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District proposes $10 key-card system to open two outdoor facilities; board questions equity and liability
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Ward proposed resident-only programmable key cards costing a one-time $10 fee to allow access to the West Reading Elementary Center playground and the Flannry Field track; board members pressed staff on liability, refunds for revoked cards and whether fee waivers would be offered for low-income families.
Superintendent Dr. Ward told the board the district is recommending use of programmable key cards to control resident access to two fenced outdoor sites — the West Reading Elementary Center playground and the Flannry Field track — and proposed a one-time $10 fee to issue each card.
The proposal would require applicants to complete a community use form, show proof of residency and agree to rules and an agreement that includes an release of liability and the district’s right to revoke privileges for misuse. "We are recommending that we utilize key cards to gain access to both the West Reading Elementary Center playground as well as the Flannry Field," Dr. Ward said, adding that the card is intended as a "onceanddone $10 purchase."
Board members raised several practical and equity concerns during discussion. One member asked whether the community use form explains that people responsible for damage can be charged for repair and whether a revoked card would result in forfeiture of the fee; staff replied that the form allows privileges to be revoked and authorizes charges for necessary repairs, and that explicit refund language could be added. Another member asked whether a waiver or reduced-cost process might be offered for residents who cannot afford the fee; Dr. Ward said the team had not discussed a formal waiver process but that staff would work with families to avoid denying access to students for economic reasons.
Board members and staff also discussed how access interacts with scheduled school activities and athletics: gates will be open during practices and games, and coaches and staff will continue to have access; signage and scheduling will clarify when public access is allowed. Staff indicated that cardholders must be age 18 and are responsible for guests who accompany them. The district plans outreach through its website, ParentSquare and social media and targets opening the playground to cardholders on June 15 and Flannry Field in early July, contingent on finishing installations.
The board did not take an immediate vote on the community access policy during the discussion; staff said they will finalize the community use form and communications and bring required approvals to the board as needed.
