Board clarifies policy: law‑enforcement interviews of students allowed when legal authority exists

The Board of Education on Jan. 22 approved revisions to a board policy that clarifies when law enforcement may interview students on school campuses.

The updated language — discussed during a second reading and approved by motion — states that law‑enforcement interviews of students on campus may occur when legal authority exists. Staff said the district will revise a campus form so officers indicate the legal basis for the interview, and legal counsel is helping reword the form. Trustees emphasized the need for administrative regulations, clear protocols for site administrators and front‑office staff, and additional training so campus staff understand how to verify authority, protect student interests, and determine whether a district administrator should be present during interviews.

Trustees discussed edge cases such as contested claims of authority and the role of the principal when an officer arrives in uniform and requests to speak to a student. Presenters said the law‑enforcement obligation is to indicate the legal authority on the form and that site administrators may call the district office to resolve disputes; the board asked staff to circulate the revised form and training materials in a Friday update.

The motion to approve the policy revision passed with a 6‑0‑1 outcome.