A routine meeting of the Unionville-Chadds Ford school board threatened to become a snoozer for about a dozen high school students in attendance - until one of them took advantage of the comment period at the end of the meeting.
Senior Sam Miller asked the board why the student-parking permit costs a whopping $200 a year. He said he understood that some of the $20,000 collected from 100 students is used for maintenance, but he wondered whether the lot's upkeep could cost that much, especially since the neighboring Kennett district charges $20 to $40.
Miller’s question prompted applause from the students, who had attended the meeting for extra credit in an Advanced Placement class. And it also got the attention of the school board, which promised to do some research on the fee.
In closing remarks, several board members applauded the students’ presence. Kathy Do said the fact that Miller had broached the subject would generate discussion and a response from the board. “I think it’s great that you came - even if it’s for extra credit,” Carolyn Daniels told the students.
Board President Victor E. Dupuis said the meeting only provided half of the two-hour commitment the students needed so he urged them to come to the next work session on Nov. 10, a better opportunity to hear discussion. “I look forward to seeing you,” Dupuis said.
Because the meeting was held at Unionville Elementary School, the audience got an enthusiastic update on what Principal Clif Beaver termed the school’s “oodles,” or out-of-desk learning experiences. They include field trips from kindergarten through fifth grades ranging from Barnard’s Orchard to the Chester County courthouse to Harrisburg, Beaver said.
Other business
• The board unanimously approved the per-pupil building allocations for the 2015-16 school year. Board Vice President Gregg Lindner said the amount — $191.66 — is exactly the same as last year’s figure.
• Do, who heads the board’s Curriculum, Education and Technology Committee, said the district is making progress on instituting anti-bullying initiatives. She said each school’s web site now has links to resources, and efforts are underway to bring parents into the discussion. “There’s always more to be done,” she said.
She also reported on ongoing efforts to instill a culture that discourages cheating and to explore the issue of homework: how much is too much or too little? She said surveys would be going out to students, parents, and teachers to gain input.
• The board also unanimously approved one retirement and a host of resignations, reclassifications, and supplemental contracts. Unionville High Principal Paula Massanari said she had hoped that the retirement of Sandra Norton, who worked for 27 years in the high school front office, wouldn’t happen.
“I’ve been dreading this day,” Massanari said, explaining that “a lot of knowledge" would be walking out the door with Norton on her last day, Dec. 19. She said Norton, who has kept track of student detentions and attendance, “has seen and heard” every excuse imaginable in that role.
Norton said that she was lucky to have had “a job you love every day,” but that it was time for a new phase in her life. She said she was looking forward to spending time with her husband of 45 years, her two daughters, and seven grandchildren. “It was a privilege to work in this place,” Norton said.
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