Ovid-Elsie policy committee backs NEOLA updates, keeps current provider

The Ovid-Elsie Area Schools Board of Education Policy Committee met June 11 at the district Administration Office and reached consensus to recommend that the full board approve a slate of policy changes, according to minutes posted by the district.

Superintendent Mark Horak called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Committee members Sue Greer, Kevin Nash and Becky Williams were all present, with no members absent. Williams was chosen as chair of the committee. The minutes list no written correspondence, no personnel comment and no communications from the public.

The bulk of the meeting was a review of the NEOLA Spring Update, Vol. 40, No. 2. The 15 items in that update included revised definitions (po0100), a new staff ethics policy (po1410), a second new staff ethics policy for support staff (po4210), revisions to the online and blended learning program policy (po2370.01), comprehensive school health education (po2417) and sex education (po2418).

Also on the list were a replacement wireless communication devices policy (po5136), a replacement artificial intelligence policy (po7540.09), revised purchasing (po6320) and federal grant procurement (po6325) policies, a revised emergency operations plan (po8402), and a new policy on specialized transportation for students with individualized education programs (po8655). Three volunteer policies were slated to be renumbered, rescinded or revised.

The committee also reviewed five additional policies: new school construction and renovation (po6321), payroll authorization (po6510), payroll deductions (po6520), an accounting system for capital assets (po7455) and use of social media (po7544). After discussion, the minutes state, "A consensus was reached to recommend approval of all changes to the full board."

Members discussed the possibility of switching to Thrun for the district's policy service but "decided to remain with NEOLA at the current time," the minutes say. On student handbooks, the committee said it wanted to work toward consistency in mission, vision and other details so the handbooks are uniform, and reviewed proposed changes.

The committee agreed that written correspondence shall be circulated to board members, as stated in each meeting agenda. Members also discussed developing board operating procedures and setting up a rotation for policy review. Nash moved to adjourn, supported by Williams, and the meeting ended at 7:10 p.m. on a unanimous vote. Williams signed the minutes as secretary; Greer submitted them.

What happens next

The committee's recommendation goes to the full Ovid-Elsie Area Schools Board of Education, which would have to vote to adopt the NEOLA updates and the five additional policies. The minutes do not list a date for that vote.