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Board approves policy updates: moment of silence for 9/11 and clarified adult–student boundaries
Summary
Saucon Valley School Board approved combined revisions to leave policies, a new opening-exercises requirement to observe the 9/11 anniversary, and updated professional adult–student boundary guidance with references to Title I/IX coordination and Pregnancy Workers Act accommodations.
The Saucon Valley School Board approved several policy updates on March 11 after an overview by district staff. The package included revisions to policies 336 and 339 (uncompensated leave and personal necessity), policy 807 (opening exercises), and policy 824 (maintaining professional adult–student boundaries).
Staff explained that policies 336 and 339 were combined and revised to add language and legal citations to address situations where paid or unpaid leave may be part of an accommodation under the Pregnancy Workers Act. Policy 807 incorporates a new requirement from state law governing an annual moment of silence to observe the anniversary of Sept. 11. Policy 824 was revised to update language addressing discrimination and harassment and to reference coordination with Title I and Title IX coordinators; the revision also tightens guidance about acceptable electronic communication platforms for staff and coaches.
Board members asked for clarification about the scope of the boundaries policy, including whether ephemeral messaging apps such as Snapchat are permitted. Staff said district guidance directs staff to use district-approved platforms (the district's athletic communication tool, TeamSnap, was mentioned as an approved example) and that noncompliance could lead to discipline steps. Administrators said the revised policy will be pushed through the district's Navigate system and that staff and coaches must read and sign off on the updated policy.
The board approved the policy changes by voice vote. Administrators said the policy updates will be implemented with training and communications to coaches, advisers and staff.
