The Broadus School Board met Monday night for their December meeting. During the Hearing of the Public, the Examiner asked about what is being done to handle vaping in the school system. Reports from the community (as well as the court report) have indicated that a large percentage of school age children are vaping, which is apparently the “cool” new way for kids to get addicted to nicotine (though in older circles vaping is considered uber lame). Reports have indicated that up to 85% of junior high and high school kids in Broadus have tried or currently use vaping devices.
When vaping first becme popular, it was sold as a healthier alternative to smoking – but scientific evidence has shown that is not the case – they are every bit as dangerous and addictive. Vape devices are often small and easily hidden, and may look like USB drives. The “smoke”, or lack thereof, makes it difficult to detect when someone is using the device.
On the upside, Juul, one of the more popular devices, has vowed to stop selling their popular flavored pods in stores, such as mango and crème, which were apparently popular with teens.
Broadus Principal Denise Ternes replied that the school has been educating the staff, parents, and the students about the dangers of vaping. For example, Ternes has posted information near her office showing the dangers of vaping, and sent home information to parents during parent teacher conferences. Last year, the school changed its policy to make vaping a three day in-school suspension, instead of out of school. Students have been caught on camera using the devices in school, which meant that besides the suspension, the students were turned over to law enforcement. If they were under 18, they generally received a fine.
The School Board next answered a question regarding the Ashland School Board position, which was previously held by Roger Gaskill. The position remains unfilled after Gaskill left the Board earlier this year. Superintendent Hansen said they are still working on filling the position. The folks living in the district who would qualify for the role have been contacted, but no one has been willing to take on the role as of yet.
During the Student Council report, Ternes indicated that the pop machines in the student store would be fitted with timers so students were not allowed to purchase the sugary beverages during school hours. Additionally, a variety of healthier snacks would be available in the student store for purchase, though some of the current healthy offerings, such as fruit slices, were not selling well.
The Board then took up hirings and resignations, approving Jerry Coulter’s resignation as Assistant High School Football Coach, and approving Mike Williams and Bill Alderman as Volunteer Wrestling Coaches.
Next on the agenda, the Board set the graduation date for this school year, for May 18, 2019, at 3:00 PM. That date is a Saturday.
The final agenda item regarded taking on the recommendations of the buildings and grounds committee. The Board voted on and approved a motion regarding three issues. The first issue was to approve a contract for some new playground equipment. Secondly, to have an architect help design some plans to make equitable sports locker room sizes, and third, to purchase a Kubota side by side with snow plow for the maintenance staff. The price will be around $25,000. This motion passed.
Near the meeting’s end, discussion came up regarding a substitute teacher shortage at the school. Nearly every day of the school year, a substitute is needed somewhere in the school system, but subs are not always available to take the positions. This means that classes are sometimes combined, or other teachers may cover for teachers who are gone. For folks looking to fill the role, the pay is $75 per day, and for those who live out of town, a $.24 per mile travel stipend is added.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, Jan 14, at 7:00 PM.
Reader Comments(0)