Policy Committee

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:   October 20, 2025 @ 5:30 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:     Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Rd., Spring Grove, PA

School Board committee members in attendance: Karen Baum (Committee Chair), Eric Barshinger, Doug Stein, Nicole Wilson

School Board committee members absent: n/a

Other School Board members in attendance:  n/a

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance: Dr. David Renaut, Acting Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

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A Policy Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, September 22, 2025.  Karen Baum called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM. 

Background information was presented for board committee members’ consideration prior to brief discussion related to the following Board Policies: 

• Policy #815.2 – Responsible Artificial Intelligence – Proposed New Policy
• Policy #823 – Naloxone Administration and Storage – Proposed Revisions to Language and Title
  • Proposed Administrative Regulation that indicates district staff members’ responsible “implementation” of policy, including step-by-step instructions and a list of trained staff members.

Chris Enck, along with the following members of the AI committee, were introduced to share a presentation to support the proposed AI policy: Phalon Mallory, Ryan Lehman, Kyle Sprenkle, Catrina Frey, Kim Dunlap, Caitlin Beegle, Brent Barge, Kristen Henning, and Missy Pitzer. 

Enck stated the importance of going through the process and background supporting proposed language. Committee members also spoke to the importance of educating students on how to use AI and what to look for to determine what is fake and what is not fake.  Currently, students cannot access AI on district devices; however, they are going home and using AI on their personal devices.  Phalon Mallory commented that as principal, she sees plagiarism at a whole new level. 

Sprenkle reported his hesitation with using AI in the classroom initially as a high school teacher and his change in thinking after seeing how it can expand and challenge students’ ideas.  By teaching students how to use it, teachers and students are both learning.  Proper use cannot be assumed for either group.  Beegle agreed, noting that a policy can help to establish and set clear expectations. 

Current applications on district devices adhere to AI companies’ privacy policies.  Henning stated that Instructional Technology Specialists check software programs to see what AI may be available to students and at differing levels.  Henning believes AI literacy, teaching students how to be safe and responsible, will look different at different levels.

Enck reported that when speaking with students about AI, they were engaged and curious, and they were interested in what other districts are doing much the same as teachers.  They questioned if the district is going to facilitate a class.  When speaking with parents about developing a policy for AI, it was what he did not hear that was surprising:  He did not hear “no” – or – “I don’t want my child learning about AI.”

Given the generality of the proposed policy language, Barshinger questioned the goal of creating a policy that does not define how someone is held accountable.  Enck responded that it is the district’s intention to teach teachers and students how to use it effectively, and, as things evolve, make sure staff are kept up to date.  Teachers have gone through two professional development series on AI, and a third is scheduled.

Wilson expressed concern about students relying on the AI tool.  She questioned establishing boundaries and how AI will be evaluated.  Enck responded that when talking about AI tools, committee members are not referring to chatgpt.  Guadagnino added that the policy does not introduce students to a program into which they feed information to extract a final product.  It would only allow for students to use a new set of tools.  Assessing students on their individual level will remain face to face. 

Pitzer stated fourth grade teachers are using AI as a tool to develop lessons.  Enck added that members of the AI committee are considering and developing lesson plans for reviewing with students on a regular basis.  A policy is needed for moving forward with these intentions.  There are a lot of unknowns at this point, and a policy will create a safe place for students to learn and teachers to grow. 

Renaut commented that an AI policy is the beginning of a process and states that the “designee” develops parameters, writes implementation, etc.  This would be an Administrative Regulation that outlines the nuts and bolts yet to come.  Nine districts have already implemented a policy in York County.  Enck noted that Spring Grove is the only district that looked at two different policies and took the best of information from both.  At this point, the proposed draft has been assembled by the committee that is making a recommendation to move forward and get things started so we don’t fall behind as a district. 

Next steps include a discussion with the full board at the November 10^th Directors’ Study Forum.  Barshinger requested a chart outlining what each section of the policy will look like when rolling it out to teachers be included with the draft policy on that agenda.  The AI committee and technology team will begin working on the chart to provide as much detail as possible.   

