the at the bottom is that going what is that? Is that addition to the policy? Let me let me scroll down to there. Hold on one second. Thank you. Yes. Um this would be if we this paragraph could be further infused in here if we so choose it to be. Um it it doesn't have to be. Um and in fact, my suggestion would be that we go with the typical language of the policy and not utilize this paragraph. >> Okay. Come on. Come on. >> The The only thing I I found um
072to be honest with you, when I was looking at this at first, I was thinking this was a policy looking at home, but then it it spots doesn't include any employees, school employees. Um, I just find found the language um in like in the first paragraph. >> I'll try to keep it straight in my head. Uh, who >> get on >> who's doing the reporting and reporting of who? >> Ask Glattus to um mute. >> Glattus, can you mute? Thank you. Okay. Um so it is Teresa I appreciate the question. It is this is under our student policies. So the purpose of mandatory reporting is to protect our students right. So who is required? Any staff member that works in the district is required to make the mandatory report. And that is why you will
073see here because I think it's very um important that people realize it's not just teachers or administrators. It's everyone who comes into contact with a student within the school environment. So that's why it um it's all staff. >> I just felt that it was um I mean I'm not disagreeing with what's in there. It's just how it's worded. It just seemed um kind of all over the place. >> Um when reporting a suspected child abuse, neglect, and assault, >> uh outside of school or inside of school, you know what I'm saying? Um it's not clear from you're you know it's everything but it just seemed and then not until the bottom did you say or assaulted by a school employee. So, >> so who's doing the reporting and reporting of it? >> So, Teresa, if
074I could try to let me try to answer because you've thrown out a bunch and then if you have follow-up questions. This is meant that as a school district employee, it doesn't matter the where, right? It does not matter where the abuse or potential abuse or alleged abuse or neglect occurs. Oftent times we will have students that report to us, you know, at at on the weekend, outside of school, this that, all these different circumstances. As a school district employee, if you are aware of a situation 247 that happens with a child, you are required legally to make that report. Not just to make the report, but to do so within 12 hours. It actually used to be 24 hours. It's now 12 hours. Um, there are two vehicles for making those reports. You can
075call into the DCF hotline which has been around for ever or you can make an online written report for lesser less serious cases. Um and so you must do that. So if you are a public school employee and you learn of something about one of your students on the weekend, you are still a mandatory reporter and you must take that obligation seriously. The last part that you were referring to regarding school district employees, the reason for that in this policy is it's it's further highlighting that even if you suspect that the abuse or neglect is by a colleague, you are legally required to report it. And so I think it's important to to you know just really stress and highlight that in any circumstance at any time if you are a school employee and you
076become aware of a potential harm to a child this is your obligation. >> Well right that I I'm not uh questioning that. I'm just that first sentence uh does not say outside of school or inside of school. I think it should, you know, like where where are you talking about? And then at the bottom, it's also including school employees. Fine. But that first sentence is just to me it could be a little bit more specific uh whether in school or out of school uh type of thing. >> Do you have a specific suggestion for wording that you'd like to incorporate? Yeah, I mean like you were just saying whether they're in school or outside and they the school staff sees abuse whether in school or out school should but it doesn't say that. It doesn't
077say that. Teresa, is your concern >> to have it >> that people would look at this policy? >> No, I would think >> assume that school employees would only take action if something was happening in school or or they only saw something happen in school. >> Yeah. Like she was saying, if you saw it outside of school, you got to report it. >> And and then if it's in school, whether it's staff or whatever, you report it. But it's that it the sentence just stops there instead of saying and going on >> whether in school or out of school. >> Would you say on the premises or off premises? Is that what you like something like that? Like >> something along something along that line. What do you think oneita? >> Um I I have
078a couple of things. So I think Teresa when we look at the very first paragraph and it would be line 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 nine. Um the board or working in one of the district schools or any other person who in the performance of his or her duties which kind of leads it leaves it just in school related. um has regular contact with students, provides services behalf of students enrolled in the school district. Um we have um we have language somewhere else in a policy that says um um on or off of school property or school. So I I understand what you're saying. we are mandated reporters whether we're um in school or out of school. Um so I don't see any harm in trying to come up with some language
