Student reps press board on SmartPass time limits and club fees; board points to aid and donations

Two new student representatives raised concerns at the Sept. 24 Tolland Board of Education meeting about SmartPass time limits between classes and the cost of extracurricular clubs and sports. Students asked the district to consider longer passes for students walking between distant classrooms and to identify ways to reduce fees for students who cannot afford club or team dues. Camilla and Angelo (student representatives) told the board that five minutes to travel between distant classrooms is often insufficient and that some students cannot participate in multiple extracurriculars because of costs. “We wanted to know if, for the locker minutes, if it could be extended a little bit more…it's not enough time in 5 minutes to get back and forth to your class,” one student said during their report. Superintendent Dr. Willett and board members outlined options already in place: families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch can have club and sport fees fully waived or heavily reduced, and the district supports external grant options — the superintendent cited the ALICE enrichment grant and a community program he described as coming from the “Greater Together” community (used to support clubs in some cases). Dr. Willett also said the district has received “a lot of outreach for donations” and that three groups were already lining up to support clubs that otherwise might not run. Board members suggested several practical next steps: have student council meet with staff (Mr. Polk was identified as a point of contact for SmartPass logistics), publicize donation options more broadly through digital backpacks, the district website, social media and town blasts, and explore student‑led fundraising. Board members asked the superintendent to add clearer donation instructions to district communications and to coordinate with student council on any fundraising strategies. The board did not make a policy change at the meeting; members encouraged continued dialogue between students, the superintendent’s office and school staff.