Student rep asks again for free feminine hygiene products; board says funding exists and will check distribution; Academy Street security discussed
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Summary
Student representative Miss Garcia renewed a request for free feminine hygiene products in girls' restrooms; the board said a $12,000 budget line exists and staff will follow up on restocking and distribution. In public comment, a resident flagged security vulnerabilities at Academy Street School and the district said it is exploring adding a guard and controlled entry.
A student representative told the board that access to free feminine hygiene products in girls’ restrooms remains an unresolved need at Dover High School and younger buildings, calling the issue one that "directly impacts students' comfort and dignity during the school day." She asked for any update the board could share.
A board member responded during discussion, saying, "I believe this is a state law and we are required to do that," and urged staff to ensure the supplies are available. The business officer said the district had budgeted approximately $12,000 for these products and was reimbursed by the state last year, and staff agreed to investigate distribution and restocking practices to determine why some restrooms had not been replenished.
District staff said several boxes of supplies had been delivered to central offices for distribution and committed to clarifying who is responsible for restocking each building. "So we'll find out what's going on," a staff member said, describing follow-up steps.
Separately during the second public comment period, resident Jamie McDermott raised a security concern about Academy Street School, noting the building lacks a vestibule and allows visitors access to corridors before reaching the office. McDermott said there was "no security guard" and described how the school’s design differs from others that have controlled entry. In response, district staff said they are discussing adding a security guard and creating a small controlled entry area (described internally as a 'man trap' with a magnetic strip) to limit unvetted access, and that those options had been considered during budget discussions.
Board members said they would follow up on both issues — supply distribution and Academy Street security — and referred the details to staff and the facilities/finance committee as appropriate. No formal policy action was taken at the meeting.