School may be out for students but school boards continue to address their agendas in preparation for the 2013-14 school year. The Clear Fork Local Valley Schools Board of Education addressed a number of agenda items when they met on June 13. Athletic team uniforms, new district drug policy, new coaches’ handbook, and new hires were included in the discussions.
The board approved a number of items in the treasurer’s report including transfers from the General Fund to the Athletic Fund for partial payment of payroll expenses and for athletic department operating expenses.
Athletic director Benji Bethea addressed the board concerning the need for team uniforms, noting that he was asking for $14,000 for uniforms. He also said that Treasurer Larry Lifer could verify that the athletic department did not “spend frivolously.” Bethea explained why the department needed funding for uniforms.
“This is the result of low football gates, bad weather, and pass lists. Two Columbus teams brought low visitor attendance last year,” said Bethea. Bethea is also considering possible fundraisers, including a Casino Night, to help raise the money.
The treasurer’s report also noted a $7,777 increase in the district’s property/liability insurance and general fund transfers to the Permanent Improvement Fund.
Superintendent Matthew Dill reported a number of personnel changes including the transfer of elementary teacher Michael Lamp from Bellville third grade to second grade citing legislative requirements. And Stacey Swank was transferred to Butler Intervention Specialist.
A number of new teachers were also introduced: Lindsey Brokaw, 5th grade, Butler; Jennifer Campbell, 6th grade, Middle School; Matthew Dotson, high school vocational agriculture; Katie Foster, 3rd grade, Bellville; Laura Parsons, 1st grade, Butler; and Randy Pore, Middle School/High School Intervention Specialist.
Dill also announced the resignation of cafeteria-worker Victoria Conrad. Conrad resigned to relocate with her husband.
In new business, the board awarded $61,952 to Snider and Associates for the replacement of Butler Elementary playground equipment.
“I really appreciate the community coming together for this project,” added Dill.
As the board discussed the second reading of board policies, a discussion surfaced regarding a new Illegal Substances Testing Policy. Board member Nick Kuelling expressed strong opposition.
“I think the motivation for this drug testing is largely political,” stated Kuelling. “We’re putting more kids at risk for our policy misconceptions, and I’m sorry we’re doing this.”
Keulling explained that his concern is that the testing is specifically for marijuana testing. He added that alcohol will leave a body’s system quickly enough that it will not be detected but marijuana remains detectable for months.
“Fifty-two times as many people get killed from drunk driving than smoking pot. But I’m not here to tell you to allow pot smoking,” he added.
“I know you think it’s just pot testing but we’re testing for more than pot,” stated board president Gary Mathes.
Board member Jim Jackson added, “I support the drug policy. However, I am with Nick. I do wish the first test was a non-punitive test. I would like to see us not punish them on the first offense.”
Julie Doup, also a board member, said, “It’s not a law; it’s just a policy. We’re not going to get it right the first time. After the first year we can change it.”
The remainder of the meeting included discussions of the Ohio Improvement Process, the introduction of a Coaching Handbook, Drug Prevention plans for each of the district’s schools, and hiring a Special Education Secretary to replace a coordinator position. The board then entered into executive session to discuss employment and compensation. No further action was taken.