Wednesday, July 12, was a busy day for the Hamilton Southeastern School Board, voting to place an operating property tax referendum on the November election ballot.  But the board spent much more time that same day hashing out language within certain parts of the student handbook.

The challenge centers on no clear consensus about how to word some sections of the handbook.  There were many thoughts expressed about changes to the dress code, cell phone usage and placement, as well as how to handle “running in the hallways.”

The public comments expressed were generally not supportive of changes in the handbook.  Carolyn Porzuczek, Hamilton Southeastern Education Association Vice president of Elementary, told the board teachers in the district are “disheartened” by the board’s willingness to discuss the possibility of circumventing the long-established practice of having stakeholders, including parents, students, administrators and teachers, review student handbook language before changes are made, before the school year begins.  At least two board members indicated Wednesday night a willingness to speed-up the process and implement handbook changes at the semester break in January.  Porzuczek described that as “micromanagement” by the board and indicates “disrespect” for the teaching staff.

Most of the public comments were about possible changes in the dress code, with most comments suggesting no changes should be enacted.

At the end of the wide-ranging discussion about the student handbooks for the school year starting in August, Superintendent Yvonne Stokes told board members she and her staff will review all the board’s comments and have proposals ready for student handbook action by the July 26 regular board meeting.