|
We reviewed the upcoming agenda for New Hope-Solebury SD and found 7 items with policy significance ahead of the vote.
| PRIORITY (LEVEL 9) |
|
Adoption of 2027-2030 Comprehensive Strategic Plan
The board is voting to adopt a three-year comprehensive plan that will guide all district priorities. The plan prioritizes building a ‘trauma-informed mental health and wellness infrastructure,’ integrating ‘durable skills’ from a ‘Profile of a Graduate’ into the K-12 curriculum, and expanding ‘global connectedness.’ These initiatives are common vehicles for implementing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and related ideological frameworks at a systemic level.
Policy Use
BRIEF STATE AFFAIRS: Item 9.A.11 is a vote on the district’s 2027-2030 Comprehensive Plan. The plan explicitly calls for building a ‘trauma-informed’ wellness system and integrating ‘Profile of a Graduate’ (soft/durable skills) into all K-12 instruction. Document this plan as a case study in how districts embed SEL principles into their core strategic documents.
Policy Lever: District Strategic Direction
|
| PRIORITY (LEVEL 8) |
|
Policy on Virtual Student Wellness Checks
The board is conducting a second and final read of a policy implementing a state-mandated weekly ‘real-time visual wellness check’ for all full-year virtual students. The attached protocol includes an escalation process for non-compliance, culminating in an in-person wellness check by a social worker and potential contact with law enforcement or child welfare agencies. This policy codifies a significant level of school monitoring into the homes of virtual students.
Policy Use
DOCUMENT AND BRIEF: Item 9.A.6.a.v is a final vote on a policy for mandatory weekly virtual ‘wellness checks.’ The attached protocol details an escalation to in-person visits and law enforcement contact. Document this local implementation of the state mandate as an example of expanding school monitoring into the home.
Policy Lever: State Mandate Implementation
|
| PRIORITY (LEVEL 8) |
|
Policy on Discretionary Law Enforcement Notification
The board is conducting a second read of administrative regulation 805.1-AR.1, which gives administrators discretion on whether to report certain criminal offenses (e.g., simple assault, harassment, terroristic threats) to law enforcement. The policy explicitly allows the use of ‘school-based diversion programs’ and ‘positive behavior supports’ as alternatives to police notification, potentially reducing consequences for student offenses.
Policy Use
DOCUMENT AND BRIEF: Item 9.A.6.b.ii is a final vote on AR 805.1-AR.1, which allows ‘diversion programs’ instead of police reports for specific offenses. Document this as a model for how districts implement restorative justice principles by creating discretionary off-ramps from law enforcement involvement. Brief the public safety team.
Policy Lever: Discipline Policy
|
| PRIORITY (LEVEL 7) |
|
Contract for School Climate and Behavioral Health Assessment
The board is voting on a $5,000 contract with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit to conduct a ‘Student Assistance, Behavioral Health and School Climate Assessment.’ The assessment will use criteria from the state’s Commission on Crime and Delinquency to produce a report with recommendations. This brings an external entity in to evaluate and potentially recommend changes to the district’s social-emotional and behavioral frameworks.
Policy Use
TRACK AND DOCUMENT: Item 9.A.2 is a contract for a ‘School Climate Assessment.’ Request the resulting report and track any subsequent policy or program recommendations that may introduce or expand SEL or related frameworks.
Policy Lever: $5,000 Contract
|
| PRIORITY (LEVEL 7) |
|
First Read of Revised Public Comment Policy
The board is reviewing a first draft of a revised public comment policy (903) that appears to tighten rules for speakers. The draft requires non-residents to register 10 days in advance and lists specific types of speech (e.g., profane, obscene, true threats) that can lead to a speaker being interrupted or terminated. This gives the board chair significant authority to regulate the content of public speech.
Policy Use
TRACK AND DOCUMENT: Item 9.A.6.c.i is a first read of a restrictive public comment policy. Request the final draft before the second reading and add the district to the state tracker for public comment restrictions.
Policy Lever: Public Comment Rules
|
| WATCH (LEVEL 6) |
|
Policy Adopting Social Media Literacy Instruction
On second read, Policy 102 on Academic Standards is being updated to include a requirement for ‘social media literacy’ instruction, citing a new state law. The instruction will cover ‘potential health and academic impacts, and safety and security concerns associated with social media use.’ The specific curriculum for this instruction is not defined, creating a potential entry point for ideologically-driven content.
Policy Use
TRACK AND DOCUMENT: Item 9.A.6.a.vii adds ‘social media literacy’ to academic standards. After the vote, submit a records request for the curriculum and instructional materials selected to fulfill this new requirement to assess for ideological content.
Policy Lever: State Mandate Implementation
|
|
✅ Models to Replicate
Local actions worth capturing as model policy.
|
| Model Policy (LEVEL 7) |
|
Curriculum Policy Includes Transparency Provision
The board is holding a second and final read of Policy 105, which governs curriculum. The policy includes a provision stating, ‘A listing of all curriculum materials shall be made available for the information of parents/guardians, students, staff and Board members.’ This codifies a commitment to curriculum transparency.
How to Capture It
CAPTURE MODEL POLICY: Item 9.A.6.a.vi is a final vote on Policy 105. Capture the language requiring that ‘A listing of all curriculum materials shall be made available’ for parents and add it to the model policy file for curriculum transparency.
✅ Why It Matters: Curriculum Transparency
|
|
|
“America First, Always.”
AFPI exists to advance policies that put the American people first. Our guiding principles are liberty, free enterprise, national excellence, American military superiority, foreign-policy engagement in the American interest, and the primacy of American workers, families, and communities in all we do.
America First Policy Institute
Powered by Sentinel Engine |