A proposed policy that would set limits on school board visits to Lehighton Area School District buildings is drawing mixed reactions from parents and board members.

Under the draft Policy 012: School Director Visits to Schools, which is up for first reading, the board “may visit district schools and/or non-educational facilities to observe matters under their jurisdiction … to enable them to make better informed decisions when the need arises.”

One of the most discussed rules would limit school director initiated visits to “no more than 10 visits each week,” with each visit “no longer than one-half a school day.”

Parents raised concerns Tuesday about that number.

“My kids go to school full time, and they don’t even go to school 10 times a week,” Autumn Abelovsky said, calling the proposal “a bit excessive” and something that would “have a little havoc with the educational system.”

Student interaction rules also drew attention. The policy specifies that interactions should be “polite” and occur in common spaces like cafeterias, hallways or assemblies.

“I just think that not all school board members should have free range to interact with students,” Abelovsky added.

Ryan Bowman, who has two children in the district, supported the opportunity for directors to be visible inside schools and said they appreciate “transparency and accountability.”

“At any given time, any of the nine directors have a right to enter any of these schools,” he said.

But Bowan also pushed for clarity “to what degree is that interaction,” citing previously raised concerns about conduct:

“There’s been allegations that Mr. (Dave) Bradley has been aggressive with students and interrogated them so forth,” Bowman added.

Bowman’s son, who was in attendance Tuesday, said he had no concerns over Bradley interacting with him.

Language in the proposal notes that unescorted directors cannot interrupt classrooms, disrupt instruction or approach teachers with questions during lessons.

They also are prohibited from investigating student or staff conduct on their own.

Residents said confidentiality and employee protections also apply.

“The union contract controls access to classrooms and directors do not have … access to observing a teacher,” Barbara Bowes, a former director, said.

While director Jeremy Glaush said current Superintendent Jason Moser is “paying attention and taking care of business,” the concept of future leadership changes also entered the conversation.

“Sometimes you’ll have a rogue administration,” Glaush said. “If you don’t put a policy like this in place, you don’t have protection during that time.”

The proposal includes consequences for violations. If a school director does not comply with the rules, the superintendent or building administrator may ask the director “to end the scheduled visit,” and continued noncompliance could lead to suspension of visit privileges.

Board members agreed Tuesday that the draft will continue to be revised.

“Most of us agree this policy has a lot of work to be done,” Board President Alex Matika said. “At this point in time, we have no problem getting access to (Moser) and having our needs met.”