New policies cover search-and-seizure, student interviews

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook School Board approved unanimously two new policies for McCook students, at its regular meeting Monday night.

The policies, “Student Interviews” and “Search and Seizure” were first brought to the board for discussion at its October meeting.

The policies were drafted by the school district’s legal council, said policy committee chair, school board member Loretta Hauxwell.

A national group has been requesting information from schools across the U.S., said Superintendent Grant Norgaard, including from McCook Public Schools. A version of these policies exist in the district’s student handbook, he said, but these new policies give clear parameters as to what is and is not allowed, as well as giving guidance to school principals.

The policy details procedures for the interviews of students by law enforcement officials, such as those related to child abuse or neglect, probation officer interviews, removal of students by law enforcement, and disclosure of student records.

Hauxwell said the “Search and Seizure” policy generated a lot of discussion among committee members, with the basic theme “we want to help kids make wise choices.” Board president Tom Bredvick said that committee members took advantage of feedback from administrators concerning this policy.

The policy governs what can be searched, items that can be confiscated by school officials and procedures to do so.

These items include illegal items or other items determined to be a threat to the safety of others, such as illegal drugs, a firearm or dangerous weapon, that will be given to law enforcement.

Other items that can be taken from students are those that are reasonably expected to be used to disrupt or interfere with the education process.

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