Recent disciplinary actions were discussed at last Thursday’s Clear Fork School Board meeting where clarification of policies in the Athletic Handbook were requested by the parents of a student whose internet behavior resulted in the students suspension. Also acknowledged at the evening’s meeting were the newly elected board members and the community support that enabled the Athletic Boosters to announce the track project started 39 month ago to be paid in full.
Fred Neumann along with his wife Jacquie addressed board members with concerns about the disciplinary action against their son Jake Neumann.
“Nobody will tell us exactly what policy it is that he violated,” remarked Fred Neumann.
Over the past summer the Neumann’s son Jake, a senior this year at Clear Fork High School was apparently suspended over the alleged tweeting of a photo that was deemed a violation of policy in the athletic handbook by Benji Bethea, Athletic Director at CFHS. Fred Neumann added,” The incident (tweeting) happened over the summer, in our home. And I do not believe what my son does in our home over the summer is any of your business.”
Gary Mathes, president of the board, responded by stating, “The policy your son was suspended for was not internet policy or the school drug policy, it was policy in the Athletic Handbook.”
Neumann’s wife Jaquie then addressed the board members with concerns and stated that she believed the incident could have been handled better.
“The only thing we are trying to do is find out exactly what policy is it that our son violated. We can’t seem to get an answer. We are confused and just need a clear answer,” said Jaquie Neumann.
There is no known policy specifically related to internet use,and or behavior, including the use of Twitter, Facebook or other forms of social media such as texting in the Clear Fork Athletic Handbook.
Board member Jim Jackson acknowledged the frustration of the parents and said, ”I would like to take a moment and say that I am sorry for how things have transpired. Personally, I don’t believe a policy was violated, but we can’t go back. Did Mr. Bethea overstep, Maybe so. I do also believe that the whole incident could have been handled better. On behalf of myself and the board I apologize.”
Further discussion of the incident was then agreed by the Neumanns and Mathes to be handled in the court system at a later date.
Further communication from the public continued when Derek Fisher from the Knox County Career Center shared updates regarding the new building being constructed that will house the Sports Medicine and the ROTC.
“I just wanted to say we appreciate all the support we have received from the community and the board members as well,” said Fisher.
Chuck Golden, president of the Athletic Boosters told the board that the loan balance of the track project that was started 39 months ago has been paid in full as of October 14. Golden attributed the payment in full largely due to the support of the community and board and the three major fund raising events they had were very successful.
“We had three major events this year, the golf outing, Night at the Races and the Fair Tent, which I may add was the best year we’ve ever had all contributed to us being able to get this paid,” said Golden. He also added, ”I would like to thank the school, the school board, and say we have great people involved in boosters.”
Interim Superintendent Dave Ritter took a moment to acknowledge and congratulate newly elected board members Jim DeSanto, Randall Freeman and re-elected Jason Snyder. All were present at the meeting. Ritter added that at a later date the new members would be briefed in regards to current issues and business so as to aid their transition onto the board.
