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Board OKs changes in drug testing policy |
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Wednesday, 14 May 2008 |
Benton School Board members amended numerous policies when they met Monday night at Ringgold Elementary School.
Board president Andy Bloxom thanked parents and teachers who serve on the handbook committee.
Board member Sam Stueart added, “It’s been a lot of work going on in workshops and committee. While you see the end of the iceberg, there’s been a lot that has gone into this.”
Many changes were made to the policy outlining requirements for participation in athletic/spirit groups.
At the beginning of each individual sport, students will be subject to urinalysis testing by a school district nurse. Random testing will be required at the discretion of the athletic director. If an initial test is positive and no retesting is requested, the student will not be allowed to participate in any athletic/spirit groups for the remainder of the school calendar year.
Retesting will be administered within 24 hours if requested and at the expense of the student, and the student will not be allowed to participate in the sport during that period. If the second test is positive, the student will not be allowed to participate in any athletic/spirit group for the next 20 school days.
A third test may be administered at the expense of the student. If the third test is positive, the student will not be allowed to participate in any athletic/spirit group for the remainder of the sports season.
For a student who loses eligibility, the student may participate in tryouts for the following school calendar year during the suspension but must have negative screening results prior to trying out.
Student athletes who are involved with alcohol and drugs at school or while participating in a school activity will be disciplined by the school. When the student returns, he or she will not be allowed to participate in any athletic/spirit group for the remainder of the school year.
Student athletes who are involved with alcohol or drugs away from school or school activities will face the following punishments:
•First violation: The athlete will be suspended from 20 percent of the games or activities scheduled. There must be substantial proof of wrongdoings as determined by the athletic director. The athlete will have to pass a drug test and the athlete will get counseling, which will be selected by the athletic director.
•Second violation: The athlete will be suspended from 50 percent of games or activities scheduled. In addition to the above, the athlete will have to attend an alcohol/drug abuse awareness program approved by the athletic director.
•Third violation: The athlete will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities for the remainder of the school year. To become eligible for the next school year, the athlete must have a negative screening test administered under school conditions.
The electronic communication devices policy was changed by adding that any student may bring a cell phone (powered off) to the campus office before school begins and retrieve the cell phone after school. Students who are caught with a cell phone that is turned off will receive Saturday school. Students in possession of cell phones that are turned on or make any kind of ringtone or sound will receive two days of in-school suspension.
Regarding certified personnel, the perfect attendance compensation policy has been amended. For perfect attendance in the fall, personnel will receive $170; in the spring, $170; and for both semesters, $100. For one-half day or one day absence in the fall, personnel will receive $100 and $100 in the spring. For one and one-half days or two days absences, personnel will receive $70 in the fall and $70 in the spring.
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Razorbacks
