Jan 20th – Policy Committee Meeting Recap
The TL;DR
-
Stricter Truancy Rules: The district is implementing state-mandated attendance changes, including a “transfer ban” to cyber schools for habitually truant students.
-
AI Policy Advances: A new policy governing Generative AI in the classroom is moving to a final vote, relying on existing codes of conduct to handle misuse.
-
Agenda Transparency: The board is adjusting meeting protocols to ensure the public hears committee reports before the consent agenda is voted upon.
The Big Vote:
Generative AI in Education (Policy 815.1) The committee moved forward with Proposed Policy 815.1, which specifically addresses the use of generative artificial intelligence in the district. While the policy has been under review for some time, officials clarified that it essentially “kicks back” to existing policies regarding bullying, harassment, and academic integrity. Committee members expressed comfort with the draft, noting that it will likely be a “working policy” that evolves alongside the technology. It is now headed to the full board for a second read and vote.
Public Comment Highlights
Note: This specific committee meeting transcript did not record individual speakers from the public, though board members referenced ongoing community discussions on Facebook regarding truancy enforcement and district leadership.
Financial Update
While no major budget resolutions were passed, the board discussed Policy 805.2, noting the district’s success in securing PCCD (Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency) grants to fund safety and security efforts. Additionally, the board noted that new state laws now prohibit students from transferring to cyber charter schools mid-year if they are habitually truant—a move that carries significant financial implications for district tuition payments.
Other Business
-
Truancy Notification Shake-up: Board members pushed for “plain language” and more “forceful” communication with parents regarding new attendance laws, with some suggesting the use of colored paper to ensure notices aren’t ignored.
-
Parental Rights & Instruction: The board opted to keep a provision in Policy 1502 that places the responsibility on students and parents to request excusal from specific lessons (such as dissections) rather than placing the total burden on teachers to track every individual objection.
-
Social Media Scrutiny: Updates to Policy 816 clarify that school directors’ social media posts regarding district business—even on private pages—may be considered public records subject to “Right to Know” requests.
-
Cell Phone Ban Discussion: The committee discussed Senate Bill 1014, a proposed state law that would prohibit cell phone use from “bell to bell” in public schools. While no local action was taken, board members expressed support for the potential mental health benefits of distancing students from devices during the day.
Next Meeting: A Saturday training session for the four new school board directors was mentioned for the upcoming weekend, with the next voting meeting typically following the committee cycle.
