Pubdate: Thu, 21 Jul 2005
Source: Advocate-Messenger, The (KY)
Copyright: 2005 The Advocate-Messenger
Contact:  http://www.amnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1253
Author: Brenda Edwards, Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)

CASEY SCHOOLS CAN EXPECT SEVERAL POLICY CHANGES

LIBERTY - School officials have been asked to consider a "no-nit"
policy after results from a new study indicate that most nits do not
develop into lice.

Casey County Board of Education is considering a change in its policy
that will keep students in school rather than send them home when
there is evidence of nits.

Other changes for this school year include that students may be
subject to search by a bus driver, see different foods in vending
machines and on school menus, a decrease in unexcused days allowed for
truancy, a change in regulations on the use of cellular phones, and
may be expelled on the first offense of trafficking in illegal drugs
and alcohol.

The regulations are scheduled to be considered by the Casey County
Board of Education at the Aug. 8 board meeting.

Search and seizure: A change in the search and seizure policy may
allow bus drivers and other non-certified personnel to conduct student
searches in limited circumstances.

In the past, only a certified person, principal or a designee of the
school where the student attends could search students for suspected
of possessing unauthorized items.

However, where an immediate threat to the health or safety of others
occurs off site with no certified employee available, a non-certified
person such as a bus driver, coach or sponsor that is responsible for
students may conduct search of a student or his or her personal
effects. Examples of immediate threats are suspicion of illegal drugs
or weapons.

In addition, no search of a student shall be conducted in the presence
of other students, unless it involves an imminent threat to students
or staff where action is needed to prevent harm to health and safety.

Drugs and alcohol: Under the proposed change, students who have been
expelled for a violation of the policy during the preceding four
semesters, will have a subsequent violation designated as a second
offense.

Currently, students who violate the drug and alcohol policies that
prohibit the use of alcohol beverages, controlled drugs and
paraphernalia, and trafficking in prescription drugs are suspended
five days with two waived if the family seeks help. However, a second
offense of the policy will result in immediate suspension and
recommendation for expulsion.

Cellular phones: Students may be allowed to use cell phones between
classes. This clause is being considered as an addition to the policy
to allow use before and after the regular school day, and during the
lunch break. If a student violates the policy, the phone may be
confiscated and only returned to the student's parents or guardian.

When a student has seven unexcused absences, a warrant will be issued
for a parent or the student, if his age is more than 18.

Students also may lose privileges for extracurricular school
activities or parking privileges.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin