Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Policy Updates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board advances first reading of policy package to align with Act 89
Summary
The board approved the first reading of multiple policy updates (policy numbers listed) to align district policy with state law (Act 89); administrators noted one deliberate local wording change to avoid disciplining staff for preexisting non'work relationships with students.
A board member moved to approve the first reading of a package of policy updates covering board member behavior, student supervision and welfare (several policy manuals), acceptable use of technology, social media, volunteers and reporting of child abuse and misconduct. The motion listed policy numbers including 0144.5, 1213, 3213, 4213, 7530.02, 7540.03, 7544, 8120 and 8462.
The District Administrator told the board the updates largely respond to a state law known in conversation as Act 89. "It's called act 89," she said, and acknowledged the statute is colloquially referred to as the "grooming law." The administrator said the district reviewed the model policy language and deliberately adjusted one definition to make clear that certain preexisting relationships (for example, a neighbor who dog'sits a child) would not automatically be treated as policy violations that could lead to discipline. Board members asked clarifying questions about defined terms ("guardians," "boundary") and the placement of language in the district'wide definitions policy. The board approved the first reading by voice vote, 4'00; the second reading will occur at the next meeting.
