The Gilbert Public Schools governing board approved the first reading of a revised policy that renames existing language and adds two district observance days.

Superintendent Dr. McCord said the updated policy — numbered 5-201 and shortened in title to "Patriotic exercises and observance days" — defines two observances for the district. "September 11 of each year shall be observed as 9/11 Education Day," Dr. McCord said during the presentation, and the district "shall provide age-appropriate instruction for grades 7 through 12 on the terrorist attacks of 09/11/2001." He also read the language establishing Sept. 25 as "Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Celebration Day," which the policy says should dedicate the majority of the school day to civics education and emphasize State Board of Education resources aligned with A.R.S. §§ 15-701 and 15-701.01.

Board members asked for practical clarification about what "majority of the day" looks like in elementary settings; Dr. McCord described it as integration across the school day and said department-level guidance and State Board resources will support teachers. "You integrate it throughout your curriculum," he said.

The board moved, seconded, and approved the first read on a voice vote. The first-reading approval does not itself adopt the final policy language; it advances the item through the district's policy process for a future second reading and final adoption.

The policy presentation referenced state education statutes and the district's social studies coordinator as sources of curricular alignment. A copy of the draft policy will be available to the board and the public ahead of the second reading and any final adoption vote.

What happened next: The board accepted the first reading of policy 5-201 and directed staff to proceed with the policy process and use State Board civics resources for classroom materials and teacher guidance.