ACPS Policy Revisions: Nov. 30, 2023

At the Alexandria City School Board meeting on Nov. 30, 2023, the School Board amended four policies and the Superintendent approved revisions to the associated regulations. The following is a summary of the key changes, details are available on Electronic School Board.

BBFA - Conflict of Interests and Disclosure of Economic Interests

• Revision reason: Code change
• Policy provisions regarding required COIA training updated to reflect amendment of Va. Code § 2.2-3132 by HB 2122/SB 1460.
• Policy provisions regarding gifts from certain foreign dignitaries updated to reflect amendment of Va. Code § 2.2-3103.1 by HB 1911/SB 1002.

IL - Testing Programs

• Revision reason: Code change
• VSBA model policy alignment
• Standard changes
• Minor wording adjustments to improve readability
• Policy updated to reflect amendment of Va. Code § 22.1-253.13:3 by HB 2225/SB 1253

IMG - Animals in the Instructional Program

IMG-R - Regulations for Animals in the Instructional Program

• Revision reason: New policy
• Regulation renamed from JHC-R Animals in Schools and revised
• Added permission for baby chicks to be used under the supervision of TLL or a TLL approved Partner organization
• Reorganization to improve readability
• Removed size requirements for turtles
• Updated section on dog health requirements
• Added a requirement that parents must provide specific permission for a student to help with animal care
• Added a section to recommend using invertebrates for observations when possible

LEB - Advanced Alternative Courses for Credit

LEB-R - Advance Alternative Courses for Credit Regulations

• Revision reason: Code change
• Added a requirement that the course aligns with VDOE approved courses
• Policy updated to reflect amendment of 8 VAC 20-131-140

ACPS has over 400 policies and regulations which are systematically revised prior to being presented to the School Board for information. The revision process includes alignment with the associated VSBA model policy, alignment with the Code of Virginia, an equity review, a legal review, revisions by a team of staff members, a Senior Leadership Team review, and a School Board Policy Committee review. Public input on proposed revisions is taken at School Board Policy Committee meetings and regular School Board meetings.