WAYNESBORO – The subject of elevators in all of the Waynesboro Area School District elementary schools was discussed Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the second of its two monthly public meetings.
Washington Township school board director Linda Zimmerman said she feels all local elementary schools should be ADA compliant. But she disagreed with adding elevators to two elementary schools at a great cost when those in need of accommodations can be moved to a school that already has adequate facilities.
Her comments were presented to those attending the meeting, along with some 100 watching via Livestream. The meeting also included reference to the ongoing appeal by Summitview Principal Steven Pappas concerning his demotion to teacher.
While no decision has been made on the Pappas case, the board did address the outpouring of letters, email and messages they have received from the community in the last few weeks.
In an opening statement, board President Rachel Fortney addressed this outreach and assured the community that their voices have been heard, but the board is asking for all involved to be patient as they review the evidence presented in 20 hours of Pappas’ appeal hearings and other evidence so they may make an informed decision.
The board did hear from seven community members at the meeting and allowed them to speak for five minutes. Among those who spoke were Ashley Wilburn, who created the first online petition to reinstate Pappas and has been speaking with and for many in the community who have been afraid to come forward due to their alleged fear of retaliation.
Also speaking to the board were Kathleen Dimino and her daughter, Ariabella, who is a student at the local high school. Kathleen shared cost numbers from the hearings and legal information with the board, while Ariabella shared her feelings of disappointment with the school district as a student who has felt the impact of the hearings.
Another community member who spoke was Steve Dwight, who stated that perception is reality for the community, which has seen and heard things throughout the hearings. Without clarification and transparency, perceptions are dictating the community’s emotions, and the board needs to be aware that everyone is watching and listening, Dwight said.
While the community waits for the decision regarding Pappas to be decided, tensions continue to rise. There has still been no announcement on when the board will make that decision.
