Concern About Arson, Vandalism at Lone Tree Playground
By Amy Claire
At the October 26 meeting of the Antioch School Board, Lone Tree Elementary School parent Patty Ward expressed concerns about the recent occurrences of arson and vandalism at the school’s playground. She stated that she was happy with the district’s response time in replacing the vandalized equipment, and requested a way for parents to take a more active role in keeping the campus safe.
She suggested a fundraiser to help pay for motion sensor lights to protect the area most commonly vandalized, and expressed interest in organizing such an event. She also suggested the possibility of using a newer technology that emits an annoying sound, and can be programmed to deter certain age groups from loitering and causing mischief.
Board President Diane Gibson-Gray said someone from the district would contact Ward at the school, where she volunteers three times a week. Board Vice-President Claire Smith recommended getting involved with the PTA as a good way to organize the fundraiser.
Another woman expressed positive interest in family involvement in school activities. As a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, she mentioned that the National Week of the Family is in November, and that the community has organized to create opportunities for families to play and eat together throughout the month.
She presented a finalized calendar that included dinner specials for every night of the week, family bowling and roller skating specials, and community events to teach families how to work together on projects such as planting gardens or cooking meals. She expressed the theme of the month as “Families that eat, work and play together, stay together.”
The board also heard reports from student delegates from Antioch High School and Dozier-Libbey Medical High School, both of which detailed upcoming social events at the schools. The meeting also included two hearings, one regarding the sufficiency of textbooks and instructional materials, the other considering the appointment of Darice Ingram as a representative to the personnel commission. No attendees voiced opinions about either topic.
The next school board meeting will be held Wednesday, November 16 at 7 pm at 510 G. Street in Antioch.
