High school guidance team explores apprenticeship at Erie Insurance for actuarial science students

The spotlight at the recent Pennsylvania School Board meeting was on a new apprenticeship opportunity for high school students in actuarial science, as the guidance team announced plans to take a select group to Erie Insurance this month. This initiative aims to provide students with hands-on experience and insight into potential career paths in a growing field.

In addition to this exciting opportunity, the board discussed several policy updates, particularly concerning discrimination and harassment. Two key policies, 1 0 3 and 1 0 4, were introduced for their first readings. These updates are in response to the recent changes in Title IX guidelines, reverting to 2020 standards. The revisions include updates to reporting forms, complaint procedures, and grievance processes, ensuring compliance with legal recommendations.

Another significant topic was the revised policy on the use of school facilities, which aims to clarify the fee structure for different categories of users. The board outlined four categories, ranging from school-sponsored organizations to for-profit entities, each with distinct fee schedules. However, concerns were raised about the affordability of these fees for community groups like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, which could limit their access to school facilities.

The discussion highlighted the need for a balance between generating revenue for facility upkeep and ensuring community organizations can afford to use school spaces. Board members acknowledged the challenges in categorizing organizations and the potential negative impact on local groups. They committed to further discussions to refine the policy and address these concerns.

As the meeting concluded, the board emphasized the importance of clear communication regarding facility use and insurance requirements, aiming to make the process more accessible for community organizations. The anticipated outcomes from these discussions will be revisited in future meetings, as the board seeks to create equitable policies that serve both the district's needs and the community's interests.