Inappropriate contact between staff members and students was the subject of a new policy adopted Nov. 17 by members of the Sumner School Board.
The action was taken at Victor Falls Elementary library, following a dedication ceremony in honor of the recently-remodeled elementary school.
The policy acknowledged social media and included a paragraph prohibiting inappropriate online communication.
Language in the document regarding what constitutes inappropriate contact was vague, but the meeting’s agenda summary singled out “sexual grooming” and “sexual misconduct” as categories falling under the umbrella term.
The policy did make the concession that certain intrusions into a student’s physical and emotional space could be allowed if it were done to directly fulfill part of a staff member’s job duties, but it cautioned staff members to be aware of situations where actions could create even the appearance of wrongdoing.
“Staff members will not intrude on a student’s physical and emotional boundaries unless the intrusion is necessary to serve an educational or physical, mental and/or emotional health purpose,” the policy read. “An educational purpose is one that relates to the staff member’s duties in the district.
“Additionally, staff members are expected to be sensitive to the appearance of impropriety in their own conduct and the conduct of other staff when interacting with students.”
The policy is the model provided by the Washington State School Directors Association.
In other action, the school board:
• unanimously approved an increase of the credit limit available on the Business Services Department’s procurement card, from $94,000 to $150,000.
• unanimously approved the district’s natural hazard mitigation plan developed in conjunction with Pierce County Emergency Management. The plan was already approved by the state government and will now go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The plan qualifies the district for federal relief funding in the event of a natural disaster.
• unanimously approved the final acceptance of work on Donald Eismann Elementary.
