SAD 63 board approves new policies, hires teacher

EDDINGTON – There are now 17 new policies for SAD 63 that cover everything from tattoos and piercings to hazing and gender-neutral language.

The SAD 63 board approved the new rules Monday at Eddington School and also hired Mary St. Pierre to replace the fourth-grade teacher who recently resigned for personal reasons.

St. Pierre, who has four years of teaching experience with three at Dedham School, should begin at Holden School on Nov. 15, Principal Dave Anderson said.

All of the new policies are required by the state and are taken basically verbatim from sample policies, policy committee Chairman Dion Seymour said.

A curriculum development policy was sent back to the policy committee for revision, but 17 others were approved at the meeting.

A new dress code policy for staff and students now bans exposed or visible piercings, with an exception for earrings, and bans staff and students from performing piercings or tattooing on themselves or others for safety reasons.

The policy also states that “clothing is to cover the midriff,” which means belly piercings are allowed but must be covered at all times, board members decided.

One of the new policies bans discrimination when hiring, another directs staff to be alert and to avoid the use of sexist or other discriminatory language. Another new policy prohibits sexual harassment and sets up rules for investigations, and one more outlines student discrimination and harassment complaint procedures.

The list of new policies also bans tobacco use and possession, includes rules to prevent hazing, and sets standards for ethical and responsible behavior.

Three school board policies were approved and include rules governing powers and responsibilities of the board and superintendent, new member orientation and development opportunities.

Two new policies outline the rules regarding student expulsion. The first states no student “shall be expelled from school except by action of the board.” The second policy describes the review process framework, including how the hearing will be held and how the board’s decision will be announced.

Copies of all of the policies are available at the superintendent’s office at the Holbrook School.