Subcommittee recommends adding coach/designee authority and parent notification to student-search policy

The Conewago Valley School District Board policy subcommittee on April 2 discussed revisions to Policy 02/26, “Searches,” and voted to send two recommended changes to legal review before returning the policy to the full board.

The subcommittee recommended adding language to allow the administration to designate trained activity advisors or coaches to act under the direction of administration for searches in district-related activities or events when an administrator is not physically present, and to add a requirement that an attempt be made to contact a student’s parent or guardian prior to any search involving removal of undergarments or examination beneath undergarments, with solicitor consultation required first.

The changes were presented by district staff and discussed at length by board members and administrators. Dr. Perry, the superintendent, described current practice and training: "This policy was originally approved 08/13/2018 ... administration is recommending that we add language after the word administration, the board authorizes the administration or designee ... such as activity…