School Board Discusses Naming of Campus Facilities

The Saucon Valley School Board met July 24 and discussed .

In the wake of community members' interest, the board passed a motion to assemble a committee that will either coherently lay out a procedure for naming district property after individuals, or decide that such honors are too lavish and should not be given out.

Naming of property "would serve as an opportunity to thank individuals who have contributed to the community," board member Sandra Miller said.

The board formed a subcommittee consisting of Miller, vice president Susan Baxter and superintendent Dr. Sandra Fellin. This group will decide who will make up the complete committee that will consist of other board members, administrators and possibly community members.

Support for the committee was not shared by all, however.

"I wouldn't want to be put in the position of having to say no (to someone)," said Baxter.

"There's no way to guarantee perspective," said board member Ralph Puerta. "Some of us have been here (in the district) longer than others, and some of us just don't know (who should be honored)."

A policy is expected to be drafted within the coming months.

At the meeting, the board also approved a recommendation to have Miller and board member Sharon Stack represent it as voting delegates for the Pennsylvania School Board Association Legislative Policy Council Meeting on Oct. 18, 2012.

The meeting will serve as a platform for school board members from across the state to define the most important issues facing districts, such as mandate relief and the Strike-FREE Education Pact, and then to discuss them with legislators.

On July 24 the board also passed a motion to allow volunteer David Spirk to remove a dividing wall in the wrestling workout room, after the signing of waivers and various legal documents.

Lastly, the board passed a motion to purchase two new school busses for $198,410 as well as an industrial washer and dryer for athletics equipment for $9,048.