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Parents complain about missing security, displaced color guard and poor facilities at Cheltenham High
Summary
Several parents told the board no security was present during a recent band event, that the adult school’s use of the high-school gym repeatedly displaces the color guard, and that school bathrooms need repair; parents said they will file Right-to-Know requests for related agreements.
During public comment, several parents raised safety and facilities concerns at Cheltenham High School and asked the board for district support for extracurricular teams.
Keisha Rodwell Green (United Parents Group co-president) said a Feb. 14 band home show lacked scheduled security despite large crowds and cash handling, calling the absence "a glaring oversight." She also said the Cheltenham Adult School’s repeated use of the high-school gym has displaced the color guard to Cedar Brook Middle School for practices and Sunday slots that conflict with students’ schedules, and announced plans to file Right-to-Know requests about the district’s agreement with the adult school.
Band parent Crystal Stryker described poor bathroom conditions and graffiti in the high-school restrooms and urged the district to improve maintenance. Jeff Stryker, speaking as a parent and prop coordinator for the color guard, detailed the physical burden and safety challenges of moving a large vinyl performance floor — a 50-by-70 piece weighing several hundred pounds — and asked whether the district can provide transportation support (drivers or a working trailer) for competitions.
Board members acknowledged the comments and thanked parents for raising the issues; no formal motions or votes were taken at the meeting to change facility schedules or staffing. Parents asked for clearer scheduling decisions and better alignment of community-use activities with student needs.
