Parents bring more lunch, bus issues to school board

SUSSEX BOROUGH — Student security, lunch length, portions, and quality were still major concerns at the Sussex-Wantage School Board meeting on Wednesday, March 25.

Sueann Woolery said she had issues with her child's bus driver who said there was no an aide on the bus several days because she was told it would take too long to pick up the aide.

President Thomas Card said that parents expressed are valid concerns; and the board is evaluating whether to continue with the bus company.

Cathy Southard also approached the board, saying that lunch time should be increased because her children still come home hungry.

Bob Demeter asked if the master schedule was going to be adjusted to lengthen the lunch time. No answer was given for either question.

Superintendent Jeanne Apryasz said cafeteria aides at the Clifton E. Lawrence School have been instructed to focus on ensuring the children finish eating. The school also sent a survey to parents asking for students' food preferences and additional comments.

School Board Members Robert Heiden and Kenneth Nuss said the current lunch survey would not answer the questions of the community.

Apryasz said she will revise the survey, and board members William Bolella, Heiden and Nuss will review the changes by the work session on April 15.

Robert Cintron recommended using technology in a real time survey. He also mentioned problems with lunch period: cleanliness, portions, and time.