Pubdate: Sat, 15 Dec 2001 Source: Beckley Register-Herald (WV) Copyright: 2001 The Register-Herald Contact: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd86 Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1441 Author: Nerissa Young Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) SUMMERS BOARD EXPELS STUDENT, OKS DRAFTING DRUG TESTING POLICY HINTON -- The Summers County school board expelled a student Thursday and agreed to draft a drug-testing policy. Members convened a 10-minute executive session to discuss the student. When they returned, Superintendent Richie Rodes recommended expelling the female Summers County High School sophomore for 365 days under the Safe Schools Act. The girl will receive educational services at the alternative school and must complete a counseling program through FMRS Mental Health Inc. to return to class. He said the girl got into a fight on a school bus. The board voted 3-0 to expel the girl, with members Gene Davis and Susie Keffer absent. Members voted unanimously to direct school officials to draft a drug-testing policy for all high school athletes, band members and coaches. Rodes said, "This has become of interest to all school people, to all civic leaders and to parents ... It is a community issue. I understand that." Members discussed such a policy at the November meeting. He said testing would cost between $4,000 and $5,000. Schools would be asked to share the cost. Board vice president Cletis Pack commended coaches for their initiative and support of random drug testing. Rodes said he expects to have the policy ready for public review by the Jan. 17 meeting. Business manager Joe Kessler briefed the board on latest attempts to get the Summers Middle School gym floor replaced and dressing rooms and bathrooms repaired. When contractors replaced the gym roof last summer, rain damaged the floor and other areas of the gym. Swope Construction Co. acknowledged the damage resulting from subcontractors' work and indicated company officials would pay for damages. Kessler said the board gave Swope until Nov. 30 to make restitution and that deadline passed. The school system contracted with Cincinnati Flooring to replace the floor, which should be complete Jan. 12. The other repairs will follow. He said he filed a letter with the state School Building Authority, which awarded grants for SMS renovations, asking to use $50,000 remaining in the job account to pay partial costs for the new floor. The board will sue Swope for the remaining $17,000. "I don't have any doubts that we'll get our money back." Members convened a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel and took no action upon returning to open session. - - E-mail Nerissa Young at --- MAP posted-by: Jackl