Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Crisis Plan Discussed; All Principals Rehired

REBECCA S. COOPER

Gurdon School Board held its regular meeting on Monday, April 20, at the Cabe Center.

Bobby Smithson, superintendent of the Gurdon School District, added items to the agenda as soon as the meeting started. One of the items was spurred by the tragic events in a Colorado school.

Smithson thought it wise for the board to look over the Gurdon school's crisis plan.

"We do have a plan," Smithson said. "Rita Guthrie had to do some work in this area last year, so I copied and adapted her plan to look over. It covers injury, death and who to call. I also have a copy of the Jonesboro school's crisis plan which now is quiet lengthy.

"We all need to familiarize ourselves with it, and may even need a drill or teachers meetings." Smithson went on to say the board will be having more discussion on the subject at the next meeting.

The board decided against allowing senior, Bobby Charles, to walk with the other students during graduation. Charles was expelled from the high school for fighting, but was allowed to finish his work in the superintendents offices with a one-on-one tutor due to his classification as a special education student.

Leonard Gills, high school principal, reminded the board the hand book stated when a student is expelled he's not allowed to participate in any school function.

Board member, Billy Tarpley commented when expelled, Charles wasn't even suppose to step on campus.

President of the school board, Jesse Runyan questioned Charles' performance and attitude since tutoring in the superintendents office started. Smithson remarked "...his attitude has been pretty good and well behaved."

"He's not yet had his court appearance," Gills conveyed.

Tarpley said "Most of the students have worked years for the graduation ceremony, they deserve their honor. He should not be allowed to walk, it would be degrading to the other seniors."

Stan Escalante, brought the board copies of a drug testing policy for the members to review. "I wrote to Cave City, and they sent me a booklet they use," he said.

The drug testing policy the board

is looking into at this time only covers extracurricular activities and requires parental permission. Those who refuse to be tested could not attend any away functions of any extracurricular activity.

Board members are considering the idea now and plan on addressing the issue more at the next meeting.

Construction on the field house and concession stand is going well. Smithson informed the board the project could be nearing completion within three to four weeks.

Cabe Middle Schools' physical education building is completed and waiting to be moved into.

The board supported Smithson's suggestion to hire Ferrel Nelson as construction superintendent of the primary school renovation. Nelson, a plumber by trade, will cost less to hire.

Further discussion of details concerning the light poles, sprinkler system plus grass sprigs for the field, bleachers and track were covered but no action was taken.

The calendar for the next school year was approved. There will be no snow days on it.

A motion was made and accepted by the board to allow the Junior Beta Club to go on a overnight trip to Six Flags over Texas at Dallas. Smithson expressed his concerns over any group making an overnight trip. Smithson said, "... they have worked hard through out the year."

Escalante replied "Most Beta kids are pretty self-disciplined."

When going over the financial reports, Smithson remarked the operating fund was showing an over spending, but a raise in revenue would be coming in to offset it.

The board questioned the reports not showing the $300,000 loan from last month. Betsy Hurst reminded the board it wouldn't show until the April 1 reports were presented. The board approved the financial report.

In executive session the board took action to rehired all principals and all certified staff.

All three schools made monthly reports to the board. Pam Runyan, Title 1 teacher for the primary school, brought a special guest to present to the board.

Jeffrey Fulmer, a third grader from Beth Miller's class, modestly recited the capitals of all the United States.

When he had learned half of the list, teacher, Carrie Burson challenged him. If he learned the whole list, she would reward him with a puzzle of the United States. He receive his puzzle and a trip to Sonic after his performance before the board.

Parents are encouraged to take part in the Second Annual PTO Carnival at GPS The carnival starts at 5:00 p.m. on April 30, and ends at 7:00 p.m. Linda Calley donated a quilt and the Clark County Extension Office donated a hanging sampler quilt, both to be given away for donation tickets at the carnival.

Gills informed the board the high school had three students who have been accepted to the six weeks summer program, Governors School. Whitney Hogue, Andrew Wilson and Brandi Escalante are going. They were three out of 400 accepted applications.

Escalante was also being interviewed on April 27, to see if she will be one of five finalists for the state's Interscholastic Star Athlete.