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Parent urges Pottsgrove SD to fence playground and require substitute drug testing
Summary
At a public comment period, a parent asked the district to install perimeter fencing at a playground to protect special‑needs students and called for mandatory drug testing of substitute teachers after reporting an incident; the superintendent encouraged further discussion with administrators.
Jonathan, a parent and Air Force veteran, used the board’s public comment period to press the district on two safety issues.
He asked the board to install a perimeter fence around the elementary playground to prevent students who elope from reaching nearby roads. “There’s roads right there. They can run in out run to those roads,” he said, describing his daughter as a special‑needs student who has a tendency to elope. He said teachers had previously raised the fencing concern but were turned down and urged the board to take action to improve student safety.
Jonathan also said a substitute teacher who was later removed had been “on drugs,” and asked why substitute teachers are not subject to mandatory drug testing. “Why is there no drug testing?” he asked. “If they’re gonna teach around these students and these young kids, they should have all the requirements.”
Superintendent Dr. Finnerty responded that building administrators and district leadership are receptive to concerns and encouraged Jonathan and other parents to bring the matter to administrators so the district can follow up. Finnerty offered to be involved if questions remain after initial conversations.
The transcript records Jonathan’s request and the superintendent’s invitation to engage with district staff; no formal policy or personnel action was taken during the meeting. The board did not announce a timetable or specific follow‑up action during the session.
