The Great Valley School Board voted unanimously on consent, personnel and facilities items at its January meeting but referred a proposed revision to the district’s gifts-and-donations policy back to the policy committee after extended discussion about donated books and book fairs.

A motion to approve the consent agenda (items 801–823) passed 9–0. Board members noted the only change to the consent packet was removal of a sound-system quote; that work was considered separately under facilities.

Personnel actions, including the formal appointment of Dr. Sharon Cohen as principal of Great Valley Middle School and the hiring of a director of communications (Theresa Madsen, pending successful personnel approval) and a new HR supervisor (Caitlin Edwards), were approved 9–0.

Under policies, the board considered a first reading of Policy 1101, which included a revised gifts-and-donations policy (Policy 702). Board members and administrators discussed practical and legal questions about accepting donated books, classroom wish lists and Scholastic-style book fairs. Administrators said the policy’s current language is intended to protect staff time and ensure donated instructional materials are vetted by literacy and library specialists before acceptance. The solicitor and administration noted that donations of funds (rather than items) are often easier for the district to manage because donated items require vetting for appropriateness and compatibility with district curriculum.

After back-and-forth among board members, one board member amended the motion to approve the first reading of the policies with an exception for Policy 702; the amendment directed the gifts-and-donations policy back to the policy committee for further wording and clarification. That amended motion carried 9–0.

Facilities quotes for new sound systems at the middle school and Charlestown (agenda item 1301) were approved 9–0; administrators said the equipment will improve school productions and assemblies.

The meeting concluded without public speakers and the board adjourned unanimously.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda (Items 801–823): Approved — outcome: approved; tally: yes 9, no 0.
- Personnel (Items 10001 and 10002): Approved — outcome: approved; tally: yes 9, no 0. Appointments: Dr. Sharon Cohen (principal, Great Valley Middle School) — confirmed; Theresa Madsen (director of communications) — approved pending start date; Caitlin Edwards (HR supervisor) — approved.
- Policies (First reading, 1101): Motion amended to approve the first reading except Policy 702 (gifts and donations) which was sent back to policy committee for revision — outcome: approved (amended); tally: yes 9, no 0; note: Policy 702 not approved and will return to committee.
- Facilities (1301, sound-system quotes): Approved — outcome: approved; tally: yes 9, no 0.

Board members emphasized a desire to preserve book-fair and teacher-wish-list practices that benefit classrooms while also protecting staff time and ensuring donated instructional materials meet curricular standards. The policy committee will revisit Policy 702 wording and return language to the board for future consideration.