Exeter Board Discusses Flying POW/MIA Flag; Agrees to Review District Policy

The Exeter Township School Board discussed a proposal on Dec. 16 to fly the POW/MIA flag at district buildings after community members and the Vietnam Veterans of America requested the change.

Facilities director Steven Bickerstaff told trustees adding clips to existing flag halyards and purchasing appropriately sized POW/MIA flags for each building would be a low‑cost option (flags estimated at about $50 each; small clip sets available online) and that the stadium’s 40‑foot flagpole could display a larger flag while remaining visible when the U.S. flag is lowered to half‑staff.

Advocates said flying the flag would honor missing service members and provide educational opportunities. “By your approval to fly the POW/MIA flag, you will be joining other local districts,” said Cliff Kershner of the Vietnam Veterans of America, citing state law that requires the flag on state properties where the U.S. flag is flown.

Legal counsel cautioned that, unlike the U.S. flag which is in the school code, adding other flags could create a public‑forum issue unless the board carefully narrows policy language. Counsel advised amending district Policy 807 (flag policy) before broad implementation to reduce the risk of viewpoint‑discrimination claims and noted that state legislation (Senate Bill 835, as mentioned on the record) would resolve the statutory gap if enacted.

Result: Trustees agreed to send a proposed policy amendment to the committee of the whole in January for first reading and review; the item will return for a voting meeting later in January after the two readings required by district policy.

Why it matters: The discussion balances symbolic recognition of missing service members with potential legal exposure for the district. Trustees who favored flying the flag pointed to minimal cost and precedents in nearby districts; counsel urged a cautious, policy‑first approach.