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Meeting Date:
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1/11/2023 - 7:00 PM
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Category:
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Discussion Items
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Type:
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Info
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Subject:
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Discussion of Policy 8:80 Gifts to the District
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Vision 2026:
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Background
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At the December 14, 2022 Board of Education Meeting, a request was made at the end of the meeting to discuss Board Policy 8:80, Gifts to the District. Policy 8:80 is attached.
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File Attachment:
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Summary:
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The discussion will focus on the sections of the policy regarding the language of “viewpoint neutral” that is written into the policy. The Policy provides that the acceptance of a gift must be viewpoint neutral. Specifically, the Policy provides “that all gifts must adhere” to a list of conditions, including:
“Be viewpoint neutral. The Superintendent or designee shall manage a process for the review and approval of donations involving the incorporation of messages into or placing messages upon school property.”
The Board will be asked to review and discuss this language and consider the interpretation and intent. The critical question is whether the language is included to suggest that all gifts accepted must be viewpoint neutral, or whether the process for acceptance of a gift must be viewpoint neutral. There is language in the paragraph immediately following the numbered list in the policy that does state that, “The District will provide equal treatment to all individuals and entities seeking to donate money or a gift.” Considering this statement, it could be reasonably interpreted that viewpoint neutral in the context of Policy 8:80 pertains to prohibiting the District from accepting and displaying a gift expressing a particular viewpoint and declining acceptance and display of a gift depicting a competing viewpoint.
We will discuss this language and the Board's interpretation of the intent of the language. Based on the feedback from the Board, this policy could be referred to the Policy Committee to discuss and review any potential changes to the language in the policy to ensure it aligns with the intent.
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Funding:
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Board Policy
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Recommendation:
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N/A, for discussion only
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Approvals:
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Recommended By:
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Signed By:
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Jeff Schuler - Superintendent
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