State audit of local suicide prevention policies finds lack of stakeholder engagement

State law mandates that all school districts, county offices of education and charter schools adopt policy on student suicide prevention, intervention and post-vention after consulting with specified stakeholders. Beginning in the 2020–21 school year, the policy must apply to all grades K–12. A report issued […]

Board member electronic communications in the virtual world of COVID-19

California’s stay-at-home order and social distancing requirements imposed to maintain the health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic have created a virtual world for most, including governing board members. Given that board members are increasingly, and perhaps solely, using electronic means during this time to […]

Existing board policy can aid in preparing and responding to emergencies: BP/AR 3516 – Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness Plan  

As districts and county offices of education navigate the daily-changing landscape of providing education to students while shelter-in-place orders are extended, leadership teams should look at their existing policies and plans that pertain to emergencies. Over the last few years, many local educational agencies have […]

Deadline fast approaches for mandated policy on bullying prevention

Recognizing that bullying and fear disrupt student learning, California state law requires districts, county offices of education and charter schools to adopt procedures for preventing acts of bullying, including cyberbullying, by Dec. 31, 2019. Additionally, state law mandates that boards adopt a policy prohibiting discrimination, […]

Schools have a role in helping children get health insurance

CSBA is partnering with The Children’s Partnership “All In” campaign to help schools get information out to families and employees about the new affordable health coverage opportunities. Covered California, California’s new health insurance marketplace, opened on Oct. 1 and offers ways for millions of Californians to obtain health coverage, including health and dental coverage for children.

School boards should plan to review policies annually

Each year, new legislation, court decisions, administrative regulations and societal changes create the need for local school boards to review and update their district policies. A regular schedule of policy review and revision helps ensure that a district’s policies actually reflect the community’s values, beliefs […]