Ohio County Board adopts student technology policy, approves personnel

The Ohio County Board of Education voted March 9 to adopt a revised policy restricting student use of technology, and unanimously approved a slate of personnel recommendations.

The board accepted edits proposed by member Molly to the "student use of technology / prohibition of harmful conduct" policy, which add non-consensual recording and transmission to prohibited conduct when it rises to harassment, intimidation or bullying and narrow a broad enforcement phrase to "substantially negatively disrupts the educational process." Molly told colleagues she had also added a one-week loss of technology privileges for moderate violations and extended that consequence for severe or repeat offenses.

"Non-consensual recording ... how do you monitor that as a principal?" Molly asked during the discussion, noting enforcement challenges. After members discussed practicality and scope, the board voted to adopt the policy and to publish it for public comment and later refinement if problems arise.

Earlier in the meeting Dr. Miller presented personnel items, including a degree-status upgrade for Lindsay Perry and a recommendation to add Michael Weighin as a 200-day bus driver. Dr. Miller asked the board to remove item 17 from the personnel list before the vote. A motion to accept personnel was moved, seconded and passed unanimously.

Board members said they expect administrators to monitor how the new technology policy works in practice and to return with revisions if necessary. The board also agreed to publish the adopted policy and solicit comment before making further changes.

Votes at a glance:
- Personnel recommendations (including Michael Weighin, 200-day bus driver): approved unanimously.
- Student use of technology policy (as amended by Molly): approved and set to be published for feedback.

The board did not attach a numerical roll-call in the public discussion; meeting minutes will record the formal vote tally and any future amendments.