Note: These minutes should be considered preliminary until they are approved at the next Policy
and Amendment Committee meeting.
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Windham Southeast School District (WSESD) Policy and Amendment Committee
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Regular meeting 2:00 pm
Hybrid meeting: WSESU Central Office, 53 Green St., Brattleboro, VT and
Remotely via Zoom
DRAFT MINUTES
Policy and Amendment Committee members present: Deborah Stanford (DS, Chair), Anne
Beekman (AB)
WSESD/U Staff and Administrators present: Mark Speno (MS), Mo Hart (MH), Shannon Kelly
(SK), Bethany Bechard (BB), Rebecca Olmstead (RO),Michael Kelliher (MK)
Guests: Liz Adams (via zoom), Alex Holding (via zoom)
Call to Order
DS convened the meeting at 2:05 p.m. and recited the hybrid statement.
I. Approval of Minutes and confirmation of next meeting date
The minutes of 3/12/25 meeting approved by assent.
The Policy and Amendment Committee meets on second and fourth Wednesdays, from 2-4 pm at the WSESU Central Office and on Zoom. The next meetings are scheduled for:
April 9
April 23
II. Evaluate
F8 Student Medication
Invited attendee: Rebecca Olmstead
-Questions were asked re Policy vs Procedure. It is noted that updated procedures warrant updates to the attachment.
-The term “Doctor” was replaced with “Licensed Provider.”
– On p 2, “upon written request” was removed.
-The term “Individualized Health Plan” will be capitalized, and a description inserted in “Definitions” section.
-On p 3, the sentence including “accompanied by a written request from parent/guardian” will end there – the rest of the sentence is struck.
-On p 5, the term “in compliance” should be two words.
-On p 5, under “Verbal Orders,” add “orders must be signed and dated.”
-On p 6, Define “UAP” (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel), and change “medical home” to “Licensed Provider.”
-On p 7, use the term “Parent/Guardian,” and define “SNL” (School Nurse Leader).
At this point, it was noted that the term “parent” appears throughout the document, and should be replaced with “Parent/Guardian.”
-On p 8, RO explained that written permission (and a prescription) is required to use medication in a manner that is consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions.
-On p 9, change “RN” to “School Nurse.”
-On p 10, define “NASN” as “National Association of School Nurses” and “NCSBN “ as “National Council of State Boards of Nursing.”
-Replace references to Act 175 of 2008 with 16 V.S.A. § 1387.
This policy is on hold for review on 4/9/25.
Gender Freedom in Schools
This policy has been reviewed by counsel. The attorney counsels caution, and points out that the law is always fluid, and that there are consequences for not following the law. The Agency of Education counsels the use of district policy on HHB.
F23 Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing & Bullying of Students
The attorney noted his concern that AOE “best practices” use Title IX to protect trans and non binary students, which no longer comports with federal law. Tennessee v Cardona rejects the use of gender identity to stand in for sex, and that its use it this fashion “stands Title IX on its head.” He also expressed questions regarding FERPA violations pertaining to informing families, including consideration of the age of the child, and whether or not the family asks. It is also noted that students have free speech regarding their beliefs around gender Identity. Questions were raised about affinity groups, but it was noted that any student is permitted to join any student group.
An extensive discussion ensued regarding the current political landscape, concerns about funding, and what the future may bring.
Support for trans and gender expansive students was repeated by multiple District representatives.
This policy is on hold until the April 9 meeting.
Meeting Adjourned 3:55 pm
Respectfully submitted by Anne Beekman (vice chair)
