Language contained in Hamilton Southeastern Schools student handbooks was the center of a spirited discussion at a Wednesday morning work session.  Some board members did suggest some changes, but administrators reminded the board of a process to vet any changes with staff, parents and students before any revisions are made.  That means any changes would likely be included in the handbooks for the 2024-2025 school year.

The liveliest discussion centered on the handbook dealing with student dress and appearance.  Board member Suzanne Thomas insisted on more specific language about certain types of clothing, particularly what she described as “see-through” clothes.  Juanita Albright said said she believes students should approach dressing for school the way one dresses for the workplace.  DEI Director Nataki Pettigrew warned that some of this suggested language could be construed as misogynistic or possibly “girl-shaming.”  The only consensus among board member appeared to be changing language on hats and hoodies.

Parents will be able to plan lunch with students at their school if scheduled in advance and there is space.  Administrators had recommended not allowing adults to join students for lunch due to the administrative burden but agreed in the end with the board members to allow such lunch visits on a limited basis, based on capacity.

The attendance section of the handbook is being adjusted to comply with state law.  If a student is away 10 consecutive school days, district administrators will decide how to handle the situation, including treating the student as an out-of-state transfer, electing homeschooling or, as provided in state statutes, having the time away excused if for educational purposes, as defined by law.  In some cases, students may be subject to truancy or expulsion procedures.

A discussion of student cell phones resulted in no suggested changes in the handbook language.  The number of cell phone infractions documented is very low, 38 in the entire district.  Teachers generally decide how cell phones are and are not used in a particular class.  There are instances when teachers may ask students to use their cell phones as part of the class on a given day.

After a lengthy discussion about rules for rest rooms, no changes were suggested from the current policy.

Superintendent Yvonne Stokes did say that it is possible changes in dress code or cell phone handbook language could be included in the 2023-2024 school year student handbooks if the board insists.