Board hears policy updates: state-required device policy, inclement-weather rules and online-course fee

The policy committee reported to the Auburndale School Board that the state legislature has mandated districts adopt a policy on student use and possession of electronic communication devices by July 1.

"According to the state legislature, passed a law that each school must have a policy on this by July 1st," a policy committee member said, and administrators said they will present a first reading at the May meeting and a second reading in June to meet the deadline.

Committee members also brought forward two other policy proposals: a new inclement-weather closure policy that clarifies optional practice sessions and transportation concerns, and an update to the online-course handbook that charges $300 per half credit when a student chooses an online version of a course that is offered in person. Committee members said the fee covers vendor course costs and extra instructor duties; waivers are available for scheduling conflicts or when determined to be in a student's best interest.

The board approved second readings of the online-course handbook and a school-property disposal policy during the meeting. Policy committee members said they are using a WASBY skeleton policy as a baseline and tailoring language to district needs.

Board members asked administrators to continue refining language and to ensure clear student-notification procedures ahead of the July 1 device-policy deadline.