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.

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MAP posted-by: Jackl