HASD Policy on Teacher Political Displays Brought Up Again

The issue of political activity and displays reflecting political opinions by teachers in the classroom was discussed by the board for months and was believed to be put to rest at the February meeting of the committee of the whole/voting meeting when Policy 321 was approved by the board in an 8-1 vote.

This does not appear to be the case, as classrooms that were to have no political displays, flags, symbols still do. Teachers Union President Mike Rawlins had expressed concerns over the policy from the beginning. He stated that the policy would be very difficult to enforce and that it would result in confusion on what exactly could be allowed in the classroom, leading to possible lawsuits.

During the Public Comment sector of the meeting, Michael Eardley said even though the board voted to eliminate political flags, symbols, etc. some teachers were still doing so. He sent an email to the entire board asking what actions would be taken against them as a result. He said he received no response to his emails or calls from anyone concerning what course of action they would take about this issue. Eardley said the board dictates what is done in the district classrooms, not the teachers. He said the teachers union now wants to bargain on the policy of displaying flags and symbols and political displays in the classroom.

Trish Haight said she feels that the months of work put in by the board and input by the community to develop the policy meant nothing. She was upset about the practice of the teachers still displaying political signs and the administration taking no action about this.

Even though Policy 321 passed by the board was thought to go into effect immediately, it did not. The Hollidaysburg Area Education Association submitted a request to bargain. Superintendent Dr. Robert Gildea stated that the district is obligated to sit down with the union and hear their concerns before moving forward with the enforcement of the policy. Gildea said the union had the right to file a request to impact bargain since they feel it has an impact on how they do their work. The board is examining the information and complaints by the union and will move forward from there.

A proposed budget has not been established for the 2023-24 year. Two representatives from the Pa. Association of School Business Officials did a presentation during the board meeting on describing how the state’s funding for school districts broke down. A school’s funding depends on the district’s poverty level and enrollment numbers. Basic educational funding is initially established by the governor in February/March, but is not finalized until legislative approval. A special voting meeting to adopt the proposed budget will be held Wednesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. and a committee of the whole (budget discussion only) will take place immediately following the special voting meeting. Both will take place at the Hollidaysburg Senior High Library.

A resurfacing (not removal) of the Tiger Stadium track for $166,000, which includes 100 square yards of track replacement, was approved by the board. Any additional replacement will cost $45 per square yard. Also approved was the CW Longer Elementary fire alarm panel replacement for $22,000.