RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATION - January 27, 2003
15. Community Service Agencies
INFORMATION:
A very important component of the Bethlehem Area School District's Community Service Program is the involvement of agencies and organizations to serve as hosts for students participating in the program. These organizations must not discriminate against any race, religion, or sex, and must provide assurances that the approved experience is free from religious doctrinal motivation. In addition, each agency must commit to provide our students with opportunities to benefit others.
As part of the Community Service Program, the Board of School Directors must approve each community service sponsor prior to students participating with the agency.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the attached be approved to participate in the Bethlehem Area School District's Community Service Program and be included in the Community Service Directory of Participating Organizations and Agencies.
The administration's recommendations 15 and 17 were considered together. Director Koch stated she was asking the question she always asks. The job description for Allentown State Hospital states clerical duties. She asked if we are taking away any possible job from any individual. Mr. Perfetti replied that Mrs. Seip, community service director, assures him that we are not. Mrs. Seip explained that sometimes there are information packets; students can do some Xeroxing. Many of the same kinds of duties are those needed by our other nonprofit agencies. Dr. Lewis stated this was discussed at the cabinet level. He fully believes that these are more beneficial opportunities for students as opposed to a reduction or replacement of work responsibility of a clerical nature. There would be oversight by employees. It would be a mutual conducting of business as opposed to a replacement. Director Koch stated that the main idea of community service was for students to be learning something while helping the public in some way. She commented that doing office work is not community service as far as she sees it. It is not helping people so much as perhaps helping the employer to get more work done. Mrs. Seip commented that this is just a partial description of what students would be doing. All of the agencies have the need at some point during an active calendar for such additional help. The offerings are very varied just like our students are. Director Koch stated she will not belabor the issue. She feels very uncomfortable in doing this. Doing office work is not community service as far as she sees it Director Amato asked if the agencies call and ask for students. Mrs. Seip replied that generally the agencies do not. If a large project comes up, they may call and the need is advertised on the high school bulletins. This agency listing, as is seen in the agenda, is placed in a directory going out to all students every year. Students sometimes look for activities that match their skills, hobbies, or career interests. Some students look for agencies close to home.