Bethlehem students may not be free to get lunch soon

Steve Esack

May 12, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- The senior lunch program, meant as a reward for high-performing 12th-graders but abused by truants in all grades, could be cut back or eliminated for next year's

12th-graders in the Bethlehem Area School District, officials said Monday.

Dean Donaher, director of student services, said administrators met with students, parents and police officers from Liberty and Freedom high schools over a litany of truancy and litter problems that were brought to light last month by residents who live near Liberty.

Donaher said the group will meet again Wednesday to discuss possible changes to the program, including student suggestions that it move from a daily privilege to once weekly or eliminating it completely.

Board member Rosario Amato said administrators were wasting their time talking to students about the problems surrounding the lunch program.

He said staff and the board have known for years that students in all grades have used it as an excuse to cut class. Amato said the board should end it now before a student gets killed while off school property.

"Senior privilege has been in effect for many years," he said. "It's been abused and we've known it and turned our heads. You don't need students to tell us how to resolve this issue. You do away with it for a year."

The administration plans to develop an official change to the lunch program, started in the mid-1990s, to allow high-performing seniors to leave Liberty and Freedom for lunch.

"We are recommending major, major changes if not the elimination of it," Superintendent Joseph Lewis said.

Last month, a group of residents who live near Liberty, 1115 Linden St., presented the board a petition signed by 70 people, including city police officers, asking the district to eliminate the "open lunch program."

Anita Shive of Northeast Block Watch cited incidents such as students sneaking into garages and yards, smoking marijuana in driveways, and littering in streets and yards.

Board member Irene Follweiler said she felt bad for good students, but the problems outlined by Shive show the program needs to end.

However, Lewis said simply ending the lunch program may not eliminate the loitering and littering problem around Liberty.

Lewis said he and other administrators patrolled driveways around Liberty last week and found a high-schooler from another school who "missed the bus" and other young adults who graduated in previous years.

Steve.esack@mcall.com

610-820-6506

Newstex ID: 34851304