The Mitchell Board of Education is preparing to review proposed amendments to the Mitchell Middle School handbook during its upcoming meeting. Scheduled for Monday night at 5:30 p.m., this assembly will be held in Room 10 at the Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy. The agenda includes a detailed examination of changes suggested for the handbook, focusing on middle school attendance policies and updates concerning the use of electronic devices.
A significant aspect of the proposed attendance policy changes involves the procedure for managing student absences. Under the new guidelines, families will receive a notification letter after a student accumulates five absences. A second letter will be dispatched after eight absences, with a final letter following 13 absences. Should a student reach 16 absences, a school resource officer will be informed, and a truancy petition may be filed with the state’s attorney. Furthermore, attendance will be recorded annually from August to May, replacing the current semester-based tracking system.
Updates to electronic device policies include replacing two paragraphs with six new ones. These revisions require students to seek permission prior to making calls or texts, recommend the use of corded earbuds during school hours, and restrict the use of laser lights and similar disruptive items within school premises. Additional information about these changes is detailed in the April 14 meeting agenda.
In addition to the handbook updates, the board will consider several personnel decisions. This includes approving new hires such as Brent Olson, set to join as a high school physical education teacher and assistant football coach, and multiple other teaching and administrative appointments effective for the 2025-26 school year. The board will also address resignations and retirements from various positions within the district, including teachers, coaches, and administrative roles.
Further, the meeting will incorporate a presentation on initiatives by the Kernel Club, resolutions to renew participation agreements with the Associated School Boards of South Dakota for the Workman’s Compensation Pool Group and the South Dakota School District Benefits Fund for the 2025-26 school year, and considerations for declaring surplus volleyball items.
Public commentary will be welcomed, and reports from board members and the superintendent will also be delivered. The public can access the proceedings via a livestream provided by the Mitchell Republic on its website.
Community Impact
The proposed changes to the Mitchell Middle School handbook could significantly affect both students and parents in the community. By altering attendance tracking from a semester to an annual basis and introducing a structured notification system for absences, families may find themselves more aware and engaged with their children’s attendance patterns. This proactive communication approach could help reduce truancy and enhance overall student performance and accountability.
Additionally, updates to electronic device policies aim to create a more focused and less distracting educational environment. By regulating device usage and suggesting alternatives, such as corded earbuds, the school district seeks to minimize disruptions, thereby improving the learning atmosphere. These changes reflect a broader move towards enhancing student engagement and improving educational outcomes in the Mitchell School District.