Baum presented the draft changes to Policy #823.  Suggested updates included a title change and definition revisions.  The response steps and list of roles of varying district staff and administrators trained to administer the naloxone, expanded to include athletic trainers and/or other assigned individuals who cover activities and events after regular school hours, were suggested to become part of Administrative Regulation rather than including in policy.  Background information will provide a summary to the Policy Committee’s recommendations, and the policy will move forward for the full board’s review at the November 10^th Directors’ Study Forum.

Policies in the Queue for Consideration (Subject to Change)

• Policy #317 – Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures
• Policy #317.1 – Educator Misconduct
• Policy #320 – Freedom of Speech by Employees
• Policy #718 – Service Animals in Schools

Baum adjourned the meeting at 6:49 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

BOARD POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, October 20, 2025, 5:30 PM
Middle School / LGI Room #241
244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

Agenda

I.             Call to Order, Karen Baum

II.            Policies for Review / Discussion

• Background Information
  • Policy #815.2 – Responsible Artificial Intelligence – Proposed New Policy
    • Presentation from District-led AI Committee
       
  • Policy #823 – Naloxone Administration and Storage – Proposed Revisions to Language and Title
    • Proposed Administrative Regulation that indicates district staff members’ responsible “implementation” of policy, including step-by-step instructions and a list of trained staff members.

III.          Policies in the Queue for Consideration (Currently under review by administration and solicitor, and subject to Change)

• Policy #317 – Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures
• Policy #317.1 – Educator Misconduct
• Policy #320 – Freedom of Speech by Employees
• Policy #718 – Service Animals in Schools

IV.          Wrap-up / Next Steps

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:   September 22, 2025 @ 5:30 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:    Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Rd., Spring Grove, PA

School Board committee members in attendance: Karen Baum (Committee Chair), Eric Barshinger, Nicole Wilson

School Board committee members absent: Doug Stein

Other School Board members in attendance:  n/a

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance: Dr. David Renaut, Acting Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Ludwig, Mark Czapp, Business Manager/Board Secretary, Bill Stiles, Facilities Manager, Hope Weiss, HR Director, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

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A Policy Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, September 22, 2025.  Karen Baum called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. 

Background information was presented for board committee members’ consideration prior to brief discussion related to proposed revisions for the following Board Policies: 

#005 - Organization – It is recommended that current board policy 005 be retired and language of the proposed new policy be considered in its place. Committee consensus was to move the draft changes forward to the next DSF for consideration.  Mark Czapp will gather and provide more background information from a recent US Court of Appeals decision that prompted proposed changes. 

#200 - Enrollment and  #202 - Eligibility of Non-Resident Student(s) – Michelle Ludwig provided background information related to Act 67 of 2024 amending School Code and explained processes in place for disenrolling students due to non-residency and/or homelessness. Both draft policies will move forward to the next DSF.

#308 - Employment Contract / Board Resolution – Hope Weiss commented on the proposed title change and language to address provisions in School Code related to the resignation of employees.  Consensus was to seek clarification regarding the section addressing contracted staff and include a brief explanation when presenting the draft at the next DSF.

#607 - Tuition Income – Consensus was to move the draft forward to the next DSF.  Under the existing policy, non-resident students are ineligible to pay tuition to participate in the district’s current in-person and/or SGFlex programs. Though Dr. Guadagnino does not believe there would be interest, as Dr. Dietrich moves forward with evaluating the SGFlex program, allowing for other districts to pay tuition for non-resident students to participate in a future cyber program could be considered.  The policy could be revisited at that time. Barshinger announced his interest in being part of Dr. Dietrich’s initiative. Steps for requesting approval of a full-blown district-operated cyber/charter program have not been considered. 

#805.2 - School Security Personnel – School Law was updated to require at least one full-time school security personnel, prompting an update to existing language to reflect the change.  The draft will move forward to the next DSF.

Policies in the Queue for Consideration (Subject to Change)

#823 –Suggested updates to policy title, definitions, and the role of district staff and administrators are currently under review by Saxton and Stump.  Input from committee members included training to administer naloxone for athletic trainers and/or other assigned individuals who cover activities and events after regular school hours be considered. Administration will investigate and consider before bringing the policy to committee at the next scheduled meeting.

