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Board approves first reading of revised policy 308 after debate over resignation and safety oversight
Summary
The Hatboro‑Horsham board voted 6–3 on Jan. 27 to approve the first reading of revised policy 308, which changes how the district handles employment contract board resolutions and the acceptance of resignations. Some board members raised concerns about reduced board involvement in decisions that could affect student safety.
The Hatboro‑Horsham School District Board of School Directors approved the first reading of revised policy 308 (employment contract/board resolution) by a 6–3 roll call vote at its Jan. 27 meeting after an extended discussion about oversight and student safety.
The policy revision was presented as a committee recommendation at the meeting. Several board members expressed concern that language in the revision could limit board review of resignations and potentially allow employees who had not been terminated to avoid further scrutiny. One board member said removing board involvement "does not support the safety of our students" and warned that allowing resignations in place of terminations could give "bad actors" opportunities to repeat misconduct. The comment was made during the public discussion portion of the policy item; the transcript does not attribute it to a specific board member by full name for that remark.
District administration and legal counsel responded that the administration retains responsibilities to notify appropriate authorities — including child protective services (child line) or law enforcement — when incidents are reported, and that the board continues to have the final vote on termination or resignation approvals. The administration said it would not, in practice, allow an employee who endangered a child to resign without the matter being forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
The motion to advance the first reading of policy 308 was made by David Brown and seconded by Susan Hunsinger Hoff. The roll call recorded the following votes: Theresa Brown — approve; Tara Connor Halston — no; Susan Hunsinger Hoff — yes; Maggie Kissner — no; DJ Schultz — yes; Aaron Stroup — yes; Aaron Whelan — no; David Brown — yes; Jennifer Wilson — yes. The motion carried 6–3.
The policy was discussed at length during the meeting; one board member asked why the language was not reworked after prior meetings and referenced email communication that had occurred among members. Administrators indicated that the policy lists circumstances under which a resignation could be accepted and that the administration has duties to inform the board and to report incidents when required by law.
Ending: The policy 308 revision passed first reading and will return to the board for a second reading and final adoption at the Feb. 24 meeting, per the policy committee timeline.
