School Climate & Discipline
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Following the suicide of a bullied student, community members advocated to the board for stricter anti-bullying measures. The board reviewed its policies and opted not to implement significant changes, acknowledging challenges posed by technology and the need for collective efforts to address the issue.
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The board’s review of its current contract with the Police Department prompted parent concerns about school safety and police presence. Given the district’s $7.1 million budget deficit, the board faces challenges balancing security and community trust.
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A board-hosted community forum on school safety surfaced mixed reactions to the recent return of school resource officers. While some attendees raised concerns about the impact on student well-being, others emphasized the need for more social services and supportive programming.
Cell Phone Policies
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The board is set to vote on a new cell phone policy that restricts phone use during instructional time for high school students and prohibits it entirely during the school day for middle and elementary students.
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The board is considering a district-wide ban on student cell phone and other electronic device use . This policy would impact additional students if the possible merger with the U-32 school district moves forward.
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The board reviewed proposed updates to its electronic communications device policy to clarify guidelines for student use of personal devices during school hours. The revisions seek to balance the benefits of technology in education and minimize classroom distractions.
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The board unanimously passed a policy prohibiting school board members from using wireless communication devices during board meetings. The board also approved a policy restricting wireless device use for students in September.
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The district ban on cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day for high school students has received positive feedback from school staff and teachers, despite initial pushback.
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In response to the state’s FOCUS Act, Tallassee City Schools students must now keep their phones turned off and stored away in lockers or vehicles, except under certain documented educational or health circumstances.
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Schenectady schools implemented a "distraction-free" policy requiring all personal devices to be stored in locked receptacles throughout the school day.
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Dubuque schools adopted a new policy requiring students to keep cell phones and smart devices off and stored during class time. While students may use phones before and after school or during lunch, violations during class will result in progressive disciplinary actions.
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TUSD trustees approved clarifications to their smart device policy for the 2025–26 school year. Students are now explicitly required to keep phones and similar devices powered off and out of sight during instructional time unless approved by staff for specific academic or health-related purposes.
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San Antonio-area districts are preparing for a new state law that bans the use of phones, tablets, and smartwatches from the start of school until dismissal, with limited exceptions. Districts are working to update local policies, inform families, and ensure schools are ready to enforce the rule.
Governance Policies & Transparency
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Bow residents are pushing for consistent live-streaming and recording at meetings. Concerns expressed by dissatisfied residents include incomplete meeting minutes, unreliable video access, and a lack of a clear retention policy.
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In a 5-2 vote, the board approved changes to its media policy, restricting members from speaking directly to the press on its behalf.
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The “Save Our Students” coalition—comprising elected officials and community leaders—advocates for an alternative advisory board that would collaborate with, rather than override, the elected school board.
Title IX
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The board is working to align local policies with changes to federal Title IX regulations that are in conflict with Connecticut state laws. The Darien example illustrates the challenges of complying with federal and state laws.
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The board unanimously voted to remove language from anti-discrimination policies that complied with 2024 revisions to Title IX regulations, which have since been invalidated by federal courts. The Wake County example highlights the continuously evolving nature of district policy development.
Artificial Intelligence in Schools
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These districts are developing guidelines focused on educating teachers about AI, safeguarding student data privacy, and providing clear directives on acceptable AI applications in the classroom.
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The district’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a policy permitting and establishing guidelines for students, faculty, and staff on ethical and productive usage of AI to support student learning.
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Moving forward on an AI policy that allows only approved tools with teacher permission; revised draft shaped by public input.
Loudoun County's school board approved a generative AI policy intended to ethically enhance student learning and teaching efficiency. This move aligns with growing national momentum to clarify AI’s role in K–12 education.
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Adopted a policy that includes a formal teacher approval process for AI use in classrooms.
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Drafting clear expectations around AI to support modern instruction, protect data, and ensure fairness.
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Sioux City Schools finalized its first-ever AI policy to guide use in classrooms for the 2025–26 school year. The policy aims to support responsible implementation that enhances learning while protecting student data and integrity.
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The Hempfield School Board is considering the first reading of a new AI policy that would regulate generative AI tools in classrooms. The policy seeks to balance innovation with academic integrity and staff oversight.
