Published: May 13, 2008 05:38 pm         

Community-use stirs discussion among school board

What is the mission of the education system in Cumberland County?

That's the question at the root of the discussion concerning the BOE's policy for community use of school facilities — policy 3.206.

"I don't believe our mission and your mission is to provide that service to the community," said Janet Brooker, Stone Memorial High School principal.

Her comment came after discussion of keeping Cumberland County High School's track open for public use.

She continued, "They have a park with a walking trail… I also think it's an issue of security because the public has changed. You don't know who's down there. You want volunteers to be fingerprinted and yet you will let people walk around the track while the football team is practicing."

CCHS Principal Janet Graham added that vandalism has been an issue, noting custodial staff must deal with damage from spray painting and even fires. Furthermore, Graham spoke of the track being damaged by skateboards and bicycles as a result of community use.

"We're really supposed to be educating the students and worrying about curriculum," said Graham. "But our number-one mission has turned out to be to keep our building safe and secure."

At the request of 9th District Representative Dan Schlafer, the policy committee looked at the policy at its April 14 meeting. There, the committee decided it was best not to change board policy.

At the May 6 BOE meeting, Schlafer brought the issue up for discussion. After his motion to approve changes to the policy failed with seven no votes, one yes vote and one pass, Schlafer continued the discussion.

Schlafer asked in his motion that the policy be changed to read that school facilities can be used for private profit.

Eventually, the policy was sent back to the policy committee after 8th District Representative Orville Hale made the motion to include attorney Earl Patton's comments in sending it back to committee.

Schlafer's concern with the policy relates to Stone Memorial High School teacher wishing to give music lessons from a classroom outside of school hours.

Schlafer asked Patton to give his opinion on the policy to the board.

"The law that governs use of school facilities indicates the board of education has the power to permit school buildings and school property to be used for public, community or recreational purposes under such rules, regulations and conditions as may be prescribed from time to time by the board of education," Patton told the board.

Patton continued by saying there are three counties that are prohibited by law from allowing school facilities for community use. Cumberland County is not one of them, so they can allow the use of facilities to be used by private entities for profit, he said.

"I believe we are already allowing the use of our facilities for profit," said Schlafer. "We are offering ACT tutoring for a fee. We are offering extended contract for a fee. We are offering eighth-grade orientation for $1,000 for a week after school's out. That's what we are doing. We are offering coaches the opportunity to build income with camps and clinics. And yet we can't allow someone who is one of our own employees to give music lessons. I don't think that makes sense."

Schlafer added that a teacher giving music lessons is not a safety hazard or security issue, and that the policy is being enforced inconsistently.

"What we're telling this lady is, 'I know we're doing ACT tutoring, extended contract, and we're letting coaches make extra money, but you can't.' And to me, that just does not feel right," said Schlafer.

Director of Schools Aarona VanWinkle responded by saying the booster clubs organize the camps and then pay the coaches for running the camp with the proceeds going to the schools.

Extended contracting money comes through the state, VanWinkle said, and "we pay teachers additional money to work with our students."

"What [this teacher] has requested is that she give private music lessons and the students pay her," VanWinkle explained. "All the money goes to her. It's not coming through the school."

Patton commented, "State law allows you to do it. Your policy does not. Your policy is more restrictive than state law. All I'm saying for your benefit is if the board ever desires to change that, you can."

"I think the policy is wrong," said Schlafer.

"We presented it at the policy committee. It didn't get out of committee, and it was a long discussion," said VanWinkle.

Following the vote to change the policy, Hale added, "The reason I voted no was because the way it was changed. His intent was to allow the schools to do it as we're doing it now. I understand the principal's dilemmas completely and certainly have to keep those things in mind, but the taxpayers own the facilities, not us."

Mary Smith, 7th District representative, said, "I've been on the board for years and it's always been my understanding we can't do anything for personal profit in the schools."

In response to Schlafer's argument using extended contracting, VanWinkle pointed out everyone who teaches uses the facility for personal gain because they draw a check if judged by the same standard.

"Our policy says one thing and we do another," said Schlafer. "That's the point I'm making and that's what I want you to feel comfortable with as we walk out of this room."

Hale recommended the policy be sent back to committee after Patton has had a chance to review the policy further in concern with fee schedules. The motion passed. The next policy committee meeting is set for June 2.