The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board voted to approve changes to the student handbook, but split 4-3 over provisions related to the athletic appeals process.

Board member Suzanne Tomas first asked that the measure approving the handbook changes be split into two votes, with the athletic appeals having its own vote.  That motion lost on a 4-3 vote.  Thomas then asked to amend the measure to delete the entire athletic appeals section when voting on the changes.  That also lost on a 4-3 vote.

The handbook changes, including the part on athletic appeals, passed 4-3, with Ben Orr, Tiffany Pascoe, Dawn Lange and Juanita Albright voting yes….Suzanne Thomas, Sarah Donsbach and Sarah Parks-Rees voting no.

Thomas argued the board did not receive the athletic appeals language in the handbook until just a few hours before the board meeting Wednesday night.

Cell phone handbook language was changed to be consistent with state law, but Administrator Danielle Thompson told the board HSE Schools policy is very close to the state law changes.

You can review all the handbook changes enacted by the board at this link.