079to go to the end of um sentence number one. Um, what I thought, Teresa, you were originally um, saying that it was kind of choppy and I had thought that the we are talking about being mandated reporters in sentence number one and sentence number two, we jump right to any person applying for employment. Um, I think that sentence needs to be put somewhere else. And also I think that the very last sentence needs to be put somewhere else. And I am suggesting that those go >> I am suggesting that those might go to um one two the third page >> when we begin to talk about the employees. And so starting out um I do you see where it starts with defelony? Oh, right there. So right after um the defelony >> like right here,
080Monita. >> Yeah. So starting there, we might say any person applying for employment with the board um shall submit a record check of the department of children family services abuse and neglect um registry before the person may be hired. Starting there, then we can go on to say the to the next paragraph. The board recognizes that DCF is required to disclose records to superintendent um if the report of abuse, neglect, or sexual assault involves an employee of the district. Um so I think moving those over to where we begin to talk about the employee, we've already stated that we're all mandated reporters. We've listed out um what positions, just about all of them. Um but then we need to be specific to if an employee is reported for abuse, neglect, or sexual assault, how does
081the district handle that? So, >> so feedback is taken. But I I do want to caution here that when we look at these policies, these are policies that are crafted by legal teams. CA has a group of lawyers that puts this language together and they are deliberate in the way that they do things. I understand that sometimes it may not make sense to us individually how things are organized or how they're brought forward. Um but I am putting my confidence in the work that these folks doing that there is a rationale for why they do what they do. Um so I do want to just offer some caution here. We don't want to just start stinging our our policies to meet the the what we think makes sense to us um and unintentionally alter some
082of the the the legal ramifications of doing that. And so I would request that perhaps we can be in touch with Cab about the recommended changes or suggested changes to see if that um legally changes anything. We're still making the same statement. >> We could that will cost us that will cost us money to do because that would have to go before >> to call Cape >> council for review. Sure, that will still cost us time and energy of our staff members who have pursue it. So, if it's crucial to the understanding of the policy, um I certainly, you know, wouldn't stand it >> way, but I don't I'm not sure that the the movement of the language in this particular case is going to change, you know, sort of what what we're actually communicating.
083And it just You know, I I'm again, I'm open to things that create clarity and policies clear to everybody, but I I also don't think that we should get in the habit of rearranging policies to our personal understanding. >> But that's exactly what we're here to do, K. We are here to um look at policies um because we're all all district. we don't all fall into the same um the same box. And so yeah, it's not all universal. >> We can take the conversation offline. I'm happy to have that conversation. >> Um I don't want it offline, >> but right now we're at still have another >> policy. This is where we would have that conver. >> This is not the appropriate time for that conversation. So I I appreciate what you're saying and maybe
084find another opportunity at a future policy meeting to have that conversation, but I do want to stay on the agenda this evening. >> Is it because of time? >> I I want to stay on the agenda for this evening and this is not on the agenda for the evening. >> What to not look to look at the policy? Didn't we just look at another policy and make sure >> to have a conversation to have a conversation about our role as a policy committee? We have policies that we need to review. That is our responsibility. >> I understand that. Isn't that what we're doing? Is that not what we're doing tonight? Is that what Aren't we reviewing policy? Are we Are we not? >> We are. We are reviewing policy. >> I I think this is
085I think we're in the right place. conversation you brought forward. The conversation you're trying you've brought forward just now is not about the specific policy but rather the the goals and um >> what goals >> way that the policy committee is supposed to operate. >> What and we're not supposed to operate by reviewing by making suggestions um by what are you saying? This is exactly what our committee is all about from my understanding. >> But what I'm same thing I I started out with the same thing I started out with policies that are given to us are recommended to us by an organization that puts the policies together to make sure we are in compliance with state regulations and that they are they are phrased in a way that is legally compliant. So my hesitation
086in making organizational changes to this policy is that I don't know what the legal >> repercussions are. You've asked uh a review done by a legal consultation and we can certainly reach out to do that if that is more comfortable for the whole group. I am certainly open to that suggestion. So, it's my understanding that Kelly is our liaison with CABE. Is that correct? >> Yes, that's correct. >> That's what I'm recommending to or asking um that we reach out. Our liaison reaches out. This was what was brought up at our policy meeting. Does that change any of the legal um aspect of this this recommended policy? That that was all. If if that is um the desire of the committee, I am happy to bring the questions forward um regarding moving uh a few
