PISD DRUG TESTING POLICY POSSIBLE

Student drug testing, a review of facility needs and a look at benefits for both employees and students received consideration from Paris Independent School District trustees this week.

Movement continues toward drug testing for students who participate in University Scholastic League competition.

Assistant Superintendent Mark Hudson reported he has received sample drug testing policies from area schools.

"We will form a district-wide committee which will review these policies and determine if this is something we want to pursue further," Hudson said.

Texas Association of School Administrator consultant Paul Trautman is in the district to review facilities prior to submitting a detailed facility needs report, according to Business Manager Kay Spann.

Troutman performed the same type "deficit study" last year for Clarksville Independent School District.

After receiving the consultant's analysis at an upcoming board meeting, a community study committee will review Trautman's recommendations and prioritize district needs, Spann said Tuesday after a Monday trustee meeting.

Based on space availability, the district may allow staff members to send 4-year-old children to the district's prekindergarten program beginning in fall 2004, according to school officials.

Human Resource Director Robert High expressed hope that prekindergarten could be offered as part of a district incentive package and recruitment tool.

"It's a matter of numbers and space," High said.  "After we receive better enrollment numbers for next year, we will know how many spots we might have open for staff children."

Other districts in the state open prekindergarten to staff members, High said, adding that he will continue to review how other districts determine enrollment procedures so that things are fair for all.

"It's a matter of space," Hudson said, speaking about classroom space at T.G.  Givens Elementary.  "We know we are required to have a bilingual class beginning next year which we must find space for."

The campus had at least 20 students in need of bilingual services during the current school year, Hudson said, explaining that number triggers a required class for next year.

To add to student benefits, trustees voted to drop charges for a summer weights and conditioning program conducted yearly at the Raymond Berry Athletic Complex at the high school campus.

"We are checking with UIL regulations to see if we could open the facility to students from outside the district," Hudson said.  "There's something in the rules which speaks to attendance zones, and we're checking into that."

Students who transfer into the district from outlying areas are considered PISD students and are are not subject to UIL restrictions.

The program is open to students in grades nine through 12 regardless of whether the student participates in athletics, Hudson said.

"We see this as something positive for our students who would like to come out during the summer and work out," Hudson continued.  "Conditioning is good for students and the program serves as a recruitment tool for athletics as well."

Spann gave trustees a peek at preliminary budget numbers for fiscal year 2004-2005.  Although educational finance is still up in the air in Austin, districts must proceed with budgets.

"You plan and budget under current law and hope for the best," Spann said of legislative uncertainties.

Hudson addressed growing student numbers, up 114 students from May 2003, with current enrollment at 3,900 students.

"This increase is due to a positive 146 student transfer number and increased in-district growth due to more residential housing," Hudson concluded.

Trustees approved an interlocal participation agreement for worker's compensation through Texas Association of School Board's Risk Management Fund.  Trustees awarded TASB the district's property and casualty, general liability, equipment breakdown, professional legal liability and fleet insurance insurance coverage.

Trustees extended a contract with auditing firm Malnory, McNeal and Company through fiscal year 2005 for outside audits and adopted a resolution to participate in a food services purchasing agreement through Revion 8 Education Service Center.

The board upheld an administrative recommendation on a grievance brought by district custodian George Woods.