#815.2 - AI – A first draft of the new proposed policy was developed by a designated AI committee, led by Chris Enck.  The draft was reviewed by Saxton and Stump.  Consensus of the committee was to have Enck and members of the AI committee present on the process and resources used to develop the proposed policy at the next scheduled committee meeting.  The presentation should be approximately ten minutes, with a time for questions and answers thereafter. 

Baum adjourned the meeting at 6:39 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

BOARD POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, September 22, 2025, 5:30 PM
Middle School / LGI Room #241
244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA

Agenda 

I.             Call to Order, Karen Baum

II.            Policies for Review / Discussion

• Background Information
• Proposed Revisions to Existing Policies
  • #005- Organization
  • #200 - Enrollment
  • #202 - Eligibility of Non-Resident Student(s)
  • #308 - Employment Contract / Board Resolution
  • #607 - Tuition Income
  • #805.2 - School Security Personnel

III.          Policies in the Queue for Consideration (Subject to Change)

• #815.2 - AI – First Draft of New Policy, reviewed by Saxton and Stump
• #823 - Opioid Antagonist – Updates currently with Saxton and Stump for review

IV.          Wrap-up / Next Steps

V.           Adjournment

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

 

DATE/TIME of MEETING:   July 28, 2025 @ 5:30 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:    Educational Service Center, 100 E. College Ave., Spring Grove, PA

School Board committee members in attendance: Eric Barshinger (Interim Chair), Nicole Wilson

School Board committee members absent: Karen Baum (Committee Chair), Doug Stein

Other School Board members in attendance:  n/a

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance: Dr. Joseph Bradley, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

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A Policy Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, July 28, 2025.  Barshinger called the meeting to order at 5:34 PM in the absence of Karen Baum, who was absent due to a conflict at the last minute. 

Background information was reviewed for proposed new policies and minor revisions to existing policies: Policy #006.2 – Board Committees (NEW); Policy #234 – Pregnant/Parenting/Married Students (NEW); Policy #615 – Payroll Deductions; and Policy #622 – GASB Statement 34.  Minor revisions to terminology only included Policy #113.1 – Discipline of Students with Disabilities; Policy #113.2 – Behavior Support; Policy #236.1 – Threat Assessment; and Policy #254 – Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

Bradley presented comments related to proposed new policy #006.2, Board Committees.  Barshinger had questioned proposed language from an earlier draft that was shared with the full board for consideration. Information from Saxton and Stump responding to those questions was reviewed and resulted in additional changes/recommendations included when moving forward for the full board’s review and consideration at a future discussion (DSF) meeting, including public participation - defined and duplicated from what is included in existing board policy #903.  Committee chairpersons should be consistent in how they extend opportunity to the public to provide comment.

At the August 23^rd Board Retreat, committee members requested that a portion of the agenda be dedicated to a workshop discussing Board Committees and the policy governing their functions. 

Consensus was to recommend all policies be presented to the Board President for inclusion on the August 11^th DSF Agenda so the full Board can review and discuss.

As the result of the Board’s recent action to change the Director of Business Operations position to a contracted Business Manager position, committee members consented to recommending a board action to change all relevant policies and update the position title. 

Several policies are currently in the queue for future Policy Committee consideration.  Consensus was for the Board Recording Secretary to reach out to Saxton and Stump for legal counsel on proposed revisions.

