Credit: Abington School District.
As part of the annual review of Board Policies and Superintendent's Administrative Procedures (SAPs), 10 policies were presented to the Board, including one policy with non-substantive changes, two policies recommended for repeal, five policies with significant amendments that will require two readings prior to recommended approval, as well as, the addition of two policies for the District Policy Manual for employees, which is also recommended for approval at the next Board meeting.
The following Board Policy changes were presented:
Board Policy - One Reading
Instruction for English Learners (ELs) – Non-substantive changes to provide clarity as to the procedures that are developed related to the District’s students learning English.
Board Policies - First Reading (second reading to occur at the Sept. 9 Board meeting)
Educator Misconduct (new) – Outlines when a school district must file an educator misconduct report with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Tobacco and Vaping Products (new) – Replaces the current SAP regarding Discipline – All Employees: No Smoking Policy, to include tobacco and vaping products, and prohibit the use of these products on school grounds.
Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures – Replaces the current policy regarding Discipline - All Employees to establish standard expectations for workplace conduct and behavior in the educational setting.
Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination/Title IX Sexual Harassment Affecting Staff – Replace the current policy regarding Harassment by and of District Employees, as well as, the current policy regarding Nondiscrimination - All Employees to set forth a clear reporting structure and investigation timeline for occurrences of unlawful and/or sexual harassment.
Outside Activities – Replaces the current policy regarding Outside Employment and Outside Business Interests to establish expectations and parameters for the District to act when non-school activities directly impact an employee’s effectiveness in performing their job duties within the school district, and affords the Board with the opportunity to evaluate the effect of such activities on the individual’s completion of responsibilities and assignments.
Sick Leave – Replaces the current policy regarding Sick Leave - Central Staff Employees to establish standard expectations for submission of medical certification, as well as, establish misuse of sick time as a serious infraction.
Board Policies - Repeal
Personal Days - Central Staff Professional Employees – Recommended for repeal due to redundancies, as personal leave procedures for members of Central Staff are the same as those for members of the Abington Administrators and Supervisors Association (AASA).
Personnel Records - Transmittal – Recommended for repeal due to irrelevance, as personnel records are now maintained and transmitted electronically.
Further, the Board requested that the Administration, in consultation with the District's solicitor's office, draft a new Board Policy pertaining to Responsible Bidder Ordinances (RBO) for a first reading at the Sept. 9, 2025, meeting of the Board of School Directors.
