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Student bathroom policy, accessibility and curriculum access raised at Carmel board meeting; senior athlete honored
Summary
At the May 5 meeting students and parents criticized the middle-school '10-10' bathroom rule and asked for better curriculum access and smoother ADA access at George Fischer; the board also recognized senior Kai McKenzie for athletic achievements and college commitment.
Several student and parent speakers used the board’s public comment time on May 5 to highlight everyday school issues and to praise volunteer-run events.
Sixth‑grader Ella Burroughs told trustees the middle‑school "10‑10" bathroom rule — which limits bathroom access in the first and last 10 minutes of a 40‑minute period — is "chaotic" and forces students to avoid school bathrooms when they need them. Trustee Wise and other board members acknowledged multiple complaints and asked the superintendent and assistant superintendent to report back with possible remedies; the superintendent invited Ella to meet with school leaders to discuss workable solutions.
Trustee Wise and others also relayed a parent's concern that the front ramp at George Fischer Middle School feels rough and may be too steep for some wheelchair users. District structural engineers told trustees the measured slope met ADA 12:1 standards but agreed to check paving and potential minor repairs; trustees asked facilities staff to follow up.
Members of the public asked the district to make curriculum materials more accessible on the district website, including UPK curriculum and materials for families who homeschool. The superintendent said information on universal prekindergarten curriculum is available at carmelschools.org/universalprekindergarten and that the district is working to balance access with proprietary curriculum licenses.
On a celebratory note, the board recognized senior track athlete Kai McKenzie, who placed second in the Class A Section I long jump, competed at national meets and has committed to Manhattanville University. Superintendent Plin and trustees praised McKenzie’s athletic performance and conduct on and off the field.
What happens next: The superintendent and assistant superintendent will report back to the board on the 10‑10 policy and on ramp improvements; administration will continue work to expand curriculum access where feasible.
