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After veteran’s request, Exeter board adopts policy to fly POW/MIA flag at district sites
Summary
Following a public comment from a Vietnam Veterans Chapter member, the board adopted policy 807 to include POW/MIA flag displays alongside the American flag; the solicitor said legal risk of similar requests would be fact‑specific and the cost is minimal.
A public speaker representing the Vietnam Veterans, Berks County Chapter 131 asked Exeter Township School District’s board Feb. 18 to approve flying the POW/MIA flag at district buildings and athletic fields. The board subsequently adopted a second reading of policy 807 (opening exercises, flag displays) to include the POW/MIA flag.
Cliff Kirschner urged the board to adopt the policy to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action, saying the flag “offers opportunities to educate students about military history, sacrifice, and civic responsibility.” During the policy discussion board members asked whether adding a specific flag could set a precedent for other groups to request additional flags. Solicitor Sharon Montaigne said such challenges are fact‑specific and, given Exeter’s local history and practice, should not become an overwhelming issue for the district.
Board members also asked about cost; business administrator Brian Fike said flag mounting hardware is inexpensive and that the sponsoring organization indicated it would supply at least the first flags. One board member said they would vote no until pending state legislation (Senate Bill 835) passed and PSBA guidance aligned; the motion to adopt the policy carried by voice vote.
