By HOLLY GASKILL
A new code of conduct has been approved by the board for Norwell Community Schools, hoping to encourage growth and accountability among its students.
The board approved the code of conduct with a series of updated handbooks for the elementary, middle and high schools and staff. Changes to the code of conduct, specifically, were made to loosen some of the previous punishments and encourage accountability with students. The code of conduct now includes a protocol for student, guardian and guidance counselor meetings, drug testing and action plans.
Previously, the code of conduct only applied to athletics, with one infraction being a 50% reduction of athletic participation, the second being a 365-day ban, and the third being a complete ban for the rest of the student’s high school career.
Now, the code of conduct includes all extracurricular activities, with one infraction being a 25% reduction in ECA participation, the second being a 50% participation, the third being a 365-day ban, and the fourth being a total ban. Each violation also partners with a meeting with a guardian and counselor to create an action plan. Beyond a first infraction for a drug or nicotine-related infraction, the student must be drug tested regularly and complete community service.
On Tuesday, board member Traci Neuneschwander asked what would fulfill the community service requirement since it was unspecified.
Athletic Director Kelby Weybright said previous random drug tests have landed on 10 hours of community service for a violation, which Superintendent Mike Springer favored. Several board members recognized that this was a large requirement for students but that it was fair for a second drug or nicotine offense. Board member Chad Kline noted that National Honor Society students have to complete 40 hours of community service for their involvement.
An audience member also asked what defined “regular” drug testing and when it would end, especially since the tests were at the student’s cost. The board decided testing would be completed once within 30 days of the infraction and a second time within 90 days.
The board also recognized that there would be significant differences in 50% participation from activity to activity but that it is important to remain consistent. If less than 50% of a season remains, the punishment will roll over into the following season.
“The key is we’re not trying to set up kids for failure, and I think these discussions are going to be a part of action plans,” Springer said.
Assistant Superintendent Anna Murphy also announced Tuesday that students who “experienced consequences for ECA rule violation during the 2023-24 school year and is returning … may meet with the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent to request the 2024-25 ECA Code of Conduct be implemented retroactively for the impacted ECA participant.”
As the code of conduct was approved, board member Corey Krug recognized that the board could review and revise the code if needed after this school year.
The board also approved minor changes to the handbook for the elementary schools, which includes a latchkey childcare handbook, and combined the middle and high school’s handbook with minor changes.
Some of these changes update policies to be current with the state’s guidance, like the prohibition of cell phone use outside of teacher-permitted instructional use. Additionally, five unexcused absences within 10 weeks require a meeting with the student’s guardians. Both of these items were also heard as updates to the board policy and will be added on a second reading at their next meeting.
Moreover, the board approved an updated handbook for staff, which included changes regarding sick day notice, field trip requests and disciplinary procedures. These changes also included the prohibition of any staff-to-student text messaging; communication will be sent through school-approved messaging apps, and individual communication with students will require a guardian’s involvement.
Also during the meeting, the board:
• Recognized the softball team, which won regionals, and track teams, which sent several groups and individuals onto regional and state.
• Approved employment recommendations for Michael Miller as high school freshman boys basketball coach, Ron Harnish as volunteer middle school football coach, Cierra Thompson as LES treasurer, Kaylie Vanhorn as LES teaching assistant, Leah Glassburn as OES special education mild/intense interventions teacher, and Brandisue MacDonald and Melissa Curry for food service.
• Approved supplemental pay of either $500 or $1,000 for seven maintenance staff who completed the demolition for the Ossian Elementary School renovation. Springer noted that their work likely saved the district $200,000 on the project.
• Accepted a $350 donation from Park Community Church to “Food Fight Lunches.” They also received two grants from the Wells County Foundation — $557.52 from the Edwina Patton Unrestricted Endowment Fund for the high school’s Adventure in Lifeskills and $3,000 from the Margaret Powers Unrestricted Endowment Fund for Lancaster Elementary School’s technology classes.
• Approved updates to the administration’s salaries, excluding the superintendent and assistant superintendent, to remain competitive with neighboring areas and to the administration’s benefits.
holly@news-banner.com
