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A 17-year-old male was expelled from Calhoun High School, after a lengthy expulsion
hearing at last night's Calhoun County Board of Education. "We have been fair" to this
student, said Assistant Principal Emilio Garza, after at least a half-dozen
administrators and teachers testified about his behavior over a period of several
months.
Garza and members of the school's staff gave numerous incidents regarding the
youth's long-term anger problems, disruptive behavior and fighting, in addition to the
inability to adapt to the academic program. Administrators had attempted to transfer
the student to an alternative program or enroll him in Mountaineer Challenge, but he
refused.
The youth and his mother participated in the hearing. One of his teachers gave
testimony concerning his continued efforts to help the youth. The youth and his
mother agreed that such efforts had been made, although the mother told the Board
they should be willing to go further in helping him. Superintendent Ron Blankenship
and Assistant Principal Garza said it had become a safety issue as the problems
continue to mount.
Other issues addressed at the meeting included an announcement by Superintendent
Blankenship that student enrollment was down this year by 28 pupils, compared to an
8% loss last year of well over 100 pupils.
Blankenship said the Town of Grantsville was scheduled as a delegation, but they did
appear. He said the issue was to have been the disposition of Wayne Underwood
Field.
Blankenship said the school system is presently undergoing a routine audit.
The Board approved volunteer agreements, a policy revision for the band, student
transfers and some Lights On! proposals.
A posting was made for Middle School basketball coach after Scott Bunch resigned,
and at least twenty-one people were approved for employment. The Board approved
$801,897.11 for supplements, $374,563.93 for invoices and $59,907.00 for transfers.
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