087of the um sentences from the first paragraph into various different sections of the policy. So Kate, I will turn it over to you if you want to take the um appetite of the group. Um and then but I am happy to be the lelayison on with CABE um and reach out to get clar further clarification if that's a desire of the committee. >> Michelle, you have your hand up. >> Um yes, I I think I I saw maybe I missed something. We were rephrasing the first paragraph and then Wenita was talking about and it does seem like it's kind of disjointed. Um and I agree with Oneanita and and and in the sense that um in the sense that um now is the time I I would say to talk about these things. I know
088that we have, you know, legal and we have cape. Um the unless it's required, my understanding is that this is the time to talk about this or if you want to do another meeting, but we always talk about we'll talk about the details when we talk about regulations and stuff. We never seem to get there. So, I'm I'm in agreement. I think that we do need to talk about this or send it to CABE. And if it costs us a little bit of money then that is why we have them on retainer right and this is an important matter right this is very big this is going on unfortunately a lot more than >> in the past um and so I agree with you know until you're satisfied we're all satisfied with this um and
089if it requires us getting uh additional help or clarification from Cab or Mooney, you know, our attorney, then I agree. >> Thank you for the feedback, Teresa. >> Oh, uh yeah, it it's uh it could be uh not rewritten, but reformatted uh to be a little bit sharper um and sentences belonging to the right topic. And like I said, >> I've been in some cave meetings and they're saying that they sometimes their wording can be verbose. >> Uh but if we could get a sample of what Wanita was suggesting and we'll look at it and then see if that meets um with what Cab was trying to do. I think we should try it. This is important. Unfortunately, this is what's going on. >> So, in the interest of sticking with our agenda this evening,
090um Wanita, are there significant uh a significant number of changes that you are interested in recommending or are we talking about just a few that we could discuss right now? because if it's it is a substant and if the changes that you're looking for are substantial, I think it makes sense to >> uh have that communicated via email to Kelly and to myself. >> Um and then for her to bring that to Kate, >> I don't think that they're substantial changes. I'm not even changing the wording. it is movement um so that it's more cohesive >> and it is taking the second sentence when we begin to talk about employees over on the third page putting that above in there with the employees at the bottom of that same section You you again insert talking
091about the employees when we then skip back to talking about um the mandated reporter polic policy. Um Glattis, can you mute? Thanks. Um, so then we step back and we start talking about the mandated reporter suspicions. We start talking about the steps to take as a mandated reporter. We talk about what's included in that report. That's that's wonderful. But then we jump back over to if the report of abuse, neglect, or sexual assault involves an employee. So now I am just saying that that information would be more cohesive if we kept that on that page with um where we began talking about the employee being the abuser or neglecting or um the um sexual provide by doing the sexual assault. And I would gladly show that um in a written form before and after for
092uh Kelly and yourself or any other policy board member. So I apologize because my connection is not great this evening. I heard most of what you described there. Um, but what is making it difficult is it's cutting out when it's telling me the portions that you're moving or pulling and moving into different sections, kind of losing something in the thread. Um, and so I'm I'm just going to ask if you could send that in writing to me just so that it could be clear. >> Sure. >> Um, and then if you'd like, I could ask our board secretary to distribute it to the rest of the policy committee members so that they can also see it. Okay, sounds good. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. >> So, um it sounds like
093as a committee we're going to table this policy uh to the next meeting. >> Does anyone uh have any disagreement with that? >> Okay. Cooper, do you have your hand? >> Now, I just want to ask a question. And Kelly, do you think that um the information that you we're trying to provide to the committee, are you going to have it for the 22nd or I don't know when the next policy committee meeting? >> Um I think I could have it in advance of the next policy committee meeting um when we develop the agenda. uh put the revisions in there for the policy and I will try to get that out um you know at least earlier in the week prior to um the meeting. >> Okay. So, you're not talking about the next board
094meeting which is on the 22nd, right? >> I I would not bring this up at the board meeting as I still think the policy committee has some work to do on this policy first. So, we have a November policy meeting. So, I would I would be inclined to my recommendation would be we put that as the first item on the November agenda. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh, and secondly, you know, only I I heard Wanita and the only thing I'm doing is my grandson open the door and I'm just closing the door. Open the door and saying hello to him. So that's that was all I'm not h I don't have anybody else in my room. So I heard you when you're saying whatever you're saying. Okay. So, um, you're going to put this and
