School boards approve new policies concerning bullying, instructional materials

The Lind and Ritzville School Boards met for their monthly meeting on April 22, where they approved new policies that deal with topics such as bullying, course design and the selection and adoption of instructional materials.

Policy No. 2020

The first policy that the two boards passed in coordination with each other was Policy No. 2020, which deals with curriculum development, and more specifically selecting and adopting instructional materials.

According to the policy, instructional materials are defined as “all printed, filmed or recorded materials furnished by the district for student use and/or included on students’ reading lists.” When selecting which instructional materials to assign, the primary objective is to “implement, enrich and support the educational program of the schools.

The policy further states that instructional materials must be selected in conformance with: applicable state and federal laws; the stated goals and/or standards of the district; and procedures established by the instructional materials committee.

The policy also lays out what criteria the staff will need to use in determining whether or not to include certain instructional materials in their curriculum. Instructional materials selected include those which will:

-Enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied instructional needs, abilities, interests, and maturity levels of the students served.

-Stimulate student growth in conceptual thinking, factual knowledge, physical fitness and literary and ethical standards.

-Provide sufficient variety so as to present opposing views of controversial issues in order that students may develop the skills of critical analysis and informed decision making.

-Contribute to the development of an understanding of the ethnic, cultural, and occupational diversity of American life.

-Present objectively the concerns of and build upon the contributions, current and historical, of both sexes, and members of religious, ethnic and cultural groups. The district recognizes that under certain conditions biased materials may represent appropriate resources in presenting contrasting and differing points of view; or provide models which may be used as a vehicle for the development of self-respect, ethnic pride and appreciation of cultural differences, based on respect for the worth, dignity, and personal values of every individual.

-Eliminate in all textbooks and instructional materials including reference materials and audio-visual materials, bias pertaining to sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal.

Requests from organizations or companies that provide instructional materials will need to be examined to ensure that the materials they have proposed meet the above criteria. The principal will also review the accuracy and educational value of any materials or activities that are proposed by outside sources for student or staff use.

Textbooks must be adopted by the school boards prior to their use in the Lind-Ritzville schools, with the exception of trial-use materials. The superintendent is also tasked with ensuring “that a listing of all textbooks used within the school curriculum is maintained in every district school and is available for public review.

Policy No. 3207

Another policy passed by the board pertains to the prohibition of harassment, intimidation and bullying at Lind-Ritzville schools.

According to the policy, harassment, intimidation or bullying means any intentionally written message or image—which includes those that are electronically transmitted—verbal, or physical act that is shown to be motivated by race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, mental or physical disability or other distinguishing characteristics, when an act:

-Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property.

-Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education.

-Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Other distinguishing characteristics can include, but are not limited to, physical appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic status and weight. The policy also clarifies that an intentional act refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the actions.

Forms of harassment, intimidation or bullying can include “slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendoes, demeaning comments, drawings, cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats or other written, oral, physical or electronically transmitted messages or images.”

The policy will be implemented in conjunction with comprehensive training of school staff and volunteers, and “is a component of the district’s responsibility to create and maintain a safe, civil, respectful and inclusive learning community.”

The policy also states that the district will provide students with strategies that are intended to help prevent harassment, intimidation or bullying. Some of the district’s efforts will include seeking partnerships with families, law enforcement and other community agencies.

Among other things, the policy also requires the superintendent to appoint a compliance officer as the district’s primary contact to receive copies of all formal and informal complaints, as well as ensuring that the policy is being implemented.

Other news

In other news, the Ritzville board agreed to approve the surplus of unused equipment from the ag shop. Both boards also approved an out of state travel request for qualifying FBLA students to attend the National FBLA Conference in San Antonio, Texas in June this year.

An update on the construction of the Lind-Ritzville High School was also provided by representatives from Construction Services Group and Architects West. The building is still on schedule to be ready for use at the start of the 2019-20 school year.