Public Banned from Greenport School's Tennis Courts During School Hours — For Now

Members of the decided Wednesday night to continue to enforce the school's existing policy ofduring the school day until the school's Schools Against Violence in Education committee reviews the district's policy.

Last month, community members addressed the school board because they were frustrated that they were asked to during the school day. Greenport residents Kate McDowell and Eileen Kapell brought a petition to the board asking that the tennis courts and track remain open during the school day.

McDowell had used the tennis courts during school hours in the past and said this year was the first time she was ever asked to leave. The school board was reluctant to without researching how other district's on Long Island handle community access to school facilities during the school day.

District Superintendent Michael Comanda said that after the last school board meeting, he asked the Suffolk superintendent's listserv for their community access policies. He received 21 responses, and all but one restricted access during the school day. According to Comanda, the Bay Shore School District opens its facilities to the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Comanda also asked the state superintendent's listserv the same question and he received nine responses from schools in upstate New York. All the schools that replied to Comanda, gave community access to school facilities during the school day.

"Outside of Long Island, the schools allow access to their facilities. Schools on Long Island do not permit access during the day," said Comanda.

During the meeting, Comanda read portions of a letter from the school's Civil Service Employees Association to the board. Reminding the board that student's safety is the district's priority, the association urged the board to keep the campus closed during operating hours.

Comanda also summarized a letter from a parent who felt that it was not okay for the community to use the facilities under any circumstances during the school day.

"I suggest we kick it back to the committee to look at the issue further. They can gather additional information to help us make a decision," said Comanda.

In the meantime, board member Dan Creedon suggested that the district make it clear they have the right to enforce the existing policy.

Board member Lisa Murray suggested the district put up signs restating the district's position on not using the facilities during the school day by the tennis courts, football field, and on the fence near the east parking lot. Comanda said the signs should be up after the holidays.

The board will take up the issue again at its January meeting.