Superintendent Brock Dover said secondary administrators had raised concerns about listing mace as a prohibited item, particularly when students carry it on keychains for personal protection. The district developed the revised language with guidance from its legal counsel.

The special education policy also was updated to reflect changes in the age range for students identified under Missouri’s Young Child with a Developmental Delay classification. Dover said most of the other revisions were made to align district policies with state law.

In a separate vote, the board approved higher breakfast and lunch prices for the 2026-27 school year. Student and adult breakfast prices will increase by 10 cents, while student and adult lunch prices will increase by 5 cents.

Dover attributed the increases to rising food, beverage and operating costs. A student purchasing breakfast and lunch each school day would pay approximately $25.80 more over the course of the school year, he said.

The board also renewed the district’s Alternative Methods of Instruction plan, which allows West Platte to provide remote instruction during extended closures caused by severe weather or other emergencies. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires school boards to approve AMI plans annually.

Under the district’s current calendar, West Platte would consider using remote instruction after its fifth inclement-weather day. District officials emphasized that AMI is a backup measure and not the district’s preferred substitute for in-person classes.

Dover said the district generally uses its scheduled weather days before moving to remote instruction. He said AMI could help maintain contact with students during an extended closure, such as a prolonged ice storm that leaves rural roads impassable.

The board also approved the district’s 2026-27 employee manual. Changes include updated staff names and calendar information, new provisions concerning employees who are victims of domestic or sexual violence and language reflecting the revised student policy on mace.

During board member comments, district officials reported that work on the elementary playground project remained on schedule. Crews were installing the final layer of roofing material, with playground equipment, rock and turf installation still to come. Dover said the project was approaching its final stages and was expected to be completed near the beginning of the school year.

Board members also recognized students involved in summer activities and thanked the district’s custodial and finance employees for their assistance with a recent community theater production.

Board members Benjamin Doran and Tyler French were absent. Tracie Kalic, Samantha Kinslow, Boyd Hiatt, Robert Roediger and Shane Bartee voted in favor of each public action.

The board entered closed session to discuss legal and personnel matters before adjourning at 5:43 p.m.