Literacy Outcomes
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The school board recently reviewed a recommendation to adopt a new K-5 literacy curriculum for the 2025-26 school year, emphasizing the science of reading by integrating Fishtank and Functional Phonics and Morphology programs.
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A collaboration with The Learning Alliance has raised the community's literacy ranking from 31st to 12th in the state and doubled the number of A- and B-rated schools in four years by funding literacy coaches, engaging families with young children, and supporting after-school and summer tutoring programs.
Education Funding
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The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement has identified over 400,000 students eligible for a $6,500 per year voucher under the new Promise Scholarship program.
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The NASD board recently voted to end its educational equity policy, a decision that may impact federal funding and prompt a curriculum review.
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Superintendent Kevin Young addressed concerns about potential changes in federal funding due to new executive orders. He emphasized that while there are many questions, no immediate changes are expected, and most federal funding has already been transferred to the state level.
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As the Summit School District faces a structural budget deficit, the board is considering cost-saving measures for the 2025–26 school year, including reducing administrative staff, implementing non-instructional hiring freezes, and delaying information technology upgrades.
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The board is exploring funding options to replace an existing high school facility with a new one. After voters rejected a $114 million bond proposal last summer due to community concerns, the board is now considering alternatives such as a second bond attempt or a lease revenue bond.
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Public Comment
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A proposal to restrict public comment time and limit discussion to agenda items has sparked debate over access and participation.
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A proposed law to expand public comment rights by allowing broader discussion has raised concerns about governance and meeting efficiency.
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In a 4-3 vote split, the board reversed a 2023 policy that limited public comments on non-agenda items to only the first monthly meeting and placed a cap of seven speakers per subject matter.
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The board approved changes to its public comment policy that eliminate the list of nine designated groups that previously had guaranteed speaking time at board meetings and mandate public comments to be spoken in person at meetings. The changes drew criticism about the board’s aim for broader inclusion from those who felt the existing list of groups should be expanded rather than removed.
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The board is considering revising its public comment policy to broaden who is permitted to speak during meetings, currently limited to school district citizens. This initiative follows recent debates and aims to ensure greater transparency and consistency in public participation.
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Cobb County’s school board will no longer include public comment portions in its meeting broadcasts, citing concerns about decorum and targeted attacks. While the rest of the meetings will remain public, the change has raised concerns among residents who say it limits accessibility for those who cannot attend in person and undermines public accountability.
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The Alachua County School Board held a workshop to review its public participation policies, responding to recent complaints about long wait times and access. Members debated whether to limit comments to agenda items or continue allowing open-ended feedback. While no decision was finalized, the discussion reflected efforts to balance efficiency with open civic engagement.
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The Richmond school board recently reviewed its public comment policy but chose not to make changes at this time. While some members noted challenges with managing lengthy or off-topic remarks, others emphasized the importance of open participation. The board agreed to monitor the process but will maintain the current policy to allow unrestricted public input for now.
New Federal Immigration Policy
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Different districts have varying levels of detail in their policies regarding potential immigration enforcement at schools. These policy discussions are occurring in response to national changes that have raised concerns among students and families across the country.
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Richmond City School Board in Virginia, Woodburn School Board in Oregon, and Santa Ana Unified School District in California have all voted on and implemented plans regarding new federal policies.
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At a recent board meeting, CMS faced strong backlash from community members concerned about the presence of ICE agents near school campuses. Parents and former students voiced fears about student safety, emotional trauma, and the impact on immigrant families. In response, board members emphasized that ICE cannot access classrooms without a warrant and are limited to public areas like parking lots and lobbies.
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Cloverdale Unified officially reaffirmed its status as a “Safe Haven” district, passing a resolution to protect immigrant students and families. The resolution directs staff not to share student or family information with immigration authorities without a court order and restricts access to school grounds by federal agents unless they present a valid warrant.
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The San Diego County Board of Education reaffirmed its Safe Haven resolution, originally adopted in 2016, to protect students and families from immigration enforcement on school grounds. The board emphasized that schools must remain safe spaces for all students, regardless of immigration status, and stated that federal agents are not permitted on campus without proper legal documentation.