Barshinger adjourned the meeting at 6:42 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

 

BOARD POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, July 28, 2025, 5:30 PM
Educational Services Center / Board Room
100 East College Avenue, Spring Grove, PA

Agenda

I.               Call to Order, Karen Baum

II.            Policies for Review / Discussion

• Background Information (with links to DRAFT policies)
   
• Proposed New Policies / Minor Revisions to Existing Policies
  • Policy #006.2 – Board Committees (NEW) 
  • Policy #234 – Pregnant/Parenting/Married Students (NEW)
  • Policy #615 – Payroll Deductions
  • Policy #622 – GASB Statement 34

• Minor Revisions to Terminology Only
  • Policy #113.1 – Discipline of Students with Disabilities
  • Policy #113.2 – Behavior Support
  • Policy #236.1 – Threat Assessment
  • Policy #254 – Educational Opportunity for Military Children

III.          Board Action to Update Board Policies

• Position terminology revision FROM Director of Business Operations TO Business Manager

IV.          Policies in the Queue for Consideration

• Policies #005, #202, #308, #607, #805.2, #823 (see background information)
• Consider Date for Next Policy Committee Meeting

V.             Wrap-up / Next Steps

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING: May 12, 2025 @ 4:00 PM

LOCATION of MEETING: Educational Service Center, 100 E. College Ave., Spring Grove, PA

The following School Directors were in attendance:  Karen Baum (Chair), Eric Barshinger, Rodney Shearer, Doug Stein, Nicole Wilson

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance:  Dr. Joseph Bradley, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Mark Czapp, Director of Business Operations / Board Secretary, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

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A Policy Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Monday, May 12, 2025.  Karen Baum called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.  The purpose of the committee meeting was to review five policies and determine if they will move forward.

Background Information on proposed new policies and revisions was distributed.

Policy #006 was presented for review to consider recording public board meetings.  This proposal is the result of requests by board and community members.  There is no cost to make the change.  The livestreamed meetings would be recorded and uploaded to YouTube.  Committee members were in favor of recording meetings and discussed whether to recommend a board action to waive policy, forego a first and second reading, and adopt the policy revision at the next voting meeting, or recommend a board action to record and post the next voting meeting, preserve the integrity and protocol for approving policy changes, and present the proposed revision to Policy #006 at the June 9^th DSF.  The committee chair will suggest the latter to the board president for action May 19^th to preserve the policy approval process.  The administration will confirm the timeframe for the link to be made public and be posted to the website. 

Policy #006.2 was presented for review and discussion.  The purpose of board committees is to have those members do research and consider what moves forward to the full board at the next discussion meeting.  Attendees discussed the value of the policy and committees vs. having presentations by the administration to the full board during DSF meetings per past practice.  Existing Organization Policy #005 states the function of committees.  The proposed new policy more clearly defines committee structure and process.  The consensus of board attendees was to direct the administration to seek legal counsel for a comparison of existing language in policy #005 and proposed policy #006.2, and a recommendation for next steps. 

Policy #146.1 was presented for review.  The proposed new policy was presented in the fall of 2024 and placed on hold at the request of the board.  Dr. Ludwig, Director of Pupil Services, stated that PDE has taken a large stance on Trauma Informed Care.  The district’s most recent comprehensive plan, updated teacher induction plan, ALICE training, etc., all include trauma informed practices as required.  The new policy supports those practices.  The committee directed the administration to send on to legal counsel for review and to bring back to the full board at the June 9^th DSF.

Policy #707 was presented for review.  Questions arose regarding no smoking / tobacco-free campus signage.  Mark Czapp will work with Bill Stiles to determine what signage is currently on campus and bring an update to the board.  The proposed policy restricts district buildings to be used as polling stations.  Existing policy 707 would be retired and portions of existing language incorporated into an administrative regulation to preserve processes.  The committee directed the administration to send on to legal counsel for review and to bring back to the full board at the June 9^th DSF.

Policy #904 was presented for review.  Questions again arose regarding no smoking signage and dogs on campus.  Czapp will follow up with Bill Stiles and report back to the board.  The committee directed the administration to send on to legal counsel for review and to bring back to the full board at the June 9^th DSF.

Baum adjourned the meeting at 5:35 PM.

