By Lindsey Rowland
lrowland@wbcowqel.com
The Crestline school district’s Board of Education met for discussion on Thursday evening, but it was the public that had the most to say.
During the board’s regular meeting, a group of parents assembled in the audience to express their concerns about the current policy stating that the parents of preschoolers can’t walk their children further than the front door of the school. From there, the children are the responsibility of the school, and therefore walked to their classrooms by a staff member.
The heart behind this measure is safety, but those speaking on behalf of the public felt that this is unnecessary, especially considering that Crestline is the only school in the area to approach it this way.
“Our children are an investment, not a deposit,” Kay Smith, mother of a preschooler, said. “Education is a collaboration.”
Superintendent Noreen Mullens responded by simply reminding that safety is their main concern and that, while not ideal for every family, the steps taken in the name of protecting the children are essential. Mullens went on to explain that there are five staff members devoted entirely to making sure that students are safely escorted before the doors are locked behind them.
While safety was one concern they all agreed on, the parents weren’t satisfied, and the board promised to take a look at the policy during their executive session and to get back with possible revisions as soon as possible. Until then, the original policy will be upheld.
The meeting finished out smoothly with many of the topics for approval centering on personnel items. In addition, Mullens reported that Crestline had started an online program, in which five students are already enrolled with the hopes of earning their diploma in that venue.
Finally, the discussion rounded out with the topic of what attention to give the football field as the district looks forward to the start of another fall season.