Math & Literacy Instruction Policies
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The Board's proposal to improve consistently low math scores statewide received support and opposition from educators during a public comment session. The plan includes standardizing elementary math instruction, restructuring the traditional high school algebra sequence, establishing transparent accountability systems for student progress, and providing professional development and resources for educators.
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Despite a lack of state funding, some Wisconsin school districts are proactively adopting the Act 20 curriculum, which emphasizes a phonics-based approach to reading instruction. Act 20, signed into law in 2023, mandates this shift to the “science of reading”, but the $50 million allocated for its implementation remains unreleased amid ongoing disputes and legislative delays.
Staffing & Organizational Structure
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The board is proposing to remove the 15-year cap on recognizing prior teaching experience when determining salaries for new hires to offer more competitive salaries and attract experienced educators.
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During the first meeting with a new interim superintendent and board member, the board approved the formation of three new committees—extracurricular, personnel, and finance—to enhance oversight and operations within the district.
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The board unanimously voted to close three elementary schools by the 2026–27 school year, due to declining enrollment, financial sustainability concerns, and resource optimization. The board is planning to consolidate six elementary schools into three and move sixth graders from elementary schools into middle schools.
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The board approved the relocation of 7th and 8th graders from the K-8 building to the high school for the 2025–26 school year, creating a new K–6 and 7–12 grade configuration. The board explained that the change will help balance resources across facilities and better utilize staff licensed for grades 7–12.
Attendance, Dress Code & Discipline
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Strengthening high school attendance policies while addressing barriers families face.
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Focusing on real-world readiness and academic integrity through updated expectations.
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Proposed law calls for statewide alignment and stronger parent engagement.
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The Caddo School Board is reviewing revisions to staff attendance and sick leave policies to address high absenteeism and improve operational continuity. Proposed updates include allowing rollover of unused sick days, clarifying attendance expectations, and adjusting incentive-based pay structures for staff.
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The board approved new dress code requirements that go into effect for the2025–26 school year. Changes include stricter skirt length requirements—no shorter than two inches above the knee—and a mandate for clear or mesh bags for students in grades 4–12, aimed at enhancing school safety.
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LPSS approved changes allowing black and blue jeans for all grade levels and clarified hoodie rules: hoods are permitted for Pre-K–5 but prohibited for grades 6–12. The new policy will take effect in the 2025–26 school year and aims to promote consistency and safety across campuses.
First Amendment & Student Expression
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Paused proposed changes to student publication oversight after student protests and public feedback.
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Issued refunds after censoring senior quotes, prompting debate over editorial limits and rights.
Policy Revisions and Oversight
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The board approved five updated policies with clarifications on non-resident student enrollment and adjustments to existing harassment policies.
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A group of twelve teachers participated in a work session with the school board to provide feedback on Board Policy 536, which governs student conduct.
Facility Use
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The board is reviewing a policy that would limit the types of names that can be given to school buildings. The proposed changes aim to standardize naming practices and reduce politicization.
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With rising numbers of empty or underutilized buildings, the Denver school board is considering new policies for reusing, leasing, or selling school properties. Community input is being sought to guide decisions that balance fiscal responsibility with community needs.
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OUSD adopted a new sustainability policy committing to 100% clean electricity by 2030, eliminating fossil fuels by 2040, and integrating climate justice into education. The plan, developed with student and community input, includes upgrades to energy, waste, water, transportation, and schoolyards, with a focus on protecting vulnerable schools from climate impacts like wildfire smoke and flooding.
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The district has implemented a broad sustainability program that includes composting in all schools, large-scale solar panels, efforts to reduce paper use, and integrating sustainability practices into facility planning. They formed a Resource Conservation Committee under board policy, use tools like the LEED checklist and ARCskour to benchmark building performance, and embed environmental education into curricula via outdoor learning and project-based work.
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The district has expanded recycling and composting programs across schools, targeting materials such as glass, paper, and plastic. Seventeen schools actively use the recycling program with support from donated bins from IKEA; staff have introduced recycling education sessions and formed sustainability teams at each site to promote best practices.
