By SHANNON CAULFIELD
The Marlton Sun
The Evesham Township Board of Education meeting was cut short on Friday, Jan. 25, following the collapse of school board president Sandy Student.
Student excused himself midway through a presentation before collapsing in the hallway just outside the meeting.
An EMT was in attendance and tended to Student’s needs until an ambulance arrived.
“We do understand that he’s been released from the hospital. He will be getting additional testing done,” said superintendent of schools John Scavelli later in the week.
The meeting resumed after Student’s transportation to the hospital.
“I would ask the board to consider the consent agenda on the rest of the items this evening,” said Scavelli before moving the meeting forward.
During Scavelli’s report, he noted changes the district is taking to ensure security throughout the schools.
The decision to upgrade locks and change the two-way radio system come following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
The total cost of the locks upgrade will cost the district $64,732 and will not cut into the budget, according to Scavelli. The money will come from state funds previously awarded to the board.
Additionally, the cost of the two-way radio system will be $3,079 per month under a State contract.
Scavelli did not wish to provide further details pertaining to further upgrades in the district due to security.
The district recently attended a privately held school summit with Evesham Fire and Rescue, the Lenape Regional High School District representatives and police representatives.
“We’re going to meet on it next month just to make sure we’re doing everything possible to keep our children safe,” Mayor Randy Brown said during the Jan. 22 township council meeting.
Scavelli provided an update on budget planning.
The board will be planning to add a new language teacher, new iPads, student achievement and curriculum planning in addition to new computers.
The planning is currently in the beginning stages. The final budget will be presented at the March 28 meeting.
In other news, a presentation was given to the board by solicitor Will Donio encompassing the code of ethics training.
The code was enacted in 1991.
According to the presentation, members must be mindful of actions that may go against public interest, are done for personal financial interest or involve any nepotism.
Donio reminded members the code is outlined in a positive manner and to uphold the best interests of the public.
Regular action was taken on the consent agenda.
The next board of education meeting will be held Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at Marlton Elementary School, located at 190 Tomlinson Mill Road.
