BISD amends drug testing policy

Superintendent Jackie Thomason was proud to report on the district’s “Recognized” rating at Monday night’s BISD School Board meeting. Also pictured Board Member Jennifer Humphries. Van ‘Go’ photo The Buffalo ISD School Board meeting on August 16th included a celebration of the district's recent TAKS reports, the tweaking of the school's current drug testing policy, and final decisions in preparation for the opening of school next Monday.

The new building is finished, and Board President Jim Scott opening the meeting with an invitation to the Masonic dedication set for Tuesday morning and the ribbon cutting ceremonies scheduled for Friday evening. (SEE Open House for details.)

A highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the district's 2009-10 Accountability Performance Ratings from the Texas Education Agency. Buffalo Elementary was "Recognized" for the 4th year in a row, Buffalo Junior High was again "Recognized", the High School was "Academically Acceptable" and very close to being Recognized. The big news to celebrate was that the District, as a whole, earned the "Recognized" status for the first time. Superintendent Jackie Thomason stated, "This district recognition is a Major Milestone -- something I'm really excited about and proud off. We couldn't have done it without a lot of teamwork and hard work.... We address a diverse student population, and we want them ALL to be successful." He went on to review the academic and athletic success that BISD had last year and concluded, "This is the Home of Champions! We want (other schools we compete with) 'em to DREAD the sight of the Buffalo Bus -- to know that they are going to be challenged!"

The Board has been considering a change in the district's extra-curricular drug testing policy. While some schools districts have no policy for testing student, BISD requires students to voluntarily submit to tests if they are going to participate in extra-curricular activities. The policy presently has a 4-strikes-you're-out rule, and a student who fails four tests can never again participate in athletics, band, drill team, ag competitions, etc. -- things which can be a powerful incentive for some students. Coaches Mark Read and War- ren Ringland made an impassioned plea that the district policy be amended.

"We're all for the drug testing policy -- the best thing about it is to give our kids a reason to say NO..." Read stated. "But we propose a revision that allows a kid who makes a life change to get another chance... I just hate to slam the door on a kid -- you don't know when it's actually TOO late." Ringland concurred, "The last thing that we want to do is exclude these kids -- they are the ones that need this incentive. The 'death sentence' - a 4th strike and you're gone forever -- that's just unacceptable to me. We would like to see a policy that says if they can become clean we would welcome them back. Kids that test positive will still be suspended, but they'll be suspended with a carrot: If you're clean, you make that change, you CAN come back. We're trying to reach every kid."

After much discussion, the Board voted unanimously to revise the district policy. All students participating in extra-curricular activities must still voluntarily submit to drug testing, and if they fail they are suspended from the programs but may continue to practice. They are also required to re-test each time the drug tests are administered, but under the new policy when they test clean they may be re-instated.

The meeting also included an update on the progress on the new track and field by Don Bolinger of ATG. To date 24000 cu. yards of dirt have been moved in site preparation. Grading, curbing, sidewalks, and perimeter drainage are the next step planned in August. In a related matter, the Board also discussed the need for moving ahead with plans for the concession stands and bathrooms which need to be ready when the field is finished.

County Extension Agent Tommy Neyland presented Mr.Thomason with a plaque recognizing him as a Leon County Friend of 4-H.

The high school handbook was amended to allow students to wear flipflops and sandals, making that policy consistent from K-12.

Changes in grading policy were discussed. Although questioning the wisdom of the new state mandate, the Board did vote to follow the TASB recommendation to do away with mandatory minimum grade of 50 on permanent school records.

Trustee Ron Goodwyn shared a request from Ms. Ruth Holland Clary and the Board voted that Ms. Clary will make the selections of the recipients of the Holland Scholarship.

The substitute list was approved as presented.

Following an executive session, the Board took the following actions: Tracy Porter was released from her contract. Tracie Champion was employed as the junior high computer teacher and Susan Ladner-Henon as a kindergarten teacher. The Employee Retention Incentive Program was approved for 2010-11.

No action was taken on the discussion of the disposition of the Casey property.