Hampton School Board adopts policy revisions

Hampton School Board on Nov. 14 approved changes to some district policies and began the process of changing more in the coming weeks.

The board adopted these policies in revised form:

• Weapons policy is revised to contain more condensed language regarding a weapon, plus information about making sure the parent/guardian or local police department is informed appropriately. Language regarding replicas of weapons has been added, and this policy also states that in accordance with federal law, possession or discharge of a firearm on or within 1,000 feet of school grounds is prohibited, and violations will be reported to law enforcement.

• Terroristic Threats policy is revised to contain an expanded definition, with the main emphasis being the coordination between someone with knowledge of a terroristic threat and members of a threat assessment team. The policy also addresses notifying parents or guardians if their child was a victim or a suspect with regard to a terroristic threat.

• Policy on Discipline of Student Convicted/Adjudicated of Sexual Assault is revised to contain new language describing what happens if a student is convicted or adjudicated under this policy and how the district would proceed.

Other district policies had their first readings at the school board meeting:

• Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement 34 policy, addressing financial reporting requirements, includes an amendment changing the dollar value of any single item for inclusion in the fixed assets accounts from $4,000 to not less than $1,500.

• Federal Fiscal Compliance policy is to be revised in preparation for next year’s federal programs review, including additional clarifying language to ensure employees who are paid by federal funds are compensated using the same procedures as other employees.

• Conflict of Interest contains a small addition that the superintendent or designee must report any potential conflict of interest related to a federal award. The report is to be made in writing to the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity.

A first reading a policy or change to it is introduced, making it open for discussion until a vote on adoption, which typically takes place at the next voting meeting.

The school board’s reorganization and voting meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5.