Residents ask board to maintain historic Wilton family cemetery, criticize school lunches and agenda notice

During the public-comment portion of the May 20 meeting, residents raised several concerns: upkeep of a family cemetery on school property, the quality of school meals, gaps in communication and notice, and the conduct of the board.

Ellen Richardson of Chincoteague asked the board to confirm maintenance for the Wilton family cemetery located on school property, noting volunteers previously cleared the fenced area and asking the district to have "their grass cutting people to cut that cemetery." She reminded the board that Holly Wilton left a donation to the school system in 1965 and said the gravesite deserves continued upkeep.

Resident James Fetterman criticized the quality of school lunches and the district's notification process. "Last week we had macaroni and cheese with crushed hot Cheetos on top and broccoli. That's unacceptable," he told the board, saying some students skip school lunch and instead buy snack foods. Fetterman also said a public notice about the backpack proposal was posted on local television only about an hour before the meeting, and asked the board to provide timelier notice of agenda items.

Other public commenters sought clarity on administrative response timelines and counselor confidentiality, and urged accommodations for students who need rolling or reinforced bags. Terry Rose requested information about staff-level response metrics and policies governing on-site counselors' confidentiality. Resident Von Knock criticized the board's decorum and adherence to meeting procedure, saying the board should follow Robert's Rules and present a more consistent public image.

Board staff said central-office staff would look into the issues raised, and noted that agenda items are placed on the agenda twice before a vote. The board did not take immediate action on the issues raised during public comment, but staff were asked to follow up.