Proposed N.J.-S.P. Policies Would Require Annual Financial Reports, More Background Checks

Annual financial reports and expanded background checks would be included in the North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation’s latest round of proposed policy updates. Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin presented several recommendations from policy consultant NEOLA during this month’s school board meeting.

She said recent legislation that requires expanded dbs checks for volunteer coaches will be reflected in five new policies. Another change would require the superintendent to give the board of finance an update on the corporation’s financial condition each year.

The proposed policy updates will also outline the school corporation’s options and requirements when it comes to conducting emergency preparedness drills, offering contracts to principals, and distributing Teacher Appreciation Grants. The policy updates will be up for the school board’s final approval in January.

However, a policy regulating the use of drones on school property will have to wait. NEOLA offered language that would require individuals to seek the school corporation’s permission before flying drones on the schools’ campus. But Zupin recommended that the school board hold off on that policy for now. “If they’re not on our property running the drone, how can I enforce it? I have a hard time putting a policy in that you can’t enforce,” Zupin said. “I believe the whole drone situation’s going to grow and evolve and when we can get a policy that we can enforce, that NEOLA will have one for us.”

Still, board members expressed some concern with the liability that drone usage could bring and recommended asking the North Judson Police Department for input.