MASD Board Considers New Policies

Topics include non-resident students, AI, employees’ freedom of speech, dress and behavior

By Adam Reinherz
The Tube City Almanac
May 04, 2025
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

(Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)

McKeesport Area School Board will vote on updated policies concerning the eligibility of nonresident students and the use of generative artificial intelligence during Thursday’s school board meeting. 

Both policies received first readings during the April 10 meeting.

Policy 202, the eligibility of nonresident students, was last updated Jan. 23, 2013, according to district records.

The new policy’s purpose ensures the board operates “district schools for the benefit of students residing in this district who are eligible for attendance.” Additionally, according to the policy, “the Board reserves the right to verify claims of residency, dependency or guardianship and to remove from school attendance a nonresident student whose claim is invalid.”

Policy 815.2, use of generative AI, reflects the board’s purpose to implement a policy ensuring the “ethical and responsible use of AI technologies to enhance teaching, learning and administrative processes while safeguarding student privacy and data security.”

The policy, with its “clear guidelines and procedures,” aims to promote “transparency and accountability, while fostering a safe learning and working environment,” according to district materials.

MASD’s decision to revisit and update policies follows best practices of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Superintendent Don MacFann said.

Since 1895, school districts and directors across the commonwealth have relied on PSBA for services and expertise.

McKeesport’s eight school directors (Dan Goughnour’s spot has not yet been filled) are among nearly 4,500 Pennsylvanian school directors who belong to PSBA.

Next week’s vote allows the district’s policies to remain “up to date,” MASD school board president Mark Holtzman Sr. said. “We are incorporating the policies necessary to stay in compliance with the state.”

Along with voting on policies 202 and 815.2, school directors will undertake a first reading of nine other policies, including those preventing discrimination from students, as well as policies concerning pregnant, parenting and married students, hazing, bullying and cyberbullying, discipline, employees’ freedom of speech, attire, behavior and personal necessity leave.

Offering first readings reflects standard practice, Holtzman said.

Throughout Pennsylvania, school boards typically undertake a first reading before engaging in a second reading and vote. The outcome of the vote determines policies within a district.

The multi-step process is critical, according to the Education Law Center, as school directors have a “responsibility to keep the community informed and must make their decisions using input from the public and members of the school community.”

Policies 202 and 815.2, as well as those receiving first readings at next week’s meeting, are available online via the district’s Board Docs hub.

Adam Reinherz is a Pittsburgh-based journalist. He can be reached at adam.reinherz@gmail.com.

Originally published May 04, 2025.

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