095table this action, right? Okay, >> that's correct. We're going to table policy meeting and, uh, Wita is going to kindly send it, um, a, uh, a a typed copy uh, with the revisions noted uh, to myself and to Kelly, and I will, uh, make sure that that gets uh, shared with the rest of the policy committee as well. And could you forward a copy to uh Kelly or you forward a copy to the chair? >> Of course. You are you are an exopicio member of the committee. So you are on that list. >> Okay. >> Miss Canada, the next policy is a little bit needy as well. Um as far as um it is directory information and I anticipate that will be some questions and conversations. So I just want to share that before we
096move into it. I am happy to go over it, but I also know um you know we we are at an hour and a half in. So if the committee would prefer to push that policy to the next meeting, that would also be fine. I will leave it up to um whatever the committee decides. >> After an hour and a half of looking at policies uh on the computer screen and sitting here together, um it would be best to to table this one to the next meeting as well. >> Okay. Okay, >> Michelle, does she have a question? >> She's muted. >> She got your hand. >> I'm sorry, my hands up. Yeah, I don't mean to do. >> Okay. >> Um, I just want to make a note here. Um at the bottom of
097our agenda here, there's a notation about our plan to revisit the uh one two policies dressing and grooming. Uh we pass this one in April as you know. Um but it is something that has come forward um both committee member uh and to um have some conversation about it. Um and the superintendent did share at the board meeting last night that she is in the process of uh convening some uh feedback groups much like we did with the cell phone policy to get some feedback about this policy and that will include various stakeholders including students and I think it's important that we hear their voices in this conversation in particular. Um so once that that uh those focus groups have offered some feedback uh that will come back to the policy committee alongside uh the
098the dressing and grooming um policy and we will >> I heard we're going to get together >> and make some recommendations. >> I do understand there's support for that Teresa. Yes. Um I did that in another public school district before here and it was a great idea. Um the uh what I will just share is if there's any questions on um that you would like the committee to consider um you know in this uh policy review if there are particular questions of any of the committee members that we would like to ask the focus group uh please share those um with Miss Ketta and myself uh prior to um the convening of that group and we're hoping to get those up and running in the next couple of weeks. But I do believe similar to
099the cell phone policy, we took several uh several different sessions over um you know a couple months span of time to really get uh some detailed feedback and information to make good improvements. Um and as you heard at the last board meeting, the cell phone policy has been very very wellreceived. Um and I'd like to do the same with this dressing and grooming policy. But if there's questions that you would like the group to consider or there's phrasiology in the actual policy that you think is not working, um that would be very very helpful to bring up and pose to the committees. Can I can I ask what are some of the issues that you've encountered to cause uh consideration of a uh dress policy? I mean um I don't know to what degree it
100has the needle has moved on dressing for students. >> Um I think there's some there is uh some reference in our policy um to make sure that we're honoring um different religious and cultural groups. Um and so there is some question on what what things we can um you know push back on versus not. Um and I think maybe some more uh stringent language uh particularly regarding um clothing that may not uh cover as much of the body as we would wish uh for some of our older students is is something that is still causing us a little concern. Do we have enough wording in the policy to support administrative actions in holding students accountable for appropriate justice? >> Okay, thank you. I just kind of kind of heard that, but I would just >>
101wanted a little bit more clarification. Thank you, Kelly. >> Mrs. Cooper. >> Uh, I'd just like to ask a question as we go to look at this policy and I know we're looking at students and I just think more than just the students are involved. Are are teachers as we sit around with these focus groups are teachers and secretaries going to be included in this discussion? >> Yes, teachers would be part of this conversation. >> Okay. Thank you. Are we all done? >> Um, are there any other questions from committee members or comments from committee members? >> Sorry. Weren't we going to um revisit that policy about uh the sporting um the conference uh regulations we didn't want to we got rid of one policy as far as I think it was a discipline for
102stu you know like student athletes. Where are we going to somehow do a new one to tie it into the Connecticut co, you know, or FIAC conference, whatever it is we belong to. >> We you will see uh that policy come back in a future policy meeting. Yes. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right. Any other feedback from non-committee members? All right. Seeing none, I'm looking to adjurnn, please, at 7:33 p.m. >> So move. >> Thank you, Teresa. May I have a second, please? >> Second. >> Thank you, M. >> We are. All those in favor, please signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> I. [Music]