Centerville-Abington Community Schools recently faced concerns regarding student drop-off and pickup procedures at Rose Hamilton Elementary. The issue was brought to light during a meeting on August 14, where parent Rikki Madden expressed dissatisfaction with the newly implemented plan. Madden, who spearheaded an online petition with over 300 signatures, claimed that the current system was not effective.
However, board members and administrators countered Madden’s claims by stating that there was a lot of misinformation circulating. They explained that parking lot changes had been planned well in advance to address safety concerns for the 2023-24 school year, before the need for a new principal arose. Diana Hill, who replaced former principal Sam Pritchard, was unfairly receiving blame from the community for the perceived issues.
To address the concerns raised by parents, Hill outlined alternative options for those needing to buckle their children into car seats before leaving the school premises. Parents were encouraged to park in the north lot and walk to the office to retrieve their child, or to pull up a few feet from the line to a designated parking area for this purpose. Hill also clarified that individual plans had been arranged for families with special needs, contrary to the claims made in the petition.
Despite the criticisms, Hill reported that the dismissal process on August 14 ran smoothly, with all students leaving by 2:52 p.m. Board member Todd Dooley corroborated this by stating that the pickup line was safe, efficient, and improving daily. He noted that the previous day’s pickup concluded at 3:02 p.m., contrary to the negative portrayal online.
In addition to addressing the drop-off and pickup concerns, the board discussed various other matters during the meeting. They authorized the purchase of a line-marking robot for athletic fields, which would streamline the process, reduce costs, and improve accuracy. The board also reviewed proposed budgets, approved the issuance of bonds for technology needs and building demolition, and implemented a cost-savings incentive plan for employees.
Personnel updates were also announced, including new hires, pending hires, transfers, and departures within the school district. The board approved donations from community members to support school programs and activities, showcasing the ongoing support from the local community.
Overall, the meeting highlighted the dedication of Centerville-Abington Community Schools to address concerns, improve efficiency, and provide a supportive environment for students, staff, and parents. By actively engaging with the community and implementing strategic plans, the school district continues to strive for excellence in education and student welfare.