Policy committee authorizes posting of multiple East Stroudsburg Area SD policy updates, including instruction exemptions and bereavement leave

The policy committee of the East Stroudsburg Area School District voted to authorize posting a package of revised policies for public comment, the committee recorded at its meeting on Dec. 15. Committee members approved the action by voice vote, with three members recorded present and one absent.

The package includes a revised Policy 105.2 on exemptions from instruction that clarifies how students may be excused when specific classroom instruction conflicts with a "sincerely held religious and or moral" belief. An unnamed presenter read the draft language, which says the superintendent or designee must notify parents and guardians at least annually and after substantive changes and that students aged 18 or older may request excusal. The draft requires a written request stating the reason for the excusal and says students who decline will be assigned an alternative education project. "Students…