January 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Board of Education POLICY Committee Meeting

Rationale:  This policy was initially being reviewed as part of the legislative mandate to remove the requirement for a capstone project as part of graduation requirements.   In conjunction with the Department Coordinators and HS administrators, the regulation to the policy is being adapted to provide our students with more voice and choice over their education to meet the Bethel Board of Education requirements and flexibility in state law.  The adapted tracks provide three options for our students to meet the requirements, although most will probably follow the competitive college admission track.  

Graduation Requirements 6146- Policy and Regulation 

Rationale:  This policy is new due to a legislative change prohibiting schools from allowing students to attend the typical high school if they are enrolled in a credit recovery program.   Our current alternative education program is Task.  Given that it is a new policy, I had Mr. Troetti, Dr. Sipala and Mrs. Troetti (TASK Cooridnator), review it to ensure it complies with our practices.  

Alternative Education 6172 - NEW Policy required

Rationale:  In review of the 4000 series, Employee Discipline was next in line.   In reviewing the initial draft, I became concerned that is was not in line with contract language, so I had our attorney review it.  She recommenced deletion of the policy (reasons outlined below).   

Email from Dori Antonetti (Shipman and Goodwin)

Thank you for taking the time to discuss this policy a couple of weeks ago.  As requested, I reviewed the district’s current collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to determine whether they address discipline and what the relevant provisions contain.  In short (with relevant provisions identified for your review later in this email):
 

1. all of the contracts mention discipline;
2. all but one (the nurses’ contract) state that employees can only be disciplined for just cause (reasonable and just cause for administrators);
3. there are certain exceptions allowing for the Board to discipline in its sole discretion/without cause (teachers holding DSAPs who are at will/custodial employees during their probationary period);
4. the paraeducators’ and food service workers’ contracts also contain more specific provisions, stating that
   1. all written warnings, suspension and discharges must be given in writing, with reasons stated, and a copy given to the employee and the Union;
   2. when a verbal warning is given, it must be documented in writing with notification to the employee;
   3. progressive discipline will be implemented when appropriate; and
   4. disciplinary action shall "normally"  follow the following order, except in cases of serious misconduct: 1) verbal warning, 2) written warning, 3) suspension without pay (with or without pay for food service workers) , 4) discharge.

 
As to the contracts currently being negotiated, I confirmed with Rebecca that none contain proposals regarding discipline. 
 
Given that (1) this policy is not required, (2) all of the CBAs address discipline (in various ways), and (3) maintaining this policy establishes a standard for at-will employees that would not otherwise apply, we recommend that the Board repeal this policy.  If the district wishes to have procedures to HR to follow when imposing discipline, it could create a "cheat sheet" of sorts, outlining the steps required by each CBA and best practices. 
 
I hope this information if helpful and would be happy to discuss further.
 
Employee Discipline - 4117 Policy Attorney is recommending deletion of the policy.  

Rationale:  This policy was reviewed as part of the 4000 Series. 

Student Teachers 4122 Policy and Regulation No recommended changes 

Rationale:  This policy was reviewed as part of the 4000 series.  This policy does not seem to have a purpose.  Recommend deletion.  

Summer Teaching 4124 Policy 

Rationale:  This policy was reviewed as part of the 4000 Series.  

Weapons and Dangerous Instruments Policy 4118.32 

Rationale:  Policy 0521 Non-discrimination Statement This statement of non-discrimination has not been revised since 2005 and is aligned with Federal law.  We will be deleting the regulation, which covers investigations, which we have in other policies (4010.1 & 5145.42 below).    

• Policy 4010.1 - Goals and Objectives
• Policy 5145.42 - Prohibition of Sexual Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
• Regulation 5145.42 - Prohibition of Sexual Discrimination and Sexual

Rationale:  This policy is being updated to reflect best practices when utilizing therapy dogs in schools.  The policy was updated with staff members that are trained handlers.  
Checklist for Therapy Dog 
Policy 6123 - Use of Certified Therapy Dogs in Schools

Rationale:  This bi-law is being updated to reflect recent legal advise from our attorney which allows for participation in executive sessions to be done electronically.  

Bylaw 9325.43 - Attendance at Meetings via Electronic Communications