SAD 4 mulls school policy change in wake of accident

GUILFORD – A tragic motor vehicle accident earlier this year that took the lives of three young people from the region prompted SAD 4 directors this week to revisit the district’s policy regarding the use of school property.

Over the years, the district has operated with a policy that specifically prohibits the use of school buildings for memorials or funerals, according to SAD 4 Superintendent Paul Stearns.

A request earlier this year to use the gymnasium for a memorial for the three victims of the accident prompted the policy review, especially since SAD 4 has the only facilities in the district large enough for mass gatherings, Stearns said.

At their Tuesday meeting, directors approved the first reading of the revised policy that would give the superintendent and board chairman authorization to waive the general policy in the event of an extraordinary circumstance. The final reading and adoption of the policy is expected to be held at the December board meeting.

“I hope it’s a policy that will just get dusty [from lack of use],” Stearns said Wednesday.

The adoption of this policy and several others that will have their final readings next month will complete the handbook update.

In other business Tuesday, directors approved the addition of an education technician to work with six students who have enrolled in high school since September and who qualify for special services.

With the present load of students now receiving special services, the school is unable to meet the state and federal requirements without the additional technician, Stearns said.

“This type of adjustment is not unusual, and money exists in the budget to accommodate a need such as this,” he said.

Stearns said the salary and benefits for the technician will be about $8,600, which will be taken from the general fund.

Directors also learned that Keith Flewelling has been hired as the district’s on-site coordinator for the Community Learning Center grant. Flewelling will coordinate all of the activities funded by the grant. His stipend is $4,000.