Vidalia BOE Approves Student Handbook Changes

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During the Board’s meeting on July 8, the Vidalia City Schools Board of Education approved two changes in the Sally D. Meadows Elementary School and J.R. Trippe Middle School handbooks regarding mental health concerns.

These changes adjust language in the school handbook about standard procedures when dealing with a student who makes an alarming mental health statement. Now, when a student makes these comments that may be alarming, threatening, homicidal, or suicidal, the student will be required to be evaluated by a licensed doctor, counselor, or mental health provider, who will confirm that the student does not pose a safety threat to anyone by returning to school. The student’s family will be responsible for arranging and paying for this evaluation.

“Please understand that this is not a punishment, but rather a necessary safety measure designed to protect everyone in the school and ensure that students receive any support that they may need,” the new policy reads. “Once that confirmation and any assigned consequences are satisfied, the student can resume school.”

In addition to this change, J.R. Trippe Middle School also clarified the time of the school day for students as being from 8 a.m. until 3:10 p.m. in their handbook.