Board to review harassment grievance

At the start of Tuesday’s Exeter School Board meeting, President David Hemberger announced that the board has directed legal questions to its solicitor in response to the grievance filed by the Exeter Township Education Association.

The grievance claimed the district did not follow policies that required immediate investigation of terroristic threats and harassment against physical education teacher Eric McGuiney, who had false stories about him posted on Facebook and a website last year.

After an investigation by police and school technology officials, it was determined that the stories were fabricated.

Both the district solicitor and Exeter police concluded that the posts, which were ultimately removed, were protected free speech. No charges were filed against students.

Hemberger said the board would discuss the matter in executive session and a determination would be announced soon.

The policy committee will review the school’s policies on terroristic threats next Thursday.

In other business, it was announced that the facility committee will look to solve poor cellphone reception at Owatin Creek Elementary.

Also, the board received bids for the four buses the district needs. The lowest was $364,000 from Brightbill Transportation of Lebanon. When asked about trying out, as part of the four buses, two that run on propane with emissions near zero, the board said it had no objection. A lease/purchase option for the buses was discussed.

More consideration and information will be needed before the board takes a final vote on the issue.