GIPS board approves staff and internet-safety policies; adds vape and alternative-nicotine language

The Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education voted May 8 to approve multiple personnel and internet-safety policies after first- and final-reading motions during the meeting.

The board approved Policy 6210 (staff ethics), Policy 6212 (staff professional appearance), Policy 6232 (use of tobacco and vape products by staff, visitors and volunteers), Policy 6241 (staff participation in political activities), and Policy 6251 (Internet safety for students and staff). Each policy was moved and seconded on the floor and the motion for each “passed,” as recorded in the meeting minutes.

Mr. Fisher, a district staff member who presented the policies, described the changes as largely language and tense edits and said the intent of the policies was unchanged in most cases. On Policy 6232, he and other speakers said the title and text were updated to address contemporary concerns about vaping; the policy now explicitly includes vape products and, in the discussion, board members confirmed that “alternative nicotine products” and tobacco look‑alikes are covered by the language.

Owen, the student representative, prompted discussion about nicotine-containing products that do not contain tobacco. District staff and board members concluded the revised Policy 6232’s references to “alternative nicotine products” capture those products.

On Internet safety, Mr. Gearhart, a district staff member referenced in the discussion, said the policy text was made less redundant by changing language such as “block and filter” to simply “filter,” and that several bullet points were streamlined to reflect current practice. The policy 6251 was also broadened in title to “Internet safety for students and staff.”

Motions to approve the policies were seconded by board members (seconds recorded in the minutes include Miss Albers and Miss Wilson depending on the item) and each motion passed. No detailed vote tallies were provided in the meeting transcript.

Board discussion included a promise to keep policy language general enough to avoid conflicts with other district policies that may be renamed in the future, and a note that some policies were updated using model language provided by the Perry law firm.

The approved changes will be incorporated into the district’s policy manual; routine implementation is assigned to district staff and appropriate departments.