Graduating and working in the Peters Township School District got a little harder this week, after the school board tightened ethics requirements for certain employees and mandated a project for graduating seniors.

Board members voted on Monday to introduce a mandatory graduation project for current freshmen.

Beginning with the 2013 graduating class, students will be expected to complete a career-oriented graduation project that will include a speech, written reports, steps towards career exploration and a final presentation.

Each year leading up to the end of their junior year, the class will be required to complete part of the project.

In December, for example, freshmen can satisfy one requirement by attending a career fair at the high school.

Filling out a job or college application, along with a choice between community service or classroom projects, also fulfill part of the goal.

Each part of the ongoing project will be judged by various counselors, teachers and education panels and the final presentation, expected to be completed by the end of a student's junior year, could also be reviewed by a panel of professionals in the chosen career field.

Students won't be graded on their projects, but will face pass/fail option. A project that is still incomplete at the end of a student's junior year will prevent the student from obtaining a parking pass or appearing on the school's honor roll.

Seniors will be given several opportunities to complete the project, but they cannot graduate without an approved project, even if other graduation requirements are met.

It's all designed to help make students aware of careers and prepare them for life after high school, said district Superintendent Dr. Nina Zetty.

"They can do several things to explore career options," she said.

Also Monday, the board voted to expand its required statement of financial interest to include district administrators, job candidates and nominees, and the district solicitor.

The requirement, designed to prevent public employees from realizing financial gain through their jobs, had previously applied to only superintendents and assistant superintendents.

Now, administrators such as principals, business managers and other employees who are responsible for more than $2,500 in spending will be required to file annual statements outlining investments and other financial interests that may conflict with district business.

Teachers, clerks and custodians are exempt from the requirement.

School board members voted unanimously for both policies, with the exception of board member Thomas McMurray, who was absent.

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