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Schools

Soda machine pullout fizzes out

Concerned about losing a moneymaker, the School Board keeps vending in the high schools for now.

By EDDY RAMIREZ
Published August 10, 2005

INVERNESS - Citrus schools won't pull the plug on soft drink machines - at least not yet.

On Tuesday, the School Board voted 3-2 to allow schools to keep vending machines that students can use all day.

The discussion sparked an animated debate about whether schools should earn money by selling soft drinks, which critics say are detrimental to student health. But in unplugging the machines, schools face losing precious dollars that help pay for a wide variety of items ranging from yearbooks and caps and gowns to athletics and literacy programs.

"Why do we sell Coke on campus anyways," board chairwoman Pat Deutschman asked. "Is money more important than the health of our children?"

Some members said schools should trust students to make the choice.

"We want to raise children to make choices," said board member Lou Miele.

"Then why don't we have cigarette machines in schools as well?" Deutschman interrupted. "I see no reason why a kid should be drinking a Coke. It's not a right that they're entitled to."

Board member Bill Murray said that taking away the soda machines would not keep students from smuggling the drinks into campuses.

"They know how to work the system," he said.

Superintendent Sandra "Sam" Himmel said the vending machines also will be stocked with 100 percent fruit juices and bottled water. Those drinks will cost 75 cents while sodas will cost $1. All three high schools have vending machines. Vending machines at middle schools don't sell sodas, only bottled water and Powerade, and they are not accessible all day long.

Board members agreed to revisit the issue later this month, when food services director Shirley Greene presents the board with a list of snacks sold in school cafeterias.

In other news:

The playground planned for Homosassa Elementary School in memory of Jessica Lunsford has received the School Board's blessing.

Board members voted unanimously to accept the donated playground. The playground will be completed in October, and the grand opening will be televised Oct. 23 in an hourlong live broadcast on Tampa Bay's ABC affiliate, WFTS-Ch. 28.

The partnership between Lexington Homes, the Chrysler Championship and ABC Action News was announced last Wednesday.

Besides honoring the memory of the former student, Homosassa Elementary principal Regina Allegretta told board members that the playground would help improve student fitness.

Board members also agreed to hold a public hearing Sept. 13 to discuss a tentative plan to screen thousands of contract employees. The Jessica Lunsford Act requires school districts to run fingerprint checks on contract workers.

Eddy Ramirez can be reached at eramirez@sptimes.com or 813-661-2441.

[Last modified August 10, 2005, 00:36:13]