Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board members press staff on inconsistent stocking of menstrual-product dispensers in schools
Summary
During budget discussions on May 21, a board member raised concerns that menstrual-product dispensers, though installed, are not being stocked in some schools; staff said funding exists and site-specific custodial and administrative decisions, often prompted by vandalism and plumbing issues, explain gaps.
During the May 21 Howard County Public Schools Board of Education meeting, board member Miss Moseley raised concerns that school dispensers for menstrual products are installed in many schools but not consistently stocked, which she said is forcing students to miss class or not attend school.
"Those dispensers are not stocked and it is impacting students' education," Miss Moseley said, recounting an email she sent asking whether the district needed additional budget for stocking and estimating higher ongoing costs.
Cornell Brown, the district’s chief operating officer, said staff had investigated reports from schools and that the shortfall was not due to a lack of funding. "It is not an issue of funding," Brown said. He added that some schools have chosen to consolidate stocking at certain restrooms to manage vandalism, plumbing backups and other site-specific issues, and that custodial teams and school administrators are working to address those operational decisions.
Brown said staff can bring back a plan for signage or additional engagement if the board wants a districtwide approach to ensure dispensers are stocked and to communicate expectations to students and staff.
Next steps Board discussion did not produce a motion on this item; staff said they would continue to coordinate with custodial teams and principals to identify where stocking should occur and whether targeted signage or engagement is required.
