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Committee holds new dating-violence policy after extended discussion on reporting, training and age range
Summary
A proposed dating-violence policy (Policy 252) was read in full and discussed; the committee asked staff to revise reporting-chain language, clarify training and legal references and return the draft at a later date rather than posting it now.
The policy committee for the East Stroudsburg Area School District during its March 17, 2025 meeting reviewed a proposed new Policy 252, addressing dating violence. Committee members read the draft in full, discussed definitions and procedures, and agreed to revise the draft before moving it forward.
The proposed policy defines “dating partner” and “dating violence,” directs the district to investigate complaints promptly and requires the building principal to conduct an impartial investigation and prepare a written report summarizing findings and recommending disposition. The draft includes disciplinary consequences aligned with state law and board policy for students convicted or adjudicated of assault against another student.
Committee discussion focused on three areas: who is the appropriate initial reporting contact for students (examples discussed included guidance counselors, nurses, classroom teachers and the building principal); the scope and age range for dating-violence education (the draft references offering education in grades 9–12 and the committee asked staff to check Act 14 language limiting the high-school scope); and coordination with Title IX and discrimination/harassment procedures when allegations overlap. Members recommended developing an administrative regulation (AR 2-52) that would clarify reporting chains and procedures for staff and students.
Staff noted the draft recommends consulting at least one local domestic-violence or crisis program when developing curriculum and allows parents or guardians to examine instructional materials and request that a student be excused from the dating-violence education program. Committee members raised practical questions about discipline when a student is convicted of assault in another jurisdiction and about notifying parties while respecting privacy and legal rights; staff referenced state law that can require removal of a convicted student from the same school building when the victim attends that building.
After discussion the committee did not authorize posting Policy 252. Members asked staff to revise the reporting language, confirm statutory limits (including Act 14 references), develop supporting administrative procedures, and return the revised draft to the committee at a future meeting.
