Thu Aug 25 2022, 6:15pm
WHS Room 1204
Regular Meeting

DISCUSSION ITEMS

First Reading of Recommended Revision to Policies 3122, 3432, 4210, 4218, 5001, 6112, 6700, 6915.

The following policy revisions are presented for review at first reading.  With the exception of Policy 6915, the modifications are based on recommendations from WSSDA's policy and legal services arm.  The June WSSDA Legislative and Policy News provides more information on the WSSDA recommended modifications.  Revisions to Policy 6915 are based on the recommendation of our Bond Counsel, Faith Pettis.

Policy 3122: Excused and Unexcused Absences

Based on House Bill 1834 – Student Excused Absences – Mental Health, WSSDA has revised model policy and procedure 3122/3122P – Excused and Unexcused Absences. This is an Essential policy.  Also included are revisions reflective of HB 1113 (2021)

Policy 3432: Emergencies

WSSDA has updated Model Policy and Procedure 3432/3432P – Emergencies to reflect HB 1941. This is an Essential Policy.

Policy 4210: Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises

Based on House Bill 1630 – Possession of Weapons – Certain Locations, WSSDA has revised several model policies, including policy 4210 – Regulation of Dangerous Weapons on School Premises.

Policy 4218: Language Access

Based on House Bill 1153 – Public Schools – Language Access Provisions, WSSDA  has made substantive revisions to policy and procedure 4218/4218P – Language Access, which is now an Essential Policy. 

Policy 5001: Hiring of Retired School Employees

WSSDA revised this policy based on HB 1699–School district employees–Retired Individuals -Pension. This legislation permits school districts to hire retired school district employees for up to 1,040 hours per school year without disruption to the retired employee’s pension benefits through July 1, 2025. These provisions provide a way for school districts to hire experienced and highly qualified bus drivers, paraeducators, teachers, and other professionals to return to work after their jobs were eliminated by the school closures and canceled bus routes as necessitated in response to COVID-19.

Policy 6112: Rental or Lease of District Real Property

Based on HB 1630, WSSDA has revised 6112 – Rental or Lease of District Real Property, which is an Essential Policy

Policy 6700: Nutrition, Health, and Physical Education

WSSDA has revised this policy and procedure to reflect the provisions in HB 1878–School Meals. This legislation requires public school districts to group their schools (to the extent practicable) in a manner that maximizes the Community Eligibility Provision in the National School Lunch Program. The Community Eligibility Provision offers an alternative to the traditional method of individual families applying for free or reduced-price meals via the household application. Instead of household applications, a school, group of schools, or school district can use the Community Eligibility Provision to provide free meals to all students. To be eligible, at least 40 percent of students need to be identified as eligible for free meals through means other than the household application. Examples of alternatives for identifying eligibility include students directly certified through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and foster, homeless, and migrant students. Please note that this legislation expressly includes charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools.

Policy 6915: Bond Procedure and Compliance Policy

Following the issuance of new bonds to refund callable 2012 bonds our Bond Counsel, Faith Pettis of Pacifica Law Group, has recommended the revision of Policy 6975.