By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Several individuals addressed the Parkland School Board on a variety of topics at the December 2022 meetings.

William Allen, who said he is in recovery from alcohol, objected to having the proposed sober house alongside Cetronia Elementary School.

The facility would be a temporary stop for people going through rehabilitation.

They would live there until a permanent home is found.

“It is inappropriate to have this facility next to the school,” Allen said.

He told the board parents of Cetronia students should be included and informed on the matter.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson replied to Allen.

“The school district does have representation at South Whitehall meetings,” Madson said.

“We are doing everything we can to protect our students.”

Allen made a request to have public comments included in board minutes and said the secretary should be fired if that does not happen.

Michael Bodnar also objected to the sober house location alongside Cetronia School.

“We have to stand side-by-side to prevent this,” Bodnar said.

He then addressed the issue of committee times for the new year.

“Does it really serve the public having meetings at 7:30 a.m.?” Bodnar asked.

In addition to David Ellowitch, Bodnar criticized board member Jarrett Coleman’s recently settled 2021 lawsuit against the board for its legal costs which have not been stated but must be substantial.

“He showed very little concern for district funds,” Ellowitch said.

On a different matter, Laura Warmkessel objected to some books in the school libraries.

“Many are inappropriate by age and maturity,” she said. “Who is approving these books? Are parents aware these books are here?”

She expressed concerns about books containing LGBTQ themes.

Warmkessel stated some books designated “Young Adult” do not belong in the school library.

She asked whether the superintendent approves selection of the library books.

Madson did not comment on the matter.