Respectfully Submitted, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

BOARD POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Monday, May 5, 2025, 4:00 PM
Educational Services Center / Board Room
100 East College Avenue, Spring Grove, PA

Agenda

I.                Call to Order, Karen Baum

II.             Policies for Review / Discussion

• Background Information on Proposed New Policies and Revisions

o   Policy #006

o   Policy #006.2

o   Policy #146.1

o   Policy #707

o   Policy #904

III.           Wrap-up / Next Steps

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

DATE/TIME of MEETING:   February 26, 2025 @ 3:00 PM

LOCATION of MEETING:    Educational Service Center, 100 E. College Ave., Spring Grove, PA

The following School Directors were in attendance:  Karen Baum, Doug Stein

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance:  Dr. Joseph Bradley, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Mark Czapp, Director of Business Operations / Board Secretary, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

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A Policy Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area Board of School Directors was held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.  Karen Baum called the meeting to order at 3:01 PM. 

Baum presented revisions proposed to Policy #239, Foreign Exchange Students, for review. The policy was recommended for revision because of a request to add opportunity for foreign exchange students to be considered for one semester only, including the second semester of the school year.  The high school supports the request and recommendation for policy revision.  

Revisions proposed to Policy #803 were reviewed.  The last time the policy was updated was 2005.  Act 56 of 2023 created a new section of School Code addressing school instructional time to provide a minimum of hours or days of instruction and giving flexibility when creating the school calendar (for student days).

Revisions proposed to Policy #909 were reviewed.  The last time the policy was updated was 1995.  With changes in language related to law enforcement agencies, internal review and recommendations resulted in additional updates to policy language to bring current.

New Policy #005.1, Board Committees, was reviewed.  The policy was borne out of a professional development workshop on Board Committees facilitated by Attorney Gareth Pahowka in late 2024.  Pahowka presented a sample policy from Shippensburg School District at that time and reworked the template to provide the proposed draft for relevancy to Spring Grove.     

Baum stated that she collected feedback from the two committee members who were not present, neither of whom indicated support of the proposed draft. 

Stein presented concern that things presented in committee meetings are not proving to streamline information and can tend to remove the opportunity for full transparency to the public. 

Baum and Stein concurred that three of the four policies be presented for review and consideration by the full Board with March 10, 2025, Director’s Study Forum agenda items.  Their consensus was to place a hold on proposed new policy #005.1.

Baum adjourned the meeting at 3:33 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

BOARD POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 3:00 PM
Educational Services Center
100 East College Avenue, Spring Grove / ESC Board Room

 

Agenda

 

I.               Call to Order, Karen Baum

II.            Policy #005.1, DRAFT – BOARD COMMITTEES

a.     Proposed New Policy

b.     Change numbering to #006.1 to align with #005, meetings 

III.          Policy #239, DRAFT – FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS

a.     Proposed Revisions

b.     To allow for enrollment during second semester only

IV.           Policy #803, DRAFT – SCHOOL CALENDAR

a.     Proposed Revisions

b.     Outdated Policy

V.             Policy #909, DRAFT – MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

a.     Proposed Revisions

b.     Outdated Policy

VI.          Tentative Policies in the Queue

VII.        Wrap-up / Next Steps

     

BOARD POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors
Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 6:00 PM
Educational Services Center
100 East College Avenue, Spring Grove / ESC Board Room

Agenda

I.                 Confirm Attendees

II.              Background to Proposed Changes

III.           Proposed Policy Revisions / LINK TO FOLDER

a.      Finances / Business Related:

• #702 – Gifts / Grants / Donations
• #228 – Student Government
• #618 – Special Purpose Funds

b.      Board / Board Governance Related:

• #003 – Functions
• #011 – Board Governance / Standards for Code of Conduct

c.      Program Related

• #122 – Extracurricular Activities

IV.            Tentative Policies in the Queue

a.      To be reviewed internally and shared with Stock and Leader for Legal Opinion before presenting to Policy Committee

• Whistleblower Policy (related to fraud)
• Policies associated with Records Management (storage, retention, destruction)

V.               Wrap-up / Next Steps

a.      Include listed policies with September 11^th DSF Agenda items for review and discussion

b.      Include listed policies with September 25^th Regular Voting Agenda action items, recommending approval of a First Reading

c.      Include listed policies with October 23^rd Regular Voting Agenda action items, recommending approval of a Second and Final Reading

d.      2023-2024 continued implementation, in compliance with approved policy changes

                       

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT 
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS 
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING 

DATE/TIME of MEETING: August 30, 2023 @ 6:00 PM 

LOCATION of MEETING: Educational Services Center, 100 East College Avenue, Spring Grove, PA 

The following School Directors were in attendance: Karen Baum, Nicole Wilson, Dave Trettel 

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance: Dr. George W. Ioannidis, Superintendent, Mark Czapp, Director of Business Operations, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary 

A Policy Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors was held on Wednesday, August 28, 2023. Karen Baum called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM. 