School Budget Referenda & Funding Challenges
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The Hibbing School Board is considering a $2.6 million referendum to address a budget shortfall. If approved, the funds would support operations and capital projects, helping the district avoid significant cuts to staff and student services.
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New Milford voters are preparing for a second budget referendum after the first failed in May. The revised budget includes funding for mental health services and school-based health centers, which district leaders say are essentialpost-pandemic.
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Following a failed referendum, the district will move forward with budget cuts that include laying off more than 80 staff members, including teachers and counselors. School officials cited the need to preserve financial stability amid declining revenue.
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The Lubbock-Cooper ISD school board approved a $129 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year. Highlights include funding for continued growth, facilities upgrades, and new staff hires. The meeting also welcomed a new trustee.
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El Paso ISD adopted a new budget while facing a $6 million deficit. Trustees also approved pay raises for district employees, reflecting a focus on staff retention amid funding challenges tied to state policy and enrollment trends.
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The Lansing School Board approved its 2024–25 budget, incorporating both cost-cutting measures and new investments in student services. The district emphasized resource reallocation to improve academic outcomes and community programs.
Student Voice & Board Representation
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MPS is developing plans to enhance student voice in decision-making by creating a formal student board position. The goal is to ensure that youth perspectives are integrated into policy discussions and strategic planning.
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The Antioch board voted to include student representatives on its board, giving high school students a formal seat at the table (non-voting), aimed at improving communication and incorporating student-informed perspectives in policy making.
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Three new student representatives were appointed to the school board, advising on instruction, safety, and student life—highlighting the district’s commitment to centering youth feedback in educational governance.
Student Wellness
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The Carroll County Board of Education is seeking public comment on updates to policies related to student health services, exclusion and physical restraint, and first aid protocols—encouraging transparency and community feedback in decisions affecting student well-being.
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The Carson City School Board approved a food service agreement, finalized its insurance pool package, and passed updates to its wellness policy during its latest meeting.
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The Philadelphia Board of Education approved a revised wellness policy and took action on charter oversight by initiating nonrenewal for two schools. The decisions reflect an increased focus on student well-being and accountability.
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Bay Area districts like Mountain View-Los Altos and Oakland Unified are expanding peer-to-peer counseling, where trained students confidentially support classmates with stress, academics, and social challenges. These programs don’t replace licensed therapy but provide an accessible layer of support for students.
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The nonprofit AWARE is expanding its school-based mental health services into more schools in Missoula County, Darby and Stevensville in the Bitterroot, and now into Butte (elementary & high schools). Staff will be present in school buildings to help students in crisis stay connected to learning, plus offer services outside school, like in the home or via case management.
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The board voted down a proposed agreement with Centerstone, a provider of school-based mental health services. Supporters argued the program would help students both in school and at home, while opponents raised concerns about accountability, ideology, and the lack of familiarity with Centerstone’s staff and philosophy.
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The district updated its lunch debt policy to ensure students are not academically penalized for unpaid meal balances. The revised rules clarify that class schedules and access to educational activities cannot be withheld due to lunch debt, balancing the district’s financial needs with student well-being and rights.
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Cafeteria staff at EPISD and SISD are adapting to new USDA nutrition guidelines by preparing diverse, culturally relevant meals for students. At Mesita Elementary, staff prepare over 500 breakfast sandwiches daily, while at Eastlake Middle School, the team serves birria tacos and chicken salad. These efforts aim to meet nutritional standards while reflecting the community's culinary preferences.
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Facing rising meal debt, Idaho school districts like Boise and West Ada are turning to community donations to cover unpaid balances. In West Ada, a grant from nonprofit Hoops 4 Hunger covered about 30% of a $178,000 deficit, while Boise Schools Foundation and other donors paid off nearly $100,000 in meal debt. However, smaller districts such as McCall-Donnelly lack fundraising foundations and rely on local support to manage meal debt.
FSE: Your Partner in the Journey
At First State Educate (FSE), we believe that informed, well-equipped school board members are key to improving student outcomes in Delaware. Our goal is to provide you with the insights, tools, and connections you need to make confident, forward-thinking decisions.
If you’d like to discuss any of the topics covered in this update, explore solutions for your district, or connect with other board members facing similar challenges, we’re here to help.