It was apparent at the April 21 Exeter School Board meeting that the construction of a transportation center continues to stir questions. Michael Jupina, Jr., vice president, expressed to the board his concerns over environmental issues that were brought to his attention at a previous meeting.
“The one thing I really was surprised at was the concern about the environment and the degradation of the property. We’re going to lose the walking trail. We’re going to be putting gas tanks on that property so there’s always that potential of becoming a hazmat site. We’re losing a soccer field. We’re locating that facility at the head waters of a protected waterway so I think we’ll have some issues with the DEP and EPA,” said Jupina. “I gave a little hat tip to Joni Mitchell, but I think we’re paving over paradise and putting in a parking lot.”
Patricia A. O’Brien-Pieja, treasurer, also voiced her concerns.
“I too was very concerned about the environmental issues and about the water situation. I think Owatin Creek was a green school and I think a bus barn there with a possibility of maybe rupturing some of the tanks and polluting water is very detrimental not only to the school district, but to the whole community,” said O’Brien-Pieja. “I know we need another bus facility, but I really now do not believe it can be on Owatin Creek-so I will be voting against this.”
It was brought to the board’s attention that the architect pointed out in a previous meeting that the walking path is being converted and the tanks are planned to be located above ground and have ballistic protection to increase safety precaution. The majority of confusion and conflict stems from the wording of the zoning exemption regulation.
The vote on the recommendation that the Board of School Directors authorize the filing of a request for a special exemption with the Zoning Hearing Board of Exeter Township for construction of a transportation center resulted in a 6-2 vote.
President Robert H. Quinter opened the meeting by annoucning the loss of a former staff member Charles Luft and Exeter High School senior Jamie Lynn Kotas.
“I assume you have all heard the death of our student Jamie Kotas. The death of a young person resonates throughout the family,” said Quinter choking back tears. “I’m sorry.”
Jamie Lynn Kotas was an 18 year-old Exeter High School senior. Kotas was reportedly killed in a car accident on Friday, April 17.
“She was a very friendly girl from what I understand. I never got to know her personally, but from what the students have been saying over the past couple of days is she was a friend to everybody. Always a smile on her face-just a really nice all-around girl,” said Superintendent Dr. Beverly Martin. “We offer our most sincere condolences to her family for having to deal with the death of a young person, a daughter, a sister.”
Before the meeting continued a moment of silence was observed in memory of Luft and Kotas.
“Can I extend my thanks to the administration, to the teachers and also to the students for how they have honored the memory of their fallen classmate and for what you guys have done to help them though,” said Jupina. “I would also like to extend a thank you to the students at Daniel Boone District who also wore pink in honor of Jamie’s passing. I thought it was a great gesture on behalf of the school.”
The program report of the evening was presented by Gloria Clay, SNS Food Service Supervisor. Clay’s report to the Board of School Directors highlights the food services program within the district.
“The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 continues to regulate all of our meal services,” said Clay. The act regulates meal pricing and portion sizes of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the school meal program. The act also requires two fruits be offered with each breakfast.
This year’s Competitive Food and Smart Snack need to meet 230 calories with a decrease to 200 calories for next year. “Everything needs to be whole grain rich or a vegetable product,” said Clay.
Clay also requested to the board the elimination of whole grain pasta until the quality of the product improves. She also shared with board members that the Department of Defense was used to purchase some of the fruits and vegetables for the food service program.
“The free and reduced benefits continue to rise. This year it’s at 27 percent of our student body,” said Clay. The state is providing an online application through Primero Edge which will be offered on the Exeter School District website. “Hopefully, by July 15th all applications can come through that site and download to our point of sales system.”
The average daily deposit is $2000.00. “We do see a lot of the free and reduced students coming to our breakfast line.” There is reimbursement by the state and federal governments, however, the state did not increase their contribution and the federal is inadequate to keep up with the rising costs.
“Do you find that a number of students pick up the vegetable and throw it in the trash?” asked Jim Brady, school board member. Clay chuckled at the curve ball question.
Brady continued his question. “No, I’m being honest. Do they have the option to say I’m not going to eat it why don’t you just keep it and we can save?”
Clay recalled instances at the high school where many students will maintain their sandwich, but will chuck the remainders of an uneaten lunch into the trash can. “Yes there is a lot of waste. They know they have to take something, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to eat it.”
“It’s just a shame you see good food that goes from one second to perfectly good to the next minute in the trash. There can’t be a pass or something. I mean we’re wasting money all the way around,” responded Brady.
Clay reported that the National School of Nutrition Association is asking for an exception that food service would continue to offer those items but not require students to take them.
The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m. Carole Kutscher was not in attendance.
