A first look at a child abuse reporting policy revision drew significant discussion from the Higley Unified School District Governing Board about staff's role in the process.

The policy covering mandatory child abuse reporting and protection clarifies that reports must go directly to law enforcement or the Department of Child Safety, not just to a school safety officer. It was one of five policies given a first read at the board’s Sept. 16 meeting.

Board Member Anna Van Hoek argued the language needed to be clearer about what staff are allowed to do when a student discloses abuse. Van Hoek also added that teachers, administrators, counselors and other school staff must not interview a student.

“Everywhere where it says reportable offense, I feel like we should explain where reportable o

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