North Platte public school board members suggested changes to the administration-authored 2025-26 student and employee handbooks during a recent “committee of the whole” meeting.
Brandy Buscher, Director of Student Services, highlighted key updates in the handbook at the meeting on Thursday, June 26, including a new cell phone ban. Students are not to use cell phones or other devices at all during the school day and teachers only for academic work. (The student requirements are printed below.)
Buscher also pointed out revisions to the dress code that removes the “business-like” attire requirement for students, which generally hasn’t been applied for some time. She also noted the attendance policy has been changed to to allow absences for college visits.
The proposed language regarding student attire prohibits “disruptive” clothing, and lists several examples. (Also see the end of this report for the full proposal.)
Beyond that, board members Justin Thompson, JoAnn Lundgreen, and Emily Garrick suggested revisions. Thompson proposed more precise descriptions of the weapons that are banned. Lundgreen asked for a bit of clarification regarding permitted student absences for illnesses, and Garrick requested clearer guidelines when coats and boots are required to be worn if elementary students go outside.
Human Resources Director Kevin Mills noted that there were no significant changes to the employee handbook, although discussions became tense.
Lundgreen asked if an amendment regarding COVID was still necessary. Garrick suggested removing it, as COVID is mostly in the past and still a point of contention in the community.
Lundgreen suggested adding language to prohibit students from using staff phones.
Garrick also recommended aligning language in the handbook more closely with hiring and reimbursement policies and also revising the employee-student relationship policy to specify an age threshold for prohibited sexual relationships. Board member Skip Altig said that was unnecessary since under-18 relationships are illegal under state law. Garrick said it couldn’t hurt to add it and pointed out that there have been some violations within the district.
Supt. Todd Rhodes said the administration would consult with attorneys at the school’s legal firm, KSB Law in Lincoln.
Garrick also suggested requiring parental approval before the staff transports students in private vehicles, such as giving a ride home after school. She also asked to add language on power dynamics in romantic relationships.
Also, board member Cindy O’Connor sought more protections for the jobs of classified “at-will” staff. O’Conner proposed implementing a warning system for terminations, which would create a trail of documents.
Lundgreen and Altig opposed the move, citing the rules of at-will employment (that employees can be terminated at the will of employers) while Angela Blaesi supported some documentation to prevent threats without records. Garrick agreed that a system would aid accountability despite there being no legal requirement to have it.
Rhodes said he felt personally attacked during the discussion, even though O’Connor clarified she was referring to a broader pattern, not a specific case. Altig suggested ending the discussion before it became unproductive, and Rhodes agreed to seek legal guidance on a warning system.
Finally, Garrick reminded the board that they’d only received the lengthy handbooks a few days before and urged members not to feel pressured to approve them in July without adequate time for review.
Policy updates
The board voted to approve updates to Policies 5015 and 5018, which are required by LB 428, which was signed into law on April 29. Policy 5015 now includes the district’s parental rights detailed in Policy 5018, which outlines how parents can access books and educational materials and also requires 15 days’ notice before non-anonymous student surveys (when names are recorded), allowing parents to opt their students out.
The other two votes were routine. One updated the Nationwide 403(b) withdrawal age for employees’ retirement from 65 to 59½ years, in keeping with early retirements. The final vote authorized incoming Finance Director Damon McDonald as an account signer for Nebraskaland Bank.
Three policies were reviewed: 3024, regarding Booster Clubs and parent teacher organizations; 3026, regarding handbooks; and 3036, regarding purchasing card programs. During the discussion, it has been noted that there are more than 90 purchasing cards in use among administrators and staff, with unspecified, unwarranted charges on occasion.
The board will vote on the changes to 3024 and 3026 at their July meeting but will postpone a vote on 3036 because Altig is expected to leave the meeting early due to another obligation. Blaesi said they needed to discuss it when Altig was present since he had some strong feelings about the policy.
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Cell phones and other electronic devices (proposed language)
“Students may NOT use cellular phones or other electronic devices while at school during school hours.
Any student who is found to be in possession of any cellular phone, or other electronic device (AirPods, personally-owned tablet, gaming device, etc) during school hours is in violation of this policy and the student code of conduct.
Staff who discover students in possession of a cellular phone or electronic device while at school during the school day will immediately confiscate the device and turn it into the administration.
In addition to the disciplinary consequences imposed, a parent or legal guardian of the offending student must pick up the confiscated devices from the office in person. The administration will return the device to the parent or guardian, after meeting with the parent or guardian to discuss the rule violation.
• 1st offense – a parent or legal guardian of the offending student must pick up the confiscated devices from the person in office. (Robo – Call)
• 2nd offense – a parent or legal guardian of the offending student must pick up the confiscated devices from the person in office. (Robo – Call)
• 3rd offense – a parent or legal guardian of the offending student must pick up the confiscated devices from the person in office, and after school detention or Thursday School. (Robo – Call)
Students who repeatedly violate this policy may, at the discretion of the school’s administration, be subject to additional discipline, up to and including expulsion.
Students may not use cell phones or other electronic devices while riding in a school vehicle unless they have express permission to do so from the vehicle’s driver.
Students are personally and solely responsible for the security of their cell phones and other electronic devices. The school district is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage of a cell phone or any calls made on a cell phone.”
Student dress code (proposed language)
”The District prohibits student attire or appearance that:
• Causes or is likely to cause a material and substantial disruption to the District’s programs and activities.
• Promotes, depicts, or refers to violence, drugs, alcohol, vulgarity, obscenity, illegal activity, hate speech, bullying speech, or harassing speech.
• Includes words, gestures, or images that contain or imply sexual content or innuendo.
• Otherwise undermines the District’s mission to inculcate the habits, manners, and values fundamental to civility, community, and the educational environment.
Violations of the dress code shall be addressed in a manner consistent with the Student Code of Conduct. The District reserves the right to request immediate attire changes from students. The District will require students to adhere to uniform standards and/or wear district approved or issued uniforms in order to participate in activities.
Students may be required to wear protective clothing or equipment or otherwise modify their attire or secure their hair to ensure the safety of themselves and others. In such cases, a good faith effort to reasonably accommodate students will be made to ensure safety without compromising religious beliefs, grooming practices, or requiring students to permanently alter their appearance. The least restrictive means appropriate to address the identified health or safety concern shall be used.”
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I’m wondering how the schools will deal with students who are type one diabetic and the app that monitors their blood sugar is on their phones. I can think of 2 individuals that HAVE to have their phone with them at all times. Even if they don’t have the app on their phone, they would need an additional electronic device, to do the same job, which is why the FDA approved the phone apps.
I agree that they don’t need the distraction of phones, but there are instances that might require it.
Vickie Pleiss, The policy will allow for exceptions if the student uses it as a medical device. What exactly that will look like I am not sure as it hasn’t been openly discussed in any meetings but it will be allowed to be used in that capacity. President Emily Garrick said they are anticipating some challenges with this new policy but will work through them as they arise.
Students who are type one diabetic and the app that monitors their blood sugar is on their phones? The CGM’s I’m aware of, have a free standing monitor. A phone is not required.