Hatboro-Horsham policy committee advances 10 policy revisions for first read; adds veteran diploma provision and updates transportation, personnel rules

At the Hatboro-Horsham School District work session on Sept. 15, the policy committee reviewed proposed revisions to 10 existing district policies and directed administration to place each policy on the next business meeting'agenda for a first read.

The policies reviewed were presented as updates rather than new policies. Administrators said the changes were intended to align district language with state standards, clarify operational procedures and codify existing practices.

Key policy changes and committee direction

- Academic standards (Policy 102) and Curriculum (Policy 105): Revisions reflect Pennsylvania'level updates for 2025'26, including more explicit language for English language arts (reading, writing, speaking and listening) and adjustments tied to updated state science standards. The policy committee discussed removing "world languages" from the district policy text because that requirement is no longer codified in state standards; administrators said removal is a technical alignment and does not reflect removal of programming.

- Diabetes management (Policy 209.2): The policy adds a definition for "trained diabetes personnel" (nonlicensed school employees trained by a licensed health care practitioner under state guidance). Administrators said the district would not anticipate using that flexibility while licensed school nurses staff buildings but added the language to provide options if staffing circumstances change. The policy also codifies a diabetes fact sheet to be available on the district website and at first- and sixth-grade enrollment.

- Graduation (Policy 217): A new "eligible veteran" provision would allow the board to grant diplomas to honorably discharged veterans who left high school to serve during wartime. Administrators said residency at the time of enlistment or afterward is among eligibility conditions described in the proposed wording.

- Employment clearances (Policy 304 / 03/2004): The revision memorializes the district's long'standing practice of requiring criminal clearances dated within one year prior to the date of hire rather than relying on older clearances. Administrators contrasted the proposed one'year practice with the state'level 60'month language and said the tighter window helps ensure more current information at hiring.

- Physical examinations (Policy 314): The policy expands the list of practitioners who may conduct pre'employment physicals to include physician assistants and nurse practitioners, clarifies a tuberculosis screening requirement to be within 90 days of hire, and retains the board's authority to require fitness'for'duty exams during employment when appropriate.

- Personnel files (Policy 324): The district intends to convert employee personnel files to electronic format for 2025'26. Administrators said the conversion does not change file contents and that digital retention and certified disposal procedures will be followed. The appeals process language was clarified to route appeals to the director of human resources, and staff agreed to consider adding an explicit process for employees to request materials be added to their files.

- Job'related expenses (Policy 331): Revisions formalize use of the IRS mileage reimbursement rate and remove a requirement for employees to provide proof of personal liability insurance, a deletion administrators said was made after consultation with the district's liability broker and because Pennsylvania law already requires personal auto insurance.

- Transportation (Policy 810): The policy now defines a "covered driver" as anyone using a district vehicle (not just bus/van drivers), codifies the practice of providing policy information when employees use district vehicles, and clarifies that employees are not permitted to transport students in personal vehicles. Committee members asked for reordering of one clause for clarity; administrators agreed to consider that revision.

- Conflict of interest (Policy 827): Revisions add specific definitions consistent with recent federal uniform guidance; the policy clarifies prohibited honoraria for board members or employees and codifies protections and notice procedures for employees who report perceived or actual conflicts. Committee members asked whether the nonretaliation language overlaps with the district's whistleblower protections; administrators said the provisions are related but distinct.

Committee action

For each policy discussed the committee moved to place the revision on the board'meeting agenda for a first read at the next public meeting. The committee discussion included clarifying questions and agreement to adjust wording in places where language could cause confusion (for example, clarifying that the board does not "establish" state academic standards but adopts curriculum that addresses state standards).

No final adoptions were made at the work session; each item was referred for formal first'reading and subsequent consideration at the district's next meetings.

Meeting close

At the end of the meeting board member Susan Hunsinger Hough moved to adjourn; Theresa Brown seconded and the voice vote was recorded in favor. The meeting was adjourned.