Student leaders urge district to place menstrual products in school restrooms, cite $18,959 state allocation
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Summary
A student leadership group asked the board to pilot restroom distribution of menstrual products at middle and high schools, citing Act 55 funds and local pilot work; the district will pursue research and controlled-distribution options to limit misuse and plumbing problems.
Student leaders presented a proposal at the Feb. 11 meeting asking Erie Public Schools to expand access to menstrual products inside school restrooms instead of limiting supplies to nurse offices.
"When students don't have access to products and the products that are available aren't that great quality, they are visiting the nurse's office more frequently," the student leader said, summarizing student feedback that inaccessibility contributes to absences and missed instruction. The Student Leadership Program described a local student club pilot that purchased $50 worth of supplies and restocked them weekly without maintenance complaints.
The student presentation referenced Act 55, noting the district’s allocated portion for FY2025–26 is $18,959.52. The presenters proposed controlled distribution mechanisms and qualitative research with students, staff and building engineers to craft a safe, scalable approach that addresses misuse and plumbing concerns.
Board counsel and members asked practical questions about disposal receptacles and potential plumbing impacts; students and directors agreed further work and stakeholder interviews are needed before wide implementation.
Next steps: Student leaders said they will conduct qualitative research and return with distribution proposals; the board said the administration and student leaders should coordinate on pilot plans and funding usage.