Ambridge board holds first readings on vaping/tobacco, public records and handbook expulsion updates

The Ambridge Area School District board held first readings of three policy updates during its meeting: revisions to tobacco and vaping policies for students and employees, updates to the district's public records policy, and a revision to the student handbook expulsion policy to align with the Pennsylvania School Code.

The board considered updates to Policy 222 (tobacco and vaping products) for students and Policy 323 (employee tobacco and vaping products). The recommended language removes product-specific references to JUUL and similar brand references that were previously included in policy language tied to litigation settlements and guidance from the Pennsylvania attorney general, according to the agenda item read into the record.

The board also reviewed Policy 801 (public records) as a first reading. The recommended update clarifies the district's responsibilities in responding to requests under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know law. Board materials provided to members outlined the proposed clarifications; no formal adoption occurred at the meeting because these were first readings.

Finally, the board reviewed a recommended amendment to the student handbook expulsion procedures for the 2024-25 school year to align handbook language with Pennsylvania School Code Section 1318. Meeting materials indicated the handbook policy already aligned in substance, and the handbook changes formalize that alignment.

Ending: These items were presented as first readings; the board did not take final votes on the policy changes during this meeting.