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Policy committee reviews PSBA-recommended changes including STEAL science standards, extracurricular access and NIL rules
Summary
The Shippensburg Area School District policy committee presented multiple recommended updates from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), including adding STEAL science standards to academic policy and creating an equal‑access policy for non‑board‑sponsored student groups.
The Shippensburg Area School District policy committee presented multiple recommended updates from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) for the board’s review.
"The first policy that we have to look at tonight is policy 102, and that policy is all about academic standards," the presenter said, explaining the single substantive addition: the STEAL science standards. "STEAL stands for science, technology, engineering, environmental literacy, and sustainability," the presenter said, and the committee recommended adding those standards to the authority section for 2025–26.
The presenter reviewed several related changes. Policy 122 (extracurricular activities) was revised to refine the definition of extracurricular activities (to include athletic activities sponsored or approved by the board and conducted wholly or partly outside the regular school day) and to add eligibility language (attendance, academic eligibility, conduct) and a cross-reference to the district’s student-discipline policy. A new policy, 122.1, would establish equal access for non‑school‑sponsored student groups to meet on district property during noninstructional time, subject to limitations; the presenter said the new policy is intended to permit student groups that are not yet board‑approved to use district facilities.
The committee also recommended updates to Policy 123 (interscholastic athletics) to align with PIAA bylaws, including clarifying the role of a licensed physician in preparticipation physicals and adding a section addressing name, image and likeness (NIL) activity. The presenter said the NIL language mirrors PIAA rules: student-athletes may use their name/image/likeness for permissible activities, but must notify the building principal or athletic director within 72 hours of entering into any NIL contract; notification is not district approval.
Two nursing-related policies were discussed as required administrative updates: Policy 209.3 will include a Department of Health type‑1 diabetes fact sheet for incoming elementary students and students entering grade six, and Policy 210.1 will expand the policy on epinephrine auto‑injectors to permit training and administration of emergency inhalers for field trips and swimming, under district training and indemnification terms.
Presenters noted the policy changes are PSBA recommendations intended to bring district policies into alignment with current state guidance and PIAA bylaws. Several board members asked clarifying questions (for example, about whether extracurricular clubs meeting during part of the school day remain categorized as extracurricular) and the athletic director was consulted for the NIL language. The policies were presented for board review; no final board votes on the policies were recorded in the meeting minutes portion of the transcript.
Ending: Staff said detailed policy language is in the packet and flagged the new 122.1 equal‑access policy for future board consideration.
