Policies on bullying, fees OK’D by board

With no discussion at a brief meeting Aug. 23, the Souderton Area School Board unanimously adopted polices on bullying and activity fees.

The anti-bullying policy now includes “intentional, electronic, verbal, written or physical acts or series of acts that, individually or cumulatively, are severe, persistent or pervasive” and “directed at a student by another student in a school setting and that has the intent and effect of: physical harm, damaging, extorting or taking property, placing a student in fear of harm or fear of loss of property.”

The policy also includes creating an “intimidating or hostile environment” through shunning, spreading rumors or cyberbullying.

The board also adopted a policy to allow student activity fees of $150 at the high school and middle school level. The fee will be collected for participation in “all co-curricular activities except service clubs, elected positions and courses such as band and chorus. Students who qualify for free and reduced price lunches will not

be made to pay a fee.”

In other business, Bradley York, a Harleysville parent, asked the board to change its policy regarding fundraising.

York said that the Souderton Area Football Association would like to sell $5 rDIflH WLFNHWs DW FrLGDy night football games. Each person who buys a ticket would get a T-shirt or practice jersey, he said. The wLnnHr oI WKH rDIflH wouOG receive a GMC vehicle that has been donated by that company.

While he understands the prohibition against gambling, York said the rDIflH Ls noW JDPEOLnJ EHcause each person gets a shirt with the purchase of a ticket.

“Youth sports has really suffered [due to the current recession],” said York. “We have more hardship cases than we’ve ever had.

“With the situation we’re in, we need all the fundraising we can get,” York added. “Our programs are the feeder programs for the junior high and high school. Our football players are yours. Our cheerleaders are yours.”

The money goes toward equipment and safety, he said.

Board President Bernard Currie said that many of the district’s policies are required by the state Department of Education. However, he asked the administration to look into the request and told York WKDW oIfiFLDOs wouOG JHW back to him.