SCHOOL BOARD WRAP UP

The following is from the Oct. 10 Laguna Beach Board of Education meeting:

‘Treats’ may not be banned under policy

The board reviewed and discussed its first reading of the proposed Student Wellness Policy, which has been updated to reflect new federal guidelines regarding nutrition and fitness.

The policy, which outlines changes to district nutrition standards and the creation of workshops and materials related to student wellness, will be revisited in the future for approval.

A particular item of discussion was the stipulation in the policy that sugary treats — including candies and cakes — will be “discouraged,” both as rewards by teachers and as brought in by students for class parties. Trustee Jan Vickers said the board is reluctant to prohibit the practice of rewarding students with such treats.

“It’s just one of those slow-moving culture changes,” she said. “We can’t hurt other people’s feelings, to put it simplistically,” she added.

Trustee Betsy Jenkins noted that several food companies are changing their formulas in response to the new federal guidelines, such as creating healthier candy bars.

Klapman dedication committee appointed

The board unanimously approved the appointment of an ad-hoc citizen advisory committee, assembled by Kendall Clark, president of the El Morro Elementary SchoolPTA, to review a request to dedicate the 5th-grade wing at El Morro in memory of teacher Marshall Klapman.

The PTA’s vision is to hang a bronze plaque on the wall of the 5th-grade wing next to his classroom and install a “whimsical” bench by Laguna artist Michele Taylor in his memory under his favorite tree. Taylor would only request that her costs be recuperated.

Board members Betsy Jenkins and Jan Vickers will join several district employees, community representatives and parents/guardians on the committee.

The next Laguna Beach Board of Education meeting will be 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the district office, 550 Blumont St. Information: (949) 497-7700.