Boy, Thompson Advance Staff Expression Policy

On September 10, 2026, the Bainbridge Island School District board heard second readings for several policies presented by Associate Superintendent Ronald Boy and Superintendent Amii Thompson. Key among them was Policy 5254 Staff Expression, defining permitted and non-permitted speech for employees, including off-duty conduct. Associate Superintendent Boy noted the policy addresses how "our surrounding community may understandably struggle to separate a staff member's role within the school district from an employee's private speech." The board also reviewed Policy 5280 Separation from Employment, revised to allow voluntary separation offers during employer-initiated layoffs. And Policy 6225 Use of Electronic Signature was presented, authorizing the District to use electronic signatures for efficiency. In consent agenda actions, the board accepted $11,134.28 for BHS Volleyball from BHS Volleyball Boosters, $1,400.00 for Woodward Choir from the Peter Marsh Foundation, and $2,555.28 for Sakai Intermediate School from Sakai PTO.

(via BoardDocs)