A lengthy and, at times, contentious discussion over proposed changes to student discipline for social media misconduct dominated the Sept. 16 Salisbury Township School Board Curriculum and Technology Committee meeting.

The conversation centered on revisions to the Salisbury High School student handbook that would establish clearer consequences for sexually explicit behavior involving social media and electronic communications.

The proposed revisions would create a fourth level of disciplinary offenses for social media and electronic communication violations. The new category would include the unlawful dissemination of intimate images, as defined by Pennsylvania law, and carry consequences of police notification, a 10-day suspension and possible expulsion. Administrators said the change is intended to distinguish potentially criminal conduct from other inappropriate online behavior, though some board members questioned whether the distinction gives administrators too much discretion in determining consequences.

The board directed the administration to review the policy following discussion at its Aug. 19 meeting. Director Laura McKelvey, who advocated for the changes, said the current consequence of “up to a 10-day suspension and possible police notification” is too broad given the lasting impact of content shared online.

Administrators responded with a proposal creating a fourth level of offenses that would include behaviors outlined in Level 3 as well as the unlawful dissemination of intimate images, as defined under Pennsylvania law.

Assistant Superintendent Kelly Pauling said administrators encountered difficulties creating a separate level because student behavior can range from inappropriate or offensive conduct to actions that may be criminal in nature.

McKelvey questioned who determines whether conduct rises to the level of an unlawful act.

Salisbury High School Principal Heather Morningstar said any potentially criminal disciplinary matter is reviewed with the school’s resource officer, Salisbury Township Police Department and, when necessary, the district attorney’s office.

McKelvey argued that administrators ultimately decide whether behavior warrants referral to law enforcement.

Morningstar said the school’s disciplinary response remains the same regardless of whether an incident is categorized as a Level 3 or Level 4 offense.

“I think you are splitting hairs on what should be administrative prerogative,” Morningstar said.

Director Joseph Gnall voiced support for the administration’s approach.

“I trust our administration to make the decisions that have to be made,” Gnall said. “If we didn’t, they shouldn’t be sitting in that seat.”

Several board members echoed that sentiment. Director Rebecca Glenister said administrators should be given discretion to make decisions based on their knowledge of individual students, while Director Ian Riccaboni cautioned against crafting policies so narrowly that unforeseen situations leave administrators without flexibility.

McKelvey remained unconvinced, asking board members to consider whether any instance of sexually targeting a student, staff member or community member should result in less than a 10-day suspension.

The proposed handbook revisions will be considered by the full board at a future meeting. A no vote would leave the current code of conduct in place, while a yes vote would adopt the revised language presented to the committee.

The curriculum and technology committee’s next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 18.