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09/02/2020 08:48 AMThe Board of Education (BOE) updated several policies ahead of the start of school on Thursday, Sept. 3, mostly dealing with the new procedures around the pandemic, including mask-wearing and an updated sick leave policy.
One of the new policies allows for temporary amendments to other policies as long as those amendments are related to “health and safety of students and staff” and “preserve flexibility” in case of further changes related to the pandemic.
New pandemic-related policies and amendments are identified by special font and a special header on the school website, and will remain in effect until June 31, 2021 unless otherwise noted.
New policies are also designed to explicitly supersede existing policies when there is a conflict.
A total of four new policies or modifications were approved last week, not counting the initial policy that describes and defines new pandemic-related policies.
On masks, Policy C-19.4 requires mask or face coverings to be won by all individuals inside school buildings, with exceptions for preschoolers, those “on school grounds with appropriate social distancing implemented,” when people are eating, during “educational or medical activities requiring removal of masks,” for those with documented medical conditions, and those with disabilities that prevents them from wearing a mask.
These restrictions also apply to those that are riding the bus.
The policy also says students “shall be offered mask breaks during the school day,” preferably outdoors.
At the meeting on Aug. 25, Policy Committee Chair Greg DeSantis and Interim Superintendent of Schools JeanAnn Paddyfote said that specific guidelines on what kind of masks would be allowed, and whether certain types of face-coverings like bandanas or neck gaiters qualify will be released to the community later based on what the state and health officials recommend.
According to DeSantis, all the new policies were recommended by the town’s attorney.
Another new policy, C-19.2, gives broad powers to school administrators “to develop health and safety protocols consistent with applicable laws, rules, regulations and requirements, and to consider current guidance in the development of such protocols. “
This policy makes new policies mandatory for everyone “on school property or participating in a school-sponsored activity, unless a legally recognized exemption or exception applies.” Students can be excluded from school activities or disciplined for not following new policies, and staff can be disciplined as well.
Notice of new protocols can be given by “mail, regular mail, website posting, student handbooks, employee handbooks, and/or any other appropriate methods.”
A third policy provides limited paid sick leave for district employees based on a state law if they are exposed to the virus, exhibiting symptoms, or are otherwise taking care of someone who is exposed (including caring for children whose “place of care” is closed due to the pandemic).
There were also two Title IX policy updates or modifications that were approved related to sexual harrassment, but the change or changes were not immediately clear because the BOE waived the requirement to read the policies during the meeting.
The BOE also waived a requirement that 48 hours pass between the Policy Committee discussing a new policy and its adoption by the full BOE in order to approve C.19-4, the mask policy.
BOE Chair Katie Stein said the Policy Committee had a “rich discussion” on the new policies, and that it was “very important” to make sure the district was ready for the school year.
She also emphasized that the waiver of the 48 hours was vital because the next BOE meeting wasn’t until after the start of school, and the district wanted to have a codified and communicated mask policy before students returned. All school policies can be views on the district’s website www.madison.k12.ct.us.