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Board weighs facility-use policy changes, adult-education partnership and building-use scheduling concerns
Summary
At its April 14 meeting the Westbury board discussed proposed facility-use rule changes (ban on e-bikes/e-dirt bikes/scooters on campus, new track spike rules), a partnership to expand Westbury Adult Learning Center programming for military and veterans, and scheduling concerns over recurring building-use requests from Long Island Wave and PTA event coordination.
During public questions and agenda discussion on April 14 the Westbury board addressed several non-budget items that affect community use of district facilities and continuing adult-education programs.
Facility-use policy changes: A staff member explained that one amendment to the public-use regulation (policy 11B) adds a prohibition on certain vehicles on school property during off-hours, specifically e-bikes, e-dirt bikes and scooters (except for bicycles used to commute to and from school). The staff member also said the district must clarify equipment rules for track users: quarter-inch spikes would no longer be allowed and eighth-inch spikes would be required; the use of starting blocks may also be restricted pending further policy language. The administration said revisions will be drafted and returned for board review.
Westbury Adult Learning Center partnership: Administration described a proposal to partner with "Ed for Jobs" and create online course offerings with the Department of Defense that would target active-duty military and veterans and generate revenue for the district's adult-learning program. The Westbury Adult Learning Center currently serves about 900 community learners, down from earlier enrollments of roughly 1,000-1,200, the administration said. District leaders framed the effort as both a service to veterans and a diversification of funding as grant revenues shrink.
Building-use scheduling and community events: Public commenter Isabella Hamilton-Lomax raised concerns that recurring, long-term approvals for outside organizations (for example, Long Island Wave's request for weekly use of Westbury Middle School) could conflict with PTA scheduling because PTAs generally finalize calendars after May board elections. Board members and staff said they will work with PTAs, Long Island Wave and Westbury PAL to discuss saved dates and scheduling to minimize conflicts, and the district will follow up about a PTA request for the Spooky Walk event with the corresponding secretary.
Attribution note: Several answers during the Q&A were given by an administration staff member who did not introduce themselves by name on the record; where a direct speaker name was not provided the administration's statements are reported as responses from district staff.
