Two issues faced by Lake Tract Elementary School were brought to light by staffers there during public comment at the Deptford board of education meeting on Feb. 7.
Fifth grade teacher Rachel Contreras-Cruz described a lack of library access to students at the school because there is no one to observe the facility. She initially made her concerns known at a board meeting last month.
“I was concerned, as some of my colleagues are concerned, that some of our elementary- school students don’t have access to hundreds of books in our library, starting just this year,” said Contreras-Cruz.
Between the February and January meetings, the teacher came up with three solutions to the problem: a job posting for a library aide to check in and check out books and replace returned ones, an offer to Deptford High School students who may want to volunteer for the position and allowing anyone – including lunch aides – to apply for the position.
Contreras-Cruz told the board that Lake Tract Principal Danielle Lehman was in favor of her ideas. But its members – despite also favoring the suggestions – will reserve a decision until more study can be done.
Another issue at the school is overflowing trash, as reported to the board by Lake Tract staffer and parent Marsha Cole.
“What stinks at Lake Tract is our trash, and I took pictures of the disgusting trash that is overlaid,” she said. “It is outside where my babies play, and it was not picked up all last week at all. The raccoons are having Thanksgiving.”
Cole also had pictures of the alleged mess on her phone to show board members. The reason – according to board Business Administrator Todd Reitzel – is that workers for its provider, Waste Management, are on strike.
“The principal brought it to our attention today and we have a contact at Waste Management who said part of Waste Management is on strike,” Reitzel explained. “But a lot of their in-house employees are working non-stop, and the rep that takes care of us said he would have someone coming out tomorrow.
“We’re in a backup and that’s all I’m saying,” Cole said. “I work construction in New York, I get it. But I’m just concerned for my babies.”
