Adding another handicap access to the Harlan Elementary School facility was proposed by Superintendent David Johnson at a recent meeting of the Harlan Independent Board of Education. Johnson proposed a handicap ramp be built at the front entrance of the campus.

“We could build a concrete ramp that would go from the main sidewalk, allowing access into the front of the building,” said Johnson. “Then we could have an elevator or chair lift at the first level of the building that would get people to the office level.”

Board member Parker Boggs said the school should have parking spaces designated and signage directing people to the handicap entrance already available at the elementary school.

“We already have handicap access,” said Boggs. “We have an elevator. We may not be using our elevator to its fullest advantage by directing people to the rear of the building. I feel like we should have at least two handicap parking spaces available. Handicapped people are probably looking at all the steps out front and deciding there is no way they can gain entrance to the building. We need signage, so they will know we have access for them.”

Boggs said if the proposed ramping, chair lift and elevator in the front of the building were the only option the school had, he would be in favor of it.

“I don’t think we are using the options we already have in place,” said Boggs. “Just by having signage — telling people where our handicap access is and how to get to it would be a better option.”

Johnson said presently, if someone handicapped wanted to attend an event or something at the school, they had to give the school prior notice so arrangements could be made to help them with their access.

“So, there is no way to buzz them in?” asked board member Matt Nunez. “There would be no one sitting in the office to do this (after school office hours).”

Boggs said if a chair lift was installed, there would have to be someone available to help with the lift once the individuals were inside the building.

“There could be a ramp like the one we currently have at the high school,” said Johnson.

This issue was tabled until the next scheduled meeting.

In another discussion, board member Cindy Allison said she was concerned about middle school students not having access into their school building at the same time as elementary students.

“A lot of parents drop their kids off at the same time, and middle school students are having to stand outside for 10 minutes before entering their building, and I don’t think this is safe,” said Allison. “The elementary school doors open at 7:30 a.m. and the high school doors open at 7:40 a.m.”

Harlan High School Principal Stacy Noah said middle school students were allowed to come inside the high school earlier, high school earlier on cold days, but they had to stay together in one area by the doors.

“I think all doors to all facilities should open at the same time — so no matter what age student you have, you know when they’re dropped off they are safely inside the building,” said Allison.

Sunshine School Director Pat Bryson said Allison was assuming once a child was inside a building they were safe.

“That’s not true, if they don’t have adequate supervision,” said Bryson. “If you allow children to come in before staff is there, anything could happen. Parents need to keep their kids in their car until the doors are open and we assume responsibility for them.”

Noah said elementary school teachers were required to be at school to assume responsibility for students at 7:30 a.m. She said high school and middle school teachers were to be present at 7:40 a.m., and this was because of the start and end times of each school day.