Page 19 - 2017 GPISD Honor Board Application

2.3 PROCEDURE FOR UPDATING AND MAINTAINING POLICY BOOK

Once a policy has been approved and updated, revisions are added to the policy book which is maintained
online and is accessible via the district webpage.

The Board also designates one copy of the local policy manual as the official policy manual of the
District. The official copy is kept in the central administration office, and the superintendent or designee
is responsible for its accuracy and integrity and maintains a historical record of the district’s policy manual.
The official policy manual is housed in the office of the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resource
Services. In the event of a discrepancy, the official policy manual governs.

Galena Park ISD has subscribed to the TASB “Policy Online” service since April of 1997, eliminating
the need for hard copies of the district policy manual to be distributed district-wide. Policy Online is
accessible on the District webpage, where all stakeholders can peruse district policy at their leisure.

2.4 BOARD DECISIONS BASED ON POLICY STATEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED
WHEN SUCH ACTION WAS OPPOSED BY OTHERS

The Galena Park ISD Board of Trustees is committed Galena Park ISD’s position on this issue, and
to taking a proactive approach to addressing issues the Board, in turn, contacted the superintendent
of concern to the community, including potentially immediately. The Board president responded to
controversial issues. As an example, in May, 2016, a the inquiries by pledging the Board’s stance on
directive regarding school district compliance with inclusiveness, fairness and impartiality, and assured all
Title IX transgender student guidelines was received who inquired that he had notified the superintendent
from the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights of their concerns.
Division and the U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights. Specifically, school districts The Board recognized the need for public hearings
were reminded, “A school must not treat a transgender and sought community feedback on this issue prior to
student differently from the way it treats other adopting a new policy; our attorney was notified and
students of the same gender identity.” It was further attended a closed session on June 13, 2016 to discuss
noted, “Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe all aspects of this issue and to provide the Board with
and nondiscriminatory environment for all students, guidance.
including transgender students.” School districts were
made aware of potentially losing federal funding as a After careful consideration, the Board stood behind
result of noncompliance with the Title IX directive. the existing policy, as adequate wording was in place
to protect all students. The Board further agreed to
Parents, community members and the news media continue addressing incidents on a case-by-case basis,
quickly began contacting Board trustees regarding providing for students’ safety and well-being.

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