PROPOSED POLICY REVISIONS 

Dr. Ioannidis and Mark Czapp presented proposed revisions the following Finances / Business Related policies: 

• #702 – Gifts / Grants / Donations 
• #228 – Student Government 
• #618 – Special Purpose Funds 

Ioannidis reported that the impetus to the proposed revisions was due to an internal review by the Business Office. Recommended language removes details no longer relevant and includes language clarifying requirements associated with financial actions of staff and students within the school district. 

Ioannidis shared proposed revisions to the following Board / Board Governance related policies: 

• #003 – Functions 
• #011 – Board Governance / Standards for Code of Conduct 

The proposed revision to #003 is suggested for greater definition of expected conduct by a board member in the event of a request to visit school buildings during the school day. Proposed revisions to #011 are a result of a recommendation by PSBA and updates to the Principles of Governance of the School Board. Policy #011 is recommended but not statutorily required. 

Ioannidis presented proposed revisions to Program Related policy: 

• #122 – Extracurricular Activities 

Proposed revisions to #122 are presented to better define extracurricular activities vs. co-curricular activities and is recommended in light of new opportunities available to home educated students. 

TENTATIVE POLICIES IN THE QUEUE 

Policies to be reviewed internally and shared with Stock and Leader for legal opinion include the following: 

• Whistleblower Policy (related to fraud) 
• Policies associated with Records Management (storage, retention, destruction) 

Mrs. Baum will be asked to indicate if a Policy Committee Meeting will be necessary before presenting tentative policies in the queue to board members. 

WRAP-UP / NEXT STEPS 

Policies discussed at this evening’s committee meeting will be included on the September 11, 2023, Directors’ Study Forum Agenda for review and discussion. A first reading is tentatively scheduled for September 25, 2023, at the Regular Voting Meeting, with a second and final reading expected with October 23, 2023, Regular Voting Meeting actions. 

The meeting concluded at 6:57 PM. 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY: 

Suzanne E. Sterner, Board Recording Secretary 

A meeting of the Spring Grove Area School Board Policy Committee will take place at 5:30 PM in LGI Room #242 at the Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, prior to the Voting/DSF Meeting.  This is a public meeting.  The meeting will not be live streamed.

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BOARD POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors

Monday, June 12, 2023, 5:30 PM
Spring Grove Area Middle School
244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove / LGI Room #242 / Enter at Door #15

Agenda
I. Confirm Attendees

II. Background / Legislative Changes

a. Homelessness / Foster Care / Educational Instability (PSBA/PNN)
b. Homeschool Programming (PSBA/PNN)

III. Proposed Policy Revisions / Homelessness

a. Policy #251 – Students Experiencing Homelessness, Foster Care and Other Educational Instability
b. Policy #200 – Enrollment of Students
c. Policy #202 – Eligibility of Nonresident Students
d. Policy #204 – Attendance
e. Policy #217 – Graduation
f. Policy #221 – Dress and Grooming
g. Policy #255 – Retire Policy (language included with proposed revisions to #251)

IV. Proposed Policy Revisions / Home Education

a. Policy #137 – Home Education Programs

V. Proposed New Policies / Home Education Students’ Participation Opportunities

a. Policy #137.1 – Extracurricular Participation by Home Education Students
b. Policy #137.2 – Participation in Co-curricular Activities and Academic Courses by Home Education Students
c. Policy #137.3 – Participation in Career and Technical Education Programs by Home Education Students

VI. Future Policy Considerations

a. Policy #003 / Policy #011 (Board)
b. Policy #122 / Policy #123 (Programming / Participation)
c. Policy #702 / Policy #228 / Policy #618

