Despite public opposition, Hollidaysburg Area School Board members unanimously approved updates to a policy stating that school district employees must adhere to specific guidelines to classroom displays and decor.
The decision follows last month's approval to add a number of revisions simplifying the wording included inside the policy.
"We are creating a balance and order so we don't have any problems between staff members and parents within the district," board president Carmen Bilek said.
All board members except Scott Brenneman were present at Wednesday's meeting.
The updated policy states that "decor related to political, sociopolitical, religious, sexual orientation or gender identity, in the classroom, and in the school buildings, and/or at school activities is prohibited." It also prohibits any pins, flags, banners or other such items from being displayed by any district employees or volunteers while on school property.
Items that are permitted by the district include the American and Pennsylvania flags, any Hollidaysburg-related decor and personal religious jewelry that is in accordance with the school dress code, among some other exceptions.
According to Superintendent Curtis Whitesel, five or six individuals expressed their opposition toward the policy.
"They felt that the policy was preventing them from posting things they wanted to post," Bilek said, adding that the policy doesn't allow staff to display decor not endorsed by the district unless it is included in the pre-approved curriculum.
According to Bilek, this policy has been an ongoing conversation in recent years.
"We are trying our best to limit certain subjects that are best left for parents to speak with students about," she said.
According to Bilek, Whitesel said "all we want to do is show that our students -- no matter what they believe on certain political issues or how their parents believe or even the staff -- all students are welcome here regardless of their background."
In other business, the board also approved a policy that allows them to conduct one reading instead of two in case of immediate approval, Bilek said.
Only conducting first readings does not happen "very often," Whitesel said, but it can be used occasionally if a "time-sensitive" matter comes up.
They also approved a contract for a bid just shy of $8 million Wednesday night to renovate the roofs on the senior and junior high school buildings.
"Everything will be covered at a lower price," Whitesel said.
Done by Mid-State Roofing, the $7,778,673 project will complete the second phase of the high school roof as well as replace the 36 wing of the junior high roof. Work on the first phase was recently completed by Mid-State Roofing.
The project is slated to begin in May 2026, lasting until August before the beginning of next school year.
This contract was a "good thing that happened in our favor," Whitesel said. "With no state budget, we were all skeptical to make a move."
"You have to move forward without a state budget," he added.
Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.