| Two Calhoun High School students were expelled for one year, with conditions, following a two-and-one-half hour school board meeting last night. A decision on a third student was postponed until the next board meeting.
The expulsion hearings were conducted in executive session.
At least one of the expulsions was related to an illegal drug problem.
Donnie Pitts presented a report regarding how other counties are dealing with increased fuel costs, related to funding extra-curricular activities.
The high cost of fuel has initiated the charging of 30 cents a mile for all events, everything from sports to field trips.
Superintendent Ron Blankenship said "non-reimbursed costs now stand at $16,000," for school buses, stating, that amount is expected to increase.
Booster groups have been picking up the extra expenses for some activities, while other activities have little support. The payment of bus drivers is also part of the expense, a policy that has been in place for several years.
The state reimburses the local school system for 90% of the fuel costs, but that payment is delayed for a year or more.
"We cannot continue to ignore such costs," said Blankenship. "We will continue the policy until the board decides differently."
Roger Propst, representing local booster groups, has requested
the school system pay back the groups, since the board eventually gets a 90% reimbursement.
Propst had submitted a proposal regarding reimbursing groups that they felt was fair.
Blankenship says there is still a gap. "The money must come from somewhere," indicating it is not in the budget.
Pitts said several regional counties have levies to pick-up the expense.
Board members discussed at length how to deal with the problem.
Pitts said he would provide more information regarding how counties without levies are dealing with the situation.
Calhoun school buses have been using about $75,000 in fuel a year.
The board adopted a Parental Involvement Policy.
A monthly report presented to the board said Calhoun students have a 57.9% college going rate (2004-05) and that 76 students have now taken the ACT.
The attendance report said there have been seven drop-outs this year.
Other board news will follow.
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