VII. Wrap-up / Next Steps

a. Include listed policies with June 26th DSF Agenda items for review and discussion
b. Include listed policies with July 17th Regular Voting Agenda action items, recommending approval of a First Reading
c. Include listed policies with August 14th DSF Agenda action items, recommending approval of a Second and Final Reading
d. 2023-2024 continued implementation in compliance with approved policy requirements as per legislative changes

SPRING GROVE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING

DATE/TIME of MEETING: June 12, 2023 @ 5:30 PM

LOCATION of MEETING: Spring Grove Area Middle School, 244 Old Hanover Road, Spring Grove, PA  17362

ATTENDANCE:

The following School Directors were in attendance:  
Karen Baum, Committee Chair, Ben Ramsay, Mike Ritz, Rachel Rohrbaugh, Rodney Shearer, Doug Stein, Doug White

Nicole Wilson arrived 5:56 PM

The following Spring Grove Area School District personnel were in attendance: 
Dr. George W. Ioannidis, Superintendent, Dr. Steve Guadagnino, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Michelle Ludwig, Director of Pupil, Services, Mark Czapp, Director of Business Operations, Suzanne Sterner, Board Recording Secretary

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A Policy Committee meeting of the Spring Grove Area School District Board of School Directors was held on Monday, June 12, 2023.  Karen Baum called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. 

LEGISLATIVE CHANGES CALLING FOR POLICY REVISIONS

Dr. Ioannidis reported that the impetus to proposed new policies and policy revisions was due to legislative actions at the state level requiring school districts to make considerations before the start of the 2023-2024 school year. 

POLICIES RELATED TO HOMELESSNESS / FOSTER CARE / EDUCATIONAL INSTABILITY

Baum presented seven policies for consideration.  Earlier this year, Senate Bill 324 was enacted into law requiring school entities to address and assist students experiencing educational instability.  Dr. Ludwig gave an overview of the changes and noted that clarifying and expounding on the definition of “unaccompanied youth” was the focal point; definitions are now clearer and more codified.  A Keystone Diploma, one of the proposed additions to language in Policy #251, was explained as an option available to identified unaccompanied youth.  Ludwig reported that the district will continue to use a checklist to determine a student’s needs, status, and placement.

Ludwig reported that the district underwent a Homeless Audit last school year (the second in two consecutive years), scoring 93/100 this school year.  One recommendation following the review was to make information more accessible on the website to assist homeless students with services and support beyond the educational environment.  Ioannidis noted the positive results of the audit are a testament to the district’s work.  Ioannidis added that proposed revisions to Policies #200, #202, #204, #217, and #221 are recommended to support the Pupil Services Department’s efforts and maintain consistent definitions throughout related policies to include students who are identified as experiencing educational instability. 

There was some concern expressed by Board members concerning services extended to identified homeless students, particularly related to dress code.  The administration indicated that the practice of working with families to provide appropriate and helpful economic resources for the family will continue and limitations and time limits will be established and enforced for consistency among all students regardless of their status.

POLICIES RELATED TO HOME EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Baum presented four policies, #137, 137.1, 137.2, and 137.3, for review to address requirements as the result of legislative changes related to Home Education Program students.

Ioannidis reported that new requirements according to Act 55 have been placed on school districts to develop policies and procedures permitting children enrolled in home education programs to participate in district cocurricular activities, academic courses, and career and technical education programs on the same basis and eligibility as other students enrolled in the school district.  Ioannidis explained that administrators are currently addressing what internal procedures and forms will be necessary to implement the proposed new and revised policies.

WRAP-UP / NEXT STEPS

On June 26^th, a Directors’ Study Forum (DSF) will take place following adjournment of the regular voting meeting.  The policies discussed at this evening’s committee meeting will be included on the DSF Agenda for review and discussion.  A first reading is tentative for July 17, and a second and final reading is expected with August 14 DSF voting actions. 

The meeting concluded at 6:20 PM.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY:
Suzanne E. Sterner, Board Recording Secretary