5 22 2023 Policy Subcommittee

Fall River Government TV May 22, 2023 YouTube Report Issue

The Policy Subcommittee of the Fall River Public Schools met on Monday, May 22nd, at 5:30 PM. The meeting began with a roll call, noting Mr. Bailey and Mr. Hart present, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and an open meeting law announcement. During citizens' input, Colandius of 560 Race Street advocated for clearer public notices and agenda descriptions for policy changes. The subcommittee discussed several policy additions and deletions. Under item 3.01, policies related to School Improvement Plan development, harassment of students, and district employees' cell phone use were reviewed. Concerns were raised by Mr. Dragon about the MASC template language, particularly the requirement for monthly school council meetings and the need for Fall River-specific policies. The employee cell phone policy, which outlined prohibited activities and a penalty of phone removal, was referred to the technology subcommittee for further review to include disciplinary actions. The other two policies under 3.01 were deferred for revisions. Item 3.02 involved the deletion of policies, including an outdated technology donation policy due to cybersecurity risks. Mr. Dragon questioned the presence of irrelevant or outdated policies, such as one on corporal punishment, in the manual. A motion to delete the listed policies passed 2-0. Under item 3.03, updated technology policies were discussed. Mr. Cabral presented formatting changes to policies like "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD), "Social Networking Websites," and "Permission to Public Student Information" to facilitate digital signatures via Parent Square. The "Access to Digital Resources" policy saw fee increases for Chromebook replacements (up $25 to $275) and new prohibitions against using AI/ChatGPT for assignments. The BYOD policy was voted to be deleted 2-0, as the district now provides Chromebooks. Further discussion on other updated policies, including inconsistencies in the "Walkers and Writers" policy and the need for clarity on parental access to security camera footage, led to a motion to forward all remaining updated policies, allowing the superintendent to make further changes, which passed 2-0. New business included a request from Mr. Dragon for a substantial discussion on the DGA (Authorized Signatures) policy and the creation of a consistent salary structure policy for administrators.

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