Public commenters raise concerns about policy wording, AED access and automatic fixtures in renovated bathrooms

During the public‑comment period at the Sept. 29 West Chester Area School District meeting, two residents raised operational and policy concerns.

Judy DeFonto of East Goshen addressed recent policy revisions. She said she noticed the district’s Policy 102 (standards) does not reference sustainability and asked whether sustainability had been omitted from the updated policy language. She also flagged Policy 815.5 (electronic signatures), suggesting the district clarify whether the rule covers employee signatures only or also applies to parent/guardian e‑signatures on documents such as IEPs. Finally, she raised Policy 822 regarding automated external defibrillators (AEDs), reporting that an AED in a district building had been physically obscured by a large blue curtain at times and asking the district to ensure AEDs are accessible.

Later in the public comment period, Beth Campbell of East Bradford spoke about recent renovations at Hillsdale Elementary. She said a newly renovated classroom located next to a restroom has proven disruptive because automatic flush toilets and automatic hand dryers are loud for young learners. She described students startling during restroom use and said some young children avoided using the bathroom because of the noise. Campbell asked the district to consider age‑appropriate fixtures or to provide mitigation such as hearing protection or education for younger students.

Board members acknowledged the comments and the meeting record indicates administrators will note the items. No formal board action on the policy items or facility fixtures was taken during the meeting; both comments were part of the public‑comment periods and recorded in the minutes.