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A controversy over a large advertising billboard at the entrance of Calhoun
Middle/High School was a hot topic at last week's Calhoun School Board
meeting. Board President Rick Fitzwater said he had received lots of
complaints about the billboard not being attractive on the campus.
Board member and Tobacco Coalition administrator Carlene Frederick said
fifteen students in the Student Coalition Against Tobacco voted to keep the
present billboard, which stands at the entrance to the school.
Superintendent of Schools Ron Blankenship said it was his personal opinion
"billboards are worthless" to reduce tobacco use. He felt other methods of
helping kids stay off tobacco were more successful.
Frederick gave an informational presentation about tobacco use, which
indicated the numbers of kids using tobacco in Calhoun County is
approaching 50%.
Frederick presented ideas about creating a new and more attractive display
closer to the ground, which would have more eye appeal. Board member
Ralph Cunningham indicated the placement of a large advertising billboard
on school grounds was "going down a rocky road." He wondered where the
line would be drawn with other groups with good causes.
Donna Jordan, a member of the Minnora Community Center board, spoke to
the board about changing a decision not to fund a "Lights On" tutoring
program at Minnora. She asked "Can't we in good faith, change the decision
of the 'Lights On' advisory committee?"
Jordan was advised the project appeared to be sound, but it would have
been in conflict with Arnoldsburg being the designated site for "Lights On"
programs.
There was a general discussion of the impact of the "Lights On" project for
the county, as the regular school program is starting.
Principal Sheri Graham told the board the Micro Society Program at the
Arnoldsburg school is no longer being utilized.
The board voted to rescind the Reduction in Force layoffs of Stephanie
Whiting and Calvin Nicholas, and voted to hire several other people (See
earlier story in The Herald).
Substitute teachers hired include Rosemary Ailes, Julie Allen, Linda Ashby,
Bonnie Bever, Bonnie Bock, Dawn Butler, Debra Butler, Cathy Craddock, Deb
Hartshorn, Linda Jones, Joanna McKown, Charlotte Miller, Jean Miller,
Amanda Morris, Valerie Mullins, Eleanor Neilson, Kristie Ritchie, Angela
Sims, Marvin Starcher, Jon Townsend, Darlene Vanhorn, Yvonne Wagoner,
Carol Webb and Jan Whited.
Substitute service personnel hired, Marshal Bever, Lester Channell, Marsha
Collins, Joann Dawson, Rhonda Deweese, Brenda Dickey, Kay Greathouse,
Kevin Hess, Joyce Holbert, Margaret Kirby, Chris Stewart, Youvonne
Tallman, Earlene Thomas, Eric Webb, James West, Geneva Westfall, Nancy
Whipkey, Clarice Whytsell and Calvin Wilson.
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